Hey blog readers...according to my calculations, it has been 5 weeks since my last blog. Since then, there have been many changes in my life. So I think it is about time to put a little update. So here we go, and here is to hoping it doesn't get too long winded...
First and foremost is changes at work. No, I didn't change jobs, and no I am not in trouble. I applied for a promotion to Battalion Chief. I didn't end up getting it, but it opened my eyes to all the things I would like to see unfold in my career and was a great time to reflect on my everyday activities at work and tweek things a bit to make my days better and more productive. Well in the midst of the process I was moved to another shift. Same hours for those non-fire people that are reading, just different days. It was neccessary due to the promotions that occured. So now I have a new Battalion Chief and a new partner and not least of all I have a new shift. It is somewhat bittersweet though. I really liked the guys I worked with, and it is difficult to express either way (good or bad) how I feel about the shift change. On one hand, I am excited about the new opportunities, but on the other I am, like most, fearful of change. So I just have to gauge my responses to people so I don't hurt anyones feelings.
Jen and I celebrated on Nov. 14th our 12th Wedding Anniversary. She truly is a blessing in my life. If you know me, I am not affraid to say this to anyone. She is the best in every way to me. I could go on and on, but someone along time coined a phrase that sums it up...I Love Her. We went to Indy and hung out with friends. We had pizza, played pool, ate sushi enjoyed some drinks, smoked a cigar, and many great conversations. Sharkboy stayed home on this trip and got some great time with Mimi and Papa. It was a great weekend, and I look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with Jen.
The seasons are changing around here, so that means change for everyone. Beyond the obvious slow down driving, shoveling snow and all the things that go with winter. Christmas season is upon us and we are ready at the Leonard house. Trees are up, Christmas decorations are everywhere and Christmas Elf is making regular visits to Sharkboy. It is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the weather, I love the visits with family and I especially love the fact that all the little projects that I have ignored inside now must be done because there is no avoiding them.
Sharkboy is doing great...he is taking Taekwondo and loving every minute of it. He improves at every practice and he has a lot of opportunities to do extra things there too. Movie nights, sleep overs and individual private lessons. Probably one of the most exciting things that he is looking forward to though is an early Christmas. As a fireman, I often have to work holidays. Due to my shift change I now have to work on Christmas. So Sharkboy entered a "contest" to get an early Christmas. He had to draw a picture and tell Santa why he deserved and early Christmas. Well he recieved his letter from "The North Pole" and he is the lucky recipient of an early Christmas. He is frantically getting his list together so nothing is missed when Santa makes his rounds, early.
Well that should catch you up for now...so until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dad, I want a horse.
Hey blog readers...many times in life, I find myself understanding that on some level my child is becoming me. Well the other day Sharkboy approached me, via telephone, with a question I can remember asking my parents. "Dad, can I get a horse?" Now the question itself conjures memories of innocent dreams and unobtainable wishes. I remember asking my parents if I could get a horse. We lived in a neighborhood, zoned residential and surrounded by the typical suburban American homes. My Dad responded with an emphatic no, and my Mom tried to reason with me. I had visions of having a horse like "Mr. Ed". His barn would be red, his pasture would be right outside my window and my window would swing out like a barn door so he could stick his horse head in and visit me anytime I was in my room. I wasn't an unrealistic child, I knew he wouldn't speak, but we would live forever as friends. My Mom reasoned with me that we couldn't because the yard wasn't big enough, and that horses weren't allowed in the neighborhood. She however left me with this little hope that appeased me on some level to drop this. She simply said, maybe one day if we ever live in a place that would allow such a thing we just might be able to do it. My dad simply said "no, and that is final". No reasoning, no hope, just an emphatic NO from my Dad and that was it. I tried to have a mixed response at my answer to this question, however, him being my son had an answer for everything. I first tried the we don't have enough room argument, he replied he could live in the retention basin and keep the grass short. I then responded with, our barn(or shed by any other standard) was not big enough, his response was we could just get a smaller horse. Then I said we live in a neighborhood and that it doesn't allow horses, his response was that they wouldn't say anything. He then continued with have you seen some of the stuff in this neighborhood, and no body says anything about that. So at this point when I realised that I was matched up against a miniature me, I took my Dad's road at this point...and an emphatic No was expressed. He is a bit heart broken, but seems to understand that for reasons he can not comprehend we aren't going to be getting a horse anytime soon. But for all I know in 30 years he will be posed with this same question and I hope he remembers the hope and dream he once had of having a horse and understands why it some times is not possible to fulfill your child's wish.
On another topic, recently at Notre Dame a student tragically lost his life pursuing a dream of being a journalist. He was a student worker that filmed practices at Notre Dame for the football team. I never knew this young man, and don't pretend to have, but it is still tragic. From all outward appearances this appears to be a very preventable accident. He was on a scissor lift 30+ feet in the air in very windy conditions(25+ mph sustained winds). Long story short, the scissor lift blew over and he was mortally injured. There are many comments out there about why was he up there, why would anyone put a person in that sort of peril, etc... I have many of those same questions, but foremost in my mind is his family and friends. Tragidy has no warning and I hope his family finds peace and I hope that his friends can do the same. It is never a good time to lose a loved one. So take a minute in your busy day, appreciate what you have, and say a little prayer for his family and friends that they find peace in this very tragic lose.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. Go Irish!
Be Kind, Be Safe,
Shalom my Peeps!
On another topic, recently at Notre Dame a student tragically lost his life pursuing a dream of being a journalist. He was a student worker that filmed practices at Notre Dame for the football team. I never knew this young man, and don't pretend to have, but it is still tragic. From all outward appearances this appears to be a very preventable accident. He was on a scissor lift 30+ feet in the air in very windy conditions(25+ mph sustained winds). Long story short, the scissor lift blew over and he was mortally injured. There are many comments out there about why was he up there, why would anyone put a person in that sort of peril, etc... I have many of those same questions, but foremost in my mind is his family and friends. Tragidy has no warning and I hope his family finds peace and I hope that his friends can do the same. It is never a good time to lose a loved one. So take a minute in your busy day, appreciate what you have, and say a little prayer for his family and friends that they find peace in this very tragic lose.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. Go Irish!
Be Kind, Be Safe,
Shalom my Peeps!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
There is no such thing as "The Stomach Flu"
Hey blog readers...this public service announcement is brought to you by me. I have decided to make it my mission to abolish the term "Stomach Flu" from my immediate peer group. I know that my outreach is limited, but I thought I would attempt to make a little change in the world.
First what is "The Flu":
It is a respiritory virus(Influenza, or RNA Viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae family aka Influenza family). The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness/fatigue and general discomfort. Sore throat, fever and coughs are the most frequent symptoms. In more serious cases, influenza causes pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly for the young and the elderly.
Why is there no "Stomach Flu":
Simply put, the stomach(or intestinal system) is not part of the Respiratory system. There are no variations of the Influenza family of viruses that effect the Intestinal system (Stomach)...so hence no such thing as "Stomach Flu".
So long story short, you can't have the "Stomach Flu". Because there truly is no such thing. You most likely have Gastroenteritis. We use the slang "Stomach Flu", but that is incorrect. That would be like calling a Bike a Car because they are both modes of transportation.
Take this as your warning...if you say "Stomach Flu" I will most likely call you out on this.
Be Kind, Be Safe...Be Healthy!
Shalom my Peeps
First what is "The Flu":
It is a respiritory virus(Influenza, or RNA Viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae family aka Influenza family). The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness/fatigue and general discomfort. Sore throat, fever and coughs are the most frequent symptoms. In more serious cases, influenza causes pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly for the young and the elderly.
Why is there no "Stomach Flu":
Simply put, the stomach(or intestinal system) is not part of the Respiratory system. There are no variations of the Influenza family of viruses that effect the Intestinal system (Stomach)...so hence no such thing as "Stomach Flu".
So long story short, you can't have the "Stomach Flu". Because there truly is no such thing. You most likely have Gastroenteritis. We use the slang "Stomach Flu", but that is incorrect. That would be like calling a Bike a Car because they are both modes of transportation.
Take this as your warning...if you say "Stomach Flu" I will most likely call you out on this.
Be Kind, Be Safe...Be Healthy!
Shalom my Peeps
Welcome to Northern Indiana October weather...
Hey blog readers...thought I would jump on here and update. Not a whole lot of new to report. We are gearing up for this weekends festivities but for the most part life is "status quo" a the Leonard house.
Sharkboy is making the final preperations for his Halloween costume. It was originally going to Zeke from the Disney Channel show Zeke and Luther, but he has decided he would just be Tony Hawk. He was tired of explaining his costume to people, and it seems that Tony Hawk is a much more recognized name. Now we just need to get him (or preferably borrow) a real skate board.
This weekend is packed with fun activities. Friday night we have "Trunk or Treat" at Sharkboy's school. I have never been and I will be arriving late, so I can't give you a preview. But it should be a good time I am told. Then on Saturday we will venture to my parent's house for a soup lunch where we will draw names for the Christmas gift exchange. We are changing up our Christmas celebration this year, and I am looking forward to it. I can't wait to see how it all works out. Then Sunday we have Trick or Treat in New Carlisle. We are headed out to the Annual "John's Tailgate, Drink or Treat". It is always a good time and I can't wait to hang out with everyone and see people walking there kids around that I haven't seen in a long time. It will be, if like in past years, a small school reunion.
Now onto the title of this blog...We are currently under a Tornado Warning and they have already issued a Tornado Watch that will expire sometime around Mid-afternoon. Schools are closing, Universities are issuing shelter orders. Seriously, to me it is just your typical Fall storm rolling through. Someone last night on F.B. sent out a story saying this storm would be worse than the storm that sunk the Edmond Fitzgerald. I am not a historian, but this is a ship that sank in November of 1975 on Lake Superior. Come on people...it is 2010, we have better technology, better built ships, better warning and frankly(and maybe a little insensitive) we are not on a ship, nor do I plan to be on a ship today. I think with all of our avenues to communicate we now over react to storms. Who is shocked that it is windy and rainy in Indiana in October? I'm not. What is next...OMG it is going to snow this winter... I understand we should be prepared, but issuing orders that insite panic in people and closing schools it a bit overboard.
Well that is all I have for now...the wind is pretty steady, maybe I will go fly a kite, seemed to work out pretty good for Ben Franklin.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Sharkboy is making the final preperations for his Halloween costume. It was originally going to Zeke from the Disney Channel show Zeke and Luther, but he has decided he would just be Tony Hawk. He was tired of explaining his costume to people, and it seems that Tony Hawk is a much more recognized name. Now we just need to get him (or preferably borrow) a real skate board.
This weekend is packed with fun activities. Friday night we have "Trunk or Treat" at Sharkboy's school. I have never been and I will be arriving late, so I can't give you a preview. But it should be a good time I am told. Then on Saturday we will venture to my parent's house for a soup lunch where we will draw names for the Christmas gift exchange. We are changing up our Christmas celebration this year, and I am looking forward to it. I can't wait to see how it all works out. Then Sunday we have Trick or Treat in New Carlisle. We are headed out to the Annual "John's Tailgate, Drink or Treat". It is always a good time and I can't wait to hang out with everyone and see people walking there kids around that I haven't seen in a long time. It will be, if like in past years, a small school reunion.
