And the Weekend starts...

Now it gets good...baseball sign-ups are over for the day and with the really cold weather and the snow now falling it's going to be Felicia, Jack and Thomas time.  This will make it a great day because we'll be able to hang out, play the Wii, watch some movies and veg together.  I love days like this and wish they weren't so rare.

So Fortunate...

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what Jack said last night and I feel like I'm the most fortunate person in the world.  To have a son that feels that way is just unbelievably awesome.  I'm so fortunate to have his, Thomas' and Felicia's support, understanding, and most importantly their love.

Maybe I'm doing better then I think...

This was initially titled "Been a few..." but changed to the current so please read on...

Okay, so it's been a few days since I posted.  I've been tired at night and actually crawling into bed when I'm tired not after I post or catch up on the news...probably better for me. 

It was a good weekend as I was able to spend time with Felicia and the boys.  It was the start of the Baseball season...well sign-ups and I was also able to get my longest run of the year in during the drizzle/rain of Sunday and although it caused me to remove my glasses due to fogging and rain drops it felt really good to get out and run in the weather, probably because it was closer to 50 degrees vs. the 30 degrees it's been on the most recent runs.  Although today I bailed out of my planned run and moved it to tomorrow I did go and ride the bike. 

I'm really PROUD of Felicia because she ran 6 miles this weekend.  It was her longest ever and right on track with the "Broad Street" training program.  She is doing great with the program and her drive to make sure she completes the training and her other days of working out/cross training.  I don't know how but she ran it on the treadmill and I know there is no way I could do that but with the cold weather outside she struggles with her breathing.  I guess it's good I have boredom issues on the treadmill...it allows us to run together ;-)

It's coming up on the end of January and I'm really not sure how well I'm doing in my goal to become a better husband, a better father, and a healthier person.  I know I'm covering the last one as I'm exercising more and building my mileage and endurance for the runs later this year.  I just don't know how well I'm doing on the other two (much more important) goals.  I think I'm listening better and spending more time with everyone but it's really hard to judge that on my own.  I'm going to have to ask Felicia to give me a grade at the end of the month to let me know what needs lots of work and what needs just a little work.  I think more will need lots but I also believe it's moving in the correct direction for where I want to be as a husband and father.

Well, when I started this Jack came in and asked me what I was doing; I told him I was writing a blog and showed him what it was about and told him he could read it from the beginning so he would understand what I felt I needed to do for him, his brother, and his mom.  He said "okay" and went to take a shower.  Felicia and I tucked him and Thomas into bed and I came back into the office to finish this post and now I'm in tears because Jack just came in (sneaked up on me) and said...

"Daddy, you know how you're writing a bog about becoming a better father, well I don't think you need to do that because you're already the best at that and I don't think there is anything you could do to be a better dad..."

Oops...better go the other way

So, early this am I strapped on my "strobe light" and made my way out for a run.  Yep, good guess, it was cold and surprise, the wind was blowing...love living on the hill :-)  Anyway, while on the run I went on the typical route past Keystone Foods, around the loop a few times and back out.  Since the run was 1/2 over at that point (based on time) I figured I'd go left and backtrack to the house but when I came out of the business center and onto the road there was a car heading my way and they stopped.  I thought to myself...I'm on the side of the road there's no way you can hit me unless you drive into the corn field...then I saw it.  Silhouetted in the headlights was a dog whose head and shoulders were above the hood of the car.  The next thought I had was...oops, better go the other way.  So all I can say is "thank you" to the driver of that car because there is no way I was going to be able to out run that dog (horse?) and no reason for me to want to try.  It didn't cause a problem as I just made a slight loop adjustment but wow...I think I need a mask and maybe a second light.  :-)

The Spelling Bee

Late last year Jack was in the finals for the 3rd grade Spelling Bee at his school.  He was sensational and became the alternate because he came in 3rd out of 86 3rd graders.  Absolutely Awesome!

Today they had the District Spelling Bee and since Jack was an alternate he would only get on stage if one of the two 3rd graders representing his school was unable to perform.  Jack was not able to get on stage because both of the representatives were in attendance and they did a great job representing their school.  Unfortunately neither of them made it to the final 3 but it looks like a strong group for the 3rd graders going to the County Spelling Bee.

