Rationalization at 6am

Melis' and I are not gamers -- and we didn't want our kids to become sedentary joystick jockeys -- but we were intrigued by the Nintendo Wii. It uses motion sensing controllers that require actual physical activity. When you want the guy on the screen to swing his tennis racket, you have to swing your controller in like manner. It's almost exercise.

Our first game purchase was Wii Fit -- it's not really a game, it actually is exercise. It includes a virtual physical trainer that guides you through various yoga poses and exercises. It also includes a platform you stand on that lets the virtual trainer know how well you're performing. For example, if I fall down trying to do the tree pose, my virtual trainer will make a sad face and say "You put your foot down didn't you." I know it's just a computer program, but I still feel a slight tinge of guilt -- "Yes, nameless CGI lady, I did put my foot down. I am ashamed."

I stuck with it for a couple months. I actually felt stronger and lost about 5lbs. But when my schedule changed last month, I neglected my daily Wii Fit workouts. Last night I resolved that I would get up early and resume my ninja training. It turns out that the most difficult part of my workout was simply getting out of bed at 6am. I think devil Travis and angel Travis appeared on my shoulders, here's how the conversation in my head went:

Angel Travis: 6am, time to get up and get buff!

Devil Travis: Wow, I don't think these sheets have ever been so soft! Better enjoy this while you can.

Angel Travis: You promised yourself you would do it, have you no integrity man?!

Devil Travis: Integrity?! If you get out of bed, you may wake everyone else up. Think of the children!

Angel Travis: Yes Travis, think of your children. If you don't work out, you will become a big sweaty fat guy who makes wheezing noises as your daughter blows by you for a lay-up! And don't even think about walking 18-holes with your son.

Alright, conversation OVER! I slipped out of bed and got in a good workout. I might have pushed myself a little hard on the push-up/side planks -- I started dry heaving afterwards. But after the nausea subsided, I felt great.

Time will tell who prevails in tomorrow's 6am conversation with myself.
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Reader adds: Ahh yes, the classic battle of good against evil! I know it to well... nice job on actually getting out of bed and doing it.. evil usually wins out with me. (Travis apologizes to Kelli for inadvertently deleting this from the comments section)

Taeg-a-leg-a-ding-dong

Taegan has not been in the limelight yet, so here goes. Well, maybe I should start with some background. She will be 2 at the end of September, but will probably move out and get her own apartment next year. She is quick to smile and even quicker to scream. She can speak really well for her young age, probably thanks to Karsten for teaching her everything he learns from school and making her repeat it perfectly. She is great at giving a hug and saying thank you. People think she looks like her Mom, but the more I am with her the more I hear her father. I tried an interview but she answered everything with "GREEN", the people of Eugene would be proud.

Favorite Food: Anything someone says that she can't have... ice cream, cookies, peanut butter, string, dryer sheets, rocks, play dough, and potato bugs

Favorite Clothes: Dresses (she loves to dress-up and try on shoes)

Favorite Phrase: "I take Mommy." (Travis adds: though my favorite line is when you ask her if she needs a diaper change, she replies quickly, "No. I clean.")

Nicknames: Taeg', Taeggy, Taegalicious, Taeg-leg, Taeg-a-roo, & Taegster

Favorite Activity:
Waiting until the opportune moment to grab whatever it was Karsten needed and run screaming and giggling through the house while Karsten chases her yelling at the top of his lungs and shaking his fist.."Taeg...that is mine, Taeg... I need that, Taaaaeeegggg!"

Favorite Toy: Anything soft and any book... quillow, stuffed pink pig, Blue-beary, The Foot Book, recipe books, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can you?

We love the goofy kid.

R.I.P. Duck

1964-2008

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Update: From friend and former-teammate (Mercy, Mercy) Jerome Kersey: "It’s definitely a time to be sad. But if I know Kevin, he would be like, 'Fool get your head up. Don’t be crying over me too much.'"

Duckworth is getting a lot of (well-deserved) love from basketball fans not just for what he did during the golden age of Rip City, but also because he was a genuinely nice guy off the court. He will be missed.

5 down 3 to go

I am amazed at the increased comfort level of Karsten in the water after just a short period of time, even his Aunt Shelly would be impressed. Please keep in mind that these pics were taken across the pool, in the shade, while Taeg' was desperately trying to dive from my arms into the pool. So they are not the best.


I believe they are discussing their next hand movements for a synchronized swim.


Most of the kids dropped out because the weather has not been good, so Karsten has received a lot of 1-on-1 lessons. They were timing each other to see how long each could hold their breath in the water. She could not convince Karsten to go all the way under the water, he wanted to be sure the top of his head was dry at all times.


They were holding a ring for the other person to swim through. He thought it was the coolest thing to watch her swim under water though that hoop. We need to get out more, I guess.