Such a twit-wit

Sorry to do this but seems like I have to:

www.twitter.com/thirtynothing

Thanks for playing along, kids.

Quick Hitter

Just wanted to make sure I wrote a note today to say Happy Holidays.

If anybody still check in, I know posts have been few and far between but I've been busy.

Sometimes I feel like if I have time to blog, then there's something else I should and could be doing... Don't worry kids, I haven't been wasting my time... More to come...

Woo-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa

Not fair

The hardest thing to do in the world is saying no to Sophia while you're carrying her and she points up to the top of the fridge and ask for a 'maoush... Maoush...'

The mallomars...

Is there anything better than a kid's face after a mallomar?

Is there anything better than the face you make after eating a mallomar?

The Internet's True Purpose

While driving my wife to work today, she asked me a question - Do you know the state bird of DC?

Now before all you Captain Persnicketies say 'hey the district is a district, not a state,' let me continue...

I honestly didn't know (thought it was the finch) so I jumped on my phone, accessed the internet, googled 'state bird of DC' and *PRESTO* got my answer and even a picture.

Except for Al Gore inventing it, I don't know much about the internet. The story I grew up with was that it was a university project for remote access of information and the ability to share research with others. My brother-in-law is probably trying to punch me in the kidneys through the computer right now.

But the fact remains that was once was designed (or should have been) as a tool for learning is now a travashamockey of that.

For some reason, the internet thinks I have a small penis and problem getting it up, it thinks I need a new mortgage, a new job and to take college classes. I need perscription drugs, cheaper travel deals and asian hookers who do it all night long. What would my life be without improved credit reporting, movies delivered to my door or spyware protection? Don't forget, your life isn't complete until you've seen Joe America popping a zit on his face while Jane America tells us all about why whole wheat toast is a conspiracy to keep us out of Area 51. And a special shout out to all my friends on MyFaceTwit?

It seems to me the school has become a market place and not much else. Granted, I enjoy the fact that I can find matching Elvis salt and pepper shakers, but sometimes all I need to do is find out something about DC's state bird: the wood thrush... And even the name of that bird could probably be considered a porn site.

Didn't see that one coming

Octo-mom was a topless dancer...

'Nuff said. No jokes, no witty remark... Just...

Octo-mom was a topless dancer...

Manly feeling

I haven't felt this manly in a while... I'm driving to Home Depot with a pocket full of cash to buy a shower filter (which I will have to install), picture hanging stuff (which I will have to hang) and browse garden stuff to prepare for replants.

Might be to much... Maybe will stop for cosmo or double mocha latté frappichino ice coffee thingy...

POST SCRIPT: (2 PM)

Yeah... those feelings of manliness are gone. I just got back from home Depot where I bought two window box planters and a dozen flowers to go in them... what kind of flowers you ask... Pansies.

Why did I buy the pansies? Because I thought they would look pretty in our back yard and didn't know the name of them was until after I made the decision to buy them.

I'll be back I have to go chug a quart of motor oil and talk about football.

Nothing Ventured, nothing lost

Beautiful wife: Honey, the baby is finally asleep. Do you want to do our workout video?

Pudgy ThirtyNothing: Nnnnoooo. I'm still sore from yesterday's workout.

BW: So am I, but you have to work through it... That's good pain.

PTN: Yeeeeaaahhhh... But there are Mallomars in the kitchen... And I need a cigarette.

*Sigh*

Know your role

When I got home from work today, there was still more work to be done. There always is. If you get home from work and there isn't still work to be done, then you are either a) filthy rich or b) harboring Hungarian students in need of Visas. (and come to think of it... that would require a lot of work too).

I'm a big fan of puttering. I was first introduced to this term when my mother and father had vacation and decided not to go anywhere. I spoke to my mom mid week and I ask how things were going. "Your father is puttering about, keeping himself occupied." My father, to his credit, managed to hang wallpaper in bathrooms, clean gutters, mow lawns, fix various non electrical things around the house, have a full christmas display every year. Mind you, this didn't all happen over the same vacation, it just became habit for him.

Now its my turn. Things have to get done around the house. Certain duties just fall into your lap and you have to take care of them when you have time. I vacuum our ever shedding rug, change the cat litter, run and empty the dishwasher... Ho hum tasks that need to get done so your wife wont yell at you.

