Early Morning Ramblings
January 16, 2009 by Ryan Elledge
Well, I have been awake going on the better part of an hour. That is unusal for me… I tend to sleep until 7:30 or 8:00 am most days. But, my entire house has been sick, with the exception of me and Hoover. This morning I am awake because my wife is having a cough-a-thon. Jerry Lewis doesn’t raise as much money for the MDA in his teleathon as my wife has coughed last night. Hope she gets over it, soon! I know I’ve gone through spells where I have coughed for weeks. Spencer has been home from school the last two days… I am pretty sure he’s not just skipping tests or homework… poor kid has looked like hell. And Braelyn, well, fortunately she seems to be better.
Speaking of Braelyn, she had her year-old shots and check-up yesterday. I am a bad father because I don’t remember her height and weight even though Rebecca told me. I do know she is only 30th percentile in weight (even though she’s fully-loaded from being constipated the past few days) and 50th percentile in height. I’m surprised on the weight thing…. she seems to be the “right” size to me. I am not one who wants a chubby baby! I pretty much think she’s perfect, shy the high pitch squealy noise she has been making. That is, well, not so perfect!
Hoover should be losing weight… we cut his feeding size back a bit, and in the past two weeks he’s been to the dog park (for a walk, right by my side) and on a walk or two. We’re trying to break him from being such an OCD dog. He walks unusual patterns to go outside (has for a long time) but it’s been getting worse. Though it’s been getting better the past week or so, he was having a tendancy not to come in the back door even though there is no ice. He was making us take him in through the side door, at which time he would eat. We were complying with this since he was also avoiding walking through the house into the laundry room, where his food bowl is. That probably helped his weight loss, too, until we figured out he would eat when we take him around the side of the house. Crazy dog. Fortunately, he is now again willing to go to the laundry room through the house, and he is coming in the back door again. Well, after a pattern… have to open the door once, close it, wait for him to bark again, then open it up again, stand on the patio steps holding the door and say “You may enter, your heiness”. Then he comes in. Oh, what a nutty dog. Shawn Hashmi is thinking about bringing Parker (who doesn’t slow down for anything) over tomorrow if it’s nice and let Parker run around our backyard with Hoover. We’re hoping that will get Hoover used to playing and running with Parker, so that next time we go to the dog park Hoover will actually run and play… something he hasn’t done since he witnessed a huge dog fight a year ago. Even though he wasn’t involved in the fight, it freaked him a bit and now he likes to stay right by my side at the dog park. He will run if I run (which isn’t much, I might add) or if Spencer is there to run around with. Oh, yes… my 180+ pound Mastiff is a wuss sometimes. Did I mention the dog can fart with the best of them?!?
Hosting a poker and UFC fight watch party over here tomorrow night beginning at 7 or so. Should be a good time. We’re expecting a decent turnout, which means anywhere from 10 to 30 people! You just never know who all will show up. Rebecca will be out celebrating her and Stephanie Murphy’s 35the birthday with their girl friends. I’m sure they will have a great time.
Countdown: only 4 days left till all our country’s woes are resolved! Our new savior is coming everyone; hold tight!
While not a fan of the Broncos firing Shanahan, I am pretty excited about the younggun they brought in to coach. Josh McDaniels from the Patriots. He is young (32 years old) but should bring an exciting brand of football to Denver. Hope he fares better than the other former coordinators from the Patriots who have fell flat on their face when they took over their own teams. Pretty impressed, also, that the Chiefs got some balls and ousted their General Manager after 20 years of mostly mediocre football. They, too, raided the Patriot’s closet and got the hottest name on the market for the GM… Scott Pioli. We’ll see if he has a brain outside the Patriots organization, too. First check will be whether he fires Herm the Germ as the Chiefs coach. If he does, it may prove to be a good hire for the Chiefs. If he doesn’t, well, as a Broncos fan I will be excited since they will have a much better chance of beating the Chiefs with Herm at the helm. Whatever happens, the AFC West is sure going to be a lot different next year. Thankfully the Chargers have opted to keep their moronic coach Norv Turner. While they have managed to win the division 3 years in a row (despite Norv), the last 2 years are solely thankful to the Broncos late season collapses. But they haven’t done crap in the playoffs as Turner sucks. I say let them keep Norv forever, let the Chiefs hang on to Herm and really, who cares what the Raiders do… they will remain the doormat of the West as long as Al Davis keeps kickin (which can’t be much longer).
