2012 is finally over...it has been a long and difficult year for me. Generally and in all of the big ways, it has been great. The kids are good, the wife is good, and we are all healthy. On a more personal level, that is when its all about me, its been fucking brutal.
The early part of the year were fine. I trained for, and completed, my first 1/2 marathon. Never thought I'd be able to do that (hell, 18 months ago I couldn't run 1 mile, let alone 13). I lost almost 50 pounds over the course of the year. I'm working on the next 30 in 2013. More fucking exercise, I suppose. I hate that shit, but you do what you have do, right?
In April, shit began falling apart. To put it blandly, I had some work issues, that were not my fault (aren't those the worst kind?). At the end of May, I received bad news regarding work. In July, I left my old firm and joined a new firm (a big law firm downtown). I find this very ironic for a few reasons:
1. This firm never would have hired me before they did...I am not their normal "profile" for new attorneys.
2. I did not finish in the top ten of my class; i did not work at large law firms during the summers
3. I have an authority problem.
It has worked out though (5 1/2 months in). They have treated me well and I have work to do so, in the end, that is all that matters.
In October, I began the trial of my life. I will provide more details after it is completely finished (sentencing is in March so you know the result). That was very tough and emotional for me. I like the guy and he is reminding me constantly of that fact. Very tough day on the 28th.
Now it's 2013. I kept most of my 2012 resolutions....less soda, work out more, eat better (most of those b/c of my wife). Those will not be my 2013 resolutions b/c they are a life style choice and I've made them. I will still go out to lunch and eat a burger periodically, but I'll continue to do better. I'd like to live a while so I can see my kids as adults and meet their kids (if they have them). My resolutions are more about making me well rounded.
I want to read more non-fiction books. I'm reading a book about Thomas Jefferson now and I am going to continue reading such books. I'll give reports about them as I read them.
I want to write more. I have written 3 books (novellas, really) during NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month). I did not in November this year b/c of the trial, but there is no law that you have to wait until November to write. I am also going to write on this site more often. If nothing else, i like it. Its a good way to pass the time, it gets stuff out that needs to get out, and it will give a history for my children when they are old enough to read some of these posts.
The writing is for me. Its to flesh out my thoughts and opinons and make me think. When I was in school, I did my best studying when I was writing. It makes me think about what I am considering, which often will result in a different view. Not very exciting, but useful (I'd recommend it to others. @JeremyBaldwin is / was prolific writer and I hope he continues writing as he was before (though the kids make it more difficult).
I have no doubt that 2013 will be a good year. All in all, I hope and pray for the same things:
1. The family stays healthy and generally happy.
2. That professionally, I keep advancing, learning more, getting better, and earning enough money to support my family .
3. That I stay healthy and that the wife and I have no major health scares (or minor health scares)
4. That everybody try to remember that most of what we worry about is relatively minor compared to the issues that other people face. Let's keep some perspective on life. Its not the end of the world. If you are healthy, your kids are healthy, you have a roof and some food, it could be a lot worse. Don't get pissy b/c you can't buy the sweater that you wanted...
Enough preaching. Have a great day and a great year. Next time (2013) I'm will be wrirting again, but I am going to change the format some. In 8th, 9th, and 12th grade I had to keep a journal. In that journal, it always worked best if I was writing to somebody, so I wrote to "George". I've decided to bring George out of retirement 20 years now) and begin writing to him. Be easy everybody and talk to you soon.
-cp
It is what the title says, it is simply what I think. nothing more and nothing less.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Triathlons and stuff
So, its Monday, October 1st. A big day for me for a couple of reasons. One (and most importantly) it is my son's second birthday. Lincoln turns 2. Unbelievable, weird, and time really does fly. Lily's birthday is Wednesday (6). I can't believe she is in kindergarten and closer to 10 years old then her birth. Life is funny.
I was talking to a good friend of mine, Bryan Thorson, and we were talking about how you never know where you are going. He was telling me how he had accepted the fact that he may not get married or have children. Now, he is married to a wonderful woman and has two beautiful step children. He, like me, probably would have bet all of the money I had (not much at that time) that I wouldn't be where I am.
I mean professionally (at Greensfelder), married with 3 kids. In 2004, I had just gotten back to St. Louis from Nevada, MO. I was married (not to bec), but it was clearly ending. I was working at Brown and James (until August 2004). I was in such a different place that I would have bet millions of dollars that I would not be married with kids. Life is funny.
That leads to my next point. Last year at this time, I could not have run one mile slowly. I weighed close to 300 pounds (depending on the day). I ate like shit and I wasn't healthy (though I rarely got sick :)
Then, in November, Bec started working out with a friend, Sarah, doing group classes and stuff. She decided in December to run a 1/2 marathon in Champaign, IL. Within a week, I decided to do it too. The hilarity of that strikes me now b/c I had no business committing. I guess, though, I did. As bec says, I am remarkably stubborn (true) and I began training for the 1/2 marathon.
In February, I ran 3 miles in 42 minutes (that is almost walking). I thought I was going to die. Over the next two months, I worked and worked, ran and ran, and in April, I ran teh 1/2 marathon. I did it in 2:36, which was fine with me. I had lost about 40 pounds in the process. Since then, I have continued running and working out, eating healthily, etc.
I ran another 1/2 marathon in May. It was very hot, but I did it in 2:42 so that was okay. Over the summer (which was difficult for different reasons), I slowed down on the working out, but I did not gain weight. In fact, I kept losing weight. In August (or July), Bec decided to do a triathlon in Benton, IL (Rend Lake).
I signed up too. During the past 2 months, I've swam, biked, and ran to get ready and yesterday, I did it. It was harder than I thought it would be. I swam 750 meters, biked 21 miles, and ran a 5K (in 35:00 which is one of my fastest times and AFTER biking 21 miles). I underestimated the effect of riding a bike for 21 miles on running (my legs were jello in the beginning).
