Erin and I have done it! Survivors of the generation that plagued public middle school classrooms with the horrifying sound of
these awful contraptions have actually managed to keep a real human in a happy and healthy condition for two whole months. And one thing we've all learned in the process is that whether we've been around for two months to twenty-five years, we all keep developing personalities that defy conventional wisdom.
As for Ryan, she's acquired an overwhelming penchant for boisterous Broadway baritones (and someday she'll appreciate the alliteration that comes along with her musical preferences). As concerned parents on the constant prowl for any amount of silence, we've tried to figure out what soothes Ryan most when she gets her Huggies in twist. So, who has two thumbs and can calm Ryan down with his soothing croon?
THIS GUY! Yep, whenever Ryan starts flexing the golden pipes of fury, all it takes is a rendition of "If I Were A Rich Man" and she's cool as muskmelon's cousin. At this point YouTube's version likely owes 1/3 of its views to us, not to mention the impromptu times when Erin or I have to belt it out as best we can. There's no explaining how this nuance has crept into Ryan's personality, but we'll take it, because who doesn't like Reb Tevye?
Erin recently dipped her proverbial toe into the pool of Zumba, and for some reason beyond me, the lady dug it like a Caterpillar. Maybe it's the Latin rhythms, or perhaps its the company of a good friend, and it might just be the 1 hour respite from an angry baby (and her Eastern European beau), but it looks like, at very least, she's found a new hobby. It's likely that I'll never join in on the Zumb-action (trademark) but I'm glad this crazy dance is something that the lady friend can enjoy.
And then there's this guy. If shaking one's money-maker to break a sweat is strange, signing up for
this was certifiable. Robin B and I ended up running the quarter marathon portion of the race last night. It was cold, muddy, icy, and an amazingly good time. Even with a twisted ankle and tweaked knee, we both finished (time doesn't matter in these types of events, right?) and felt like Ryan Hall after Houston (only dirtier and possibly more awesome).
So there it is. Another month gone and some new weird interests and preferences. Who knows why we like certain things. Why does
Fiddler on the Roof soothe a two-month old? Why would anyone want to exercise by
dancing? And who would
want to run in the cold dark woods? We all have our weird things, and for the most part, we have a hard time explaining them to other people, but they're ours, and that's a good thing.
So, here are some pictures from the last bit of our lives. Until next time, happy hunting (or whatever weird thing you're into)!
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| Two months old and apparently that rat-fink bunny rabbit is getting what's coming. |
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| The Awesome Scale at the race was 1 to 635, so. . .I'm pretty pleased. |
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| I'm pretty amped about my finisher's medal, looks like Ryan needs a few years to be impressed. |
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| The Ladies! Dear Professors, Here is the reason I'm not reading as much as I probably should be. |
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| And here's the reason our budget has been revised to include "Dresses and the Like." |