Now onto the title of this blog...We are currently under a Tornado Warning and they have already issued a Tornado Watch that will expire sometime around Mid-afternoon. Schools are closing, Universities are issuing shelter orders. Seriously, to me it is just your typical Fall storm rolling through. Someone last night on F.B. sent out a story saying this storm would be worse than the storm that sunk the Edmond Fitzgerald. I am not a historian, but this is a ship that sank in November of 1975 on Lake Superior. Come on people...it is 2010, we have better technology, better built ships, better warning and frankly(and maybe a little insensitive) we are not on a ship, nor do I plan to be on a ship today. I think with all of our avenues to communicate we now over react to storms. Who is shocked that it is windy and rainy in Indiana in October? I'm not. What is next...OMG it is going to snow this winter... I understand we should be prepared, but issuing orders that insite panic in people and closing schools it a bit overboard.
Well that is all I have for now...the wind is pretty steady, maybe I will go fly a kite, seemed to work out pretty good for Ben Franklin.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Political Ads
Hey blog readers...I just thought I would jump on here and post what was currently on my mind. I give this warning...I am not a political in any way. I don't voice my political views in public very much and if you are looking to this blog to figure out my political views, the only thing you are going to get out of this is that I don't like political ads...
So yesterday I was got on Youtube to check out some videos of kids saying funny things and to check out a couple of recent events that occured on TV that I missed. What do you think I had to endure before watching my video...yup, you guessed it, a political ad. It was a local ad to boot. I was thoroughly irritated...seriously. I feel very strongly in my opinion that if you base your vote on commercials you should stay home on election day. Please make a more informed decision on your representation than what they say on the commercial. I actually saw one that basically said one canidate was killing babies...
If you are working on a political campaign, please stop the madness. Please look into more positive advertising. I learned a lesson when I was a child, and hope it isn't too late for you to learn the same lesson. That lesson is that you don't make yourself look better when you try to make someone else look bad. You only make yourself look desperate and childish.
That is all I have for now...Have a great weekend everyone.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
So yesterday I was got on Youtube to check out some videos of kids saying funny things and to check out a couple of recent events that occured on TV that I missed. What do you think I had to endure before watching my video...yup, you guessed it, a political ad. It was a local ad to boot. I was thoroughly irritated...seriously. I feel very strongly in my opinion that if you base your vote on commercials you should stay home on election day. Please make a more informed decision on your representation than what they say on the commercial. I actually saw one that basically said one canidate was killing babies...
If you are working on a political campaign, please stop the madness. Please look into more positive advertising. I learned a lesson when I was a child, and hope it isn't too late for you to learn the same lesson. That lesson is that you don't make yourself look better when you try to make someone else look bad. You only make yourself look desperate and childish.
That is all I have for now...Have a great weekend everyone.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Cougar Encounter
Hey blog readers...just thought I would jump on here and make a quick post about something funny that happened to me today. But first, I haven't been on since my Monday night outing with Scully. It was a great time catching up with friends. Let's just say, I told Jen I would be home in a couple of hours. I left at about 5:30 and ended up the night around 11:30. Conversations got the best of me, as they usually do. It was great seeing everyone and it was fun hearing what everyone is up to these days.
Now on to my encounter today. Well I named the blog post today, Cougar Encounter. So beside a one on one with a wild cat, that would only leave an "Older Hot Chick" as my option. Well, I was out of hair gel and was almost to the mall anyway, since I was getting my flu shot, so I went to Ulta. While walking up to the door there was a woman about 5 steps behind me and me being a gentleman, I decided to open the door for her. She was, by most peoples standards, at cougar. She smiled and said thank you. I knew right where I was going, so I headed for the Men's haircare section. She basically crossed my path about 4 or 5 times. Well we ended up in line at the same time and the nice cashier asked me if I had any coupons. I replied no, since I didn't. The "Cougar" offered me one of hers. I gladly accepted and then she got this look on her face, like she wishes she wouldn't have offered. I accepted the coupon with my left hand...well, she must not have seen the ring before. That was the end of her talking to me, or even looking at me. I gladly took the $5.00 off and headed for my truck. She was walking out as I passed and she gave me a dirty look. Sorry...I am taken, and pretty darn happy being taken.
So that is my "Cougar Encounter"...
If you read this Scully, have a safe trip home tomorrow, it was great spending time with you...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Now on to my encounter today. Well I named the blog post today, Cougar Encounter. So beside a one on one with a wild cat, that would only leave an "Older Hot Chick" as my option. Well, I was out of hair gel and was almost to the mall anyway, since I was getting my flu shot, so I went to Ulta. While walking up to the door there was a woman about 5 steps behind me and me being a gentleman, I decided to open the door for her. She was, by most peoples standards, at cougar. She smiled and said thank you. I knew right where I was going, so I headed for the Men's haircare section. She basically crossed my path about 4 or 5 times. Well we ended up in line at the same time and the nice cashier asked me if I had any coupons. I replied no, since I didn't. The "Cougar" offered me one of hers. I gladly accepted and then she got this look on her face, like she wishes she wouldn't have offered. I accepted the coupon with my left hand...well, she must not have seen the ring before. That was the end of her talking to me, or even looking at me. I gladly took the $5.00 off and headed for my truck. She was walking out as I passed and she gave me a dirty look. Sorry...I am taken, and pretty darn happy being taken.
So that is my "Cougar Encounter"...
If you read this Scully, have a safe trip home tomorrow, it was great spending time with you...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Porch Drinks
Hey blog readers...so we are in the throws of what the "weather people" are calling "Indian Summer". Well I don't really know what that is exactly, but the weather the last few days has been amazing. We have been in the high 70's during the day and in the low 50's at night. Pour that in a bowl and mix it up and I would say you have a delightful little dish.
Last night after Sharkboy's football practice I met Jenny, L.A. and F.i.L. at Bob's 19th Hole to have dinner with Scully and M.B. Scully is in from her North West home and it was an opportunity to catch up. I was so glad that they chose Bob's. It isn't a glamourous restaurant or anything, so don't get your hopes up, but they do Midwestern bar food up right. I had a Patty Melt that was to die for. Next time I may have to try what my friend Car Guy describes as a dish you would only eat if you had no self respect, The Pork Tenderloin sandwich. Well Jenny and Sharkboy exited early as did L.A. and F.i.L. due to bed time issues and work/school the next day. I stayed to chat and catch up. We were having a great conversation when we noticed that it appeared that they were trying to close the restaurant around us. So we took this little party on the road. We went to Scully's Dad's house in New Carlisle.
Now their house is an old house with a great big porch that I can only describe as something from the past. They just don't build houses with porches like that anymore. We each got our beverage of choice and headed out. We had some porch time with porch drinks. It was amazing. We laughed, caught up and just generally enjoyed each others company.
So, here's to porch drinks, and catching up with old friends!
This weekend is shaping up to be a great one too...Sharkboy's football team will play their last home game tomorrow. Then I think I will venture out to the greatest college football tailgate in the world and wander around. Then it is out to dinner with T-Bone and Banker Chick. Sunday I work, but for the better part of the day we will be at a public event showing off our truck and talking about the "Greatest Job in the World".
Have a safe weekend...
Be Kind, Be Safe,
Shalom my Peeps.
Last night after Sharkboy's football practice I met Jenny, L.A. and F.i.L. at Bob's 19th Hole to have dinner with Scully and M.B. Scully is in from her North West home and it was an opportunity to catch up. I was so glad that they chose Bob's. It isn't a glamourous restaurant or anything, so don't get your hopes up, but they do Midwestern bar food up right. I had a Patty Melt that was to die for. Next time I may have to try what my friend Car Guy describes as a dish you would only eat if you had no self respect, The Pork Tenderloin sandwich. Well Jenny and Sharkboy exited early as did L.A. and F.i.L. due to bed time issues and work/school the next day. I stayed to chat and catch up. We were having a great conversation when we noticed that it appeared that they were trying to close the restaurant around us. So we took this little party on the road. We went to Scully's Dad's house in New Carlisle.
Now their house is an old house with a great big porch that I can only describe as something from the past. They just don't build houses with porches like that anymore. We each got our beverage of choice and headed out. We had some porch time with porch drinks. It was amazing. We laughed, caught up and just generally enjoyed each others company.
So, here's to porch drinks, and catching up with old friends!
This weekend is shaping up to be a great one too...Sharkboy's football team will play their last home game tomorrow. Then I think I will venture out to the greatest college football tailgate in the world and wander around. Then it is out to dinner with T-Bone and Banker Chick. Sunday I work, but for the better part of the day we will be at a public event showing off our truck and talking about the "Greatest Job in the World".
Have a safe weekend...
Be Kind, Be Safe,
Shalom my Peeps.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
I NEED TO KNOW!!!
Hey blog readers...sometimes in life we have these revelations, or epiphanies if you will. Well I have them every so often. These are not always a new revelation or something I didn't already know. They occassionally are those moments when you realize something that you have known for a long time, but just something refreshes it...here is my latest.
People need to know what is going on. Not just that something is going on or a rough idea of what is going on. All the down and dirty details...and don't leave any out. There is no substitute for it, and it is almost like a drug addict looking for their next fix. They will put everything aside and not stop until they are satisfied. Some people are happy with some of the details and others are less likely to stop until their insatiable appetite is relieved. I call this the "Inherent Need to Know". I don't think of this as a bad thing...not at all, because I am guilty as well(as I write this I am listening to SBFD on a major gas lead downtown). This is just one of those things that I have known for a long time...just the realization is refreshed.
Well, that is all I have for now. I have to get productive today. Lots to do before I pick Sharkboy up from school. Then tonight I get to catch up with an old friend from school...
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
People need to know what is going on. Not just that something is going on or a rough idea of what is going on. All the down and dirty details...and don't leave any out. There is no substitute for it, and it is almost like a drug addict looking for their next fix. They will put everything aside and not stop until they are satisfied. Some people are happy with some of the details and others are less likely to stop until their insatiable appetite is relieved. I call this the "Inherent Need to Know". I don't think of this as a bad thing...not at all, because I am guilty as well(as I write this I am listening to SBFD on a major gas lead downtown). This is just one of those things that I have known for a long time...just the realization is refreshed.
Well, that is all I have for now. I have to get productive today. Lots to do before I pick Sharkboy up from school. Then tonight I get to catch up with an old friend from school...
