Holiday Review

Before we begin the journey into 2008, let us reflect on where we have been. Here is a quick review of the holiday season of 2008.

Cade understands that the holidays can be stressful and a large undertaking. A lot of work goes into making Christmas a special time. Cade knew when to call in for help with constructing Christmas.

Gunny has a killer set of tools

We started off the festivities with a small dinner party with some freinds. The Schwartz family lives right next door to Gary and Sue Becker, and Cade loves to play with the kiddies. They all came over early in December, and a great time was had.

They look harmless enough

We waited to visit the Big Man until it was quite close to the Big Day. Last year, Cade was a deer in the headlights when sitting on Santa's lap. But this year, Cade was ready. He was quite happy to sit with Santa, and had no fear. In fact, he was so at ease, that Cade immediately reached over and grabbled a candy cane. The boy does love his treats.

"I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle."

After visiting Santa, Cade managed to ride on a choo-choo train and view wildlife in its natural habitat. Mix in a breakfast at Ruby's, and we are talking a full day.

When it came time to open gifts on Christmas morning, Cade was prepared. Headbands and wristbands were handy to help him work through the many gifts to open. But, he had so many gifts, that we actually had to pull some back. We have a little stash that we can mix in throughout the year. For special occassions like when he actually goes big potty on Elmo, if you know what I mean.

Olivia Newton John would be so proud

We were very fortunate to have not one, but two world-class photographers in the house to document the Christmas morning festivites. Chris and Jessica combined to take some great shots (which were stolen and displayed on the previous post).

Here is the behind the scenes secret on how they capture the shots:

Step 1: Distract/amuse the two year old by waving wrapping paper in the air

Step 2: Have the subjects in your sights

Step 3: Snap the finished product

One of Cade's favorite gifts was his rocket launcher. Since we have been having very nice weather, the day after Christmas was spent playing with it. Headbands were part of the required uniform, of course.

Serious Hang Time. Very Serious

Houston - we have liftoff.

At halftime, we have Goldfish. Orange slices will come in a few years.

It just goes to show you that kids can be happy with only minimal financial input. You don't need electronics that cost hundreds. You need Wal-Mart specials that cost under $1.00. The flute - 87 cents. The centipede - 87 cents. Both are big hits.

part Kenny G, part Yanni, and part Ron Burgandy

It was a wonderful holiday season. Good times. Good times. But it is now time for the new year. 2008 will be eventful. The family will grow with the addition of a little girl. The LA Marathon looms in March.

My resolution: Do everything in my power to get the Chiefs to the 2009 Super Bowl.

And keep this boy smiling.

Christmas in the RSM

Here are the very best photographs from the Christmas-palooza in the RSM. I say the very best photographs because I am poaching all of these from [b]'s blog. I can't find the stupid connecting cord for my little camera (which is the crapped out back-up camera anyway).

As a result, the play-by-play review of Christmas Day that was promised in yesterday's post will have to wait. But these images taken by Chris http://www.beckersblog.com/index.cfm and Jessica http://jessicaclaire.net/ (Chris' special lady friend) are 400% better than anything I could have captured. Call it a Christmas blessing.

Opening a big dump truck. It came with mini, plastic boulders. Cade and I played hockey with boulders today.

While Chris was snapping this, Jess was right behind him throwing wrapping paper. The distraction was very amusing to Cade. Nicely done, Jess. Nicely done.

Wrestle Mania XVI.

Cade received a few plastic animals. While we were going through the sound effects for each, Cade offered a "moo" for the elephant.

Cade sure loves his Bammie and Papa.

The last two were taken on Christmas Eve. Cade loves bouncy balls.

Chris just discovered that Cade loves to knock down towers. Even if Mike Brady was the architect, Cade will demolish it.

Whenever the my photos get downloaded, there will be a more detailed Christmas commentary. Of course, the pictures may not be usable. We will then just go to the Martin Luther the King holiday posting.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! I wanted to take a break from the "Christmas Story Marathon" on TBS to wish my family and friends the happiest of holidays.

Here is the Christmas card photo. For the six people who check this blog, you already have received a hard copy of this snapshot.

Yes, I clap for myself

Check back tomorrow for a play-by-play of Christmas Day!

Top 10 Christmas Songs

An important component of the holiday season is the music. I am not talking about Christmas caroling. We are not in a Dickens story, thank you.

I refer to the glut of songs out there praising chestnuts roasting on an open fire, riding in a one-horse open sleigh, and running over grandmothers. And beware - there is a lot of terrible stuff out there. My Christmas gift to you is to offer you only the finest musical compositions. I am going to channel my inner Casey Kasem.

Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars

I am providing you the Top 10 Christmas Songs of All Time. Let’s count’em down.

#10 - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

A nice toe tapper to get things started. You know it is a good tune when Macaulay Culkin can scare off Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci with it in Home Alone.