In any event, I finished 6th for men over 215 pounds and it was good. I'll do more triathlons b/c I thought it was fun and it is a good way to stay in some semblance of shape. I'm down to 245 pounds, and I'd like to get to 235 (i Probably should get lighter than that, but baby steps).
One year ago, I would have told you that I couldn't run a 1/2 marathon or that I couldn't do a triathlon. I did it, though, and I think almost anybody can if they are willing to do some work. Its hard (but what isn't). but it was worth it.
I hope you have a great day!
be easy
-cp
I was talking to a good friend of mine, Bryan Thorson, and we were talking about how you never know where you are going. He was telling me how he had accepted the fact that he may not get married or have children. Now, he is married to a wonderful woman and has two beautiful step children. He, like me, probably would have bet all of the money I had (not much at that time) that I wouldn't be where I am.
I mean professionally (at Greensfelder), married with 3 kids. In 2004, I had just gotten back to St. Louis from Nevada, MO. I was married (not to bec), but it was clearly ending. I was working at Brown and James (until August 2004). I was in such a different place that I would have bet millions of dollars that I would not be married with kids. Life is funny.
That leads to my next point. Last year at this time, I could not have run one mile slowly. I weighed close to 300 pounds (depending on the day). I ate like shit and I wasn't healthy (though I rarely got sick :)
Then, in November, Bec started working out with a friend, Sarah, doing group classes and stuff. She decided in December to run a 1/2 marathon in Champaign, IL. Within a week, I decided to do it too. The hilarity of that strikes me now b/c I had no business committing. I guess, though, I did. As bec says, I am remarkably stubborn (true) and I began training for the 1/2 marathon.
In February, I ran 3 miles in 42 minutes (that is almost walking). I thought I was going to die. Over the next two months, I worked and worked, ran and ran, and in April, I ran teh 1/2 marathon. I did it in 2:36, which was fine with me. I had lost about 40 pounds in the process. Since then, I have continued running and working out, eating healthily, etc.
I ran another 1/2 marathon in May. It was very hot, but I did it in 2:42 so that was okay. Over the summer (which was difficult for different reasons), I slowed down on the working out, but I did not gain weight. In fact, I kept losing weight. In August (or July), Bec decided to do a triathlon in Benton, IL (Rend Lake).
I signed up too. During the past 2 months, I've swam, biked, and ran to get ready and yesterday, I did it. It was harder than I thought it would be. I swam 750 meters, biked 21 miles, and ran a 5K (in 35:00 which is one of my fastest times and AFTER biking 21 miles). I underestimated the effect of riding a bike for 21 miles on running (my legs were jello in the beginning).
In any event, I finished 6th for men over 215 pounds and it was good. I'll do more triathlons b/c I thought it was fun and it is a good way to stay in some semblance of shape. I'm down to 245 pounds, and I'd like to get to 235 (i Probably should get lighter than that, but baby steps).
One year ago, I would have told you that I couldn't run a 1/2 marathon or that I couldn't do a triathlon. I did it, though, and I think almost anybody can if they are willing to do some work. Its hard (but what isn't). but it was worth it.
I hope you have a great day!
be easy
-cp
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Leadership St. Louis / 20th Year Reunion
Its Thursday morning and last weekend I participated in teh first weekend of events for Leadership St. Louis. LSL is an annual class selected, allegedly, though I doubt it with my inclusion, of leaders or potential leaders in St. Louis. A colleague of mine is also involved.
On Friday, we drove to Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO. We did this at the early in the morning so we could spend all day learning about us. Frankly, I think the program will be excellent. We are going to have great opportunities to see and do things we might not otherwise have the chance to do. However, the weekend, while a lot of fun, was at times a little slow moving.
One area, though, caused the most anxst and boredom. We took a DiSC assessment. It is a multiple choice test (questions) that ultimately result in a packet of information that tells you what type of leader are you. Are you dominant, creative, do you lay in the weeds, etc.
I was a rules person who does not feel the need to be dominant. In other words, I get stuff done, but I'm not in your face about it. Now the assessment itself has value and as we read the descriptions of ourselves, they were for the most part spot on. Mine was eerily accurate. The presentation, though, was painful
The lady who did the presentation was quite proud of herself. She also enjoy talking about Myers Briggs, something that I had not taken. While discussing Myers Briggs, she used acronyms (a pet peeve of mine) when we did not know what the acronyms meant. In any event, the 4 hours with her was not a good four hours.
The rest of the weekend was very good. We did team building exercises. Generally, I don't like those, but we had a lot of fun and did help break the ice since 65 strangers were together for the first time. We had an open bar in the evening, which always helps breaking the ice.
We had to put on a little ten minute show. The group time to put the show together was also fun, but my group was good. I avoided many of the particularly "take charge" people that can irritate me.
That was last weekend. This weekend, I am going to my 20th high school reunion. It seems like yesterday that i graduate high school. I remember being in the church. I remember leaving in the limo my parents had rented (or won at an auction) and driving around town. IT seemed like the whole world was in front of us, and, I suppose it was.
18 years old is so young, but at the time, it seems so old. you think you know so much about how the world works and what your place is in it. In fact, you have no idea how it works or what your place in the world really is. I guess, though, I still don't know place in the world. In the end, isn't that the hardest thing, knowing your place, and more importantly being happy in your place, wherever your place is? I think perspective is the most important attribute that a person can have.
In any event, its amazing how much things have changed since high school. I'm the same person, but in some ways, I am so different. I had no confidence in high school. I had no feeling that I was special or that I could do special things. I was just a person on a track with no control. I look forward to seeing the class mates that make it. I've seen a few class mates through the years, but recently, I've seen nobody. It should be a great time to think back 20 years and remember how we were and how that shaped us into what we've become today.
This post got heavier than I intended when it started (that is one reason why I love writing...you don't know where its going). I hope everybody has a great day.
