Lao Er

2011-06-19T22:54:00.001-05:00

Soccer combine at practice today. Followed by parents V kids friendly in honour of father's day.

2011-06-19T22:52:00.001-05:00

First (last?) annual father's day badminton challenge ends in a draw, resulting in tie-breaking procedures.

2011-06-19T22:49:00.000-05:00

My girl ... none the worse for wear.

2011 Soccer season starts

2011-05-06T15:29:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

Actually started earlier in the week but I was out of town. ; That must be why the boy saved his first two goals of the season for this game.

Jess 2011 indoor soccer season

2011-04-21T22:57:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

First year of indoor soccer for the girl. ; Started off with same defensive thinking from outdoor season.

Channelling MJ

2011-03-01T21:27:00.001-06:00

Click to Play

According to the boy, there is no Kobe v MJ debate.

Ankle breaker

2011-02-22T21:34:00.001-06:00

Click to Play

The girl's soccer team has hit their stride over the past month or so. ; It really showed when they went undefeated over the weekend in the city soccer tournament.

10-24-10 Hockey 8

2010-10-25T16:51:00.001-05:00

10-24-10 Hockey 8
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Got a Minolta 70-210 lens - turned out to be 2nd hand but never used (thx kijiji) so got some better shots at the boy's 2nd hockey session. He's already showing a nice butterfly style; shows 5-hole then closes the door. AKA - typical ankle-bender stance and happens to fall at the right time.

Nosy Neighbour

2010-10-25T16:42:00.001-05:00

DSC05529
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Dragging a wet basement rug outside to dry and I find myself face-to-face with 3 young-un's. They were wary enough to move to the neighbours yard for a while - long enough for me to grab my camera. But this one eventually decided the grass was greener (or needed to be greener - based on the amount of evidence left behind) in my yard so the ballsy buck trots back and gives me the "are you done?" stare.

U9 B-Side City Champs

2010-10-08T23:08:00.001-05:00

DSC04945
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Did it! The girls did a great job throughout the playoffs, including shut-outs in the semi's and finals, to finish as champs.

I put together a season video for the team and it's pretty cool to see how for they've come. It was such a great experience that more than half of the girls have signed up for indoor soccer.

I think we get a week off.

playoff goal 9-11-10

2010-09-11T15:34:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

Soccer playoffs started today. ; Stroke of coaching brilliance had Jess pinch in on D, so she potted this one.

Winning Smile

2010-08-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

Winning Smile
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The girl was a guest player for a soccer tournament last week. The team won - quite easily actually. Pretty big jump from her regular 9 yr old team to the 10 yr old's she was playing with.

She also ended up winning a shootout competition for that division - as the keeper! (Two other girls on the team - took 1st and 2nd as strikers.)

Nice goal Jess

2010-06-09T12:08:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

Just like we practiced!

Capping off soccer season

2009-10-19T21:06:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

Catching up on Jacob's soccer vid's.

WCVL 10-04-2009

2009-10-06T23:33:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

Hmmm ... some things to work out with a slightly new lineup.

WMVL 09-29-2009

2009-10-06T23:27:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

Second exhibition match to get the season started.

The birthday girl

2009-10-04T12:12:00.001-05:00

DSC03671
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... and her ever present sidekick.

Thanks for all the birthday calls and wishes - she had an excellent day!

2009-06-27T15:25:00.002-05:00

Diamond Extreme PVR600 with Win7 - sweet!

Thanks to TechyTurnedLawyer for the tips on getting this to work! Here's his blog. You need to find his May 26, 2007 post.

http://techyturnedlawyer.blogspot.com/

Some things to note ...

- (Step 1) The Diamond Vista drivers for the PVR660 seem to work. That's what I'm using. I found them here under the "Support" tab of this page ...
http://www.diamondmm.com/PVR600RCUSB.php

- (Step 2) I had a hard time finding the download he mentions. I found it here ...
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/support_pvrusb2.html

- (Step 3) He directs you to run the downloads. Some of these are just compressed folders so you can move/copy them from Explorer to put them in the directories he mentions.

