Cayden's New Moves

Not a lot of explanation required here:

New Car: 2008 Lincoln MKX

This is how we roll.



This new car may be a Lincoln MKX like my last car was, but there are a few key changes:

Rollin' on Dubs (Translation: The rims on this car are huge! 20" rims VS. 18" that came on the last MKX.

SYNC interactive system designed by Microsoft (Integrates bluetooth phones and ipod players so they can be controlled by your voice and played through the car's THX sound system.

Vapor Silver (New color for 2008.)

Panoramic Vista Roof (Not one, but TWO gaping holes to the sky. Really cool.)

The Black MKX was sharp and I loved driving it. I was ready for the new one however. (Plus we had to change Cayden on the front seat of the old one on our return trip from Kansas last week. Once you change a diaper in a car, it needs to be replaced.)

Fall Fling: 2007 Mustang GT California Special

Do not get too excited: this was just a weekend fling. The MKX is back in the garage. It was a good weekend though.


This beautiful red stallion is fast and fun. It definitely turns a lot of heads. It was Cayden's first time in a convertible. It is actually easier to take the top down to put him in his car seat rather than going through the passenger-side door. At high speeds he did not really appreciate the wind, but cruising around Arlington he was all smiles.

Nothing To Say...

Well, writing a blog entry when you have nothing to say is kind of like handing a microphone to a drunk. You are never quite sure what is going to come out. But sometimes it is fun to just write on the fly.

Today was not Veteran's Day. For some reason Ford Motor Company recognized Veteran's Day today anyway. I did not have a problem with that because it meant I got to stay home with Suz and the C-Monster.

We did not do a whole lot, but it was fine anyway. We slept in, ate waffles, went to the park, and did some Christmas shopping.

Somewhere in there I got stuck in front of the television watching Dora the Explorer. It was kind of embarrassing when I realized Cayden had left the room and it was just me watching Dora the Explorer.

You know that feeling. Like when you space out when driving and realize that you have listened to almost an entire Madonna song.

Anyway, I had to turn Dora off because I felt like I was being manipulated into learning Spanish.

That is all for now. Hasta Luego.

Cayden B. Goode

Wow! I got a few responses after that last blog entry I wrote on the fly. Maybe I am over-thinking this process.

Anyway, after calling back everyone that asked me to call them, I decided to go back to the editing room. Some of you have been patient. Some of you have not. Regardless, it is time to open up the video archives and see what I can pull together.

If you have not noticed, pretty much every video I make features no adults, just Cayden -- hence the name 'Cayden Cam.' All you see are the muppets and the adults' legs. It kind of reminds me of a 'Muppet Babies' episode.

"If it ain't broke -- don't fix it."

That being said, this is what the C-Monster has been doing since the last video. Crank up the sound and enjoy!

Where's the Love?

I am taking a lot of heat as of late regarding my lack of updates. For this, I do not apologize. I began this blogging process much earlier than most of you. I should have some blogging credits saved up somewhere in the Internet bank controlled by Al Gore.

That being said, let it be known that I have been very busy researching and completing applications for graduate school. Although I have not been posting it, I have still been writing...application essays.

This is a tough process because you have to make yourself sound good -- but not arrogant. You have to weave in examples that show why you are so great, but still so humble. Like the time I found a way to re-use postage stamps, resulting in immense cost savings that single-handedly saved the company from certain bankruptcy, but did not take credit for it -- until now.

I have also had to highlight my diversity skills by relaying my experience ordering pizzas with half pepperoni and half Canadian bacon with pineapple. This increase in pizza topping availability made a higher percentage of people happy, resulting in higher levels of workplace satisfaction, which single-handedly saved the company from certain bankruptcy.

The most difficult essay by far involved identifying the biggest mistake in my career in which I tried to use a label maker and accidentally triggered my company's silent alarm . . . which almost single-handedly sent my company to the brink of certain bankruptcy.

The point in all this is . . . well, I'm not sure that there was intended to be a point. But I have not been neglecting the blogging community, I have just been busy.

Stay tuned. There will be more to come....no promises as to when though.