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I'm Awesome
Ok blog readers...today I was talking on the phone to one of my coworkers/friends and he asked me how I was. I responded "I'm Awesome". Now I respond this way a lot, but mostly because when people respond that way it irritates me, and well my sick twisted sense of humor makes it so that I respond the same way. Not because I am trying to annoy the person I am talking to...so if you are one of the people that I have responded this way to, I hope you understand it was not meant to annoy...but just my little world needs some excitement. Well he suggested I Youtube a video by an artist, Spose, and look for "I'm Awesome". I did, and now I laugh out loud. So here is the embeded video...enjoy, and I hope it brings a smile to your face like it did mine...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps
Friday, October 1, 2010
Some times you just need a magnet
Hey blog readers, been awhile...it isn't that I haven't tried to post, I have started several, ultimately deleting them because they rambled and made little to no sense. So I am going to attempt one more time. I have been trying to come up with a title for my blog post that would catch everybody up. But with all the little things I wanted to cover, and all the things that were out there to scrape up it has been difficult. No one item really sticks out and they are much like metal filings after you grind something off. Then it hit me...life is a bit like grinding something, and maybe that something is us. Everything we do, we put a little of ourselves into it. So each time we do that we grind a little off of ourselves off. Now we all know we aren't an endless supply of metal to grind, but that is another post. So as I ramble on, I remember the other day when we were trying to clean up the work bench here at the firehouse and there was metal shavings everywhere from some fab work we are doing. I was trying to clean them up and someone said, all you need is a magnet. Then it hit me...let your post be the magnet to pull the shavings together...wow, I know, pretty deep for me, but sometimes you just have to get smacked in the head to realize something and sometimes it is the subtleties in life. So here we go...
Jen:
Jen continues with all of her usual things. She really truly keeps herself very busy keeping us in line. Laundry, cleaning, paying bills, and generally organizing our crazy house. She is good at it too...I say this a lot, but without her I would be a hot mess.
Sharkboy:
Football season is slowly coming to an end. He is not All Star material yet, but he is way better than he was when he started and he says that he loves it. He has put down some big hits and recieved his fair share, but he pops back up and tries again. I am so very proud of him...School improves every day. He has been cursed (for now, it will soon be a blessing) with my gift of gab and desire to help. He gets bored at school and will just randomly get up and help the other students. It is very nice in my eyes, because it shows his desire to help his fellow man, but the teacher doesn't see it that way. I guess getting up to help during a test is frowned upon. Too bad...But that has improved and he is doing much better.
Me: (Now this is where it is going to get random)
Working, working, working. That seems to be the theme. Not just at work either. I have this affliction of not being able to say no. So I have been involved in many projects aiding friends and family. Would I change that, heck no. But it has resulted in several late nights and lots of time not doing what I want to do...but that is coming under control every day.
I have had some things that I have been trying to post on but haven't been able to, for whatever the reason, so here are some random things.
Political ads...yeah, I thought I would go there first. They are completely irritating me(Think Sand in a Clam and that is exactly the pearl I am festering). I hope that all of my friends are not silly enough to base their election decisions on Political Ads. If so, you are probably really struggling. It would seem that as I am watching TV that every political canidate is killing Hemopheliac Autistic Downsyndrome babies in the streets, at least that is what their opponent would have you think. Not one has said what they are going to do...oh yeah, the usual I know how to create jobs and decrease taxes, but no plan layed out. I know how to create jobs too...hire people, but to do what? I know how to lower taxes, pass laws and bills that eliminate them...but again, how? I am not a terribly political person, but it is getting ugly...and I don't like it.
Reality TV...seriously, I am about done with it. Ok, for the most part, I am done with it. I got a great show title "Who wants to be a Millionare Bachelor/Bachelorette trapped on an Island full of hot women/men that can't sing or dance but want to win an award for it and get married, then break up and maybe then become a drug addict and need rehab" Pretty much that is all I see on TV anymore. What happened to Sitcoms? I know there are a few out there, but remember when TV was creative? When they made you laugh, you couldn't turn the channel and you didn't have to endure "Snookie"(or any other character like that)? You know the Amish may be onto something...but only the No TV thing, I couldn't live without my gadgets. It frustrates me...
General stupidity...I have come to the realization that I will have to endure ignorance in life. But the longer I live, the more I see it. People never stop amazing me...seriously. I am not talking ignorance like you can't add or subtract, or you can't cook. But real world stupid. Crazy people driving, disobeying sign trucks, killing people, beating old people up(and planning it). Come on people...remember, we all have to live on the 3rd rock from the sun, and we all have to try and do it together...try and think of your fellow earthlings.
Beggers...I don't know how it is in your little slice of this great country, but the beggers have doubled lately. It is almost like they are Gremlins and someone got them wet. I remember watching a show when I was younger that they followed a pan handler in New York and he was making more money begging for change for the train in a suit with a stupid story about having his wallet stollen then most of the people he was getting money from. What ever happened to working for a living. I hope that I never have to sink so low that I have to beg from people. It makes it hard for me to take them seriously. I know as a country we have let our veterans down many times, let our homeless down etc, etc...but when you take your break from begging don't go behind Starbucks, light up a smoke and enjoy your Venti Goodness where I can see you...you won't get far. Also, when you are begging, it isn't a good idea to text someone from your Blackberry and then put it back in your pocket and continue to hope that we feel bad for you and will give you our change. Ahhh....
Well that is all the metal I have to share with you tonight...I thought I would add though at the end, that there are times when our metal gets thickened. Those times when someone does something nice for you. Something not expected. When you get to be the magnet. I thought I would share a story that "thickened my metal". I was sitting in line to pick Sharkboy up from school the other afternoon and was glowing with the fact that I had made it in time to be one of the first parents in line. I know, I know...it shouldn't matter, but it felt nice to be there. I was watching Sharkboy's class at their final recess for the day and the boys were playing kick ball. Well as boys do, one kick was a little over zealous and flew over the fence, bounced on the road and landed accross the road in the tree lawn. The teacher didn't see it happen and was oblivious to this happening. I looked in my mirror and noticed that about 20 cars had collected and I was in some prime real estate. The boys were looking over then fence at the ball. I didn't want to see one go accross the street to get it, due to heavy traffic with last minute parents(usually me) arriving and not watching quite as closely as they should. So I decided to give up my spot in line and I pulled out and went to get the ball. Threw it to the boys and they all thanked me and were very polite. I got back in my truck and headed back for the line, knowing that I would probably have to go to the end. But a very nice Dad in line behind me, saved my spot. He waved me to turn around and get back in line. He said "he thought it was one of the nicest things he had seen in a long time", so he thought he would return the favor. Once I was back in position I walked back and thanked him and got some of that Metal back...
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Jen:
Jen continues with all of her usual things. She really truly keeps herself very busy keeping us in line. Laundry, cleaning, paying bills, and generally organizing our crazy house. She is good at it too...I say this a lot, but without her I would be a hot mess.
Sharkboy:
Football season is slowly coming to an end. He is not All Star material yet, but he is way better than he was when he started and he says that he loves it. He has put down some big hits and recieved his fair share, but he pops back up and tries again. I am so very proud of him...School improves every day. He has been cursed (for now, it will soon be a blessing) with my gift of gab and desire to help. He gets bored at school and will just randomly get up and help the other students. It is very nice in my eyes, because it shows his desire to help his fellow man, but the teacher doesn't see it that way. I guess getting up to help during a test is frowned upon. Too bad...But that has improved and he is doing much better.
Me: (Now this is where it is going to get random)
Working, working, working. That seems to be the theme. Not just at work either. I have this affliction of not being able to say no. So I have been involved in many projects aiding friends and family. Would I change that, heck no. But it has resulted in several late nights and lots of time not doing what I want to do...but that is coming under control every day.
I have had some things that I have been trying to post on but haven't been able to, for whatever the reason, so here are some random things.
Political ads...yeah, I thought I would go there first. They are completely irritating me(Think Sand in a Clam and that is exactly the pearl I am festering). I hope that all of my friends are not silly enough to base their election decisions on Political Ads. If so, you are probably really struggling. It would seem that as I am watching TV that every political canidate is killing Hemopheliac Autistic Downsyndrome babies in the streets, at least that is what their opponent would have you think. Not one has said what they are going to do...oh yeah, the usual I know how to create jobs and decrease taxes, but no plan layed out. I know how to create jobs too...hire people, but to do what? I know how to lower taxes, pass laws and bills that eliminate them...but again, how? I am not a terribly political person, but it is getting ugly...and I don't like it.
Reality TV...seriously, I am about done with it. Ok, for the most part, I am done with it. I got a great show title "Who wants to be a Millionare Bachelor/Bachelorette trapped on an Island full of hot women/men that can't sing or dance but want to win an award for it and get married, then break up and maybe then become a drug addict and need rehab" Pretty much that is all I see on TV anymore. What happened to Sitcoms? I know there are a few out there, but remember when TV was creative? When they made you laugh, you couldn't turn the channel and you didn't have to endure "Snookie"(or any other character like that)? You know the Amish may be onto something...but only the No TV thing, I couldn't live without my gadgets. It frustrates me...
General stupidity...I have come to the realization that I will have to endure ignorance in life. But the longer I live, the more I see it. People never stop amazing me...seriously. I am not talking ignorance like you can't add or subtract, or you can't cook. But real world stupid. Crazy people driving, disobeying sign trucks, killing people, beating old people up(and planning it). Come on people...remember, we all have to live on the 3rd rock from the sun, and we all have to try and do it together...try and think of your fellow earthlings.
Beggers...I don't know how it is in your little slice of this great country, but the beggers have doubled lately. It is almost like they are Gremlins and someone got them wet. I remember watching a show when I was younger that they followed a pan handler in New York and he was making more money begging for change for the train in a suit with a stupid story about having his wallet stollen then most of the people he was getting money from. What ever happened to working for a living. I hope that I never have to sink so low that I have to beg from people. It makes it hard for me to take them seriously. I know as a country we have let our veterans down many times, let our homeless down etc, etc...but when you take your break from begging don't go behind Starbucks, light up a smoke and enjoy your Venti Goodness where I can see you...you won't get far. Also, when you are begging, it isn't a good idea to text someone from your Blackberry and then put it back in your pocket and continue to hope that we feel bad for you and will give you our change. Ahhh....
Well that is all the metal I have to share with you tonight...I thought I would add though at the end, that there are times when our metal gets thickened. Those times when someone does something nice for you. Something not expected. When you get to be the magnet. I thought I would share a story that "thickened my metal". I was sitting in line to pick Sharkboy up from school the other afternoon and was glowing with the fact that I had made it in time to be one of the first parents in line. I know, I know...it shouldn't matter, but it felt nice to be there. I was watching Sharkboy's class at their final recess for the day and the boys were playing kick ball. Well as boys do, one kick was a little over zealous and flew over the fence, bounced on the road and landed accross the road in the tree lawn. The teacher didn't see it happen and was oblivious to this happening. I looked in my mirror and noticed that about 20 cars had collected and I was in some prime real estate. The boys were looking over then fence at the ball. I didn't want to see one go accross the street to get it, due to heavy traffic with last minute parents(usually me) arriving and not watching quite as closely as they should. So I decided to give up my spot in line and I pulled out and went to get the ball. Threw it to the boys and they all thanked me and were very polite. I got back in my truck and headed back for the line, knowing that I would probably have to go to the end. But a very nice Dad in line behind me, saved my spot. He waved me to turn around and get back in line. He said "he thought it was one of the nicest things he had seen in a long time", so he thought he would return the favor. Once I was back in position I walked back and thanked him and got some of that Metal back...