Jack, I know you were upset but you need to know that Mommy and Daddy are extremely PROUD of you and your Accomplishment with the Spelling Bee...we love you!

1st time and another favorite

Last night at the Flyers game I saw someone score a goal off the faceoff.  Not as a one timer but an actual shot off the faceoff as the puck dropped (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zioRydQL1uw).  It was the first time I've ever seen that and it was really cool to see it live.

This quote can be credited to Theodore Geisel...otherwise know as Dr. Seuss.

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

That is one of my favorite quotes and one I completely agree with...sometimes getting me in trouble but it's better to be honest upfront because at some point your true viewpoints and feelings will become known.  It's one of the quotes I want the boys to live their life by...

Pretty darn close to a Perfect Day

So, today was a vacation day to get some time with the family and hang out.  And for once it actually was as planned...maybe because I kept my Blackberry off all day...hmmm? 

Jack had a friend sleep over so that allowed Felicia to be stuck with me all day...lucky her.  We just hung out in the AM and both went for runs around lunch.  She decided on the less windy route and jumped on the Treadmill for 5 miles and I ran outside for just over an hour.  Good workouts for both but of us and it was really nice except for the wind.  Afterwords we hung out and went for a walk with Thomas after Jack and his friend went out to play.

When we got back the best part of the day happened.  Thomas tied his shoes all by himself for the 1st time - Awesome milestone and later, after dinner, he read us a "Dick and Jane" book.

Almost a perfect day - more time with Jack around would have made it perfect but it was darn close :-)  Thanks Felicia!! (for talking me into taking the day off)

Raining yet again and the start of Broad Street training

Well, it's raining yet again and showing us that only a few degrees lower and we'd be shoveling out of 1-2 feet of snow...oh well.

Since the rain started last night/early morning and is still falling my typical Sunday run was pushed to tomorrow since I've taken the day off to spend it with Felicia, Jack, & Thomas.  So, instead of exercise Felicia and I got the tree put away, cleaned out part of the kids area in the basement and converted the old train table into a Lego & Bionicle table and moved it from the basement to the "horsey room".  They seem to like that they can have a space to keep all of those toys off the floor and out in the open.  We'll see...

Tomorrow will be a hang out day after Felicia does her long run and I do mine.  Training starts for the Broad Street Run on May 2nd - only 15 weeks away.  Felicia is going to run that with me, well faster than me but with me.  It will be her first long race (10 miles) and my second long one.  I'm looking forward to discussing the training and the race with her during the training phase and after completing the race.  I think she is going to enjoy it but I think she will enjoy the training even more.

Kooma whooma

Well, thanks to Tom and Barb (and Zoey) we took a step into the Sushi making life and I have to say it was awesome!  We won't be going to Kooma anymore.  We had a great time with great friends - Thanks guys!

Friends and Family --- nothing better and nothing more important!!

Back from Orlando and what a Boar that was...

I missed Felicia, Jack, and Thomas because I was in Orlando at Leadership Meetings hosted by the company where I work.  I was able to talk to them on the phone but it's never as nice as kissing them good night or good morning but, I'm home now.  Even though this trip was very short it reiterated to me why having a wonderful wife and mother like Felicia is so important. 

Felicia makes everything at home smooth and that allows me to focus on the things I needed to focus on for the meeting and the things I need to focus on during the course of a typical week when I'm on the road or at the office.  As I think about it, without Felicia I'd never be 1/2 of what I am.  Her love, her support, her guidance, and her encouragement are what has made me most of what I am.  And, Felicia is doing that with Jack and Thomas as well.  I'm unable to describe how GREAT the impact on us by her words and actions is but I can say that we all have more confidence and strength because of it.  Because of you all three boys in the house are so much better than they could ever be without all you do - Thank You and We Love You!!

