I'm married to a "Bang Bang Girl"

Hey blog readers...been a whirlwind week. Lot's of fun stuff to report. So I am going to utilize this otherwise lazy and relaxing Sunday morning to catch you up.

Last Sunday we hit the Round Barn Winery Harvest Party. It was a very nice time. L.A., F.i.L., Jenny, Tommy & Kelly (friends from my work) and Jen & Dave (Friends from Jen's work) all gathered under the E-Z up Canopy for wine, cigars and laughter. We discovered the Yummy Cocoa Stout that they make, and we are hooked. It is smooth and creamy, and generally delightful.

Tuesday, Sharkboy had orientation at his pre-school(P.D.O.). It was fun. He is a Pre-K'er and it is a little sad. It will be his last year there. He is growing up so fast. I filled out all the paperwork, emergency contacts, likes & dislikes...you know typical school paperwork. He on the other hand got to play with his friends and meet his new teachers. It was a good morning.

On Thursday I made the mad dash back to Round Barn to pick up some Cocoa Stout. We found out that Athena would be able to make a stop at the house on Friday evening for Libations on the deck. So I felt the need to share our new find with her, knowing that she would appreciate it. I also helped my parent move a bed to their house for Sharkboy to sleep on when he is there for an overnight. I realized during this mission of bed retrieval that it is simply amazing that I don't rock myself in the corner and eat paste as a general nutritional supplement. It really wasn't that horrible, just a culture shock. Thank God...L.A. and F.i.L. were home for me to work on my cigar and decompress a bit prior to returning home to my family(and I should have had one of those hot dogs...man those have been in my head ever since). Thanks again for being out on your deck and relaxing, you guys are the best.

Friday Jenny joined some of her co-workers for after work drinks and appetizers at Bone Fish. The group have decided that in honor of the famous Bang-Bang Shrimp, they would assume the name of "Bang-Bang Girls"(hence the blog title, what else would it be...naughty). Good times for them...

Friday evening Athen joined us on the deck for Libations and Relaxation. I had read her blog (as should you) and discovered she was going to be in the general geographical area and invited her over. She immediately accepted and plans were made. I had acquired the aformentioned Cocoa Stout and Jenny brought home appetizers from Bonefish. When she arrived I was surprised at the fact that she was toting a wheeled cooler behind her. She brought home brewed beer from Indy (actually from a co-worker, and he is a god in my book). So we sat on the deck and drank and caught up. It was a great time. We laughed and laughed and laughed. Sharkboy and Daisy provided entertainment at times as well. We must make it a point to see Athena more often...We "heart" Athena!

Saturday morning I got my haircut. Cassie again worked her magic on my hair. Not that my haircut is the most complex, but she does a great job. I recieved the VIP appointment time. She got their at 8:30...just for me. I didn't even beg...she just did it.(thanks, and I was digging the ponytails, bandanas and Jeans)

On the way to get my haircut I was in a morning after drinking home/micro brewed beer fog and realized some things that I appreciate from the past week. So here they are in no particular order:

Micro/Home brewed beer, Old friends and laughter, Bang-Bang Girls, L.A. & F.i.L., Round Barn Winery, New Friends, Sharkboy and Jenny, moments of silence, the deck and gazebo, Satalite Radio (Margaritaville Radio), Golfing, Daisy (and the shot that keeps her from itching/chewing her legs off), No hurricanes in Indiana, My Mom & Dad(even though they are crazy), Jenny(the best wife in the world, worthy of notice twice), Sunshine, cool breezes, green grass and last but not least...my blog readers.

Well coming up this week we have Scully coming in from Seatle on Tuesday. Awesome Uncle Jon's Birthday dinner on Thursday night. I am working Mon., Wed., Fri. at the fire house. So we will see how this week unfolds. I will update if and when I get time...

So until next time,

Be Kind, Be Safe...

Shalom my Peeps.

Yummy, yummy for my Tummy...

Hey blog readers...good day so far. Been busy with calls, but they have been spread out pretty well. Just enough time to get reports caught up and we are off to the next...good times.

Last night we hit Logan's Steak house for a little family dinner out on the town. Sharkboy was flirting with the waitress, as usual. The hostess was one of his former teachers. She was amazed at how big he has gotten, it was nice to catch up with her. Good food and I feel like I have to add here. I am really liking the trend that restaurants are taking with dessert. This is one of the few times that I have noticed, but they are making desserts in shot glass size containers. Just enough to give you something sweet, but not enough to affect your overall comfort. Very nice...

Today like I said has been packed with calls. It has been a good day to be a fireman. Notre Dame students are returning to the area for yet another year. We should pick up a few drunk student calls in the next few weeks...but it is the risk you run.

Now to the title. I made a Pork Tenderloin tonight on the grill that was to die for. OMG...it cooked for 3 hours on the rotisserie on the grill. It was 4 lbs., add the homemade mashed potatoes, green beans and salad and I am here to tell you...I am not even hungry anymore.

Well tomorrow is the Harvest party at the winery...Lots of potential for stories. I will hopefully update tomorrow.

