The Scruffy Looking Nerfherder

What is Her Idea of a Decoration?

2008-01-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

My wife claimed that I sometimes get toys mixed up with decoration. This is common problem among men. Kris really likes gadgets and I think the sometimes gets them mixed up with decoration. Case in point...

Water bottle placed on doiley. It's a cool water bottle. Oh well, we're engineers. I like it.

Also, the Honda runs. more to come

You might call me crazy

2007-10-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I have found a project. I have a small garage so I needed a small project. I wanted something with wheels and an engine but obviously I don't want a lawn mower. I'd rather have an antique pickup but I found something that will do for now. Feast your eyes on this.

I know what you are thinking. "Dwight, where did you pick up such a prize?"

Two Words - Ebay and Kankakee, IL

Somebody had it in a barn for 20 years.

It's a 1968 Honda Super 90 - Sport 90 - S90 - Honda marketing was apparently unorganized in the 60's.

About 6000 miles on the speedometer and a potential whopping 8 hp @ 9500 RPM (4.7 ft-lbs of torque @ 8000 RPM for those engine nerds) out of the single cylinder engine.

I say potential because it doesn't run right now. Apparently, some mice found refuge in the frame of this bike and used the wiring harness to build their nest. So the best I can do is make the motorcycle noise with my mouth like that mouse in that book with the motorcycle.

First step is to remove the engine and rewire the bike. I'll keep you posted and I'm sure I'm going to hear more about this from your comments.

Kris, being the extremely tolerant and understanding wife that she is, agreed to this project as way to restore and preserve something of the past. :)

Katie, Kris's sister has expressed her disappointment. We shall talk later. :(

Onto the important stuff....

As for being a Dad, it is great. Way better than any bike.

I would like to take this moment to give a public service reminder to all men - future fathers and current. Diaper changes, late night feeding, late night diapers, laundry, watching the baby for momma sanity breaks -- THESE ARE NECESSARY FOR MAINTAINING A POSITIVE BALANCE IN THE LOVE BANK. I have heard reports of men running their balance extremely low during the early months of fatherhood. THIS IS A BAD IDEA. Get in the trenches and suck it up. It is so rewarding and worth it. I appreciate my mom more now than I ever did. She had twin baby boys with 2 year old back when my dad traveled during the week.

Leah is a beautiful girl and my wife is a beautiful mom. We are having a good time learning to be a family.

Here's my chance to experience pregnancy...Thanks to the baby carrier from Grandma D :)

Leah Ellen Photos

2007-09-23T07:46:00.001-07:00

The two beautiful women in my life

Obi has arrived

2007-09-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

Leah Ellen was born September 21st at 10:04 PM. She is doing well but worried about all the pink stuff that could be coming her way. Pictures to follow.

Fatherhood

2007-09-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

I consider myself a pretty level headed guy. Some would say I am a little high strung and excitable. They are probably right.

However, I think preparing for fatherhood is one of the easiest things I have ever had to do. No tests, no exams, no papers to write, a few key decisions about names. Nope high school, getting married, getting a degree, applying for graduate school -- all require more preparation and effort then becoming a father. Maybe it's my "learn it as I go" attitude for learning. I don't want you to think I have been eating bonbons all the time while Kristen prepares to pop the baby out. I've painted, remodeled and really enjoyed working on the house for preparation but no one is coming by to see if I have painted the bedroom equivalent to a C average.

The worse thing about preparing for fatherhood is having to see my wife experience back pain, leg cramps, swollen limbs, contractions, labor, etc. Watching the labor videos for the parenting class only made me think about what I have done to the woman I promised love and cherish. In times like these I do what I do best - make her laugh.

Case in point

Lactation(Breastfeeding) Class was last night. I said I would go and I meant it. Kris has already clearly stated to me that she was uncomfortable about going to this class. I being the learn while doing type of person would perhaps take the same opinion but since I am unable to be milked. Kris agreed to going. Now, 5 women 3 guys - a lactation nurse who has no issues talking about babies and well... you know. She has a video that she is going to show. I don't know what I was expecting but a silent movie of babies getting jammed on their mother's hoohoo was just too much for me. I LAUGHED...snorted...tried to cover it up with a cough....laughed again. I was hoping Kris would laugh with me. Nope. Just the face "I can't believe you just did that"

Well, maybe I just haven't matured enough to be a father but like I said. I learn while doing. I hope to learn from Evan how to get my kids to "Toe the Line" and I've already told Kris that it doesn't matter if it's a girl. She will learn how to change the oil in Dad's pickup. The rest of it I'll make up as I go.

Peace out, Yo

So there is a head as well

2007-05-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

We have reached the point in the pregnancy where I think I begin to count.

