Last Day, But Still A Week To Go

They packed up all of our stuff today. It is odd to see all of one's stuff in boxes. You look at these nondescript boxes and simultaneously think, "That's it?" and "How do I have so much?" Also, seeing it all packed up makes one feel that it is over. But we don't fly out for five more days. It is like meeting an acquaintance at the super market, saying hello, saying goodbye, and then realizing you're walking down the same isle, but you already said goodbye. So that awkward walk down the grocery store isle is our next five days in Germany.

Packing up all of our things every few years has made me self-conscious about the amount of things I acquire. We acquire many, many things. Even when we try not to. Paper. When one moves, it becomes clear that the digital era has a long way yet to go. Holy smokes, the quantity of useless paper. And just when you think you've purged it all, the school sends home suitcases full of it with your kids of all the super important projects they've worked on all year. So I pluck out a few random items, shove them in a "scrapbook" my kids will have to organize when they are grown and their own kids have moved out, and then throw the rest away.

Living on the American compound has been a mixed bag. I haven't had anything like a German experience, forced as I was to live exclusively with Americans. While it was nice to not have to learn German, on account of learning German is hard, it was pretty embarrassing when I had to confess to Germans that I had lived here for 2 years and could still barely order at McDonalds, where they use all same product names.

I will miss our church community terribly. I cried like a baby on Sunday saying goodbye to our great friends at church. In addition to believing the doctrine, I love being a member of my church because we always have a community wherever we go around the world.

Among those to whom we said a sad goodbye is the angel Elaine Woodford. Henry loves her so.

Annual Totally Awesome Brand Post (Which You Will Think is Boring)

I like brands and branding. From Millward Brown's annual Top 100 brands list (released today), here are my family's interactions with the top brands.

1. Google (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Artificial Intelligence). I am getting to like Google more and more. Previously, I have used their services reluctantly. Now I use them enthusiastically. They have pulled way ahead of Apple in AI. I just uploaded all my photos to Google's service because it automatically makes fun little videos and adds flashing lights to Christmas tree photos (!). This blog is Google-powered. The new "Inbox" version of Gmail is just the best.

2. Apple. I still love Apple. For example, I anxiously await their semi-annual product events (theres one next Monday) with the same anticipation as the Super Bowl. Yes, you read that correctly. I only buy Apple hardware. I'm super bummed that I keep having to put off buying an Apple Watch because of trifling things like braces for my kids. But Apple seems to be losing some of its joyful simplicity. Apple Music is a mess. I'm a subscriber because I am giving Mr. Cook the benefit of the doubt and assuming he will fix it in a subsequent iteration. My patience will not last forever.

3. Microsoft. Microsoft is something I deal with only at work and without the slightest joy. Recent hardware product launches presented some intrigue, but I still feel like Microsoft is for people who want to solve a riddle while Apple is for people who want to use their computer. Really, Microsoft is Excel, Word, and Powerpoint, which are entirely serviceable. I contemplated a PC for the kids because they got it in their heads that PC's are better for gaming and because at some point they should become conversant in the Windows OS dialect.

5. Facebook. I'm a fan. I wonder where Facebook will go in the future, however. I'm not sure how much longer I will remain a fan. The scope of post types I find interesting gets narrower, not wider. But I really like the few kinds of posts that I still like. I love everyone's back-to-school pics of their kids. I love Christmas morning pics. And, of course, there are always cat videos. Which I guess means Facebook will always be popular. Mr. Zuckerberg should invest in cats.

6. Visa. It's on the list because I use it, but I don't know about Millward Brown's methodology here. To me, credit card back stops are a commodity. I do not choose a card because it is Visa or MasterCard. I choose it because of its travel affinity affiliation (e.g. Marriott points or United miles).

7. Amazon. Amazon is the friend of expatriates buying American goods. But I am not passionate about Amazon. I no longer use the Kindle. Amazon Video is useless.

9. McDonalds. I am trying to put together a photo album for Henry's graduation or wedding or something like that of him eating at McDonalds all around the world. I used to sort of apologize for liking McDonalds. I'm just going to own it. McDonalds is a familiar place for our family to feel at home no matter where we are around the world. So I like it.

13. Coca Cola. Katie has abandoned Coke for Dr. Pepper. I still crack one open now and then. But our love affair seems to have ended. Sorry Coke.

