Sureal Gas Shortage

That's right, there's actually a gas shortage here in Nashville. There are some odd explanations for it, but somehow it stems from the hurricanes and some bad luck with distribution systems.

So, the short of it is, we're fine. We both happen to be under a fourth of a tank, and that means that we're actually pondering whether we go certain places. I'm sure I could make it to work and back tomorrow (which I likely will), but the question is, do I go Tuesday? Will the gas situation improve quickly (as we suspect) or will it take time? Will Jenn go to book club 30 minutes from here on Monday night? It's all getting more difficult to decide. Hopefully the supplies increase soon.

A Lasik Success

Alright, so yesterday was the first day where Jenn was supposed to open her eyes.

On Friday, before the procedure, she couldn't read the top line of the chart. (Really, she tried, she indicated she was looking at an E. The nurse informed her it was a number.)

Yesterday, Jenn checked out at 20/30, and further improvement is expected over the next several months. The doctors were thrilled, and Jenn is pretty happy too. So, all is well!

Aspen's Been Selected

I think this is really cool. Aspen gets to do something very special tomorrow. Basically, all the kids in second and third grades (and others?) were asked to write their feelings about peace. They did so, and turned them in. The school principal, Mrs. Contich, then selected 5 to be read.

You guessed it, Aspen's was selected, and she'll be reading it with the school chorus tomorrow as they place their pinwheels for peace near the flagpole. Her text follows:

I think that peace would come to the world if all people were allowed to voice their opinion and are free to work and play and live where they want because peace is good for the world.

How cool is that!?

Silly Daddy

I was putting Lindy down for bed tonight. I set her in the crib, and grabbed her pillow for her. (It's actually a stuffed shirt, but that's a story for another time.)

So, I laid it out, upside down as it turns out.

Lindy: Silly freakin' Daddy, that's not how it goes.
Tim: What?!
Lindy: Silly freakin' Daddy.
Tim: Uh, Lindy, we don't use that word.
Lindy: I just like you.

Tim travels

Tim travels, originally uploaded by flamingobear.

This week's stop... The Old North Church, Boston.

Well Said

20080906-73-16699.jpg, originally uploaded by flamingobear.

One of the blogs that I follow belongs to the Six family, who used to live here in Nashville, but moved away. Angie wrote something that really resonated with me, so I thought I'd share it...

"In the last year or so I've accumulated a list of blogs that I check on a pretty regular basis. Most of them have a parenting theme, and I'm especially drawn to families who blog honestly and live beautifully."

That's so well said. Frankly, the blogs that I follow fit that profile too.

So, I ask you this... "Honestly, could I be more beautiful?"

Obviously, I'm kidding here. A family photo shoot always seems to end with the girls getting to take a photo of me, and so this is what we got. (Along with one of the ceiling, and my chest, and part of Lindy's pigtail...) And for what it's worth, Angie's post was both heartfelt and dead on... and I really do agree.

Silly or Cool?

20080906-72-16663.jpg, originally uploaded by flamingobear.

I'll let the commenters decide... is this picture silly/stupid? Or will Oakley want it in her high school year book?

Funny Girls

20080906-72-16628.jpg, originally uploaded by flamingobear.

It's a difficult time to get a great picture of the girls right now... Aspen is self aware that getting a genuine smile, her real one, is rare. But, I did think this was pretty funny at least.

Oakley, Looking Beautiful to Me

20080906-72-16646.jpg, originally uploaded by flamingobear.

Picture Time

20080906-72-16604.jpg, originally uploaded by flamingobear.

It's the first time I've set up the lights in the house for a photo shoot in a while, so here are a few of the best.