Ok, that’s enough rambling for now. Killed twenty minutes of my sleepless morning. Great to know it’s Friday and the weekend is upon us. Gonna be another cold day here in KC, but then I think we get a warm(er) spell for a bit. Thinking positive (like I always do!), spring is just around the corner! For years and years I have turned my sprinkler system back on in late March, which is only two months away. And last year, I even had my boat de-winterized before the end of March (only because we had to move it, not because I could use it, but nonetheless, the freezes were over). I am ready for lake season… the OP Boat Show is next week. At least it will be a boat show, unlike the “sports and boat show” last week at Bartle Hall… never have I attended a more worthless event…. it was a Redneck Show, not a boat show.
Five more minutes of my sleepless morning down. That’s all, for real.
Take care and hang on! Obama saves us in just 4 days!
–RE
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Tweet ThisJust rambling…
January 13, 2009 by RebeccaElledge.com
Here we are, another cold day in Kansas City. I think it is a whopping 7 degrees outside right now. At least it is clear and sunny, that’s the silver lining there. Now that we have officially had 3 weeks of winter, I am ready for spring. No more cold morning or windy afternoons. No more snow and ice, just warm sunshine please. I guess I’d have to move somewhere other than the midwest for warm sunshine in January…maybe someday. Till then I’ll deal with the weather here.
Braelyn turned one last Friday. I can’t believe my precious little princess is 1, it seems like yesterday (I know that is overally used but, its true) that she came into this world and we were bringing her home from the hospital. I’m enjoying every minute with her, because they grow up way too fast. Spencer will be 16 this year, and I swear I don’t know where the time has gone.
We have another busy weekend ahead of us. Ryan is having a poker and UFC Fight party at the house on Saturday night. I’m going out with the girls to celebrate Stephanie’s birthday. Sunday is Cayse’s birthday party. Today he turns 6 – Happy Birthday Cayse!
Will we ever have a weekend where we get do nothing and just enjoy being at home…I hope so! I don’t think we have any plans the next weekend!
Well enough rambling…I really didn’t have much to say!
Comment on Braelyn’s First Santa Picture by Vickie
December 23, 2008 by Ryan Elledge
This is the year she will be so much fun. Glad she is not afraid of the old bearded man. Darling picture. Hey Spencer… Were you afraid to sit on Santa’s lap????
Love to all..
Snow…YUK!
December 9, 2008 by RebeccaElledge.com
I am not a fan of the snow. I have been running around to client meetings all day and have decided that I don’t like snow. I don’t mind it when I don’t have to get out in it, and I can just watch it come down.
Here we are two weeks away from Christmas and I don’t have any of my shopping done. I am planning on knocking it out this weekend. So, get your lists to me now if you want anything…just kidding, but I do need ideas!
Brae will be a year old in a month. I have already started looking at invitations and cake ideas. Planning birthday parties for little Brae will be so much fun. Spencer’s parties were fun too, but boys are easy. It’s the girls that pay attention to detail, okay well maybe just the mom’s.
Well…need to run, just wanted to mention that I hate snow and that my Christmas shopping was not done.
A Long Overdue Saturday Morning Update
December 8, 2008 by Ryan Elledge
Well, it has most definitely been awhile since I have actually taken the time to sit down and write a blog post. Sure, you’ve been overwhelmed by insightful twitters, but I guess it’s time to spill the guts in an actual blog post. So, in no particular order, here it goes….
* My grandfather (mom’s dad) has taken a few spills, of late. Alzheimer’s Disease is apparently progressing pretty rapidly of late. Sad to think about how the mind can go. Definitely wish they could come up with a solution for this horrible disease. It’s one thing what it does to the person with it… it’s a whole different thing for those who love the person and those who have to take care of him. I am excited for Christmas when I will get to see grandpa again. I’m sure it will be hard to see him digressing first hand, but I can’t wait to see him anyway. I am so thankful that lil Brae was able to meet grandpa while he was still pretty well with it. It’s sad to know that she will never know him as the wonderful grandpa I know him as. If you haven’t seen them before, I have some really good pictures of Braelyn and grandpa somewhere in my gallery — I think it’s under the Places > Casper section. Grandpa definitely enjoyed meeting her.
* Haven’t heard much about how my grandma (dad’s mom) is doing. I spoke to her right before I went to Maui. I need to call her again. I know she loves catching up. She is over 90 years old and still chugging along. She has arthritis pretty bad (has as long as I can remember) and it really took a toll on her this past year. But, no news is good news (or so I hope) so I presume she is still doing much better. I hate that I “think” I am so busy that I don’t take enough time to keep in better touch with her. She, like grandpa, is a wonderful person. I am so lucky to have a wonderful family.
