Random Fodder

Blogathon 2007

I will again be participating in Blogathon this year. I start this Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 9:00 am EST and will be blogging at least every 30 minutes for 24 hours.

Please consider sponsoring me. Either way, definitely read my blog entries during Blogathon and see what I'm up to. Don't be afraid to comment on my entries there!

Keeping with the plethora of personality tests on this site, I have taken the "Will you survive the Blogathon?" test again this year. There's a 50 % chance that I'll survive the 'thon.

This year, I am supporting a charity called One Economy Corporation. One Economy is a charity that helps close the technology gap for lower-income people. They help low-income people and families get internet access and use the internet to help them get assistance, find jobs, and help eliminate low-income isolation. To find out more about One Economy Corporation, head over to The Smarmy Carny's Blogathon page. Also be sure to read the blog during the Blogathon and find out much more detailed information on One Economy's efforts!

Here's a shoddy commercial I threw together for the event:

Enjoy!

Game 5 - Dark Blue Team

The Blue Dragons had a great game against the Dark Blue team. The Dark Blue team had a great offense and several skilled players, but thanks to Sebastian and his teammates, the Blue Dragons were able to shut them out with a score of 2-0!

Game 6 - Yellow Bees

The Blue Dragons remained undefeated by winning their sixth straight game! Sebastian did an especially excellent job at defending against one of the biggest kids we have seen in this division, and the opposing team's score (zero) proves it!

Game 7 - Purple Team

The Blue Dragons suffer their first loss in the final game of the spring season. Nonetheless, the Blue Dragons kept the score close thanks to an awesome defense. The Blue Dragons tied the game with just a little time remaining, but the Purple team was able to pull off a second goal to win the game. All the players (including Sebastian) did an excellent job!

Game 2 - Green Team

The Blue Dragons beat the Green team by a score of 2 - 0, but it wasn't easy! The Green team had a goal that was disallowed because it was after the whistle. They also had another near-goal as the Blue Dragons' goalie just kept the ball from crossing the line. Here are highlights of Sebastian helping out the Blue Dragons. You'll see plenty of Sebastian clearing the ball out and helping his team progress the action upfield.

Game 3 - Orange Team

The Blue Dragons finally allowed a goal and broke their shutout streak, but they still beat the Orange team by a score of 4 - 1! Sebastian helped the Blue Dragons defensively, and here are the highlights. Keep an eye out for a couple multi-kid collisions!

Game 4 - Red Team

Sebastian's team beat the Red Hawks by a score of 3 - 1, and the one goal against was even an own goal. (Not to worry — the player who scored the own goal had a bit of a meltdown, but returned soon after and played a great game.) Sebastian played aggressively in this game and did a superb job of following up on his kicks, so he got to play plenty of offense! In this video, you'll see two of Sebastian's shots go wide. No goals yet, but Sebastian and the rest of us were all very impressed and proud of his efforts today. He is already showing visible improvement throughout these four games!

Three weeks remain in the Spring season, so expect some more videos!

Dylan, as most one year olds, hasn't quite learned his ABCs, but he has memorized what sounds come when in the alphabet song.

Since he had been singing it for a while, I decided to record his rendition of the alphabet song when he was 22 months old. My favorite part is when Dylan stops midway through as if finished and then gives a satisfied nod and sign before finishing his cookie.

If only 22-month-olds were like this all the time . . .

Sebastian had his first soccer game yesterday. They got their uniforms and he is #14 on the Blue Dragons.

The Blue Dragons beat the Gold team by a score of 10 - 0!

Here are highlights of Sebastian's efforts on Defense, Midfield, Offense, and Sportsmanship (see below for a description of what is happening in each clip):

1. Defense: The Gold team attacks, and Sebastian is able to block a shot. He then forces the Gold team to the outside, where they kick it out and give the Blue Dragons possession of the ball.
2. Midfield: Sebastian gains possession of the ball, moves around the pack of players, and uses a burst of speed to push upfield for a shot that is blocked by one of the Gold defensemen. (Take note of her reaction at being hit by the ball.)
3. Offense: Sebastian works his way into the pack near the goal. Sebastian gets the ball and takes a shot that is partially blocked. One of his teammates is able to get a foot on the ball to kick it in for a goal.
4. Sportsmanship: After the game, the team lined up to shake hands with the Gold team.

Needless to say, Sebastian was pleased with the results. He is looking forward to next week's practice and game.

In December 2006, Sebastian was in a singing program that included the Kindergarteners and first graders. Before the presentation, the students sat on the gym floor waiting for their program to begin. In the meantime, the principal started the usual boring mumbo-jumbo about the program and people who helped out and yadda yadda yadda.

As boring as the speech was, I caught an interesting syncing of her words with the video my wife had captured.

What you hear is the principal saying: