What’s the word, friends?! It has been two weeks since I wrote a Thursday Rundown and I know all of you are chomping at the bit for my latest installment. So, I give you my first Rundown of 2019…

A Rocky Flight – Our journey to Spokane marked the fourth time that Sloan has completed the Charleston to Seattle flight. We thought with her being an experienced traveler that she might be on her best behavior. Wishful thinking on our part. By far, she was more naughty on the plane this time around than the previous three flights combined. However, it makes sense…she is almost 2 years old. Sloan just wanted to move around and play and she didn’t understand why she couldn’t. After about five hours she finally gave in and fell asleep. The “nap” would last about 20 minutes and when she woke up she screamed bloody murder. We think her little ears hurt upon her waking up. Needless to say, we were glad when we finally landed.

This photo looks promising but it was anything but a smooth flight from Charleston to Seattle.

Bird Box – On New Year’s Eve, we watched “Bird Box.” Perhaps I consumed too much of the hype because after the film concluded I was left asking myself what’s the big deal? I was captivated throughout the whole movie but it didn’t exactly stand out and I thought the ending was flat. No, I didn’t think the ending was intriguing, frustrating, thought-provoking, or controversial…I just thought it was predictable and uninspiring. I admit that I was entertained for two hours but it didn’t impact me or cause me to go into deep thought.

I wasn’t overly impressed with “Bird Box.”

It’s Blippi – Sloan has a new obsession! Whenever I pull up YouTube, she now wants to watch someone called “Blippi.” Baby Shark and other animations can take a seat for the moment, our daughter is now favoring live action programming. Yes, Blippi is an actual person who does things in the real world. He is an interesting character for sure, someone who I describe as a cross between Steve from Blue Clues and Pee Wee Herman. Sid and I can only take so much of him…but Sloan will actually sit through an entire video (they average around 16 minutes). So parents, if you are looking for something that is educational and engaging for your toddler, give Blippi a shot.

Blippi is quite the character but Sloan loves him.

High School Reunion – In yesterday’s Spokane recap post, I left one part out about the trip that I would like to recognize today. I had the privilege of reconnecting with Erik Lowe, one of my best friends from high school. We initially met through sports and remained close through the end of our senior years. After we graduated from Mead, we went our separate ways and had very few chances to see each other, except for 2011 when I visited him in Pittsburgh. Thankfully, after several years, I got to chat with him in person again. He came over to my parents’ house and I got to introduce him to Sidney. It was great to see Erik and I hope that he pays Myrtle Beach a visit in the near future.

It was nice chatting with my high school friend, Erik Lowe (before you ask, he is 6’9).

All I Want for Christmas Is… – I was given so many great gifts this holiday season. However, my favorite item I received was from my wife. For a few years, I had a Myrtle Beach keychain that I enjoyed using to hold together all my keys. A couple months ago, it broke. When Sid asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told her I wanted a customized keychain of my girls. She delivered! During our traditional Christmas Eve gift exchange, she gave me what I wanted. Now, no matter where I am at, I always have my wife and daughter with me. Thanks, Sid!

Thank you, Sidney! She will tell you that I specifically asked for a custom key chain.

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I hope 2019 is a solid year for Thursday Rundowns and that this post is a good start. I wish everyone a weekend full of recovery from the busy holiday season. Don’t Blink.