There won’t be a blog entry tonight. If you’re sad about that please send all correspondences to Bristol Connecticut where the complaints will fall on the ears of those who’re working just as hard as me. The World Wide Leader is cranking at full speed which is good for the Austin Family. Stopping work at 11 is not. Oh look…a blog entry after all!
Every Other Generation
There is a trend that I’ve noticed in my family. It seems that certain traits will actually skip a generation. Take, for example, poker. Traditionally I’m known as a bit of a “Hail Mary” gambler who’ll take some calculated risks and many more not-so calculated. My Grandfather’s nickname is “Sitting Bullshit” for much the same reason. My father is about to enter a poker tournament in Utica and is very much the opposite player.
Jenn will tell you the other trait my father is known for is his non-stop working. She’ll also tell you I didn’t receive that trait. Here’s to hoping Ryan learns to hold the broom a bit longer and fold the pair of twos much sooner.
Saturday Nights Alright For Dancing
There was a time, not long ago, when Saturday night meant half a weeks pay was going down my throat one cold beer at a time. Some nights became so hazy and unclear that I became a legend in my own mind on the dance floor. Tonight, our friend Steve threw a small party at his place so we could all kick back and relax. As we started swapping stories of the last few weeks at work, and when I saw a few red eyes and yawns at 7:30′ I realized the legend has left the building. Saturday night is still fun but it’s time we leave the dancing to the professionals. That means you too Danchetz!
Location:Sylvia Ln,Schenectady,United States
Miracles of Technology
For the last few weeks, I’ve tried to make an effort to update this blog nightly. I find it’s a good opportunity for me to reflect on the day and my ipad makes it easy to simply roll over in bed and write down my thoughts for the day. Tonight though I’m going to let my Dad’s text message from this afternoon write this blog. He’s right, if ever there was a man to teach someone “no” it would be Dad Austin (as the entry in the cell phone reads.)
Growing up there were few fathers we feared more (sorry Mr. Clement you just didn’t have the commanding/threatening thing going) and looking back on it, we were so duped. I believe it was Winston Churchill who said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I think that aptly sums up how we should’ve handled my father and how Ryan should now.
The Word!
I could write a paragraph or two on why I think we may be in trouble but the truth is, THE WORD, just came out of his mouth! Check out the video and you’ll know what I mean!
Because you asked
I had a few people ask me to describe in more detail what a night vision baby monitor is and why we have one. So here’s the deal. I believe the technology was first introduced and tested during the Cold War but these night vision devices were big and bulky. Over the years, brilliant hunters worked hard to miniaturize these devices so they’d fit in small binoculars and rifle scopes. NOW, they’re in baby monitors! We can see and hear every move our young man makes..makes life easier. I realize this picture is more likely found in “Ghost Hunters” but you should get the idea….
Location:Sylvia Ln,Schenectady,United States
<3 My Job
Someone asked me today if I “<3 my job". For those less inclined to visualize symbolism, that is "do I heart my job"' in other words do I like it. I do… A lot. I work with some pretty cool people. If I could change one thing about my job it'd be Ryan's bed time. I left at 7 am this morning and didn't get home until almost 8. Not a bad day but a full day without Monsieur Teethy. I can see him in our cool night vision webcam but it's just not the same. A far cry from yesterday's fun adventures.
The Key To Fun Is No Key
This morning I got a very disappointed call from my lovely darling. “Hi,” she started, “umm I have your keys in my car, they were in your jacket you left in the car.” “No Problem,” I happily reported, “I’ll just use the spare key I have.” WRONG! I have a spare key, it’s the valet key they give you when you buy a car. I keep it in a very safe place, in fact it appears too safe. So, instead of going to daycare (and me getting any work done), Ryan stayed home with me. He did nap for a few hours which was helpful in allowing me to keep up with my workload (that line is in there for the bosses at ESPN who read this blog) but all in all, it was a day with daddy. We had a lot of fun and it helped me to remember why Jenn and I work so hard. We do it for this little man and every now and then it’s kinda fun to have a day where work isn’t the driving force in the day. Now, what did we do? Well, see for yourself unless you’re Jenn, my mom or the Animal Humane Society.
Sleep Like A Baby
I finally understand the phrase “sleep like a baby!” For months now I’ve thought how little babies actually sleep but tonight, as I was carrying a sleeping baby from the car to his bed, I got it. After slamming both the car and house doors, dodging the dog, tripping on the first step of the stairs, hitting Ryan’s hand on the railing and dropping him into bed because his crib is on the deepest level after his monkey moves the other day, I watched my little dreamer snore like a truck driver. So, now that I have this phrase solved, perhaps I could dig deeper into how truck drivers snore.
Empty Nest Syndrome
Tonight, after celebrating two friends’ birthdays, we returned from dinner…exhausted but content. As I was getting ready for bed I realized that Jenn and I were communicating in familiar hushed tones as we tiptoed around the bathroom. The only difference is that our youngest housemate is with Grandma and Grandpa tonight. We’re certainly thankful for the time with friends and it’s good for Ryan to have some time away but I’m missing him terribly. Perhaps the next time I leave Ryan I should drink a bit more at dinner….
Ry and Coop Dot Com 