- (Step 7) He refers to the "p2usbdw.sys" file. For me, it was actually the "p2usbwdm.sys" file (ie. with an extra "m").

Other than that. It works fine. Started Media Center in Windows 7 and it found the TV tuner and based on my postal code, found the right cable provider. Now I'm watching and recording TV in Windows 7 with this old usb TV tuner.

May 14/09 The Boy's Soccer

2009-05-14T22:58:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

After four games, he's got 5 goals and about a dozen break-aways.

About two degrees outside today - perfect for Canadian soccer.

Parental Guidance Suggested

2009-05-03T18:51:00.001-05:00

DSC02596
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

No, I am not going to take you to see Wolverine.

Girl Interrupted

2009-05-03T18:50:00.001-05:00

DSC02580
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

It must be getting nice outside, because the girl just developed a bubble fracture, which I'm told was not the subject of a Seinfeld episode, effectively bursting my bubble.

So for at least the next 10 days, no community soccer, soccer camp, or soccer tournament. No swimming, biking or general outdoor frivolity of any kind. I guess she'll be kicking my bubble at Mario Karts for a while.

2009-04-29T23:45:00.003-05:00

DSC02506
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

This is a cool web app to throw your photo collection at.

7 Degrees of Separation

2009-04-21T15:52:00.001-05:00

DSC02541
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

What happened to 21 degrees I was promised for tomorrow?

I know railing about the temperature is somewhat akin to ... well, talking about the weather, but c'mon! It's not like we're currently subject to precipitous environmental anomalies, that excuses these wide variations in weather predictions. This smacks of a basic math error. This is like forgetting to carry the one, or converting between units. This is what makes 747's land in Gimli, or Chris Webber call an extra time-out.

Methinks, someone at environment Canada needs to pay closer attention to their spreadsheet, and a little less time following Miley on twitter.

Thanks Mom/Dad,

2009-02-17T21:27:00.001-06:00

DSC00270
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Have fun on your trip next year. Meet you back at the pool in 2010.

Sister Act

2009-02-17T21:26:00.001-06:00

DSC00262
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I know the girls had fun. Pretty cool how they just start up again like they were best friends from "the block".

Hey Boy

2009-02-17T21:24:00.001-06:00

DSC00078
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Good to catch up with Linger too! The boy can hold his own playing the dozens - even if all his material is sourced from one set of books. Still, "Why don't you go home and make some cookies!" is pretty effective.

Please to meetcha!

2009-02-17T21:23:00.001-06:00

DSC00024
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Met the new nephew while visiting/vacationing with family in Mexico - what a happy kid!

2008-12-25T21:36:00.003-06:00

The boy gets his 4 minutes of fame too. Apparently, he and another cohort in his class are the two clowns.

2008-12-16T21:38:00.003-06:00

The girl during her Grade 2 class Xmas concert performance. Try to match her beat, hard to do unless you know her secret chant.

The boy in blue to her left is our neighbour. The shoulder in the foreground is Kate, the crazy lady down the street.

more cowbells

2008-12-11T23:25:00.005-06:00

The girl started piano lessons this fall and her teacher held a recital for her students. Here's the girl's part of the program.

I am speed

2008-12-05T22:44:00.001-06:00

DSC02205
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The boy's pretty excited about skating lessons. A 180 from a few weeks ago when he was adamant that he didn't want to take lessons; didn't want to play hockey; and, that he was going to be a rock star.

Now? He wants to tear around the basement with his skates on. He's in for a rude awakening when he gets on the ice!

Hyuk-Hyuk

2008-12-05T22:41:00.001-06:00

DSC02201
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Stubborn tooth is getting slowly pushed out by her permanent one but refuses to let go. So in the meantime, the girl thinks it's hilarious to play with it.

