The Telecommuting Dad

"Oh that's so clever. We will leave it in."

So, by now,

I’m sure we’ve all seen or heard about the ESPN gran faux pas of using (either intentionally or ingorantly) the work “chink” to refer to Jeremy Lin.  Now lets get the obvious things out of the way.  I know they’re all going to say that it’s no different than saying nigger, and that sort of thing.  Let me address that first.  Is there a commonly used or even appropriate phrase where “nigger” can be used?  I mean, I know saying “A nigger in the armor” would indicate a condition that no one (least of all, the aforementioned nigger) would find to be desirable, but it would could hardly be compared with what is a commonly used and (as far as I’m aware) non-offensive phrase.

I mean, would they be all up in arms if they reported on his new Charles Hubert?

Probably not.  Additionally, they didn’t say a gook in the armor, or Lin really chinked it up, or any of a large array of derogatory terms (“only furniture and rugs are oriental”).  So, while even with a novice editor, this should have gotten the red pen, it’s not what I would consider worth losing sleep over.

But let’s get to the real point.  Racism.  Stupid as it was, the headline was not racist.  It was insensitive.  It was ignorant.  It was politically incorrect.  As taboo as these have become in the modern world (nappy headed hoes anyone?), they’re not racism.  Jeremy Lin was the victim of racism long before this headline was ever written.  Anyone wonder why you haven’t heard of Jeremy Lin until like a month ago?

Racism.

He was an all-star high-school player in California and player of the year in California his senior year.  But he played for Harvard.   The best high school player in California played ball in an Ivy League school.  Not a single Division I school (even his home town school Stanford) would offer him a basketball scholarship.  Why?  Because he was a smart asian kid.  Not a black kid from the streets or a trey-shooting white kid.  He distinguished himself at Harvard, setting records, he went undrafted in the 2010 draft.  He got picked up on a 2-year contract by the Warriors, but wallowed in near anonymity by the media, even despite good showings.  He got bumped to the D-leagues a few times, released twice and then finally picked up off waivers to be a backup by the Knicks.  He didn’t get the attention (or the paychecks) he deserved because he didn’t have the big college credentials, and was overlooked by a lot of scouts.

And that, my friends, is what racism really looks like.

So I went to see Jimmy Eat World on Monday (21 Feb).  I’ve liked these guys since I first heard them in 2000.  Their music was catchy, lyrics were sincere, but just under the surface of the pop-punky sound was a dark edge.  The full scope of their abilities and their development as artists was on display at their show.

But before I get there, I’ve got to tell you about their opening act.  It was a band led by singer David Bazan, performing under his name.  David was the singer from bands called Pedro the Lion and Headphone.  Their sound picked the best parts of Kings of Leon, later Pearl Jam and Weezer, and delivered them with well-rehearsed passion.  I was really impressed with them as a band and with David, especially, as a singer.  Take a listen to them when you can.  They are playing a living room show in Va Beach on 8 April, but it’s sold out.  You can check out David’s site at http://www.davidbazan.com/

Their performance was enhanced by the intimacy of the venue, La Zona Rosa.  Situated directly, next to one of my favorite hangouts, Mellow Johnny’s, it looks like an unassuming warehouse form the outside that has a tasty taco truck next to it.  Inside, it’s open area, a relatively low stage, and few things to interrupt the closeness of the fan to the band.  The bar is pricey, at least paying $2 for a 8oz cup of coke and ice from the gun, but they’ve got to make their money somehow.  And their sound and light guy is fantastic.

So, when JEW came out, they started off with Bleed American and then went right into A Praise Chorus, which spiked the energy right away.  Then they went deeper into their albums and I was so impressed.  Their songs were dramatic, heartfelt and portrayed their deeper, darker underbelly.  They performance was also genuine and did not show any of the disinterest that many groups see who have been performing and touring for 15 years.  Well, there was one exception…when they play “The Middle”, it seems like they were obliged to, and couldn’t wait to get through it.  However, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was their last song, Sweetness.  Twice as long and even more intense than the album version, it was the perfect exclamation point to their musical soliloquy.

