tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15060643288987647652024-03-13T02:51:51.692-05:00Dad's Diary - a journey through childhood cancerWelcome to my diary. I am irreverent, sometimes egotistical, and most definitely sarcastic but ultimately I am a normal average human being. This is therapeutic for me. As a result, I am better prepared to care for my wife and to care for my family. As a parent of a child with cancer it is my hope that this may help others. I know I am searching for the “right” way to feel and I now understand that there is no such thing. Lastly, this is my gift to Sydney on her eighteenth birthday.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.comBlogger741125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-34478226354555495002012-03-09T06:29:00.006-06:002012-03-13T08:50:58.510-05:00A Worthwile ReemergenceSo, it has indeed been a long while. My lack of writing should not be any indication of a lack of activity. And, it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hasn't</span> meant any less <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">excitedness</span> surround the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">kidlets</span> either. Quite the contrary actually. No, if anything, life has simply outpaced my ability to sit down and write every day.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I do miss it though. And, if you know me, I certainly have plenty to say.</div><br /><br /><div>Irregardless of my lackadaisical attitude about writing there are times when thing must be said. There are times when things are far too important to go without saying.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>This is one of those times.</div><br /><br /><div>This year Sydney and her story have been selected to be highlighted for this year's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">neuroblastoma</span> walk. Sounds like a good thing, right? Well here's the problem, they have a goal of $150,000 this year. If Sydney and I don't perform they won't have us back and, worse yet, some incredibly important research wont be funded. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>So, I am asking for your help. If you can come out and participate in the walk, please join Sydney's team <a href="http://nbwalk.org/2012walk/TeamSydney">here</a>. She loves to see new 1K walkers and 5k runners on her team. If you can't participate but can still donates $5, $20, or $100 to her team we will gladly walk in your honor.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please help - <a href="http://nbwalk.org/2012walk/TeamSydney">http://nbwalk.org/2012walk/TeamSydney</a></div><br /><br /><div></div>You can read Sydney's story on page two below:<br /><br /><div><br /></div><a style="MARGIN: 12px auto 6px; DISPLAY: block; FONT: 14px Helvetica, Arial, Sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none" title="View SydneysStory on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/85175392/SydneysStory"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">SydneysStory</span></a><br /><br /><div><iframe id="doc_67416" class="scribd_iframe_embed" height="600" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/85175392/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-hggy6thd61h35xuvuj8" frameborder="0" width="100%" scrolling="no" ratio="0.758364312267658"></iframe></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Once again, I have purpose! </div>Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898689044803958068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-31270952623951658742011-09-01T20:21:00.001-05:002011-09-01T20:27:00.597-05:00Taekwondo tournaments are better than water parksWe spent the last weekend at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine Texas at the Dallas International Taekwondo Hanmadang. The what you say? Yep, a hanmadang, which we learned means "big field", usually associated with festivals, family, and community. It was that, and it was more.
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<br />It was Ainsley's debut in a taekwondo tournament. We aren't sure really how Master Adrian talked her into it, but Ainsley agreed to jump in and join her brother and sister in a real tournament. Now, she's watched many (if not a hundred) of her sibling's tournaments, but never has participated. This time, with really nary a nervous twitch, Ainsley stepped onto the mat and did both forms and sparring.
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<br />The conversation leading up to the tournament went like this. Ainsley "I'm pretty sure I don't want to do this". Mom and Dad, "you don't have to, but you promised Master Adrian". Ainsley "Okay". Then the day of the tournament in a very adult manner, Ainsley says "I don't want to go out there". Mom and Dad, "it's a good chance to practice being like a cheerleader, they have to stand out in front of lots of crowds and perform". Ainsley, "oh, okay".
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<br />Forms went okay, she forgot a lot of it, but bravely carried on. Then we got to the sparring part. She stepped out there full of confidence. Within about 10 seconds, that disappeared. The little girl she was up against had obviously done this many times before. Ainsley quickly turned into the proverbial punching bag. She kept going. The other girl scored 5 points, 10 points, 15 points, and then the ultimate most horrible thing happened (in Ainsley's eyes), the girl accidentally kicked her in the head. Finally, our Ainsley showed up. She cried, then promptly turned to the ref and yelled, "she's not supposed to kick me in the head". Unfortunately, the tears had started, and they didn't stop. Master Adrian gracefully conceded the match almost a full round early.
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<br />I don't know about Mark, but many emotions flitted through my brain. OMG, we are horrible parents, how could we do this to her? Wow, what a great punching bag she is! Ainsley is so brave to keep going. This will be the end of her very short TKD career. Oh my goodness, that family from TKD that came to watch how tournaments work will never, ever, sign up their kids after this. That's my baby, ohhh, that had to hurt. A million thoughts in less than a minute. It was harrowing. It was miserable. It was good.
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<br />Good? Yes, because it was a "great learning experience". I know, the ultimate cliche. And, because Ainsley and the other girl were the only ones in the division, Ainsley ended up in 2nd place, and she got a trophy. Her first. A trophy that she is SO excited about (see Flickr pics). And, it was good based on the kids reviews. Master Adrian asked the kids on Monday, "hey kids, was that water park (at the Gaylord) fun or what"? The answer? "No not really, we had more fun at the tournament". Enough said.
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<br />The weekend was a success. It turns out that it wasn't because we spent Sunday at the new Gaylord Texan water park, swimming, hula hooping, getting fake tattoos, and winning dance contests (yep, Graham won). The weekend was a success because each kid tried their best, and in doing so, felt like they were on top of the world. You can't beat that.Lynley Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762616750731773941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-55906274269118562822011-08-25T19:31:00.001-05:002011-08-25T19:33:55.309-05:00In the hallwaysThe cancer path has influenced our lives in so many ways, and though we aren't currently in the midst of day to day battle, it still has such a huge impact in so many aspects of our daily lives. Some days, we are lucky to forget the battle at large, but really, at least for me, it crops up in little ways at least a few times a day.
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<br />Really, I'm so lucky and blessed. Still to this day, I pass people in the hallway at work that stop and bravely ask, "how is your daughter", or, "what's the latest with Sydney"? I call them brave, because truly, they are. Do you take that risk? The risk of the answer being "not so great", or, "we received some bad news". I am so thankful for these people, and their caring commitment to just being such fearless brave human beings.
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<br />I always strive to be that brave. It's hard though. But, trying to reach that goal, I've made it a purpose, especially at work, to bring together cancer "peeps". It may be them, their children, their spouses, or other loved ones that are fighting the good fight, but regardless, they deserve some support. I try (try being the operative word), to not shy away from the real stuff, to ask the questions I'd want to be asked, and to really listen to the answers.
