Music Circus 2011

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Jennifer and I usually make at least one trip to the Music Circus every year. This year I wasn’t sure we’d make it due to the arrival of our twins. But with a show like The Producers, how  could we pass it up? Elizabeth and Emory enjoyed some time with relatives at their grandmother’s and we headed down into Sacramento.

First things first, we set out to grab a bite to eat and to wet our whistle. The obvious choice when visiting the Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion downtown is Brew it Up which is stumbling distance from the theater. However, many people choose this option and your best bet is to venture a bit father. We settled on the Esquire Grill which is just a short walk towards the convention center.

I have opted to skip the Esquire Grill in the past, but service has improved significantly since the post recall days when their own popularity seemed to outpace their attention to service. Our waiter was very prompt, friendly and the service was downright excellent.

After some delicious bites of Ahi Shashimi with avacado and jalapeño slices, and few tasty drinks including his martini and hers lemon drop, we were all set for the show. The Producers is a movie that was made into a musical which also spawned another film. It may be a classic (the original dates back to 1968,) but I am always in the mood for an excellent Mel Brooks comedy. The man is a genius, and the skilled actors, musicians and more at the Music Circus put on a wonderful show.

I highly recommend the classic theater-in-the-round to anyone looking for a fun night out. It’s loads more entertaining than stuffing yourself into a sticky movie theater to see The Magical Wizard #8: The Quest for more Money! The atmosphere is lively and not too formal, heck some people show up in shorts. Don’t worry, it’s been years since we suffered in the heat; if you remember a big tent with swamp coolers, may I suggest you revisit as things have changed!

Head on down and maybe we’ll see you there!

Greg on Google Plus

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I’ve been giving the new Google+ social networking site a try and I have to say, it’s empty and lonely but kind of nice.

It’s empty and lonely because I don’t have a lot of early adopters to network with at the moment. Especially besides getting an invite, I haven’t made full use of the site yet. One major reason is a lack of any kind of iPhone or iPad native app. Though I have heard that one has already been submitted for approval, so hopefully I can use that soon.

It’s fun to use as far as social networking sites go. The circles interface is intuitive and the whole design is very slick and clean. I’m sure it will be cluttered with ads eventually, but for now it is somewhat pleasing to look at. The total lack of FarmingMafiaCafe stupidity is a refreshing change of pace! We’ll see how things shape up. I think I’m going to need more of my inner circle type contacts to be using the service before I can make full use of it.

For now my verdict is: promising, will continue to give it a chance.

Elizabeth and Emory make surprise entry into the world!

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Early Monday morning Jennifer and I headed to the hospital for a routine checkup. The babies passed with flying colors, but the doctors worried about Jenn. Since the babies were so far along, and due for a scheduled cesarean birth on Friday, Jennifer was beginning to warrant more of their attention and concern. We were shuttled over to a triage room while they waited for things to improve. Soon we were asked the dreaded question, “When was the last time you ate?”

She was headed for the OR.

I didn’t even have time to rush home to grab the bag, which in retrospect we should have carried with us any time we went to the hospital. It was packed and ready to go at home so I made a few quick phone calls and suited up while they prepped the mother to be.

Grandmothers-to-be showed up, and we were off to the races. I was allowed to enter the OR once they had Jenn prepped and on the table. With a curtain up to hide the stuff that’s tamer than prime time medical dramas, I stood up to watch each miracle of life spring forth.

Elizabeth was first and her lungs started up as soon as her top half was free. With her legs still being pulled free, she let the world know she was here. No sooner had they presented her to us and rushed her over to a table, Emory was on his way out. He too had his lungs going strong, smaller in size but with lots of fight.

Soon they were working on both babies and I had to manage my presence between comforting Jenny and attending to both of my new children. I calmly sliced through both umbilical cords with ease, though I am glad I read up ahead of time; they are a little tough. I followed each baby out as they were weighed.

It was a few minutes past two on Monday, June 13, 2011. Elizabeth clocked in at 6lbs 12.7oz with a length of 18″. My heart sank when Emory rang in at 4lbs 14.5oz. He was 17.5″ long but they informed me that he would need to go to the NICU as he was under the 5lbs limit.

