For a number of weeks I'd been having problems connecting on-line at the church with the laptop. The wireless signal is strong, but the Internet browsers or email servers were not getting anywhere.
This afternoon I called the router's tech support line; I have to say that I am very impressed. I spoke with a real person within seconds of completing the automated menu gauntlet. He guided me competently and patiently through a reconfiguring of the IP address without being a condescending tech-know-it-all.
I didn't have high hopes, calling when I had a large block of time to waste on the phone, figuring it would take a while. I was pleasantly surprised. Superjob, Dlink!
The church of basketball, books, booze, cuisine, movies, music, TV. Save me Jeebus, indeed!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Called Away
Wednesdays are usually office hours in the morning. I was called away from that duty to help with a monthly Soup and Sandwich lunch.
I was called away from my ladling by a family in a palliative situation. As I got to their place, the hospital called (I'm the on-call chaplain for the next 7 days; I was going to pick up the pager in the afternoon after some soup and sandwiches).
After giving due care and diligence to the pastoral situation at hand, it was onto the next one. From the hospital, it was back home to meet Reiko off the bus and get supper ready. My first risotto turned out rather well.
I'm sure I could muster up a little something for Last Call, but I am on-call after all.
I was called away from my ladling by a family in a palliative situation. As I got to their place, the hospital called (I'm the on-call chaplain for the next 7 days; I was going to pick up the pager in the afternoon after some soup and sandwiches).
After giving due care and diligence to the pastoral situation at hand, it was onto the next one. From the hospital, it was back home to meet Reiko off the bus and get supper ready. My first risotto turned out rather well.
I'm sure I could muster up a little something for Last Call, but I am on-call after all.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Yo Gabba whatta?
With the coming change in season (and the onset of Rrroll Up the Rrrim means that NCAA March Madness can't be far off), Treehouse TV has trotted out a new schedule featuring some new shows.
Shelley and I can't figure out how "Yo Gabba Gabba" managed to snag the primetime before-supper slot. The characters appear to be rip-off mishmashes of Sponge Bob and Teletubbies characters, singing insipid songs that sound like they were written by a 51-year old with a turntable and mixing board. (I was going to say 15-year old, but teenagers would have had some edge and soul to their songs... these tunes were desperately trying to be cool, in a preschool way).
I'm not sure if the celebrity cameo by a scruffy-bearded Elijah Wood gave Yo Gabba Gabba a credibility lift, or tarnished his Hobbit star.
Regardless, Kai has become enraptured by this show (Reiko, to a lesser extent, but she's an eager viewer nonetheless) asking for the Orange Guy show, referring to "DJ Lance Rock", the furry-hatted human seen beside Mr. Wood.
Yes, this is what my engagement with pop culture and my knowledge of what is hip and happening has been reduced to: critiquing children's programming.
Shelley and I can't figure out how "Yo Gabba Gabba" managed to snag the primetime before-supper slot. The characters appear to be rip-off mishmashes of Sponge Bob and Teletubbies characters, singing insipid songs that sound like they were written by a 51-year old with a turntable and mixing board. (I was going to say 15-year old, but teenagers would have had some edge and soul to their songs... these tunes were desperately trying to be cool, in a preschool way).
I'm not sure if the celebrity cameo by a scruffy-bearded Elijah Wood gave Yo Gabba Gabba a credibility lift, or tarnished his Hobbit star.
Yes, this is what my engagement with pop culture and my knowledge of what is hip and happening has been reduced to: critiquing children's programming.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Where February Went
The long awaited blog catch-up is here. Delayed by the emergence of another funeral last week (I should have known better to ask the funeral director how his days have been. And he should have known better to comment about how quiet things were). Some themes from the past fortnight:
Guitar-zan
Kai’s preoccupation with guitars is bordering on obsession. I had found my squash racquet and for every waking minute of the next few days, he was strumming it, cuddling it, and asking about it.

