Marriage for the Longhaul

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Saturday night we went to Jenny’s parents’ house for a cookout to celebrate Father’s Day, Eric’s and Jim’s birthdays, and Jenny’s parents’ anniversary. Some of their family friends came over, as did Katy and Eric. As usual we had a great time. On the way home, we reflected briefly on what seems like an anomaly in America: the longevity of our people’s marriages. On Monday Jenny’s parents will celebrate their 36th anniversary. Two other couples there were just behind them, at around 33-34 years. My parents will celebrate their 35th this December. My mom’s parents are approaching their 60th. Jenny’s dad’s parents have already reached 60 years. Naturally none of these marriages is perfect, but they’ve all been strong enough to last for longer than I’ve been alive. We are grateful to have such a stable family foundation on both sides and hope to celebrate our own 50th anniversary someday. We believe God intends marriage to be permanent and committed on our wedding day to make our marriage a permanent bond. Marriage is supposed to be like Krazy Glue, not a Post-It Note.

More than one writer has said that the most important thing parents can give to their children is a strong marriage, which provides them a sense of security and a host of other benefits. After Brenden arrives, we plan to work hard to keep our marriage strong and not make him the center of our universe, no matter how cute and wonderful he might be. So if you’d like to babysit sometime so we can go on date night, we accept with gratitude.

New Tool for Airport Security

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As you might have read, the TSA has been quietly testing a new form of screening machine that can see through traveler’s clothes to detect weapons and other prohibited items. Security experts laud the machine’s ability to catch non-metallic weapons that current x-ray-based machines cannot see. Privacy advocates consider the machines overly invasive and likely to deter travelers. To address these concerns, screeners who view the images look solely into the machine’s scope and not directly at the traveler, the machines cannot save any images, and the traveler’s face is blurred. The Dallas Morning News just ran this story on them.

What do you think? For me (admittedly less modest than some), I think they are a benefical tool and hope to see wider use of them. I won’t go into details here for fear of being hunted down in the night by TSA goons, but I think our airport security has plenty of room for improvement. These machines are a significant step forward. But I imagine some of you might disagree. Click “Comment” and share your opinion.

Duck Derby Video

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In case you haven’t visited BlogSouthwest, here’s a perfect opportunity. My former boss films lots of Southwest events and came with us to SeaWorld to film the Duck Derby. Click here to see the video.

Time Off

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I am currently enjoying a much-needed three-day break. As usual, I’ve found plenty to fill it. In addition to spending some quality time with the PS3 myself, last night Jenny and I watched Red Sonja, a childhood classic (?) “B.O. movie” that she used to watch with her dad. It’s funny how the same movie can seem so wonderful as a kid and then…less than wonderful as an adult. As usual, Ah-nold reminded me of what a girlie man I am, but I just don’t have the time or motivation to work out that much. We also packed our hospital bags, which helped us realize that Brenden really is coming soon, very soon!

Today I’m working on Brenden’s closet, which is full of junk that needs to be in the garage. I also moved Jedda’s stuff out of his area so it’s more sanitary and pleasant. I’m also supposed to be helping Brenden with his thank-you notes, but I’m on a roll with cleaning (which is rare), so they might need to wait until tonight after our breastfeeding class.

Slipknot Onesies

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A long time ago, long before we got pregnant, we saw a Slipknot onesie at Hot Topic and thought it was awesome. While at Vista Ridge Friday night we went in Hot Topic to shop for Brenden. Although we’re not big Slipknot fans, we knew a Metallica or GNR onesie would look great on him. Unfortunately, the 17-year-old punk girl on duty said they didn’t carry onesies anymore. We’ll keep looking, maybe online. As we walked away, we realized something: you know you’re old when you go to Hot Topic to shop for your kids.

Push Presents

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Friday night we decided we needed exercise (doctor’s orders!), so we (OK, I – Jenny couldn’t finish hers because Brenden is pushing her stomach into her brain) ate massive burritos at Chipotle (you need fuel for exercise, right?) and then walked Vista Ridge Mall. Along the way we stopped at Zale’s to get Jenny’s finger sized. I have read that today’s wise husbands give their wives a gift, known by some as a push present, when their babies are born. Sort of a thank-you-for-continuing-my-genetic-line thing. Anyway, I hope to get my wife a ring she’s been wanting for a while, and now I know what size to get. The ring is simple but unusual and very her – a white pearl with small sapphires on each side set in white gold to match her engagement ring. The real reward will be holding Brenden for the first time, but I wanted to do something nice for her after all her hard work.