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9-11-01
Hey blog readers...it has been roughly 4-weeks since my last post. "Spare Time" has been pretty thin around our house lately. Sharkboy is playing football, so 2 nights a week we are at practice until 7:30 and usually rolling in the door around 8. Jenny is back on her normal "School Year" hours, so her time at the house is pretty diminished. I have been on a Tues/Thurs rotation lately, so I have been little help with the football practices. Not to mention work keeps me pretty busy with the projects and trainings going on. So I thought I would take a minute and reflect on some events (some current, some not so current)
First I would like to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives 9 years ago today. Some coward terrorists thought they would come over and destroy us...well they scared us, but they certainly didn't destroy us. 2,977 people lost their lives, 343 Firefighters, 60 Police officers, 15 EMS workers and 55 Military personnel. 246 people died on planes they boarded not knowing what was going to happen. Those are crazy numbers! Our soldiers who protect us have lost many since then as well, in our efforts in the middle east. I know I will never forget where I was. I was sitting in a conference room at Steel Warehouse, one of the Administrative Assistants came in and interupted us and told us we needed to turn on the TV. She said what was going on was "way bigger then us" and was she ever right. We watched the second plane strike the tower. Then we were all basically glued to the TV the rest of the day. I worked at the fire house that night. It was humbling, I remember Jenny not wanting me to go, I remember feeling I absolutely had to go. I feel honored everyday to do the job that I do...I know that it could require me to make that sacrifice, I also know that I work with some of the best people in the world and any one of the would do the same. So take some time reflect, remember and if you see a Firefighter today or a Police officer or a Military person take a second and thank them for what they do every day.
Ok...on to this wack job in Florida that want to burn the Koran. I will address it this way:
Dear Major News Networks,
As a proud red blooded American I would like you to stop giving press to the whack job in Florida. Prior to you covering his story as a major story, he preached to less than 50 people a week. There were more people at his press conference than in his congregation. He, prior to your involvement, did not have a major public voice, and I am not sure he should. You have given him this voice. Also, the threat to the troops in the Middle East is because of you. They would not have known about this if you would not have over covered it. Never mind them burning our flag and images of our leaders on a daily basis. So ultimately, minus the whack job wanting some attention, it is mostly your fault. So stop covering it.
Sincerly,
Plays With Sirens
Ok...that is about it about that.
So, other than football and the usual busy life stuff of grown ups, not much else to report.
I will try to be more prompt with updates...until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
First I would like to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives 9 years ago today. Some coward terrorists thought they would come over and destroy us...well they scared us, but they certainly didn't destroy us. 2,977 people lost their lives, 343 Firefighters, 60 Police officers, 15 EMS workers and 55 Military personnel. 246 people died on planes they boarded not knowing what was going to happen. Those are crazy numbers! Our soldiers who protect us have lost many since then as well, in our efforts in the middle east. I know I will never forget where I was. I was sitting in a conference room at Steel Warehouse, one of the Administrative Assistants came in and interupted us and told us we needed to turn on the TV. She said what was going on was "way bigger then us" and was she ever right. We watched the second plane strike the tower. Then we were all basically glued to the TV the rest of the day. I worked at the fire house that night. It was humbling, I remember Jenny not wanting me to go, I remember feeling I absolutely had to go. I feel honored everyday to do the job that I do...I know that it could require me to make that sacrifice, I also know that I work with some of the best people in the world and any one of the would do the same. So take some time reflect, remember and if you see a Firefighter today or a Police officer or a Military person take a second and thank them for what they do every day.
Ok...on to this wack job in Florida that want to burn the Koran. I will address it this way:
Dear Major News Networks,
As a proud red blooded American I would like you to stop giving press to the whack job in Florida. Prior to you covering his story as a major story, he preached to less than 50 people a week. There were more people at his press conference than in his congregation. He, prior to your involvement, did not have a major public voice, and I am not sure he should. You have given him this voice. Also, the threat to the troops in the Middle East is because of you. They would not have known about this if you would not have over covered it. Never mind them burning our flag and images of our leaders on a daily basis. So ultimately, minus the whack job wanting some attention, it is mostly your fault. So stop covering it.
Sincerly,
Plays With Sirens
Ok...that is about it about that.
So, other than football and the usual busy life stuff of grown ups, not much else to report.
I will try to be more prompt with updates...until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Burning the candle at both ends is the only way to have it.
Hey blog readers...this post is coming to you from the firehouse. Yes, the firehouse. It has been awhile since I made a post from work. Mostly because while at work there are work things to do. Today I have a few minutes to update on here, so I am going to take it.
The title of this blog just came to me. I was sitting here on this warm summer night(in the comforts of the air conditioned office)thinking about what I had to do this week and planning what was a priority and what could slip through the cracks should something need to be axed. I realized that my life is pretty busy. I am by no means complaining. I actually think of my life as blessing after blessing that I work my ass for. I know there are people out there that don't have work or just plain choose not to work, but I love the fact that I have work. I also love the fact that I have a very active life outside of work. All these things added together make for a very happy me.
This week holds many things, football practice for Sharkboy Mon, Tues, Thurs for 2 hours each night. Possible doctors appt. for Sharkboy, he has been feeling icky and spiking fevers now and then. Oil change in the truck. Helping L.A. and F.i.L. with their basement project. Continue progress in potty training Stella. Overtime at the firehouse. Yard work and work around the house on little projects that need my attention. Dinner out with great friends for a birthday. A road trip to Michigan for the race. That is just the surface...but those are the things that add into this life that I love. I have, for the most part, lived up to my New Years resolution this year too. I have made time to stop and enjoy friends and family and just do stuff because it sounded like fun. So burn the candle at both ends...not such a bad thing.
Thought I would take a second and wish Athena the best of luck on her travels to Ireland. I hope she has a great time, drinks lots of Irish Ales and consumes many delightful traditional Irish foods. Safe travels friend, and I can't wait to see pictures and hear about your trip.
That is about all I have time for on this post...so I better wrap this up. Here is a rundown of things important.
Jenny...doing great. She is still everyday my rock and my companion in life. She keeps me "between the lines" and loves me with all of her heart. Without her support I wouldn't be who I am today.
Sharkboy...absolutely the coolest kid in the world. He is loving his new adventure into football and I can't wait to see him play. School is right around the corner and he seems to be ready.
Stella...adorable. She is growing more and more comfortable with our family everyday. She is catching onto house training quite well. She is a great little puppy and I can't wait for her to grow up and be the great dog I know she will be.
There are so many more that I would love to mention, but for now, I will bid you the fondest "See you later" that I can conjure up.
Be kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
The title of this blog just came to me. I was sitting here on this warm summer night(in the comforts of the air conditioned office)thinking about what I had to do this week and planning what was a priority and what could slip through the cracks should something need to be axed. I realized that my life is pretty busy. I am by no means complaining. I actually think of my life as blessing after blessing that I work my ass for. I know there are people out there that don't have work or just plain choose not to work, but I love the fact that I have work. I also love the fact that I have a very active life outside of work. All these things added together make for a very happy me.
This week holds many things, football practice for Sharkboy Mon, Tues, Thurs for 2 hours each night. Possible doctors appt. for Sharkboy, he has been feeling icky and spiking fevers now and then. Oil change in the truck. Helping L.A. and F.i.L. with their basement project. Continue progress in potty training Stella. Overtime at the firehouse. Yard work and work around the house on little projects that need my attention. Dinner out with great friends for a birthday. A road trip to Michigan for the race. That is just the surface...but those are the things that add into this life that I love. I have, for the most part, lived up to my New Years resolution this year too. I have made time to stop and enjoy friends and family and just do stuff because it sounded like fun. So burn the candle at both ends...not such a bad thing.
Thought I would take a second and wish Athena the best of luck on her travels to Ireland. I hope she has a great time, drinks lots of Irish Ales and consumes many delightful traditional Irish foods. Safe travels friend, and I can't wait to see pictures and hear about your trip.
That is about all I have time for on this post...so I better wrap this up. Here is a rundown of things important.
Jenny...doing great. She is still everyday my rock and my companion in life. She keeps me "between the lines" and loves me with all of her heart. Without her support I wouldn't be who I am today.
Sharkboy...absolutely the coolest kid in the world. He is loving his new adventure into football and I can't wait to see him play. School is right around the corner and he seems to be ready.
Stella...adorable. She is growing more and more comfortable with our family everyday. She is catching onto house training quite well. She is a great little puppy and I can't wait for her to grow up and be the great dog I know she will be.
There are so many more that I would love to mention, but for now, I will bid you the fondest "See you later" that I can conjure up.
Be kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The "Dog" days of life...
Hey blog readers...this is going to be a quick post, Stella just woke up from a nap and she is in a playful mood. So she needs to be supervised.
Well this is day 3 with Stella. So far her acclimation to our little pack is going well. She is learning her role in our little world. It is great to have a little 4-legged friend walking around and as she grows, I am sure this family will grow to Cherish every moment with her.
Sleeping arrangements are going well. She had a rough night her first night, but she had never slept inside, let alone on a bed. We are letting her sleep with us. Daisy slept almost every night with us, and we loved every minute of it. We decided that is the life she will experience as well. last night (night 2) was much smoother. She chose to cuddle with me, and slept quite well. We had to wake her up for her potty trips outside.
Potty training is in the very early stages. We are bell training...for those of you that aren't familiar, we have a bell on our patio door and every time we take her out to potty, we have her ring the bell. Associating the bell with going out to go potty. Well, she has had a couple of accidents, but she is a little baby still, so we aren't expecting perfection.
Sharkboy is taking to the quite nicely...he is taking his role as big brother very seriously. He is helping with walking around the yard for potty breaks. He is a playmate when she is awake. His hopes is to have her sleep with him once she is potty trained and ready for all nighters in bed. We can't get him to wake up at night to go potty himself....so we can't expect him to do the same for her.
Well that is all I have for now...more updates later, and I hope they will include more than just puppy updates, but we will see.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Well this is day 3 with Stella. So far her acclimation to our little pack is going well. She is learning her role in our little world. It is great to have a little 4-legged friend walking around and as she grows, I am sure this family will grow to Cherish every moment with her.
Sleeping arrangements are going well. She had a rough night her first night, but she had never slept inside, let alone on a bed. We are letting her sleep with us. Daisy slept almost every night with us, and we loved every minute of it. We decided that is the life she will experience as well. last night (night 2) was much smoother. She chose to cuddle with me, and slept quite well. We had to wake her up for her potty trips outside.
Potty training is in the very early stages. We are bell training...for those of you that aren't familiar, we have a bell on our patio door and every time we take her out to potty, we have her ring the bell. Associating the bell with going out to go potty. Well, she has had a couple of accidents, but she is a little baby still, so we aren't expecting perfection.
Sharkboy is taking to the quite nicely...he is taking his role as big brother very seriously. He is helping with walking around the yard for potty breaks. He is a playmate when she is awake. His hopes is to have her sleep with him once she is potty trained and ready for all nighters in bed. We can't get him to wake up at night to go potty himself....so we can't expect him to do the same for her.