Reiko’s Pony
After months of patience, Rei’s hair is long enough to put into one big ponytail. She’s very proud of this accomplishment and looks forward to wearing her hair like her BFF from daycare.

All Work
Despite the legislated Family Day holiday last Monday, Shelley’s had a string of evening workshops and meetings to round out the week. I had two funerals, 3 church meetings, plus a church chilli supper and family games night. And Sunday morning worship doesn’t plan itself.
Back to Health
The ailments that have plagued us have abated; we’re all off our meds except for Shelley’s persisting cough (another week or so, according to the doctor). Do I need an excuse to post a picture of our happy and healthy kids?

Now, it’s just a matter now of getting back to running, finding a gym and a local basketball game. Or getting re-acquainted with my squash racquet.
Guitar-zan
Kai’s preoccupation with guitars is bordering on obsession. I had found my squash racquet and for every waking minute of the next few days, he was strumming it, cuddling it, and asking about it.
Reiko’s Pony
After months of patience, Rei’s hair is long enough to put into one big ponytail. She’s very proud of this accomplishment and looks forward to wearing her hair like her BFF from daycare.
All Work
Despite the legislated Family Day holiday last Monday, Shelley’s had a string of evening workshops and meetings to round out the week. I had two funerals, 3 church meetings, plus a church chilli supper and family games night. And Sunday morning worship doesn’t plan itself.
Back to Health
The ailments that have plagued us have abated; we’re all off our meds except for Shelley’s persisting cough (another week or so, according to the doctor). Do I need an excuse to post a picture of our happy and healthy kids?
Now, it’s just a matter now of getting back to running, finding a gym and a local basketball game. Or getting re-acquainted with my squash racquet.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Recovering
After what seems to be a case of food poisoning, I'm back to "normal" and getting ready for a funeral tomorrow. More updates on the way.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Skipping School
After the weekend that she's been having, we decided to keep Reiko home from school today. Although I wondered if we erred too much on the side of caution. She was well enough to race her brother up and down the mostly vacant aisles at the grocery store this morning.
Once lunch came and everyone had a nap, our prudence was justified by her 2½-hour sleep. We're on the mend, slowly but sleepily.
Once lunch came and everyone had a nap, our prudence was justified by her 2½-hour sleep. We're on the mend, slowly but sleepily.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Someday We'll All Be Healthy
In what has become an unbecoming weekend tradition, Shelley took Reiko to the urgent care clinic this morning. Rei's had a headache the past couple days and was up last night with a fever. Of course these things happen on Fridays when our current family doctor takes a day off or on Saturdays so we hustle out for the after-hours clinic or to the ER. During the past month: ear infection for Kai, ear infection for Rei, tonsillitis for Kai, assorted colds and maladies for their parents.
The good news is that there is no ear infection or tonsillitis or any other identifiable cause for prescribed medication. The bad news is that Reiko missed her dance class this morning and a birthday party this afternoon. You know it's bad when she accepts the prospect of missing out on a birthday party without any protest or complaint.
The good news is that there is no ear infection or tonsillitis or any other identifiable cause for prescribed medication. The bad news is that Reiko missed her dance class this morning and a birthday party this afternoon. You know it's bad when she accepts the prospect of missing out on a birthday party without any protest or complaint.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Mr. Soggy Pants
Seeking to repeat last night's success, I had Kai on the potty for repeated attempts before outfitting him in Diego underwear. Not five minutes later did I spy a spreading dampness on his pants.
I cleaned him up and tried again. Time passed happily. Right before we got him ready for bed, another special surprise prompted us to give him his first semi-traumatic shower before diaper and pyjamas.
Now we're thinking it might be a while before we try him in undies again.
I cleaned him up and tried again. Time passed happily. Right before we got him ready for bed, another special surprise prompted us to give him his first semi-traumatic shower before diaper and pyjamas.
Now we're thinking it might be a while before we try him in undies again.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Mr. Saggy Pants
I'm feeling marginally better today, functional even.
