Wedding Fun

This past weekend, Justin's roommate from college got married here in Dallas. We had such a fun time with Justin's friends in town from out of state. Here are a few pictures from the wedding.

Downward Slope...

Yesterday I recieved an email from a pregnancy website that said:

Congrats! You have made it to your 3rd Trimester!

I can't believe it. About 12 more weeks til little Pierce is here!

Bittersweet...

Today is a bittersweet day for me. It is my official last day of summer because us teachers have to return to work on Monday full time. I have had a great summer (full of mom-Duncan time, beginning to work in Pierce's nursery, our trip to Florida, and many othere things) and am sad to see it end; however the start of this school year means I am closer to meeting Pierce.

Justin and I were talking about this fall and all the fun things that are right around the corner and of course at the top of our list is Pierce's arrival! We are so excited that we are getting so close. I am 27 and 1/2 weeks along, which means my 3rd Trimester starts on Tuesday. I can't believe it! There for a while, I didn't think I would make it out of my first trimester.

So although my summer is coming to an end today, I am gladly accepting the end of this summer. Next summer is sure to be one full of many, many, many fun memories with little Pierce around!

Here are a couple more pictures of our trip to Destin:

Loving Our Beach Time...

Well, we are still in here in Destin with the Leaches and are having a fantastic time. We have spent quite a bit of time out at sea, down by the beach, relaxing in our condo, and of course a lot of time laughing together. Here are a few of pics of the past couple of days.

It's Beach Time...

Well, we made it! We are in Destin for our annual vacation with our great friends, the Leaches. This is our first trip with little Brady.  After a long drive through the night and a little wasted time in Barnes and Noble while our condo was getting clean, we made it out to the water for a little 'beach time.' Here are a couple of pictures from our first day here!

Mildly Extreme Room Make-Over: Pierce Edition

When we first moved into our house, people always asked what our extra bedroom was for. Justin always told them it was our 'exercise room,' but we secertly knew it would be our nursery.

Well, after watching many hours of HGTV, we were definitely inspired to create something special for our little Pierce. Although we don't have the furniture yet, we do have a painted room and the bedding.

Here is a picture of Justin(and Duncan) getting the walls ready to paint.

Although I couldn't help paint, I did help tape the walls.


Here is a picture of the walls the morning of the 'room make-over.'

And now....the Big Reveal!!
I was so proud of Justin's (and his dad's) hardwork. They did such a great job and I think the room looks fabulous.

And here is a sneak peek of Pierce's bedding.And now we just waiting for the furniture to come in so we can add all the fun little boy accessories.

Movin, Movin, Movin...

I have been waiting for this-the moment when Pierce would move around and I could feel it and absolutely know that it was him.

These moments have begun. Although I can't feel him all day long, I can feel him at least a couple times a time. I love it when I am just hanging out and a I feel a little nudge. It is usually really quick, but I love when I can feel it!!

On Wednesday night, Justin and I went to see Batman. For those that haven't seen it, it is very loud. Lots of big bangs and such. During the movie, Pierce was moving around like crazy every time there was a really loud noise. So, I grabbed Justin's hand at one point and placed it on my belly. I leaned over and told him to leave his had there and he might be able to feel Pierce. Sure enough, just a couple of minutes later Justin's eyes got really big and he turned his head to me and asked if that was Pierce. And I told him it was! Justin was so excited to finally get to feel his son move. He was so proud!

On Saturday afternoon, we went to the movies again. This time to see Mama Mia. (We are trying to get some good movie watching in before Pierce gets here.) And once again, during some of the songs, Pierce was moving around some more! I quickly grabbed Justin's hand again and told him to leave it there for a bit. And sure enough-a couple of minutes later, Pierce moved around again and Justin got to feel him!

I love the feeling of my son moving around in me. I know once he gets a little bigger it might become uncomfortable, but for now, I savor the little moments when I can feel him moving around. And now, Justin loves to just sit with his hand on my belly and wait for his little man to start movin'!

Happy Anniversary!!

