Sunday Sabbath

So I'm currently untethered from Sunday morning responsibilities for this month. It's a bit strange, having an entire month of Sundays off. The first couple of weeks, I'm on Study Leave and then a couple weeks of proper vacation before heading to Kairos 2008 as chaplain for a national church young adult event.

Away for the pulpit for all this time, it hasn't happened before (if you don't count Parental Leave when Kai was born). My previous churches kept going in the summer, one church was in its busy season at that time with campers, cottagers and vacationers in the area. The other one continued through the summer because I was working and preparing worship for the other church anyway, and what's an extra hour or two on Sunday morning anyway?

Anyway, Sunday mornings come and I'm not in a mind-churning tizzy, preoccupied with worship content and performance. Weird. And to think that some people actually live like this all the time!

Check Engine

For many months (maybe not that long, but for several weeks at least), I've been driving with the "check engine" light on. After going to the garage and receiving only a "random misfire" diagnosis from the sophisticated computer equipment, and only expensive educated guesses (ignition coil?) to go one, I thought I'd drive the car until something really wrong happened and we could identify the problem more conclusively.

Finally, the engine light started blinking! And a chime dinged once. But I wasn't sure if that was better or worse. I called the garage but they were busy rebuilding someone else's transmission and couldn't fit me in (hopefully, they wouldn't have to do the same for me). Eventually, I got in and was told the car wasn't driveable ... whoops ... but in a couple days' time we were back on the road with a new ignition coil.

I never appreciated before how smooth a ride is without the jittery, sputtering, start/stop, herky-jerking of the engine. Or how sleek and high-functioning a dashboard can look without amber warning lights. Vroom vroom!

Accelerated

Before getting to the latest news, it's time for a bit of catch-up.

Reiko's first season of soccer concluded earlier this month with a couple of sparsely-attended games. What with summer vacations in full swing, and a long weekend, there were a number of absences that required multiple shifts from most players.

The first of these games, none of the kids wanted to play in the fourth quarter; they were tired and just wanted to continue snacking. For her last game, Reiko acquitted herself well, playing 3 quarters and, by her count, "touching" (read: kicking) the ball multiple times.

We missed the final tournament (can't be 4 places at once, more on that later), but when we took her uniform to her coach so it could be donated to a developing country's children's soccer program, we received her trophy (everyone got one).

Apparently the team won both their games during the tournament. Perhaps they were inspired by the absence of one of their best runners. And that was the 2008 season of The Accelerators. Vroom vroom!

Summer Slipping Away

Since the last entry, things have been as busy as ever. We're heading up to the new and improved cottage / summer home of Shelley's folks. I'll be back at some point with updates on Reiko's soccer season, check engine lights, having Sundays off, dishwasher camping and the kids' first train ride.

But yes, we're alive. And well.

Apple of My Eye

Amid the return from vacation was the arrival of a new laptop for work. Until now, I'd been using our personal computer and with its memory running low, I asked the powers that be and my work-life balance has a new equilibrium. Old iBook on the left, new MacBook on the right:

I'm also between day planners right now; but I didn't have to ask the powers that be to authorize that purchase. See? The church isn't that bureaucratic.

Hostii with the Mostii

After the week of holidays and getting back to work/daycare/"normal", we had a series guests and visitors.

On Thursday, a friend that I met 10 years ago as we served as Stewards for the World Council of Churches in Zimbabwe arrived with her mother and 2 kids. They were on their way to St. Thomas and the Thomas the Train tour the next day before heading back towards Sudbury. A mutual friend joined us for supper and we caught up with each other's lives.

Friday ushered in the arrival of Shelley's parents for the weekend. Saturday, her cousins, aunt, grandmother and sister gathered for supper.

As host and hostess (hostii?), we were mostly present. Shelley went to a Mary Kay party on Thursday night, I had a wedding rehearsal and reception Friday and Saturday.

Sunday we had Shelley's mother's cousin over for supper and Monday my mom came over for Reiko's soccer game (another victory!).

Tuesday nobody came over.

Adventures in Camping 2008

This year's version of camping out took us back to Warwick Conservation Area; again with the thinking that if things didn't work out, we weren't far from home. This time, we brought reinforcements – Shauna and John were with us, another set of adults for wrangling the kids.

Things started off smoothly (if you ignore me forgetting to pack the side screens and roof of the dining tent and Shelley having to drive back for them). We got set up and began to enjoy the camping life:


Until the bugs started biting. Still we made do with multiple applications of DEET and mosquito coils. Mind you, we aren't the most rugged of campers. Our sojourn into the wilds included sundary electronic items, and this is our idea of "roughing it" - DVDs on the laptop:


Friday night's campfire fizzled because of too-wet firewood, but we did manage some S'mores. I slipped away mid-Saturday to assist with a wedding and returned through some wild rainstorms. The rains found us and before the night got too late, the decision was made to return to our dry homes for sleep and after allaying Reiko's fears that someone might arrive in our absence and pack up our stuff and set up their own camp on our site, we headed home. (Actually, it would be nice if someone arrived to pack up our stuff for us!)