Every so often in new putter gets thrown into your routine. You have to hang a picture, change some laundry, (and my favorite) assemble some furniture. You take what you can get. Today's was planting my spring garden. That'll be a post for a different day. Green thumbs run in the family... hope it didn't skip a generation.

The added part of this is having a 19 month old while you do it. I tend to let Sophia run about. If I'm doing stuff in the kitchen, I trust her enough to handle her business in the living room. Besides, thanks to many wonderful relatives, we have many, many noise toys to help keep tabs on her. Thanks guys, no... really... thanks... I will admit that it is funny when Sophia guides the vacuum around the living room. It warms the cockles of the heart, maybe even the sub cockles.

Ok... Gotta wrap this up... have to be at work in couple hours and still have some puttering to do...

March SuperBowl Champs

I am a Redskins fan... I'll wait for the laughing to stop...

Once again Danny being Danny.

Albert Haynesworth - 7 years/$100 million... $30-42 million in guarantees

DeAngelo Hall - 6years/$54 million deal... $22.5 million in guarantees

Once again the Redskins outbid everone else, including themselves. I'm just surprised we didn't throw in a draft pick.

Players go to the Patriots to win... Players go to the Redskins to get paid.

Oscar missed someone

My favorite part of the Oscars® telecast (aside from this unexpected jem this year) is always the memorial portion of the show. It allows me to remember those who passed but also REMINDS me who passed this year.

This year was no exception. Former Oscar nominee Queen Latifah (ugh... That's as weird to type as it is to say) came out looking like Violet Beauregarde before the juicing and sang while images passed behind her.

We lost some entertainers this year - Bernie Mac, Issac Hayes, Roy Scheider, Sydney Pollack, Charlton Heston and of course, Mr. Blue Eyes himself - Paul Newman.

We lost a slew of executives, directors, writers and other actors whose names I cannot remember, but am sure have entertained me.

Yet there were two omissions that frustrated and angered me a bit...

Harvey Korman - I was first exposed to Harvey because my parents and grandparents were fans of 'The Carol Burnett Show.' I don't think I appreciated his comedic genius until I saw what I consider to be the funniest movie ever made - Blazing Saddles. Armed with Mel Brook's brilliant writing, Korman shares the stage with Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickins, Madelin Kahn and Brooks himself. Korman steals the movie as Hedy Lamarr... Sorry... That's Hedley Lamarr. Korman had bit parts in other movies, but this iconic role and contribution should have at least been mentioned by the academy. Oh... By the way... He also voiced 'The Great Gazoo' in the Flintstones...

George Carlin - When George Carlin died, I was devastated. He was the comic that always inspired and astonished me. His brilliant writing, ridiculous stage presence, and commitment to counter culture. The first time I was introduced to George Carlin was in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure as Rufus when I was in the 6th grade. From there my father introduced me to his stand up and the rest, as they say, is history. He was a staple in Kevin Smith's films, most notably the Cardinal introducing Buddy Christ in Dogma (we'll forget about Jersey Girl). George Carlin inspired a generation of comics with his stage and screen work and will be dearly missed.

Also a special good-bye also to Eartha Kitt, the greatest catwoman ever.

I'm sure there are other the academy forgot and that I forgot as well... I just wanted to give my tribute to those I will miss from last year.

I wish I could take credit for this

I realize that most people who read this may also read my brother-in-law's site... but this is too funny not to have a link on my site...

All you sexy people out there... Enjoy

I can think of nobody that will enjoy this more than my friend Jake. (who should start writing his blog again but too busy being smart and getting a doctorate... whatever, dude)

New Toy

Well here's an experiment. I got a new digital camera from my wife for Valentines Day. Finally got all the software hooked up and needed to take it for a whirl.

So this is Sophia. She always has this look on her face that she want to tell us what is going on in her head, but can never get the words out correctly. You can see though why I have such an optimism for the future.

But you can also see that she has a beautiful smile and is a happy child in general. Just wanted you all to be able to put a face with a name. Yes, she is hugging a penguin wearing a tu-tu... Don't ask...

Hitler vs Hanson... You Decide

There were two "news" stories that caught my eyes and ears today and I can't tell which I find more disturbing... I'll let you judge:

Story 1:

It was revealed today that Adolph Hitler had bad manners. In documents recently discovered, Hitler had bad dinner manners, a digestive disorder, and very rarely paid attention to conversations. Jeez... if you didn't already have a reason to hate the guy...