Not sure if you can tell by this view - she's got a nice bruise on her left cheek from recess accident. Doesn't phase her at all. But tell her she's wrong about something? You better be ready for the maelstrom of emotions. That's right, a maelstrom.

2008-12-02T23:01:00.002-06:00

aarrrrrrrrr-guh

I set like I have fins instead of hands and I have the court vision of wombat. Let's see what else the video shows.

Well ... watched first set and we were in it, actually looked like we could easily have won that one. Just some different mistakes here and there, but nothing that made it look like we were in trouble. I got the sets to both the middle and the right side ok for the most part. Not sure where it really started to go South. hmmm

... as in beer

2008-10-29T21:27:00.001-05:00

DSC02094
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Free whiteboard markers (well, excluding postage for the coupon)! Who can't use more whiteboard markers!

http://acco.ca/pdf/Quartet-EnduraGlide-Free-Offer-MIR-English.pdf

Guess who

2008-10-27T20:38:00.001-05:00

DSC02124
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The girl made up her mind pretty early about costumes this year. Don't know how she'll pull off the look with a 50 pound down jacket, though.

Turning to indoor activities

2008-10-21T10:53:00.001-05:00

DSC02117
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

All the leaves around here fell, pretty much overnight, so the city has moved indoors.

Reminded me to finish up with the hilights from early summer.

I challenge you ...

2008-10-13T22:52:00.001-05:00

DSC02065
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

About 3 weeks ago, my kids rocked. Now, thanks to "Band Rock" (as the boy says), they Rock Hard!

2008-09-10T23:31:00.007-05:00

Just catching up on the "Places I've sulked" series: in our backyard; at the Royal Canadian Mint; at the Children's museum; at the Forks terminal; and, in Canmore.

Would you, could you sulk with an ox ...

As simple ... but no simpler.

2008-09-09T21:18:00.001-05:00

DSC01865
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

6 years old and the girl just stumped the band.

I showed her the battery acid from my car that was on my shirt, so of course now she wants to know what chemicals are. Hmmm, lessee ... nope ... none of my thermodynamics schooling hits the spot. High School chem? Nope - can't get past Mr. Lussier's perm.

I got as far as - the "H" and the "O" in H2O stands for Hydrogen and Oxygen ...

So, how would you answer "What are chemicals?" to a 6 year old?

2008-08-27T21:03:00.002-05:00

Just in case there was any confusion.

2008-08-26T23:23:00.001-05:00

Bravo.

2008-08-26T08:47:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Mo.

R&R

2008-08-15T10:24:00.001-05:00

DSC01272
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Thanks for a nice 2 weeks in the Rockies, ye-ye and nai-nai.

Mommy come home!

2008-07-18T17:30:00.001-05:00

DSC00953
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I promise, I'll clean up when you ask without fussing. I'll stay dry over night. I'll even eat meat. But, when you're not home, daddy tries to cook. We've had whirly pas-ghetti ... with vegetables! Then we had eggs for supper!?!? Then yesterday, he made Pillsbury hot-dog wraps, but he didn't use hot-dogs!!!

Actually ....

2008-07-18T17:25:00.001-05:00

DSC00946
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... it's because he insists on playing this game and he cannot win.

Toot-toot

2008-07-08T18:15:00.001-05:00

DSC00768
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I'll see your "BTB" (http://formwork.blogspot.com/2008/07/ll-meets-bob.html) and raise you a day out with Thomas ... only more like 1/2 a day with Thomas and actually only about 20 minutes with Thomas which is equal parts 10 minutes going backwards in a straight line along a farmer's field, then 10 minutes forward.

Still, some good supporting attractions. Ye-ye - I think a return visit to see your neighbours trains may be in order - if your ban has been lifted that is.

Happy Canada Day

2008-07-02T17:51:00.001-05:00

DSC00574
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Nothing says large celebration of our Nation's Day like clowns, inflatable structures and stuffed animals mimicking people. Free doesn't hurt either.