19. Disney. We are a Disney family. We literally live at Disney World. A Disney World timeshare is the only property we own, so we have to use it for our address for state income tax purposes. Madeline still says she wants to be a Disney executive when she grows up. We buy almost all Disney (Marvel and Star Wars included) movies the day they are released on iTunes. And the House of Mouse has been on a killer winning streak of late. So many good movies. The parks have gotten even better.

24. Nike. Nike and I had a falling out this year. They changed my favorite line of running shoe, the Vomero, and the "improved" version no longer fits my foot correctly. Then I went on an expensive shoe experimentation phase trying almost everything Nike had to offer. Out of brand loyalty, I gave them many chances, but nothing works. Also, Nike DriFit gear is among the not so great moisture wicking alternatives available.

28. Toyota. I love my Highlander. And that's all I have to say about that.

54. Colgate. I have a completely irrational loyalty to Colgate toothpaste.

61. Gillette. They are like Nike: I have loved them but they keep making "improvements" that make things worse. The Mach 3 Turbo is a great razor. The Fusion is a more expensive not better razor.

65. PayPal. I cancelled my account a few weeks ago.

85. LinkedIn. I tested the job market a little earlier this year and started to see the utility of LinkedIn. But it is not something I use often.

95. Bank of America. In an unexpected twist, I have no reason to dislike Bank of America this year. They retained my business previously only because of high switching costs. B of A cannot come anywhere near USAA's customer service, but my money is safe and online payments are easy. So there you go.

Other brands I like or use a lot:

• Moleskine. I still can't get all my thoughts into a computer with the same fluidity that I can a piece of paper. So I love having my Moleskine notebook handy at all times for jotting a quick note, making a list (which is sort of like a nervous twitch for me), or drawing a diagram.
• Oakley. Best eyewear. Best customer service.
• Marriott. As my older brother said, they're like the McDonalds of hotels.

Tech Fatigue

I can't decide if I've reached peak tech. Do I have too much or not enough artificial intelligence (AI) in my life? I certainly don't have the correct amount. But I can't decide whether the solution is to scale back or double down. Truth is, AI is the inevitable future my kids will inhabit and I want them to be ahead of, or at least keeping pace with, the curve. However, while it is tempting to accept that constant change is the new normal, so just accept it, AI, like the Sabbath Day, was made for man, not the other way around. I want my AI to give me more time for human interactions. What I really want is for it to clean my house. Sigh.

I bought the kids a Wii U yesterday. It was my early Father's Day gift to myself on their behalf. They'd been asking for it and we had some some extra cash, so why not? Then I remembered why not when I had to spend hours setting up user accounts for each kid and making endless decisions about the nature of online interaction each user would be allowed. I miss the Nintendo 64. I just want to plug in a game and play. I hate online interactions. Clearly I am not the target market for purveyors of gaming consoles because the last thing I want is interactive online play, which is the one thing they all force you to accept. And in case you're thinking there is irony here, no, I do not consider online gaming a "human" interaction.

So this put my mind in a bad place regarding tech. Then I turned on my iMac and was informed that it had to restart to install an update that was not optional. It took 30 minutes. During those 30 minutes I thought about what I was going to do on the computer: type in my journal, which I keep in Evernote, and plan my week, which I do in Google Calendar. By the time the update had loaded, it was clear I could have already completed both tasks with a pen and notebook, which cost somewhat less than the $1,500 I spent on the computer and will soon have to spend again, should I choose to continue digitizing such activities.

Then the new update told me I had to make some new decisions about preferences in Apple Music. And on and on. Cross platform availability, searchable notes, The Doobie Brothers any time I want. These are all great, but am I getting dumber? I barely remember how to write in cursive. I can barely drive without a Garmin. I'm begging my kids to play video games instead of watching YouTube because at least they have to use their brain. Seriously. Read that sentence twice, and then weep.

I suppose the bottom line is that I have take control of this. We have to get strategic about our tech usage. We need to evaluate how technology can enhance our goals (instead of becoming our goals)  and contribute to (rather than distract from) the vision Katie and I have for our family. I need to apply a lot more of my old fashioned intelligence before acquiring or implementing any more of the artificial variety.