I just would have like to have seen this scene leaving a Hitler dinner party:

Gunter: Man, can you believe Hitler? He just ignored us though dinner.

Rolf: And he just sat there eating cake... I think I heard his stomach rumbling.

Gunter: If he invites us over again, I'm going to refuse.

Rolf: Well... its just Hitler being Hitler.

Gunter: Kinda hard to say no to Hitler, isn't it?

Rolf: Don't worry, we'll figure out a final solution.

Gunter: Want to get a Lowenbrau?

Rolf: Schnell mein fruend!

Story 2:

There have been "super rock groups" like Velvet Revolver, Temple of the Dog and AudioSlave. Now in that same token (kind of) I give you - Tinted Windows.

What is Tinted Windows you may ask... I submit that it may be the most bizarre collection of musicians forming a band ever. It includes:

Guitarist from Smashing Pumpkins

Bassist from Fountains of Wayne

Drummer from Cheap Trick 

and...

Taylor Hanson (yes, umm bob Hanson)

Even more shocking is that they already have an album in the can and slated for a spring release. 

I literally have no idea what to expect from them. I do know, however, I can't wait for their rival group "Drawn Curtains" featuring guitarist from Toad the Wet Sprocket, bassist from Archers of Loaf, drummer from REO Speedwagon and one of the Nelsons.

Location Crisis

One of my major pet peeves is people who say they're from someplace, but clearly are not. I found the biggest example of this when I was in college. Here is a typical exchange:

"Where are you from?"

"Philadelphia."

"Oh... What part?"

"Cherry Hill"

"Wait... isn't that in New Jersey?"

"Yeah, but I associate myself with Philly."

Guess what? You're not from Philly. You're from Jersey and just have to accept the fact that you live in a state that's shaped and smells like an armpit. DC faces a lot of this as well. Many NoVa or Marylanders like to say their from DC because it sounds a lot cooler than being from Virginia or Maryland... and it is, what sounds better - I grew up on the mean streets of DC or I grew up on the mean streets of McLean, Virginia or Gaithersburg?

So here is my dilemma - When I grew up, I lived in Queens. We were residents of NYC... City Folk... Later, we moved to Nassau County on Long Island. I started saying I was from Long Island because I didn't want to seem all high and mighty trying to pretend I was from the city. I moved to DC from Long Island in 1995 and since then have been a resident of the District of Columbia. I have had various addresses (some good, some bad) but ALWAYS in the city.

Sophia, the wife and I have uprooted from DC and moved (albeit a scan 5 miles from our previous location) to Maryland. We are now residents of Takoma Park, MD... and its driving me nuts. I love our new house, I love the location, I love everything about our home... Except for the fact that its in Maryland. I wore DC like a badge of honor. Now I feel a little empty. I feel like I lost some street cred because we've moved to the 'burbs.

My friend Skippy informed me there is going to be a bill in the house concerning DC voting rights and he was going to try and get gallery seats. I felt bad all of a sudden because I didn't have the right to care anymore. I was no longer a district resident.

I now have to catch myself whenever anyone asks where I am from. I said DC once and immediately took it back because I didn't want to be a douche bag from Cherry Hill.

A Big VD

Saturdays are the worst days for my wife and I. She works during the day (9-5:30) and I work at nights (6-1ish). Whenever we see an event on the calendar that's a Saturday (Valentine's, anniversary, birthday) we smile at each other, nod, and realize we won't be spending it together.

Today was no exception as we arose at 7:30 so I could get her to work by 9 and then start Daddy-Daughter Day (hey it brought Homer and Lisa together, don't judge). As my wife worked her fingers to the bone, I was at home watching DragonTales and playing with blocks.

Time rolled around for the exchange and my wife made the offer for me to keep the car to get home quicker at 1:30 and she'd take the bus home. There's only one problem with that - I wouldn't get to see her.

After dropping Sophia at her grandparents, and in keeping in touch with her over text, I met her bus somewhere on Columbia Road. I ran on the bus, gave her some flowers, a kiss, told her I loved her and ran off the bus.

So there the Valentine's day I spent with my wife... 30 seconds on the bus... You know what... I wouldn't give that 30 seconds up for anything...

What Happend to the Day Dream?

Is it wrong that I want my daughter to be a day dreamer?

I was listening to the radio and heard an ad for an electronics liquidation sale this weekend. One of the items that caught my ear was personal DVD players - $49. I feel like these are marketed to parents to distract their kids... Especially in cars.