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<br />It seems to go through phases, and unfortunately, recently has been one of the not so great phases. At work one co-worker has been recently diagnosed, one's husband was moved to hospice today, and one (one of my very best buds) has been told that he has another tumor after Cyber Knife radiation to a tumor found in the brain following the spread of colon cancer. I sit there, and trying as bravely as I can, ask, what's the next step, what's the next treatment, how can I help? So very little, really. But what I try to never forget is that it can always be worse, that the right attitude makes all the difference, and a good listening ear is priceless.
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<br />Everyday you're bombarded I'm sure, just as we are, with groups asking for help, for giving. This is good, and necessary. Heck, even we've asked for the same. But, I have a different question - what do you do in the hallways?Lynley Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762616750731773941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-54485294589641108142011-08-24T20:07:00.002-05:002011-08-24T20:13:11.785-05:00Cleaning up the dishesLast night was a great night. We did homework, we swam, we had dinner. For those of you that may not know, we have a dinner ritual (which luckily, we get to follow most nights). We sit, we eat, we talk about our day. No TV or electronics allowed. We typically ask the children 2 to 3 questions. The standard 2 are "What was the best part of your day", and, "What was the worst part of your day". Lately, for comic relief, we have thrown in "What was the funniest part of your day". Believe it or not, we actually get a better picture of our kids lives with these simple questions than we do with any others we throw at them at any other time during the day.
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<br />Tonight, we were regaled with tales of "100 lashes with a wet noodle" (Ainsley's teacher's hopefully comic response to non performance in the classroom), and with "I hate Spanish" from Sydney. Of course, the families response to that was to start talking in any other language except English. Mark, well, he does Spanish (or Mexican to those in Texas). Graham is quite adept at Chinese. Ainsley, well, she does a chinish - a nice mix of Spanish and Chinese, both of which she's had since pre-k. Me, well, I can do any language in a wonderful Southern accent. I really don't get it - English and I, we do quite well, not but a small hair of southern influence, regardless of growing up in Alabama. But listen to me "try" to speak another language, and you would swear I grew up in backwater Alabama with a banjo on my knee.
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<br />So, dinner wraps up with us all speaking in horrible tongues, and moves to the clean up phase. Mark and I have made the determination over the last month or so that there is no reason for adults in our family to clean up dinner. After all, this is why we had children (I did warn you that Mark is PC, and I'm not, right?). So, amidst kicking, screaming, and plate slinging, dinner clean up commences. I must comment, because last night was a rare event. The children cleaned up with only 1 fight amongst them, we had one cleaning the table, and 2 putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Life is good. One day they may graduate to bus boys and girls, and the bonus is of course that they will be bilingual while doing it.
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<br />Here's to the future!Lynley Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762616750731773941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-36611129754746307612011-08-23T20:21:00.002-05:002011-08-23T20:34:28.091-05:00A Different ViewSo, many have expressed concern over the limited amount of posts from Mark over the summer. I (Lynley) thought I'd pinch hit and try to fill in some of the blanks. But first, we need to set the record straight - I am not Mark, I am unfortunately not witty, and certainly by no means am I a neuroblastoma aficionado. But, I can sometimes string a few words together, and hopefully, I can at least catch you up on our lives.
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<br />In case you didn't know, Mark was snatched up by an out-of-the-blue recruiter last December, with visions of steady money and a job just down the road. He couldn't say no (and shouldn't have), so Mark packed up his bags (laptop) and headed a mile and a half down the road to a job at Parker Hannifin, doing what he's always done best, and loved, which is programming. Thus begins the slippage of postings. Out of the house at 7:15 am and back home at TaeKwondo time at a steady Monday through Friday clip.
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<br />Personally, I also think that anyone writing a blog for as many years as he has has to feel the challenge of keeping up. He started before "blogging" was "blogging". He started before (for those in the cancer world) Care Pages existed. Yes, in the eyes of technology, Mark is ancient. Again, and this is me talking (writing), but what began as a brain catharsis, somewhere in the 8 years since begun, could maybe sometimes turn into something that seems like a job. I don't know, luckily, no one has ever depended on me writing a daily blurb (good choice), but that pressure if no longer for a personal release could to be a heavy one.
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<br />Okay, so enough about blogging. Here's the low down on the summer. The first part of the summer was taekwondo. We breathed it, we slept it, we sweated it, we worked it. Then came the "Great Trip to California" for the taekwondo Junior Olympics/Nationals. Both Graham and Sydney did great, and Sydney came home with a bronze. Not bad for a cancer kid, huh? Ainsley tagged along as always and had a great time. Check out our Flickr page for pics.
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<br />We returned happy, elated, and totally burned out on TKD of course. So began a month sabbatical. I'd like to say that exciting things happened during this time, but really, no one wanted excitement. We wanted home and family.
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<br />So, we had home, family, and a roast. Roast you say? Yes, that is what we've done this summer. I think we are now in the 3rd hottest summer rankings of all Texas time. Why do we live in this h-e-double hockey sticks place? Honestly, our brains were fried at at least 30 days of 100 temps ago, and I couldn't say.
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<br />I have to give an example of the heat (actually, I could give you a hundred, but I don't want to bore you even more). This one stood out. Sydney has to put in ear plugs to swim to fight off swimmers ear. They are made of some orange substance. Yesterday she couldn't find any of her "ears". We all searched. And searched. They have to be where you left them on the porch I said, at least a million times. Found them finally! They had been left on the, shaded mind you, back porch. We found some nice gelatinous goo on the wood planks of the back porch, oddly colored orange, with bits of dog hair sticking out. The dogs ate them you say? Oh noooo, what had been solid now was liquid, a nice melted pile of ear wax, dripping its way through the table. "It's so hot" sayings just begin to roll of the tongue, don't they?
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<br />Fast forward to August, when fast again becomes the name of the game. All the chaos of returning to school began to happen, and then before we knew it, school started. Sydney started 4th, Graham 2nd, and Ainsley 1st. We are a week and a few days into it, and so far no one has hated their teacher, and no blood has been shed. Keep your fingers crossed.