This evening, Shelley had Kai try on his big boy underwear which he wore for about an hour, after bath and before bed. We noted that without diaper padding to fill things out, his pants looked rather saggy.
We made it to diaper and pyjama time without incident. There was much rejoicing.
This evening, Shelley had Kai try on his big boy underwear which he wore for about an hour, after bath and before bed. We noted that without diaper padding to fill things out, his pants looked rather saggy.
We made it to diaper and pyjama time without incident. There was much rejoicing.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
My Turn Again
Although I've been sniffling with a sore throat for a few days now, today was the day the cold arrived in full force. Shelley's away at work, the kids are in bed and sleeping. I'm heading that way too.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Found Time
It was going to be a full day. Church services in the morning, with an Annual Meeting (or half of one, by the time I got to it) following. I was planning on spending the afternoon at the church getting ready for an evening youth group meeting. Which would have meant that an 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. day, which isn't a hardship but for the fact that it's a 13½-hour day.
Maybe it was the Superbowl, but youth group was rescheduled and I headed for home after the annual meeting. With this newfound time, we drove into London to try and find a snowsuit for Rei, again. And again, no luck.
We used a Christmas gift card for some bedsheets and proceeded to Tony Roma's for a sit-down family meal. The house magician made some balloon animals for the kids and we fine-dined before making our way home. It was like finding a $20 bill in your pocket, except it was an afternoon with family. Which is more valuable? If you know me, you know the answer.
Maybe it was the Superbowl, but youth group was rescheduled and I headed for home after the annual meeting. With this newfound time, we drove into London to try and find a snowsuit for Rei, again. And again, no luck.
We used a Christmas gift card for some bedsheets and proceeded to Tony Roma's for a sit-down family meal. The house magician made some balloon animals for the kids and we fine-dined before making our way home. It was like finding a $20 bill in your pocket, except it was an afternoon with family. Which is more valuable? If you know me, you know the answer.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Not an Ear Infection
The morning began with a trip to the Urgent Care Clinic with Kai while Rei went to dance class. The good news? He doesn't have another ear infection. The bad news? Tonsillitis.
The medicine doesn't taste as good to him, as he pawed at his tongue immediately after his first dose.
We took a trip into London to North by Northwest's annual clearance sale to find a winter coat and boots for Reiko. The kids' selection had been pretty thoroughly picked over and there was nothing in her size. We did get some new toques and Kai loves his new aquamarine Crocs shoe-sandals.
After a fast lunch, we hustled back home so that Reiko could then go to a classmate's birthday party and then get registered for summer soccer. Yes, she has a busier social life than her parents do.
The medicine doesn't taste as good to him, as he pawed at his tongue immediately after his first dose.
We took a trip into London to North by Northwest's annual clearance sale to find a winter coat and boots for Reiko. The kids' selection had been pretty thoroughly picked over and there was nothing in her size. We did get some new toques and Kai loves his new aquamarine Crocs shoe-sandals.
After a fast lunch, we hustled back home so that Reiko could then go to a classmate's birthday party and then get registered for summer soccer. Yes, she has a busier social life than her parents do.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Webslinging and Tickle Fingers
Rather spontaneously, Kai started into a Spiderman impression during supper.

We're not sure where he picked that up from, he hasn't seen any shows or movies about the wall-crawling crimefighter. We'll attribute it media imprinting and the other boys at daycare.
Not to be left out, Rei launched into a version of Tickle Fingers.

And not to be left behind, Kai joined her.
We're not sure where he picked that up from, he hasn't seen any shows or movies about the wall-crawling crimefighter. We'll attribute it media imprinting and the other boys at daycare.
Not to be left out, Rei launched into a version of Tickle Fingers.
And not to be left behind, Kai joined her.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Reunion: Pigs and Socks
Reiko and I went to get the mail after school today and to our collective delight, there was a package from Kingston. Inside was her Piglet stuffy friend who had been left behind in an all-pink princess bedroom and some handknitted Christmas socks.