I used to sell cars. We'll say this car company rhymes with Shmonda. One of the selling points we would hammer home (for just 2 grand more) was the DVD players in mini-vans and SUVs "to keep those little whipper snappers in line and distracted."

I'll admit one of the worst things on the world is sitting in traffic with an unhappy baby... But there's a flip side to that coin... I love peaking in my rear view mirror watching Sophia watching the world go by when we're moving. Sure, the wiggles are playing on radio but you make sacrifices for you kids.

The point is that I want Sophia to see the world go by, question what it is, and be interested and dream about being out there.... Besides... There's plenty of time for Bob the Builder at home...

John & Kate plus 8 minus John plus 6

I've been following this woman with 8 babies thing on an outside level. But the more and more I hear the more and more ridiculous it gets.

Ok here's the timeline for details for me:

A woman gives birth to 8 kids - wow medical miracle. Hope that dad knows what he's in for. Wakka wakka.

She's not married - well... That'll be a hardship, but with right support, she can do it.

She lives with her mother and father who works (right now) in Iraq - Hope the have a big house. Wakka.

She has 6 other kids aged 2 - 8 - Wakka whaaaa? Wait a sec... 14 kids?

She's unemployed, on disability and did this through Invetro fertilization - What doctor on earth would do this? How can you honestly go into a fertility doctor and say I have 6 kids, but its not enough, let's go for another, and while your there put the rest of the eggs in to make sure at least one sticks and I get ANOTHER kid. By the way... Where did you get the cash?

She decided to have all 7 (they didn't know it would be 8 until delivery) because she though she would get free stuff from companies, Oprah, and a show from TLC - I hope you get nothing. This is not a blessing anymore, this is a monstrosity. This is one greedy bitch making it all about herself and hoping to get someone else to pay for it.

She is obsessed with Angelina Jolie, got plastic surgery to look like her and rather than adopt kids, she's going to have them - Andy Worhol needs to be shot. People have begun to assume that their 15 minutes of fame is a right. This is getting weird. Side note: she looks like Angelina Jolie if Jolie was beaten with a rubber hose. Brad Pitt isn't breaking down that door... Brad Garrett maybe... Or big brain Brad from Pulp Fiction... after Julius shot him.

3 of those 6 previous kids she had are LEGALLY disabled - no! No! NO!

Ann Curry is interviewing her on Dateline. Revelations include that her 'grand plan' is to live off the rest of her disability, get student loans, and GO BACK TO SCHOOL - ok, so if you go back to school, who's watching the kids? While you're being interviewed, who's watching the kids? Where are you getting money? Oh that's right... The government.

I guess Hillary Clinton was right... It does take a village to raise a child.

My Blog, My Dumb Opinion:

Give them to gay couples. I could probably throw a rock and find 14 gay couples that a) want kids b) aren't broke c) love each other d) would give them better life opportunities e) wouldn't make it about them-self and their need for attention.

The horse-shitty thing about this is that there is no legal recourse against this woman. Let's say the state tries to take them away... Have fun in that legal battle. You though it was a circus now... Get yo popcorn ready...

Latest development I heard (and not confirmed, that would be reasonable and proper) is that she's filing a lawsuit against big companies like Johnson and Johnson because they DIDN'T give her all the free stuff they gave all the other 6+ moms. If its true or not, its just an example of people trying to get paid through their kids.

And the thing is... I feel bad for these kids... All 14 of them... And I don't know how to make it better for them.

Some Discoveries Can Wait

Well she's not Christopher Columbus, but the age of exploration is upon us...

Some can wait I think... but we'll take what we can get...

Simple Pleasures of a Thirty-Nothing Daddy

Being a father is one of the most nerve racking, but wonderful experiences. Much like the rest of my life, 9 times out of 10, I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be doing and I'm making it up as I go along.

But for 18 months, my daughter Sophia has grown unto a little person. While preparing dinner, I let Sophia run around the kitchen. It was rewarding to know that she is at the age when I can trust her to explore, but at the same time keep my eyes on her. Maybe its the fact that I've had thirty-something years to take this life for granted that I get sheer joy watching her discover the world for the first time.

To be honest, I envy her at times... How cool would it be to not know and discover a fire truck for the first time or to have that wonderment of seeing and feeling snow for the first time? Its the moments of our children that bring us back to our own past and make us appreciate the lives we have and hope they are not doomed to make the same mistakes we made.