Sunday morning was wet and drizzly, so our pack-up was a hurried stuff-everything-into-a-plastic-bag-and-cram-it-into-the-car-and-go operation. The afternoon was bright and sunny so we unpacked everything, dried it out and cleaned it and repacked it. After all that work, I'm ready for a vacation; but we did have enough fun to try and do it all again sometime. But not too soon, we just got everything put away.

In Pictures

My blogging got stuck as I tried to identify 7 songs for the currently circulating Music Meme but I will get to that later.

In the meantime, we've been making much use of our patio set:


With last week being holidays, we jam packed it full of day trips and little events. Monday was a morning playdate for Reiko and some school friends.

Tuesday was a trip to Storybook Gardens where the kids posed on London Bridge:


They watched the animals, played on the pirate ships, swung on the Ferris Wheel, and stopped for some bubble time:


And the obligatory Humpty Dumpty pose:


The carousel had mixed reviews. Thumbs up from Reiko:


But Kai was less impressed:


It was on to the nearby park and wading pool for a picnic lunch. Some swingtime followed:


And into the wading pool before heading home.


Wednesday was a morning trip to the beach. Rei swam some more in the shallow water and Kai happily played in the sand.

Thursday we went to Sarnia where the kids and Shelley went to Canatara Park while I visited with a colleague to borrow a FireWire. It was a quick trip over the bridge to Port Huron where we did some crossborder shopping (clothes, cleaning products, and special toys for the kids - Sleeping Beauty "Barbie" selected by Rei, Diego camping lantern chosen by Kai).

The evening was a wiener roast reunion of Arkona United Church, it was nice to see everyone and showcase the kids.

We spent the weekend camping, or trying to. More on that next.

Victory!

The Accelerators of Strathroy's TimBit Soccer League notched a decisive win tonight ahead of the rain. If score was being kept, I think it would have been 5-0.

Many team members contributed to the cause with efficient striking, swarming defence, stalwart goaltending and a few kicks from players previously afraid to touch the ball. One memorable play featured speedy and sure-footed Reiko bringing the ball upfield and passing to her teammate (although I'm not certain that he didn't take it from her) who scored.

Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Accelerators!

Arkanada Day

If two years in a row constitutes a tradition, our Canada Day commemorations began as usual with cherry picking in Arkona. Given the poor growing conditions this year, we did well to come away with as much as we did.

Then it was a trip to the park next door to the Manse where the kids used to play. Here's a little before (2006) and after (today):

In Bloom

Getting back to routine meant taking the kids to Early Years Outreach for the morning, but our afternoon outside play was curtailed by cooler, windy weather. With all the rain we've been getting, our low maintenance garden has gone crazy:

Huron County Goodness

The afternoon saw us venture to Grand Bend's Flea Market where the kids were introduced to the marvels of second-hand treasure hunting. We purchased some local produce and confections before heading off to one more patio furniture place, only to find them closed.

Undaunted, we pressed on to Exeter where great-grandma had supper waiting. While Shelley and she cleaned up from the meal, I took the kids outside where they entertained the neighbours. All you need are some stones, dandelions and shadows.

Instead of Sermon Writing

It's Saturday night and I'm not working on worship services for the next morning! Rather it's been the back-blogging update bonanza.

After daycare on Thursday, I took the kids with me to my parents' farm for a couple nights leaving Shelley home alone. She gets some time to herself, my parents get some time with the kids, the kids get some time with their grandparents: everyone wins!

Friday afternoon we went into Mitchell to visit some adoptive great-grandparents, played in the park, visited the animals and birds at the zoo. My brother joined us for supper, and seeing as he missed Kai's birthday party because of a ball tournament, he came bearing gifts: more Cars cars.

After saying goodbye to Grandma and Papa, and one of his pigs, we came home to a rested and appreciative Shelley. Then it was a quick turnaround to head into London for some summer clothes shopping for me, some patio furniture comparing and supper at East Side Mario's (on Wonderland as Kai is quick to request, remembering a previous Daddy Day that featured playtime at Adventures on Wonderland followed by supper at the very same restaurant).

Good thing I don't have church obligations tomorrow, I'm a little tired.

Golf and Windows

In a hybrid of the previous two days, I got out for 9 holes at Caradoc Sands. I ended up golfing with a father and son who are very accomplished players. I knew I was in trouble when the son's 5-iron shot went as far as my drive did. I deduced from the Basketball Canada tattoo on his calf that he played basketball (plus his being 6'7" was kind of a giveaway).

For most of the round, I kept pace with my partners, even if the dad had a 7 handicap, which he was quick to tell me. Bogeys, doubles, I was right there. I even matched the dad's drive on hole 8 which I quietly celebrated. But that's when it all fell apart: 20 shots for the last 2 holes. So my final score was in keeping with my standard, even though I was on track for the best game of my life.

I think dad and son were glad to see me go as they "made the turn" (see? I learned some new lingo while on holidays!) and by then I was rather embarrassed.

So then it was back to window washing in the afternoon, once the sun passed over to the other side of the house – we can't have streaks! I finished up before the rain came.