Today is our anniversary! I can't believe it has been 4 years since I married my very best friend. I could not ask for a more perfect person to spend my life with! Justin-thanks for laughing with me each day, praying with me, and just making life fun. I fall more in love you each day!

Here is a picture of us on our wedding day with our very special friend, Rene. She definitely had a hand in bringing us together and for that we are both so thankful!

1st Clothing Crisis

Today I had my very first 'pregnancy clothing crisis.' I figured at almost 22 weeks it is my turn, but it was still a crisis.

So, I was getting ready for church this morning. I found a cute little dress in my closet that has an empire waist-therefore making room for my belly. I put on my dress and looked in the mirror. It was a little tight up top in the chest region. I turned to Justin for his advice and he suggested for me to put on a little white sweater. I did that and then Justin looked at me and said, "Just start over." So, it was back to the closet to find something that would fit. I found a cute little skirt and a top to match. I put the skirt on and it only zipped up a tad. And to top it off, my white 'belly band' was in the washing machine. I went and found the 'band' and tossed it in the dryer. After about 10 minutes it was still wet, but dry enough to wear. So, I kept the skirt on-half zipped up and all- and put on the 'belly band.' And off to church we went.

So at 22 weeks pregnant, I am guessing that it getting time for Justin and I to make a trip up to the maternity store to find some clothes that will fit my ever-changing body.

Happy 4th

Justin and I enjoyed a great 4th of July weekend. It was full of family, friends, food, and fun! Here are a couple of pics from our weekend.

The 2nd Half Begins....

Tuesday marked our 1/2 way point to meeting little Pierce. We are officially in the 2nd half of our 'pregnancy game.' We are looking forward to all that this second half is to bring:

• feeling little Pierce move
• painting and decorating the nursery
• trying to get ahead on sleep
• and the continued growth of my belly

We did buy furniture this past weekend and Justin and I have decided on the bedding. Once we get the bedding, I will post some pictures.

Here is the face picture of Pierce that I promised in the last post. You can see his eyes and nose and his little body.

Here is a picture of my "little bump."


And here is a picture of me and Duncan. Duncan already loves little Pierce!! He can't wait to have a new friend to play with!

The McNugget is...

a BOY!! Yep, that is right! We are having a little boy. Pierce Jacob made himself known to us yesterday afternoon. We are so excited to be able to give our little one a name.

The first thing we saw when they began the sonogram was:

his little hand. Pierce was giving us a high five! Isn't his little hand is just so cute!!


Here is a picture of the proof that he is a boy. It is a little hard to see it all, but believe me-all his parts are there!! (It looks like he is sitting on the camera. You can see his bottom, his legs, and his 'stuff'.)



Although Pierce wouldn't turn to give us a good profile shot, we did get a picture of his little face. The picture of the picture is a little blurry, so I am going to have to post it later. But I can already tell that he is very handsome!!

So, now the fun begins! We can start planning the nursery, buying clothes, and getting everything ready! I can't believe it is only 20 more weeks til we meet our little one!

Only 2 More Days....

(the way I count, at least-I don't count today or the day of)

Until we find out if the little McNugget is a girl or a boy!! I can't wait. I plan on staying really busy until 1:15 on Thursday.

"Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee!" POW

That was Paul Pierce's quote last night after he led his team to their first Eastern Conference Championship in more than 20 years. Now, many of you know that our family is a Celtic Family-we (including Duncan) did all "jersey up" last night for Game 6 against the Pistons. And I was so glad that they won, because me and the McNugget can't handle any more of these close game 7's. I get way too stressed out!

About our little McNugget...we had our 16 week appointment last week and the McNugget is doing well. We did get to schedule the appointment for our next sonogram. It is the big one - the one when we find out if the McNugget is a boy or girl! I can't wait. I have begun a mental countdown for June 19th.

So, 2o more days until we find out if our little one is more likely to "fly like a butterfly" (girl) or "sting like a bee" (boy).

