Movies about fish and other things that make me emotional

Let me just say what's on my mind for a moment.

Matt Nielsen, a roommate of mine from my time at BYU and a genius in terms of writing music and all things sound, asked me a question about four or five years ago. "Have you ever heard a song that you really identified with?" He told me that Coldplay's "Amsterdam" does that for him. I don't think I ever gave him an answer, but recently I think I acknowledged my "Amsterdam."

I've had John Mayer's album Continuum for several years and it's about the only music by him that I have. The song "Stop This Train" really hits home for me. Every time it comes into my iTunes playlist (once in a great while), I stop and listen to it. Every time. I stop and consider the words.

Our fridge broke recently. Or, rather, it had another broken part that needed replacement. It was a new fridge, maybe two months old, and it needed a repair about one month into its life. This was after our other fridge died. If you can follow that, that's two months and three breaks. Which means having to throw out food three times in two months.

It's not the worst thing that's ever happened to us, but sometimes I sit back and wonder why silly things like this happen. (I mean, come on, what are the odds of three fridge problems in two months?) And when I feel stressed or overburdened, I like to think about my childhood—when things were simpler. Often I find myself longing for that simple mindset again, when my only worries were what are we going to do for fun today and what's for dinner.

But I guess John Mayer must feel the same way sometimes. Every time a particular part of the song comes on, I really stop and feel it:

Had a talk with my old man
Said help me understand
He said turn 68, you'll renegotiate
Don't stop this train
Don't for a minute change the place you're in

It's a reminder that while I have hard times now and the past feels much simpler and much easier to handle, I should cherish every moment. Cliché, I know, but that's the reality of it. Dennis, in fact, reminded me once or twice that I should enjoy Rich how he is now because he'll grow up before I know it. And since he's almost walking, I'm starting to think Dennis is right.

I take some media very personally, like this song by John Mayer. To my recollection, Finding Nemo is the only movie I ever shed tears during. It's embarrassing, but true. And the ending of It's a Wonderful Life always levels me.

So what about you? Is there a song that you really identify with for some reason?

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.)

The day the earth rotated off its axis

was the day I got laid off, Karen came down with mastitis, and McKay got a job offer in Portland. Which of these things is not like the others?

We're very excited for McKay to start working for Cambia. And it sounds like they are thrilled. McKay called and wanted to know what I thought of Portland (because we both know he's probably my "in" to the industry), and I definitely approve. That's about three years out, but it'll come quickly, I'm sure. (I know nothing about Portland, by the way.) Here's hoping my career as an actuary just got a little closer.