That is it for tonight...

Be Kind, Be Safe...

Shalom my Peeps.

Decisions, decisions....

Hey blog readers...things are good here in the "Bend". Thought I would jump on here and update a few things and toss out some things on my mind...so here we go.

Soccer last night was a blast. Sharkboy I don't think is really cut out for this whole soccer thing. I understand he is 4 and he lacks focus most of the time, but he just runs around like a wild man the whole time talking to the other parents, the coaches(flirting with coach Ashley...good eye E-man) and basically everything but play soccer. The super fast button did make an appearance, as did the super power shoes. Not really sure what either of those are about, but it is clear this kid has an imagination like you wouldn't believe.

Now to the things on my mind...

As many of you know I work a part time job. Sadly I think it is becoming too much for me. I haven't accomplished most of the things that I wanted to this summer. I feel like all I do is work and I think it is coming time that I either cut ties or cut back drastically. Now my boss is in the loop on this, but I feel like I may be leaving him in a tough place if I leave. On the same thought, if I stay, I put myself in a rough spot. I feel like I am stuck in between a rock and hard spot...

The fire station is a dynamic all it's own...I hinted at some things that were bothering me on the last blog, and sadly that is about as far as I can go. I am not sure who reads this and don't want to put all the cards on the table...if you know what I mean. (I plead the 5th)...

The church that our family attends recieved a new Pastor in July. I have to say that she does nothing for me. She leaves me with nothing. I am empty when I get there and empty when I leave. She is a very poor communicator and organizer. Her idea of organizing is, say people will do things, committ them to do things and then they find out they are supposed to do it when someone tells them or they read it in one of the publications from church. She never asks anyone anything. I am really frustrated, because I don't want to just jump ship. I have attended this church since I was a kid, Jenny has too. I don't know who to tell, or complain to. I know I am not alone. I have had several conversations with people and they all end the same..."I am not sure I like her". I know...I know...you have to give people a chance. Well, I am not an expert, but I do like to think I do pretty well with first impressions and hers so far has not been monumental. She strikes me as the type of person who has always gotten what she wanted...well she may be disappointed real soon. I have to tell you, the thought of looking for a new church turns my stomach...I don't have time to paint my front porch...let alone find a new church.

Well that is about it...I feel like I should add here. The family is awesome, friends...awesome. I don't want you to get the impression that my life is filled with doom and gloom on the contrary...I laugh hard, love harder and appreciate as much as I am capable of. I have lots of awesome things on the radar. Wine festival this weekend with L.A. & F-i-L(2 of my favorite people on the planet), and the rest of the gang. Ludington in about a month(aka Wienerfest 2008), and Indy in November(whole family 10 yr. anniversary trip). I just wanted to vent some things and see if clarity follows...we will see.

So for now...(Thank you for your tolerance and attention)

Be Kind, Be Safe...

Shalom my Peeps...!

Today show blooper...

Hey blog readers...been a while since I posted. Lot's going on. Work, work, work seems to be the theme. Not to mention we are at the end of the summer and trying to squeeze in all those things that we kept putting off another week...you know, Sun and fun induced procrastination. But here are some random things that I remember in this clogged up head of mine.

The last post, you will notice I had a link to a local television station. Well we had a call to a local gas station where a woman was delivering her baby. When we got there she had already delivered and was holding her little bundle of joy on her belly. Cord tied with a shoe string. Cord clamped and cut the clip shows me carry the baby into the ambulance. She did all the work, we just got all the new air time.

Sharkboy has been up to his little 4 y/o pranks...peeing on all the bushes outside(Mommy said it was Ok). We are in the middle of soccer practices. He does really well in the begining, when it is all one on one skills and fun games, but when they get to the game portion of play he seems to lose focus and just run back and fourth...no where near the ball. He is also doing this thing when he runs...he will be running at a moderate pace and then he reaches over, as if accessing a control board, and says "super speed" while pressing an imaginary button. He then picks up the pace to a full on sprint. It is hilarious...that must be what I have been doing wrong all these years. I need to hit the super speed button.

Went to the race track last week in Michigan. I was only able to go for practice and qualifying on Friday, since I had to work. But I am considering working at the track next year as a fire fighter. That would entail standing on pit road between the pit stalls and extinguishing any little fire that would break out...plus it would put me in the middle of all the action. I will update as that progresses.

On the way home from the track I was winding through the "Irish Hills" of Michigan and noticed a yard sale. It was very similar to most yard sales that one would see while traversing the great highway/road system in this great nation, but the sign is what caught my eye. It said..."Yard Sale Every Friday & Saturday". Really...every Friday and Saturday. At what point does it transfer from yard sale to front yard goodwill? I would have stopped, but I was in a hurry to get home and see the family.

Now to the title...I don't know if anybody else was watching the Today show on NBC today, but they were away on commercial break and Merideth and Ann were standing in the wrong spot at the wrong time and caught it from a fountain in the ground. It was hilarious. I am sure if you search Youtube.com it will be on there(it wasn't at time of posting).