Well that is all I have for now...more updates later, and I hope they will include more than just puppy updates, but we will see.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Hell Week!
Hey blog readers...hope this blog finds you all well rested and ready to take on the world. Myself, well that is another story. I managed to schedule myself for 2 back to back 36 hour shifts and then a 24. For those of you scoring at home, that is 24 hours at home this week(all at night). Not really ideal, but it is what it is...
To make matters worse for me this weekend we go pick up Stella and Sharkboy starts his football practices. Time is and will be so crazy for the next few days.
Saturday Stella comes home. In the morning we will go to Petsmart or some other commercial pet care needs store and stock up on puppy needs. We can't wait for her to come into our lives. So if you have a few minutes just stop and pray for our sanity and that Stella potty trains quick and catches on to the "The Leonard" lifestyle.
Sharkboy starts football practice this weekend. Yup, I said football practice. He will be playing Pop Warner football as a mini Might. I can't wait. He is so excited. Last weekend he and I took the voyage to Dick's sporting goods to pick up some equipment. He needed some cleats and a cup. Now the cleats went really smooth. Sized him, bought some socks, since he was wearing his sandals and got some sweet little Reebok cleats for him. The cup on the other hand was a bit more complicated. Most of the confusion came on his part. He wasn't really sure what it was for and I was a bit perplexed on how to explain it to him. So in my normal manner of dealing with these situations I just told him like it was...this is about how it went.
Sharkboy: Dad what is a cup and why do I need one?
Dad: Well, it is a piece of equipment that protects you?
Sharkboy: How does it protect me?
Dad: Well it protects your "junk".
Sharkboy: How?
Dad: Well you wear it and if someone kicks you there or a helmet hits you there, you "junk" will be safe.
Sharkboy: oh, ok...
So we picked out the appropriate size and proceeded to the check out. That is when all of the above conversation became awkward. Sharkboy proceeded to tell the cashier (a cute high school girl, that had no idea what was coming) that he was going to be playing Pop Warner and that he needed a cup to protect his "Junk". I laughed so hard when I got in the truck and the girl turned about 35 shades of Red when it happened. She was speechless. He didn't even notice or think anything of the whole thing.
Well that is about all I have time to update for now...more later.
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe.
Shalom my peeps!
To make matters worse for me this weekend we go pick up Stella and Sharkboy starts his football practices. Time is and will be so crazy for the next few days.
Saturday Stella comes home. In the morning we will go to Petsmart or some other commercial pet care needs store and stock up on puppy needs. We can't wait for her to come into our lives. So if you have a few minutes just stop and pray for our sanity and that Stella potty trains quick and catches on to the "The Leonard" lifestyle.
Sharkboy starts football practice this weekend. Yup, I said football practice. He will be playing Pop Warner football as a mini Might. I can't wait. He is so excited. Last weekend he and I took the voyage to Dick's sporting goods to pick up some equipment. He needed some cleats and a cup. Now the cleats went really smooth. Sized him, bought some socks, since he was wearing his sandals and got some sweet little Reebok cleats for him. The cup on the other hand was a bit more complicated. Most of the confusion came on his part. He wasn't really sure what it was for and I was a bit perplexed on how to explain it to him. So in my normal manner of dealing with these situations I just told him like it was...this is about how it went.
Sharkboy: Dad what is a cup and why do I need one?
Dad: Well, it is a piece of equipment that protects you?
Sharkboy: How does it protect me?
Dad: Well it protects your "junk".
Sharkboy: How?
Dad: Well you wear it and if someone kicks you there or a helmet hits you there, you "junk" will be safe.
Sharkboy: oh, ok...
So we picked out the appropriate size and proceeded to the check out. That is when all of the above conversation became awkward. Sharkboy proceeded to tell the cashier (a cute high school girl, that had no idea what was coming) that he was going to be playing Pop Warner and that he needed a cup to protect his "Junk". I laughed so hard when I got in the truck and the girl turned about 35 shades of Red when it happened. She was speechless. He didn't even notice or think anything of the whole thing.
Well that is about all I have time to update for now...more later.
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe.
Shalom my peeps!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Stella and Sharkboy meet...
Hey blog readers...had a great day today. Mowed the church out in New Carlisle, and Sharkboy got to visit with my parents and Uncle Michael. I got it out of the way early enough so not to melt in the 90 degree sun.
After mowing my Mom and Dad made homemade pizza and invited Sharkboy and I to stay. It was yummy and it was nice to visit with them for a while. I don't get to do that all that often, some time by design and sometimes because I am just plain to busy. But it was a very nice visit.
We headed to Mimi and Papa's after my Mom and Dad's. Jenny's Grandpa is in town and we thought we would stop and say hello. We will be there tomorrow night for a cookout, but it is always nice to get some one on one face time. We didn't stay long, it looked like he was thinking about taking a nap, and I am not one to stop that activity.
Tonight we got to go visit our little girl again. She is growing quite nicely. Her tail is all healed up and looks great. Sharkboy got to meet her for the first time. He was super excited and was not disappointed. I think he really want to take her home, but she is not ready. Momma is still providing most of her nourishment, however she is going to start being offered puppy food tonight. We have set a tentative pick up date for her of July 31st. We are really ready for this...she is coming into a home where there is more love than any puppy could ever expect. We played, took pictures and just enjoyed her a little tonight. It was a great visit.
Well busy weekend kickin' off tomorrow night. Cook out at L.A.'s and F.i.L.'s, Friday may be a date night, and then Saturday Sharkboy is marching in the College Football Hall of Fame's Enshrinement Parade with his Pop Warner team. Then I go back to work for 3 nights in a row. So I will hopefully have some updates this weekend. I am going to try and put some pictures up on here of the little girl. I am on the deck right now enjoying a cigar, so it will have to wait for another time...
So until next time, Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
After mowing my Mom and Dad made homemade pizza and invited Sharkboy and I to stay. It was yummy and it was nice to visit with them for a while. I don't get to do that all that often, some time by design and sometimes because I am just plain to busy. But it was a very nice visit.
We headed to Mimi and Papa's after my Mom and Dad's. Jenny's Grandpa is in town and we thought we would stop and say hello. We will be there tomorrow night for a cookout, but it is always nice to get some one on one face time. We didn't stay long, it looked like he was thinking about taking a nap, and I am not one to stop that activity.
Tonight we got to go visit our little girl again. She is growing quite nicely. Her tail is all healed up and looks great. Sharkboy got to meet her for the first time. He was super excited and was not disappointed. I think he really want to take her home, but she is not ready. Momma is still providing most of her nourishment, however she is going to start being offered puppy food tonight. We have set a tentative pick up date for her of July 31st. We are really ready for this...she is coming into a home where there is more love than any puppy could ever expect. We played, took pictures and just enjoyed her a little tonight. It was a great visit.
Well busy weekend kickin' off tomorrow night. Cook out at L.A.'s and F.i.L.'s, Friday may be a date night, and then Saturday Sharkboy is marching in the College Football Hall of Fame's Enshrinement Parade with his Pop Warner team. Then I go back to work for 3 nights in a row. So I will hopefully have some updates this weekend. I am going to try and put some pictures up on here of the little girl. I am on the deck right now enjoying a cigar, so it will have to wait for another time...
So until next time, Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Hello...is there anybody in there?
Hey blog readers...I am betting that most of you are figuring I have given up on this thing, been hurt in an unfortunate accident, been kidnapped by aliens, been rendered unable to use a computer or just plain dead. I assure you, none of those things have happened to me. I have simply been putting 100% effort into my "New Years Resolution". You may remember that is to have fun at all opportunities and enjoy family and friends. I must say, I have been quite successful at this "Resolution" this year. However...it has been time consuming and somewhat exhausting at times.
Here is a little catch up since my last post(May 11th).
Sadly I have to report the first big thing is that we had to put our beloved Daisy to sleep. After 7+ wonderful years of her providing much happiness and love to our family, we had to say goodbye. Many of my readers are dog/pet owners and hold their pets very near and dear to their hearts. They are truly a member of our family, and you don't realize quite how much until they are gone. Initially we were all pretty much a hot mess. Over time and with lots of "Daisy Stories" and sharing of fond memories it can be spoken about in our house without major tear shed, and trust me, that is no small accomplishment. But in the words of Sharkboy "She is up in Doggie Heaven with all the tennis balls she can chew up, all the soft comfy beds that she can snuggle on and there is plenty of fresh toilet water for her to drink". Where ever you are Daisy, we love you and miss you very much.
In June we ventured South to Florida for a little family vacation. We flew out June 12th to beautiful and sunny(and hot) Tarpon Springs, Fl. We visited with some very dear friends of ours and stayed with them for a couple of days/nights. Then we ventured over to Disney World. What a great, happy, awesome place. In the name of not rambling on and on about our Disney trip I can say this...We had a great time, we are definitely going back and Sharkboy cried when we left. Thank you Marcci for all your help and advice and know that we will be back to hang out with you and "The Mouse" again. On Thursday night of our trip we straggled back to Tarpon Springs and stayed another couple of days with our friends and toured the area. I absolutely love Florida and never before did I think it would be a nice place to retire, until now. I can see myself with a condo on the Gulf and a boat and summering on the Great Lakes(we will see).
Since then we have pretty much just been doing family things. We have some really great friends that have a Pontoon boat on Pine Lake and we all go out and hang out at the lake every chance we get. We have shared a lot of laughs, consumed many "adult beverages", and just generally relaxed in our time. We spent the 4th of July on the boat, and it was a fantastic day. This activity has placed a Pontoon of our own, on the 5(or less)year plan. It truely is very relaxing and we have such great times. I am somewhat of a water nut and Sharkboy and Jenny are seeming to be as well, so a boat is definitely in our future.
The last big thing to catch you up on is that we are expecting a new baby in our house. Now don't get all mushy...it isn't of the biped sort. We have placed a deposit on and are impatiently waiting on our next 4-legged friend. Her name is Stella Rose, she is about 3 weeks old. She is a silver Weimaraner that will be spoiled rotten and loved on more than she could ever imagine in our family. The greatest part (at least for me) is that she was born on my Birthday. In a week I will have some pictures to share, but trust me when I say she is "precious". Our family seems to be not firing on all cylinders and we think the biggest thing missing is a 4 legged purveyor of unconditional love, unending laughter and loyal companionship is just we are missing.
Well that is about all I have for updates as of now...so hopefully it won't be 2 months before my next update...but rest assured, I have not given up on my blog...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Here is a little catch up since my last post(May 11th).
Sadly I have to report the first big thing is that we had to put our beloved Daisy to sleep. After 7+ wonderful years of her providing much happiness and love to our family, we had to say goodbye. Many of my readers are dog/pet owners and hold their pets very near and dear to their hearts. They are truly a member of our family, and you don't realize quite how much until they are gone. Initially we were all pretty much a hot mess. Over time and with lots of "Daisy Stories" and sharing of fond memories it can be spoken about in our house without major tear shed, and trust me, that is no small accomplishment. But in the words of Sharkboy "She is up in Doggie Heaven with all the tennis balls she can chew up, all the soft comfy beds that she can snuggle on and there is plenty of fresh toilet water for her to drink". Where ever you are Daisy, we love you and miss you very much.
