Up until a few years ago my bedtime routine was probably neurotic, but amazingly consistent. I’d read or watch TV until I was feeling slightly sleepy. I could always sense when I was about a half hour away from dozing off. When my internal clock alerted me, I would start my pre-bedtime routine. First came hygiene, I’ll skip the details but among other things I couldn’t sleep unless every tooth was thoroughly scrubbed flossed and rinsed. When the weather was above freezing, I would always step outside to check the neighborhood. Not sure why exactly, but I liked knowing that everything was OK. After that I moved to making sure every window and door was locked. Not out of fear, but out of habit. Then came any remaining dishes or food that needed to be thrown out or put away. Finally, there was making sure every light or other appliance that needed to be turned off was off and the ones that needed to be one were on. I always checked on the boys and would even make sure my wife hadn’t left her reading glasses on or her book on the bed. The whole thing took about 30 minutes. Then I hit the bed, falling asleep within five minutes.
The first time I fell asleep sitting in my recliner watching TV I was amazed. It was probably the first time in my life I had fallen asleep sitting up. I thought it was just a fluke and didn’t worry. The night before that night was probably the last night that I didn’t fall asleep in my recliner. I doze off around 1 a.m. and usually wake between 2 and 4 a.m. Sometimes I’m wide awake and continue watching TV or reading and then usually fall asleep again in the recliner. Between the recliner and the bedroom I try to do old my pre-bed routine but many nights it is all I can do to get myself up two flights of stairs to the bedroom. I usually do the important stuff but groggy it is no fun. Sometimes I wake up hungry and snack.
I’ve tried a lot of things without much success. If I go to bed too early I lay there for hours and end up getting up and then have trouble falling asleep altogether. My wife gets up a lot earlier and therefore goes to bed earlier. I don’t want to read or watch TV in the bedroom because I’ll disturb her, although she says it won’t. I tried caffeine, late-night showers, no food, more food, exercise, walks, talk radio, iPod, etc. Nothing seems to restore my ability to know when I’m going to nod off.
I used to worry that my old routine was obsessive compulsive. Now I long for it. Any suggestions?
Friday, May 29, 2009
R-J newsroom report for Friday May 29
Stories we are working on for the newspaper and web site on Friday, May 29
In Saturday’s Record-Journal look for full coverage of the annual Meriden-Wallingford Relay for Life event. Around 3000 people, including 300 cancer survivors are expected to participate. We will also have a Spotted photographer at this event. So look for hundreds of photos on our web site Friday night.
Also in tomorrows paper a story on the possible return of a video arcade to the Meriden Square.
Busy night of activities in Meriden. Along with the Relay for Life we will be out covering the first night of the St. Stan’s Fest. That festival continues on Saturday.
We will let you know about upcoming performances that are part of Southington’s popular Music on the Green concert series.
In Wallingford, we take a look at a Wallingford resident attending Choate who recently worked on a project that involved a presentation to a high-ranking official from the Federal Reserve.
In Sports, look for the full state tournament schedule for baseball and softball teams from schools in our area.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
In an upcoming edition of the Record-Journal look for a follow up story on the possible closing of the Wallingford branch of the American Red Cross.
Also, a story on the so-far very crowded Meriden mayor’s race.
On MyRecordJournal.comIf you can’t wait for those softball and baseball tournament pairings, check out MyRecordJournal.com. We should have them up this afternoon.
Check out an active forum on MyRecordJournal on a 29-year-old Tennessee man who has reportedly fathered 20 or 21 children.
Only three days left to shop in Aunt Clara’s online store.
In Saturday’s Record-Journal look for full coverage of the annual Meriden-Wallingford Relay for Life event. Around 3000 people, including 300 cancer survivors are expected to participate. We will also have a Spotted photographer at this event. So look for hundreds of photos on our web site Friday night.
Also in tomorrows paper a story on the possible return of a video arcade to the Meriden Square.
Busy night of activities in Meriden. Along with the Relay for Life we will be out covering the first night of the St. Stan’s Fest. That festival continues on Saturday.
We will let you know about upcoming performances that are part of Southington’s popular Music on the Green concert series.
In Wallingford, we take a look at a Wallingford resident attending Choate who recently worked on a project that involved a presentation to a high-ranking official from the Federal Reserve.
In Sports, look for the full state tournament schedule for baseball and softball teams from schools in our area.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
In an upcoming edition of the Record-Journal look for a follow up story on the possible closing of the Wallingford branch of the American Red Cross.
Also, a story on the so-far very crowded Meriden mayor’s race.
On MyRecordJournal.comIf you can’t wait for those softball and baseball tournament pairings, check out MyRecordJournal.com. We should have them up this afternoon.
