Newcott Blog

That reminds me of the time Chimes and I got jobs doing telemarketing for this boiler-room setup in a non-descript townhouse office in Georgetown.  The boss was this gruff, young woman who paid us in cash at the end of each day.  We gave away "free" electronic address books for a "no-obligation" trial of some printer cleaner.  We sat at a row of desks with phones and a stack of leads on notecards.  We had to call the leads, recite a selling script, and use fake names.  The goal was to get the leads to fax-back a signed agreement for the trial.  During our first lunch-break of the day, Chimes and I walked over to CVS for a drink.  Chimes told me he hated it and wasn't going back to the office.  He said to me, "Tell the boss you saw me walking down the street, mumbling something about a frappachino."  That is a direct quote.  That first week, I was salesperson of the week, made a few hundred dollars in bonus cash, and quit the following week.  It wasn't the job for me either.  There is something shady about using fake names and getting paid under the table in cash while trying to manipulate people.

Last night's State of the Union address was interesting.  Two main things struck me:  ovations and earmarks. 

First, the ovations.  Why all the standing, sitting, and applauding?  Seems silly.  It makes the political world look so lame.  Are they compensating for the lack of excitement in politics — make it seem like a boxing or footbal match?  Are they trying to break up the speech into little digestable bits so they don't get bored and fall asleep?  And all the petty not-standing/standing or not-applauding/applauding depending on your politics.  Is that a political show for the constituants at home?  Or are the politicians displaying some personal conviction?  On the one hand, it is great we can all come together and express our political views without violence.  On the other hand, it's a very silly dance — like the Macarena.

Second, the earmarks.  Beyond the obvious items on Bush's agenda (i.e. Iraq War, Economy, Balanced Budget, Environment, Foreign Oil Dependence), it was interesting he mentioned cutting hidden earmarks that slip into spending bills.  I have several friends in the DC area who make very good livings as govt sub-contractors.  The money the government spends on projects is rediculous, out of control, and often makes little sense.  It makes sense to try and reign this in.  As an employee of a public company, if I spent money like the government does, I'd be fired in about 3 days.  But, as long as someone gets that money, I hope it's my friends.  And I'm not sure the politicians, who meet a few times each year to do their funny little dances, are competent enough to get it done.

Silas is already a world traveler.  He's 10 months old and already has been on 10 roundtrip plane rides.  The goal is always to sit next to an empty seat.  That way, he can sit in his car seat and hopefully get some winks, allowing me to get some relaxation.  However, that's not always how it goes.  On the way back from last weekend's trip to Tampa, we got the coveted empty seat.  I got upgraded to first class, but kindly gave the upgrade to Bronwen.  Little did I know it would be in-flight Hell.  It was a 5 hour direct flight.  7:30 pm (ET) to 10:00 pm (PT).  We got on and Silas started yelling and kicking the seat in front of him.  He yelled or cried for a solid hour.  The guy in front of us was MAD, as I would have been.  I finally gave Silas some Benedryl for its magical sleep-inducing effects, which I'm sure one day we will look back on as wreckless poisining of the baby.  Say goodbye to Harvard, Silas.  (I swear, the doctor said it is okay.  Back in the day, they used wiskey).  In 10 minutes, Silas was asleep.  He woke up 1.5 hours later, crying.  I found out he had peed through his diaper and clothes and soaked his chair.  Good thing for me, it was his only pair of pants and shirt.  So I go change his diaper, but am forced to hold him for the rest of the flight, in the freezing plane, with airplane blankes wrapped around us, while Silas cried for most of the remaining 3 hours.  Everyone who came by noticed the naked baby and asked if I needed help (This happend at least 4 times).  They asked why Silas didn't have any clothes — a completely valid question.  To them, I was the irresponsible homeless father who hurts babies.

  Here we are at LAX baggage claim.  I'm holding Silas' pee-soaked clothes in my left hand.

Here are a few recent pics of my crazy family:

Some taggers decided to tag the wall in front of our complex.  That sucks.  We had the wall painted less than six months ago.  And, we just replaced the lights out there so it's really bright all night long.  I'm so angry.  This is one of those days when I wish we had a stronger police presence.  If I ever see those taggers on the street, I'll go crazy on them.

Nana turned 90 this weekend.  She just moved into a retirement community in St. Pete, FL.  It's where Beret and Homer grew up — where Nana raised Beret.  Bronwen, Silas, and I joined the whole Moyer clan, including Ella and Sara, for a 90th birthday party.  I took the red eye into Tampa, arriving Saturday morning.  Left on Sunday night.  Besides all of the travel, it was a great weekend.  We had the party on Sat. night.  Took a driving tour that included Homer and Beret's old homes.  I ate at WAFFLE HOUSE three times, which included 5 waffles.  And we spent all of Sunday on the beautiful St. Pete beach on the Gulf of Mexico.  Silas and Homer and I took a long walk on the beach.

On the way home, I got upgraded to first class, but decided to let Bronwen have the seat.  I sat in coach with Silas.  He was crabby and screaming by the end of the flight.  Poor people around me.

It's been far too long since I've posted.  My goal is to do this twice per week in 2007.  We'll see about that.  Bronwen and I made some resolutions, which she wrote in her journal.  So, I'll have to post when I get home.

Christmas in DC was fantastic, though very warm.  Unseasonably warm.  We saw some cherry blossoms trying to peek out too.  Not my idea of winter weather.  Favorite gifts include a new surf board and a buffet table for our dishes.  Pictures soon.

Silas seems to get cuter and more interactive by the day.  He crawls all over the place.  In the mornings I get him from his crib, in which he is usually standing at the edge, holding onto the bars.  I get him and bring him into our bed so Bronwen can nurse the hungry little guy.  I usually stay in bed with them for another 10 minutes.  Those are probably the best 10 minutes of my day.  After he's done nursing, Silas climbs around us, squaking, drooling, and smiling, ready for a new day.