BTW - In case you missed it ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekCNkRB9VJ4

We'll get em next year

2008-06-26T21:46:00.001-05:00

DSC00427
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Overall, a successful first year of soccer for the girl. She says she had fun and she wants to play next year - and that's where I set the bar. Being a year or two behind the others didn't seem to be a big issue and next year she'll be on an all girl's team.

It turns out, everyone says and thinks she's fast. Fast like stink. Greased lightning fast. Kid Flash fast. I think runners have to get up too early in the morning, so I think I'm going to put her on that all-bacon diet.

Thanks coach Shane!

Progress report

2008-06-22T23:03:00.001-05:00

DSC00196 Coloured Ink
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The boy's getting all the press, but the girl is doing well too. She's fastest to the ball (just needs to be less cautious around the boys). She's got great form on her kick (just needs better foot-eye coordination). She's a defensive stopper and knows how to find the right spot on offense. Hope she wants to play next year!

BTW - That's a built in effect in Paint.Net on a cropped JPEG.

Longest day ...

2008-06-21T14:27:00.001-05:00

DSC00267
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Nice weekend to have the first day of summer. No real chores, just mow lawn, weed a bit, maybe wash the screens - that kind of stuff.

But first, let's go relax and play while it's nice outside. When we go to the schoolyard - the tire swings are the first stop. Each time I watch the girl play, she's learned a new trick. Before this maneuver - she was whipping the tire around and ducking under it. She was grazed once, when I called "time" on that game.

... and not so daring.

2008-06-21T14:25:00.001-05:00

DSC00262
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The boy is more rough and tumble, without so much daring-do. More of a bull - which is his secret on the soccer field. Anyways, our lazy first day of summer outside has been interrupted by sporadic, but heavy showers. Mario Karts, here we come.

I don't know what this game is called ...

2008-06-15T23:13:00.001-05:00

DSC00093
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... but they can play it forever - until the boy starts to sulk. Anyways, an excuse to try out a Sony A200 to see I can start getting more/better action shots.

Short People

2008-05-16T22:22:00.001-05:00

DSC00513
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Went to LA and actually went to LA (instead of Anaheim) for a conference. There's really nothing much around downtown LA and they fed us each night (don't be impressed, it's actually a way of controlling expenses rather than letting people loose on the town). We did make it down to Santa Monica for a walk along the pier the last evening, but I've done the Pacific. I need to get to the other side.

progress

2008-05-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

DSC00530
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Made it home in time to catch the boy's pre-game warm up, followed by the game. The other team had a ringer ... well, a 4 year old with a sense of direction, anyways ... who reeled off 3 or 4 goals in his first few shifts. But the mighty Brown Bears were not to be denied.

The boy used his full arsenal, including ...
- running and not stopping when everyone else did
- being faster to the ball and knowing how to turn the corner on the flubberesque amalgamation of purple and brown
- using baby steps to push the ball through the pack and down the field

A few assists later and at least one if not two goals (you'd think we'd be able to tell wouldn't you?) later - the Brown Bears emerged victorious ... we think.

Is it in you?

2008-05-04T21:08:00.001-05:00

IMG_0149
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Looking ready for her endorsement deal - both the girl and the boy started community soccer this week. No surprise - the girl is right into it and is having no problems keeping up (although a little more "chase" and a little less "skipping" wouldn't hurt). But the boy has shown a flash as well.

Check it out here ...

http://blip.tv/file/877652#share

We'll see if this is the start of something or more reminiscent of his old man's hockey career that pretty much amounted to "first goal/first shift - and we're done."

2008-04-01T18:56:00.002-05:00

March 31st, 2008 a.k.a. "the first time the boy sent the girl to the hospital".

Generally, the girl is mature for her age and has an advanced ability to reason and determine appropriateness. Then there are the other times ... like Sunday when she thought it would be fun to play with a quarter in her mouth.

