Saves the Day (am I old?)

Jo and I went to see one of my favorite bands, Saves the Day, last night.  They played right her in Chapel Hill (Carrboro actually, but the Cat's Cradle is just barely in Carrboro).  Throughout the evening, I had several thoughts that make be realize that I must be getting older:

Its too late - Its Friday night, I just worked all week.  Its already dark outside and its cold.  I would love to fall asleep here on the floor.  If it wasn't one my favorite bands and if the show was more than just a few minutes away, I might stay home.
Its too loud - Wow, it's loud.  Is it just me, or is it loud?  I think it would sound better if it weren't so stinking loud.  I mean, the vocals would be much better if it weren't so loud.  Who's running sound here?  Is it loud?
Its too crazy - I hope the mosh pit stays where it is.  I don't want to get kicked in the head.  I'm not 18 anymore.  18 year olds think its cool to get kicked in the head at a show, because they can brag to their buddies.  If I get kicked in the head, I might have to go the ER.

The show was killer.  And it was good to get out and see some live music, something I don't do nearly as much as I want to.  I don't really think I'm old, but I'm definitely not young as I used to be, and never will be.  Before I know it I'll be hitting to the 4:30 Shoney's buffet and going to bed after Jeopardy.

9 years

I don't think the number '9' is significant, especially when you're celebrating something.  Most people celebrate after one year.  Then it seems pretty common to count five years, 10 years, 25 years, 50 years, and so on as milestones.  Honestly, I can't remember the last time I heard anyone get excited and say, "Nine years!  Wow that's great!" So even though nine may not be as good as 10, it's better then eight (or seven or even four).  But I like nine.

 
As of this past week, Jo and I have been married nine years.  Not all of it has been fun or easy.  But a lot of things have been fun or easy, and sometimes both.  We've had some hard things happen which could have broken us.  But thank God, here we are, having worked through all those things and happy to be together.

For us, nine is a great number.  Nine is a good reason to celebrate. 

Ice Skating

Tonight Jo was waiting for a football game to end because she wanted to watch the following show. Adelle was in the room and wanted to know what it was. Jo was trying to explain a little to Adelle about what was going on. I was in the kitchen eating and this is what I overheard.

Jo: Those men are trying to get the ball into that blue area so they can score. And then there are other men who are trying to knock him down.
Adelle: (thinks for a minute then says) When I grow up I was to do ice skating. Then no one will knock me down.

Adelle cracks me up.

My wife the photographer

My wife Jo takes really great photos. Here's one of the most recent photos she's taken. To me its beyond gorgeous:

family

How lucky am I?

the fam

Here are some pics of Jo, Adelle and Evie. Evie is now 3 months old. What bunch of cuties I've got!!

I get to not work at all next week. We leave tomorrow for Jo's parents' house in VA. Its not really a vacation per se, but it is a break from the routine. Viva la Vida!