Today should be a holiday

I almost feel bad for coming to work today. I have some things to do, but I find myself "distracted" by the fact that today is the non-waiver trading deadline in Major League Baseball. As such, I am literally monitoring about a dozen web sites to see if my beloved Cardinals will pull off the big trade for a bat or an arm that will take us to the World Series. So far, not much is happening. The Reds made some improvements for their bullpen via trade. Of course, the Yanks pulled off the Abreu deal yesterday. We'll see if that's enough to get them the wild card or the AL East.

In other news, I have a pretty big conversation coming up with my boss tomorrow. My wife and I have decided that she will stay at home come December when Emilia is born. I really think this is a good decision for us and our family, but it doesn't come without some internal concerns for me, especially with regard to finances. So in an effort to get a better sense for where my career is going at my current job, I am going to sit down with my boss tomorrow and see if he can shed some light on my future. We'll see how the conversation goes. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Erika and I are sorting through the chaos and confusion that surrounds a first child, and I think we are managing OK. We are closing in on a crib and furniture, and have some good plans in place for the Nursery. It can sometimes be overwhelming for us to try to manage what all we need for the baby and what all those things cost, but we are plowing through it as best we can.

Finally, I wanted to write about the fact that I am trying to motivate myself for a workout regimen. I need to lose about 30 pounds, and I would like to start lifting weights and gaining some muscle. I very much want to get into this, but it is difficult to find the time for it and to maintain the "balance" that is so critical in life. I want to spend time with my wife and friends, and I also need to work everyday. I also don't mind getting some sleep. But I am going to try to stuff another 30-45 minutes into the schedule for a workout. I'll keep writing about it and maybe that will motivate me. Or maybe hold me accountable. I'll keep you posted.

Go Cards!