"Welcome to the Sisterhood"

So, when I first announced at school that I was expecting, one of the teachers said, "Welcome to the Sisterhood." I wasn't for sure exactly what she meant at first, and I really don't think I still fully understand. But I do know that I have joined a few new "sisterhoods."

The Sisterhood of the Ever-Shrinking Pants...

According to some of my closest friends, there is no pooch. However, my pants tell a different story. I only have a couple pairs that still button and feel comfortable. The rest must be accompanied by a "belly band" to cover up the fact that my pants are buttoned. I must admit, I was ready for this part of the pregnancy. I am excited about the fact that the little McNugget is getting bigger and therefore my belly is growing.

The Sisterhood of the Tired Pants...

So, I like my sleep. I have always liked my sleep. But since I've been pregnant I feel like I am ALWAYS tired. I hate to admit this, but I like to be in bed at 8:30 pm. The majority of my 4th graders stay up later than me, but I really don't care. It seems that no matter what "pants" I have on, they are always "tired pants."

The Sisterhood of "You Should Do This...It Will Help" Pants...

Let's be honest...I am pregnant and therefore I have some issues. It seems that everyone ( or almost everyone) around me seems to think they are a doctor or pharmacist. I love that everyone has been concerned for me and my health, but it seems that everyone has a different remedy for each "issue" and I feel like I have tried them all. I am all "remedied" out.

Although there have been a few "not so fun parts" of being pregnant, I absolutely love it! I love that our little McNugget is nice and warm in my "oven".

And now I wait....wait until the day that I can join "The Sisterhood of the Newborn at Home Pants..."

The Dancing Machine

Yesterday Justin and I went in for my 12 week appointment. We didn't think that we were going to get to see our little McNugget, but my doctor couldn't find the heart beat with just her little Doppler thing.

So, we went into the sonogram room and the "sonogramologist" put the jelly stuff on my tummy and started looking around. Very quickly, she was able to find the baby and a very healthy heart beat. As we were staring in amazement at our little one (which looks just like a little person) she was trying to get a still picture of the baby. After a couple of minutes of watching our little McNugget move around, she finally said, "I can't get a good still picture because the baby hasn't stopped moving."

We take this 2 ways:
1. The baby just goes goes goes like its' mother. Not even able to sit still for a moment to get a good picture.
2. The baby has rhythm just like its' dad. Always with a song in its' head and already practicing dance moves.

In hopes that the baby is already practicing its' moves and getting ready for Baylor's All-University SING 2027...
"Dancin' Dancin' Dancin' Dancing Machine...."

Fishing Buddy or a Husband?

Well....here I go at my first attempt to blog! I know I won't be near as entertaining as Justin, but I will try not to disappoint!

So, it appears that our little McNugget is already set. He already has a fishing buddy or She already has a husband. Let me explain...

On Monday, we were at Plano Presby for sweet little Brady Leach's birth. (Which I want to pause and thank God for such a sweet little boy. I am blessed to be his "JoJo.") As Justin and I were in the waiting room with the Cooks and the Leaches, we began talking with Dixie and Darlene. We were talking about our little McNugget and how everything was going for us so far. The next thing I knew, we were planning an arranged marriage for Brady and little girl McNugget. It was said that it would definitely be the "Wedding of the Century!" So, if we are having a little girl, she is already "spoken for."

Now about the fishing buddy. Justin and I have a 3 1/2 year old nephew, Will. As Justin's sister was explaining to him about his new cousin, he voiced his opinion about wanting a boy cousin. When Justin's sister asked why Will's response was, "So, me and dad, UJ (Justin) and the baby, and PawPaw can all go fishing." Now, to our knowledge Will hasn't been fishing yet, but we love that he is already planning fishing trips with his boy cousin.

So whether the little McNugget is a boy or girl, he/she already has plans!

Breaking News

Let there be life.

McNugget McCord due Nov 11, 2008.

Yes, this changes everything, and we couldn't be more excited. One of the first changes is that this area (blog-i-verse) will now be commandeered by Joanna, as she looks to express her infinite and oh-so-preggerrific wisdom.

