Thursday, August 29, 2013

Frosh Orientation

Our baby had orientation for his freshman year in high school today.  It is really hard to believe.  Our now 5 ft 10 baby is going to wander the halls of DHS, just like his old man.  It is just mind blowing.  My first born.  In high school.  How did that happen? And so quickly?
     This orientation session is called Link Crew.  The seniors volunteer to mentor the incoming freshmen and divide into teams.  The seniors show them all around DHS, so the freshmen have an idea where to go on day one.
     This really signifies some big changes.  For all of us.  Change will be most dramatic for Caz of course.  It all counts now.  Grades.  Sports.  Extra-curricular activities.  Its serious now.  Any college plans hinge on it.  But you want to have some fun too.  It is as much about social and individual growth as it is about educational growth.  I think he is capable of succeeding in all areas. It's all up to him.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

The Castaways

Well, there was no storm.  And we were not shipwrecked.  But we were not exactly on course.  We took a family kayak trip out on Duxbury bay, along the salt marshes/North River.  It was a beautiful day, sunny and not too hot.
     The tides sort of worked out in our favor.  It was just before high tide when we started.  We did not have to worry about running aground in the back marshes.  But we were out so long - 3 hours, yes....a 3 hour tour - that the tide turned, so were were going against the tide both ways.  The surf was choppy for the bay.  A lot rougher than you would expect with little wind.  It must have been the high tide.
     Coco was a trooper but he got tired about the mid point.  Demi rode up front with Gizmo on the big kayak but took over for Coco.  She was much more relaxed on the ride out.  I worried that she would hurt her hip.  The whole point of the kayaks was to rest the hip.  Caz only got a brief rest and then rowed for all he was worth.  And then some.  He beat us back by quite a lot.  I tried to paddle both the boys and tow a kayak but it was just too much.
     Gizmo was really funny.  She was all concerned about the single kayaks.  Whoever wasn't in the boat with her, caused her great concern.  He took two swims.  None on purpose.  We got scared once, when we couldn't reach her immediately.  She headed for what looked like land but was just long salt marsh.  No land at all.
     It was a really good family day.  We all went for fried seafood right after.  We were famished.  Fortunately, we packed plenty of water.  We let the boys buy pastries and a baggette (Caz's pick) from French Memories.  Sky was the limit.  A limit of one pastry.....

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Cross Country

Caz starts Cross Country practice with the whole team today.  The coach will be there.  The girls will be practicing too.  This is the start of high school sports for my young son.  I hope he has a positive experience.  I told him that I will be just as excited to see him compete in Cross Country, as I would a football game.  I really am.  I have never seen a meet, other than to walk by on the way to practice.  I told him, that if he tries his best and never places, that I will be extremely proud of him.  All I ask is that he tries his best.  That he works hard and pushes himself to be better, every time.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Captain's Practice

Caz's first high school sports captain's practice was held today.  He went with no problems.  No hesitation.  It started at 8 am, which is way earlier than he had been getting up all summer long.  We had gone shopping over the weekend for new running shoes.  We also stopped off to get compression shorts (since he was warned by his captain that the school uniforms ran on the short side - circa 1983 Celtics style) and running shirts.
     He reported back that he held his own.  They ran 4 miles or so.  He said he had a little trouble by the water.  I am sure it got hot and humid.  But I am proud of him.  He got through and went on with his day.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Paleo Day 14 - Last Day

Last day and in walks whoopie pies.  Are you kidding me?

All day was fine.  Veggie omelet.  Fruit snacks.  Salad for lunch.  Paleo friendly menu for the BBQ for dinner.  And my cousin walks in with homemade cookies and whoopie pies for our Fantasy Football draft.

Well? It's a good think I ran a Tillman this AM.  Burned 900 calories.  Yay me!

Down 1.64% in weight.  And I draft well.  Mission accomplished.

Well done to all the Paleo Challenge crew!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Paleo Day 13

One.  More.  Day.  But who's counting?

Not sure I am seeing much difference in the scale.  I think I will chalk that up to being sick.  My workouts have not been good since.  Other than bootcamp, I haven't had great ones.  Today's kayaking on the ocean isn't going to count for much.  Either is the *ss sitting on the beach.  But it is a nice day.