In June we ventured South to Florida for a little family vacation. We flew out June 12th to beautiful and sunny(and hot) Tarpon Springs, Fl. We visited with some very dear friends of ours and stayed with them for a couple of days/nights. Then we ventured over to Disney World. What a great, happy, awesome place. In the name of not rambling on and on about our Disney trip I can say this...We had a great time, we are definitely going back and Sharkboy cried when we left. Thank you Marcci for all your help and advice and know that we will be back to hang out with you and "The Mouse" again. On Thursday night of our trip we straggled back to Tarpon Springs and stayed another couple of days with our friends and toured the area. I absolutely love Florida and never before did I think it would be a nice place to retire, until now. I can see myself with a condo on the Gulf and a boat and summering on the Great Lakes(we will see).
Since then we have pretty much just been doing family things. We have some really great friends that have a Pontoon boat on Pine Lake and we all go out and hang out at the lake every chance we get. We have shared a lot of laughs, consumed many "adult beverages", and just generally relaxed in our time. We spent the 4th of July on the boat, and it was a fantastic day. This activity has placed a Pontoon of our own, on the 5(or less)year plan. It truely is very relaxing and we have such great times. I am somewhat of a water nut and Sharkboy and Jenny are seeming to be as well, so a boat is definitely in our future.
The last big thing to catch you up on is that we are expecting a new baby in our house. Now don't get all mushy...it isn't of the biped sort. We have placed a deposit on and are impatiently waiting on our next 4-legged friend. Her name is Stella Rose, she is about 3 weeks old. She is a silver Weimaraner that will be spoiled rotten and loved on more than she could ever imagine in our family. The greatest part (at least for me) is that she was born on my Birthday. In a week I will have some pictures to share, but trust me when I say she is "precious". Our family seems to be not firing on all cylinders and we think the biggest thing missing is a 4 legged purveyor of unconditional love, unending laughter and loyal companionship is just we are missing.
Well that is about all I have for updates as of now...so hopefully it won't be 2 months before my next update...but rest assured, I have not given up on my blog...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lessons learned
Hey blog readers...I hope the rain we are currently in the Michiana area is not dampening any one's spirits. I luckily have been at work through most of it, so I am not looking outside thinking of all the things I should be doing in the yard.
So the title of this blog is "Lessons Learned"...well as you guessed I am going to throw some lessons that I have learned. Either through life experience or life learning(actually listening to other people and learning to no repeat their mistakes). So here we go...
Life at the fire station is not always running into burning buildings and saving people(however that would be pretty fun). It takes a lot of understanding of people and how to live with different personalities. I have recently been reassigned to a new station and have started this process all over. My new partner is pretty long in the tooth(so to speak). He isn't very talkative, and for anyone who knows me that can be frustrating...I do love a good chit chat. So I have a new personality to decipher.
Don't pee into the wind. Not really something you should test, unless of course you are into the wet pants look.
Never look at your Thumb/Finger when pounding nails...you will regret it.
Never underestimate the power of doing nice things. I am married to one of the greatest people in the world, and luckily she appreciates my attempts at being a good person(even though sometimes they fail miserably). People inherently want to feel appreciated and taking a few minutes to show that appreciation will pay huge dividends in the end.
Never forget to say Thank you when someone completes a task or does a nice thing. Doing so can cause that to become a habit and then it is harder and harder to show appreciation.
When you ask someone "How are you?" expect to get an answer. I ask this all the time...and I want to know. It tells me a lot about where a person is in their mind at the time. Even if they say "Fine" you can usually tell if they are or not. It truly is, the easiest question I ask, and it is the best way to size up the current situation.
Now...onto some curious things that I have noticed.
Why is it that the Women's bathroom is so sacred? The firehouse that I am at has one. I have noticed that during the after hours portion of the day(when there is rarely a Female in the building) that room is off limits. I have actually witnessed someone do the "Potty Dance" waiting for the men's bathroom. It is right across the hall from the women's. I think I will try and break down this "social barrier" next time I have to pee...wish me luck.
Why do some people feel that it is important to story trump? Around the firehouse I would say it is very similar to a fish camp. Everyone sitting around when there is down time telling "fishing stories". But there is the occasional story trumper. You know what I mean...they have done things stranger, bigger and more embarrassing than anything you could ever hope to do. Why???
Ok...onto some updates.
Daisy is improving everyday...still some caution in our hearts, but it is great to see her up and moving around and doing "Daisy things" again.
Sharkboy is having some really great days at school. He is growing up everyday and becoming quite the little man. I am so honored to be his Dad and can't wait to continue to watch him grow..
Jenny, had a great Mother's Day. She started with Breakfast that I made. Belgian waffles, Sausage patties and homemade whipped cream. She got a bunch(and I mean bunch) of wild flowers. We have wildflowers in vases all around our house. Then she did some shopping while Sharkboy and I got the front yard in order for the spring time. We made the trek to New Carlisle and spent some time with her parents and dropped a plant off to my Mom(they weren't home or I would have visited there too). Then we finished it off with Homemade Schnitzel. It was a great day for me to honor the Mother of my child and my best friend in the whole world.
That is about all I have for now...
So until next time,
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
So the title of this blog is "Lessons Learned"...well as you guessed I am going to throw some lessons that I have learned. Either through life experience or life learning(actually listening to other people and learning to no repeat their mistakes). So here we go...
Life at the fire station is not always running into burning buildings and saving people(however that would be pretty fun). It takes a lot of understanding of people and how to live with different personalities. I have recently been reassigned to a new station and have started this process all over. My new partner is pretty long in the tooth(so to speak). He isn't very talkative, and for anyone who knows me that can be frustrating...I do love a good chit chat. So I have a new personality to decipher.
Don't pee into the wind. Not really something you should test, unless of course you are into the wet pants look.
Never look at your Thumb/Finger when pounding nails...you will regret it.
Never underestimate the power of doing nice things. I am married to one of the greatest people in the world, and luckily she appreciates my attempts at being a good person(even though sometimes they fail miserably). People inherently want to feel appreciated and taking a few minutes to show that appreciation will pay huge dividends in the end.
Never forget to say Thank you when someone completes a task or does a nice thing. Doing so can cause that to become a habit and then it is harder and harder to show appreciation.
When you ask someone "How are you?" expect to get an answer. I ask this all the time...and I want to know. It tells me a lot about where a person is in their mind at the time. Even if they say "Fine" you can usually tell if they are or not. It truly is, the easiest question I ask, and it is the best way to size up the current situation.
Now...onto some curious things that I have noticed.
Why is it that the Women's bathroom is so sacred? The firehouse that I am at has one. I have noticed that during the after hours portion of the day(when there is rarely a Female in the building) that room is off limits. I have actually witnessed someone do the "Potty Dance" waiting for the men's bathroom. It is right across the hall from the women's. I think I will try and break down this "social barrier" next time I have to pee...wish me luck.
Why do some people feel that it is important to story trump? Around the firehouse I would say it is very similar to a fish camp. Everyone sitting around when there is down time telling "fishing stories". But there is the occasional story trumper. You know what I mean...they have done things stranger, bigger and more embarrassing than anything you could ever hope to do. Why???
Ok...onto some updates.
Daisy is improving everyday...still some caution in our hearts, but it is great to see her up and moving around and doing "Daisy things" again.
Sharkboy is having some really great days at school. He is growing up everyday and becoming quite the little man. I am so honored to be his Dad and can't wait to continue to watch him grow..
Jenny, had a great Mother's Day. She started with Breakfast that I made. Belgian waffles, Sausage patties and homemade whipped cream. She got a bunch(and I mean bunch) of wild flowers. We have wildflowers in vases all around our house. Then she did some shopping while Sharkboy and I got the front yard in order for the spring time. We made the trek to New Carlisle and spent some time with her parents and dropped a plant off to my Mom(they weren't home or I would have visited there too). Then we finished it off with Homemade Schnitzel. It was a great day for me to honor the Mother of my child and my best friend in the whole world.
That is about all I have for now...
So until next time,
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking...into the future.
Hey blog readers...hope everyone in the North West Indiana area is staying warm and dry today. It is not pretty outside...but at least it isn't snowing(said with fingers crossed!)
Not a lot of happening right now...yeah right. Daisy came home last night from her 2 night 2 day stay at the vet. It is our best guess(that is all we have right now) that she has Toxoplasmosis. She is responding to the antibiotics. The vet has cautioned us to proceed with cautious optimism, since we don't really know for sure how advanced it was able to get before figuring it out. The good news is she responding and we will take that. The even better news is that dogs respond very well as long as it has not infected/affected her neuro-muscular systems. Fingers again crossed.
I feel like I should add a plug here for our great and caring vetinary staff. The gang at Gilmer Park have been great. The Dr's are incredibly nice and easy to talk to and very caring. Daisy's vet called me today from his daughters soccer tournament...in Ft. Wayne to answer some questions we had. He is incredible and so is his wife, one of the other magnificent vets that are taking care our Daisy. If you are in need of a Vet in the South Bend area...I can't say enough possitive things about Gilmer Park Animal Hospital.
Sharkboy and I had a boys night out last night. He insisted on Hacienda even though we just had 2 night prior (it was Cinco De Mayo after all). He really had his heart set on Chips, Salsa and Ranch. It was really cute at dinner, he forgot Mommy wasn't with us and almost ordered a small green salsa for her. Then he looked at me and said..."man, I almost forgot this was a boys only night and Mommy isn't here". Good to know he takes care of her even when she isn't there.
Work for me is still kicking along. I am settling into my new assignment and getting used to the routines around here. The station I am at is nicknamed "The Nightmare". So if your curious about my Facebook status updates that reference that, well mystery solved. Lot's of new subdivisions and streets to learn, but if you are learning...your not getting anywhere.
Got a lot coming up this week...Mothers Day tomorrow! Then class during work Monday and then the 4-day, that will include an overtime shift on Tuesday.
I guess since I mentioned it...Happy Mother's Day tomorrow to all the Moms. Especially Jenny. I love that she is the Mother of my son and I Cherish every moment that I can share with her raising our son. She is a great mother, wife and friend. She truly is a blessing in my life. I can't forget my Mom...Thanks Mom for raising me to be a responsible adult and to appreciate the little things in life. Also LA...thank you for raising a great daughter, I have already said it, but she is a great person and I am lucky to have her and you in my life.
That is about all I have now, so until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Not a lot of happening right now...yeah right. Daisy came home last night from her 2 night 2 day stay at the vet. It is our best guess(that is all we have right now) that she has Toxoplasmosis. She is responding to the antibiotics. The vet has cautioned us to proceed with cautious optimism, since we don't really know for sure how advanced it was able to get before figuring it out. The good news is she responding and we will take that. The even better news is that dogs respond very well as long as it has not infected/affected her neuro-muscular systems. Fingers again crossed.