Notwithstanding legal precedent, I'm pretty sure that's the definition of "an open invitation" for the boy to get into the mix. The end result being the girl has 25 cents (about 25.8 cents US) making it's way through her digestive system.

Based on some shady recommendations, thrice removed, I took her to emergency last night, where they quickly settled on "satiating the parent" vs "healing the patient". On the plus side, it was only 2 hours out of our evening and I was treated to a gratuitous show of checking her breathing and feeling around for the coin. On the negative side, I have a few days to go before I determine what exotic diseases I picked up from the denzions of our city's Children's Emergency.

For her part, I'm fairly confident that the girl was one of the few visitors who actually wanted to hang around a bit longer just so she could finish the "Eye Spy" challenge on the exam room wall. Her sole criteria was not getting a needle - which I'm pretty sure, I could have asked for and she would have received as some form of medical encore.

All in all, I was about to depart with a fairly positive attitude until the "doctor" (he had a lab coat and a badge - so I'm guessing "doctor" or "lost 1-hour photo lab tech") dropped the comment - "These days, we don't worry about anything smaller than a loonie." Odd, I didn't realize inflation and the time-value of money came into play in the practice of medicine.

I think I'll wait until the coin passes and send it as a tip.

2008-03-29T12:11:00.004-05:00

Starting a new series entitled ... PLACES I'VE SULKED ...

Today's entry is the Children's museum ... actually, this could turn out to be the new game sensation. Guess where exactly in the museum this is!

Your boy will likely be 6 ft. 5 in. at age 18.

2008-03-21T11:43:00.001-05:00

CIMG0236
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

According to

http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/child-height-predictor

Based on the formula we used* there is a 50 percent chance that your boy's full-grown height will be within 0.8 inches (above or below) of this prediction, and a 90 percent chance that it will be within 2.1 inches.

2008-03-14T15:55:00.002-05:00

Perseverate - to repeat a response after the cessation of the original stimulus; p-e-r-s-e-v-e-r-a-t-e; perseverate.

2008-02-14T10:53:00.001-06:00

Hmmm. How many before it's considered a trend?

2008-02-11T23:51:00.000-06:00

Ex-NBA star Sprewell sells yacht, home could be foreclosed

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3241444

According to this story, Latrell Sprewell has been missing mortgage payments, has his house being foreclosed and had to sell his yacht. All this after having turned down an offer of $21M a year, at a time when he was making approximately $14M a year.

I'm pretty confident in voicing what I believe is the obvious question - "Latrell Sprewell had a yacht?"

2008-02-07T09:26:00.001-06:00

DSC00331
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

It dawns on me - as I was being shuttled in from my auto shop this morning, where I can watch the scenery and bldg's go by, rather than spend my driving time attempting to divine which lane and direction the driver in front of me is threatening - that, had I a choice in my formative years, I would not have sought guidance from medical professionals who had set up their practice in a location called "Medical Arts".

I think I would have more confidence and therefore less stress in entering the "Medical Science" bldg, or "Medical Professionals", "Medical Experts" or if you insist on a leap of vague, how about "Medical Miracles".

Other less-inspiring office labels ...
- Medical Hunches
- Medical Journeys
- Medical Hut/Mart/Stop
- Fox Medical TV
- Medical Oddities
- and of course, Medical Schmedical

2008-02-04T22:41:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the first time around, it was called a Pacer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_Pacer

An Open Letter to Adobe

2008-02-01T16:16:00.001-06:00

An Open Letter to Adobe
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Dear Adobe, I feel compelled to respond to your kind regrets at the inconvenience you have caused by having to unexpectedly close due to unspecified software complications. I sincerely hope you find yourself in a position to return in the near future as we have so much more in front of us, you and I.

Despite our travails, I persist - nay thrive - on the promise of a rewarding future. Perhaps buoyed by your constant pursuit of perfection through your many upgrades - admittedly much more subtle in result and substance, than convenience. Perhaps, more so in resignation at your market dominance and reluctance to part ways for the sake of the files we've shared.