We are going to Billingsgate farm to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables, courtesy of the Hamburglar.  They are away and let us use their half CSA share.  Demi picked out some nice stuff.  This should get us through that final push.  Added to that, Coco went out fishing with his posse.  He came back with a very nice bluefish filet that fed us all.  Great fresh food day!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Paleo Day 12

2 more days......I mean what a great Paleo day.

Spin this AM went very well.  I like having the heart rate monitor for that class.  I know I have to challenge myself in it, so this is a great tool.  I really like tracking the calories burned for each class.

Double sessions for the football team today.  We were out in the sun for hours.  8 AM-2PM.  It's almost like they are in high school.  Paleo actually worked well for this today.  I was able to cool down with my fruit.  The lettuce wrap went way better than bread or roll ever could have.  Water.  Lots good, old fashioned H2O.  I got so wrapped up that I did not eat breakfast.  Well, not much of one.  I goofed.  I only got my clementines in before I walked out the door.  I was too wrapped up in packing the cooler for double.  We had more than enough water.  Better safe than sorry.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Paleo Day 11

Today is the day.  The challenge got old.  I wanted some variety.  Again, I am to blame for further limiting myself.  My vegetable palate is not as broad as it could be.  I really just wanted some steel cut oatmeal.  Or some cheese in my omelet.  Nothing major.  Just a change.

It was nice sleeping in a bit.  I worked from home today.  So I managed to sleep a little later  I ran at lunch time.  That run went well.  I picked up the pace a bit.  Only 3 more to go.


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Paleo Day 10

What are the odds that during Paleo challenge, my bootcamp instructor would be on vacation.  Well, there was nothing else to do but to press on.  The inmates ran the asylum....I mean the students ran class for this week.  We rotated turns with each person proving the next super set, exercise, rotation, or station.  It was great.  My buddy, the Hamburgler, brought the tunes.  There were only 4 of us nuts.  We worked hard though.  I think our instructor would have been proud.

Demi out did herself tonight.  I got home late from football practice to have a hot dinner plate ready for me when I walked through the door.  It was plated with a bed of lettuce, roasted cauliflower, roasted zucchini, baked cod, and an amazing sauce.  It was awesome.  And I hate cauliflower.  It worked here though.  This one is a keeper, Paleo or not.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Paleo Day 9

Back on the horse.  These new Bare Fruit Snacks by Healthy Snacks are great.  Baked organic apple chips.  I like the Granny Apple, but the Cinnamon is by far the best.  I am glad that our supermarket is now stocking Paleo friendly items.  Such a big help for these challenges.

Plenty of leftover for tonight.  I finally had one of those sweet potatoes.

I was also happy to back working out.  I eased into it.  I did not want to have any kind of set back.  I soooooo needed to stretch.  Long over due.

Last night, after posting, I used a skillet to heat up both sides of peach slices.  I coated them in Natural Palm Coconut sugar and cinnamon.  They were fantastic.  Caramelized nicely.


Monday, August 12, 2013

Paleo Day 8

Still not back to normal today.  I thought I was well on my way.  I got to work and encountered a backslide.  I ate mostly Paleo today but had my homemade chicken soup again.  It settles the stomach.  And it seems a a shame to waster Demi's labor of love.  I think I am on the mend but I know I still have some way to go.  I hope the kale settles OK tonight.  I hope to get back to the gym tomorrow.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Paleo Day 7

A wash out.  I will spare you the details but I was very sick last night.  Today was spent in the infirmary.  I had to get something in my stomach to settle things down.  The eggs were Paleo but the English muffins and ginger ale were not.  The crackers were certainly against The Plan.  I will lay low today and hope to recoup tomorrow.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Tee Talk

The boys were bored.  It was such a nice afternoon, that they needed to be outside.  I saw the practice pin flag in the yard.  We did not have time to go to the driving range but we did have time for a chipping contest.  We each pulled a golf ball and a wedge from our bag.  Coco ended up heading off early to the Hammer's first birthday part early.
     I took advantage of my one on one time with Caz.  We talked about his girlfriend  We talked about high school.  I was trying to gage if he was nervous or excited.  I tried to impart the usual:  "these 4 years will go fast", "it all counts starting in Sept - grades and extra curricular", "you can do both - have fun and achieve results".  He was very receptive.  He listened.  He participated. I thought it was a really good father/son talk.

