Have a very Puffle Halloween

Life is a box of cereal....

Life socked me for quite a loss the other day.  Literally.  While equity trading, specifically a stock with the ticker "LIFE", I got run over.  Twice.  Isn't it ironic.  Life can really beat you down.  I tried to buy the stock at a certain price and got filled 20 cents worse (that's called slippage).  And then, like life itself, the stock dropped 50 cents out of the blue, for no apparent reason.  So, I decided to cut my losses and sell out.  Only to get filled at price 10 cents worse, again.  Life can be brutal.  It got me coming and going.  LIFE's a bitch.  My p & l for the day was highly negative and only $1 away from my daily lockout limit.  But I got back in there and traded my arse off, ending positive on the day.  In fact, if not for that one trade, it would have been my best trading yet.  Life can be challenging, but it is always full of opportunities.   Life is good.  Life is beautiful.  That's life:

I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself laying flat on my face,
I just pick myself up and get back in the race

Poppa Bruce

Happy birthday to the old man, my padre, husband to my mom, granddad to my kids.  71 years young.  Still looks good.  Did you know that there was a lunar eclipse on the night of his birth?  That explains a lot.  He shares a birthday with actress Jane Alexander.  October 28th is also the Christian feast day of Godwin of Stavelot.  Other than that, there's not much else happening on Oct. 28.  Sure, it's Czechoslovakian Independence Day - but that didn't turn out so well.  So, I guess the most important event of that day, was the birth of my Dad, who is still a terrific parent, role model, and important part of my life.  I am so proud of his accomplishments:  rising from a Bronx tenement to providing 3 boys a middle class upbringing in a peaceful midwestern suburb to a nice retirement in warmer climes.  He instilled in me a terrific work ethic, strong family values, and a love of reading (his interests in exercise - not so much).  I owe so much to my Dad and hope to be as good a father to my kids.  And I love him very much, which is more than I can say for Godwin of Stavelot.

Dad "talking" to a cactus

list monday - cars i've driven

99 Jag XK8

90 something SAAB

1989 Acura Integra

1984 Dodge Omni

76 Olds Cutlass Supreme (but more burgundy)

It was scary...

.....but we survived a fun-filled day at Legoland.  The girl child is still really into it, but it's getting more difficult for the pre-teen.  He did have fun programming Lego robots though.  We hit 5 restaurants in under 5 hours.  Stayed at a nice Sheraton property.  Good times.

Boo!

Old man dog...

Happy 13th bday to our practice son, Acadia's Couer de la Mer Fozzie the Bear.  He may be 91 (dog years), but he's still got that spunk (another great dog, btw).  We love our little man in a fur coat.

Leave the gun, take the cannoli...

They say the first step is admitting that you have a problem.  Well, I do.  I am addicted to Mafia Wars - a Facebook game who's sole purpose is to complete "jobs" and achieve higher levels.  There's heists and hauls, hits and boss fights.  You travel the world:  New York to Bangkok, Moscow to Vegas, Cuba to Atlantic City.  And Italy is coming soon.  It's not a mere obsession, it's a sickness.  My astute son asks, "Daddy, why is Mommy crying?"  No, that's not what he really asked.  His query:  "Why do you play that game?  It's just a lot of clicking."  I don't have a reasonable rationale.  Just when I think I'm done, they add more jobs, more scenic locales.  Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.  Cue the violin music....

list monday - best of baseball moustaches

Honorable mention:  Ryne Sandberg

10.  Cap Anson

9.  Rod Beck

8.  Louis Tiant

7. Jim "Catfish" Hunter

6.  Dennis Eckersley

5. Al "The Mad Hungarian" Hrabosky

4.  Rich "Goose" Gossage

3. Rollie Fingers

2. Keith "Seinfeld" Hernandez

1.  Mr. Baseball

 

A conversation between Fozzie and Cubby - II

Characters:

Fozzie as Old Man Dog (OMD)

Cubby as Young Pup (YP)

Scene:

Dogs on couch

YP:  Why do you always get the middle of the couch?

