Weekend update

... Football is back. In light of results from the weekend, I don't have much more to say on that. Go Saints. Everyone else I root for provided varying degrees of frustration (Broncos), close calls (UVA) or flat out embarrassment (CU... and oh boy do the Buffs stink).

... I'm starting to get the itch to write my story again, which probably has something to do with the end of summer. So, I'm finally going to push for a finish to my story.

... I finally watched an episode of "Hoarders." In a related note, I am now looking for more ways to get rid of stuff. We have done a pretty good job of cutting down on junk, but I'm starting to think sentimental things also need to go. Obviously not family heirlooms, but in looking around, I've kept some pretty weird stuff for "sentimental" reasons. So, I'm going to start getting rid of them. For example, I kept the game program to every Bronco home game I went to from 1991 through about 1998, and I'm thinking there is no logical reason to keep that stuff. I may have to get an e-bay account and go for it.

... Jacob continues to show amazing focus and goal-orientation. He recently made a wonderful little project at school that was completely self-driven. His teacher explained that Jacob, who had begun to discuss the planets, was so interested in astronomy that she created a project just for him. He worked a solid week on a booklet about the planets. It includes lyrics to a little song (and a lot of big words he copied) and pictures of the planets. Jen and I were very proud of him. The teacher spoke about how dedicated he became to the project and how amazed she was at his focus. We are biased, but it really impressed us. He continues to be the biggest joy of our lives.

... I'm up to 26 books this year. I increased my percentage of good to very-good books. I learned much from last year, when I read more than a few books I wish I had not chosen. I will have a difficult time choosing my top five this year. Early leaders are:
VIRTUAL LOCKS: Churchill's memoir, "Hellhound on this Trail," by Hampton Sides and "Predictably Irrational."

STRONG CANDIDATES: Dave Eggers' "Heartbreaking Work;" "Loose Balls," by Terry Pluto; "Animal Farm," by George Orwell; "Guns, Germs and Steele," by Jerod Diamond; and "Game Change."

I am also looking forward to the books I have yet to read this year, so the Top 5 is not yet settled.

... Have a great week.