Check out an active forum on MyRecordJournal on a 29-year-old Tennessee man who has reportedly fathered 20 or 21 children.
Only three days left to shop in Aunt Clara’s online store.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 28
Stories we are working on for newspaper and web site on Thursday, May 28.
In Friday’s Record-Journal, look for a story on the outlook for concessions from unions representing local teachers.
Also in tomorrow’s newspaper, a Meriden City Councilor is calling on fellow party members to avoid a Democratic primary for mayor, saying a primary will be too costly.
We will have a follow-up story on the tragic murder-suicide in Meriden on Wednesday.
In Wallingford, Mayor Bill Dickinson has weighed in on using town funds to buy hybrid vehicles. He's apparently not crazy about the idea.
If the weather cooperates it will be a busy day in sports. Lyman Hall plays Amity in the SCC softball finals. Wilcox Tech plays Windham Tech in their conference final.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
Look for live coverage of the Meriden Memorial Day parade in Sunday’s newspaper.
On MyRecordJournal.com
Check out the photo gallery of yesterday’s Maloney-Southington volleyball game. Staff photographer Rob Beecher loaded about 60 photos.
Don’t forget to vote in our online poll.
Check out active forums on the death penalty, Supreme Court and North Korea.
In Friday’s Record-Journal, look for a story on the outlook for concessions from unions representing local teachers.
Also in tomorrow’s newspaper, a Meriden City Councilor is calling on fellow party members to avoid a Democratic primary for mayor, saying a primary will be too costly.
We will have a follow-up story on the tragic murder-suicide in Meriden on Wednesday.
In Wallingford, Mayor Bill Dickinson has weighed in on using town funds to buy hybrid vehicles. He's apparently not crazy about the idea.
If the weather cooperates it will be a busy day in sports. Lyman Hall plays Amity in the SCC softball finals. Wilcox Tech plays Windham Tech in their conference final.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
Look for live coverage of the Meriden Memorial Day parade in Sunday’s newspaper.
On MyRecordJournal.com
Check out the photo gallery of yesterday’s Maloney-Southington volleyball game. Staff photographer Rob Beecher loaded about 60 photos.
Don’t forget to vote in our online poll.
Check out active forums on the death penalty, Supreme Court and North Korea.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Self Improvement setback?
I recently finished an audio book on time management. The premise is that many of us spend too much time on things that are not aligned with what we consider most important. This causes stress and the stress and its results further blind us from what is most important, creating a self-perpetuating decline in quality of life.
The thing that is most important to me is my wife and two sons. So I’ve been trying extra hard lately to make sure that no matter what else is going on I put them first more often. Recently I messed up. I’ll share the story with the hope it might help you avoid the same.
I was off from work on a weekday and had spent the day and early evening doing yard work and watching my youngest son Danny, 14, play baseball. Early in the afternoon I also spent some time prodding my oldest son Michael, 16, to start his homework. He had a history paper to write on the leadership styles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. For the past week or so he has been asking me a lot of questions about the two leaders. At my suggestion, he watched the Spike Lee film “Malcom X.” I was impressed by his willingness to put in extra time on the project. But at 6:30 p.m. my main concern was that he was just getting started on a paper due the next day. Like a lot of teens, Michael procrastinates and that creates problems because he often needs help after 9 p.m. and by that time my wife and are often worn down. When I looked to see how he was doing, he started telling me he was impressed with some of MLK’s quotes and read a couple to me. He also asked me whose leadership style I thought was more effective. That triggered a short discussion about the connection between MLK and Ghandi. I suggested he watch the movie "Ghandi." I should have been impressed by Michael’s interest in the assignment. Instead I was more worried about him finishing too late. I also had this sudden compulsion to cut the lawn and stop at the R-J to see what had landed on my desk after a four-day vacation.
“Dad. You’ll read my paper later on?,” Michael asked.
He knows history and writing were my best subjects so he often asks me to read his history papers for any factual mistakes or awkward sentences.
“Sure Michael. I won’t be back from the Record-Journal until after you are asleep. But I’ll give it a read and leave you a note if I see anything that needs to be fixed. You can do it in the morning.”
He thanked me and I started cutting the lawn. I also decided to clean off the pool cover. Less than an hour’s worth of work became more than two hours. By the time I got to the R-J it was close to 9. By the time I left it was close to 11. By the time I fixed my lunch for the next day, set up the coffee maker and straightened up a few things it was nearly midnight.
At around 7 a.m. my eyes shot open: “I forgot to read his paper.” I checked the alarm clock and realized he had already left.