OMD:  (Yawns) Because I'm not a furry blob named Cubby.

YP:  Hey, it's all muscle old man.

OMD:  I know, you're a horse.  

YP:  I'm a Portuguese water dog, just like you.

OMD:  Speaking of which, it's been awhile since our last bull session.  

YP:  I told you, I'm a PWD.

OMD:  It's time for another tête-à-tête.

YP:  A what?  That sounds dirty.

OMD:  A powwow, a confab, a convo...let's rap.

YP:  Got my mind on my money and my money on my mind...

OMD:  Not that kind of rap.

YP:  Don't be dissing snoop d-o-double-g

OMD:  I'm more of a Beastie Boys dog, myself.  Anyway, let's chat.

YP:  I got a better idea, let's chow.

OMD:  That's half your problem.  And another thing, stop chewing up things.

YP:  Things?  What you mean things?

OMD:  Umbrellas, cartons of milk, your pride.  Keep it up and they'll think you're a Bichon!

YP:  They are pretty frizzy.

OMD:  Oy.

YP:  Speaking of which.  A Bichon walked into a bar with a duck under his paw. The bartender saw them and said, "Hey, what are you doing bringing that pig in here?" The Bichon answered, "That's not a pig; it's a duck." And the bartender replied, "I was talking to the duck!"

OMD:  That's quacktastic.  But let's get back on a point...

YP:  Oh, this Pointer walks into a bar with dog poop on his snout and says to the bartender, "Look, what I almost stepped in."

OMD:  Wocka wocka.  

YP:  That's why they call you Fozzie Bear.

OMD:  And you're Miss Piggy.

YP:  No, it's not a pig; it's a duck!

OMD:  You're going to need to duck if I have to come over there!

YP:  You were saying...

OMD:  Now, the days grow short.  I'm in the autumn of my years...

YP:  Sing it, Frankie...

OMD:  You're missing the p....no, I'm not going to say it

YP:  drats

OMD:  Anyway, I won't be around forever...

YP:  Where you going?  For a fun ride in the car?

OMD:  No.  Someday - to that great dog beach in the sky...

YP:  Can I come with you?

OMD:  No, young pup, it's not your time.  Besides, you have a job to do.

YP:  I'd rather play at the beach.

OMD:  When I'm gone, you will be in charge of the humans.

YP:  But I'm just a puppy...what do I have to do?

OMD:  You must guard the house and protect the family.  You certainly have the bark for it.

YP:  Woof!

OMD:  You must chase away any vermin, especially rabbits--not that you'll ever catch them.

YP:  I'll get that pesky rabbit yet!  Almost, got a lizard once.

OMD.  Sure you did.  You must vacuum up all crumbs those sloppy humans drop.

YP:  Yummy.

OMD:  And most importantly, provide cuddly warmth during those cold Cali nights.

YP:  Can do!  But, I'll miss you, old man dog.

OMD:  I'll miss you too, young pup, despite how pesky you were when you were little.

YP:  Well, that's certainly a lot of food for thought, especially the crumby part.

OMD:  Ugh, that's all you think about - eating!  I'm changing you're name to Chubby.

YP:  Well, you're scrawny.  I'll kick you're old man butt.

OMD:  Size matters not, ... Look at me. Judge me by size, do you?

YP:  Whoa, Portie mind trick...

OMD:  Much to learn, you still have...

Kids at work

She is my Cocoa Puffs....

....and I am koo koo for her.

Blog Prog

This blog is a celebration.  Life is awesome.  Literally.  I am in awe as to how challenging, joyous, stressful, sweet, frustrating and full of beauty life can be.  My loving and challenging wife never ceases to amaze me.  My loving and challenging offspring never cease to inspire me.  My job, that I could love, has been more challenging than I could have ever imagined.  And I am fortuitous to reside in such scenic splendor, never tiring of commuting while admiring the chalky blue sea, the wildflower covered hills, and the general lack of potholes.