Paleo Day 6

I can't believe I slept in so late today.  That never happens.

Today was a planned day off from running or spinning.  I need to give my legs a rest.

Paleo baking day can be declared an unmitigated disaster.  I am now 0-3 with this Paleo cookbook.  The pumpkin spice muffins weren't terrible, but very dense.  I can use them as paperweights.  The pumpkin pancakes were troublesome.  The batter looked like I was trying to pour gingerbread onto the pan.  I tried to loosen it up but then the batter just didn't want to congeal..  I decided to make muffins out of the batter after 3 attempts at pancakes.  A lot of work for not a lot of food   Oh well.

I may need to relax my Paleo today.  Little brother has a smoker full of meat (all Paleo) but the sides need to be tried.  Falafel and some corn boat side dish.  Both look amazing.  I mouthful of each can't hurt, right?

Happy Hammer Day

Happy 1st Birthday to my nephew!  It's hard to believe the little guy is one.  His new hair cut had him having an Asian look about him.  No doubt he's a Chin.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Cramping Up

Coco started his "I am not feeling good" routine yesterday but it carried into today.  It is really hard to gauge the authenticity of it all.  He does need to toughen up a bit and push through it (so to speak).  It is very difficult to empathize with him, when he doesn't do what he is supposed to do.  He didn't eat well.  He didn't drink nearly enough water.  I suspect the same happened yesterday.  I don't know for sure that he took his medicine.

I am trying to ignore the cost of the camp.  I know his health is more important.  But I really think he can get through camp.  He definitely needs to exercise.  That is part of his recovery too.

Coco ended up going.  And he ran 1 1/2 miles in football pads.  Clearly he was up to the physical challenge.  I am glad Demi and I pushed him to go.

Paleo Day 5

Today I wanted to quit.  It probably had something to do with not eating an afternoon snack.  I mean to but the moment passed.  I am a bit played out with the same food over and over.  A lot of that is on me.  While I have expanded my vegetable menu as an adult, it's still not extensive.  I also need to watch my stomach.  I felt a momentary flicker of the pain that plagued me earlier this year.  I need to be careful.
 
Spin was all right this AM.  I felt like I was working hard but my heart rate monitor did not reflect that.  I still burned almost 700 calories but my heart rate was much lower than normal.  Sure my legs hurt today.  Sure the seat was off and cut off the blood flow to the boys.  I was certainly breathing hard and a big sweaty mess.

I really need to do some Paleo baking tomorrow.  Really, really.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Paleo Day 4

The regularity slowed down a bit, which is nice.  My Mediterranean chicken salad was a nice change.  The pumpkin seeds are a nice filler but I need some nuts.  Almonds.  Walnuts.  Something.  It was a bit weird eating honey ham slices this AM for breakfast but it wasn't bad.  Mostly decaf tea today.  One green tea though.  I plan on doing some Paleo baking this weekend.  Can't wait for some muffins or bread.  Yes, you can bake on Paleo.

A good run over on Powder Point this AM. I got to see a nice sunrise.  I think I ran a pretty good pace.  I was able to go the whole time.  My new shoes helped.  No pain in my calves or shins.  My knee was great.  I got in a good stretch afterwards.  All good.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Paleo Day 3

Holy Paleo, Batman!  The dietary fiber to all other materials ratio is astounding.  That is probably all I can say and stay within the realm of propriety.  Regularity.  Yippe Kayay!

Not a big change in the meal plan today.  I did change things up a little with some turkey.  Veggie eggs with paleo red sauce for dinner.  It was easy enough to cook after football camp.

Boot camp this AM.  It was a good one.  I was a sweaty disgusting mess at the end.  That is always a sign of a good workout.  I lost my edge with about 2 mins left in class.  The glider mountain climbers kicked my butt.  I faded fast.  I don't think it had anything to do with the diet.  I felt rested, despite an interrupted sleep, and had plenty of energy.  I probably should have hydrated a bit before the workout.

The gym scale is suspect.  There is over a 10 lbs difference between that one and home.  It's been broken for a while, and nothing ever gets fixed in that place.  I will have to use the home scale for this challenge.  I am down a few pounds.  So that is good.

I am enjoying the banter with the challenge crew.  Demi has a good set of friends.  They are good eggs and very entertaining.