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<br />Now, I don't have a quaint purpose line to finish with, but I do need to run off, Ainsley and I are making cookies, and she's told me after reading the recipe that we need some "slick" butter. I'm wondering if that's something Central Market will carry...Lynley Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762616750731773941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-72235660585261521312011-07-28T06:29:00.002-05:002011-07-28T06:34:23.929-05:00Alternate UniverseNo, Lynley, just because I decided to do two loads of laundry this morning does not mean you woke up in some alternate universe.<br /><br />Jeez, it is hard for a guy to have a little purpose around here.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-36759141639035711192011-07-26T06:47:00.005-05:002011-07-26T07:09:03.318-05:00AnonynousnessWell, well it has been a long time. I guess it says something that I just have not had much to say. The good news is that all seems to be going well. All in all, it has been an excellent summer. For a change, I have more time to spend with the family. Call it selfishness. Call it laziness. But, for once in the last 10 years, I have gone from an average of 80 hour weeks to about 45 hour weeks. It has been a nice hiatus. <br /><br />Stress is down. Family is up. Life is good.<br /><br />It isn't that I don't miss being smack dab in the front lines but, it is nice to just BE for a change.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Anonymousness</span> feels nice.<br /><br />The kiddos, well they are awesome. Perfect, no? We are still battling infighting. Sydney is still exhibiting strange "illnesses" quite regularly. Graham is an overly emotional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">germaphobe</span> (his words, not mine) , and Ainsley is still stealing candy and hiding it under the couch. No, our lives are still far from perfect. In that sense, there remains a lot to write about. None the less, it is who we are and I would trade it for nothing. <br /><br />Oh, and I can't forget <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lynley</span>. Little has changed with her either. She remains <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">smokin</span>' hot and, thankfully, brainwashed regarding me.<br /><br />Yep, it is good to be me.<br /><br />It was nice writing again. I have missed it. Perhaps there will be more in the future.<br /><br />Although my writing has diminished - my purpose has not.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-81405061273209790082011-07-06T06:02:00.003-05:002011-07-06T06:32:48.528-05:00Breaking ThroughHome sweet, home. Well, we have been back home from California for the better part of a week. Overall, Sydney and Graham's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kwon</span> Do team did well. I think that with each passing day Sydney has gained more and more pride regarding her bronze medal. At first, she was sad that she only achieved bronze. I just don't really think she digested the scale of her accomplishment until after she realized how tough this venue was. When some of her team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">heros</span> (people who she looks up to for their dominance) came back with bronze and silver medals she began to realize that just getting to compete was a big accomplishment and a medal, any medal, was like walking on the moon.<br /><br />It has had a profound effect on her confidence. I mean this, of course, in a good way. But, she walked into this tournament with doubt that she could accomplish anything on her own and walked out knowing nothing stood in her way. I don't know how long the effect will last but it is this feeling that is exactly the reason we put her in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kwon</span> Do.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Graham did not walk out with the same feeling. He is a self doubting wreck. You would never expect a little boy with so much good stuff going would have such an unhealthy picture of himself painted in his mind. He is smart, athletic, funny and so incredibly creatively talented and yet, to listen to him, you would think he had failed at everything. The good news is that he is no worse off than when we began our road to the Junior Olympics. However, Graham needed this win more than anyone. <br /><br />He is my biggest challenge as of late. Graham is tough for me. I absolutely love the little bugger but he is the one that I have the most difficulty communicating with. I don't know whether it is because we are both male or because we are so much alike that it pushes us apart but, I just don't ever feel like I can get through to him. In this sense, he is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">momma's</span> boy. Yes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lynley</span> has his heart. It is frustrating though, because he needs me. He is just like his dad. There is so much that I can impart to him if he would just give me the chance.<br /><br />It is one of my greatest frustrations in life.<br /><br />I just want to help him and, right now, he needs it.<br /><br />This one will take weeks, months and years of purpose.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-80682916974391151022011-06-30T09:16:00.000-05:002011-06-30T09:17:20.851-05:00US Junior Olympics Bronze Medalist<div>Well, it has been a very long and nerve racking couple of days. First up was Graham. While I am incredibly proud of him, I am sad for him to say that he finished just out of medal contention. Graham fought excellently and, in the match that would dictate whether he made it to the metal rounds, I am sad to say he fell just short. Honestly, I think he fell victim to electronic scoring. While he did not totally dominate the match, I think it was clear to everyone that he was the more skilled competitor. Had this match been decided by judges there is no doubt that Graham would have won. Unfortunately, his kicks just never scored with the electronic gear. Although, we have plenty of photographic evidence of good, solid kicks that should have scored. :) Regardless, he lost in the last 10 seconds of the final round to a series of punches that we are still trying to figure out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sydney's day started out hard as well. Her forms competition was stacked with 25 of the best girls from all around the country. She did an incredible job on her form but, unfortunately, it was only good enough to place her 11th amongst the tight competition. Still, an impressive feat considering these were the best of the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sparring, however, was where things began to change. Make no mistake, none of it was easy. Every round was close and competition was fierce. There wasn't a single girl without the mojo needed to win. Sydney, however, was fierce. She went out with a fire and vigor that would lead her out of the preliminaries and into the medal rounds. Sydney would fight a tremendously hard match which would place her in third place. In the end, she lost the match 3 to 1 which would have placed her in the final gold medal match to a girl that was flatly incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div>I felt incredibly proud of her winning the bronze at the US Junior Olympics.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a long road for a little girl with stage 4 Neuroblastoma.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who would have thought?</div><div><br /></div><div>I am beginning to think she may have even more purpose than her father.</div>Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-34239420311710441152011-06-28T18:34:00.000-05:002011-06-28T18:35:22.671-05:00Resurfacing in San Jose<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>Okay, so I know it has been a long time in coming. But, what can I say, things have been going well and for once I have just been participating in life. No stresses, no worries. Just me and the fam. For better or worse, I have not felt the need to be the reporter.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>Selfish?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>Probably, but it has been nice to just breath a little.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>So, today I find myself in San Jose awaiting Graham's grand entrance into the Tae Kwon Do Junior Olympics / National Championships. In a bit he will be competing in forms and then later today in sparring. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>My expectations?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>Growing a great human being. Could he win? Maybe. But he has 40 of the top 6 and 7 years olds from around the world. In my eyes he has already won.