Be easy
-cp
On Friday, we drove to Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO. We did this at the early in the morning so we could spend all day learning about us. Frankly, I think the program will be excellent. We are going to have great opportunities to see and do things we might not otherwise have the chance to do. However, the weekend, while a lot of fun, was at times a little slow moving.
One area, though, caused the most anxst and boredom. We took a DiSC assessment. It is a multiple choice test (questions) that ultimately result in a packet of information that tells you what type of leader are you. Are you dominant, creative, do you lay in the weeds, etc.
I was a rules person who does not feel the need to be dominant. In other words, I get stuff done, but I'm not in your face about it. Now the assessment itself has value and as we read the descriptions of ourselves, they were for the most part spot on. Mine was eerily accurate. The presentation, though, was painful
The lady who did the presentation was quite proud of herself. She also enjoy talking about Myers Briggs, something that I had not taken. While discussing Myers Briggs, she used acronyms (a pet peeve of mine) when we did not know what the acronyms meant. In any event, the 4 hours with her was not a good four hours.
The rest of the weekend was very good. We did team building exercises. Generally, I don't like those, but we had a lot of fun and did help break the ice since 65 strangers were together for the first time. We had an open bar in the evening, which always helps breaking the ice.
We had to put on a little ten minute show. The group time to put the show together was also fun, but my group was good. I avoided many of the particularly "take charge" people that can irritate me.
That was last weekend. This weekend, I am going to my 20th high school reunion. It seems like yesterday that i graduate high school. I remember being in the church. I remember leaving in the limo my parents had rented (or won at an auction) and driving around town. IT seemed like the whole world was in front of us, and, I suppose it was.
18 years old is so young, but at the time, it seems so old. you think you know so much about how the world works and what your place is in it. In fact, you have no idea how it works or what your place in the world really is. I guess, though, I still don't know place in the world. In the end, isn't that the hardest thing, knowing your place, and more importantly being happy in your place, wherever your place is? I think perspective is the most important attribute that a person can have.
In any event, its amazing how much things have changed since high school. I'm the same person, but in some ways, I am so different. I had no confidence in high school. I had no feeling that I was special or that I could do special things. I was just a person on a track with no control. I look forward to seeing the class mates that make it. I've seen a few class mates through the years, but recently, I've seen nobody. It should be a great time to think back 20 years and remember how we were and how that shaped us into what we've become today.
This post got heavier than I intended when it started (that is one reason why I love writing...you don't know where its going). I hope everybody has a great day.
Be easy
-cp
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Another day
Its Thursday, 7:12. I just finished my morning work out (few weights, run 2 miles, and swim an 800). I'm training for a triathlon (which I always misspelled until about 2 weeks ago). Its on 9/30 and it should be interesting. I have no idea how long it will take, primarily, b/c I don't know how long it will take me to ride a bike for 21 miles.
We swim a 750, so that should be okay (not too bad), but it is in a lake so it will be a challenge. Then we bike 21 miles and then we run a 5K. Amazingly, the 5K is the least of my issues. One year ago, I couldn't run .25 miles (that's 1/4 to you and me). I am not running multiple miles multiple times a week. Now I am actually worried about speed (of which I have very little).
I ran my first 1/2 marathon in 2:42 (that is 2 hours). My second in 2:49 (but it was 85 degrees in my defense). I'm running another at the end of October and I want to beat 2:30. I think I can do it, based upon how I feel now, but so much appears to depend on how I feel on that day. I used to tell people that I would only run when being chased...now I actually enjoy it. It gets me some time by myself to think about what ever I need to think about that particular day.
Sometimes, its my kids. They are something...Lincoln is a holy terror when he is not charming the pants off of everybody else who meets him. He turns 2 in 2 weeks and I can't believe my youngest is so old. Time really flies. Lily is going to be 6 and she is in kindergarten. She is bright, funny, and rather athletic. She also sucks her thumb (we are looking for ways to stop that). BTW: When a pediatrician tells you to take the binky away at 1 year, DON'T DO IT. A 1 year old will immediately move to their thumb and you CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY. With Lucy, we took the binky at about 2 1/2. She did not move to her thumb and we're good. We are taking the same tack with Lincoln, but we'll see what he does. He only uses one at night (same as Lucy) so I think we'll be okay.
Do you think Lily knows that is her college fun going to her braces??? :) Just kidding (kind of).
Sometimes I think about work (the work I should be doing now). The new job is going well...I'm keeping busy and people keep hiring me to help them with their problems. Interesting work and interesting times. The stress, of course, is wondering and worrying where the next case/client is going to come from. You learn quickly that what you did last year has very little bearing on what will happen this year.
Sometimes I think about my parents or my brother. I wish I saw them more. My parents are 70 and clearly getting older. Its weird for a long time they did not seem to age, and now, they are clearly getting older. My dad is doing well, but my mom looks and acts like an older lady. It is kind of depressing in one respect, but in an another, I suppose that will happen to me at some point (right??) I guess I hope so b/c if it doesn't that means that I've gone WAY TO EARLY!!.
I hope everybody has a great day. These rambling posts might one day turn into something with a theme or a point, but maybe not. Some days I might post personal stuff, other days, it might just be funny shit I found. Who knows, I certainly don't. I do know that I like writing and I've decided to do it more and more. NaNoWriMo is coming up again and I'm going to try and get out my 3rd book.
I'll talk to you later. Take care and be easy.
-cp
We swim a 750, so that should be okay (not too bad), but it is in a lake so it will be a challenge. Then we bike 21 miles and then we run a 5K. Amazingly, the 5K is the least of my issues. One year ago, I couldn't run .25 miles (that's 1/4 to you and me). I am not running multiple miles multiple times a week. Now I am actually worried about speed (of which I have very little).