So why the title?
Well today on my run while in Orlando I decided to run past some forest/swamp around the golf course on the grounds of the complex.  Around 6:30 while the dawn was just starting to break, I passed a snack bar and the 9th green on the golf course just below the road where I was running.  As I started to pass the area on my way back to the hotel the light from the snack bar fell towards that green and the woods just beyond.  I looked over towards the green and saw a shape and thought at first it was a really small, fat grounds keeper picking something off the grass but as I thought that I stopped because he/she would have been about 3 feet tall and 4 -5 feet long...pretty weird.  So, I looked again and he/she stopped and looked at me and that's when I said "oh boy".  I looked closer and said to myself; okay, not running at me and really short legs with a round body so it's probably not a panther but is it a Bear, nah, I'm in Orlando for gods sake, what else could it be because it's not a dog...could it be a wild Boar?"  So I took a couple of steps and it did the same (in opposite directions) and I stopped again and looked and it did the same, looked in my direction.  Now I was slightly unnerved and thought; okay it didn't charge or growl at me so it can't be a Bear right, it must be a Boar.  Yet again I took a couple more steps and this time moved through the grasses on the side of the hill and onto the road.  At that point it sped up on it's way to the snack bar trash can area and I took off down the road in the opposite direction.  So, when I got back to the hotel I asked the concierge what he thought and he agreed, it was more than likely a wild Boar.  I thought it was a really cool experience and it showed me yet again why it's a great idea to work out early in the morning.

Well, good run and 52 degrees but wasn't great because when I got back I wasn't able to give Felicia, Jack, & Thomas hugs and kisses. I love & miss you guys!!

Well, based on temps at tonight's event a short sleeve shirt and shorts is going to be very, very cold on the AM run...maybe it will warm up some by morning :-)

Well, missed yesterday due to work issues but will catch up with everyone later this week. A shout out to Tom for fixing the PC and to the family for my hugs.

Observations

It's amazing how many words can be both a noun and a verb.  Jack had a homework assignment today that asked him to put words into the correct category and Felicia and I had to check them at Dictionary.com just to make sure he was right because we disagreed on some of the answers.  The funny thing, we were both right as was Jack.  Force and swarm are just two examples of the words he had in the assignment. 

So how is the progress of better Paul?  Well, it's still a long way to go but I've noticed that I'm spending time thinking of how I interact with others and that's causing me to look deeper at myself.  I know, I'm not the "deep thinker" but really, I've been taking time and thinking about things and how I react to them.  I can honestly say that I never looked at how I reacted/responded to things before I decided that I needed to work on being a better husband and father.  I'm glad I'm looking at them now even though I still have to figure out how to make changes but that will come as I get further along in this process.

By the way, I wimped out on the outside run again today...flashbacks to the feeling of the skin on my face being pulled from the biting cold...and worked out on the Elliptical today...gotta get that mask.

Boys - school and baseball

Well, now one week back into the swing of things and the boys are loving school and getting great grades.  Jack is popping out 100%'ers on tests and getting ready for the regional spelling bee.  He finished 3rd out of the 12 kids that made it on stage from his school (3 from each 3rd grade classroom) and because of that sensational finish he is the alternate for the regional spelling bee.  Thomas is starting to read to us on his own.  Currently he is reading the "Dick and Jane" books...great beginner reading books...same ones Jack started with and I have to say, it is awesome to have him read out loud.  He really seems to be enjoying it which is good because his father and older brother love to read and can actually ignore people in a room when into a good book :-)

Jack and Thomas had their first baseball camp last night at USTC and seemed to have a blast.  It was the typical 1st night event...slight confusion.  But overall it was well run and the kids really enjoyed being worked with at all the different stations.  It's always cool to see your children get coaching and fundamentals tips from guys that have played or are playing in the professional ranks.  Last year Jack had some coaching with Nick Leyva (former Phillies manager) and this year both Jack and Thomas are getting tips from Ryan Vogelsong (Phillies pitcher).  We told them to make sure they pay attention and listen to these guys...seemed to work because even with lots of friends there they really paid attention.

We have a couple of GREAT kids in Jack and Thomas...knuckleheads at home :-)  and respectful gentlemen outside of the house - as it should be.  Again, this is mostly due to Felicia and the absolutely wonderful job she has and continues to do with both of them.

Because of them I can smile, laugh, and love....thank you guys!!

24 hours later...