Michael Phelps LOVES A-Rod

The big topic over the week was Michael Phelps' picture of him taking a bong hit at a party in South Carolina. As a result, he had to apologize, act the fool, received a 3 month suspension from US Swimming and was dropped from his Kellogg's endorsement. I've heard talking heads say apologize, let it go, and get back in the pool. In this media cycle (as the Playful Librarian might tell you) he WAS the hot topic of now.

Michael Phelps is about to be blown off the pages of everything by the (alleged) revelation that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003. Phelps should send A-Rod a gift basket.

Here's the deal. Steroids in baseball will trump everything else sports related... And I think its unfortunate.

Phelps' misfortune can (by some) be attributed to his youthful hubris. Keep in mind he's 23. But the fact remains this "kid" has been in the national spotlight for over almost 6 years. The 8 golds just propelled him into the mythical status. Let us not forget that he got arrested and pled no contest to a DWI at age 19 in Maryland... Gee last time I checked, you weren't supposed to drink before 21, let alone get a DWI. He already had a indiscretion, apologized for it and promised it wouldn't happen again... Whoops...

But Phelps' last dance with Mary Jane (thanks Tom Petty) pales in comparison to the shit storm that will ensue in the coming days for A-Rod.

A-Rod is the best player in baseball. Period. End of story. He has been vilified because of his massive contracts, living in Derek Jeter's shadow and he hasn't brought a ring to the Yankees. This will be like pouring gasoline on a grease fire.

While most of the roid rage has been directed at Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, we can now add A-Rod to that category and I think its bullshit.

These people are entertainers. I want to see 600' home runs. If these athletes want to take the chance that their balls will shrivel to the size of snow peas... Knock yourself out. But don't come crying to me when you die at age 52 because your heart exploded (cough, cough Reggie White)

I harken back to the classic Saturday Night Live sketch for the All Drug Olympics where Phil Hartman (R.I.P) pulls his arms off trying to triple the world record in weightlifting. Let them take their steroids, it doesn't affect me and let's me enjoy the distraction that sports is in our everyday life.

So enjoy the break Mikey Phelps, A-Roid just did you a favor.

Obama/Lauer Super Bowl Interview (Finally)

So, as promised, I just went back my DVR and re-watched the Matt Lauer/Barack Obama interview... I have to say that I think Frost and Nixon both rolled over in their graves... But holy crap was it entertaining. I know this will be a long post, but bear with me please.

First of all, am I the only one who noticed the chompers on Obama? We haven't had pearly whites like that in the White House since the Carter administration. Up until this point I had only had noticed his Wil Smith-esque ears.

The interview starts with Matt Lauer asking about living with his mother-in-law. All I can picture, for some ungodly reason, is Martin Lawrence in Big Momma's White House. I can only hope that Michelle's mom is running around the White House in a house coat putting plastic covers on the furniture.

Obama does a nice job of convincing us he's a regular guy with an extraordinary job. In describing adjusting to living in the White House, he comments that he, "has a great home office." If you or I had a home office, we'd have a computer, a desk, maybe a filing cabinet... He's got the Oval Office... That's a pretty freaking cool home office.

Matt Lauer decides to turn the table and start getting serious. They talk about the sobering war in Iraq. But here is where Lauer does something I hate. Here is the direct quote:

"10s of millions of people watching you right now, if they were to have access to the same information you have on a daily basis... How much less sleep would we all be getting?"

Go back and read it again... I'll wait...

Under the Bush administration, the American people were spoon fed that we were constantly to live in fear from terrorists and the boogeyman. The media propagated this constantly - foiled terror plots, anthrax, how vulnerable are we, 9/11, 9/11, 9/11... And here's Matt Lauer... RIGHT BEFORE THE MOST WATCHED EVENT YEARLY, DOING THE SAME THING... Hey America, don't forget, you should be scared shitless at what the President knows, but you don't.

While answering the question and rightfully praising out troops, they flash to a group of soldiers watching in a war zone. (God Bless 'em, they're doing something I never could) I hate this because its so blatantly staged. They show 13 soldiers (5 sitting, 8 standing) in a room just chillin in front of a 27" bubble TV. It honestly looks like the worst way possible to watch the Super Bowl... Gee sarge can I stand here for 4 hours watching the game? Show me a mess hall full of drunk marines watching a 78" HDTV and playing with knives. Those are the guys and gals I want protecting my freedoms.