It seems like a small thing but forgetting to read his paper did add stress to the first half of my day, proof that if you don’t align your time and your values it causes problems. My mistake was putting the lawn, pool cover and work on my desk that could have waited ahead of the one request my son made of me in 24 hours. The other lesson for those of you raising teens now or in the future is that you can’t let the stuff that drives you crazy obscure what is really important. In this case, I focused on procrastination and missed the fact that Michael is extremely interested in history.
If you are interested in the book it is titled “Manage Your Time To Reduce Your Stress: A Handbook for the Overworked, Overscheduled and Overwhelmed” by Rita Emmett.
If you know me and worry the title signals I’m having serious problems, relax. I enjoy audio books and self improvement. I’m not overworked or overwhelmed, but would like to avoid both.
The most important thing I learned from the book is really simple. Just list the four or five most important things in your life. It helps if you think of it in terms of the people, activities and things you would miss most if they were gone. Once you have the list, you compare it to your daily and weekly schedule and make sure you are leaving enough time for the things that are most important. Each day you also have to give yourself a reward. My reward today will be to read for pleasure for at least one hour.
As always, let me know what you think.
The thing that is most important to me is my wife and two sons. So I’ve been trying extra hard lately to make sure that no matter what else is going on I put them first more often. Recently I messed up. I’ll share the story with the hope it might help you avoid the same.
I was off from work on a weekday and had spent the day and early evening doing yard work and watching my youngest son Danny, 14, play baseball. Early in the afternoon I also spent some time prodding my oldest son Michael, 16, to start his homework. He had a history paper to write on the leadership styles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. For the past week or so he has been asking me a lot of questions about the two leaders. At my suggestion, he watched the Spike Lee film “Malcom X.” I was impressed by his willingness to put in extra time on the project. But at 6:30 p.m. my main concern was that he was just getting started on a paper due the next day. Like a lot of teens, Michael procrastinates and that creates problems because he often needs help after 9 p.m. and by that time my wife and are often worn down. When I looked to see how he was doing, he started telling me he was impressed with some of MLK’s quotes and read a couple to me. He also asked me whose leadership style I thought was more effective. That triggered a short discussion about the connection between MLK and Ghandi. I suggested he watch the movie "Ghandi." I should have been impressed by Michael’s interest in the assignment. Instead I was more worried about him finishing too late. I also had this sudden compulsion to cut the lawn and stop at the R-J to see what had landed on my desk after a four-day vacation.
“Dad. You’ll read my paper later on?,” Michael asked.
He knows history and writing were my best subjects so he often asks me to read his history papers for any factual mistakes or awkward sentences.
“Sure Michael. I won’t be back from the Record-Journal until after you are asleep. But I’ll give it a read and leave you a note if I see anything that needs to be fixed. You can do it in the morning.”
He thanked me and I started cutting the lawn. I also decided to clean off the pool cover. Less than an hour’s worth of work became more than two hours. By the time I got to the R-J it was close to 9. By the time I left it was close to 11. By the time I fixed my lunch for the next day, set up the coffee maker and straightened up a few things it was nearly midnight.
At around 7 a.m. my eyes shot open: “I forgot to read his paper.” I checked the alarm clock and realized he had already left.
It seems like a small thing but forgetting to read his paper did add stress to the first half of my day, proof that if you don’t align your time and your values it causes problems. My mistake was putting the lawn, pool cover and work on my desk that could have waited ahead of the one request my son made of me in 24 hours. The other lesson for those of you raising teens now or in the future is that you can’t let the stuff that drives you crazy obscure what is really important. In this case, I focused on procrastination and missed the fact that Michael is extremely interested in history.
If you are interested in the book it is titled “Manage Your Time To Reduce Your Stress: A Handbook for the Overworked, Overscheduled and Overwhelmed” by Rita Emmett.
If you know me and worry the title signals I’m having serious problems, relax. I enjoy audio books and self improvement. I’m not overworked or overwhelmed, but would like to avoid both.
The most important thing I learned from the book is really simple. Just list the four or five most important things in your life. It helps if you think of it in terms of the people, activities and things you would miss most if they were gone. Once you have the list, you compare it to your daily and weekly schedule and make sure you are leaving enough time for the things that are most important. Each day you also have to give yourself a reward. My reward today will be to read for pleasure for at least one hour.
As always, let me know what you think.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Teen driving: Did I do the right thing?
As I approached Wallingford’s Pat Wall Field from the south Wednesday night around 8:30 p.m., it was a mob of cars and people. The crowd at the Lyman Hall-East Haven baseball game was larger than normal because it was Senior Night. Cars were parked in the lot and along South Elm Street. The bus taking the East Haven kids home was having difficulty maneuvering out of a sea of people in the lot and a line of cars trying to exit but having trouble because their view of oncoming traffic was blocked by the cars parking on the street. (Officially there is no parking allowed on that portion of South Elm because the road is too narrow.)