* Speaking of family… this year we are spending Thanksgiving with Rebecca’s family and we head to Casper for Christmas. Always nice to spend time with both sides. I must admit, I am a bit apprehensive over Thanksgiving this year. Rebecca estimated some 40+ family members there, in some little town or area I’ve never heard of or been to before. I’m all for family but this sounds like a madhouse! Just kidding. My other big fear is that we’re having fried turkey. I have never had fried turkey before. Now, everyone who has tells me it is awesome and really good. But those who know me know that I am a pretty safe, picky eater. And, Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite dinner of the year. So, I find it risky that my turkey is in jeopardy of not something I will like. Oh well, as I told Rebecca, we’ll be stopping at Boston Market on the way back if I don’t like it! Good news is I probably will like the fried turkey. It’s just an unknown for me right now.
* Braelyn is growing up so fast. She is close to walking, close to standing… and she likes to get into everything. It is really fun (for me) to watch her doing the “naughty” things where Rebecca will yell “No, Braelyn…” only to be followed by a much louder and more stern “BRAELYN GRACE, I SAID NO”. This is often followed by a little slap of the hand, a heartbreaking look on Braelyn’s face, then Braelyn going right back to doing it again! It is fun to watch. Rebecca tells me I need to smack her hand. Um, no thanks. I’m gonna be the COOL DAD! My little Princess does no wrong. Some new pictures of her are uploading as I type.
* So, in case you didn’t get the alert last week, my house got toilet-papered pretty good. I thought we were good at TP’ing as a kid…. boy, was I mistaken. Apparently TP’ing has evolved, too. It now comes accompanied with thousands of rubber bands dropped on your sidewalk, driveway, in your lawn, and strapped around your door handles so you can’t open it when you get “Ding Dong Ditched” — those are the words Spencer calls it. I have some pictures of the TP job being uploaded right now in the gallery under Pictures of the House. Check them out… I know Spencer plans on retaliating. I will pretend to know nothing 
* We had a little scare this past week with Rebecca. She started having some issues that lead her to believe that she was pregnant and miscarrying. Fortunately, tests by her doctor said that wasn’t the case. It was a pretty scary thought, I can tell you that. I know my good friend Shawn and his wife lost a baby earlier this year… I just can’t imagine. Rebecca is doing much better now, thankfully.
* Work is different than it used to be. Gabe stepped down a few months back as the CEO of Aplus.net. He served a brief stint as our CSO (Chief Strategy Officer), but that didn’t last long. He decided to devote his time to other projects and moved on at the end of last month. Our new CEO is a good guy and I enjoy working with him, but I would be lying if I said things were the same. Oh well, I am surrounded by a bunch of friends and good people at Aplus.net and do, for the most part, enjoy my job.
* I’ve watched with great interest the news post-election. I find it humorous a lot of the appointments that Obama is making. His really strong words about bipartisanship and no lobbyists being allowed in his white house have softened since election. The “new government” with all this change doesn’t really look like it’s going to be taking on much of a “new” look. His first priority (a lot of first priorities were mentioned in the campaign) of getting Gitmo shut down doesn’t look like that’s going to be quite as easy as he “thought” it would be. Caution is being thrown around now by the liberal media about how there are just too many questions as to what to do with the people at Gitmo. Really? Hmmm, sounds like a familiar problem. I do also go back to a much earlier blog post I made about all these people publicly lashing out at the treatment of these prisoners… we all want these people detained, and whatever tactics need to be used to keep us safe and get information should be used. Some are just afraid to say it. I am reminded of Jack Nicholson’s words “You want me on that wall, you need me on that wall” — how true. But, only when the cameras aren’t rolling, right? I suspect the only nutjobs in the US who really do care are the ACLU. Ah, let’s move on….
* Guitar Hero is fun. Spencer wants to get the drums, mic, etc. to add on. I think we probably will. But I do need to be reminded that I need to practice my real guitar. If I would spend the same amount of time on it as I do on Guitar Hero of late, I could probably be a Tim Reynolds in no time. Heh, probably not. Sounded good, though.
Well, I guess that’s good enough for now. Hope all out there are doing well. I’ll catch up more frequently (hope that’s not an empty promise). Until then, catch ya on Twitter and Facebook. Facebook has been nice on reconnecting with friends from the past, which is something I said I really wanted to do this year, especially after learning of Angie Noonan’s untimely death. I do consider my goal to be successful. While a lot of my age crowd isn’t on Facebook, more and more are joining every week. It’s awesome to read about what is going on with them. I think I will make an effort to make my 20th reunion, which is less than 2 years away. Holy cow.