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Paleo Day 2

I had to stock up after the gym this morning.  I got in a decent run, sit ups and stretching.  I knew what I had at work would not cut it.  So I stopped at Stop & Shop.  I picked up some dried organic mango (nothing added), pumpkin seeds, and almond butter.  I knew I had a sh*tty apple at work that needed almond butter.

More hard boiled eggs.  More fruit.  More salad.  Shrimp was a nice addition to the salad.  Almond butter was key on the apple.  Dinner was great.  Demi cooked up a great ragu sauce to go over spaghetti squash.  This is one of my favorite Paleo meals.  It's a keeper.  Just like Demi.

My eating seems totally off.  I get home after 7 pm because of football camp.  We ate the last two nights after 8 PM.  Not ideal at all.  Still not hungry though.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Paleo Day 1

Hard boiled eggs.  Fruit.  Salad.  Steak.  More Fruit. Fish.  Salad.  Guacamole.  That was pretty much my day.  I did have one cup of coffee.  Black.  That was eye opening.  Green Tea.  I was never hungry though.  Even after my apple, which sucked.

I only had a modest workout today but I needed to go easy.  My legs were shot from running on the road in old shoes all weekend.  30 mins cardio.  30 mins plyometrics and stretching.  Stretching is the key.  I do a little before my workout, but a lot after.  You have to keep those muscles loose.  Your core is everything.

Well, the challenge is on.  The ladies have been very welcoming.  Hope it lasts as we get closer to the finish line...jk...I know they will.

Patriot Camp 2013

The local high school football camp started today.  It is a good opportunity for the young kids, my 7th grade team, to practice side by side with the high school kids.  Of course I didn't realize when they invited the team that all the coaches would have to work at the camp. Sure, why not?  Start the season early this year.  I haven't started this early, since Caz played Pop Warner.  What's another week, right?

The 7th graders held their own.  If I can be a proud papa for a moment, I must say that Coco did well.  He was very receptive to coaching by dad and made that dad to coach transition quickly this year.  He accepted the feedback and put it into action on his next attempt.  That is all you can ask from any player.  The boys really held up well during conditioning at the end.  They ran side by side with the high school kids.  The did all the sprints, push ups, slammers, and rolls.  It was really something to behold.

Well done, kids!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Plymouth to PTown

Family trip today.  We took Demi's mom and stepdad, with the boys to PTown.  We took the ferry out of Plymouth.  It started out less than promising, spitting rain down on all of us.  The trek over took an extra 30 mins, with the Capt. blowing the docking on the first attempt.  He had to have a do-over.
     Things picked up with lunch at the Lobster Pot.  We ate very well.  The Portuguese influence was prominent in their menu.  The PTown Paella was fantastic, as was the Sopa Da Mar.  What was unique and out of this world was the Fried Oyster Nachos.
     We didn't get to see as much as I thought.  We really only had 4 hours and eating took over an hour.  The Pilgrim monument was OK.  The main drag was interesting, with all kinds of cool shops and galleries.
     Demi had a talk with the boys about what they might see.  It wasn't to make a big deal about it.  She just didn't want them staring or acting awkward.  The boys were fine.  It is important that the see different ways of life, in person.  It is important they understand that other places are different from what they are used to and from where they are growing up.  That is how you learn understanding and tolerance.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Poker Night

Caz had been having Friday night poker night with his crew.  They really a good bunch of kids.  Tonight was poker night at the Chins.  The boys all brought something to contribute.  One brought Coke.  On brought pretzels.  One brought cookies.  Caz bought Pizza.
     The boys set up with my poker set.  It is a real nice one, given to me by my buddy, Russ.  Russ gave a set to each member of his wedding party.  Each of the boys had their stack of chips.  A brand new deck of cards was opened.  They were ready to rock.
     Apparently, Caz was the winner of the first pot.  That must have been just before I heard a banging at the bulkhead.  I went to the window over the kitchen sink to see Caz's friend, Martin, trying to get in the bulkhead.
     "Hi, Mr. Chin.  I didn't want to wake anyone up.  So I was trying to get their attention."  (What a good kid.  It was 10 pm at night after all.)
     "No problem, Martin.  Did they hear you?"
     "Yes."
Party on Wayne.  Party on Garth.