I ran my first 1/2 marathon in 2:42 (that is 2 hours). My second in 2:49 (but it was 85 degrees in my defense). I'm running another at the end of October and I want to beat 2:30. I think I can do it, based upon how I feel now, but so much appears to depend on how I feel on that day. I used to tell people that I would only run when being chased...now I actually enjoy it. It gets me some time by myself to think about what ever I need to think about that particular day.
Sometimes, its my kids. They are something...Lincoln is a holy terror when he is not charming the pants off of everybody else who meets him. He turns 2 in 2 weeks and I can't believe my youngest is so old. Time really flies. Lily is going to be 6 and she is in kindergarten. She is bright, funny, and rather athletic. She also sucks her thumb (we are looking for ways to stop that). BTW: When a pediatrician tells you to take the binky away at 1 year, DON'T DO IT. A 1 year old will immediately move to their thumb and you CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY. With Lucy, we took the binky at about 2 1/2. She did not move to her thumb and we're good. We are taking the same tack with Lincoln, but we'll see what he does. He only uses one at night (same as Lucy) so I think we'll be okay.
Do you think Lily knows that is her college fun going to her braces??? :) Just kidding (kind of).
Sometimes I think about work (the work I should be doing now). The new job is going well...I'm keeping busy and people keep hiring me to help them with their problems. Interesting work and interesting times. The stress, of course, is wondering and worrying where the next case/client is going to come from. You learn quickly that what you did last year has very little bearing on what will happen this year.
Sometimes I think about my parents or my brother. I wish I saw them more. My parents are 70 and clearly getting older. Its weird for a long time they did not seem to age, and now, they are clearly getting older. My dad is doing well, but my mom looks and acts like an older lady. It is kind of depressing in one respect, but in an another, I suppose that will happen to me at some point (right??) I guess I hope so b/c if it doesn't that means that I've gone WAY TO EARLY!!.
I hope everybody has a great day. These rambling posts might one day turn into something with a theme or a point, but maybe not. Some days I might post personal stuff, other days, it might just be funny shit I found. Who knows, I certainly don't. I do know that I like writing and I've decided to do it more and more. NaNoWriMo is coming up again and I'm going to try and get out my 3rd book.
I'll talk to you later. Take care and be easy.
-cp
Monday, September 10, 2012
I'm back....well kind ov
Its been so long since I last wrote, I don't remember when it was. I think it was in the spring (I suppose I could look it up, but, frankly, I'm too lazy this morning).
It has been quite a summer. If we talked in March, I would have told you that I would not have expected any major changes in my life. Well, life has a way of fucking up what you think is going to happen. I left Goldberg Pickett (long story that will not be discussed here) and joined Greensfelder, Hemker, & Gale in St. Louis. Greensfelder is a large firm (one that would not have interviewed me after law school), but it is going well.
As I sit in my office, contemplating the journey to get here, I am often thinking of the many different paths that can get you to an end point (what ever that end point might be for you). I can't say that joining a large firm was my ultimate goal, really, at any time. If I was honest, though, I'd admit that I probably came to that conclusion more because I did not excel at the class room part of lawschool. I was adequate (and in those classes that I liked, more than adequate), but nothing more.
I did not join law review or the other status parts of law school. I did do international moot court, but even that fell into my lap. It was, of course, the reason I decided to become a public defender. It was in moot court that I discovered how much I enjoyed that part of being a lawyer. It was not the writing, the research, or the other stuff that we do. It was court. I'm not sure where I would be without that international moot court team. Even still, my grades were okay, but Greensfelder (or any similar firm) would have had no interest in me.
I joined the PD's office which, in my opinion, is a fantastic way to go out into the legal world. You meet a lot of people and you handle cases on your own. Its a little sink or swim, but it is great training for real life as a lawyer. I loved it, but, as with most public sector jobs it wore me out. I believe that EVERYBODY is entitled to the best defense, and money should not be an issue. Many pay that lip service, but to me, it is a fundamental princple on which this country is founded. In any event, I left the PDs and joined Larry Goldberg.
I worked hard for and with Larry. We had some good times and I've left. Leaving was much harder than I thought it was going to be. I'm not sure why I thought it would be easy, when the reality is that I saw those people (Christy, Cassie, Larry, and Paul) everyday for 7 years. I saw them more than I saw my family in many weeks. It was weird, certainly, in the beginning, to not see them, not to talk to them...it's easier now as I get used to the people at GHG.
In the end, I am very thankful for the position I now have. I am able to provide for my family and I get to keep doing what I love to do. I suppose that is all we can ask for, right?
I guess the point of this rambling entry is to remind people that many times things work out. I said in the beginning, I'm not going to discuss why I moved, but remember that things have a way of working out.
"I know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing through every dark night, there's a bright day after that so no matter how hard it get, stick your chest out, keep your head up, and handle it." -- Tupac.
Enjoy your day everybody
It has been quite a summer. If we talked in March, I would have told you that I would not have expected any major changes in my life. Well, life has a way of fucking up what you think is going to happen. I left Goldberg Pickett (long story that will not be discussed here) and joined Greensfelder, Hemker, & Gale in St. Louis. Greensfelder is a large firm (one that would not have interviewed me after law school), but it is going well.
As I sit in my office, contemplating the journey to get here, I am often thinking of the many different paths that can get you to an end point (what ever that end point might be for you). I can't say that joining a large firm was my ultimate goal, really, at any time. If I was honest, though, I'd admit that I probably came to that conclusion more because I did not excel at the class room part of lawschool. I was adequate (and in those classes that I liked, more than adequate), but nothing more.
I did not join law review or the other status parts of law school. I did do international moot court, but even that fell into my lap. It was, of course, the reason I decided to become a public defender. It was in moot court that I discovered how much I enjoyed that part of being a lawyer. It was not the writing, the research, or the other stuff that we do. It was court. I'm not sure where I would be without that international moot court team. Even still, my grades were okay, but Greensfelder (or any similar firm) would have had no interest in me.