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>It is the journey.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>That's our purpose.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>Results to follow.</span></span>Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-90322861281910275862011-06-15T05:58:00.004-05:002011-06-15T06:30:29.691-05:00Cat Scanning of a different sortGood morning! Long time no write. Well, it should still come as no surprise that my lack of writing is not a sign of nothing going on. No, it seems like there just hasn't been a moment's notice. Regardless, here I am, with an update. <br /><br />To say things have been busy would be an understatement. Most notably, we are just two weeks shy of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kwon</span> Do National <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Championships</span> (Junior Olympics). With that comes brutal and frequent practices. Currently the kiddos are having two-a-day practices and on top of that private lessons to polish off their forms. When Sydney is not doing that she is at "horse camp" this week where she is learning how to ride horses. The other two kiddos have found themselves doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">a lot</span> of traveling as they usher themselves from home to horse camp and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kwon</span> Do and back all over again. When they aren't carpooling they still seem to be finding hours upon end to swim.<br /><br />Yes, times are good and the summer seems to be going superbly.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lynley</span> and I? Well, between work, play dates, swim parties, horse camp and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kwon</span> Do; we really don't get out much. In fact, we don't do much of anything but chase kiddos and muddle through chores. Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. This is simply the life of a child's servant.<br /><br />On a funny note:<br />Yesterday, Ainsley and Stephanie, our nanny, made a stop by Pet's Mart while they were waiting for Sydney's camp to finish for the day. Ainsley watched as someone brought a kitten up to the cashier for purchase. Ainsley did not understand how they would be able to scan the cat at the register so that they could by it. In her mind, the scanner is how it keeps track of what you buy. After all, it is the scanner (and apparently only the scanner) that tells the machine how much invisible money it has to take off of my debit card.<br /><br />Out of the mouths of babes. How times have changed...<br /><br />I have really become very close to Ainsley over the last couple of months or so. She is at a particularly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">snugly</span> stage and we are having a blast together. And to think, this all began with a few trips to 7-Eleven for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Slurpees</span>.<br /><br />The power of one and one time...<br /><br />And purpose...Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-63161778020326217432011-06-07T06:00:00.004-05:002011-06-07T06:36:51.925-05:00Sydney's Birthday with "Lobster Legs"Yesterday was Sydney's 10th birthday. This is a pretty big milestone in any child's life but I think given Sydney's history it just means that much more. She, of course, is just proud to be 10 and seems to be enjoying just being in her skin more than I have seen before. If yesterday was any indication, it looks like my little walking decade is going to have a wonderful year.<br /><br />Well, to celebrate such an auspicious occasion we had to do it just right. Sydney, of all things, wanted lobster for dinner. (Typical woman thing to want in our family I might add.) Now, you may think that with that fancy new car that Lynley surprised me with for my birthday, that lobster must be the way that I roll. Oh you know, expensive cars, posh duds, fine jewelry. <br /><br />Nope, not this guy.<br /><br />I admit it. I am a coupon cutting, penny pinching tight wad with a neat freak streak. Regardless, 3 kids with lobster dinners - not this guy. We had to get creative. Now don't get me wrong, it was, after all Sydney's birthday. For her, a $20 lobster it was. However, for the other grubby little money scarfing munchkins, not so much. They wanted lobster because their sister was having it. Not because they could tell the difference between the lobster and the $7 snow crab legs. <br /><br />That is when they became "lobster legs."<br /><br />And that is exactly what Graham and Ainsley greedily chowed down on. Oh yes, they just love "lobster legs."<br /><br />We now have a really nice thing going so please, please don't laugh if you are out with us and my kiddos order lobster legs. Else you might just end up with the bill.<br /><br />Yeah, yeah, I know. Sometimes my purpose feels dirty. But still, it is so darn fun.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-45265733970878591782011-06-01T05:36:00.003-05:002011-06-01T05:57:45.133-05:00A fine endingSummer has arrived. Oh, yes, school has come to a close and the kiddos are already knee deep into nothingness. I must admit. The kiddos all deserve some rest and relaxation. Sydney finished out the year on the all 'A' honor roll. Graham slid in with some marks of true brilliance on his achievement tests and Ainsley, perhaps the most brilliant of all, finished out her stellar year with almost more blue marks than green. Let me be clear. All of the kids surpassed my expectations.<br /><br />Which says a lot. I expect them to be better than me and everyone knows by now that I have a very high opinion of myself. Then again, everyone that knows me would also expect me to have a pretty high opinion of my own progeny.<br /><br />None the less, they were awesome this year and they deserve every bit of praise they get. I am a proud Papa.<br /><br />Last weekend not only marked the beginning of summer but it also marked Ainsley's 6th birthday and the "pre" celebration of Sydney's 10th (count em' 10) birthday. We spent the day at NRH2O,a family water park not too far from us. Was it fun? Well, it was as fun as 2 adults and 7 kids could possibly have at a water park. The kiddos all seemed to truly enjoy themselves and we seemed to simply survive - a true mark of success, I think. Well, I had best be off.<br /><br />There are twerplets rustling.<br /><br />I am off to purpose.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-4788884127849073792011-05-26T05:57:00.002-05:002011-05-26T06:21:32.313-05:00Bagina<div style="text-align: left;">I know, I know. What a horrible title for a blog entry. Perhaps you are just as shocked and appalled as Lynley and I were when we were confronted by Graham and Ainsley last night. We heard the argument coming down the stairs.<br /></div><br />"Bagina!"<br /><br />"Vagina."<br /><br />"Bagina!"<br /><br />"Vagina!"<br /><br />"Is not!"<br /><br />"Is too!"<br /><br />Yep, this was the argument reverberating through the house as my brilliant little progeny made their way to the kitchen. Supposedly, they were clever. It did not take them long to find us. There we were, 2 innocent parents toiling away in the kitchen making dinner - slaving away for our children to feed their little bellies and nourish their growing brains.<br /><br />Here they were, my 5 (almost 6) and 7 year old fighting over the correct pronunciation of the girlie part. They were not quiet. Oh know, they were loudly debating with clearly no remorse, tact, or fear of consequence.<br /><br />This is what my life has come to. I am now settling arguments on the correct pronunciation of the word vagina?<br /><br />It does not seem like it was that long ago that we were cuddling our little kiddos and nurturing their bright young minds with the likes of Dr. Seuss and Baby Einstein.<br /><br />Where oh where did we go wrong? What happened?<br /><br />My purpose has been raped of its innocence.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-4521329278054802372011-05-23T06:13:00.003-05:002011-05-23T06:33:56.747-05:00Keeping the wolvelets at bayJust a quick note to let you know that, as predicted, Graham is well on the road to recovery. A couple of days of antibiotics and you would have no idea that he had been sick. He was so well he even attended a gruelling 2 hour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kwon</span> Do practice on Saturday morning. We are about a month away from Nationals (the Junior Olympics) and the kiddos have started an intense preparation regimen. I grow tired just looking at them.