Oh, and one last thing… I can’t end a blog without at least once mentioning by Big Dawg Hoover. He is a bit stinky right now, but I love that dog dearly. He is so fun (and lazy). Today was a day to have our sheets cleaned. Hoover loves those days, cuz he gets to get up on the bed and sleep in with me. Damn dog takes up more of the bed than Rebecca does. Luckily I am trained to only need one point five feet wide section of bed… since that’s all the wife allows me to have. Haven’t ever figured out why we have a huge bed.
Peace,
–Relledge
Rebecca’s Blog Report…I need to do this more!
December 7, 2008 by RebeccaElledge.com
A lot of things have changed since my last blog report. Spencer made the soccer team and is goalie for BVNW. Their record is 2-1, they lost last night to a very tough Blue Valley North team. Braelyn is officially crawling, is able to go from lying down to sitting up and has a tooth! It’s amazing what a weekend will do to a 8 1/2 month old.
Ryan is busy at work. He has a board meeting on Wednesday, so he will be working late tonight on his presentation. We are getting ready for two big events. Our 3rd Annual Elledge Spook-tacular Halloween Bash and a trip to Maui. I can’t wait for either one of them, but I am truly ready for our vacation. It will be nice to get away from work for a week. I will miss the kids a lot, but I know they will enjoy spending time with the grandparents. Braelyn is going to Grandma Vickie and Grandpa Steve’s while Spencer is spending time with my mom and dad. I know both kids will be, what do you call it…oh yeah, SPOILED. But it will be worth it, the kids don’t get to spend a lot of time with the grandparents.
I am trying very hard to get in shape before the trip. I’ve lost 6 pounds, just need to lose 6 more. I’m hitting the gym at least once, but sometimes twice a day. I am going running with the girls here at work over lunch. I need to cut down on eating too, didn’t do so great this weekend. Ryan and I drove through Backyard Burger on Saturday…I love Backyard Burger…they have waffle fries 
.
Well need to go…till later!
R.
Miscellaneous Monday
December 7, 2008 by RebeccaElledge.com
Today, August 18th, 2008 we are approximately 60 days away from our Maui trip. I am so excited and can hardly wait. I woke up this morning at 4:30 am and headed to the gym. I got my workout in and was home a little after 6. The nice part about getting up that early and into the gym, my work out is done for the day. The bad news is, is that I need to re-train my body to start getting up that early again. A couple of years ago, I had no problem getting up at 4:30 and heading to the gym for my work out. I was younger, I needed less sleep, and I didn’t have a 7 month old. Now my body needs more sleep, I am older (no comment needed honey), and am blessed to have a 7 month old whom I wouldn’t trade for anything. My goal is to lose 10 lbs before our trip and to continue to get up early and workout. I’m going to try to hit the gym a couple of times during the week at lunch. I feel like if I blog about it, then I have to continue to do it, as it is on the internet forever.
Spencer began his high school career on Friday. He had Freshman orientation. Today was his first full day with the upper classman. I’m sure he had a good day, but being in a school three times the size of his middle school is, well overwhelming. I believe the class of 2012 is the largest class so far to go through BVNW with a size of 440+. Huge compared to my class of 92. It’s amazing, where we live there are 6 high schools in our district, the population of each school exceeds 1,200 kids. 1,200 kids, that is larger than the size of some small towns. He begins soccer try-outs this afternoon. I hope he does well, BVNW was boys’ state soccer champs last year, they take it pretty seriously.
Little B’ is home sick today. She is upstair asleep, I’m working from home, honestly I am. I took her to the doctor this mornin, she has a cold, both ears are irritated and she has not one, but two teeth coming in. She has a reason to be cranky and irritable. I enjoy when I work from home, I have the best of both worlds. She will be crawling soon, she wants to really bad. It’s amazing how fast they grow up. I remember when Spencer was this age, I always wished he would reach his next milestone. With Braelyn, I hope that she stays little longer.
Ryan is headed to San Diego and Phoenix this weekend with Gabe for a Dave Matthews Concert tour. They will also travel to George, Washington (sounds funny, huh?) for a long Labor Day weekend of camping & a DMB concert. Ryan claims that it is the prettiest venue around for a concert. I’m sure the guys will have a blast.
Well need to go check on Brae, and get back to work. Till next time!