As for me, a pioneer of blogging (since circa April 2005), I'm moving... I've got a new hideout in a place over the rainbow. http://emeraldcitylife.blogspot.com. Come visit.

So, in keeping the main thing the main thing, let me close our time together by just simply saying this:

Lookout playground, you just got a lot more awesome.

Message from the Phantom Blogger

Big news coming to this web-world tomorrow.

Big news.

Get ready blogging nation--the fun has just begun.

--With the love of a raised leg,
The Phantom Blogger

Happy Easter... err, plus one week

The McCord family celebrated a fantastic Easter last week with the ceremonial eating of roast beast (ham), Irish dollars (potatoes) and some grass (salad).

Oh, and we practiced the time-old tradition of egg-dying.

Happy Easter.

And Happy-Sunday-after-Easter.

A Tale of Two Fans, and a Tale of Two Fans

Wife and I have had a NBA heavy week. Monday we were in San Antonio, to celebrate (among other things) Spring Break, St Patty's Day, and the Celtics being in town. We proudly donned our green, remembered the Alamo, had a second helping of chips & salsa, and rooted the C's to a come-from-behind victory.

Tuesday was historic as the Celtics then traveled to Houston and took on the Rockets (who were--stress WERE--on a 22-game winning streak). We shared in traveling back to Plano (through wind, rain, outlet malls and more) and watched the Emmy-worthy coverage on TNT as the C's unleashed a stifling defense to beat Houston.

Then came Thursday, when the Celtics traveled here, to Dallas, to take on the sliding Mavericks. It was a very good game, but in the end good prevailed over evil as the Celtics won.

This marks a season sweep of all three Texas teams for Boston. 2-0 versus San Antonio. 2-0 versus Dallas. 2-0 versus Houston.

The last team to successfully sweep all three in the same season was the Sacramento Kings in 2001. Boston has not done such since the 86-87 season, and its only the 4th time in 13 tries for them to do so.

So things are well in the land of the Leprechauns. It's been magically delicioso for certain.

Amongst all of the winning and NBA dominance that we saw, there was a revelation. The revelation first came to Wife, and then to yours truly.

What's the deal with the 'Fan'?

Fan #1. Let's call him Miguel. He sat behind us in San Antonio. He was late 50's, and donned his Spurs jersey sans undershirt. It was very smartly tucked into his Wranglers that left nothing of Little Miguel to imagine. Miguel had the Spurs logo tattooed on his arm. Yes, I'm serious. Miguel was what I'll call the "near-sighted fan." He knew the names of his players, but not the names of the opposing team. So, when he would call out the other team--he would yell Ray Joe Rondo (add a thick accent) to Rajon (pronounced Rah John) Rondo; he would say Sam Cassell's name as Sam Castle; and if he didn't know ANY of the player's name--well, he defaulted to calling them Kevin Garnett. That left us with the weird moments where there might be three or four Kevin Garnett's on the floor.

Now I can't completely fault Miguel for not knowing the complete rosters of both teams--not everyone is as endeared towards NBA nerdom as I am. However, Miguel's near-sightedness was not only displayed in his lack of cross-team knowledge, but also in being unable to accurately place blame or admit blame.

When the Spurs had a foul called against them--Miguel flipped his South Texas lid. How dare the refs call something. When the Celtics had a foul called against them--Miguel would stand, beat his chest, and air-hump the back of my noggin.

Miguel was passionate to the point of being unable to see past the ink-covered flesh on his arm.

Fan #2 (and her boyfriend). Let's call Fan #2 Shelly. Shelly lives in Dallas. She was a waitress in college and thinks she was the first person to like Sara Bareilles. She dates this guy, Gavin, who's got a full beard and wears Van slip ons. They're indie. But Gavin loves the Mavs. So Shelly loves the Mavs.

Therein lies the problem.

Gavin & Shelly sat behind us at the American Airlines Center on Thursday. Gavin may have a little sports quid-pro quo in his arsenal. He listens to local sports talk and then repeats the opinions he hears to Shelly. So Shelly then tries to express her limited sports knowledge through blood-curdling screaming, using very generic basketball lingo ("set it up", "cross-court", "top of the key") in a repetitive fashion, and assigning overall good qualities to professional basketball players ("Jason Kidd is an amazing person. He's so selfless and humble.").