<br /><br />I probably shouldn't say anything but wearing them out is probably a good thing. I love my kiddos but we have a cancer growing in our house right now. (No, hopefully not the real kind.) The kiddos can't stop fighting with one another. It starts the moment they get together and it only gets worse from there. Simply stepping into our house right now will raise your blood pressure by about 30 points. I don't know what has happened to spark this week long session of infighting but it is unbearable.<br /><br />It is not a happy place to be.<br /><br />As a parent it is extremely hard to not let it affect you. It does not take long for the constant barrage of tattling and yelling to have an effect. You can go from feeling calm and peace to anger and anxiety in a moments notice without knowing what hit you. It is like a poison and it isn't healthy. While I would like to say that everything is hunky dory around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dungan</span> household - these are unfortunately dark times.<br /><br />So, how do you break the cycle?<br /><br />I don't know if we have the answers but we are working hard. Tag team parenting seems to help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lynley</span> and I stay somewhat rationale. We have instituted several new rules to keep the arguments from escalating but we have had many failures. Go figure, a calm, intelligent conversation with them was absolutely useless. (It only maintained sanity for about 2 minutes.) But, swift punishments and lots of time alone seem to be working. Hopefully we can continue to drain the level of tension.<br /><br />My only fear?<br /><br />School ends this week. Then, they will be together all of the time.<br /><br />It will not be getting easier.<br /><br />We will need more purpose to keep us sane and to keep the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wolvelets</span> at bay.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-53177202519987875842011-05-20T05:58:00.005-05:002011-05-20T06:29:25.139-05:00Life is like a box of chocolatesFirst, I have been meaning to post this for weeks. As Jay's wedding reception went on the kids eventually grew tired of all of the face time. Graham would take a break from all of the action by walking out in front of the building to grab a quiet seat on the bench that lined the side walk. The moment I saw him a could not help myself from making the comparison to Forrest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gump</span>. I asked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lynley</span> to come out and snap this picture. Just like Forrest, Graham would be the first to tell you that life is like a box of chocolates.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerj0cr4yevHRfb4AnmVYEbgJTG-mpUoxa6FenUf8Iii9jY1BXh22nnVufMv2lc_8G66SNgVpZoq740xTGJIHpQZF1xbY4GrlK7cMHdJf0Peo-qdkhc4GHNMu3DwjxFsVmx-k67t50dbA/s1600/GrahamForest.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerj0cr4yevHRfb4AnmVYEbgJTG-mpUoxa6FenUf8Iii9jY1BXh22nnVufMv2lc_8G66SNgVpZoq740xTGJIHpQZF1xbY4GrlK7cMHdJf0Peo-qdkhc4GHNMu3DwjxFsVmx-k67t50dbA/s400/GrahamForest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608753453434952658" border="0" /></a>Think my opinion was too far off of the mark?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjednamI6qcp8Nl8DVc4QUpLhZ6b0d9b0SroVdr3nlraOS26g_2r4bqd6HhfJrZEcwz2QLHXhayMaOKWzMOiIbHH8e3P4jSnZKeO7hZM5uGyFXEa3FupjA99qXJYBGzfrl-BFmoJOcFZqg/s1600/forrest-gump-p111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjednamI6qcp8Nl8DVc4QUpLhZ6b0d9b0SroVdr3nlraOS26g_2r4bqd6HhfJrZEcwz2QLHXhayMaOKWzMOiIbHH8e3P4jSnZKeO7hZM5uGyFXEa3FupjA99qXJYBGzfrl-BFmoJOcFZqg/s400/forrest-gump-p111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608753777526507234" border="0" /></a>Run Forrest Run. That's my boy.<br /><br />Now, on a relatively sad note for our little Forrest, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gumpster</span> is home sick with strep throat. Yesterday, we sent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dudely</span> to school with high hopes. Although he had been complaining about a sore throat for a day or two we had assumed it was just some drainage from allergies. We drugged him up with some Ibuprofen and hoped for the best. Unfortunately, he didn't even make it through lunch. We received the call and I picked him up from school a little after lunch. Given the time and the fact that I knew I probably would not make it back from the doctor's office until after school was out, I elected to pick up the girls as well. With a full car, we were off to get milkshakes and make our way to the doctor.<br /><br />It did not take long to confirm the diagnosis. Within an hour he was choking back some penicillin and on his way back to reality.<br /><br />It is a good thing that we nipped this in the bud pretty quickly. Graham has no ability to tolerate sickness. Although he is rarely under the weather, when it hits, he is barely able to cope. Yes, I am quite certain that the boy's life has flashed before his very own eyes. While I am certain that he doubts he will survive this we believe we have him well on the road to recovery.<br /><br />Purpose is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-54297885945398095362011-05-17T05:29:00.002-05:002011-05-17T05:53:33.108-05:00A weekend of nothingnessA new week has arrived. The weekend around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dungan</span> household went pretty smoothly. Believe it or not, Friday evening found us up at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lynley's</span> work madly stapling and stuffing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lynley</span> and her team were in the midst of an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">EMR</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">electronic</span> medical records) upgrade which took the better part of the weekend. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">twerplets</span> and I found our niche stuffing packets full of directions and information for the installers and end users.<br /><br />The kiddos would impress you here with their skills and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">commitment</span>. They are all business. They work hard as a well oiled machine and love to help out. I don't know how we have instilled this work ethic in them but they are the first to volunteer to work and they always do a great job. I must admit. They make me very proud.<br /><br />Saturday was more work, but this time it was around the house. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lynley</span> handled the inside while the kids and I washed cars outside. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">The</span> good news was that we did a spectacular job on the cars. The bad news was that Sydney got a horrible sunburn. Who would have thought a cool Saturday morning would have brought a sunburn? Obviously, not I. I guess I learned my lesson. Please don't call CPS. Forthwith I promise to keep her slathered in SPF 1,000,000.<br /><br />For lunch the kiddos and I picnicked at the park.<br /><br />Sunday was a lazy day for half the clan. Unfortunately, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lynley</span> found herself at the office in the control center overseeing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">EMR</span> migration. I was left at home with the kiddos. We did nothing but sit on the couch and watch TV. How typical is that? I am quite sure that if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lynley</span> had been home we would have had structured activity with some kind of learning objective. Or, at the very least, we would have had a family project that certainly would have brought us all closer together.<br /><br />Nope. Not with Dad. No, you leave me in charge and you get a bunch of lazy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">wastoids</span> sitting in front of a television. Typical Dad stuff, isn't it? I would like to tell you that we had gotten a bunch of chores done or had a momentous occasion of family bonding but about all of the bonding that occurred happened between our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">hineys</span> and the couch.<br /><br />Right before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lynley</span> got home we messed up the house a bit to make it look like we had actually moved from the couches since. We even finally decided to get dressed. By the time she dawned the door we were all out of breath. That had the added benefit of making her think that we were cleaning up after a busy morning. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">She</span> was none the wiser.<br /><br />Let's go ahead and keep the truth between you and I and the Internet.<br /><br />Sometimes purpose just needs a relaxing break.