Every Party Needs a Pooper

Whenever Alley hosts a party for one of her kids she invites all of my kids. She might change her mind about that after tonight. During a birthday party for Hannah tonight at Classic Skating, which featured Grandpa Stretch and Beckie roller skating together (quite a sight), Bean decided to steal the show. She tumbled from a 'bounce house' and broke her ankle. She's in a splint right now until the swelling goes down, after which she will get a hard cast. Mosre pictures to come.

Back to School...

This past Monday didn’t start out well for me. I had been battling a cold as was losing the fight. I had also strained a muscle (yes, I do have them) in my arm, and hadn’t been able to bend my elbow. So I was perfectly content to have a grumpy day.

About noon I got a call from Kate. I was in a meeting, so I didn’t answer it. Two minutes later she called again. Again I didn’t answer. The third time she called I was afraid that she was driving to an emergency room with a bloodied child, so I answered.

“Your letter came!” She yelled. I have been (somewhat) patiently waiting for a letter from the University of Utah’s Public Administration program. I stuttered for a moment, unsure of what to say. I didn’t want her to open it because I was sure it was a reject letter and I didn’t want that news over the phone. Before I could put two words together she blurted out “I opened it!”

“Okay.” I said.

“You got accepted!” she informed me.

So this coming fall I will jump back into the fray as a student, working toward a Master’s Degree. After hearing that news I forgot about my cold and my gimpy arm. Nothing could have ruined my day after that.

Happy Easter

From The Shirley Kids

In case you're wondering, Whitney decided she's too cool to get a picture with the Easter Bunny. My little girl is growing up! (sniff)

Keeping Pulse

I have spent the greater part of the last six months working on implementation of an electronic bed tracking system. University Healthcare is considered one of the 'most wired' facilities when it comes to clinical systems, but in regard to clerical systems, we've been in the dark ages until now. The project should be finalized in the next three months. This past week our efforts were recognized in 'The Pulse' our monthly newsletter. It was nice to be quoted, but there's one problem: The only person in the photo is a young lady who works the bed board, not me. So those who don't know will think that Chris Shirley is the woman in the picture. Oh well. With a name like mine it happens all the time...

Princesses and Princesses

This is my 100th post. Anyway, last night Kate and Pat took the girls to Disney's Princesses on Ice at the Energy Solutions Arena (or the 'tox box' as we like to call it). Judging by the pictures, I'd say that a good time was had by all. Patrick and I stayed home and had a bechelor's night, eating junk food and playing Playstation.

Bean didn't really like when the dragon came out and the ice was set on fire.

The Royal Treatment

Whitney's friend had a birthday party at the Hollywood Connection last night. After the party the girls had a slumber party. Whitney was picked up in a limo and thought that she was in heaven. Whit struggled at church today because she was so tired, and we wondered how late she stayed up at the party. The question was answered when I found her at seven o'clock...

Sacked!

Froggy wanted to go too...

Hunting For Timberwolves

My friend James gave me a pair of tickets for tonight's Jazz game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. My Dad also gave me his pair. Since Whitney didn't want to go, she and Bean stayed with Grandma Pat and Kate and I took P and Samantha to the game. Kate and Samanth sat in Seamus' seats while P and I sat in my Dad's seats. As you can see from the pictures, a good time was had by all. You can also tell based on the content of the pictures who was snapping them...

Yes, that is Kyle Korver, and yes, that is our old friend Dick Bavetta...

Kate: He doesn't stay still long enough to get good pictures of him.

Me: That's why he's an upgrade from Giricek.

Story Time

We went live with a new software program at our mental health facility. I oversaw the project, so I had to dedicate most of my time working on it. But I was able to break away on Thursday to attend our Leadership Development Institute. At the LDI we heard from Dr. Dale Hull, and OB/GYN who broke his neck on a trampoline in 1999 and became a quadriplegic. He was told that he would have to use a sip/puff chair for the rest of his life, but in February of 2002 he carried the Olympic torch, running without assistance, and passed the torch to Karl Malone. It was an inspiring story, even for a cynic like me.

Speaking of stories, someone introduced me to a new web site this week: www.goodreads.com. I recommend registering as a user. I have listed all of the books that I have read, along with my ratings on those books. There is also a page to list your 'to-read' books and 'currently reading'. If you register, add me as a friend. You know how much I like to compare notes.