All in all, a show well worth the $35 ticket.  Even better, was that I found out about the sold-out show the day before, and grabbed a face-value ticket off Craigslist.  Topping it off were a cool couple I met at the show, who are all about taking me on a local venue tour.  The show is another morsel in the box of chocolates that is Austin, TX.

Yeah, it’s been too long since I’ve updated.  I’ve gotten into a routine, of sorts, and I need to work my blog back into it.  I’m going to be making several posts on several different topics that I’ve been thinking on.  However, for the time being, let me just give you some highlights.

• I’ve lost 40lbs since I’ve been in Austin.  Thanks mostly to biking and the elliptical at work.  But also, lots of credit goes to LoseIt.  It’s a great iPhone app for making weight loss goals and tracking your calories and exercise.
• I’ve been listening to LOTS more music and have really gotten back into exploring bands and artists.  It also makes me really want to pick up some instruments again.
• In addition to listening to music, I’ve been to a couple of good shows, and hope to hit up many of the ones coming to town.
• SXSW is soon.  I really can’t wait.  I’m not paying for tickets, but there are a ridiculous amount of free shows and events.

There is more, but I will make subsequent posts about them, so stay tuned.

So, the family came out for Christmas and it was an adventure, to say the least.  Malcolm was sick pretty much the whole time, his illness announcing itself by him blowing chunks on the plane.  (P.S. – Thank you AirTran flight crew for your understanding and easily replaceable seats).  Kirsten, who would sooner eat broken glass ice cream than check a single bag, carted the two kids around in a double stroller, both their car seats, two rollers, two bookbags and various other things all at once.  Bless her heart, but she would have an easier time if she was a little less set in her ways (READ: stubborn).

I picked them up in San Antonio and on the drive back, and several times during the trip, she remarked how the place reminded her of California.  For those of you who know how much I like California, you can imagine I would have rather she tell me that she spent all our money on strippers and is thinking of leaving me for a guy she met at a Young Republicans meeting.   Nevertheless, I think she meant it as a compliment, so I just smiled and nodded (and waited until she was 1500 miles away to comment on it).  We all stayed in the room I am renting at, as Malcolm calls it, “Christmas’ House”.

Malcolm really liked the house, and instantly loved the dogs and puppies, which he named, as he names everything else, Malcolm puppy and Aubrey puppy.  He also loved the momma dog, named Elle.  Over and over again, he would ask me what my favorite dog was, and he would say his was Elle.  He loved the park near the house and I couldn’t get over how much he likes talking to pretty much anyone.  Everyone seems to like him, too.  Unless, it was when he would talk at the top of his lungs at 6AM, and then, not so much.  Even though he was sick, and one of the days just pretty much slept, I think he was still having a great time.  I know I was.

Aubrey seemed to just like being around people, didn’t mind the dogs and was pretty happy about crawling around and under things.  I cannot get over how ridiculously cute she is.  She has taken to making sounds and experimenting, and there’s something about listening when a baby is finding their voice that makes me happy.

Christmas was great – Kirsten wrapped and put presents under my $35 pre-lit grocery store tree.  Think Charlie Brown Christmas, but a little less full.  It didn’t seem to matter, the kids were ecstatic.  Aubrey’s first Christmas was as one would expect for a 7-month-old, full of  “don’t put that in your mouth” and elated smiling at shiny bows.  Malcolm got Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys, and games for his Leapster, but his favorite toy was a $1.50 helicopter shooter that we got on Christmas eve while grocery shopping .

He must have played with this thing for no less than 20 hours.  The best part was that he couldn’t get it on the launcher quite right, so we had to do it for him.  It was really fun and he got pretty good with it after a couple of days.

We had a lot of fun that day and it was pretty much just us, as all my roommates were out of town.  It really makes me look forward to when the family moves out here for good.  Kirsten also put a lot of thought into that and was on a house-hunting frenzy.  She had found a real estate agent over the internet and had compiled a list of houses to look at.  I had to spend a whole day looking at them with her and I was beat.  She then went on to spend an additional 2 days and 2 tanks of gas looking at houses.  She’s narrowed the list down to 11.