Regardless, I will wait patiently for the fleeting moments, upon which you choose to grace us with your presence and partial stability.

Sincerely yours

Like a fish

2008-01-27T11:46:00.001-06:00

IMG_3475
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Like a 40 pound, not quite at home in the water, PFD-packing ... flounder ... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, luvin' it.

Not all fun and games

2008-01-25T23:54:00.001-06:00

DSC00305
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The girl showed a bit of interest in a chess game I brought home a few weeks ago. That picked up while we were on vacation. Now, it's a toss-up whether she'll want to play Wii or "chest" at any given time.

I'll have to really learn how to play - she already beat grandpa!

Creepy

2008-01-25T23:41:00.001-06:00

DSC00309
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Look! His eyes follow you if you move around the room!

I will

2008-01-25T23:40:00.001-06:00

DSC00495
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I'll take the picture.

If you don't stop fooling around...

Can you just smile?

Anyone?

ok.

You better enjoy it

2008-01-25T23:39:00.001-06:00

DSC00490
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

That's a 50 peso ice cream cone you go there boy!

Can someone check ...

2008-01-25T23:37:00.001-06:00

DSC00497
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I can't confirm myself, but I'm pretty sure this is a reproduction of a Spice Girls album cover.

Touching the Pacific

2008-01-25T23:36:00.001-06:00

DSC00346
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Wonder when they'll get to dip their toe in the Atlantic (and where)?

It seemed like every day in Mexico, the kids found a new favorite water feature. (Ok, maybe not so much with the boy and the water slide. Honest, I didn't dump him on purpose.) Even the day they spent 2 hours in the cooling pool on the deck!

Ariba!

2008-01-25T23:32:00.001-06:00

DSC00328
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Slowly but surely we recompress after a week in Mexico. (Thx Ye-Ye and Nai-Nai.)

The beads just came out of the girl's hair today - we'll see how long it takes for her hair to "calm down" again. But some things will remain with us. The boy went back to his swimming lesson and there's no fussing anymore. I think he may have become too fearless in the water - so we'll have to watch that.

One of these days, I'll have to make some salsa and see if the veggies down there really make that much of a difference.

That's my boy

2008-01-02T13:09:00.001-06:00

DSC00183
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

What are you doing?

Are you listening?

Can't you just sit nicely with your cousins and smile?

WHY CAN'T YOU BE MORE LIKE YOUR SISTER?!?!?

Awww, nuts!

2008-01-02T13:00:00.001-06:00

IMG_9840
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I recall reading an article wherein more than 50% of drivers think they're better-than-average drivers. Notwithstanding that reasearch ... I'm a pretty good driver.

However, I've recently developed (noticed) a flaw in my driving habits. Now, I tend not to use my cel phone while driving (and when I have to, I either pull over or use hands-free). I buckle-up. I signal like it's going out of style. Heck, I even signal in my driveway - not just turning into my driveway, mind you - I mean when I'm already in my driveway and my car is turning directions. So all of that stuff ... checkmark.

My flaw is of the Planters variety. Apparently, I lose anywhere from 20%-50% of my driving skills if I try and eat peanuts while driving. I suppose it's worth clarifying, not just any dry-roasted or BBQ or other garden-variety nut. It's those cashews, the little bits that tend to fall and force me to dig around for them, lest I miss a morsel.

Luckily, I'm too cheap to by the high-fallutin' nuts, so once this festive season's stock dries up ... well, I'll either hit the bottom or the back of that Hyundai, who's owner is too lazy to brush the snow off his brake-lights. I'll let you know which occurs first.

Oddly enough - another roadway affliction I've noted as particularly troublesome to myself is the speed bump. Not while I'm driving mind you, just when I'm walking. It's like when you get older and certain frequencies become inaudible to you ... it's like the height and pigmentation of these towering Prairie menaces are somehow out of my optical range. Again, no accidents yet, just near misses. I'll be in touch.