Rei's glad to have her friend back and Shelley and I will be glad for our tailor-fitted socks when the big storm comes tomorrow.
Rei's glad to have her friend back and Shelley and I will be glad for our tailor-fitted socks when the big storm comes tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sign of the Times
You know it's time to update your blog when your 90-something grandmother-in-law is asking if the amaryllis picture is posted yet.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Ear Ye, Ear Ye
Reiko's turn. Shelley took her to the after-hours urgent care clinic where her ear infection was confirmed and prescribed. Kai will be eyeing up her banana medicine out of habit.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Back to Normal
After the Christmas holiday rush, a string of funerals, a book club engagement and international hosting duties, today was a return to routine. This meant a Daddy Day with the kids and going to Glencoe Early Years Outreach program. Even though the CBC Radio 3 podcast of the R3-30 was not available for the car ride, we still had a granola bar snack and pointed out the various agricultural landmarks.
For the ride home, it was lunch in the car (peanut butter and jam sandwiches with crusts cut off). We all know how kids are creatures of habit. Or maybe it's their parents.
For the ride home, it was lunch in the car (peanut butter and jam sandwiches with crusts cut off). We all know how kids are creatures of habit. Or maybe it's their parents.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Great Grandma's Green Thumb
Shelley's grandmother is known for her proficiency and facility with cultivating African violets. Amaryllis also benefits from her skill.

I was going to make some witty reference to Audrey or a bastardized Diff'rent Strokes "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, (Ama)ryllis?" but decided it would be lost in transcription. You can, however, see Shelley's new glasses.
I was going to make some witty reference to Audrey or a bastardized Diff'rent Strokes "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, (Ama)ryllis?" but decided it would be lost in transcription. You can, however, see Shelley's new glasses.
Benediction
With the permission of my current churches, I attended Arkona United's final worship service before they close for good at the end of the month. It was nice to see everyone again, but not for the reason of the occasion.
While it's frustrating to see a full church for the farewell (and the natural question, "what if this many had shown up on any given Sunday?") I was gratified to see that there was only one pew of people that I didn't know or recognize. Elsewise, I would be "what-if'ing" my 7 years there.
Reiko noted that she could now wash her hands in the bathroom without standing on the stepstool and remarked with delight, "And Daddy didn't have to go to the front of the church for anything!!"
Walking past the manse, Rei and Kai were overcome by nostalgia and didn't want to go to our new home, crying for their old home. It's kind of fitting though, the need to move on and journey forth from one home to find another.
Be well, friends of Arkona United. Shalom 'til we meet again.
While it's frustrating to see a full church for the farewell (and the natural question, "what if this many had shown up on any given Sunday?") I was gratified to see that there was only one pew of people that I didn't know or recognize. Elsewise, I would be "what-if'ing" my 7 years there.
Reiko noted that she could now wash her hands in the bathroom without standing on the stepstool and remarked with delight, "And Daddy didn't have to go to the front of the church for anything!!"
Walking past the manse, Rei and Kai were overcome by nostalgia and didn't want to go to our new home, crying for their old home. It's kind of fitting though, the need to move on and journey forth from one home to find another.
Be well, friends of Arkona United. Shalom 'til we meet again.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Chauffer
I had arranged for a tour of the Korean students to see Uncle Tom's Cabin, so that meant an earlier departure from the church. So after a late night of laundry and catching up with my billeted friends, it was back on the road.
There was a quick turnaround after the drop off so that I could be home in time for Shelley to get to her Saturday morning workshop and for me to get Reiko to dance class on time.
At least I wasn't also running out to Forest for a now-cancelled church event where I was going to be the theme speaker. Because then I think my head would have really and truly "asploded".
There was a quick turnaround after the drop off so that I could be home in time for Shelley to get to her Saturday morning workshop and for me to get Reiko to dance class on time.
At least I wasn't also running out to Forest for a now-cancelled church event where I was going to be the theme speaker. Because then I think my head would have really and truly "asploded".
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