New Year’s Eve was calm.  I didn’t have any days off work for the holidays, so I came home, we ate, kids and Kirsten fell asleep at like 9.  They’re so old.  I stayed up until 1AM!!  The next morning, we packed everything up, and went back to San Antonio for SeaWorld and the trip home.  There was a little snafu with our passes, but Kirsten got it worked out and we were enjoying the sights and sounds of SeaWorld in no time.  Malcolm spent most of his time on the playground.  Yes, that’s right, the playground.  At SeaWorld.  Which was oddly just like the playground down the street.  But, to his defense, he is still an inch too short to ride any of the rides.

After that was all said and done, sadly dropped my family off at the airport.  Malcolm was not happy about this at all, and it broke my heart to send them home.  But, 6 months is a short time, and I hope it will pass by quickly.  Kirsten had some adventures with the flights home, but you should probably read her blog for the story, because I only got bits and pieces.  Everyone is back home safe and somewhat sound.  Now for the new year and new challenges.

Austinite Lance Armstrong's bike

Well, not all I want for Christmas, but I want a road bike.  Austin is a really bike-centric place and I have been riding on the weekends.  I would ride more often, but it’s too dark in the morning and too dark when I get off work.  I’ve been doing about 40 miles each weekend.  A 30 mile ride on Saturdays and a short 10 mile “sprint” on Sundays.  I’m not fast, but I can make it.  That’s good enough for me right now, especially when I’m riding through hill country.

Now, for those of you who don’t know me, given the option between building something and buying it, I will choose building it.  I don’t know if I want to do this with a road bike because, frankly, I don’t know enough about them.  But I want one.  I’ll also want a good headlight, a trainer, proper clothes, and all the other accoutrements.

Hopefully my Trek mountain bike will get me through until I lose more weight and figure out what I want.  I hope to be doing half centuries before the spring starts and then centuries before next winter.  We’ll see, though.

So I’ve been here for 2 weeks now and I can already tell you, I’m going to stay here until I go tits up.  This place has everything I could want in a city with the exception of a nearby beach and open carry.  Here’s some highlights:

• I stay in a big house with cool roommates and very sweet dog.  One of the roommates has built his own Rock Band game drumset out of real drums.
• My job has all kinds of cool amenities (arcade, nice break room, nap room, gym) and the actual work is pretty stinkin’ easy if I must say so myself
• Downtown’s main drag (6th Street) is closed off to traffic every weekend night so that the people can party.  And they do.  Without crime, fights, etc.
• Hippie Hollow.  It’s clothing optional.  I’m not going to go there, but still, that’s pretty sweet.
• Halloween on 6th St featured a 6ft+ 300+lb black guy dressed as Marilyn Monroe, the entire cast of Dazed & Confused and an all girl cover band dressed as KISS who closed their set with Pokerface.
• Lots of places to bike, workout, etc.  My neighborhood has a circuit course, bike paths (both on and off-road), tennis courts and a pool.
• No income tax.
• The food.  This should be its own category, but suffice it to say, there is everything to eat here.  And it’s all good.
• The women.  If you’re a single guy, you need to be here.
• The live music scene here is amazing.
• The roads are both wide and well-maintained.  The average speed limit for the major surface roads (not the interstates) is 65mph.
• Houses are ridiculously inexpensive.  This part has Kirsten licking her chops.
• It’s quiet.  No “Sound of Freedom” here, and it’s nice not to have to occasionally yell at the top of your lungs to have a conversation.
• Whataburger.
• Whataburger.

All in all, I am SO glad that I got this gig here.

But,

I miss the Kirsten and the kids, badly.  Sure, I get more sleep and I have time to catch up on some “me” stuff, but I would rather have them here.  I am so grateful for the Russell and Tamara Haines for letting Kirsten eat there from time to time and let her use their webcam for Skype.  I sincerely hope they will find their way to Austin one day.  I know they’d love it.