#9 Linus And Lucy - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Is he really going Charlie Brown? Oh, yes. And we will revisit the Original Soundtrack from the legendary "A Charlie Brown Christmas" before this list is over. The "Linus and Lucy" song is a piano tune that basically is your Peanuts theme song. It is also featured in "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." I have become reacquainted with these classic cartoons because Cade has requested one or the other on a daily basis since mid-October.

The song is timeless, and you have to play the air piano when it is on. That Schroeder is a musical genius.

#8 Jingle Bell Rock - Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates make the list not as much for the actual song (which is a solid version of Bobby Helm's original Christmas favorite), but for the cheesy video. The Jingle Bell Rock video was early MTV. Back when MTV played music. I am not ashamed to say I really like Hall & Oates and their blue eyed soul music, but their videos reek of the 80's. Composed of Duran Duran, Def Leppard, and Michael Jackson, bad 80's videos are my childhood.

#7 Let This Be Our Prayer - Celine Dion and Andre Bocelli

Two powerful voices come together on this one. It is really a beautiful song. I have seen the song performed in person a few times (although never by these two), and it is quite impressive. One complaint, however. Am I crazy, or is this tune very similar to the Beauty and the Beast song with Celine and Peabo Bryson? Anyone?

Of course, Celine is "the greatest singer in the world."

#6 - Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid

Again, revisiting the formative years. I loved this song. Bono, Sting, George Michael, Bananarama, and Boy George? Forget about it.

This was the original "raise awareness" song. Bob Geldof's mission to give relief to the victim's of the Ethiopian famine in the mid-80's started the trend of singing for a cause. Following this force of nature, we had USA for Africa / Live Aid, Farm Aid, and then recently, Live 8. But this was the Grandaddy of Them All.

#5 Just Like Christmas - Low

You may not have heard this one. I found it on a random Christmas compilation cd. It kind of has a Garden State kind of vibe to it, but a little more upbeat. Although not a traditional holiday tune, and a bit off the beaten track, I highly recommend it.

#4 The Hanukkah Song - Adam Sandler

I have checked with the judges. The songs on the Top 10 Christmas Songs do not have to be about Christmas. An interesting technicality. There is however a quota on Hanukkah songs, so Driedel did not make the cut.

This could be the funniest song ever. Sandler remixes it every few years, and I look forward to each one.

Happy Gilmore can bring it

We have been working with Cade on this one. He has "O.J. Simpson, not a Jew," down pat. He struggles a bit with, "But guess who is. Hall of Famer Rod Carew. He converted." Cade will soon master it, and you can look for it on YouTube. April and I feel it is important to teach our son critical skills that will prepare him for life. Nothing is more crucial than Adam Sandler lyrics.

#3 Christmas Time is Here (vocal) - The Vince Guaraldi Trio

As promised, we would be coming back to "A Charlie Brown Christmas." The melancholy "Christmas Time is Here" (vocal) is one of my all-time favorites. The children's choir type thing going on is great. And it is not like a professional choir. It is more like your grade school choir. I love that.

I note that this is the vocal version. There is also the instrumental version as well (which is also stellar). The entire soundtrack is great (available at a Starbucks near you, by the way). It is very mellow, and heavy on the piano.

#2 The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole

Perhaps this is the standard for all Christmas songs. This song just exudes Christmas. The opening of "Chestnuts roasting on open fire," conveys everything about the season . It puts you in the holiday mood. Nat King Cole is money. He has one of the top voices, ever. You just can't go wrong with The King. In fact, it is an upset of sorts that it is not #1.

Which brings us to...........................

#1 Donde Esta Santa Claus?

What?

No, this is not a misprint.

Donde Esta Santa Claus. Doesn't it roll of the tongue? This is my newest favorite song. This is a Spanglish tune, in the same vein as "Feliz Navidad." But way, way better.

A guy named Augie Rios originally recorded this thing back in 1958. The version that tops our charts was done by Guster - an indie rock group from Boston. They apparently tour with Barenaked Ladies from time to time. But I have heard no other song from them beyond this gem.

This song is so catchy. When you start off the thing with, "Mamacita," it had better be good. When you have Santa call out his reindeer with the names "Pancho, Pedro, Pasty, and Pesky," it had better be good. And trust me, it is awesome.

I made a copy of it for the Spanish teacher at my school. I thought it would be a mooey bueno addition to the Espanol curriculum. I am guessing there is little to no educational value to it, but, c,mon. It is good, clean, fun.

So on Christmas Eve, we will be saying, "Donde Esta Santa Claus?"

That is the list, people. Learn it. Embrace it. Love it. If you have any suggestions or arguments, leave a comment. Sorry I did not place a "Long Distance Dedication" in the middle of the list. I do have a list of "Also Receiving Votes." But, I am choosing to keep them to myself.