As I got closer and put on my turn signal, I had trouble figuring out where the entrance was because of all the people, parked and crawling cars. Finally I saw it and realized the car trying to exit was stuck because the driver couldn’t see if was safe to pull out. As I stopped to let her out, the car behind me slammed on its brakes to avoid rear-ending me and a car coming the other way I had to swerve to avoid hitting my front end. When I did make it into the lot, people were walking all around my car and I had to stop several times to make sure I didn’t clip anyone.
My oldest son Michael finally emerged from the crowd. He walked over to the driver side and gave me the signal to move over so that he could drive. He got his permit a month ago and now assumes he will drive anytime he wants. I had let him drive to Pat Wall four hours earlier. But on the heels of the near accident and with a packed parking lot, I told him to get in on the passenger side. He glared and then complied. When he got in the car he accused me of not trusting him to drive and said he needed to learn how to handle difficult situations. I balked again and drove out of Pat Wall with an angry teen in the passenger seat. I stopped about a quarter mile later and offered to let him drive the rest of the way. He was too mad to take me up on the offer and again said that I didn’t trust him and wasn’t helping him by avoiding difficult driving situations. It is not the first time I’ve refused a request to let him get behind the wheel. I’m still uncomfortable with some night and highway driving. I think part of the problem is that my wife and I have slightly different standards when it comes to safe conditions for a new driver. So his mom is letting him drive a little more often than I and it seems I’ve become the bad guy in this situation. Maybe it is deserved.
What do you think?
As I got closer and put on my turn signal, I had trouble figuring out where the entrance was because of all the people, parked and crawling cars. Finally I saw it and realized the car trying to exit was stuck because the driver couldn’t see if was safe to pull out. As I stopped to let her out, the car behind me slammed on its brakes to avoid rear-ending me and a car coming the other way I had to swerve to avoid hitting my front end. When I did make it into the lot, people were walking all around my car and I had to stop several times to make sure I didn’t clip anyone.
My oldest son Michael finally emerged from the crowd. He walked over to the driver side and gave me the signal to move over so that he could drive. He got his permit a month ago and now assumes he will drive anytime he wants. I had let him drive to Pat Wall four hours earlier. But on the heels of the near accident and with a packed parking lot, I told him to get in on the passenger side. He glared and then complied. When he got in the car he accused me of not trusting him to drive and said he needed to learn how to handle difficult situations. I balked again and drove out of Pat Wall with an angry teen in the passenger seat. I stopped about a quarter mile later and offered to let him drive the rest of the way. He was too mad to take me up on the offer and again said that I didn’t trust him and wasn’t helping him by avoiding difficult driving situations. It is not the first time I’ve refused a request to let him get behind the wheel. I’m still uncomfortable with some night and highway driving. I think part of the problem is that my wife and I have slightly different standards when it comes to safe conditions for a new driver. So his mom is letting him drive a little more often than I and it seems I’ve become the bad guy in this situation. Maybe it is deserved.
What do you think?
Thursday, May 21, Stories we are working on
Thursday, May 21, Stories we are working on in the R-J newsroom
Look for a story in Friday’s paper on teen tanning. Tanning salons are very busy this time of year. We talk to medical experts about the dos an don’ts of indoor and outdoor tanning.
Also in Friday’s paper, look for an update on Meriden’s sidewalk program. Apparently there is some interest in expanding the popular program outside the inner-district.
With one in five American families behind on their utility payments, we look at what power companies serving the local area are doing as far as shut offs.
In Wallingford, there is a walking club at Highland School designed to get kids healthier and combat childhood obesity.
In Southington, Thalberg School held a ceremony marking its 50th anniversary. We were there to cover it.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
Over the holiday weekend, look for a story on the job prospects for high school students.
On MyRecordJournal.comStaff reporter Andrew Perlot has returned to running. Check out his blog entry. You can also read about Andrew’s experience in Friday’s feature section in the Record-Journal
Check out a new forum discussion on new leash laws for dogs on Meriden’s hiking trails.
If you were at the UNICO event in Southington last night or no someone what was there, chances are we have their picture posted on our web site. Check out the Spotted gallery for the event.
Look for a story in Friday’s paper on teen tanning. Tanning salons are very busy this time of year. We talk to medical experts about the dos an don’ts of indoor and outdoor tanning.
Also in Friday’s paper, look for an update on Meriden’s sidewalk program. Apparently there is some interest in expanding the popular program outside the inner-district.
With one in five American families behind on their utility payments, we look at what power companies serving the local area are doing as far as shut offs.
In Wallingford, there is a walking club at Highland School designed to get kids healthier and combat childhood obesity.