Yet, it is the tribulations of my vocational journey that have left me creatively drained at the end of most days; thusly, blog postings have not lived up to my original intent or output level.  But blog on I must, leaving a written record of this odd annum and sporadic sermons for my progeny.  So, here is the 2-cent philosophy of a stock operator:

Life is like the stock market.  There are up days and down days.   History has shown, that over time, there are more up days than down.  You've got your "head & shoulders" and your "double bottoms" (both stock chart patterns).  One can be bearish (a gloomy Gus) or one can be bullishly optimistic about the challenges ahead.  There may be flash crashes, but they are ephemeral, and an extended rally is always around the corner.  Don't fight the trend and don't sweat the things out of one's control.  Cut your losses and let your winners run (something I'm still trying to master).  And most importantly, family is the only true and lasting asset of real value.

And if there's only one thing that this universe has taught me, it's:  the more I know, the less I know.  But that hasn't stunted my yearning for learning.  Oh, and if there's a second thing that Genesis (the band, not the Bible) taught me, it's:  you got to get in to get out.  Rock on and buy low/sell high.

Genealogy Wednesday

Jilly made a family tree in h school.  Apologies to a few key people that are missing.

15 years ago...

Fifteen years ago today, October 13, 1995, I was just a poor mentsch.  It started out like any other day.  Went to work.  Got a haircut.  Met the gang at a Wrigleyville pub, The Gingerman.  And that's when life as I knew it changed forever.  FOREVER.  It was there where I ran into my former camp/school mate and future bride, who was in town from California for a wedding.

The next day, I met her at Old Orchard mall, where she was getting her make-up done for the wedding--the wedding which I would wind up crashing to be with her.  I was trying to make the most of my time with her while she was in town.

The next, next day, which happened to be the future bride's birthday, was spent having breakfast at Wishbone, strolling the Magnificent Mile, dinner at Club Lucky (my fav), and a nightcap at Cafe Absinthe.

Now that was some weekend.

Scene from a Cubby's walk

notice the little guy below

list Monday - best cartoon characters

1. Jerry Mouse
2. Mr. Peabody
3. Dr. Doofensmirtz
4. Bugs Bunny
5. Fred Flintstone
6. Scratch
7. Bart
8. Underdog
9. Grape Ape
10. Michigan J. Frog

Suuuuuuper Cubby

Cubby doesn't like it when it rains:

Interview with Josh - redux

What is your name? How old are you?

   Josh.  10  Josh.  10

Where do you live?  What is your home like?

   San Clemente.  It looks very unstable, like it's ready to collapse.  San Clemente.  Small and yellow.

What are your favorite things to do?   Do you do them alone or with others?

   Baseball, video games and strategic things.  Both. Game, sail, write.  Both.

What do you like to eat?  What do you dislike eating?

   Mac & cheese and pizza.  Sloppy Joe, pickles and cheese.  Big burgers and popcorn.  A lot of things, including soup.

What do you think you will do when you grow up?

   Author  Be someones who sails on a boat and acts like a writer.

What does your family celebrate?  How do they celebrate?

   Hanukah.  Opening presents.  Chanukah.  3 presents a night and chocolate.

What do you do on your birthday?

   Breakfast in bed and more presents.  Breakfast in bed and this year a massage.  Red Robin.

What is your favorite color?  Why?

   Blue like the ocean.  Blue, because it's gnarley.

Do you have things to do every day that you don’t like doing?  What are they?

   No.  Yes, school.

What is your favorite thing to wear?  Why?

   My Cabo shirt because it's soft and looks awesome.  Skinny jeans, quicksilver shirts and flat-billed hat - cause it's what's in style.

What would be the best thing someone could give you?

   Lots of things.  One million wishes.  Penguin storm 12.5.

What questions do you have for children in other countries?

