Kevin Moon Party??

I feel like it really should happen since we got a Christmas card from the man himself. Johnny D had suggested it but I don't think anyone was able to coordinate things in time to have it done before Christmas (Or we were snubbed). So let's set a date now.

How about mid or late January? People will have recovered from the holiday rush. Amanda and I will still be around (although possibly relocated to my folks' house in Lexington). Location? If we really wanted to take it to the extreme we could do it on location - Starved Rock, for instance? Or someother resort where we might be able to get off-season rates for those who'd like to spend the night? Depending on when Kess and Jen start school in Iowa, I think a Friday/Saturday might be best for them. Other schedule issues/preferences? Time?

Let's see if we can't get this nailed down by the new year.

Oh, and if you are reading this and have even the foggiest notion of who Kevin Moon is, you're invited.

Christmas Card Revelations

One of the great parts of (Amanda) sending out something like 200 Christmas cards is what we learn from the responses. We get the usual family letters where you get the sentence or two about each of the two-legged members - and often the four-legged members as well. The photos quickly found their way to fridge. Amanda and @ have strung the first wave of cards and they will soon decorate the windows. But there are also the suprises.

We found out that someone we've always sent cards to has been dead for three years.

Someone else responded that they've gotten cards from us twice but don't really know who we are.

Phil, yes Phil, now has a beautiful blonde toddler. To my dissappointment her name doesn't rhyme with either Phil or Jill. (First Jo and Joe crush my hopes, now this). Umm, I know I've been out of the loop but she looks like she'll be entering college soon. They grow up so fast...

It's great hearing about new jobs and growing families and life. I think I'm a bit desparate to cling to this normality since we'll likely be spending Christmas in 90 degree heat next year.

New name???

Every few years I find myself searching for, or getting, a new name. I was Jon-Jon when I was little. I took on the short-lived Bob in gradeschool. Juan (say it quickly along with my last name and you may get the sixth grade quality joke) was ironed on to a souvenir t-shirt. In college I took on the more "adult" Jonathan. Kenya, I was Ekai meaning "house," due to my relational size. A certain significant someone who just turned 30 would occasionally simply refer to me as Boy. @ started out calling me something sounding a lot like Doggie. In our last permanent home I was Mr. Yonatan. And now it is time for yet another change.

But not for me.

I need a new name for this blog. Geographically, it won't make sense soon. I need something not bound by location. Unique, but not so much that it looks like I'm trying too hard. Easy to remember. Short. Normal spelling. No punctuation. Somehow connected to who I am but without offering too many incriminating details.

Suggestions???