Shelly's problem is that she's not a fan. She's a fan-by-association-------which is fine until you try to exert fan-like knowledge.

I think the overriding problem I have with both of these fans, and both of these scenarios, is that I just don't get it. Call me crazy--but I believe that perfect fannery exists in your realistic knowledge of your team, not painting your face. Perfect fannery exists in understanding that your players may not be the best--may not be the most athletic--may not get all of the calls. For me, perfect fannery does not include external displays of passion--such as cheers, jeers, yelling, screaming, whining, or celebrating. Hi-fives are perfectly normal, as are fist bumps if you are of the urban persuasion.

Perfect fannery can include wearing 1 item promoting your team... be it jersey, t-shirt, warm-up, hoodie, hat or other. However, I believe you should never wear more than 1 item--no hat + jersey with color-coordinated shoes. Perfect fannery means realism, in all situations. Perfect fannery means Wife will wear a Celtics jersey, go to the game and root for my favorite team--however, if the Mavs happen to use the clapping soundbite from the Cha Cha slide, she may clap along--that's fine, because its not her fannery at risk, its mine.

Perfect fannery means making an attempt to learn the names of the opposing team, understanding the penalties of the games you are watching, and having an intelligent opinion in all situations.

Perfect fannery means your week isn't ruined when your team loses. You can be upset--that's natural--but let's not let our work or relationships suffer over it.

Finally, perfect fannery means that you can only be truly passionate about 1 sports organization. Your blood can only bleed one sports color. You can root for me--but you can only die for one.

a rambling man on presciption drugs

STORY #1
Up until now the similarities between your author and Paul Pierce have been slim. I love the Celtics. He is a Celtic. I know that in the song "California Love" Tupac recognizes Inglewood as being "up to no good." He grew up in Inglewood, CA. Pierce played his college ball at Kansas. I lived with a guy from Kansas for two years. Yes, he is one of my idols in life, but, no, no, we're not that much alike.

Until now.

On September 25, 2000, Pierce was at a Boston nightclub where an incident took place. That incident led to him being stabbed 11 times, suffering injuries to his face, neck, back and lungs. Pierce underwent major lung surgery to recover.

On Friday, March 7, 2008, I was stabbed. I was stabbed by a Doctor (who meant to be stabbing me) while undergoing surgery.

And thus, Paul and I are closer now than ever.

STORY #2
Up until now the similarities between your author and Allen Iverson have been even slimmer. Iverson won the 2001 All-Star Game MVP. I watched the 2001 All-Star Game. Iverson married a woman named Tiwanna. I have often wanted to see Tijuana. Iverson has an infamous quote where he uses the term "practice" 21 times in a matter of moments. I have heard the clip of his press conference at least 21 times. Iverson is one of my favorite NBA players, but we don't have really anything in common, until now.

In 1997 Iverson had a warrant out for his arrest for possession of marijuana. He plead no contest.

Recently I received a voicemail from the Haltom City Courthouse letting me know that I had a warrant out for my arrest for a speeding ticket that was unpaid. I plead no contest.

And thus, AI and I are 'boys.' He runs in my crew.

STORY #3
Robert Redford is one of my favorite actors. He and I have, well, some things alike. He was born in California and went to Colorado University to play baseball. I was born in Texas and stayed in Texas for school. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. I was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He received fame and notoriety for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where he starred opposite of Paul Newman. My notoriety is really limited to you reading this and, well, I enjoy Paul Newman's spaghetti sauce.

Nonetheless, Redford and I took another step in becoming closer this weekend.

Redford started a little film festival called Sundance, which has grown to be one of the most notable film festivals in the world.