R.
A Little Rambling
December 7, 2008 by RebeccaElledge.com
It’s May…where has the time gone? As I sit (correct use of the word) here at work, looking out my window the rain looks as though it is starting to move in. It’s 5:00 and time to go home here in a bit. Hopefully Ryan’s plane will not be delayed too long tonight. He is coming home from an overnight trip, a board meeting in NY. We had a video shoot at the house this morning. A production crew was there filming an eCommercial for one of lendors. It was fun being involved in that.
School will be out in about 3 weeks or so. Spencer had his very last "early release" day of his life, or so he says. Blue Valley has early release the 1st Tuesday of every month. He begins high school next year and that will be the end of the early release days. Spencer has his 8th Grade graduation on May 27th. I don’t ever remember there being an 8th grade graduation when I was in P. Hill. Although 8th grade was part of the high school. Anywho, I am planning on watching my "baby" graduate from 8th grade and move onto some of the best years of his life…high school.
Miss Braelyn is growing up so fast. She of course is rolling over, and thinks it is somewhat of a game when I put her down in her crib and she immediately rolls over and laughs. Speaking of laughing, she was cooing and laughing all morning long. It was fun having her at home with me this morning.
Work is okay. I am not as busy as I was before I left for maternity leave, my manager (and friend) is leaving on Friday to pursue a new venture. I’m not 100% happy where I am right now. Part of me would love to find something else to do, part of me would love to hang out with Braelyn during the day. Oh well, I know life here at the "Vu" will turn around soon.
I went out with Shelly on Friday night. We went to see Colbie Calliet (I think I spelled it correctly). We met at the PNL (Power & Light District), the new trendy hang out in KC. Tons of bars and restaraunts close to the Sprint Center. Then we headed to the Uptown Theatre for the concert. Afterwards, we decided to stop at Denny’s at 12th and Broadway (we were definitely the minority there) for some late night food. We didn’t eat earlier in the evening…didn’t want the food to make us bloated or our jeans too tight (WOMEN!!!). So after some BNG, Bacon and Eggs I got into my car and headed home. I had Rachael Anderson come over and watch Braelyn. Rachael is a teacher at All Around Child. I really liked her, and I think Braelyn did too. I’m definitely going to have Rachael come back to babysit.
We have a couple of trips planned this year…another thing that I am day dreaming about. Ryan and I are going to Chicago and St.Louis next month with Gabe and Stephanie to see DMB. Then in October we are supposed to go back to Maui with Gabe and Stephanie. I am so ready for that vacation. Justine and her new hubby just returned from Kaui yesterday. She said it was a blast and loved every minute of it…I’m jealous can’t wait!
Well I need to finish some things up here…till later!
One last thought…I wonder who will win NC and Indiana, Obama or "The HC"? I don’t know if I really care…whoever it’ll be will get their butt kicked by JM in November!
R.
Comment on Braelyn’s First Santa Picture by Vickie
December 2, 2008 by Ryan Elledge
This is the year she will be so much fun. Glad she is not afraid of the old bearded man. Darling picture. Hey Spencer… Were you afraid to sit on Santa’s lap????
Love to all..
GO MU!
November 30, 2008 by RebeccaElledge.com
‘
Ryan and I are going to dinner and a movie with Gabe and Stephanie tonight. We are going to meet them for a movie, “Four Christmases” and then to Capital Grille for dinner. I am craving some cocunut cream pie, but I won’t eat it. Ryan don’t let me!
This will be another short week for work. I leave on Thursday morning at 6 am for Naples, FL with Stephanie and four other friends for a girls weekend. I can’t wait. Four days setting at the pool and hanging out at the beach. Can’t wait…I need the break. My friend Holly is coming over on Thursday night to help Ryan with Braelyn and then Ryan will take Brae to mom and dad’s on Friday afternoon and will pick her up sometime on Sunday. Spencer will be at his dad’s next weekend. Ryan will have a nice quiet weekend at home with Hoover and Sophie.
MU just sacked KU’s quarterback. Too bad he got up, not that I want him hurt too bad, just out for the game. Braelyn is tearing up what was my Pottery Barn catalog. I guess that is one way to keep me from buying something.
Spencer has spent the weekend with his dad. He’s been over there since Wednesday, I miss him. I know Brae misses him too, she crawls around babbling Bub, Bub, Bub. Ryan misses his Guitar Hero partner too.
Miss Brae is tired, I think its time for a nap and she’s eating paper…nice!
Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!
R.
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