I feel like I should add a plug here for our great and caring vetinary staff. The gang at Gilmer Park have been great. The Dr's are incredibly nice and easy to talk to and very caring. Daisy's vet called me today from his daughters soccer tournament...in Ft. Wayne to answer some questions we had. He is incredible and so is his wife, one of the other magnificent vets that are taking care our Daisy. If you are in need of a Vet in the South Bend area...I can't say enough possitive things about Gilmer Park Animal Hospital.
Sharkboy and I had a boys night out last night. He insisted on Hacienda even though we just had 2 night prior (it was Cinco De Mayo after all). He really had his heart set on Chips, Salsa and Ranch. It was really cute at dinner, he forgot Mommy wasn't with us and almost ordered a small green salsa for her. Then he looked at me and said..."man, I almost forgot this was a boys only night and Mommy isn't here". Good to know he takes care of her even when she isn't there.
Work for me is still kicking along. I am settling into my new assignment and getting used to the routines around here. The station I am at is nicknamed "The Nightmare". So if your curious about my Facebook status updates that reference that, well mystery solved. Lot's of new subdivisions and streets to learn, but if you are learning...your not getting anywhere.
Got a lot coming up this week...Mothers Day tomorrow! Then class during work Monday and then the 4-day, that will include an overtime shift on Tuesday.
I guess since I mentioned it...Happy Mother's Day tomorrow to all the Moms. Especially Jenny. I love that she is the Mother of my son and I Cherish every moment that I can share with her raising our son. She is a great mother, wife and friend. She truly is a blessing in my life. I can't forget my Mom...Thanks Mom for raising me to be a responsible adult and to appreciate the little things in life. Also LA...thank you for raising a great daughter, I have already said it, but she is a great person and I am lucky to have her and you in my life.
That is about all I have now, so until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Time to get back on the blog wagon...
Hey blog readers...it has been over a month since my last post. I am not really sure why either...there has been plenty in my life to laugh about, preach about, whine about and think about. Just for some reason it didn't happen here. Well that is about to all change. I have been re-assigned to a new firehouse. For those of you familiar I am now stationed at the former Harris station 2 and current Clay station 4. It is nicknamed the Nightmare on Elm Rd, a little play on the 80's horror film and the fact that it is located at the corner of Elm and SR 23. It is a nice little station with I a nice pace.
Just got back from Cigarfest 2010. It was a great time as always. This year F.i.L. tagged along with me and 3 other firefighters. We scored many great pictures, memories and most of all cigars. I believe my final count of cigars handed to me was 68. Great times, and pictures to follow.
Sharkboy is doing great. He is growing up so fast. He takes his very own showers now. The only assistance he needs is a little help getting the shower gel on the shower puff, but in time he will master that too. School is just about over for him. He has a little less than a month left. He is really excited about this summer, as am I, since we will be doing a lot together. Not of the least is our family vacation to Florida in June. It will include some time with some great friends and visit to Disney. I can't wait and based on our conversations, neither can he.
Jenny is hanging in there. Her Uncle was diagnosed with cancer a couple months ago and sadly there is very little they can do for him medically. It is pretty much through his whole body. He is in the best spirits you can expect and thank goodness for the good people of hospice. He is receiving palliative care and it is really helping with the pain. The pain the family is experiencing is not treatable with medication. Just a lot of love, some great talks and time will heal those wounds. I hate to see the people I love going through this, so I try to support where I can, catch the tears I can and just plain continue to love on them.
Daisy is a pretty sick puppy right now. Hopefully the treatment she began yesterday will continue to help her feel better. She has what we suspect as Toxoplasmosis. It is a pretty nasty infection. The vet is very pleased with her rapid response to the medication and is cautiously optimistic on her recovery. We have been through a lot these past few weeks with her and are ready to have her return to some form of her normal self.
I think that pretty much catches you up on the current goings on in the wacky world I live in. Stay tuned for more updates and hopefully some pretty funny or odd perspective posts.
Until next time,
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Just got back from Cigarfest 2010. It was a great time as always. This year F.i.L. tagged along with me and 3 other firefighters. We scored many great pictures, memories and most of all cigars. I believe my final count of cigars handed to me was 68. Great times, and pictures to follow.
Sharkboy is doing great. He is growing up so fast. He takes his very own showers now. The only assistance he needs is a little help getting the shower gel on the shower puff, but in time he will master that too. School is just about over for him. He has a little less than a month left. He is really excited about this summer, as am I, since we will be doing a lot together. Not of the least is our family vacation to Florida in June. It will include some time with some great friends and visit to Disney. I can't wait and based on our conversations, neither can he.
Jenny is hanging in there. Her Uncle was diagnosed with cancer a couple months ago and sadly there is very little they can do for him medically. It is pretty much through his whole body. He is in the best spirits you can expect and thank goodness for the good people of hospice. He is receiving palliative care and it is really helping with the pain. The pain the family is experiencing is not treatable with medication. Just a lot of love, some great talks and time will heal those wounds. I hate to see the people I love going through this, so I try to support where I can, catch the tears I can and just plain continue to love on them.
Daisy is a pretty sick puppy right now. Hopefully the treatment she began yesterday will continue to help her feel better. She has what we suspect as Toxoplasmosis. It is a pretty nasty infection. The vet is very pleased with her rapid response to the medication and is cautiously optimistic on her recovery. We have been through a lot these past few weeks with her and are ready to have her return to some form of her normal self.
I think that pretty much catches you up on the current goings on in the wacky world I live in. Stay tuned for more updates and hopefully some pretty funny or odd perspective posts.
Until next time,
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
It's a bright Sun Shiny kind of day...
Hey blog readers...I am sitting here at the table, looking outside enjoying the sunshine. There is frost on the ground but the sun is out and the air is warming. I am enjoying some coffee, and listening to the morning TV squawking along. I thought, hey, what a great time to blog.
I have been tossing around blog theme ideas in my head for a post. It has been a little while since my last blog. So I have decided to throw a couple of them together today, let's see how it goes.
THANKFUL
I have been focusing this year on doing things that are fun and focusing on the fun in life. In doing that I have noticed so many things in my life that I am thankful for. So here are a few things that I have taken stock in over the last 3 months.
My family: I am so blessed to have a great family. Almost 14 years ago I began a relationship with my wife(as a couple...there are many years before that as friends). It truly is a blessing in my life. She is my best friend. She supports me in ways I didn't even realize were possible. She loves me more everyday. She truly is a blessing in my life. My son came into my life a little over 6 years ago. He flipped our lives upside down and thankfully we haven't figured out how to turn it back over. He makes me smile everyday. He loves unconditionally and has the biggest heart. I am honored and blessed to call him my son. I spent Sunday with Jen's family celebrating Easter a week early. They move holidays around for my crazy firefighter schedule. They are great people...I love my In-Laws more than words could express. We shared great food, heart felt laughs and a great day. I look forward to many more days like that.
My work. I really think I have the greatest job in the world. I have an opportunity everyday to help people when they are having the worst day of their lives. It makes me both appreciate other people and what I have at the same time. People don't call us when they are having a great day, so it makes me focus on the important things and try and make their day better.
My friends. I feel like everywhere I go I know somebody. I like to think it is because I am not afraid to say hello and smile at people. I try to stay approachable and open to conversation. I have learned so much from talking to complete strangers, but more importantly, I have learned a lot from talking and listening to the people that are in my life everyday.
MORE ODD THOUGHTS:
Why do telemarketers call back? My wife has this habit of hanging up on telemarketers prior to them saying a word. She simply pushes the green answer button and she then immediately pushes the red button. She never says a word to them. But somehow they think that it wasn't the message she was trying to send, so they call back for 3 straight nights. Each time getting the same result. Seriously, are they really that dense?
Why don't people look in the mirror before they leave the house? I got up early on Sunday and headed to the store to pick up some odds and ends needed for our dinner party we went to at Jen's parent's house. I got out of bed, put on a hat, some warm up pants, a sweatshirt and some flip flops. I glanced in the mirror and thought, well it isn't my very best, but it will do(but I looked in the mirror to assure I didn't look like the walking dead). While I was there I witnessed a woman in a house coat, a man in fleece shorts, work boots and flannel shirt. 2 people I am sure did not look in the mirror prior to their exit of their homes.
Why don't men talk in the bathroom? I have to admit, I adhere to this principal as well. But what is the harm with a hello? What is the harm if you know someone saying how are you or asking what is new in their life? It is a mystery...I also am curious about the mandatory 1 urinal interval. If there are 3 urinals, at any given moment only the 2 on the outside will be in use...some mysteries are just meant not to be uncovered.
THE WEATHER:
Sun is out, air is warming up. Let the Spring and Summer festivities begin! I look forward to all of them. Sharkboy and I played catch yesterday in the back yard. I can't wait to golf, eat outside and mow the grass. If you love summer like I do...here is to a great one.
Well that is about all I can squeeze out of the grey matter for now. Today Sharkboy has a short play at school where he is playing Jesus. We can't wait...
I hope everyone has a great Easter weekend and enjoys the Spring breaks that are on the horizon.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
I have been tossing around blog theme ideas in my head for a post. It has been a little while since my last blog. So I have decided to throw a couple of them together today, let's see how it goes.
THANKFUL
I have been focusing this year on doing things that are fun and focusing on the fun in life. In doing that I have noticed so many things in my life that I am thankful for. So here are a few things that I have taken stock in over the last 3 months.
My family: I am so blessed to have a great family. Almost 14 years ago I began a relationship with my wife(as a couple...there are many years before that as friends). It truly is a blessing in my life. She is my best friend. She supports me in ways I didn't even realize were possible. She loves me more everyday. She truly is a blessing in my life. My son came into my life a little over 6 years ago. He flipped our lives upside down and thankfully we haven't figured out how to turn it back over. He makes me smile everyday. He loves unconditionally and has the biggest heart. I am honored and blessed to call him my son. I spent Sunday with Jen's family celebrating Easter a week early. They move holidays around for my crazy firefighter schedule. They are great people...I love my In-Laws more than words could express. We shared great food, heart felt laughs and a great day. I look forward to many more days like that.
My work. I really think I have the greatest job in the world. I have an opportunity everyday to help people when they are having the worst day of their lives. It makes me both appreciate other people and what I have at the same time. People don't call us when they are having a great day, so it makes me focus on the important things and try and make their day better.
My friends. I feel like everywhere I go I know somebody. I like to think it is because I am not afraid to say hello and smile at people. I try to stay approachable and open to conversation. I have learned so much from talking to complete strangers, but more importantly, I have learned a lot from talking and listening to the people that are in my life everyday.
MORE ODD THOUGHTS:
Why do telemarketers call back? My wife has this habit of hanging up on telemarketers prior to them saying a word. She simply pushes the green answer button and she then immediately pushes the red button. She never says a word to them. But somehow they think that it wasn't the message she was trying to send, so they call back for 3 straight nights. Each time getting the same result. Seriously, are they really that dense?