Our neighbors Lucas and Merry Flatt have also been angels to us.  Merry has been watching our kids and they love her.  They even sent me a Halloween card, which I loved.  Those two are fantastic, and we may pack them in the moving van and take them with us.

I am also very grateful to the Stephanie Gaines for making sure that Kirsten is doing okay and helping watch my babies.  I know we’ll see that family again soon, and I’m very excited about that.

I’ve been fortunate to have family and friends from home see me in some way every weekend.  It’s amazing how many people spend time in Texas.  My sister and my brother in law were here by first weekend, my friend Mike was down here from Ft Hood the next weekend and then I went to see Tamara Haines in College Station when she was visiting her family.  We ate at Cafe Eccell, which you will see a write up about here shortly.

I am really lucky and glad to be here.  Now, to get my beloved and babies out here.

As you may or may not know, I am moving to Austin for a new job.  I will be leaving for Austin, Texas on October 21st, early in the morning.  I’m driving, and will be staying in Atlanta for a night, then on to Austin.

I am starting a new job at HostGator doing Linux system administration.  To say that I am excited about it is truly an understatement, but there is a downside.  Kirsten and the kids will need to stay here until June, when she is done teaching for the year.  I will be coming back for Thanksgiving, and Kirsten and the kids will be coming out for Christmas and spring break.

Some of the side effects of being a geo bachelor in Austin should be pretty nice, though:

– Kirsten will start using Skype and (finally) get rid of her Mac Mini

– I am (finally) getting an XBox to help pass some of the time

– My new job has a gym that I will be using daily

– I will be eating in Austin

– Apparently, Austin has the best live music scene in the country

It’s going to be hardest on Malcolm, I think, but I hope he will be okay.  I know I will miss so many people here, but I know that going to Austin will be the best thing for my family in the long run.

The weather was nice, so we decided to go the park. The little ones were being exceptionally cute, so it was time to snap some photos.

So, as you may or may not know, I recently had a birthday. I basically got one present, but it was a heck of a present. I upgraded to the iPhone4 from my iPhone 3G. Now, I had considered going with a Samsung GalaxyS, but I decided against it for a few reasons. First and foremost, lack of a front-facing camera. Secondly, I didn’t want to have to re-buy and reconfigure a bunch of apps.

Now, the upgrade was seamless, and the phone is BLAZING fast. I am so impressed with the camera, both still and video. Plus, the display is crystal clear. So, if you want to see videos I take with the phone, check out my Youtube account, timlovesska. It’s mainly going to be the kids, I’m sure, but there may be something entertaining every now and then.

Oh, plus, Kirsten TOTALLY made the best strawberry Jello cake, which is my favorite in the whole world.

So, my wonderful friends Russel and Tamara Haines asked me to semi-cater a celebration of theirs last week. As you may or may not know, I was a chef for a few years before going back into the IT field. I love cooking for the Haines because they are open-minded, gracious and all-around wonderful people.

I was asked to come up with some appetizers that were more appealing than pigs in a blanket and I jumped at the chance. I have sampled one of my favorites from the menu I made for them:

Ceviche:

Make sure your proteins are thawed. Cut your calamari tubes into desirable sizes. Please note that the smaller the size, the quicker it will “cook”

**note for scallops – if you are using diver or other larger ocean scallops, you may want to either cut them into smaller pieces or start them to curing a few hours before you add everything else.

Add your protein to a large, nonreactive bowl. I prefer stainless steel, but whatever you have is clever.
Mince one medium to large red onion (depending on your tastes), one red pepper, as much cilantro as you like and a couple cloves of garlic. Make sure to include about a tablespoon each of salt and sugar. For the liquid, you will need to cover all the ingredients in the bowl. Use 1 part of lime juice for 4 parts of water. You can tweak this as you like, depending on how much of a bite you like in your ceviche. Please note that the more acid you use, the quicker it will cure, but you will want to temper the lime/lemon juice with sugar.

Usually done within 6 hours.