In Southington, Thalberg School held a ceremony marking its 50th anniversary. We were there to cover it.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
Over the holiday weekend, look for a story on the job prospects for high school students.
On MyRecordJournal.comStaff reporter Andrew Perlot has returned to running. Check out his blog entry. You can also read about Andrew’s experience in Friday’s feature section in the Record-Journal
Check out a new forum discussion on new leash laws for dogs on Meriden’s hiking trails.
If you were at the UNICO event in Southington last night or no someone what was there, chances are we have their picture posted on our web site. Check out the Spotted gallery for the event.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Clarification McCarthy Tournament
A clarification on the benefit basketball tournament I blogged about yesterday. The organizer Margaret Girard tells me that registration forms will be at the Wallingford Family YMCA soon, but for now e-mail registration to mgirard23@gmail.com. Girard also pointed out that all registrations must be mailed by June 9. No registration the day of the tournament. For more details see yesterday's blog post.
Stories the R-J newsroom is pursuing
Stories the Record-Journal newsroom is pursuing on Wednesday, May 20
In Thursday’s paper look for a story on the approval of a controversial affordable housing project in Southington.
The Wallingford Democratic Town Committee meets tonight. Look for news in tomorrow’s paper on whether a challenger to Republican Mayor Bill Dickinson emerges.
Meriden officials are changing the rules on the Red Bridge walking path so that walkers are better protected from dogs not leashed.
In Features, we will preview an annual variety show being put on by students at Maloney High School in Meriden.
And in sports, we will have full coverage of the big tennis match today between Platt and Maloney high schools.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
We are working on a story for our weekend editions about progress on a new walk-in clinic Mid-state Medical Center is building on the former movie theater property next to Interstate 91
On MyRecordJournal.com
Check out the video on the vo-ag fair at Lyman hall High School in Wallingford. Great images of some of the animals and interviews with Vo-ag staff and students.
There are two very active political forums on our web site. The first deals with Meriden City Councilor Brian Kogut’s announcement not to seek re-election. The other has to do with the Wallingford Republican Town Committee not endorsing first-term councilor John LeTourneau.
In Thursday’s paper look for a story on the approval of a controversial affordable housing project in Southington.
The Wallingford Democratic Town Committee meets tonight. Look for news in tomorrow’s paper on whether a challenger to Republican Mayor Bill Dickinson emerges.
Meriden officials are changing the rules on the Red Bridge walking path so that walkers are better protected from dogs not leashed.
In Features, we will preview an annual variety show being put on by students at Maloney High School in Meriden.
And in sports, we will have full coverage of the big tennis match today between Platt and Maloney high schools.
Upcoming in the Record-Journal
We are working on a story for our weekend editions about progress on a new walk-in clinic Mid-state Medical Center is building on the former movie theater property next to Interstate 91
On MyRecordJournal.com
Check out the video on the vo-ag fair at Lyman hall High School in Wallingford. Great images of some of the animals and interviews with Vo-ag staff and students.
There are two very active political forums on our web site. The first deals with Meriden City Councilor Brian Kogut’s announcement not to seek re-election. The other has to do with the Wallingford Republican Town Committee not endorsing first-term councilor John LeTourneau.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Brian D. McCarthy Schlarship fundraisers
In case you missed it, there was a letter in the newspaper Monday from the family of Brian D. McCarthy, written by his father, George “Skip” McCarthy. Here it is:
Support appreciated
Editor: About two weeks ago our son Brian was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident. While each day seems even more difficult to deal with than the day before, the support and love shown to us by people both within the Wallingford community and beyond has enabled us to get through this most trying time.
There are no words we could use that would ever accurately reflect the feelings we have towards all the people who have spent their time and energy to support both myself and my family.
All we can do is to tell each and every one of you how much you’ve meant to us — and that we love all of you.
On behalf of the McCarthy family, GEORGE MCCARTHY, WALLINGFORD
I also wanted to mention an upcoming event that will raise money for the Brian D. McCarthy basketball scholarship and give everyone a chance to participate in Brian’s favorite sport, basketball. The First Annual Brian D. McCarthy Scholarship Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Wallingford Family YMCA, 81 S. Elm St. It’s a 3 on 3 tournament. All ages are welcome. Teams of up to 5 people. $15 minimum donation. Sign up forms are available at the YMCA. For further information, contact Margaret Girard at mgirard23@gmail.com or Brian’s older brother, Mike McCarthy, at 203-631-0042.
Brendan Cei, a basketball teammate of Brian’s, tells me there is a pasta dinner on Thursday, June 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Lyman Hall. All proceeds will benefit the McCarthy scholarship fund. The food is being prepared by Lyman Hall’s culinary students.
I’m planning to be at both events. Hope to see you all there.
Support appreciated
Editor: About two weeks ago our son Brian was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident. While each day seems even more difficult to deal with than the day before, the support and love shown to us by people both within the Wallingford community and beyond has enabled us to get through this most trying time.
There are no words we could use that would ever accurately reflect the feelings we have towards all the people who have spent their time and energy to support both myself and my family.
All we can do is to tell each and every one of you how much you’ve meant to us — and that we love all of you.
On behalf of the McCarthy family, GEORGE MCCARTHY, WALLINGFORD
I also wanted to mention an upcoming event that will raise money for the Brian D. McCarthy basketball scholarship and give everyone a chance to participate in Brian’s favorite sport, basketball. The First Annual Brian D. McCarthy Scholarship Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Wallingford Family YMCA, 81 S. Elm St. It’s a 3 on 3 tournament. All ages are welcome. Teams of up to 5 people. $15 minimum donation. Sign up forms are available at the YMCA. For further information, contact Margaret Girard at mgirard23@gmail.com or Brian’s older brother, Mike McCarthy, at 203-631-0042.
Brendan Cei, a basketball teammate of Brian’s, tells me there is a pasta dinner on Thursday, June 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Lyman Hall. All proceeds will benefit the McCarthy scholarship fund. The food is being prepared by Lyman Hall’s culinary students.
I’m planning to be at both events. Hope to see you all there.
Stories we are pursuing for Wednesday's Record-Journal
Here is he script for the 5.19 Tomorrow's News today video
In Wednesday’s Record-Journal we will let you know about a Southington woman who has received a prestigious national award for her volunteer work.
Meriden City Council members will meet tonight as part of their ongoing discussion on some changes to trash pick up in the inner district.
Also in Meriden, the city is running a bio-terrorism drill designed to prepare various departments for an actual emergency.
Wallingford high school students that are interested in a teaching career are getting some real-life experience running a nursery school.
In Sports, we have a reporter and photographer assigned to today’s co-ed track meet between Meriden rivals Platt and Maloney. That meet is at Maloney starting at 3:45 p.m.
Later this week in the Record-Journal
We are working on a story on how businesses are using social networking sites like Myspace and Twitter. Look for that in an upcoming edition.
On MyRecordJournal.com
Wallingford’s voag students are running their annual fair this week. Look for a video on MyRecordJournal.
Don’t forget to vote in our online poll on the idea of a foot patrol in downtown Wallingford.
Check out an active forum on a recent letter to the editor written by a woman denied food stamps by the state. And another active forum discussion on President Obama’s recent remarks on abortion.
In Wednesday’s Record-Journal we will let you know about a Southington woman who has received a prestigious national award for her volunteer work.
Meriden City Council members will meet tonight as part of their ongoing discussion on some changes to trash pick up in the inner district.
Also in Meriden, the city is running a bio-terrorism drill designed to prepare various departments for an actual emergency.
Wallingford high school students that are interested in a teaching career are getting some real-life experience running a nursery school.
In Sports, we have a reporter and photographer assigned to today’s co-ed track meet between Meriden rivals Platt and Maloney. That meet is at Maloney starting at 3:45 p.m.
Later this week in the Record-Journal
We are working on a story on how businesses are using social networking sites like Myspace and Twitter. Look for that in an upcoming edition.
On MyRecordJournal.com
Wallingford’s voag students are running their annual fair this week. Look for a video on MyRecordJournal.
Don’t forget to vote in our online poll on the idea of a foot patrol in downtown Wallingford.
Check out an active forum on a recent letter to the editor written by a woman denied food stamps by the state. And another active forum discussion on President Obama’s recent remarks on abortion.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I miss the obvious
“If you see someone with it make sure you get it back for me,” my wife Mary tells me as we stand in the lobby of the Wallingford Family YMCA, preparing to leave.
“It” is a reference to her iPOD. She left it on a treadmill and when she went back to the Y a few days later it was not there. Ditto at the lost and found.
She seemed surprised that it wasn’t right where she left it and shocked that no one turned it in.
”Who would want my iPOD?,” she asks.
Just about everyone, I think to myself.
The Y clientele is friendly and honest and I’ve personally witnessed people retrieve watches, wallets, keys and other valuables right where they left them. I was with one of Danny’s friends when we found $300 in store gift certificates he had left next to a vending machine.
But the chance of recovering an iPOD left on treadmill for a few days is slim at the Vatican gym and less anywhere else. In her present state I don’t want to tell Mary that because in these situations if I say ANYTHING her hostility immediately transfers to me.
But the notion that I might be able to spot her iPOD as it passes me connected to someone’s ears is practically begging me to ask the obvious and I think she knows that and that is why she said it. I try to hold back, but can’t.