Mobile Monster

Just a quick glimpse of what is to come...

Who's running this place?

As the pictures below indicate, we have turned over the keys to our house to Cayden. He obviously has free reign over it.

Allow me to explain what you see:

On the ground: Baby wipes (clean, sterile baby wipes.) Cayden has learned how to take baby wipes out of the package by himself. He has not learned how to put them back yet...

Neither have we.

The chairs: Cayden cannot walk by himself, but

he could push a car uphill if that's where he wants the car to be. Cayden likes to push things. He pushes the chairs and his high chair all over the kitchen.

The garbage can: You can't see it. Because it is on top of one of the chairs. Cayden kept knocking it over when it was on the ground and exploring the contents therein.

The mop: The mop used to be in the crevice between the counter and the refrigerator. The mop has had to find a new place to live because Cayden learned how to slide in the crevice between the counter and the refrigerator.

Cayden's Air Force Ones

And now for something different...

This next Cayden Cam brings a bit of the urban flavor.

Cayden Cam Fans: It is on!

New Car: 2007 Lincoln MKX

Lincoln has decided that cars are more distinct and memorable if their names are composed of hard to remember conglomerates of random letters.


Enter the Lincoln MKX.



That -- would be the only downer of this b-e-a-u-tiful black ride. As you may be aware the Lincoln MKX is the flashier, high-society version of the Ford Edge. They share sheetmetal, platforms, and powertrain.

That being said, the MKX comes with a few tricks the Edge cannot match:

• Heated REAR seats
• Heated AND Cooled Front seats
• THX-Certified 14-speaker stereo (I have only found 11 so far...Still looking for three.)
• 18" Chromed wheels
• Power lift-gate (As in, you push a button and the hatch opens. You push a button and the hatch closes.)
• Chrome everywhere.

Suzanne is partial to the Edge. I love this car. I feel a little out of place driving it. People look at me and I can read their thoughts:

"Does your mother know you're driving her car?"

For Julie...

Sorry for the lack of blog activity. Creativity has been at a standstill over the last couple weeks. Just had a little today.

Julie -- this one's for you:

"She is The Blogging Queen, not a Clogging Queen, older than seventeen
Blogging Queen, previewing her blog on her 17” screen.
She can type, she can comment, recounting the stories of her life
See that girl, counting scorpions, dig in the Blogging Queen!"

New Cayden Cam Video: Warning!

Cayden Cam Junkies:

After countless emails and letters from fans across the country pleading for more Cayden Cam, I have returned from hiding to bring the fans what they want: more Cayden Cam.

It was a tremendously difficult decision. Great Life was such an iconic hit with the fan base, that I felt anything else would pale by comparison. That is the chance I take to give the people what they want.

It comes with a warning however: You are about to have a song stuck in your head that you probably do not want people to hear you singing to yourself. Please use discretion.

You brought this upon yourselves.

That being said: Enjoy!

The Mistress: New Bike

Some of you may have been confused about the last post. Pick up a cycling magazine and read up. In case you have not heard, me and the Allez have decided we are going to just be friends.

It was not exactly mutual. You see, I am riding something else now.
Enter: Cannondale CAAD 8.

Specs:

• Aluminum Cannondale CAAD 8 Frame
• Cannondale Slice Carbon Fork
• Campagnolo Record Headset
• Dura-Ace Groupo
• Mavic Ksyrium SL Wheel Set

After one week and two 50-mile rides, I can say it is love at first ride.

Here is how it works: Dad broke the Dura-Ace shift lever on his Merlin Extra Lite when the garage door caught the handlebars. A friend informed Dad that the local bike shop had the bike above with a complete Campagnolo groupo for just over the price of the Campagnolo groupo alone. As an added bonus, the bike came with 2007 Mavic Ksyrium Rims and a very solid Aluminum Frame.

After thinking it over for, say...seven minutes -- Dad bought the bike with the intent of robbing the Campagnolo components and the new rims to put on his bike. As a result, the Dura-Ace groupo that was on Dad's Merlin Extra Lite was put on the Cannondale -- along with a new Dura Ace Flight Deck shift lever to replace the broken one.