They then shifted to the economy. I like the fact that Obama at least tries to be a straight shooter. He said we're going to be in for a tough couple months before it starts to get better. W's administration always tried to put off what we all knew was going on. The war - making progress, the economy - not to bad, wire tapping - not that expansive. Obama at least tries to let us know stuff is going to suck for a while.

While during economy talk, NBC lost audio for about 15 seconds. My favorite part was hearing all 4'2" of Bob Costas panicly saying, "Did we lose it? Did we lost it?" I could hear the NBC tech staff collectively pooping their pants. Nothing makes me happier than impromptu pandemonium. God I miss George Carlin.

After asking the "tough" questions, Lauer switches back to a fluff piece.
I won't bore you with the BCS College Football Champion talk or the fact the Barack got a sweet dig on Kurt Warner saying they were about the same age. The Prez did make the wise and accurate prediction that it'll be a close one that the Steelers will "eek out it the end."

Here's where Matt Lauer loses all credibility with me because he turns into a 15 year old girl.

First thing: Lauer has the balls to "rub it in" that Barack picked the New England Patriots last year over HIS New York Giants... Gee Matt, what jersey number were you wearing? I think someone running for leader of the free world gets a pass on picking an 18-0 team (like the rest of America did)...

Numero dòs: They talk about the Barack-berry. Aside from making lame-ass James Bond jokes about security associated with it, Lauer asks who's in his phone and if he can have the number. It was like watching a high school nerd asking the football star if he wants help with his biology homework to get in with the cool kids.

Third: Matt Lauer says stupid things... Again, a direct quote:
"So, you've been elected President, and there is a certain amount of fame that comes along with that."
Ugh... In other breaking news Mr. Lauer, water is wet, China is in Asia and my brain hurts.

Last but not least... The coup de gracé... Matt Lauer pulls out an US weekly and shows Obama the lovely family photo inside with Barack, Michelle and the kids all smiling. He praises the photo but then shows the cover where the photo of him has been removed leaving Michelle and the girls and the following ensues:

ML: They took you off the cover.
BO: Yeah... It's a little hurtful.
ML: You got replaced by Jessica Simpson.
BO: Yeah, who's in a weight battle apparently... Yeah... Oh well...

I lost my shit. I laughed and laughed and laughed. The President just called Jessica Simpson fat. You know who I feel bad for - Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboy's quarterback. Every football fan in America just saw the President of the United States say your girlfriend is apparently in a weight battle.

The interview then wraps up with Obama giving a "special shout out" to our armed forces. Well at least Obama didn't raise the roof... They then go back to the shot of army guys in a room and since its on a minute satellite delay, THEY'RE STILL LAUGHING AT OBAMA'S JESSICA SIMPSON COMMENT. I think we can all agree they need a good laugh every once in a while.

So in a year where the movie Frost/Nixon is nominated for numerous oscars, I think we'll all look back at Lauer/Obama and nominate it for several Razzies...

Super Blah XLIII

Like every other red blooded American male in their 30s, I love football. And every (now) 1st weekend in February I bow down to my corporate master, consume my share of the 49.5 million pounds of guacamole and watch the final game in an NFL season that began 9 months ago with the draft - The Super Bowl.

One of the conundrums I face is that while I love football and would watch a Sunday afternoon game between Random Team A and Random Team B, my lovely bride does not share the same enthusiasm as I do for the NFL. She tolerates me watching the Redskins (sometimes), but can't understand why I enjoy watching random games. On top of that, Sunday is the one day a week that neither of us work, so we have to get things done and watching 12 hours of football (pre-game shows, 1 PM game, 4 PM game, highlights and the 8 PM game) for 18 weeks in the fall isn't condusive to that environment... Unless I want to sleep on the futon and start seaching for divorce lawyers.

The Super Bowl is a different animal though. Its not a game, its an event and even my beautiful bride knows that.

This, however, is the first time I didn't follow the hype leading up to the game. I knew who was playing but a) I didn't have a dog in the fight, b) I didn't have time to follow slightest detail as I have in years past and c) the Redskins sucked 90% of my joy of football this season.

Before I get to the game itself... Here are a few random thoughts:

Matt Lauer's interview with President Obama: I'm letting you know this will be a post in and of itself because I was so flabbergasted by it. I immediatly hit the record button on my DVR and will need to go back and watch it again. Two things that stick out in my mind though - Matt Lauer tried to put the fear of God in the American People and President Obama called Jessica Simpson fat... Both instances made my jaw drop and laugh uncontrolably.