   Do you like mustard.  What color is your underpants and why?

Who is your best friend? (and why)

   Max O. because I've known him since 2nd grade and he's the coolest.  Nate, he's complex and calm.

Do you think girls/boys have cooties?

   No, girls are awesome (and hot).  No, girls are awesome.  When I'm 11, I'm going to ask Alena out - because 11 seems appropriate.

Do you have a boy/girlfriend?

   I used to.  Katlyn, until we moved.  Possibly.

What do you think about your brother/sister?

   She doesn't listen to me, but she's funny and cute and I love her.  Demonic.

Who is your meanest friend?

   I don't have a meanest.  Jack, he's kinda jealous.

Do any of your friends tell you secrets? (what secrets?)

   I used to share secrets with Max, such as who we liked.  Yes, big time.  Nate had a codeword for a girl he likes (all american milk)

Which friend do you think you would marry?

   Katlyn  Alena

Who is your prettiest friend?

   Reagan  Alena

Favorite Book/Movie/TV?

   Percy Jackson series/Star Wars/Chowder  Harry Potter/Fred the movie/Phineas & Ferb

An interview with Jillian - II

What is your name? How old are you?

   Jillian. Um, 6.  Seven

Where do you live?  What is your home like?

   Saint Clemently.  It's good.  17 XX XXX.   Good.

What are your favorite things to do?   Do you do them alone or with others?

   Play on computer and watch tv.  Alone. Go on computer.  Both
 

What do you like to eat?  What do you dislike eating?

   That's tough, cause I like to eat everything.  Fish. Chicken noodle soup.  Fish.

What do you think you will do when you grow up?

   Invent the flying car of the future (with help from Daddy).  Be a famous artist.

What does your family celebrate?  How do they celebrate?

   Hanukah.  Opening presents and lighting the Menorah.  Channukah.  Sit in the family room and open presents.

What do you do on your birthday?

   Have a party.  Get out of school.

What is your favorite color?  Why?

   Purple because I'm purple in Club Penguin.  Purple, because it's the color of royalty.  

Do you have things to do every day that you don’t like doing?  What are they?

   Yes, school....it wastes my playtime.  Going to school, cause it's sort of boring.

What is your favorite thing to wear?  Why?

   Cool T-shirts and pants because I look sparky.  Tops and leggings because it's casual.

What would be the best thing someone could give you?

   All the webkinz in the world.  Superpowers (flying).

What questions do you have for children in other countries?

   Why do you speak different languages?  Are there lots of animals.

Who is your best friend? (and why)

  Katie M because she always plays with me on the playground.  Paige because we were once lunch basket buddies.  Also, Katie M.

Do you think girls/boys have cooties?

   What are cooties?   Yes, especially one person (Ryan).
 

Do you have a boy/girlfriend? 

   No

What do you think about your brother/sister?

   eh.  Really funny.  He's mean.

Who is your meanest friend?

   Dominick because he's surprisingly mean.  Patrick - he is loud and makes faces.

Do any of your friends tell you secrets? (what secrets?)

   Not really.

Which friend do you think you would marry?

   Some other guy.  No one.

Who is your prettiest friend?
   Myself.  Me


Favorite Book/Movie/TV
   Diary of a Wimpy Kid/Harry Potter/Tom & Jerry or Fairly Oddparents   ?/they're all good/Phineas & Ferb

List Monday - best of Art (no Carney's or Garfunkel's)

1. Rodin's The kiss
2. Manet - Philosopher (with oysters)
3. Monet - Thames and the House of Parliament
4. Renoir - Two Sisters
5. Delacroix - Liberty
6. Chagall - Stained Glass
7. Picasso - Guitarist
8. Van Gogh - Cafe Terrace at night
9. Modigliani - Jacques Lipchitz and wife
10. Michelangelo - Sistine Chapel

honorable mentions: Escher, Dogs playing poker

Jillian in Julian

Time for one of these: