Running (Blogging) Fool

I'm going to try to run. Yes, again. Yes, I know, I've tried to do this a million times. And yes, I know, I always seem to fail miserably.

This time I have a plan. And to help me stay with this plan, I have a new blog so you can follow my journey. I have also done this so that you don't have to be bothered with sweaty shoe stories.

Visit me anytime at See Seckman Run and read more about my attempts to put this plan into action, as crazy as it may be.

Oh, and don't fret - I'll continue to post here too so I can tell you about that time when Elliot literally laid down in the middle of O Street at 7:45 a.m. because he didn't want to walk anymore.

Excommunicated? Or Just Frowned Upon?

Before I start this, let me put up my disclaimer that I am not religious but not anti-religious nor do I want to get into any religion-related conversations/arguments.

I learned I am essentially excommunicated from the Catholic church.

As most of you gasp and say 'ANNA is Catholic? Who'd have guessed?' let me give you a little background. I was raised by a mother that embraced the Catholic church and even put in a private school for grades K-6. I have been baptized and have godparents that are practicing Catholics. I have had communion and have been confirmed (they were prerequisites to "passing" that grade in grade school - feels a little forced).

I digress. I was in a conversation today and was told that because I got married outside of the church to a non-Catholic that I am essentially excommunicated. I've done some googling on this and it seems to me that Catholics aren't all that excommunication-happy as they like to leave the door open for you to 'repent and return' whatever that means.

I did find, however, that I am not a valid Catholic any longer and neither is Jen. I tell ya, I've never missed it (sorry mom and Auntie D), don't really like the Catholic religion and even got C's in Religion class in 5th grade because I refused to memorize prayers (but got extra credit from Sr. Cecilia for doodling a portrait of Mary in my workbook)... but now that I'm invalid... I feel like I just got VOID stamped all over me.

I don't think it will make me run to the church and ask the local bishop to recognize me (apparently you have to do this now that I've marred my record). I don't know that it will even drive me to go to any church. Just something I found interesting today.

Stupid Jokes (That Make You Laugh)

While Fred was watching Ace of Cakes this weekend, one of the cake gals told this stupidly funny math joke:

Why couldn't the trig problem get a loan?
Because tangent wouldn't cosine!
- - - -

At a Ben Folds concert years ago we heard this joke:

A pirate walks into a bar with the captain's wheel down his pants. The bartender says "Hey, why do you have a captain's wheel down your pants?" The pirate says "Arr, it's driving me nuts!"
- - - -

My friend Amanda told me this, but it might not work without hearing it:

What are the two best animals on the farm?
(In your best 70's disco music voice, said quickly) Brown Chicken Brown Cow!
- - - -

Did they at least make you crack a smile? If so, my work is done.

First of Many Times to Come...

Elliot ran away from home yesterday. And as it says in the title, it was likely the first of many, many more times to come.

One second we were all in the living room; next second we're in the living room but Elliot has opened the screen door and is standing on the patio waving at me. Doh! After we quit laughing, I joined him outside for some good old fashioned play time.

How City Folk Make S'mores

Last night, Fred grilled some brats and then tossed wood chips on the coals to get a good burn going. About 7:00 last night I grabbed my twisted metal hanger, loaded it with two marshmallows and marched outside to make my first s'more of the season.

I swear it was the best s'mores ever. And, I swear, even MacGyver couldn't have made a better marshmallow holder. Kudos, Freddie Bill.

Sinusoidal Tendencies

So you know how I've been complaining about Elliot's fits lately and how they seem to be ramping up over the last couple weeks? Well - - -

Dr. Jones said, in her nicest voice, that when your kid has a RAGING SINUS INFECTION its a lot easier to set them off. Their ears ache, their teeth hurt and their tummies are full of gunk. Whoops. Wonder how long that's been festering...

But the nagging voice in my brain says this isn't the sole culprit.

I've had sinus infections and I didn't resort to biting people, bashing my head into the wall repeatedly or firmly believing I can ONLY eat crackers. I never had an absolute hate for wearing anything other than a diaper nor do I have the obsessive need to go 'ow side' all day long.

So, little man, I will give a little more sympathy but don't take advantage - if you bite me again you're going to LIVE in time out. Consider that your final warning.