A Travesty

Baskin Robbins and I go way back. When I was just a wee lad in St. Joseph, MO, my family would go to the Baskin Robbins on Frederick Blvd. After Little League games, after church, or on a hot summer night, Baskin Robbins was the perfect treat.

My favorite flavor was Daiquiri Ice. From day one, this pale blue sherbet concoction was what I ordered. While my sister went with the Mint Chocolate Chip, I stayed with the Daiquiri Ice. Through my adulthood, I never wavered from the D.I.

Sometimes it was difficult to find. Baskin Robbins would put my flavor on hiatus, calling it a "seasonal flavor." Whatever. It would soon enough creep back into the 31 flavor rotation.

That is until tonight. My wife wants a little yogurt. She is a Golden Spoon junkie (and five months pregnant). They are having their annual $3.99 quart sale. So, for the second time in three nights, I head over to the Golden Spoon.

A tasty treat, no doubt

After picking up the quart of 1/3 Chocolate, 1/3 Peanut Butter, and 1/3 Heath Bar, I decided to make my own dessert stop. The pit stop is made at the RSM Baskin Robbins (it's totally empty, save the one employee talking on the phone). I ask, "Do you have Daiquiri Ice?"

"Yes," the guy replied.

"Sweet sauce. I need a quart." If April is getting a quart of yogurt, then I am getting a quart of the best ice cream on the planet, dammit. He puts it into the carton, and I am off.

I get home. I do the ice cream dance for Caden. He is now excited for some ice cream. There is no apparent problem with the fact that it is the middle of December and it is raining out. We start the "Cream! Cream! Cream!" chant. All is right with the world.

Now here is where The Travesty part of the story kicks in. I take the first bite of my Daiquiri Ice. It is wrong. It is not the right flavor. It tastes almost soapy to me. Something is amiss. I look at the color. It is a pale green. It is not a pale blue. I hear Leo Getz in my head.

You know what they do at the drive-thru

I have lime sherbet. The Baskin Robbins guy is wicked retarded. I specifically asked for Daiquiri Ice. He gave me lime sherbet. I debate. It is only a five minute drive back to the store. I get in the car (but before I left, I scooped a smidge more for Cade. He apparently likes Lime Sherbet).

I return. Same empty store. Same guy on the phone. I say, "You gave me Lime Sherbet."

He replies, "Yes. Lime Daiquiri Ice."

It is then I realize the apocalypse is upon us. Baskin Robbins has changed the one holy thing in this world. The Daiquiri Ice that I have grown up with has gone the way of New Coke.

Probably the worst disaster in marketing history.

Here is what we are left with:

Lime Daiquiri Ice: Created in 2007, we blend lime ice with a splash of rum flavoring for a refreshing delight

More like a refreshing piece of poo. Why would you tamper with perfection? Blasphemy. A travesty. This will not stand.

I don't know what my actions will be at this point. Does anyone know the CEO's phone number? Apparently, Baskin Robbins is under the same umbrella as Togo's and Dunkin Donuts.

I think that is your first problem right there. Put down the 6" turkey and avocado and return Daiquiri Ice to its rightful place on the throne of all ice cream flavors.

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A quick p.s. -

After a thorough and painstaking research project I have found this:

My husband's favorite Baskin-Robbins item is the Daiquiri Ice. Unfortunately, the last time we were there, we learned that the recipe had changed. It is now LIME Daiquiri ice, and has a LOT more lime flavor, and is WAY too tart. The recipe below is pretty close to the original Daiquiri Ice. It is a very refreshing dessert for a hot summer day.Hope whoever reads this tries it and enjoys it.

HOME CLONE VERSION OF BASKIN-ROBBINS DAIQUIRI ICE(this is NOT Lime Daiquiri Ice)

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp imitation rum extract
• 1 tsp citric acid powder – you may need to go to a health food store or online for this, but it is a necessary ingredient
• 1 drop green food coloring.

Heat sugar and water just until sugar melts. Remove from heat and add citric acid. Stir until dissolved. Let mixture cool until lukewarm, then add rum extract, lime juice and food coloring. Refrigerate until chilled. Churn in an ice cream machine for 25 minutes. Spoon ice into freezer-safe bowl, and move to the freezer for an hour before serving.

Note: The recipe only makes a little over 2 cups, so you may want to double the ingredients.

MSG URL: http://www.recipelink.com/msgid/1427264

The Ultimate Christmas Gift

For those of you still searching for the perfect gift, you can now stop. Just go to http://www.joe-college.com/catalog/. Normally, I would never endorse a site that caters to University of Kansas fans, but there is an exception to every rule.

Joe-College.com specializes in t-shirts that celebrate KU, and take shots at all rivals of the Jayhawks. Currently, they have a plethora of shirts that mock Missouri's less than desirable Cotton Bowl game.