Well that is pretty much it...other than work, and I am not sure you all need to hear what is frustrating me there. Let's just say that sometimes people need to work on the way they communicate. Contrary to their opinion other people have common sense and don't require a "parent" at all times. Confrontation is not the only way to solve every situation...ok, sorry...putting my soap box away.

Well some things on my not so distance radar. Soccer tonight (must remember to pack super fast button) and Part time gig this week. Sunday we have the harvest party at Round Barn Winery, lots of yummy libations and cigars will definately be on tap that day.

So until next time...notice no time commmitment.

Be Kind, Be Safe(especially when hitting "Super Fast" button)...

Shalom my peeps...

Good day today...

Hey blog readers...check out the following link. It is self explanitory.

http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/26375219.html

More later.

Be Kind, Be Safe...

Shalom my Peeps!

Wednesday's meanderings...

Hey blog readers. I caught things up today at my part time gig so I have a few minutes to post some randomness...

Went to the Silverhawks game last night...can I just say that 97% humidity is for the birds. It was so muggy out last night...OMG! Sharkboy had a good time though. He met a new little friend named Christian, and they hit it off rather quickly. He was able to scam a baseball off of Stephanie and he was even able to mooch some cotton candy off of her. But she didn't seem to mind...on the contrary she seemed to really enjoy it. So we got to catch up with some of the people we only see once a year at the ball game and we got to hang out some more with those we see all the time too. Good time.

This morning I was able to have breakfast with my friend Tara from high school. She, her husband Tim and their little boy Alex were my company. We had a very nice time catching up and laughing...I miss her a lot. We became pretty close through the years and it just kills me that she is in Florida. Oh well...just another excuse to got to Florida...

Soccer tonight with Sharkboy...should be a good time. He really has the hang of things, so I can't wait to see him out their giving it his all.

The other night I mowed the grass and edged the yard. My usual yard duties. When I get the backpack blower out(to get in touch with my inner mexican) I let Sharkboy help me. I usually have to knock him off the machine towards the end since at 4, he doesn't have the eye for detail that I do. Well this time he just stopped helping me and said thank you and walked away. I only had the front sidewalk to do. When I was done I was making my way to the backyard to blow off the deck when something in the corner of my eye got my attention. It was Sharkboy standing behind one of our bushes that is a bit taller than him. He was peeing...in the front yard. I stopped and he didn't see me watching. When he was done, he pulled up his britches and made for the front door. The same door that is like 15 ft. from the bathroom. Well he turned around realizing that he already did his business outside and he saw me. He was caught...had that Oh man, Dad saw me peeing on the bushes look in his eye. He also had the think fast on his feet look in his eye, and quickly said..."hey Dad...you didn't see that, did you?" To which I indicated that I had and he followed that up with..."Sorry, I just couldn't help it." "Mommy said it was Ok..." Now you will recall that 3 weeks ago when we put in the hardwood floor she gave him permission once. Now he is a little sprinkler. Well we had a talk and his excuse for peeing in the yard was this. "It's fun Daddy, you should try it" How do I argue with that...

Well that is it for now...have a great Wednesday evening...

Be Kind, Be Safe,

Shalom my Peeps.

I'm back....

Hey blog readers...I have taken a little 2 week break. Some of it was on purpose, some of it was due to work. I have spent the last 2 weeks of my life working way too much and relaxing way too little. I could put you to sleep with the details of this week, but that wouldn't be very nice. Here is the one paragraph run down.

Work...work and more work. Not a lot of family time, but I have tried to make some of that up this weekend. Short simple and sweet...I overbooked myself in a big way. That is it. There were a lot of little things that happened, but like I said, I won't bore you to sleep with them.

This week should be a lot better. I managed to get the deck sealed/stained. It is looking like brand new again. I had a little tactical error in sealing it and ended up taking 5 hours to do it. I thought I could roll out the floor, but the roller I got didn't really work to well, so I got some foam brushes out of my stock and did it by hand. It actually looks a lot better then the last time I did it, so I will most likely repeat that process next time. The great news about that is I only have to do it every 3-4 years.

Planning 2 trips to "The Cove" this week for some baseball. Jenny's work has their event on Tuesday and my part time gig has theirs on Friday. The Friday game has fireworks afterwords. I love live baseball...so a couple of nice evenings ahead of us.

Today I put up our Gazebo...aka Bazego(according to Sharkboy). It is really nice. It is making our little deck a little escape to paradise. I still need to engineer and install the ceiling fan in it, but it will be a nice place for us to hang out. I am actually on the deck now blogging from my new Cigar smoking position.

Tuesday morning I start my new assignment at Sta. 1. I am going to take this move head on. I have big plans and hope to expand my leadership role on my shift. I will be in a position to have some influence. I think it is time to take things up a notch. Time to put a bigger "Jay" footprint in this world.

Well that is all I have for now. I will most likely be able to update tomorrow. So hopefully I will be able to come up with a cute Sharkboy story. So if e-mail if you want...I should be on the computer more often.

So in case you forgot...

Be Kind, Be Safe...

Shalom my Peeps.