I joined the PD's office which, in my opinion, is a fantastic way to go out into the legal world. You meet a lot of people and you handle cases on your own. Its a little sink or swim, but it is great training for real life as a lawyer. I loved it, but, as with most public sector jobs it wore me out. I believe that EVERYBODY is entitled to the best defense, and money should not be an issue. Many pay that lip service, but to me, it is a fundamental princple on which this country is founded. In any event, I left the PDs and joined Larry Goldberg.
I worked hard for and with Larry. We had some good times and I've left. Leaving was much harder than I thought it was going to be. I'm not sure why I thought it would be easy, when the reality is that I saw those people (Christy, Cassie, Larry, and Paul) everyday for 7 years. I saw them more than I saw my family in many weeks. It was weird, certainly, in the beginning, to not see them, not to talk to them...it's easier now as I get used to the people at GHG.
In the end, I am very thankful for the position I now have. I am able to provide for my family and I get to keep doing what I love to do. I suppose that is all we can ask for, right?
I guess the point of this rambling entry is to remind people that many times things work out. I said in the beginning, I'm not going to discuss why I moved, but remember that things have a way of working out.
"I know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing through every dark night, there's a bright day after that so no matter how hard it get, stick your chest out, keep your head up, and handle it." -- Tupac.
Enjoy your day everybody
Friday, March 9, 2012
W Hotel - 172 West Adams, Chicago IL
I am in Chicago (well, I'm leaving in about 2 hours) for an arbitration this week. I visited last year for a mediation, but I was only here for a couple of days. This time, though, i stayed at a W Hotel (its on West Adams). Last year I stayed at the Westin.
Admittedly, I try to stay at Sheraton properties only because I get points there and I am hoping it will net Bec and I a free trip to a decent destination (suggestions, please).
This hotel, though, is bizarre. The room has an interesting theme. Big flat screen TV, ports to hook your computer to TV, etc. They have multiple outlets (which is normally a huge problem). The bed is on a platform. It also has a faux fur thing on it. I am not sure how to describe it. That is not the most bizarre thing about this hotel or room (best for last).
I checked in on Monday and when I walked into the lobby, it resembled a club more than a hotel. The lobby has two disco balls that, at night, are bouncing light all over. The lobby is two stories, near the ceiling, the hotel flashes a "color of the day". the first day, purple reigned supreme. The second day, neon pink. the third yellow. the fourth, an electric blue. Unfortunately, I Will not be here tonight to find out the Friday color.
The elevators (something I have never noticed in hotels before), have 3D art in them. they are good, but a little unnerving. Further, the elevators contain a black light. I've never seen that before in a hotel.
The best thing about this place is this. As you sit at the desk, on the right, there are cubby holes where the hotel staff put various items for purchase (at outrageous prices). $6.00 for a a 1/4 sleeve of Pringles?? When I asked if they had a vending machine to avoid such a ridiculous charge, I was told no, but there was a 7-11 near by.
In the holes, you would find, a W CD, Altoids ($5), pretzels, spicy mix, roasted cashews, m&ms, snickers, raw almonds, Oreos, FIJI water, and, drum roll please. ........................................................................................ AN INTIMACY KIT. yes ladies and gentlemen, the hotel provides you with:
2 condoms,
2 towelettes
1 bottle of lubricating jelly
all of the very low price of $10.00. Quite a hotel this place. I hope everybody has a great day.
-- cp
Admittedly, I try to stay at Sheraton properties only because I get points there and I am hoping it will net Bec and I a free trip to a decent destination (suggestions, please).
This hotel, though, is bizarre. The room has an interesting theme. Big flat screen TV, ports to hook your computer to TV, etc. They have multiple outlets (which is normally a huge problem). The bed is on a platform. It also has a faux fur thing on it. I am not sure how to describe it. That is not the most bizarre thing about this hotel or room (best for last).
I checked in on Monday and when I walked into the lobby, it resembled a club more than a hotel. The lobby has two disco balls that, at night, are bouncing light all over. The lobby is two stories, near the ceiling, the hotel flashes a "color of the day". the first day, purple reigned supreme. The second day, neon pink. the third yellow. the fourth, an electric blue. Unfortunately, I Will not be here tonight to find out the Friday color.
The elevators (something I have never noticed in hotels before), have 3D art in them. they are good, but a little unnerving. Further, the elevators contain a black light. I've never seen that before in a hotel.
The best thing about this place is this. As you sit at the desk, on the right, there are cubby holes where the hotel staff put various items for purchase (at outrageous prices). $6.00 for a a 1/4 sleeve of Pringles?? When I asked if they had a vending machine to avoid such a ridiculous charge, I was told no, but there was a 7-11 near by.
In the holes, you would find, a W CD, Altoids ($5), pretzels, spicy mix, roasted cashews, m&ms, snickers, raw almonds, Oreos, FIJI water, and, drum roll please. ........................................................................................ AN INTIMACY KIT. yes ladies and gentlemen, the hotel provides you with:
2 condoms,
2 towelettes
1 bottle of lubricating jelly
all of the very low price of $10.00. Quite a hotel this place. I hope everybody has a great day.
-- cp
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Am I crazy???
I have no doubt that most people would say, yes, I am fucking insane. I might agree with them. I suppose, though, the true evidence of that is not some of the things that come out of my mouth, or the topics that float through my head on a daily basis, or even some of the things I've done. The real evidence of that is that I signed up to run a half marathon in April.
You may be asking yourself, why the hell would Pickett do that? The smart ass answer is, b/c I am crazy. The real answer is that I have decided its important to be in better shape (good shape?) b/c I have children. I guess, in the end, I'd like to be a good example for the kids of not only the benefit of hard work, but also the importance of being healthy. the kids see Bec and me work out and we talk about the importance of exercise, but I want them to see it too. Not for aesthetic purposes b/c we'd like them to believe that everybody is beautiful in their own way, but to know that a healthy body is a good body.