This weekend, post-op and while medicated, I've had a little film festival of my own. Here is a list of what I've watched: LA Cofidential, Spinal Tap, the Indiana Jones Trilogy, Entourage Season 3 Pt 2, Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End, The Untouchables, two episodes of Saturday Night Live, parts of The Office Season 3 and parts of How I Met Your Mother Season 2. And the days not over. I've nothing but time on my hands and fuzziness in my vision.

Party on, post-ops. Good stories a plenty shall be had.

Make Like a Tree (600 Gallons Worth)

First, by request the font has been changed. Apparently others do not have the same apprecaition for Courier that I do. Screw them. But alas, the public asked and the public received.

In other nudes, the fam had a ball this weekend with our "1st Annual Rakefest Roundup."

We raked enough leaves to fill 20 bags that held 30 gallons worth of refuse. That's 600 gallons of leaves, which brings me to the following photos and the following puns/play on words:

"Just leaf us alone."
"With the second pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select Ryan Leaf."
"Make like a tree and get the heck outta here."
"Who's your favorite Viking? Mine is Leaf Erickson."
"I'm leafing on a jet plane."

Happy Ne'erday

We're feeling rather Gaelic around the McCord castle on this first of January, 2008. That doesn't meant we're celebrating Ne'erday in traditional Gaelic fashion (a midnight knocking on the door of a neighbor and presenting them with a gift, such as salt... we tried last night, but our neighbors pulled a shotgun on us and sent us running across the street in our one-piece pajamas).

Call it hope of a new year--pride in the year that's gone--or just indifference to the fact that some of our neighbors are moving, we think, and, well, that kind of newness about a fine January day is nothing short of happy.

We don't traditionally make resolutions in this homehold. It's typically not our scene.

But for you, we will. Let us now present to you a gift of resolute fashion.

First, however, it should be important for us to establish the tradition of the resolution. The origin is debated, but most would attribute the new year's resolution to traditions set in Yom Kippur, where those of Jewish faith would reflect upon their wrong-doings over the past year and both seek and offer forgiveness.

That being said, let us, in this castle, be most resolute in 2008.

We resolve to eat more popcorn. For Christmas we were given one of those caramel-butter-cheese popcorn tins... yum. We don't eat nearly enough popcorn. In fact, there's a popcorn store with all sorts of flavored popcorn within 2 blocks of our stead. More popcorn in 2008.

We resolve to make less small talk. This is the year that we no longer straddle the fence. Either we like you well enough to get deep and talk real talk with you, or we don't. But no small talk in 2008.

We resolve to take more photos. You never know when you might be in the right spot to capture the right moment. It's those priceless moments that can later be used in blackmail to take asunder large sums of money. More camera-time in 2008.

We resolve to watch more foreign films. They say that reading expands your mind. Well, why not combine reading and watching a great movie? En avant et en hausse say the French, and in 2008, we'll read it and watch it at the same time.

We resolve to withhold our judgments of others until they are not around. Nothing makes a relationship more messy than to snicker and say "Man you have terrible taste in tex-mex restaurants" or "Geez, you should really look into having better taste in movies/music/books/tv/jeans/friends." In 2008, we'll wait until people turn their backs to offer these oh-so-relevant opinions.

We resolve to not hold it against you if you do something after us. Sure, we've been blogging since April 24, 2005. And yeah, we picked up that CD before it was released to the radio. And yes, we know, we heard that so-and-so is now dating someone. But just because we have our ear to the ground on these things and you have yours somewhere else doesn't make us better than you--in 2008, we won't remind you.

We resolve to utilize the greatness of foodnetwork.com more. We just checked--there are 116 recipes for goat meat on this uber-site. 116. In 2008, we won't cook a single goat recipe, but we'll reference this wonderful world of culinary concoctions more consistently.

And finally, we resolve to celebrate whatever, whenever. According to chinese astrology, 2008 is the year of the rat. Awesome--let's party. Let's have a rat-party. January 25 is Opposite Day--let's not do something fun, or let's? We're confused. Either way, 2008 is the year of the party for us. Party on.

Whatever your resolutions--fun, fictitious, fatty or filled with fudge, we wish you and yours the best (or worst on January 25).