“Mary, how would I know that someone has YOUR iPOD?”
“Because it has that aqua cover on it,” she replies as though I’ve missed the obvious.
Aqua is her favorite color and she is proud of it. She never pays attention to football on TV unless the Dolphins are playing and then she reminds us that the Dolphins are her favorite team because she loves Dolphins and their aqua uniforms. I’ve heard it her say it at least 200 times in 20 years of marriage.
I know that I should just let it go, but am unable.
“Mary, I’m sure there are thousands of people walking around with aqua covers on their iPODs.”
“You know the playlist of my iPOD,” she counters, again sounding surprised that I didn’t think of it.
Since we are in the lobby in full view of lots of people I do not scream or bang my head against the wall or pull at my hair. It takes me a few seconds to compose myself.
“How am I going to know what is on someone’s playlist? Are you suggesting I rip the headphones from their ears and check it. What if I’m wrong? I’d probably be arrested.”
She huffed and told me I had proven that I really didn’t care about her stolen iPOD.
“I don’t need your help,” she said walking away.
If you have seen an aqua iPOD with my wife’s playlist, please post something on this blog. If you own an aqua iPOD and frequent the Wallingford Y or the southeastern section of town, beware of a pretty brunette, about 5 foot, 3 inches tall, slim, curly hair, green eyes. She looks 35 or 10 years younger than her husband.
“It” is a reference to her iPOD. She left it on a treadmill and when she went back to the Y a few days later it was not there. Ditto at the lost and found.
She seemed surprised that it wasn’t right where she left it and shocked that no one turned it in.
”Who would want my iPOD?,” she asks.
Just about everyone, I think to myself.
The Y clientele is friendly and honest and I’ve personally witnessed people retrieve watches, wallets, keys and other valuables right where they left them. I was with one of Danny’s friends when we found $300 in store gift certificates he had left next to a vending machine.
But the chance of recovering an iPOD left on treadmill for a few days is slim at the Vatican gym and less anywhere else. In her present state I don’t want to tell Mary that because in these situations if I say ANYTHING her hostility immediately transfers to me.
But the notion that I might be able to spot her iPOD as it passes me connected to someone’s ears is practically begging me to ask the obvious and I think she knows that and that is why she said it. I try to hold back, but can’t.
“Mary, how would I know that someone has YOUR iPOD?”
“Because it has that aqua cover on it,” she replies as though I’ve missed the obvious.
Aqua is her favorite color and she is proud of it. She never pays attention to football on TV unless the Dolphins are playing and then she reminds us that the Dolphins are her favorite team because she loves Dolphins and their aqua uniforms. I’ve heard it her say it at least 200 times in 20 years of marriage.
I know that I should just let it go, but am unable.
“Mary, I’m sure there are thousands of people walking around with aqua covers on their iPODs.”
“You know the playlist of my iPOD,” she counters, again sounding surprised that I didn’t think of it.
Since we are in the lobby in full view of lots of people I do not scream or bang my head against the wall or pull at my hair. It takes me a few seconds to compose myself.
“How am I going to know what is on someone’s playlist? Are you suggesting I rip the headphones from their ears and check it. What if I’m wrong? I’d probably be arrested.”
She huffed and told me I had proven that I really didn’t care about her stolen iPOD.
“I don’t need your help,” she said walking away.
If you have seen an aqua iPOD with my wife’s playlist, please post something on this blog. If you own an aqua iPOD and frequent the Wallingford Y or the southeastern section of town, beware of a pretty brunette, about 5 foot, 3 inches tall, slim, curly hair, green eyes. She looks 35 or 10 years younger than her husband.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Missing baseball cleats
It is a typical Monday morning. There is plenty of news to cover and a few weekend issues to deal with. The in-basket on my desk is full. My e-mail inbox is at 30 and climbing. My favorite pair of reading glasses broke over the weekend and I need to stop and have them repaired. I have two library books to renew. I haven’t been to the YMCA since Thursday and need to get there tonight. Michael and Danny have a combined three baseball games and will need rides between 4 and 9 p.m.
But at 11:30 a.m. Monday I was worrying about something more important.
“Did Danny find his cleats?,” I ask my Mary on the phone.
This vision of Danny, 14, playing baseball two baseball games in his sneakers had been in my head on and off for about four hours. I couldn’t wait any longer for an update.
It started about 9:30 p.m. Sunday night. Danny was packing his baseball bag and announced he didn’t see his cleats on the back porch. I swept and cleaned the porch Saturday, filling two contractor size garbage bags with cardboard and other debris, including a lot of dirt from Danny and Michael’s baseball cleats.