But here is the shirt that should be at the top of any Christmas wish list:

Operators are standing by

Please hold your venom-filled e-mails and comments. Save them. I have no use for them. This shirt is way above average because of this man:

A shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner. It's that simple.

Fatter than Mark Mangino. He is the head football coach for the Kansas Jayhawks. It is beyond me that a university president would hire him as the front man for an athletic program. I expect to see him have a heart-attack on the sideline every game.

But the big boy can coach. The Jayhawks are 11-1 and in the Orange Bowl. Perhaps other coaches should hit KFC early and often.

We sent this shirt to our good pal Kelly in Phoenix. She is a proud KU grad, and now a member of the Fighting Manginos. Enjoy!

Congrats to the Franklins

We received the great news that our good freinds, Adam and Kate Franklin, have given birth to their second daughter. Emmi Jane Franklin was born early yesterday monring.

The happy family

At just under 7 lbs, she really is a little bundle of joy. We hope to meet her tomorrow!

Emmi Jane

I think she is going to be another heartbreaker, just like her big sister, Kyle. Now that there are two eligible Franklin girls, the odds of Cade landing a good woman have increased.

Kyle Franklin: Big Sister and Bumble Bee.

Hooray for the Franklins! We are so happy for you.

13 Miles and Runnin'

In the immortal words of Jenny Curran, "Run, Forrest! Run!"

Those look like comfortable shoes

That is what 3,286 of my closest friends and I did on Saturday during the 2007 Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, CA. And surprisingly enough, I lived to tell the tale.

Luckily, the weather cooperated. On the previous day, it rained heavily (for OC standards). And it was a cold rain. But by Saturday, the skies cleared. And while the day started on the chilly side (it was 47 degrees as I drove to the race), the sun came out and it was quite pleasant.

Yes, I did a little training before hand. Yes, I had a little pasta the night before. But the most important preparation for the race came in the form of Body Glide.

The best $5.99 I have ever spent

This stuff works as advertised. No chafing. I say with no embarrassment that chafing was one of my biggest fears. I did not want to pull an Andy from The Office.

Andy is wearing the yellow jersey

As I predicted in the 12/6/07 post, the 4-1 method was key. Run four minutes, followed by walking one minute. After the first 3/4 mile was spent dodging and weaving through the masses, I was able to get into the groove of 4-1. I had the iPod on the "Upbeat Country Mix." Everything was moving along nicely. Nicely, until I felt a little prick in my left calf around the six mile mark. A cramp. Lovely. Although concerned, I was able to work through it. A little extra water/powerade, a bit of "goo" (a type of liquefied power bar substance), and some bananas along the route helped me soldier on.

As we zig-zagged through the city of Irvine, an unexpected foe reared its head. The Marachan factory. You know, Marachan. Top Ramen. As we passed by it, the air reeked.

I don't care how clutch you were in college

It smelled like sewer mixed in with a dairy farm. I thought I was at the Stockyards in St. Joseph, MO. It was a bit of a shock to the system to hit this stench in the middle of Irvine.

The race had electronic timers and mile counters along its route. I noticed I was keeping a solid 10 minute mile pace. This made me happy. Once I hit the eleven mile mark, I felt I was home free. Not even a minor blister on my left heel would slow me down. As I pounded out the final two miles, I switched the iPod to a little DJ Quik. Irvine was now "Jus' Like Compton."

DJ Quik = victory

I officially finished the race in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 9 seconds. But, this is a bit skewed because I didn't actually start the race for two minutes because of the huge crowd at the start. I had to slowly walk to the starting line. So, in actuality, the time is more like 2 hours, 13 minutes.

If you would like to confirm the fact that I actually finished the race, click on the link.http://http://www.schalfmarathon.com/Portals/14/New2007SCHalfMarathon.pdf

For the rest of the day, my legs felt fine, but I was just tired. But I did feel queasy. Kind of nauseous. I never threw up, but my stomach just didn't feel right. I ate some decent Mexican food at Javier's at the Spectrum later in the day, but I still felt a little off. I went to bed early. Way early. Try 6:00 pm. After about 12 hours of sleep, I was ready to face Sunday. Too bad the Chiefs weren't.

I hit the training trails again today. We had the usual SRLA run today after school. To the kids credit, they were right there again. I am so impressed by these guys and girls. In fact, two of the students played in basketball games later Saturday afternoon. That is crazy. I was thinking today's run would be a nice, easy jog after the half marathon. No. It was a five mile clip. My legs were dead. I felt like I needed the hip replacement. But I persevered. I needed to get the kinks out.

Next up, the Orange County Half Marathon on January 6, 2008. It should be good. The race starts at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, and ends at the Spectrum in Irvine.

We will see how it goes. It is all leading up to the LA Marathon in March.