Top or Bottom 5 Humbugs

It's the most wonderful time of year. Christmastime.

Between being brought figgy pudding and waiting for someone to give me nine ladies dancing, I have come up with a handful of Holiday Horrors. These things give me a royally rashed rear round this time of year. Enjoy.

5. Leading with ailments. This may very well be the only time of year I see certain members of my or my wife's family. That's okay--that's natural--a part of life. But then again, aging is a part of life also. I don't get why at a certain age you lead with ailments when talking to someone you haven't seen in a year. For example, allow me to recall a conversation with a family member from a year ago:

"So, how's everything going?"
"Well, I've got a goiter in my crotch and the gout's flaring up in my neck again. I don't know when the last time was I watched Wheel of Fortune without having to hack up something. And now its starting to burn when I urinate."

Holy Moses. Can't you just fake a "fine" and be done with it!?
4. Doing things for the sake of tradition. I love traditions--trimming the tree, filling the stockings, having a big breakfast on Christmas morn, etc. But there are certain traditions we do because they are traditions. Often these are justified with "well that's the way we've always done it." You might as well sneak a firecracker into my brain--because I just don't get it. Do what you do--but know why you do it.

3. White Elephants. Growing up we always had a white elephant exchange with extended family. I always assumed it was because the cousins of mine that we married (to each other) couldn't bring anything to the table other than the spare toilet parts. Every year. Every stinking year. But as a child I was enamored by the white elephant exchange. It's quite fun--drawing numbers, stealing gifts, etc. Not anymore. I promise you it seems like you could play a full game of Monopoly before all of the nonsense stops. Now if I am invited to the white elephant exchange I go with one purpose--to take home what I brought.
2. Christmas Wish on the radio. There are two stations in the DFW area that grant a Christmas Wish to many needy folks throughout the holiday season. Here's the deal--someone nominates someone less fortunate and the station, along with its advertisers, do something very nice for the less fortunate family. For example, perhaps a man has just lost his arms and legs in a terrible accident. Some car dealer would come in and pay to have moving sidewalks for the man's limbless body to move throughout his house. Okay--that was an unnecessary shot. Here's the deal, I think that the Christmas Wish is such a good thing. We should always look for ways to help those that are needy or less fortunate. My problem is that we have found another way to make our generosity into a bigger spectacle than the generosity itself. It's all about marketing and aligning yourself as a company that cares whether you care or not.

1. Christmas Cards. This is very controversial at my house. I can't stand the Christmas card. Even moreso the Christmas letter. I just don't see the point. I think its very nice to reach out to those that you love and wish them a special season. I'm all for well-wishing. But again, we have made the Christmas card more important than the thought behind it. It's truly a measure of self-importance: "Look at where we went this year." "Look at us--we are smiling and nothing's wrong in our lives." "WooHoo--we escaped the IRS again!"

This flaunting of self-worth would be tolerable for me if it weren't for the costs as well. That's a racket in and of itself. Stamps are $.41. You better consider yourself DANG lucky if you received a card in the mail from the McCord family--because I skim that dat gum Christmas card list and if I believe I can email to you without offending you--I'm not going to waste $.41 on you. Then again, if you did receive a card from us in the mail--well, you are probably so fragile that we didn't want to break your spirit.

This year's card is posted above. Please note that 1) the snow IS real... photo taken in Sweetwater over Thanksgiving and 2) the card was designed by your's truly.

Happy Holidays.

Sing us a Song, Piano Man

I had the chance to take in one of the all-time greats the other night as William Joseph Martin Joel (Billy Joel, that is) played at AAC. I have to be honest-despite his liking the drink to the point of ruining a marriage to Christie Brinkley... the guy's got something.

Highlights of the night included a performance of "An Innocent Man," which you can take in below. Be sure to notice that William Joel is the best snapper ever. Ever.

Is your house on fire, Clark?

"No, Aunt Bethany, it's the Christmas lights."

And with those words wife and I celebrate the dawning of a new day in our lives. Today we hung Christmas lights.