I blinked

2007-12-21T10:37:00.001-06:00

IMG_9136
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Looking for some clothes for the girl as Xmas presents. According to the children's clothing industry, she has made the leap from the "isn't she cute" to the "who lets their kids dress that way" demographic.

BTW buddy, you're late 60's/early 70's and I don't think you're going to "grow into" anything anymore. Get a belt that fits; you're tripping people walking around you.

2007-12-01T10:14:00.001-06:00

US: Look [the boy], what do you see in this [newspaper] picture? What are you going to see tomorrow?

BOY: Dinosaurs? Dinosaurs scary. I don't want see dinosaurs!

US: No, these aren't scary. They're not real dinosaurs. See? What's in this picture?

BOY: More Dinosaurs.

US: That's right [the boy].

BOY: Look! Mommy. Daddy. More dinosaurs. Nudder dinosaur picture!

US: No, that's Neil Young. You're not seeing him tomorrow.

2007-12-01T10:04:00.001-06:00

IMG_9719
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

2nd last class of this swimming session was the last chance for coaches to test and evaluate the kids. Here now are my predictions.

[The girl] is a very strong swimmer for her age. She is able to perform all the necessary skills at her current level and many in the next. She needs to focus on her style as that will allow her to swim with less effort. Her strengths are her sideways glide and forward crawl. [The girl] is very attentive and considerate of all other swimmers and is a joy to have in the class. We recommend she proceed to the next level.

[The boy] has the potential to be a very good swimmer and would benefit mostly from paying more attention to the instruction being given. He has made tremndous progress in this class and now has the buoyancy of a rock or similarly non-porous object. We would encourage [the boy] to repeat the same level of instruction(1). However, as he is currently a danger to himself and other swimmers, we cannot allow him to do so at this facility. Please contact our front office for recommendations that we feel would be suitable for [the boy]. Our fine city is blessed with both natural waters as well as significant pot-holes that are easily filled with fluids. Good luck with that.

(1) At this time we cannot estimate the number of repetitions required to progress to the next level. Please keep in mind that we are not committing to, nor legally bound to guarantee, his ability to progress to the next level.

Not so easy

2007-11-01T20:09:00.001-05:00

CIMG2205
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

We didn't have quite the moment of inspiration as the architect (1) in coming up with costumes this year.

(1) See - http://formwork.blogspot.com/2007/10/james-and-driver.html

They each tried ...

2007-11-01T20:06:00.001-05:00

CIMG2201
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... a go as a ninja.

So close!

2007-11-01T20:05:00.001-05:00

CIMG2228
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I think a few more hours and we could have convinced the boy that this was the ticket to candyland!

We even went the Innovation route

2007-11-01T20:03:00.001-05:00

CIMG2226
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... with no so great results.

We called this "Homeless, Not Quite Teenage Mutant Ninja Honey Bee".

We did consider ...

2007-11-01T20:00:00.001-05:00

IMG_9746
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... the boy's 2nd favourite train character - Sulky.

But we figured it out in the end.

2007-11-01T19:59:00.001-05:00

IMG_9756
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Fireman and Kitty-cat.

2007-10-09T10:27:00.001-05:00

We have to save Neo!

Who do you think the boy looks like?

So, we're finally done with the 12 days of the girl's birthday. What's a good technique to convince her that her new birthdate should be Feb 29th?

We suffered our first physical Wii injury over the weekend. The girl was celebrating a nice play/shot (I can't remember which, I was sulking at being nicely played/shot at) ... and was she on the rug like I told her? No ... hardwood slippery.

We also suffered our first and second emotional Wii injury. Early weekend Wii fitness test rated me as 50 years old. Yesterday, I had "achieved" 55 years old. 60, it's the new 30.

I'm expecting the 3rd emotional injury when the kids realize what "we're just borrowing it" really means.