I have lost almost 40 pounds since January 2011. I'd like to lose more, and it is coming off, slowly but surely. Bec and one of her friends decided to do the half marathon in December. She asked if I would like to go to (its in Champaign, IL). I said, yes, and I'll run in it.
I know myself, and without a goal of some sort, I would eventually revert back to bad habits (chicken wings, hamburgers, etc etc). Bec is doing a great job cooking for the family (and me). We actually had bean soup on Sunday night. Anybody that knows me well knows that is not something I would have eaten 5 years ago (though I suppose that is another reason why Bec is perfect for me, or possibly just perfect).
She is keeping me on track and things are going well. I am hopeful that by the time I run the half marathon, I'll be down another 12 pounds (1.5 pounds / week). I would be happy with that. I do know, though, that after this half marathon, I'll need to sign up for another one in the fall. As I said, without a goal, frankly i don't have the discipline to keep moving forward. I don't know what I'll run in the fall, whether it will be in STL (if there is one) or some place else. I am excited, though, with the training for the April half marathon. I am to the point where i look forward to running. I've always liked (maybe too strong of a word) working out with weights, but running was something I''ve loathed.
In any event, we are moving forward and I'll keep moving forward. Its 6:42 AM and I need to get to work. I hope everybody has a great Valentine's Day. Show your significant other that you care, if even by writing a short note.
Have a great day.
be easy
-cp
You may be asking yourself, why the hell would Pickett do that? The smart ass answer is, b/c I am crazy. The real answer is that I have decided its important to be in better shape (good shape?) b/c I have children. I guess, in the end, I'd like to be a good example for the kids of not only the benefit of hard work, but also the importance of being healthy. the kids see Bec and me work out and we talk about the importance of exercise, but I want them to see it too. Not for aesthetic purposes b/c we'd like them to believe that everybody is beautiful in their own way, but to know that a healthy body is a good body.
I have lost almost 40 pounds since January 2011. I'd like to lose more, and it is coming off, slowly but surely. Bec and one of her friends decided to do the half marathon in December. She asked if I would like to go to (its in Champaign, IL). I said, yes, and I'll run in it.
I know myself, and without a goal of some sort, I would eventually revert back to bad habits (chicken wings, hamburgers, etc etc). Bec is doing a great job cooking for the family (and me). We actually had bean soup on Sunday night. Anybody that knows me well knows that is not something I would have eaten 5 years ago (though I suppose that is another reason why Bec is perfect for me, or possibly just perfect).
She is keeping me on track and things are going well. I am hopeful that by the time I run the half marathon, I'll be down another 12 pounds (1.5 pounds / week). I would be happy with that. I do know, though, that after this half marathon, I'll need to sign up for another one in the fall. As I said, without a goal, frankly i don't have the discipline to keep moving forward. I don't know what I'll run in the fall, whether it will be in STL (if there is one) or some place else. I am excited, though, with the training for the April half marathon. I am to the point where i look forward to running. I've always liked (maybe too strong of a word) working out with weights, but running was something I''ve loathed.
In any event, we are moving forward and I'll keep moving forward. Its 6:42 AM and I need to get to work. I hope everybody has a great Valentine's Day. Show your significant other that you care, if even by writing a short note.
Have a great day.
be easy
-cp
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Personal Responsibility
Now that I have kids, I think I am more sensitive to personal accountability and responsibility. The wife and I were talking today about it. It seems that much of this country has moved from personal accountability and moved towards me me me.
You may think, after reading that first paragraph, that I am a conservative. That is not true...I am as liberal as anybody (well not anybody, Paul Yarns is more liberal than me). However, I am a firm believer in some social equality issues that prevent me from considering the republican platform (opposition to gay marriage, opposition to abortion, irony of small government that controls what I do in my home -- does nobody else notice that?)
In any event, my issue with the democrats, and many liberals (no offense to my liberal friends), is what could be considered to be lack of personal responbility. It is a difficult question. If there is a poor white child in rural missouri, is it fair that your parents were poor, and your cousin makes meth? is that your fault? according to many of the republicans, it is your fault and you should be able to pull your self up by your boot straps. on the other hand, that same kid should have some responsibility and do the best with what they have. I know that the child that I have described has a significantly more uphill battle than a similarly aged kid with equal intelligence who was born in Ladue. The kid in Ladue will assume they are going to college and will be able to afford it? Do we want a country where a child's chance of success is almost directly related to their parents? Aren't we dooming an entire portion of society to poverty and to never really having a chance?
The repubs will have you believe it only takes hard work, and they are right in part. Clearly, the kid in rural missouri needs to work and take advantage of what he can, but, is it fair that the kid in Ladue, frankly, does not really have to work?? The current system is not working. On the other hand, I am not a socialist/communist (my more well-read friends will tell me I don't know which is which -- and they are correct).
I don't think the wealthy should be required to pay for everybody (though increased taxes aren't the end o the world). I do think, though, that every kid should have the opportunity of a very good education. There is no doubt that our system is failing the kids, and it is not b/c of the dedicated teachers that do their jobs well everyday. it is more than that. it is systemic. it needs to be fixed.
Frankly, I would suggest the Federal Government give significant money to subsidize school districts that do not have the tax base. Ladue School District should not exponentially more wealthy than other school districts just because the wealthy live there. Can nobody see the vicious circle that creates? Good tax base, good schools. more wealthy people move in. higher tax base, better schools, etc etc etc. On the others side of the coin, are the poor neighborhoods. low tax base, bad schools, depresses real estate, and the circle of poverty continues.