Windows Wednesday

Even though I'm on holidays, my homemaking services have been pressed into service. This morning, I washed the west- and north-facing windows. While I had the ladder up, I checked on the eavestroughs/downspouts with no further action needed. The one that we know is clogged, I cannot reach. I don't know if being taller would make me a better basketball player, but it would make me a touch handier around the house.

Then I assembled the kitchen cart that Shelley and I bought as an anniversary present (yeah, it's not as romantic as last year's Mediterranean cruise ...) which took much longer than I planned. By the time I finished, it was raining and so the east- and south-facing windows will have to wait for another day.

Today also marked the last day of school for Reiko which we "celebrated" with a soccer game. She's becoming more comfortable using her non-dominant foot, adding to her potent on-field arsenal.

Golf Rules

With the day dawning bright and dry, it was with great anticipation that I headed to Arkona Fairways to meet a friend for golf. It's a bit of a departure from my usual practice of walking 9 holes on my own; we booked for 18 on a power cart.

It seemed we were scheduled to tee-off before a Ladies' Day Out so while we weren't pressed to keep ahead of the pack, we were aware that 8 foursomes were behind us. The first 9 holes went rather well, once my partner got the griping about his work out of his system.

We paused for a quick bite of lunch before heading out for the last 9, though not quick enough, apparently. I guess one of the rules is you don't stop for too long "making the turn" and lose your place in line. When we got ready on the 10th hole, a cart pulled in behind us and a woman screeched at us for breaking this commandment. We had figured that if we got caught in the Ladies queue, we'd just sit back, relax (while keeping up with the pace of play) and continue to enjoy the day. I guess not.

I'm not sure what the problem was because once we got to the 11th hole, we didn't see her foursome for the rest of the day. Still, it gave us someone to blame when we duffed a shot.

Off the Clock

Because I started with my "new" churches in August, I have a couple weeks of away-time (holidays, study leave) to use before my second year begins.

So here I am with a game of golf scheduled for tomorrow, a list of household chores and a trip to the farm with the kids arranged for the end of the week. Maybe that means more time for blogging.

Back to Life

It was a tumultuous week, professionally and personally. After commemorating the death of one of the pillars of the church on the weekend. Then I dealt with the shock of a young father's sudden death, the day before his 26th birthday. He leaves behind his wife and two preschool children. As you can imagine this one is hitting very close to home.

Amid this emotional devastation there was the annual church barbeque that fed 300, Kai's 3rd birthday (that featured a party with his "neighbourhood friends"), Shelley participating in Relay for Life, having some new neighbours over for supper and various church meetings.

So this has been my recent life: grieving and celebrating, public performance and private preparation, observing the sacred and secular at once. Hence my latest absence; I'm sure you understand.

Quotations from Kai

As we head into the Early Years Outreach program: "You're the man, Daddy". Indeed, I was the only adult male onsite. All the other caregivers and staff were women and it's a pretty safe bet that when I hear the word "DAD!" being called in the crowded room, it's for me.

I had planned on taking Kai to the chip truck in Glencoe for a healthy lunch of roadside fries. Except it wasn't there any longer; I guess business wasn't so good. A disappointed Kai suddenly got very excited when he saw a transport truck with a Doritos ad emblazoned on its side: "There's a chip truck Daddy! Follow it!" We settled for McDonald's.

While changing his diaper, I commented to Shelley that he'd had a lot of poops today. His immediate response? "I didn't eat any sand!" (referring to times that we'd find sand in his diaper from his sandbox ingestion).

There was something else that was rather witty that he said, but I can't remember it. You'll have to trust me that it was a zinger.

Overdue Update

I imagine most bloggers succumb to the novelty of the experience wearing off and the updating of a blog slides down the priority list. It's taken 3½ years but that's where I am in the balance of work-life-family.

It's been a couple weeks at least since the last post. What's been going on with us?

Shelley's been busy with work, having a couple of high-scale presentations to make and tending to the greenery and landscaping. She got reacquainted with "Sex & the City" watching re-runs in preparation for seeing the movie with her sister.

Reiko's soccer skills are coming along very well. She brought the ball upfield on a few occasions and for a fleeting moment, we thought she might score a goal. We didn't expect to see this kind of progress so soon in the season!

Kai has got his summer haircut and has been looking forward to his third birthday. We had a family birthday party for him this past weekend. Although, we say he's been acting 3 for quite some time now. (I much rather prefer the "Terrible Twos" to this disagreeable stage of pushing boundaries and testing limits).

I've spent my time with church meetings and funerals. I did win Closest to the Pin at London Conference's golf tournament. During the meeting itself, I was approached about chaplaining a couple of national events, this while fending off nominations for President Elect.

As for the NBA Finals, I think I'd be cheering for Boston if it wasn't for the Red Sox and Patriots' recent string of successes. As it stands, I'm decidedly undecided. Right now, I'm more interested in the upcoming NBA draft - such is life as a Raptor fan. To rub it in, Kai keeps asking me if José is playing. I have to tell him, "No, his team didn't win so they're done playing games now." So he will randomly repeat, "José is not playing. His team didn't win."

So that's basically us, up-to-date for now. I could say that I'll try to be more diligent with my postings, but we'll see how long that lasts.