A land far from here.

Sometimes a man just feels called to leave the home and journey beyond the safety of his front porch. I can't say for sure, but I feel that something driving me outside every few days. That something gives me the will to rise up from my faux leather office chair, journey across my "needs to be mowed, but it's too hot outside" Bermuda lawn, look both ways and cross that neighborhood street to buy my lunch from the taco truck.

Some call it a Taco Truck.  Some call it a Roach Coach.  I used to be in the latter camp, but I've changed my tune since becoming a regular patron.  Fajitas, Tacos, Tamales, ay ay ay!!  Que delicioso!  For about $3.00, I'm treated to a complete, nutritious, hot lunch served by a somewhat appreciative server.  Quality is questionable.  Flavor is fair, but certainly full.  They say atmosphere is everything.  While ordering, I listen to the sounds of latino rhythms pumping from the boombox inside the truck.  Unfortunately, they play the same song on a loop, all the time...or maybe that is just my culture starved suburban ear's inability to distinguish between each of their spicy jingles.  I'm surrounded by "locals" there on the curb.  They are locals until at least November 12th; that's when the neighbors are scheduled to close on their new home.  These gentlemen smile and refer to me as "amigo" (I'm in!), but their baggy pants and absolute INFATUATION with the Taco Truck fare makes them a little sketchy in my book. 

The people, the food, the smells, the sounds all remind me of a land far from here, where individuals like us are reminded to cherish those that love you, be thankful for what you have, lay back, soak it all in and enjoy life.  Just don't leave the resort.

The new digs

We closed on our new home at the end of May.  Once we got past the major unpacking duties (Naomi managed to smuggle quite a few "do we really need that, honey?" items through inspection), most of my efforts were focused on interior appointments.  Naomi would point and I would hang, place or move.  The engagements went a little like this...

C: "Where?"
N: "There."
C: "Here?"
N: "Yes."
C: "You're sure?"
N: "Yes."
C: "Positive?"
N: "Okay, maybe over a little."

No, no, I'm only joking.  Or am I?

The new digs are very comfortable.  The kids love their rooms, and the jack and jill bathroom setup provides each of them with their own sink to not keep clean.

We have most of our furniture in place.  No couch in the living room yet; ordered it in May, it will be here in November. What?!? November.  I'm liking the living room sans couch.  With only the two seats available now, it gives a nice "my first apartment" vibe to the room, and it has allowed us to enjoy a never-ending game of Musical Chairs.  Who doesn't like that?

First Post

Test post here.....plus a few intro ramblings.

Rundown: Living in Round Rock, TX, married to beautiful wife, Naomi for 8 years, parent to 2 amazing, cute, intelligent, kind, loving kids (thanks beautiful wife), Ashley (5) and Reece (2).  We also have an 8 year old chocolate lab, Isabel.  I like to fish.  I prefer to "catch", but find myself fishing much more often.

I like to think of myself as an "anti-blog, anti-facebook, anti-americanidol, anti-jerseyshore, anti-cyrus, anti-bieber" kinda guy, but I've found myself lurking/watching/singing along to all of my "anti-'s", so I'm throwing in the towel and joining the crowd.

No one major event has pushed me to the blogger dark side; more of a culmination of lots of stuff in the last few months.  With a new house this summer, some changes at church, starting a pool project at our house, Ashley starting kindergarten and the realization that our kiddos actually do "just grow up so fast", I thought I'd litter the web with some of What's Happenin' in our life for friends and family.

Quick blurb about my family....

Dad (me) - Terribly handsome.  Nuff said.  You may see pictures at some point that will confirm this.
Mom (Naomi) - Even better looking than me.  That may blow your mind, but it's true.  She also happens to be the best wife I could ever hope for and the best mom to Ashley and Reece that they could have.  She is my single greatest blessing.
Daughter (Ashley) - Our 5 year old Ashley Paige is my little buddy for Home Depot and Donut runs, and does a great job as Mommy's Helper.  August 2010 was big for Ashley.  5th birthday AND first day of Kindergarten.  As of today, she is one week in and loves her school, her teacher and her classmates.  Good stuff from Ash comes often.
Son (Reece) - Mr. Man, Brother, Senor Reece, Reecy B...2 year old Reece Matthew wears all of these names and wears them quite well.  His alter ego, "Super Puppy" appears from time to time, but we have yet to determine what triggers SP's occasional appearances or identify what super powers he may possess other than the ability to accessorize well with his puppy pajamas, puppy slippers and puppy cape.  Reece amazes us every day.  He was born with a hand difference on his left hand, which did not fully develop, but don't tell Reece that.  Early on, Naomi and I were very conscious about not letting Reece's hand "define" him, but those concerns have faded, and our baby is now a little man.  The dude gets down to business with the best of 'em.  If you are ever looking for him, check 2 to 3 steps behind Ashley.
Dog (Isabel) - I include our 8 year old Chocolate Lab, Isabel in the list of family members for 2 reasons.  First; because I absolutely consider her a family member, and second; because Naomi absolutely does not.
Isabel joined the family 6 months after Naomi and I were married.  Her interaction with the kids is awesome; the definition of symbiosis.  "Hello, jungle gym. Meet food source one and two."

That's it.  If this successfully posts to my blog, I suppose I'm a blogger; a reluctant blogger.  Shoulda named my blog that.  "The Reluctant Blogger".