Me and the boy. I'm the 55 year old on the left...

2007-09-19T14:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Uncle K.

Do you give out points for effort?

(warning - big file / long load time)
http://blip.tv/file/385855

Accck

2007-09-11T13:34:00.001-05:00

IMG_9664
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Off to school they go. Boy actually likes pre-school - to the point where he cries because he doesn't want to go to daycare. (Couldn't be that easy.)

And in all the mayhem .... I completely missed this ...

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/features/seriously_westcoast/index.html

Visitors

2007-08-29T00:41:00.001-05:00

IMG_9430
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

We had a nice extended weekend with visitors from out East. Thanks for taking the time to come in and visit!

step up

2007-08-29T00:39:00.001-05:00

IMG_9642
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Who's gonna take this one?

doing as they're told

2007-08-29T00:38:00.003-05:00

IMG_9613
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I don't care if it's raining. We paid for rides and by-gum, ride you shall!

What is it about these cars?

2007-08-29T00:38:00.001-05:00

IMG_9573
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

They don't go that fast, and they don't really get to steer (like on the jalopy ride). But this is the first ride they always run to.

shotgun

2007-08-29T00:36:00.001-05:00

IMG_9572
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

3 - 2 - 1

2007-08-29T00:35:00.001-05:00

IMG_9540
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Sure, it's all fun and games until ...

... about 10 seconds after this, the boy got a time-out for soaking everyone.

Feed bag

2007-08-29T00:34:00.001-05:00

IMG_9569
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Had a great visit with the Aunt/Uncle/cousins/2nd cousins ...

Very nice dinner. Forgot how good toasted marshmallow's are. Kids got face painted by cousin-D (thanks!). And cousin-N showed us the ropes on their Wii.

Place your bets on how long before we get one.

L Mol

2007-08-29T00:31:00.001-05:00

IMG_9531
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Had a picnic at the sculpture garden. The kids were all over the bears. Good thing ye-ye/gong-gong and nai-nai/puo-puo's pieces aren't climable.

Kid Gap

2007-08-29T00:30:00.001-05:00

IMG_9464
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Summer Stripe Dress $79.99

T-shirt / shorts combination $47.99
Weathered cap $48.99

You think this is disturbing?

2007-07-17T09:34:00.001-05:00

IMG_8882
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I just found out that "irregardless" is acknowledged by both Webster and Oxford.

Incidentally, I also found out that, when a highlighter is left uncapped, while it does dry out, the powder that gets left behind does not lose any of it's pigmenting capabilities.

2007-07-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

OOOO, AAAA

Currently featuring ...
- Billy Joel
- Fatboy Slim
- Grand Funk Railroad
- Green Day
- House of Pain
- The Fratellis
- The Housemartins
- The Jackson 5
- The La's
- Steriogram
... and many, many more!

Looking fwd to flash-based Sudoku

Nothing better ...

2007-06-10T21:10:00.001-05:00

CIMG1310
Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... than hanging out in the back yard on a nice day. The girl continues her streak of fearlessness-recklessness, all leading to new things. Earlier last week, she graduated from the grrr-animals swimming levels and she's into real numbers. Last weekend, I was showing her how to dribble a basketball (secret is pushing the ball; not slapping at it ... architect). Later in the week, I picked her up from school and she was dribbling with both hands and between her legs (albeit, using those exaggerated, Monty Python, silly walk leg steps - but still).

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now put down the camera and catch me already.

2007-05-27T21:51:00.001-05:00

Took the boy for a speech assessment at the suggestion of his doctor. It turns out he doesn't have any major impediments, he just needs to s l o w d o w n. (I coulda told them that.)

Click to Play

Playing with clips from my Casio EX-V7 and run through Sony Vegas to add audio.

Overdue

2007-05-21T00:15:00.003-05:00

CIMG1159
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

It hasn't been that long since we washed your blanket has it?