Almost as soon as it had started, it was over and Jenny was all cleaned up. We left for recovery as a family. While there, the nurses attended to Jennifer and I split my time between the babies. Emory roasted under a heat lamp like a sun bathing vacationer in the tropics. He looked pretty comfortable and even opened his eyes for me. Elizabeth was very calm and collected for such a new baby. I took a brief time out to rush out and announce in the waiting room, then it was back to the family.

After a brief and above expectation nursing with both babies, we set off for a regular room… All of us, as a family. Emory had his sugar levels checked and rechecked before we set off. They had signed off on his not needing the NICU! We were very happy to keep him with us as we settled in with the two most important things in our lives.

Elizabeth Peach Hill    Emory Joel Hill

Elizabeth is a source of comfort and strength for her younger (by minutes) smaller brother Emory who was fussing until we placed him next to his big sister. A beautiful sight.

 

No, that’s not a beach ball under my shirt!

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It’s two little babies who look more and more ready to come out. I’m 37 weeks today and finally off my meds and bed rest. Greg took this picture today in our back yard. Afterwards, we went to go get Mexican at a local taqueria. When I walked in, there was a little girl who looked at me and her mouth dropped. Maybe I shouldn’t go out in public? I’m starting to scare little children.

Anyway, besides a little swelling in my feet I’m doing okay. Just “loading… please wait” as the T-shirt I’m wearing says.

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Happy Memorial Day!

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Today is a day to remember all those who gave their lives for our freedom, as well as those who honorably served, returned home and lived out their lives. They all gave something for us. Both of my grandfathers served in the Pacific in the 40′s as did Jennifer’s grandfather. One of my grandfathers came home in a full body cast, the other came home temporarily blind with a metal plate in his head.

My sister-in-law and her husband are in Afghanistan right now. We honor all of them and thank God we live in freedom thanks to their sacrifices. And of course pray for the safe return of those still in harm’s way.

It’s also traditionally a weekend to barbeque and spend time with family. That’s just what we did! I fired up the grill and went to town with some chicken breasts that had bathed in an overnight brine as well as a sweet chili pepper marinade. Both Jenn’s mom, my mom and Dan showed up for some good old fashioned back yard grilling.

Nose to nose

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Elizabeth and Emory were posing for the camera today. We went in for another ultrasound at 35 weeks. Jenn is getting really big, but the extra time is helping the babies get nice and healthy.

Elizabeth (Baby A) weighs in at 5lbs 2oz, and Emory (Baby B) is at 4lbs 14oz. Only a few hundred grams difference if you’re European!

Here is a shot of them nose to nose:

After a quick break for lunch and a stop at Kinkos, we’re off to more appointments. They sure do keep us busy, and they’re not even here yet!

Do I have 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7?

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You can easily check to see whether you have 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7. Even if you don’t know what this means, sometimes you need to know which version you have when downloading software or drivers.

First, find your “Computer” icon. The easiest place to find it is in the start menu. You might also have  a Computer icon on your Desktop. Right click the Computer icon and choose Properties.

From here a window will open up. Find the line that says 32 bit or 64 bit. I’ve circled my 64 bit in red in this picture. Once you’ve located your 64 or 32 bit information, you may close this window. You’re all set!

Low Key Photo Shoot Bonanza

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I suggest starting with the Roaring Katie photo… after clicking on it, press the “L” key, then right arrow to your heart’s content.
Rawr!Psalm 23:4IMG_7154.jpgThe PintaIlluminating TrioSingle Pink RoseEvening Port

I decided to take some low key photos of a bottle and glass of Bogle Petite Sirah Port this evening. Surprise, I got to drink the shooting subject when I was done! “Does that make you take better pictures or worse,” inquired my couch-resting wife who is near bursting with our twins.

No sooner had I finished with my wine photo shoot, she began rattling off things for me to photograph with my temporary setup. By the end of it, I even coaxed Katie our cat to pose with a small dash of milk to keep her occupied.

I think I was the subject of some serious bed rest induced boredom leading her to some creative outlet. But hey, it was fun. All of her ideas were great and they turned out fairly well.

I still have a lot of practice to do when it comes to managing specular reflections, but I think they aren’t half bad considering I did them all with a single strobe both diffused and snooted by an open microwave!