The day a meteorite just about blew up everything

I got a 90% on the stats quiz today instead of my regular 100%...which is where it all began. Here's a conversation I had with an employee at the Olive Garden about five hours after the quiz.

ME: Hi, I called in about an hour ago, but I just got in a car accident, so I don’t know if the food’s cold or anything—

MAN: Are you okay?

ME: Oh yeah, I’m fine. They rear-ended me and my back bumper’s screwed up, but I’m fine. It looks bad, but it’s okay.

MAN: Is everyone okay?

ME: Yeah, everyone’s okay. I just didn’t know if the food was still any good or...

MAN: Oh, definitely! We’ve been keeping it warm for you. I was actually about to call you.

That's right, a fender bender. Completely not my fault, so thank goodness.

The upside is that McKay and McKenna found a place to live today! I'm afraid that if they experience any more joy in their lives the universe will somehow send a meteorite to destroy our home or something. Though, I'd like to think of these recent unfortunate events as a testing ground for some amazing future for our family.

Note: For my wife's version of these events, go here.

A life lesson from a 7-month-old

Last night, the breast pump died. And then, the washer quit mid-cycle. We removed each piece of clothing from the very cold water, wrung it out, and set it out to dry overnight. Not my favorite activity at midnight on a Sunday, but what can you do.

I went to bed thinking I'd feel better in the morning, but I woke up this morning feeling as crummy as I did last night. Maybe an hour later, I came downstairs to see Karen on the couch and Rich in his jumper. Rich bounced up and down like crazy (a favorite activity of his) and gave me the hugest grin ever. I mean, one enormous smile. (Karen pointed out that he had the face of absolute joy.)

Somewhere, somehow, we lose the simplicity of life. Yes, Rich is oblivious to any upset in the regularity of our home life, but his greatest joys truly come from seeing his mom and dad and spending time with them. That's all. If it was his birthday today, that's all he'd want. So I guess I learned from Richie this morning that despite the challenges that inevitably come, joy in its purest form is found with those we love. (Just ignore the sentiment and think about it.)