I began this with personal accountability and responsibility. I very much believe that everybody needs to do their share to better their lot in life. I also believe that the poor kid in rural Mississippi, or the City of St. Louis should not be so disadvantaged from the start they have no realistic chance. Consider this, there may be a kid in a City school, or a school in rural Alabama that is extremely intelligent. She might be great at science. She might have the potential to discover the cure for cancer or aids, or some other global problem. Instead, though, she goes to school with substandard supplies and classrooms with too many children. Nobody recognizes her intelligence, potential, or will to learn. Her family is poor and her mother works two jobs just to keep food on the table. As she gets older, with no guidance from anybody, she hides that she is smart b/c she is 15 and is more interested in boys than books. She quits studying. She is still smart, but she never considers college. She ends up working as a CNA, waitress, or hotel clerk. She never works in the field where she had the most to give. Shouldn't every kid have a chance? Let's put the personal responsibility on the kid, but give them an equal chance.
these are not complete thoughts. These are not finished projects. But ultimately, I want my children to have every chance and I want them to work for what they get. I also want them to recognize that not everybody is as fortunate as them and giving back is a good thing too. Perhaps, that is something the republicans have forgotten.
Have a great day
- cp
You may think, after reading that first paragraph, that I am a conservative. That is not true...I am as liberal as anybody (well not anybody, Paul Yarns is more liberal than me). However, I am a firm believer in some social equality issues that prevent me from considering the republican platform (opposition to gay marriage, opposition to abortion, irony of small government that controls what I do in my home -- does nobody else notice that?)
In any event, my issue with the democrats, and many liberals (no offense to my liberal friends), is what could be considered to be lack of personal responbility. It is a difficult question. If there is a poor white child in rural missouri, is it fair that your parents were poor, and your cousin makes meth? is that your fault? according to many of the republicans, it is your fault and you should be able to pull your self up by your boot straps. on the other hand, that same kid should have some responsibility and do the best with what they have. I know that the child that I have described has a significantly more uphill battle than a similarly aged kid with equal intelligence who was born in Ladue. The kid in Ladue will assume they are going to college and will be able to afford it? Do we want a country where a child's chance of success is almost directly related to their parents? Aren't we dooming an entire portion of society to poverty and to never really having a chance?
The repubs will have you believe it only takes hard work, and they are right in part. Clearly, the kid in rural missouri needs to work and take advantage of what he can, but, is it fair that the kid in Ladue, frankly, does not really have to work?? The current system is not working. On the other hand, I am not a socialist/communist (my more well-read friends will tell me I don't know which is which -- and they are correct).
I don't think the wealthy should be required to pay for everybody (though increased taxes aren't the end o the world). I do think, though, that every kid should have the opportunity of a very good education. There is no doubt that our system is failing the kids, and it is not b/c of the dedicated teachers that do their jobs well everyday. it is more than that. it is systemic. it needs to be fixed.
Frankly, I would suggest the Federal Government give significant money to subsidize school districts that do not have the tax base. Ladue School District should not exponentially more wealthy than other school districts just because the wealthy live there. Can nobody see the vicious circle that creates? Good tax base, good schools. more wealthy people move in. higher tax base, better schools, etc etc etc. On the others side of the coin, are the poor neighborhoods. low tax base, bad schools, depresses real estate, and the circle of poverty continues.
I began this with personal accountability and responsibility. I very much believe that everybody needs to do their share to better their lot in life. I also believe that the poor kid in rural Mississippi, or the City of St. Louis should not be so disadvantaged from the start they have no realistic chance. Consider this, there may be a kid in a City school, or a school in rural Alabama that is extremely intelligent. She might be great at science. She might have the potential to discover the cure for cancer or aids, or some other global problem. Instead, though, she goes to school with substandard supplies and classrooms with too many children. Nobody recognizes her intelligence, potential, or will to learn. Her family is poor and her mother works two jobs just to keep food on the table. As she gets older, with no guidance from anybody, she hides that she is smart b/c she is 15 and is more interested in boys than books. She quits studying. She is still smart, but she never considers college. She ends up working as a CNA, waitress, or hotel clerk. She never works in the field where she had the most to give. Shouldn't every kid have a chance? Let's put the personal responsibility on the kid, but give them an equal chance.
these are not complete thoughts. These are not finished projects. But ultimately, I want my children to have every chance and I want them to work for what they get. I also want them to recognize that not everybody is as fortunate as them and giving back is a good thing too. Perhaps, that is something the republicans have forgotten.
Have a great day
- cp
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Sometimes you don't know
I am sitting at my desk at 6:45 AM. I have begun coming to work very early so I can get home for dinner. The girls seem to prefer that I get home to eat with them. Frankly, I like it better anyway. I am more productive early in the morning, today not withstanding. I love spending time with the kids, and this way I get to spend more time with them.
Lily is now 5 1/2 (or close to it). I can't believe how big she is getting. She is asking so many questions about everything. She (and her sister, Lucy) have begun the death questions. When is Charlie going to die (our very old dog), how did Veronica die (my sister), why did she die, when are you going to die, when is lucy going to die, why do people die, is the table dead?
These questions are normal, I know, but they are harder to answer, particularly when it is about me or their mom. We always tell them, don't worry about that. People die when their bodies just don't work any more and usually that happens when they get old. Of course, the follow up question is Brown Papa (my dad, their grandpa) is old. MaMa is old. Nanny is old. Papa Erwin is old. True enough, but their bodies are working right now.
It has made me reflect, though, on the fact that my parents (and in-laws) are getting old. I have not had to deal with the loss of a parent, but with parents who are 69 and soon to be 71, it is clear that things are going to wind down. Not to be morbid, but how do you deal with older parents. Knowing my parents, they will never voluntarily realize they are not well enough to live on their own (not even close to that now), but they are very stubborn people (perhaps where my stubborness comes from). They are in Florida, which was a good idea whne they were 60, but as they age, the distance is more of an issue.
I, generally, am not a worrier, and this post is more to vent than anything. I am no different from anybody with older parents. Eventually, as the children, we have to become the grown-ups and deal with parents as they age, and eventually pass away. I assume (probably shouldn't) that it won't be for a long time, but as i learned all to well with my sister, people die and there is no way to know when or how it will happen.
I hope everybody has a great day!
Be Easy
-cp
Lily is now 5 1/2 (or close to it). I can't believe how big she is getting. She is asking so many questions about everything. She (and her sister, Lucy) have begun the death questions. When is Charlie going to die (our very old dog), how did Veronica die (my sister), why did she die, when are you going to die, when is lucy going to die, why do people die, is the table dead?
These questions are normal, I know, but they are harder to answer, particularly when it is about me or their mom. We always tell them, don't worry about that. People die when their bodies just don't work any more and usually that happens when they get old. Of course, the follow up question is Brown Papa (my dad, their grandpa) is old. MaMa is old. Nanny is old. Papa Erwin is old. True enough, but their bodies are working right now.
It has made me reflect, though, on the fact that my parents (and in-laws) are getting old. I have not had to deal with the loss of a parent, but with parents who are 69 and soon to be 71, it is clear that things are going to wind down. Not to be morbid, but how do you deal with older parents. Knowing my parents, they will never voluntarily realize they are not well enough to live on their own (not even close to that now), but they are very stubborn people (perhaps where my stubborness comes from). They are in Florida, which was a good idea whne they were 60, but as they age, the distance is more of an issue.
I, generally, am not a worrier, and this post is more to vent than anything. I am no different from anybody with older parents. Eventually, as the children, we have to become the grown-ups and deal with parents as they age, and eventually pass away. I assume (probably shouldn't) that it won't be for a long time, but as i learned all to well with my sister, people die and there is no way to know when or how it will happen.
I hope everybody has a great day!
Be Easy
-cp
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
2012
Its been a while. As I wrote almost two months ago, finding time is difficult. Like everybody, though, I have made "resolutions". I have not really figured out what good they are, why wait until 12/31 - 1/1 to make changes in your life. If you have changes to make, make them.
I have read a lot of facebook posts and articles on what to do and how to act now that it is a new year. Why can't we be that way all of the time? why can't we be positive all the time? I have no idea what it is about the new year that makes people begin considering making changes in their life. The real question is how long are those changes going to last? how long will you eat healthy? how long will you work out? how long will you get to work on time? How long will you be nicer to your spouse? how long will you be the person you want to be, as opposed to the person you are?
The real question is why are you the way you are? Is it really so bad? Of course, everybody can get better and improve. Have you ever asked yourself (I am not sure that i have until now), why am I impatient, why am i short with people, why can I be difficult? Why did I eat that Swiss Cake Roll (that's easy, I love them).
Either way, i have tried to be a good person and I will keep trying. I don't know that i have resolutions only because there are things that I am constantly working on. One of them includes exercise (like most people).
In what may have been a weak moment, I have signed up for a half marathon. My wife and I are running the half marathon in Champagn, IL at the end of April (I am referring to this day as the day that my wife becomes independently wealthy). We'll see, but I am rather competitive AND VERY STUBBORN. I'll finish the fucking thing, I have no doubt about that (though it will make these sixteen weeks very difficult)
I have decided i have two goals related to the half marathon 1. finish 2. don't finish last. I have been joking that I will knock over a 90 year old if it means that I don't finish last. I am quite serious about that :)
I look forward to it. My wife will beat me by about 1 hour, but I figure by then she'll feel good enough to carry me home (or roll me in a wheel barrow). Will be interesting and fun.
I will keep you updated on my progress.
I suppose, after my introduction, I should not suggest that I will write more frequently, but what the hell, I am going to say it. I plan on writing more frequently. This is for me. It keeps me honest and I like writing. I did not finish my novel in November (primarily because of work -- I had to unexpectedly travel), but I am going to finish the novel I started.
A lot to do and so little time to get it done. And as i teach my children there are only 2 rules that matter:
1. Have Fun
2. Be Kind
Have a great day.
-CP
I have read a lot of facebook posts and articles on what to do and how to act now that it is a new year. Why can't we be that way all of the time? why can't we be positive all the time? I have no idea what it is about the new year that makes people begin considering making changes in their life. The real question is how long are those changes going to last? how long will you eat healthy? how long will you work out? how long will you get to work on time? How long will you be nicer to your spouse? how long will you be the person you want to be, as opposed to the person you are?
The real question is why are you the way you are? Is it really so bad? Of course, everybody can get better and improve. Have you ever asked yourself (I am not sure that i have until now), why am I impatient, why am i short with people, why can I be difficult? Why did I eat that Swiss Cake Roll (that's easy, I love them).
Either way, i have tried to be a good person and I will keep trying. I don't know that i have resolutions only because there are things that I am constantly working on. One of them includes exercise (like most people).
In what may have been a weak moment, I have signed up for a half marathon. My wife and I are running the half marathon in Champagn, IL at the end of April (I am referring to this day as the day that my wife becomes independently wealthy). We'll see, but I am rather competitive AND VERY STUBBORN. I'll finish the fucking thing, I have no doubt about that (though it will make these sixteen weeks very difficult)
I have decided i have two goals related to the half marathon 1. finish 2. don't finish last. I have been joking that I will knock over a 90 year old if it means that I don't finish last. I am quite serious about that :)
I look forward to it. My wife will beat me by about 1 hour, but I figure by then she'll feel good enough to carry me home (or roll me in a wheel barrow). Will be interesting and fun.
I will keep you updated on my progress.
I suppose, after my introduction, I should not suggest that I will write more frequently, but what the hell, I am going to say it. I plan on writing more frequently. This is for me. It keeps me honest and I like writing. I did not finish my novel in November (primarily because of work -- I had to unexpectedly travel), but I am going to finish the novel I started.
A lot to do and so little time to get it done. And as i teach my children there are only 2 rules that matter:
1. Have Fun
2. Be Kind
Have a great day.
-CP
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