Best Marketing Placement: Jennifer Hudson sang (very well by the way) the National Anthem. I am still one of those corny Americans who still feel a swell of pride and fight back the tears when I hear a GREAT version of the National Anthem (even if it was prerecorded). After she finishes and they go to commercial, what is the 1st commercial? Its a movie trailer the opens with the Eiffel Tower melting (sweet), explosions (awesome), hand to hand combat (getting awesomer) and end with Dennis Quaid... The G.I. Joe (A Real American Hero) movie trailer following the National Anthem... BRILLIANT!

HalfTime show:
After Janet's boob ruined MTV's stake in the halftime, we've had a retread of old time rockers including U2, Rolling Stones and Tom Petty. This year we got Bruce Springstien, who did an admirable job until the end... Am I the only one that CRINGED when the "ref" came out and threw the flag, but they didn't care they were going to ROCK OUT... Ugh... Secondary boo to his slide crotch first into the camera.

Best Commercial: Bridgestone Tire with Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head... There is no man in America that hasn't wished his wife's lips would fall off... Sorry honey, I love you, but commercial was best of a weak set this year.

Worst Commercial:
I love Bob Dylan. He was the voice of a generation in change. But apparently if you throw enough money at a generation they'll sell out. The thing that I hated most about this... Am I supposed to believe that Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas is going to be the voice of the next generation?

Secondary Commercial boos to crotch shots, budweiser horses and GoDaddy.com.

As for the game... I was entertained. The game had a great back and forth, some surprises along the way and one of the most amazing 4th quarters I've ever seen.

Kudos to the Steelers, heartbreak for the Cards. I'm still confused why they didn't review the last play of the game.

But here's the greatest play of the game... After the game, my wife turned to me and said, "Well, I enjoyed that very much." I almost dropped the remote and said explain.

"Well there was that guy who caught the ball and ran it the whole field at the end of the 1st half. Those guys with the pretty uniforms came back on that pass to the femenine looking guy with the dreadlocks and the last catch to the black and gold guy was on his tippy-toes."

Well... It's a start... My wife enjoyed the game, not the Super Bowl, the game itself... The draft is in 3 months... I'll keep you posted.

Clearing up some Misconceptions

Hello... My name is Stephen and I'm a Thirty-Nothing... and that's not a bad thing...

After sharing the fact that I now have a blog and reading my posts, friends and family have contacted me a let me know that they don't enjoy the fact that it seems I hate myself. Let me assure you, this is not the case.

I have two great jobs that I enjoy and do very well. These jobs allow me to provide for a family that loves me. My friends are supportive, entertaining and great people to be around. I have a great home, a car and an HD TV... I love my life and wouldn't trade it for anything.

My friend Jake, who I've known almost 10 years (can you believe that, man) very poignantly said to me, "There are probably a lot of "successful" lawyers in this town who wish they had a loving wife and beautiful daughter."

With that being said, in my own little world, things are great... In the grand scheme of things I want more.

One of my two jobs is being a courier, which basically means I'm a thirtysomething delivery boy. So aside from waking up some mornings and feeling life Fry from Futurama, I don't get the cool bonus of having a robot best friend or flying to other planets... And I have a nasty case of boneitis. (probably three people in the world got that refrence)

The point is that there are some things I want to change in my life... I want a better job, I want more time with my family, I want to lose 20-40 lbs, I want my life to be better... But I feel like this is the first time I'm saying it out loud, holding myslef accountable, and (in a public forum) allowing others to hold me accountable.

It is fitting that Obama just took office. His election and inaguration's theme was simply change. There are going to be tough times ahead but, but we were mired down in 8 years of mediocrity, irresponsiblity, and complacency (i can't spell worth a damn). Now its a new beginning.

Are we going to fix things overnight? No.

In the long run will we make things better?

Yes. We. Can.

The Universe rights itself

As I said, I'm a courier who works 2 nights a week.

I just got pulled over by Montgomery County Po-po but was let off with a verbal warning when I explained to the officer I was on my way to Baltimore to pick up blood from the Red Cross to bring back to local hospital.

We're even for the flat tire.

Karma is a bitch

So... After my tirade on driving in the snow, the universe came back and bit me in the ass...

I have a flat tire...

