Good morning

Everyone was out of bed before me. I feel very tired still. I need to go to bed earlier. Except for tonight. It's new year's eve! We'll see if Korbin can make it to midnight.

Boffa

I checked out our African destination on google maps this morning. It seems like such a small town. The whole country of guinea seems to be made up of small towns and enormous strip mining operations. I'm looking forward to the trip on the ground. I've already traced our probable route from google's satellite imagery. I will be taking pictures nonstop.

Name change

I'd been wondering when I should start encouraging Korbin to call me Dad. I realized that if he calls me by my first name I respond as if he is a friend instead of a son. I am less likely to make the necessary sacrifices for Korbin if I don't regard him as my son. So yesterday at church he comes running up calling out Daddy! And so begins the transition. I will remind him that I am daddy now instead of John. I think it's good for both of us.

Presents

I remember the best part of Christmas seemed to be showing off your new stuff amongst your friends the next day, or the next week. I still like that abundant feeling of having a grip of new stuff. All that newness distracts me for awhile. Like a mood enhancer. I can understand why some people are shopaholics just like some are alcoholics.

Christmas

We had a nice rowdy time at the family get together. The gift exchange was a hoot. I stole the twelve pack of Sam Adams from uncle John. Erika stole the nice wooden tea set from my wife. I hit her with a beer bottle. Just kidding. It was fun. Much more comfortable for me than last year when I didn't know anyone.

Party underwear

I am wearing my Christmas sweater. It came in the mail with several other items from American Eagle. There was one pair of pants that I like a lot, one that I hated a lot, a pea coat that is too large for me, and this sweater that fits ok. And a sweater for my wife that is too short for her torso. What a bust. I hope their return policy is not too hardcore.

Heat wave

It was 27 degrees when I left home this morning. Sure beats the super low temps over the weekend. Today is funeral day. I'm only working for 3 hours, then going home for the rest of the day. Much time with the in laws ahead.