Getting the baby's room planned

Planning for what stuff goes into the baby's room

Planning whether the baby rides on a green tractor or a red tractor (it will be red)

I would like to let everyone know that I am a horrible planner. I like to wing it mostly. Walk into a store and buy what I need the day I thought about it. That's the way to do it.

It's a character flaw I know.

Another random thought....

I have been reading a book called "Velvet Elvis" It talks about how a rabbi's followers and the rabbi would have discussions about scripture. And like Jesus, they answered questions with questions because the rabbi wanted to know that they had thought about something long enough to develop their own questions about the scripture. Now, I have tried this game with my wife and I lose. I can't think of questions quick enough. I don't think I would make a very good rabbi.

Here is the other ultrasound picture for your viewing enjoyment.

We are having a foot

2007-05-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Ultrasound went really well. Obi looks to be exercising alot. 12 ounces and 20 weeks to go.

Ultrasound....Delayed

2007-05-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone looking for update on the ultrasound. It was delayed due to mechanical issues and a sick nurse. Next up on Thursday.

My Wife

2007-05-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

I have spent the past 3 years married to my best friend. Since I don't brag about my wife. I feel like doing it today. Kris and I have known each other in some form for the past 9 years. About a third of my life. She has heard every story I tell a couple dozen times. She had heard various inside jokes with my friends more times than she can count and has probably seen enough credit card swipes to understand the technique and timing of a proper swipe. She has stayed up late watching movies with me, studying for history exams and laughing at me when her homework was graded better than mine for the sheer fact of neatness. I have seen her work on roofs, bathroom floors, helping children and working behind the scenes of many things. She knows when I'm up and when I'm down. She prefers to be out of the spotlight, which works for her overly extroverted husband, and this is probably why she hasn't told everyone she got her first mother's day gift. Now, she isn't a mother yet but if carrying around a little doig in you belly doesn't entitle you to some perks I don't know what will. As it stands, the little doiggy, (lovingly referred to as Obi - gender not implied) will be born very near my birthday(Oct 7th) on Oct 9th.

As I often hear when I tell people I have a twin, "There is another one of you?"

I usually respond, "No, we're fraternal twins"

I can now tell them "The other one of me is growing inside my wife's belly"

So, Kris is finally feeling much better and is dealing with the appetite. We have an ultrasound this Tuesday and will not be finding out the gender of the baby. So, no pink please. She's pretty cute and is going to be a great mom.

Surprise

2006-10-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

They say what goes around, comes around. Well, today I decided to clean up the garage. You'll never guess what I found. We have an old garage. It has a few holes in the back. Well, I was moving some boards back from behind the work bench. I set them on top and stepped back..AH!...There was a possum all snug as a bug in between the studs. That thing wouldn't move. I even hit the other side of the wall with shovel. Finally, I had to poke it with a stick. Well, we'll see if she comes back tomorrow morning.

I've got a new little brother

2006-09-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, early spring my little brother moved mid year to a new school district were I couldn't meet with him any more. With three weeks to go in the school, I was introduced to my new little brother. He is a riot and only 8. The case worker was really excited to pair us together and I agree. He loves to talk, he loves vegetables and fruit and not too much chocolate, and he loves to tell stories.

I was trying to ask him some questions about this that and the other and he stopped me and in a voice shockingly like my own he said, "let me tell you something.." I knew this was a good match. He told me about his dream one night. It was amazing how it kept getting larger and more incredible as he told the dream. Kind of like a refrigerator full of dough.

Our first meeting this year was a good start, we sat on the swings during recess and he told me how he saved some kittens from death by spiders. We are going to have a great year.

Sorry

2006-08-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I haven't blogged in a while. I'm waiting for that next great blog moment.

Across the Pond

2006-04-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've spent the past four days across the pond in Jolly ol' England. It has been really cool I must say. I hope you can tell I'm typing in a British Accent. My trip started off on Saturday afternoon and as of now I am sitting in the Minneapolis Airport waiting for the plane to take off in Cincinnati.

My Thoughts about the UK.

Driving - It's all backwards. People in the england even agree they should change. Enough ranting. I felt like I was learning to drive all over again. 90 % of the cars there are manual transmissions. 99.9% of the cars have steering wheels on the right side. I felt like I was driving with my mom right after getting my temps. It was clumsy and I took turns to fast. Man it was fun. America...Lets get the round-a-bout. I realize that it would require that we learn how to merge and pay attention while driving but man is it cool. No Stop lights to stop you when no one is there. By the way, 50% of the cars sold in the UK are diesel. I want a diesel.

PS if you are bigger than me. Then you will should not drive in the UK because the cars are small.