After Dad waved the bike in my face -- but just out of reach, we were able to arrange a purchase plan. At the end of the day, Dad got a good deal on a Campagnolo groupo -- the Holy Grail of componentry -- and I got a good deal on everything else.

The only problem now is that with a good bike underneath me, I don't have any excuses left.

Cheating Heart

When were you going to tell me Rand? For the last several months every Saturday we have enjoyed that precious morning ride together. Then suddenly you disappear for a week without telling me anything. When you come back you won't even look at me.

And then last night you come home with a newer, lighter model. Is the four-pound difference in weight worth the anguish you're making me feel?

You never looked at me the way you look at her and it hurts. What does she have that I don't have? An aluminum frame? I have news for you: I'm a carbon fiber composite. I may be old-school technology, but my subtle ride will not punish you like aluminum will.

Is it the full Dura-Ace groupo? Because I have Dura-Ace too! And did you think I wouldn't notice that little Campagnolo Record headset she was wearing. The tramp!

I may not have a Slice Carbon fork or Mavic Ksyrium SL rims, but I have heart. I was there for you on days that were too wet for a trail ride, where only a road bike would do.

I should have seen this coming. You and your father are just the same. I was his pride and joy for years until that Merlin Extra-Lite showed up. Suddenly my years of loyalty meant nothing as I became the 'back-up Lotoja bike.'

I can't go through that again. You have to love me...or let me go.

Lovingly yours,

Specialized Allez

New Cayden Cam Video: The C-Monster IS GO!

Hello there Cayden Cam junkies. Has it been a while since you got your fix? As of today, the Cayden Cam has fresh product.

New Cayden Cam Video: Toro!

To whom it may concern:

I uploaded a new video to the Cayden Cam last week.

The Late-Night Binge

You know that feeling you get right before you are going to start fasting or go without food for a while? I experience that every night. Suz will validate. Do not laugh -- because it is not funny. I just get ultra snacky right before bed.

So...I will have something salty.

Then I will think: "That was good...but I want to end on something sweet."

So...I will have something sweet.

Then I will think: "That was good too...but I think I acutally wanted to end on something salty after all."

And the cycle repeats.

The other night -- I kid you not -- I had the following foods in the the following order (as near as I remember):

• Sip of Mug's Rootbeer (The BEST rootbeer -- do not bring that Barq's crap!)
• Three Ritz crackers with Mozzarella cheese spread that Mom left from her last visit
• One Chips Ahoy cookie
• Two bites of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream (I know, two sweets in a row -- big faux pas)
• A sip of the Fuze grapefruit juice -- from Mom's last visit (This nasty crap is neither sweet nor salty, so it balances out the two sweets that proceeded it.)
• Water (I had to have something to clear the previous five items out.)
  

And that is it. I do not know how I made it through the night without perishing for lack of food. If I were a Diabetic, this would be the perfect storm.

Happy Mother's Day

If you are a man with a wife or mother: Today is Mother's Day. If this comes as news to you -- you screwed up. You better go find a Walgreen's or something.

Suzanne got flowers from me and a new mini-video from C-Monster. Okay, I helped -- a little. Anyway, Suzanne is an excellent mother and by far the best mother of my child! Hands down. That is why Cayden and I love her so much.

(And she makes chocolate-chip cookies for me on Sundays)

New Car: 2007 Ford Edge

"I want to live on the EDGE!"

If you've been half-awake during any American Idol episode this year then you have probably heard the commercials. And although my new Ford Edge does not drive on buildings -- it is still pretty sweet.

This particular vehicle was a hand-me-down from one of our employees here that was relocated to Detroit. A little strategic planning on my part planted me in the 10-way, heated, charcoal leather driver's seat.

I must say, it was very hard to say goodbye to the Milan. We have been though a lot together. 14,000 miles to be exact. But, the eye-catching Edge is quickly filling the void. Tender.