And, because I long to become more and more like Chevy Chase with age, I used my shopping time on black Friday to purchase a puffy vest, like the one that Clark wears while putting up his infamous lights.

We did happen to see one of our neighbors while outside. I was in position to deliver the line about where I was going to put a tree that size... but we didn't have a tree and we seldom, if ever, exchange anything more than a glossed-hidey-ho look with one another.

Anyhow, enjoy the pics. And Happy Holidays... may your yule glow like Soul Glo. Peace.

O Happy Day (and a new Top Five Bottom Five)

I care to present to you a new Top Five, Bottom Five. Our topic: Larry's.

Bottom Five:

5. Larry King. I'm not exactly sure what it is about Larry King that bothers me. I support his use of support (suspenders). He's got sustainability and some (some) pizazz. I think its that I think he should be dead and gone now. I'm just kind of over the whole Larry King thing... and the fact that he's still blowing and going just kind of gets to me. Not to mention, he's kind of a donkey. I mean he knows he's lived thrice as long as most of his guests... so he holds that over their heads.

4. Senator Larry Craig. This guy was almost placed in the Top Five for his tomfoolery... namely his quote, when referring to then President Bill Clinton as a "nasty, bad and naughty boy." Senator Craig did something suspect, admitted to it and has since indian-gave his admission. Weird. Funny. His indecisiveness and bizarre anti-admission rant place him firmly in the Bottom Five.


3. Larry Flynt. Born in 1942, this man has lived a hard 65 years. Through his personal struggles and addictions he managed to weave pornography into the fabric of our subculture. Way to go, Larry! Larry Flynt has even at one point appeared in a court of law wearing a diaper... made from an American flag. He wins the "Not such a good American, buddy" lifetime un-achievement award for his failed effort at positively contributing.

2. Larry Appleton. Perhaps you know him better as Cousin Larry from the 80s sitcom Perfect Strangers. Cousin Larry constantly oppressed Balky. I would even argue that he slowed Balky's acclimation to America and thus prevented Balky from being truly happy... except when they combined to do the happy dance. Furthermore, Cousin Larry is charged with blatant crimes against fashion... including neon colors, turtlenecks and possibly something designed by Ocean Pacific.

1. Larry the Cable Guy. Can I tell you that I would rather loan my crotch to ESPN's "The Contender" to use as a punching bag than have to hear this spare spare ever again. Some things you can call a 'flash in the pan.' Larry the Cable Guy is more like someone burning their waste in a pan. Gross. Git Er' Done.




Now, for something a little more Topish.

Top Five:

5. Larry Johnson. Three syllables: Gran-Ma-Ma.










4. Larry Fine. Larry. Probably the original Larry. And comic genius to boot. As one of "The Three Stooges," Fine has impacted the lives of millions. Not bad, Larry. Not bad at all.





3. Larry Page. This Larry has an estimated net worth of more than $18 billion. Why? Because he helped invent google.






2. Larry David. When I grow up I want to be just like this Larry. He's nonchalant and neurotic, and double-awkward. And easily the 2nd most genius comedic mind named Larry (behind Larry Fine, above). Besides starring in HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David co-created/produced/wrote Seinfeld... which means I have spent many, many hours studying his handiwork.


1. Larry Joe Bird. The pride of French Lick, Indiana, is the all-time best Larry. He won three NBA Titles (81, 84, 86), two NBA Finals MVPs and three regular season MVPs. Because of the quaff-like hairstyle that I share with Bird, my first basketball coach made a comment of commonality between us two... forever linking our fates and intertwining me into a world of rooting for the Boston Celtics. That was around 1988.

Which brings me to the reason that today is just a joyous day. Tonight the Celtics opened their 2007-08 NBA season. I can't begin to describe how much I have looked forward to this day. It has been 5 years since there was this much anticipation for a Boston team (the 2002 team went to the Eastern Conference Finals), and longer, much longer since the team has had a significant chance at raising a 17th Championship Banner. But this year there is hope.

And hope lives in a two bedroom apartment next to the TD Banknorth Garden. We're pen pals.