Eating - The quintessential British food is fish and chips. I can get fish and fries in the US. Eat at the restaurants run by real Italians and Asians and Indians. I had the best Italian food I have ever had in Darlington. The have these little pubs all over that are really cool to eat and drink at because they watch football(soccer) like their actually on the field. Good feeling. I had chicken vindaloo which I hear is hot at the Indian restaurant and it was excellent. I've gotten a lot of mileage out of the hot sauce eating contest story. Down with big chain restaurants.

Living - Everything seems smaller in the UK. The apartments and houses are smaller, the cars are smaller, the roads are smaller, even the toilet seems smaller but I don't think it is. Why? Because America is obsessed with size. Man, we build houses that are too big, we buy cars that weigh a couple tons. It was refreshing to see businesses and neighborhoods that looked like communities rather than suburbs with stop signs. So many things seem to be driven by energy costs or safety. I had to stick my door key in a slot in the room so the lights would turn on. When gasoline costs ~$6.00/gal I think we will get the idea.

This was my first trip to Europe and I think that it real obvious that I struggle with different cultures. I like the Midwest and the culture there. Living in Europe you are exposed to different cultures constantly. It's amazing.

Well more to post later.

2006-03-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

My Muppet Test

2006-03-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

You Are Animal

A complete lunatic, you're operating on 100% animal instincts.You thrive on uncontrolled energy, and you're downright scary.But you sure can beat a good drum."Kill! Kill!"

The Muppet Personality Test

Another Toyota Milestone

2006-02-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Our 1994 Carolla has just hit a major milestone. 200000 miles. Many cars haved tried and not succeeded to survive to such a monumental goal. It is sitting in our drive way with excactly 200,000 miles. I am almost willing to just put it up on blocks so that it will be preserved for all posterity.

I don't think the neighbors would like that.

Please let me know if you would like to come and visit so Kris and I can throw a party in honor of our car.

A Guilty Pleasure?

2006-02-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

I remember some afternoon in college when Camfield, Kris and I were sitting around feeling hungry. Camfield had a great idea and suggested we go to the grand opening of the Sam's Club at Ridge Road in the 'Nati. Now, I had never been and Sunday is free sample day. We ate like champs. I felt pretty good about our free lunch even though we didn't buy anything. At that time, I think one of our freezers was recovering from the Pizza Dough incident.

Flash forward 3 or 4 years. Jake, Kris and I are sitting around the house reading. It's freezing outside. Jake suggests going to Sam's Club here in Columbus and, since it just opened, I was curious. Also, it was Sunday and I was hungry.

Here is where I start to feel guilty. I wandered around the monstrosity of a building that has everything that the average human does not need. It also had samples of seafood dip, shrimp with spicy cocktail sauce, flavored water with 0 calories and salad with blue cheese dressing. A full meal in my opinion. Except I always feel like I should feign interest in whatever I'm sampling by asking were I can pick up this wonderful thing I am eating. Don't get me wrong, everything I tasted was excellent and if I had 2 refrigerators and a deep freeze then I will fill up the back of my pickup and drive home. I really don't have a need for a 20 pound bag of shrimp.

I do not have a membership to Sam's and I think with my past history they will most likely deny me membership because I have twice sampled their goods and faked interest in them. Next time I walk in, they will politely ask me to leave with out going through the grocery aisle.

My New Little Brother

2006-02-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

So I recently joined the BigBrothers/BigSisters program here in Columbus. I have a new little brother named "Frank" (his name is changed because, well, I always like to protect the innocent.) Now Frank is 8. He is in third grade. He is a skinny kid with brown hair and penchant for brownies. Every week I drive over to his school to have lunch with him and then we play a game and talk. He is raised by his mom and we talk about things that bother him. It's cool to just be a consistent person in his life. He seems to need people to just believe in him.

He doesn't seem to eat much. He usually gets a sandwich, fries and chocolate milk. Sounds like my wife. Today was unique because he got a brownie. He drank his milk and went straight for the brownie. I asked, because he had a perfectly good chicken sandwich that wanted to be eaten,
"Why do you eat the brownie first"

NOw Frank, is very polite and doesn't like to talk with his mouth full which is ironic because he got in trouble for throwing pencils instead of writing. Anyway, after frank was done choking done his brownie he said,

"Because I really like brownies"

NOw the real story I want to tell you is when frank and myself were in line we were chatting with the line leader. I don't know his name but he said to Frank,

"He looks like he could be your dad"

"I said no I don't think so, I'm only 26"

To which the line leader replied "My mom's only 25"

I contemplated what do say about that. All I could think about was knowing that I "could" have a kid in school who threw pencils at people, liked brownies (which he would have gotten from his mother) and have irresistable charm (which he would have gotten from me). So, instead I just stared at the kid with a dumb look on my face.

Frank and I had a great lunchtime.

2006-02-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

My wife, Kris, really seems to like blogger much than myspace so I thought I would try it out. Blogger also seems to be much more family friendly.