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-80086259277349463952011-05-12T05:53:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:42:18.376-05:00Too much slack in the rope?Good morning! Well, two days ago I left you in the lurch. Hanging over all of our heads was a mysteriously broken foot and I am sure the suspense had you as covered in hives as Graham. <br /><br />First, Graham. Well, the boy is hivey. We don't know why. He just is. It all started on Monday evening. Since then he has been on a routine of benedryl at night and Zyrtec during the day. The has kept his condition under relative control. When it comes to allergies, Graham has always been our itchy star. If you look back over the years you will find that this time of year has brought him a bevy of conditions. Whether asthma like symptoms or something like this, he has always been our sniffly springtime fixture.<br /><br />He may look blotchedy and with the exception of some itchiness, the good news is that he seems to be just fine.<br /><br />Ah, the broken foot. Sydney is our culprit here. Would it surprise you that it had to do with Tae Kwon Do? Yes, it was a violent Tae Kwon Do injury. But, before you start chastising me for having that sweet little girl in such a violent sport or telling all of your friends to keep their kids out of martial arts, just dial it back a bit. First, it turns out her foot is not broken. It is swollen. There is a big nasty bruise and I am quite sure that it hurts quite a bit. I feel sorry for her for that - I do.<br /><br />But, that is where my soft, supportive Daddy feelings end. The only reason the hipster doofus got injured was because she was not wearing her pads - as she was (and always has been) required to. You see, for some reason, Sydney decided that it was not cool to wear her instep pads. Be them not cool, not comfortable, or whatever her rationale was this time, the pads were forgone.<br /><br />Smack.<br /><br />In the process, she learned why she should wear them.<br /><br />You ask me, lesson learned.<br /><br />I know that sounds harsh. And, if I am being honest, I do feel a bit guilty. I mean, I don't want her to be hurt and her safety is ultimately my responsibility. But, at some point, she just has to do what she is told. At the age of 9 (almost 10) it seems she should know that she should be wearing her pads when sparring - especially if she has been told to do so. Am I still supposed to be giving her a full body check every time she steps on the mat? At what point am I doing her a disservice by coddling her too much. At some point she has to learn.<br /><br />This reminds me of a famous Bill Cosby skit where he is describing his kiddos bathroom routine and the fact that he didn't only have to remind them to take a shower but that he also had to remind them to actually turn on the water once they were there. Then, as if that was not enough, if you have any hopes of them being clean it was also necessary to remind them to use soap.<br /><br />It seems it is the same thing with pads if you have any hope of keeping your kids from being injured. Sydney did you remember to put on your gear? Did you put on your arm guards? What about your shin guards? Do you have your chest gear? Is it on? What about your helmet? Your mouthpiece? Is it in your mouth? Ah, what about your instep pads?<br /><br />At what point do you stop? At what point do you stop coddling them so that they learn?<br /><br />Purpose isn't always about protecting them at some point it has also got to be about giving them some rope to learn about reality.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-70531665963469627522011-05-10T05:54:00.004-05:002011-05-10T06:22:01.726-05:00A killer combination - a wedding, a broken foot, and hivesGood morning! If you are mad that I have not been writing, well, you have every right to be. However, it has been one hectic roller coaster ride. In the last week we have been to Huntsville, AL and back, had one of the kiddos covered in hives, and darn near broke <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">another's</span> foot in half. Yep, this is the stuff that you should be hearing about live in the blog, not first hand and a day late from actual people.<br /><br />First, the wedding. Oops, I forgot to mention the fact that we were in Huntsville for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lynley's</span> brother, Jay, and his marriage to Christina, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Stina</span>, as she is known to Ainsley. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">twerplets</span> were somewhat of a wedding combo pack - two flower girls and a ring bearer in a box. Although packaged together I don't want to give you the impression that this is some kind of low quality bundle. This is a first class marriage package. This trio was nothing short of spectacular and left everyone in amazement by their professionalism and excellent behaviour. They were perfect. I can't tell you how many people came up and introduced themselves just to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">congratulate</span> us on our magnificent kids and their impeccable behavior. I tried to explain that anything could be accomplished with a lion tamers whip but no one took me seriously.<br /><br />The fact remains that my kiddos were truly something to be proud of. Here is a little taste:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73JhOulY0-HNV-Q9AcW6lRxgJpPBkuaCKRHGyDkCvPW1v8pJL1hrI3t5Kr_4O0jiFp-Xuvrqv6k-J5LfQLjoTPC29FVVT-xjtVk432klW6ysbupYiOtN5zPW2HZ9jAIUREPJrqomJgo4/s1600/wedding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73JhOulY0-HNV-Q9AcW6lRxgJpPBkuaCKRHGyDkCvPW1v8pJL1hrI3t5Kr_4O0jiFp-Xuvrqv6k-J5LfQLjoTPC29FVVT-xjtVk432klW6ysbupYiOtN5zPW2HZ9jAIUREPJrqomJgo4/s400/wedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605042268680042434" border="0" /></a><br />We are also happy to report that the marriage appears to still be going strong, making it through the first 2 days of the honeymoon with nary an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">incident</span>. Yep, at that point in our marriage <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lynley</span> was already having some significant second thoughts. Thank goodness I called "no take backs" after she said I do. I was also smart enough to honeymoon in a foreign country where she had no easy get away. By the time the honeymoon was over, I already had her brainwashed. Remember boys, it only takes 21 days to instill a habit - good or bad.<br /><br />Yep, given the fact that we have made it 14 years, I hold out high hopes for them.<br /><br />Wow, a full page of writing and I am still yet to cover the other two crises. Well, I guess that will just have to wait. It gives us both a reason to come back tomorrow.<br /><br />Purpose is non stop.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-51820209684321725872011-05-02T05:59:00.003-05:002011-05-02T06:35:38.010-05:00Putting my purpose where my mouth isI would like to say that the rationale behind only writing in my blog one day last week was a tribute to our 14 years of marriage. Yeah, lets just go with that.<br /><br />I love you honey.<br /><br />Other factors that might have played a part in that were the fact that it was, yet, another incredibly busy week and I, for some reason, developed a week long pattern of not being able to sleep at night and getting up too late in the morning. While I can clearly see that we will not be any less busy over the next couple of days I am happy to say that my sleeping situation has greatly improved. With that I know I can be more prolific.<br /><br />A highlight from last week was belt testing for Graham and Sydney. They successfully tested and received their red striped belts. This is the 8th belt in their journey towards black belt. They are getting closer and closer and last week's testing was truly a testament to their readiness. It is like watching art in motion. They have come so far and their hard work has put them in a category of their own. It was clear from anyone watching that they have something special.<br /><br />You know, at just this very moment, I have decided that I do not give enough credit to my kiddos. We are so consumed with buzyness we haven't given them adequate praise for how great they have been lately. I keep getting caught up in the minutia. I am spending too much time making sure they do everything right and not spending nearly enough time appreciating how great they truly are. I spend far more time looking for their shoes and chastising them for misplacing their belts than I do in appreciating the great things that they do on a daily basis.<br /><br />That is not right.<br /><br />I need to change that. <br /><br />In fact, this week I am going to dedicate to ensuring that my kids know how incredibly proud I am of them. It is one thing to tell your kiddos that they are doing great but it is quite another to show it with action.