Before Others

Oliver gave his speech for his Games Coordinator candidacy yesterday. He spoke from memory in front of about 500 class mates.  It was honest, to the point and brief.  I liked how he made eye contact even if nerves kept a usual Oliver smile from peeking out.  While at the end of the day he didn't win the position, he did a brave thing.  We are proud of his effort.

Mr. Allen looks on

grateful to blend back in

Hello my name is Oliver Chew. If I am elected i will make sure that if you don't get a ball or equipment you will get one soon. Vote for me Oliver Chew for Games Coordinator.

A Vision and the 49'ers

Oliver for Games Coordinator.  Oliver is choosing to run for this honor again at his school.  He designed this poster and did all the work on it himself. He even paid for some of the supplies.  He will have to give a speech in front of all the kids in the schoolyard this Friday. I hope to attend.

His brother had the knack of running and winning both times he campaigned for the gig.  His class has to frist designate him as their candidate and then the candidates run at large for the students body to vote for.  Last time Oliver tried he was not the choice of his class and knows that his road is uphill.  While it may not come as easy for him, Oliver knows that all he can do is the best he can, and regardless of the outcome we are very proud of him for trying, and working to this goal.

As for the 49'ers, it's important to remember that our young QB is a young QB, lacking the polish of Montana, Steve Young, John Brodie and Jeff Garcia. Is this his third year? Montana did not start until his third year. Unlike Kaepernick, Joe had a longer time to learn from his coaches and veteran QB Steve Deberg before being placed in the spotlight. He had more time to develop making accurate throws (placement, anticipation and timing) and to make good decisions that are necessary in crucial situations. Tebow does not have these abilities, yet.

Kaepernick, as Big Bob Cupp just said, simply showed what he did all year, the good and the bad.  The only difference- and no unknown factor is that the Seahawks defensive backs can catch. The last two playoff games for the Niners would have likely had game ending wins for the other teams (Packers, Panthers) if their defense had each made very catchable interceptions.

I am more saddened about the injuries that players suffered- possibly a broken ankle and a full ACL tear.  As for the seemingly crazy rant by the Seahawk DB, great plays are made by great players (like it or not).  Also, for the next two weeks and forever, I intend to avoid the desire to make this guy into the bad man.  Poor sport/poor winner, yes. No doubt there.

Keep it between the lines. Just like you're drawing up a poster board.
Oliver Chew for Games Coordinator 2014!!!

Skating on the Occasion of a B-Rose Birthday

Getting in on the Selfie Fad

The Fog

There are many things that are not completely clear to us. It may be part of a problem that we can not completely solve. It may be human nature and the motivations of others-even ourselves that we try to understand.  To each of us we are puzzled when we come upon behavior that  surprises and does not delight; growing older? growing too old?.

It can feel overwhelming with work, family obligations, schedules, commitments and even with opportunities.
We have an opportunity to have a place of our own with complications, with extreme financial considerations, with much emotion that comes with decisions that need to made.  The time is tight and limited as well.  Yet as we decide to explore these decisions, comprehensions and opportunities we agree to do so together and to sort through the mist, the fog of it all.

There will be clarity after all.

Here's Some More Photos From Last Month

 Greetings 2014. I am from the planet Earth.  I come in peace, and at this age, in pieces but still standing. Anyway, you brought 2014 before I was done finishing up 2013. Of course I know I waited 31 days to do so but well, so what.

Full disclosure; this photo from early 2013 but captures the mood that still exists

a little baby seal lion. Fond of  the little flippers

On the boardwalk we bumped into my old friend, Robert. It was great to see him again!

some kind of volleyball we play

                                                  The 2 Faces of Christmas:  Can't Wait....

...Can Wait (I'm not dead. just sleeping).  Up at 8am.  Tore up the closet the night before.

 I'm not sure why I am unable to bring these photos closer unless this is Google's way of not allowing me to hide my mug (please add an "extra small" option).  Dexter wanted a really good power drill. Oliver asked for Skylanders and Imaginext figures.  He's been wearing either the top or bottom of his Skylanders pajamas the last seven days.  Books, Legos, Dr.Who/Star Trek stuff, $, gift cards, and bunches of gifts landed from the Big Guy into our little place.

Christmas Day with the Kathy, Bob, Cailin and Mike

Rudolph in Redwood City, CA

Redwood City

Christmas night

Sometimes Oliver ends up in our bed. Sometimes Maria has no room to sleep (but I have a lot). Oliver gravitates to her. Perhaps it's because my body temperature is 73 degrees.

 December brings about a good excuse, a good vehicle to be with family.  Despite the odd dynamic that sometimes present, I'm okay with that.  Just let me see them.