Here are the details:

• 2007 Edge SEL


• All-Wheel Drive


• 3.5L V6


• 265 HP (Best-in-class)


• 250 lb./ft. of torque


• 18" wheels


• Navigation


• DVD-Entertainment Center

Am I pleased with it? Very. It has all the capability of an Explorer but handling more similar to the Milan or Fusion. And it will get you to 60 MPH quicker than a Nissan Murano (ahem) with an interior quieter than a Lexus RX 330.

I have a website too, folks.

After receiving several (2) emails from my adoring fans wondering where the new videos are that I had promised, I am prompted to say:

"And other sites I have, which are not of this blog: them also I must write, and they shall hear my voice."

What does this mean? Well:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before randblair.blogspot.com was, RandBlair.com was"

In short, the videos are posted to my website. When I posted them earlier this week I didn't get around to announcing it here on my blog. But the videos are there regardless. Here is the link:

www.randblair.com/features/cayden-cam.htm

There are two new videos in the last week. Enjoy.

P.S. New car write-up coming shortly.
P.S.S. Cayden is seven months old today!

Getting Older...

Sorry, no C-Monster videos today. He and Suzanne are still in Utah vacationing while I sit here alone and dejected. Wow -- I got even more depressed just writing that.

The real reason I logged in today was to tell you I legitimately forgot how old I was yesterday. Seriously. I was driving along and I thought:

"I am half-way between 20 and 30 (25.)"
"Wait -- am I 25 or 26?"

I seriously had to do the math from 1981 forward. Yep: 26.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Well, it is finally happening. Suz is leaving me and taking the C-Monster to Utah...for a week. Which will mean I am a bachelor...for a week.

Fortunately, it turns out to be the week I will be working down in New Orleans. If Suz has to go home for a week, it might as well be a week when I'll be gone anyway.

I will miss them both terribly and I will have nothing but this video to get me by:

Le Bottle and La Hat

Cayden Cam: Easter!

Cayden is learning to sit up like a big boy. But it is so hard...

http://www.randblair.com/features/cayden-cam040807.htm

Check out the Cayden Cam:

Check out the C-Monster in action LIVE. He loves that binky and one day he will get it in his mouth.

http://www.randblair.com/features/cayden-cam032407.htm

Get a quick look because he is about to go down for a nap!

Cayden: Day 159

It has been amazing over the last couple months to watch as the Cayden's personality has begun to surface. He definitely has a distinct personality all his own. The C-Monster (Cayden) LOVES to watch television. He got that from his mother.


He is old enough now to recognize when sleepy time is coming and he fights it like the plague. He is eating solid foods now (baby food.) It makes his poop smell much, much worse than before.


Overall, he is just so much more aware of other things and other people now. He loves to watch me and Suzanne. If you talk to him in a funny voice he laughs too.

Information Overload

Sorry for the long stretch of nothing but video. The time has come to end my silence. I have been driving quite a bit lately and after so many hours of driving you grow bored with music -- even the wealth of music available on Sirius Satellite Radio available in the 2007 Mercury Milan.

So, like the boring old man I am quickly becoming, I find myself turning the dial to news radio. Fox, CNN, MS NBC, etc. They all find joy in over-reporting the next big story.

Unfortunately, the best news NASA Astronaut Lisa Nowak heard last week was that Anna Nicole died. Suddenly people quit talking about her.

After two weeks of listening this is what I know so far:

• Anna Nicole is still dead
• We don't know who the father is
• There are at least six candidates for the presidential primary
• There are a few more candidates for the the father of Anna Nicole's baby
• Even Astronauts make huge, embarrassing, diaper-wearing mistakes

In other, more important news: Our household has been blessed with the Tivo box! I seriously do not know how we functioned without this before. It will completely change the way we watch television.

Last night, Suz an I watched back-to-back episodes of Lost. I still have a headache from trying to figure out what is going on. Tivo is a definite 'Recommended Buy' in my book. I was skeptical at first, but wow.

Prepare to be Amazed

The Wheels On The Bus

Cayden loves "The Wheels On The Bus." It makes him smile. Therefore, Suz likes to sing it to him -- because we like to see him smile. Rand loves to record random things, like Suz singing to Cayden. All of this culminated in the creation of this video.

Bountiful Peak Snowmobiling

Footage of our trip to the cabin over Christmas Break.