- to show them how much I appreciate their hard work and how proud I am of them for it. This week I will get that through to my kiddos. They deserve it. I will also make sure that I make this a habit going forward.<br /><br />Minutia and nonsense always gets in the way. There is always more work to be done, more chores to finish, and more projects to get under way. It is because of all of that nonsense that we become out of touch with what are number one job truly is. I need to bring the focus back to my kiddos. I need to show them that they are as high a priority as I say they are.<br /><br />This week I will be putting my purpose where my mouth is.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-23032339431777978862011-04-27T06:13:00.003-05:002011-04-27T06:59:37.306-05:00The secret to 14 years of marriageYesterday was our 14th wedding anniversary. For those of you that are concerned that I may have forgotten the milestone, RELAX! After Lynley's little birthday surprise, she has me wrapped around her little finger. There is no way I would forget to be the dutiful husband. Plus, the Jag is in her name which means I have to be on my best behavior. <br /><br />She's not stupid.<br /><br />On the other hand, you have to be wondering. How did Mark land such a fox? (Yeah, I know. I have been wondering the same thing.) And, on top of that, one has to wonder how did he keep her for 14 years (21 since we started dating). <br /><br />I mean, come on. It is the white elephant in the room. Let's get that out there.<br /><br />While I would like to tell you that it is my mad "Don Juan" skills, it isn't. Although, I have come up with a few proven secrets to a happy and long marriage. Here are a few nuggets that have clearly worked for me that you may want to stick in your back pocket.<br /><br />1. First, and foremost, for me to get a girl like Lynley and keep her it has taken one main ingredient - wine, lots and lots of it. It is best to keep wives a little lit. This way they don't notice all of the stupid stuff we do. This has been one of my most important secret marriage weapons. Think of it as a happy marriage lubricant. Trust me, if you want a long and happy marriage, don't skimp here. Buy it by the box.<br /><br />2. Secondly, have 3 or 4 kids within a year or two of one another early on in the marriage. This step can't not be heeded too closely and it is another one of my best nuggets. Trust me, if you play your cards right, as I have, she will never leave you for fear of being taken over by the gaggle of kiddos. This is like buying a 20 year marriage insurance policy. She will keep you around just for the moral support. Yes, early (in the marriage) and frequent pregnancies are also an important ingredient to a happy and long marriage.<br /><br />Note: please do not mix step 1 with step 2.<br /><br />3. This is the tough one. Rule 3 is to always do exactly what she says or do always do things in her best interest. I know, I know. It sounds hard but, trust me, this works. If you want your marriage to truly work you have to realize that you will never, ever be right. If you acknowledge this fact early on and just do what they say, you will be batting .400. The good news is that there is also an important caveat to this rule. You can still do most things that you want to do. You just have to make sure that you are doing it for their benefit. For example, if I want to go play golf, all I have to do is tell her that I am going to give her some alone time. As long as I never mention golf, I am in good shape. It works every time. I am happy. She is happy.<br /><br />See, there you go, 3 simple rules to a long and happy marriage. And, here, you probably thought it was going to be difficult.<br /><br />Oh, and I should probably mention that this is another one of those things that you should probably not mention to Lynley. These "happy marriage" rules seem to work best when your spouse is unaware that you are following them. So, once again, let's not tell her about this. <br /><br />Yes, that means you.<br /><br />Oh, and also, I should probably point out that it doesn't hurt that I really, really love her. <br />She is, after all, my purpose.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-91048153518931929512011-04-21T06:04:00.004-05:002011-04-21T06:37:45.607-05:00The benefits of a bruising?Good morning! Long time no write... Well, I will be making a concerted effort to do better from now on. The fact of the matter is that life is just moving too fast. The kiddos are all doing well. The big highlight for them this week is the fact that, on Monday and Wednesday, Master Adrian picked them up from school and delivered them directly to the Tae Kwon Do studio. This little change in the schedule helps us all out. While I am not sure how Master Adrian feels about the new arrangement, it sure seems to be making everyone else happy.<br /><br />Happy kiddos, happy wife, happy Mark. It is the straight line version of the circle of happiness.<br /><br />I am also happy to announce that Sydney's mysterious chest ailment has disappeared. In fact, it has gone without mention for 6 days now. Well, as soon as I say that, I am quite sure that I will hear about it first thing this morning. But still, I am glad that I have not heard anything about it in a week. I don't so much mind the stuffy noses and sore throats. It is the strange ailments and the unexplainable pains that still have the tendency to bring me to my knees.<br /><br />One ongoing challenge with Didders (Sydney) is the bruising. Relax. It isn't from low platelets counts. Nope, this time it is from abuse. Not ours, mind you. It is the Tae Kwon Do kind. After 2 weekends of sparring with kids from other schools she has just been wailed on. Mostly it has been caused by sparring boys with little control or accuracy. Go figure? They have absolutely torn up her thighs and buttocks - places they shouldn't technically be kicking. This seems to happen when fighting boys that don't technically have the skills to beat her in the match but are afraid of losing to a girl so they just madly kick as hard as they can.<br /><br />It is unfortunate. Not only do I feel horribly for Sydney because I know it hurts her physically but it also has the negative effect of hurting her mentally. It is occasions like these that make her dislike Tae Kwon Do. It is temporary but it really effects her attitude. She will get better and she will begin to love Tae Kwon Do again but, for right now, it is a challenge to keep her motivated.<br /><br />They are just like bruises but they are mental and they take awhile to go away.<br /><br />It tears me up to see her beaten up bruised little body, especially when it is a choice. I still maintain though, that for Sydney, Tae Kwon Do's benefits far outweigh the challenges. It really has done a superb job of building her confidence. It has also given her the inner strength to push on when things get tough. I think she is beginning to realize and believe that she can do anything she sets her mind to.<br /><br />She is beginning to believe in her purpose and that is my purpose.Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-83962586246913148482011-04-18T06:04:00.004-05:002011-04-18T06:43:23.078-05:00Just socks and underwearWell, I am guessing there are a bunch of people eager to see exactly what I would have to say about my birthday gift - considering half of the state of Texas was in on the gig. Yes, it seems everyone was pretty excited about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lynley's</span> big surprise. Honestly, I don't know why everyone was so excited about 4 pairs of socks and a 3 pack of boxers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxquKFjkYJdq7SASGEQanxXNhG0X8AF5INDqzB1uTsMLDrNOndz_hg5GqJOCQ5vTn9wqoJzP7sZ2_Ok66bk_8edjQD4uLZYeS4LAVY0ZpUGcIe4KYd8B1cqxLm1CChF77wOv2w7QpZPhE/s1600/photo%252820%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxquKFjkYJdq7SASGEQanxXNhG0X8AF5INDqzB1uTsMLDrNOndz_hg5GqJOCQ5vTn9wqoJzP7sZ2_Ok66bk_8edjQD4uLZYeS4LAVY0ZpUGcIe4KYd8B1cqxLm1CChF77wOv2w7QpZPhE/s400/photo%252820%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596879736899363106" border="0" /></a><br />Unless, of course, you were excited about seeing how I would react to the Jaguar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">XJ</span> they were sitting on.<br /><br />Well, let me put this into perspective for you. When I was a little boy my Dad restored an old Jaguar as a hobby. Many people did not know this but my Dad was blind in one eye. Because of this, he could not do much of the electrical work under the dash simply because he could not get into position to see what needed to be done. This is were I came in. As a little boy, I could get in to those tight places and I could see much of the wiring that was blocked from his view. And so began my love affair. It was this time with my Dad and this opportunity that created a love and a passion for Jaguars throughout my life.