From The Weekend

- I've never really had a decent watch. For the longest time, until I decided I should start acting like an adult, I never wore one; even then, it didn't change the way I acted, only the way I looked. I never put much money into a timepiece. My last watch set me back $20 and lasted almost four years.

Through some admitted user error, it broke last February. Since then, I have used my hiking watch which is perfectly appropriate for wilderness trails and deserts but less appealing at art galleries and symphonies.

So I started looking at the watches worn by my brothers-in-law. I can't spend on a watch what family members have spent on a car. Last night, however, I went to the mall with Melissa and Hilary and bought a watch that should last at least the next ten years.

And I only had to spend on this what I've previously spent for a suit.

- My life has become a cliche.

Yesterday, the boys went to the shooting range while the girls stayed home and worked on the nursery and went shopping.

Also, I think it's the first time in my life I've ever said, "I need to run out and get more shells."

- Two weekends I was sick. One of those weekends coincided with the fitness center putting down new flooring. Then two weekends in a row passed with various family commitments. That's how long it's been since I've been to a yoga class.

My legs and back started to tighten up and I knew I was only one awkward move away from throwing my back out. After yesterday's session, I'm quite sore but can at least touch my toes once again.

Also yesterday morning, we were in the middle of a a move that took more strength, balance, and dexterity than I could muster. Selena, the instructor, intended to tell us to finish it off by extending the pointer fingers. Instead, she mistakenly instructed to extend the middle fingers, which I think is what everybody wanted to do in the first place.

- Some friends of ours had a housewarming party last night. We've know Christy for ten years and Jeremy for about four, when he started going with her to Christmas parties and other work-related events.

When Christy first told me of their get-together, I mentioned that after three years, it was too late for us to welcome people to our home; besides, I added, I'd have to let people in my house and talk to them. Of course, I was joking (or was I?). Christy nodded her head in agreement and said that was exactly Jeremy's argument.

Last week, Christy told me she was in the back yard and met the neighbors over the fence. She was excited at meeting those who share a neighborhood. Jeremy was less than thrilled and told his wife she needs to stop being talking to people.

I think we'll get along just fine. And I changed into my party clothes.