Thirty-nothing in effect...

The Great White Hype

I live in Washington DC...The cradle of democracy. We house the most powerful man in world as well as movers and shakers that shape the world we live in.

With that being said, we also house some of the WORST drivers in the world.

I grew up in New York and learned to drive on the mean streets of Queens, Manhatten and Long Island. Presently I drive for a living. I once made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs. I've outrun Imperial starships. Not the local bulk cruisers mind you, I'm talking about the big Corellian ships... Sorry... Got lost there for a second...

Here's the kicker... Its was snowing yesterday and icey-raining today... Snow in DC exponentially makes things worse.

Granted, we live below the mason-dixon line, but for crying out loud this isn't Mississippi where we get snow once a decade... We get snow every year and as soon as one flake falls EVERYTHING shuts down.

God forbid we ever get more than 2 inches of snow, every kid in the region would have to be left back because they'd miss a month of school.

It's SNOW. It's not frogs, locusts or brimstone. We don't need to put blood over out doorways in the hope the 10th plague passes over us.

All I'm saying is man up DC. Yes, women too. Grab your coats and mittens, take a deep breath, and stop driving like you're the only one on the road.

Change of Perspective

As I posted earlier, I have a few jobs; one of which is being a courier. The usual follow up to that statement is, "Oh, like a bike messenger?" Anybody that knows me will giggle because there is no way I spend 8 hours a day on a bike... We'll tackle weight issues at some point in this blog's run...

Anyhoo... I do night work for courier company 2 nights a week. While walking to my destination, I noticed a man helping a woman into a car. She was draped all over him and it was about midnight.

My natural instinct and 1st thought - Whoa! She's wasted.

Then I got past the car and noticed he was helping her out of a wheelchair and into the car...

Wow... Kinda misjudged that one, huh?

Aside from feeling like a complete ass, I came to realize that I need to change my perspective on some stuff.

Something in a Thirty-Nothing world

It was brought to my attention that I painted myself in a bleek light. But not to dispair, this thirty-nothing has at least two great somethings in his life.

The first is my wife. After reading my post, she told me that the description I gave in the previous post wasn't the man she married and frankly "wasn't someone she would want to be around." I don't blame her. God bless her, she's never given up on me. Nobody in my family has.

The second is my daughter. Almost 18 months ago my life change and I did become the most important thirtysomething I could - a daddy. I'm not being bias, but she honestly is the most beautiful thing in the world. 

  My family are the ones who believe nothing can be turned into something, and they always have. I guess that's the point of this blog... Let's have some laughs, but also, let's watch and see if a thirtynothing can turn into a thirtysomething.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent. - Lorenzo, A Bronx Tale

What is a Thirty-Nothing?!?!?

Hello.

I'm Stephen and a Thirty-nothing.

I can remember growing up and there was a show on ABC called 'thirtysomething.' I never watched an episode of it because I was probably about 9 when it was on. I do remember that it was relativly popular bucause it was about suburban upper middle class white people living their yuppie lives. They had good careers, a couple kids and the guy from Revenge of the Nerds who played Poindexter. There was melodrama, but it that was the point of the show - people in their 30s having real problems.

I remember thinking 30 was so old, until I got there... Good god, I'm a thirtysomething.

But then I though about it for a while... I'm actually a thirty nothing. I have a job, but not a career. I have a college degree, but am not smart. I have intrests, but no hobbies. I do things well, but I'm not great at anything.

Right now there are thirtysomethings that are curing cancer, being business mogules, defending our freedoms and making a difference in our world today... Right now I'm sitting in a hospital waiting room waiting for blood to be radiated so I can drive it back to another hospital. Long story, you'll learn more about me.

Slacker? Probably.
Underacheiver? Probably.
Happy? Most of the time.
Skewed sense of reality? Yeppers.
Ready with a sarcastic zing? You betcha.
Cynical? Ten-4.

Thirty-nothing? Most definitely...

Here's an experiment

Post #2 will be an experiment. I am currently in my car driving to annapolis and E-MAILING my post from my phone. As you will find out, I don't have regular access to a computer to make posts and rando stuff happens on the road...

No Whammies... No Whammies... No Whammies!

The time is 9:34... Let's see how long this takes...

And we're off...

So... this is blogging... thought it would be more interesting...

On the advice and urging of my sister, I have decided to start this blog. What should you expect? I have no idea... but we'll have fun together figuring it out.