Photo Updates

Henry taught his class about sea turtles

Caleb and Katie delivered school supplies to a refugee camp

Maddie celebrated turning 12

Wear It Out

I have been contemplating the Depression Era refrain: Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. Today, this notion is repurposed as "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." I support both notions but note that the disposable lifestyle can be quite intoxicating.

Here, the children can show the way. For example, see this pic of the kids depositing funds they raised for refugees by asking door-to-door for contributions of lose change.

We are working on small things like remembering to turn off the power converters at night and riding bikes to church instead of driving. And I'm trying to focus on buying fewer items, but of higher quality.

Really, we have very few needs at this point. Besides groceries and some clothes, we could probably go a year or more without making a single purchase.

It is unfortunate that these ideas have gotten wrapped with political implications. Wise stewardship is a spiritual principle that brings peace to the individual and strength to the community, irrespective of discussions about climate change.

The Skinned Knee

Early in our marriage, Katie and I read the book "The Blessing of A Skinned Knee."  Like many such books, it takes 300 pages to summarize the idea that letting your kids get hurt is okay. So now you don't have to read the book. You're welcome.

In practice, we have at times been caught up in the cultural moment of so-called helicopter parenting. How is it that at age 10, I rode my BMX bike for miles and miles all over town without telling my parents where I was going and without a cell phone. Imagine it!

Even as we have attempted to deliberately relax, or at least hover at a higher altitude, our chosen lifestyle is not conducive to free range parenting. One simply cannot let their children run around Cairo. And then, in very safe Frankfurt, we told the kids they could ride their bikes around the block without us and they were very confused, like when you try to imagine what is on the other side of the end of the universe.

Next, we're off to Manila, another high rise apartment building. I'm sure it will be great, but certainly no riding of BMX bikes all around town.

I used to play hide and seek in the summer time until forever p.m. with the entire neighborhood. And speaking of skinned knees, there was this one spot of the curb that new comers always, I mean always, tripped over the first time they played and were running for base. And they would skin their knee and they would cry. And parents wouldn't even come outside. Crazy, right? And then they would stop crying and we would keep playing. It was bonkers. Like we didn't even need grown ups.

Anyway, now I have to figure out how to let my kids skin their knees in Manila. How do I let them have the social equivalent of neighborhood hide and seek in a high rise apartment and the era of playdates? Online Minecraft?

On Mother's Day (And It's a Boy)

I was in an airplane for most of Mother's Day. I left the house about 8 am to catch a 10 am flight, Frankfurt to DC. So I didn't have time to do much other than say, "Happy Mother's Day," before I left and by the time I was settled in at the hotel on the other end, Katie was asleep.

Please indulge me in some potentially uncomfortable honesty: Mother's Day is hard for me. While I have often owned Valentine's, anniversaries, and birthdays, I have historically not been that great about Mother's Day. Valentine's Day is easy because almost any effort exceeds expectations, so there is opportunity with limited risk. The anniversary carries expectation, but the terms of the deal are unambiguous. I deliver a gift cleverly related to some ancient tradition about linens, crystal, semi-precious stones, and so forth. The birthday is similarly straight forward. Throw a party. Buy a gift. It's easy.

But Mother's Day. Oh, Mother's Day. Part of my problem is that I have, in the past, disagreed with the premise of the day. I figured, if I haven't been showing her my gratitude the rest of the year, this one day isn't going to make it better; on the other hand, if I have been showing her my gratitude, why does she even need this day? Men, such thinking is a perilous trap.

My plan next year is to send Katie away for the weekend so we can wish her happy Mother's Day via Skype, and then she can watch Jane Austen movies and drink Diet Coke.

Meanwhile, we found out about 12 hours ago that number 4 is a boy. So awesome.

Thus, turning serious, Katie will again give of her body to deliver miraculous life into this world. She will be glorious mother. My perception of it is different this time. Somehow, with the first three, I was not awestruck. This time, I cannot help but perceive her as a goddess, a mighty creator. She deserves a golden scepter and a crown of diamonds. I can provide a minivan and 1,800 square feet.

I am humbled and inspired. Here I am married to this regal creator of life, this bringer of jollity. So how can I insult her by being other than noble myself? Which means I have work to do.

Refugees

Please, if you haven't already, watch this speech about helping refugees: Elder Kearon. I am very thankful Katie and the kids could spend time this week assisting in an effort at our church to assemble kits for refugees.