Well, those great feeling legs didn't hold up.  I think Felicia must have put "cramp cream" on my calfs while sleeping last night because they have been tight all day.  So, today became a day of rest which is okay because it allowed for a breakfast with everyone, some reading, some Band Hero, and lounging around. 

We were going to have Tom over to jam with us but the session only lasted about 8 songs before Thomas was done and needed some Rabbids time.  So next weekend will have some neighborhood jamming going on - rest that voice Barb ;-)

The boys got doughnuts again this Sunday and one of the best questions of the week came from Jack when he asked in front of both Felicia and me..."Daddy, do I need to get dressed before we go?  Last week I went in my pajamas."  To which I responded with "yes you did but last week Mommy was still in bed.".

Rest comes to an end in a few minutes as we will be taking the boys to USTC for Basball camp.  This is a great time for camps - early evening on Sundays and very early in the season to get the kids thinking Baseball and Spring.  Spring getting here soon would be nice...maybe I won't have to get that mask for running :-)

Only 6 weeks until Pitchers and Catchers report!

2 days in a row and legs feel great

Well, last year while training for the Philly Distance Run I had a very hard time with running 2 days in a row.  So, today was a test to see how my legs would feel/bounce back.  And I have to say I am very happy!  It was a very good run and I was shooting for at least 4 miles and I exceeded it by a little bit.  That was on top of the just over 3 I ran yesterday so all in all it was very good and I added some speed and about 1 mile with only an additional 10 minutes of time out there.  I'm not running 10 minute miles but since the snow melted I was able to run without having to be cautious with the slipping and falling.  But like yesterday it was very cold on the open skin and the wind gusts were tough.  I think it may have been colder at 2pm today in the sun then it was at 5am yesterday in the snow and dark.  It may be time to break down and buy a mask/hat combo and better gloves for the remainder of the winter.

The best part of the day was jamming with Jack and Thomas on the Wii.  Last night they opened the Guitar Hero 5 they got with the returns at Target and downloaded the song list to Band Hero - Thanks Tom, Barb, and Zoey!  So now there are about 150 songs they can play on Band Hero and they are loving it.

Cold and Slippery but so nice

Well today was the first day I completed the really early run (five am).  I actually woke at 5 and started my run at 5:19.  It was about 8 degrees with light snow and average winds (12 - 15 mph).  I made sure to wear my headlamp with the flasher going so I must have been a sight...like a blinking fire hydrant sliding down the road. :-)

I only saw 2 trucks plowing parking lots and 2 other cars on the road and I have to say I have felt GREAT all day.  I'm glad I decided to run outside today for the peacefulness of it.  I did slightly more than 3 miles even though my pace was slower due to a different running style because of the snow on the ground and so I didn't slip and fall.  It really allowed me to start the day with a clear head and more energy then a couple cups of coffee.  After I finished running I cleared the snow off the driveway for a cool down.  But, the best part of the early morning run is that I was done before anyone woke up and was free to spend tonight with Felicia and the boys without anything on my mind.

Tonight we opened the new item from the returns (Guitar Hero 5) and installed guitar #2 for the boys (gift card + some assistance from Mommy and Daddy).

If you scroll to the bottom of the blog you'll see I composed a new playlist from playlist.com.  It is the new running mix I'm using (minus one TSO song).  Although I guess I would say it's being used inside on the bike or elliptical since I'm really enjoying the morning runs with no music.

What's the most important thing in your life?

This is another favorite and like yesterday, another that I cannot attribute to anyone.

I want Jack and Thomas to live by this because even thought many of us try we sometimes forget what should matter most.  This reminder is for all that family is and always should be the most important part of your life and your time with your family should be cherished each and every day.

So, try to remember, just like all of the best investments your time should be spent on the things you need, want, and cherish most.

For me that is my family Felicia, Jack, and Thomas.

I love you guys!!

FAMILY

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,

"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;

I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on out way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told

How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,

My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.

I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,

God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,

Common courtesy you use,

But the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,

You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.

He picked them himself: pink, yellow, and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the suprise,

You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,

And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;

"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.

I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;

I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.