<br /><br />For the last 25 years there have always been excuses not to get one. First, the ones I could afford always needed a tremendous amount of work. Second, a new one was always well out of the price range that I could justify spending on a car. Third, there was always a more sensible car for me to drive. No, a Jaguar was relegated to be one of those dreams that would always remain just out of reach - that was until <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lynley</span> surprised me with this one.<br /><br />Now, you may be thinking that the reality of capturing a dream is never as good it seems. Yes, it seems that realities never live up to the expectations that we have built up in our minds.<br /><br />This is the exception.<br /><br />It is incredible. It is so much more that I ever thought it could be. It is perfect. It is glass black with a charcoal interior. It has heated and cooled seats and it is every bit as luxurious as you would expect from Jaguar. On top of that, it is over 400 hp sitting on an aluminum frame. It is a monster with the nimbleness of a cat.<br /><br />It is a Jaguar. It is mine!<br /><br />As I told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lynley</span>, other than people, it is my absolute favorite thing. I love it.<br /><br />I feel like Batman.<br /><br />And now I have my very own "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">purposemobile</span>."Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-8890419303755772052011-04-14T05:57:00.004-05:002011-04-14T06:32:08.122-05:00Snot - the best birthday present ever.So, all joking aside. There has been some seriousness this week. While I think we have come along way in our mental battle with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">neuroblastoma</span>, it is clear that there are some things that will stay with us forever. It seems like no matter what the ailment, even 7 years later, the first thing that comes to mind with Sydney is the fear that it could be the cancer coming back. This week has been no exception.<br /><br />Syd's health turned for the worse on Monday. This was not all too surprising. It is allergy time for most at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dungan</span> household. So, runny noses, soar throats, and asthma related symptoms are frequent occurrences for everyone. Considering the fact that Sydney stayed up to nearly midnight at a birthday party on Saturday night, it was no surprise that she was a little run down. Combined with the allergies it a logical fit for her to be under the weather.<br /><br />Rationally, it all makes sense.<br /><br />However, it still does not take long for our (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lynley</span> and I) brains to begin playing tricks on us. The fear comes and quickly you can turn what seems like a normal case of allergies into cancer.<br /><br />It should not come as a surprise that I did not sleep well last night. What if this? What if that? What should we do? The mental debate raged on in my brain throughout the night.<br /><br />The fact is that Sydney presented with some fairly standard stuff - a sore throat. There is no fever and her energy level seems high (unless she is trying to get out of doing something) Honestly, I can still make her lose her voice almost entirely simply by asking her to clean up the dishes after a meal. <br /><br />However, as the days (3) have gone by, the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">standardness</span>" of her symptoms has worn off and I can't make sense of it. Clearly there is a recurring process going on in her body. It is almost like snot reflux. She will be fine for awhile(15 minutes). Then her voice will gradually become more and more hoarse. She refuses to clear her throat or cough because it hurts her chest. Eventually she looses the mental battle and must cough which, while it hurts, clears her throat and brings her back to normal. Over the next 15 minutes the whole process begins over again. She describes the pain as being in her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">esophagus</span> and chest. She also says it seems as though something is stuck in there.<br /><br />Of course, after her last set of scans where we found the mystery lesion on her breast plate the first thing I envision is a tumor growing there and putting pressure on her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">esophagus</span> with lesions metastasized to her lungs.<br /><br />Certainly that would explain it all.<br /><br />It is amazing what the mind can come up with.<br /><br />See how mental I am?<br /><br />Regardless, I am hoping for a much improved day for her and all I really want for my birthday is for my baby girl to be better.<br /><br />How I yearn for this to be just be a simple case of the snots. What a perfect birthday present that would be.<br /><br />I just want my snotty purposeMark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506064328898764765.post-11044489169179980232011-04-13T06:08:00.002-05:002011-04-13T06:59:24.589-05:00Good behaviorMidweek has arrived. As expected, my behavior has been exemplary in my last ditch effort to receive something other than socks and underwear for my birthday. I have tried to lay some hints with the kiddos but, sadly, I can tell that they are already scoping out my needs from my closet. <br /><br />The good news is that if I stay on her good side, Sydney could go all out. The problem with her of course is that she saves money about like a river holds water. Yep with her, I am afraid I am relegated to the coolest thing at the dollar store. <br /><br />Graham, however, is Mr. money bags. The short term problem for me is that he is the saver. For better or worse, he is tighter than his Dad. Unless I am wanting some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">legos</span> or a new game for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wii</span> I don't see him breaking the bank. The good side of all of that saving is that when I grow old (or slightly older) he will be able to afford me in the manner in which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lynley</span> has become accustomed. <br /><br />Ainsley would likely give me anything I wanted. However, I happen to know she is flat broke. She has busted her bank looking for that next sugar rush. She is a candy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">junky</span> that has resorted to stealing from my change drawer to support her habit. <br /><br />It is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">actually</span> pretty funny. We live close enough to the park that the ice cream truck will make a pass up our street a couple times a week. I am as familiar with the sound of the music from the ice cream truck as I am of what follows - the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pitter</span> patter of her little feet running upstairs followed by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">clinkety</span> clank of her little fingers fishing for quarters out of my change dish. She will then rush downstairs to tell me that she is going to buy ice cream. For fun, I tell her that I have no money on me and, with a big grin, she always assures me that she can afford it and has the cash. Now that I think about it, She operates under the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lynley theory of ownership</span>. I learned long ago that what was hers is hers and what was mine is hers. It seems my youngest is no different. I am just happy that, in this point in her career, we are still only dealing with petty larceny.<br /><br />I would say something about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lynley</span> but I am much smarter than that. After someone let lose my comment from Monday's entry about not getting any for a month it turns out I won't be getting any for a month. I now have to assume that what I write here isn't as private as I thought. It turns out that all of the after school specials and public service announcements about not putting anything on the Internet that you wouldn't say or do in person does have at least month long consequences.<br /><br />So, I would just like to take this opportunity to let everyone know how beautiful and sweet and smart my wife is.<br /><br />By the way, if you are the leak, it would be helpful if you pointed that last statement out to her before Friday.<br /><br />Purpose awaits...Mark Dunganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139784704905490034noreply@blogger.com1