And this morning, Maddie and her friend are selling more items at a yard sale and donating all proceeds to a refugee shelter.

When we were evacuated from Egypt, we had to register the kids for school in Virginia as refugees. We had few financial worries as we received a generous evacuation allowance from the government. Nevertheless, it was an unsettling time for the kids. So they have found it easy to feel compassion for refugees who have nothing, with little hope of returning home.

Athens Travel Guide

We stayed at an Airbnb apartment. An aside about Airbnb: I love it. It has my non-business-travel business until hotels stop hating children. However, over the four years that we have been using Airbnb, the experience has gotten less charming each time as it has evolved from staying in someone's house, where it is clear they live there the rest of the time, to staying in someone's rental unit that they invested in for the purpose of Airbnb and it is clear no one has ever lived there because while all necessaries are present, they are arranged in an unlivable way. For example, this apartment had an unplugged TV in a room with no outlets. Not that we were there to watch TV, but it was kind of funny.

Plaka neighborhood is awesome. The street adjacent to the Acropolis Museum has great restaurants and ice cream shops.

Our apartment was around the corner from this great pedestrian area.

The Acropolis Museum is best viewed from the outside in the evening. Pretty boring affair aside from the excellent Lego recreation of the Acropolis. An aside about the word acropolis: It is easy and fun to mess with your kids' heads by persisting in saying apocalypse instead. Such as, "It's better to experience the apocalypse at night." After a two second pause, they all give you this great twisted face look.

The Acropolis itself is awesome and is best viewed at night (but my night photos came out terrible so you don't get any), though you can't go to the top after 3 pm. 

On top of the apocalypse.

Our apartment was southeast but the northwest (looking southeast) is the best view. There is a bar on Apostolou Pavlou street where you will want to go around 8 pm to get a bite to eat with the best view in Athens, Thissio or something like that.

View of my receding hairline (sigh), and Acropolis from near our apartment.

View from Lofos Arios Pagos (a big rock northwest/looking southeast)

Across the street at Temple of Zeus.

Then you'll want to send shoppers to Monastiraki area, Pandrossou street specifically. Non shoppers will want to be doing something else when the shoppers find this street, because it could take, you know, forever.

What we did instead of shopping. Katie and Madeline were in the shoe store in the background.

We rented a car and drove a lovely 70 kilometers to Sounio to see the Temple of Poseidon. An aside about Greek culture: The way Germans are about being naked in public, that's how Greeks are about going on strike. They love it. So they went on strike and the temple site was closed.

As close as we could get to Poseidon

Also, they stayed on strike and a bunch of stuff was closed the next day as well. Not to be deprived of maximum fun, we stopped at the beach and found a bouncy house.

Caleb Wins Monopoly

This post is dictated by Caleb, typed by Tim.

Caleb always wins Monopoly. Here's how.

1. Do anything you can to get the railroads.
2. If another player is about to get a monopoly, or close to getting a monopoly, get the land they really need and make a trade to get the railroads.
3. Always hide your expression.
4. There is no step four.
5. There is no step five without step four.
6. Get your mom on your side to thwart dad's trading efforts.

Due Date: October

Number 4 is on the way. In case you missed my Facebook post, this video describes how Katie is feeling. Also, unrelated, the same comedy troop gets it mostly right in this skit (FYE).

We told the kids of their new sibling a few weeks ago. It took us about two minutes to convince them we weren't kidding. Maddie cried with happiness. Henry seems especially nervous about losing his place as the baby. Caleb, meanwhile, reasonably concluded that since no one pays attention to him anyway (middle child) nothing is going to change, so he's not worried. I'm pretty sure, from a birth order psychology standpoint, the 8-year gap is sufficient for Henry to always be the baby of the family and for Number 4 to be an only child.

Madeline has entered the babysitting phase of tweenagehood, even getting paid for it by the downstairs neighbors. So I see myself as more of a parenting contractor at this point.

We arrive in Manila in August, after a summer in which Katie gets to be six months pregnant at Disney World. That sounds super awesome. With luck, she might join us for the evening fireworks. Anyway, barring the appearance of unexpected risk factors, Number 4 will be born in Manila. In Manila we will have a housekeeper and a nanny. Trust me, Katie made an informed decision about getting pregnant.