“Gee Dan I think they were there when I cleaned up Saturday,” I told him as we headed out to double check. No luck.
Danny said he was sure he had left them there. Maybe I accidentally put them in the garbage bags, which were sealed with duct tape.
“Is there anywhere else they might be?” I ask. If I empty the bags it is going to undo much of the work I did Saturday.
Danny tells me the only other place they could be is mom’s van. We head out to check. No luck. Before I start emptying the bags I quiz him again on when he last saw the cleats. He’s certain he brought them into to the house Friday night. I’m skeptical because when his things go missing Danny is always certain he didn’t do anything to lose them.
My wife was calmly sitting at the computer checking e-mail. I went into the basement and reached into one of the bags and immediately pulled my hand out. “Ouch,” I said, remembering that I had swept up some broken glass. I peek inside and don’t see cleats.
The other bag is still on the porch, packed tight with cardboard. There is no way I can see inside the bag or feel for the cleats. As I empty it, I hear Danny talking to Mary.
“That wasn’t Friday night Danny, that was Thursday night,” she said. “Friday it rained and grandma and grandpa picked you up. Do you remember having the cleats on in their car?”
Danny’s memory is a lot fuzzier than when I spoke to him by the van. Looking down at the pile of garbage and dirt on the porch, I see no cleats.
Heading inside, I bark at Danny for making me empty the bags. He tells me he now suspects he may have left the cleats in the school locker room.
“But Dad you had to check to make sure,” he says.
“And now that I’ve checked and not found them I have to pick up everything that I poured out. Don’t I?,” I shoot back.
An hour later Danny is sleeping and I’m feeling guilty about barking at him over losing something.
When I reach my wife Monday at 11:30 a.m., she has not heard from Danny but has a backup plan. If he can’t find his cleats at school, she will ask my in-laws to pick him up a cheap pair and bring them to his 3:30 p.m. game since they were planning to attend anyway.
“Let me know if you hear anything.” I ask, hanging up.
I went back to work feeling a little better. About 2 p.m. I received a text message that my wife had forwarded from Danny. “Found my cleats in the locker room.”
But at 11:30 a.m. Monday I was worrying about something more important.
“Did Danny find his cleats?,” I ask my Mary on the phone.
This vision of Danny, 14, playing baseball two baseball games in his sneakers had been in my head on and off for about four hours. I couldn’t wait any longer for an update.
It started about 9:30 p.m. Sunday night. Danny was packing his baseball bag and announced he didn’t see his cleats on the back porch. I swept and cleaned the porch Saturday, filling two contractor size garbage bags with cardboard and other debris, including a lot of dirt from Danny and Michael’s baseball cleats.
“Gee Dan I think they were there when I cleaned up Saturday,” I told him as we headed out to double check. No luck.
Danny said he was sure he had left them there. Maybe I accidentally put them in the garbage bags, which were sealed with duct tape.
“Is there anywhere else they might be?” I ask. If I empty the bags it is going to undo much of the work I did Saturday.
Danny tells me the only other place they could be is mom’s van. We head out to check. No luck. Before I start emptying the bags I quiz him again on when he last saw the cleats. He’s certain he brought them into to the house Friday night. I’m skeptical because when his things go missing Danny is always certain he didn’t do anything to lose them.
My wife was calmly sitting at the computer checking e-mail. I went into the basement and reached into one of the bags and immediately pulled my hand out. “Ouch,” I said, remembering that I had swept up some broken glass. I peek inside and don’t see cleats.
The other bag is still on the porch, packed tight with cardboard. There is no way I can see inside the bag or feel for the cleats. As I empty it, I hear Danny talking to Mary.
“That wasn’t Friday night Danny, that was Thursday night,” she said. “Friday it rained and grandma and grandpa picked you up. Do you remember having the cleats on in their car?”
Danny’s memory is a lot fuzzier than when I spoke to him by the van. Looking down at the pile of garbage and dirt on the porch, I see no cleats.
Heading inside, I bark at Danny for making me empty the bags. He tells me he now suspects he may have left the cleats in the school locker room.
“But Dad you had to check to make sure,” he says.
“And now that I’ve checked and not found them I have to pick up everything that I poured out. Don’t I?,” I shoot back.
An hour later Danny is sleeping and I’m feeling guilty about barking at him over losing something.
When I reach my wife Monday at 11:30 a.m., she has not heard from Danny but has a backup plan. If he can’t find his cleats at school, she will ask my in-laws to pick him up a cheap pair and bring them to his 3:30 p.m. game since they were planning to attend anyway.
“Let me know if you hear anything.” I ask, hanging up.
I went back to work feeling a little better. About 2 p.m. I received a text message that my wife had forwarded from Danny. “Found my cleats in the locker room.”
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