Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Rock Band Rocks!

The kids came over late this Chrismas morning and stayed until about 8PM, which qualifies as probably the longest visit of the year.

We opened presents in about 30 seconds flat. The big gift was the Rock Band Bundle from MTV games. It was a smash hit.

We spent most of the day alternating between trying out the new game and shooting a bunch of 8-Ball. The latter activity gave rise to the band's name, "The Miscubes" ( some sort of bastardization of the word miscue, because there were plenty, especially once the beers started flowing later in the day).

We also managed to wolf down vast quantities of buffalo wings, pigs in a blanket, shrimp cocktail and other finger foods, which is we always do on Christmas, rather than have a traditional sit down dinner.

I didn't really participate in the rock band, but watched my older son on guitar, my daughter on vocals and my younger son manning the drums. It was clear they were having a blast but I may have enjoyed it most of all, just sitting there and watching them engage each other.

All in all it was a very Merry X-mas for this father of three who doesn't get to see enough of his kids!

Tampa Bay or not Tampa Bay

So the Giants are in the playoffs and their first round matchup is set. They'll be playing the Bucaneers in Tampa the first weekend in January. The exact date and time is not decided yet.

However, tickets are available, as are cheap flights and hotels. I have a trip lined up right now, including game tix, 3 nights hotel (supposedly less than a mile from Raymond James Stadium) and round trip air fare for under $600.

I can't decide if I should pull the trigger.

On the plus side, it would be awesome to see a Giants' playoff game, I've never been and I figure they have a decent chance to win or at least make it a competitive game. It's a great excuse to get out of the cold northeast for a long weekend (today's forecast, partly sunny and 77 degrees). We also have friends not too far from there...

On the down side, we just bought a house and cash is tight, I just bought a new HD TV and the games are awesome on it. Not knowing if the game is Sat or Sunday means I'd have to burn at least 2 vacation days to fly down on Friday and fly back on Monday. The kids want to go see their grandparents this coming weekend and I hate traveling, really don't want to do it two weekends in a row. Air travel is the worst. Last two trips I got stuck overnight, trying to get back to Manchester...

I guess it's a nice dilemma to have, but what's a football fan to do?

Joys of owing a Home

So after 3 1/2 years living in a condo, where someone else does the gardening, mowing and the snow plowing, we moved into a house last weekend, just in time for the snow storms.

Naturally, the snow blower the previous owners left has issues. The shovel works just like I remember, except it seems to take a lot longer and I have to pause a lot more frequently, before the driveway is cleared.

The house is way too big for us and the furnace runs constantly. Lord only knows how much the electric bill will run every month...

On the plus side, the hot tub is awesome for soaking the tired old bones after a bout of shoveling.
The pool table (also inherited from the previous owners) means the kids come over a lot to play.

The neighbors have been great, and the pooch loves the big, fenced in back yard.

Maybe this owning a house isn't so bad after all...

You think we're done with snow until next December???