Kenneth Hilton: The Best Neighbor Ever
Kenny was my neighbor. He always kept an eye out on our house when we traveled. Once, he even mowed the lawn for me, with out my knowing, while we were away.
He loved Mona; thought she was just fantastic. Anytime we were out playing, he would smile a big toothy grin, wave real big, and shout, “Hi, Mona!” I’m going to miss that.
Last Christmas, Jen noticed him collecting evergreen branches. She inquired what he was doing, and found out he was creating Christmas arrangements for people. I only later realized those people were mostly elderly, and not spending Christmas with anyone.
On Saturday, Dec 17th, 2011, Kenny passed away due to a long and painful fight with cancer. The closing line from Kenny’s obituary reads, Ken always gave more than he got out of life regardless of who he was dealing with… I can think of no better description.
Rest in peace, Kenny. You will be missed dearly. This street isn’t as good with out you.
“I’d like to thank you for nothing at all.” – Wilco (Taken with Instagram at Uptown Theater)
2011 Collab-mas List by Christian Ross & Friends
Hey everyone, head on over to Christian Ross’s Collab-mas List. It’s really great, and even features a few items from lovable ol’ me.
Jen & Mona. Portland, ME. 2011. (Taken with Instagram at Scarborough Beach State Park)
Here’s an easy way to launch on time and on budget: keep them fixed. Never throw more time or money at a problem, just scale back the scope.
There’s a myth that goes like this: we can launch on time, on budget, and on scope. It almost never happens and when it does quality often suffers.
If you can’t fit everything in within the time and budget allotted then don’t expand the time and budget. Instead, pull back the scope. There’s always time to add stuff later — later is eternal, now is fleeting.
A bad lip-reading of Herman Cain.
Necessary may be an overstatement for the items listed in JCrew’s Necessary Luxuries page. Cool, however…
To the powers at JCrew: less Dodo cases, and more like this, please.
(via Men’s accessories - necessary luxuries - John Derian® oval paperweight - J.Crew)
Q:Eric - You still live in the Kansas City area - it says you just went to work for Oven Bits and they show they are in Dallas. Tom Brush.
Anonymous
Tom, you are correct. On both accounts. I am in the Kansas City area, and I work at Oven Bits. Oven Bits is based in Dallas. Scotty Moon and me are expanding the empire in to the exotic midwest.
Speaking of Oven Bits, we’re looking to hire a few talented developers. If you know anyone with top shelp chops, please pass along the word.
All other sinks pay heed. (Taken with Instagram at Lattè Land)
Things I Want My Daughter To Know: Siblings
You’re going to have one.
Sibling is a fancy word for brother or sister. You and me share a distinct standing as first-born siblings. This means, by birthright, that we are awesome.
Birthright is a fancy word for getting something just for being born. Like being good looking.
As one oldest sibling to a future oldest sibling, let me offer this direction.
Be slow to speak. You’re sibling will likely take the blame.
You will gain great parental diplomacy. This should not be free to siblings.
Always call shotgun first.
When failing to call shotgun first, play the seniority card.
Your clothes will become their clothes. Choose wisely.
Imaginary lines are you friend.
The element of surprise is both priceless and hilarious.
You’re going to be a great big sister. I know it.
Things I Want My Daughter To Know: Sadness
It’s part of you.
In human terms, I would define emotion thusly:
The ability to feel something that is intangible.
Perhaps too simple a definition, but I think it fits. Emotions are a gift, and should not be taken for granted. Sadness is an emotion, and therefore, is a gift.
What I want you to know is that it’s alright to be sad, but don’t stay sad because that is no fun.
I think the best way to get past sadness is to talk it out; even if it’s on paper. This will help you identify what is making you sad.
No matter how hard your Mom or me try to shield you from it, you will get sad. At times it will be silly. Other times it will be profound. Embrace it. Without sadness, we would never know joy.