I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,

And I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

What Matters Most

Even though Jack has a major ear infection, he came running into the garage this morning to make sure he gave me a kiss and a hug before I left for work...it was awesome!!

When I got home tonight, Thomas read me a book, all the words, the whole book.  It was the first time he has done that...again...it was awesome!! 

This is one of my favorite quotes...not sure who to attribute it to but it sums up everything! 

"One Hundred Years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Thank you Jack and Thomas - I love you!

A cold run but a good run and great strides in school for the boys

Well, the workout was later then planned but it was a good run.  I increased the distance slightly and although it was very cold and the winds were blowing at about 20 mph I was able to also increase the pace by 28 seconds per mile while keeping the average HR the same at 149 bpm. 

I started a challenge on buckeyeoutdoors.com  for a 500/500 in 2010.  So far it's Felicia and I as part of the challenge but I think others will join as the weeks progress.

Jack is doing great in school and brought a test home that he took just before xmas break and scored a 100...he is amazing.  And Thomas is doing sensational and his writing/letters have improved dramatically.  We are so fortunate...

Welcome Back

Okay, so today was the first day back to school, work, and the real world in general and boy is everyone tired.  Felicia and I planned to workout together after the boys went to bed this evening but that changed and she got her workout in before dinner.  I followed prior to eating.  Did some crosstraining on the bike.  Did 9.5 miles in 45 minutes for a good workout.

Tomorrow starts the 1st day of early morning workouts!  A nice cool run...hoping the wind calms before I head out the door.  Getting to bed early tonight :)

A Healthier Person

My reason for becoming Healthier should be obvious but if you missed it below it is for Felicia, Jack, and Thomas.  To become healthier will hopefully allow me to be around longer to enjoy as much time as possible together.  It will also allow me to be able to do more with them.  To get there I've put some goals together for 2010 and they are...

• Burn 70,000 calories while exercising
  
• Run 500 miles 
• Bike and Elliptical 500 miles
• Weigh a maximum weight of 184 lbs. by 12/31
  
• Complete the Broad Street Run (10 mi), The Crossroads 17.75K (11.02 mi), The Philly Distance Run (13.1 mi){Felicia will run it with me this year}, The Philadelphia Marathon (26.2 mi){still being decided, final decision in June}

 You can follow my progress with the link to my training log on the right.

A Better Father continued

So I went for a run today and left the iPod home due to the cold (ear muffs) and to allow me to focus on my thoughts...getting deep ;-)

I realized I forgot to say in my post yesterday that Jack and Thomas are great boys.  They listen very well, they clean up after themselves, they are extremely respectful, and both try very hard with all they do and don't give up...kudos to Felicia and Mrs. Wooton.  Felicia has done a wonderful job with them and I've provided some assistance but the majority of this falls on Felicia - - Thank you!

This is the reason for them needing me to become a Better Father, it will provide me the ability to give back to them some of what they give me and Felicia every day.

Time to eat and build more Lego sets :-D

A Better Father

As I sit here on day one of 2010 and take a break from building Lego sets I've been able to take some additional time and think about what I can do to become a Better Father.  I think the most important thing I can do for Jack and Thomas is to be there for them.  That means being there now and hopefully for a very long time into the future.  Being there now can be accomplished by making time for them individually and jointly for Daddy time and making the time for Family time.  I can share with them what I think will work or what I've seen work for others and what I've seen and experienced that doesn't work both socially and with sports.  My goal as their Father is to have them each become a better man then I have been or will become.  I want them to know that it's alright to show your feelings, matter of fact it should be expected and to be respectful of everyone they meet no matter the circumstance.  Most importantly I want them to know they are loved more then can be shown.  I want them to know that no matter what that love won't ever leave.  I want them to know that they are the best boys in the world and like Felicia, I place them before me now and forever.

I need to get better at making sure my free time is their time and that I share that equally with the boys and Felicia.  I am going to ask both boys and Felicia to help me become better and making the time NOW, not 5 minutes or 10 minutes but NOW.

In a previous post I discussed how I'm going to free up time on a daily basis...remember the reason for the name:-)  Now I have to work on making sure the time I cleared is used in the best manner possible.