Why don't people look in the mirror before they leave the house? I got up early on Sunday and headed to the store to pick up some odds and ends needed for our dinner party we went to at Jen's parent's house. I got out of bed, put on a hat, some warm up pants, a sweatshirt and some flip flops. I glanced in the mirror and thought, well it isn't my very best, but it will do(but I looked in the mirror to assure I didn't look like the walking dead). While I was there I witnessed a woman in a house coat, a man in fleece shorts, work boots and flannel shirt. 2 people I am sure did not look in the mirror prior to their exit of their homes.
Why don't men talk in the bathroom? I have to admit, I adhere to this principal as well. But what is the harm with a hello? What is the harm if you know someone saying how are you or asking what is new in their life? It is a mystery...I also am curious about the mandatory 1 urinal interval. If there are 3 urinals, at any given moment only the 2 on the outside will be in use...some mysteries are just meant not to be uncovered.
THE WEATHER:
Sun is out, air is warming up. Let the Spring and Summer festivities begin! I look forward to all of them. Sharkboy and I played catch yesterday in the back yard. I can't wait to golf, eat outside and mow the grass. If you love summer like I do...here is to a great one.
Well that is about all I can squeeze out of the grey matter for now. Today Sharkboy has a short play at school where he is playing Jesus. We can't wait...
I hope everyone has a great Easter weekend and enjoys the Spring breaks that are on the horizon.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Peculiar thoughts of a Peculiar man.
Hey blog readers...today I spent some time in the truck running errands. Usually that gives me time to think about things that are going on in my life. Well today I had some really weird thoughts. Some of which follow...
Why do we think the way we do? Why do we ponder things? I wish I had the answers...but oddly I do not. The following are some thing that popped into this cob web filled skull I carry around on my shoulders. Enjoy...they have provided me many laughs over the years.
Why are men attracted to breasts? Seriously, unless you were a hungry infant a breast provides nothing significant to men. Don't get me wrong I am not ready to hang up my manly ways and stop finding breasts attractive. I am just perplexed. A very good friend once stated the following about breasts and it fits "Boobs are weird". Another friend once said "They taste like arm". 2 very peculiar but fitting quotes when it comes to boobs.
Why do we drive on a parkway, but park in a driveway? (an oldy but goody) I got nothing...why do we?
When someone eats something weird why do we freak out? I gotta say that guy that one day thought it would be tasty to eat a cow was a genius. I am sure his buddies thought he was a bit crazy, but genius none the less. Somebody has to eat new things the first time. Think about it...Pigs=Ham, bacon, sausage etc. I am sure the people that ate pigs first were thought to be crazy, but look at us now. Chicken eggs, cows milk, caviar...just to name a few had to be someone way off their rocker. But I thank them for their courage.
When someone tastes something bad, why do they offer it to us to taste? I am a pretty trusting person. If one of my friends tastes something and it is horrible, I will take their word for it. I don't need to personally validate an items level of nasty.
Why do we laugh out loud when we are alone? I myself am not one of those people. I actually think of laughter as an outward sign that you find something funny. If I am alone, I don't laugh out loud. For example: I am currently watching The Hangover. Arguably one of the funniest movies ever made. Not a single outburst of laughter. An occasional smile I will admit to, but no laughter.
Global warming, is it real? I froze my ass off this winter. I won't lie. I am not buying into the whole global warming argument. I am 36 y/o and have lived my whole life in a Midwest climate. Cold winters, hot summers and delightful springs and falls. I have not noticed a change in our winters. We still get a butt load of snow, we still get bitter cold and we still have that nasty phenomenon known as lake effect. I am calling global warming from now on an Environmentalists scare tactic.
Why do we call them Chicken fingers? Fingers are not in a chickens anatomy. So why?
I could go on and on and on and on...
That is all my deep thoughts for now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Why do we think the way we do? Why do we ponder things? I wish I had the answers...but oddly I do not. The following are some thing that popped into this cob web filled skull I carry around on my shoulders. Enjoy...they have provided me many laughs over the years.
Why are men attracted to breasts? Seriously, unless you were a hungry infant a breast provides nothing significant to men. Don't get me wrong I am not ready to hang up my manly ways and stop finding breasts attractive. I am just perplexed. A very good friend once stated the following about breasts and it fits "Boobs are weird". Another friend once said "They taste like arm". 2 very peculiar but fitting quotes when it comes to boobs.
Why do we drive on a parkway, but park in a driveway? (an oldy but goody) I got nothing...why do we?
When someone eats something weird why do we freak out? I gotta say that guy that one day thought it would be tasty to eat a cow was a genius. I am sure his buddies thought he was a bit crazy, but genius none the less. Somebody has to eat new things the first time. Think about it...Pigs=Ham, bacon, sausage etc. I am sure the people that ate pigs first were thought to be crazy, but look at us now. Chicken eggs, cows milk, caviar...just to name a few had to be someone way off their rocker. But I thank them for their courage.
When someone tastes something bad, why do they offer it to us to taste? I am a pretty trusting person. If one of my friends tastes something and it is horrible, I will take their word for it. I don't need to personally validate an items level of nasty.
Why do we laugh out loud when we are alone? I myself am not one of those people. I actually think of laughter as an outward sign that you find something funny. If I am alone, I don't laugh out loud. For example: I am currently watching The Hangover. Arguably one of the funniest movies ever made. Not a single outburst of laughter. An occasional smile I will admit to, but no laughter.
Global warming, is it real? I froze my ass off this winter. I won't lie. I am not buying into the whole global warming argument. I am 36 y/o and have lived my whole life in a Midwest climate. Cold winters, hot summers and delightful springs and falls. I have not noticed a change in our winters. We still get a butt load of snow, we still get bitter cold and we still have that nasty phenomenon known as lake effect. I am calling global warming from now on an Environmentalists scare tactic.
Why do we call them Chicken fingers? Fingers are not in a chickens anatomy. So why?
I could go on and on and on and on...
That is all my deep thoughts for now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Odds and Ends
Hey blog readers...just thought I would post and catch up some odds and ends of things.
Ambulance ride time is going good. I am getting to do some great things in the ambulance. I absolutely love providing good patient care and making a difference in peoples lives when they think they need us most. It is a real positive experience, most of the time. I seem to be getting used to the insomnia involved, but I have to say, I will be glad to be back on the engine. Only 4 days left.
Spring seems to be trying too pop. We have daffodils popping up and the grass is trying to turn green. Most of the winter poop from the back yard seems to be cleaned up. I can't wait to be outside all the time mowing, doing yard work, cooking outside and enjoying the occasional evening cigar on the deck.
Sharkboy is doing great. He had a rough day at school yesterday. I don't have any particulars since he, selectively, doesn't remember what happened. When I asked him what happened during the day he said "I just had a rough day Dad". Oh if he only knew what a bad day was. I occasionally tell Jenny that I don't want to be a grown up anymore...I am joking, but a little itty bitty part of me really feels that way.
Golf is right around the corner. I have the clubs out and clean. If I have a little extra time this afternoon I may actually go someplace and hit a bucket of balls to shake out the winter cob webs. I can't wait to get out on the course this year.
Some things in the news that I have been thinking about:
Health Care bill: I am currently reading the online version of the bill to try and figure out just where I stand on it. I have noticed lot of people chiming in on this topic. It is definitely a topic that is churning around. So far what I read in the bill, most seems reasonable. So far I have read nothing about abolishing private insurance, socialized medicine, government control of what procedure you can have or not have. But I am only about a 1/3 of the way through it.
Tiger Woods playing in The Masters: Good for him. I feel like he should get back on the course and do what he does best. Do I think it was right for him to cheat on his wife? Absolutely not! I also don't think all the media coverage is doing any good for him, his wife or the golf community. I really feel that in order for him to get his life in order he needs to start getting into a routine and what better way to do that than getting back to work. If he truly does have a sexual addiction, then continue to get help.
March Madness: For those of you not into this, I am truly sorry. I am not a huge basketball fan, but the games in March during the "Big Dance" are what basketball is all about. Underdog teams eliminating bigger teams. Upsets, stars that truly are stars, shining. I did not complete a bracket this year. In past years it has consumed too much of my time, of which, I don't have very much to spare right now.
Toyota's Recalls and Runaway Vehicles: I just want to say that I think that again the media is hurting the reputation of Toyota. Seriously with all the vehicles on the road that have accidents and problems I am guessing that the only reason Toyota is getting raked over the coals is because of the recent recall. Remember readers, roughly 4 accidents happen every second in the United States. I am pretty sure that the brunt of those are not "Toyota Recall" induced, so I am going to continue to ignore the press fluff. No to mention that my family doesn't own a Toyota...so pretty safe to say it isn't anything for me to lose sleep over.
Jessie James cheating on Sandra Bullock: I would like to go on record as saying what a moron. First off, any man that cheats on his wife has a certain percentage of ignorance in their day to day decisions. I have always been a SB fan, I think she is a pretty good actress, a pretty good person and I think she is pretty hot. What a slap in the face. I hope she can get things in order and have a chance to celebrate her "Best Actress, Oscar". A very sad story for anyone. I hope she finds strength and she can move on.
This weekend we have a lot going on. Sharkboy and I are going to have a "Boy's Night" tonight while Jenny is out hanging out with the girls. Tomorrow we have a lot of fun stuff planned. Jenny is working in the morning(not really that fun I know) and in the afternoon we are heading out to NC to have some fun with some old friends from school. Sunday we are going to the Corpus Christi Pancake breakfast to help raise funds for the playground. If you aren't doing anything, come out and enjoy some pancakes and some great company. I think the rest of the day will be spent just hanging out.
I wanted to send a huge Happy Birthday(yesterday and yes I remembered yesterday and called) to one of my dearest and best friends in the whole wide world. Happy Birthday Tara! I hope you had a great day! I know from what you described as you birthday night out you had a blast. We will celebrate more when we come down in June.
That's all I have for now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Ambulance ride time is going good. I am getting to do some great things in the ambulance. I absolutely love providing good patient care and making a difference in peoples lives when they think they need us most. It is a real positive experience, most of the time. I seem to be getting used to the insomnia involved, but I have to say, I will be glad to be back on the engine. Only 4 days left.
Spring seems to be trying too pop. We have daffodils popping up and the grass is trying to turn green. Most of the winter poop from the back yard seems to be cleaned up. I can't wait to be outside all the time mowing, doing yard work, cooking outside and enjoying the occasional evening cigar on the deck.
Sharkboy is doing great. He had a rough day at school yesterday. I don't have any particulars since he, selectively, doesn't remember what happened. When I asked him what happened during the day he said "I just had a rough day Dad". Oh if he only knew what a bad day was. I occasionally tell Jenny that I don't want to be a grown up anymore...I am joking, but a little itty bitty part of me really feels that way.
Golf is right around the corner. I have the clubs out and clean. If I have a little extra time this afternoon I may actually go someplace and hit a bucket of balls to shake out the winter cob webs. I can't wait to get out on the course this year.
Some things in the news that I have been thinking about:
Health Care bill: I am currently reading the online version of the bill to try and figure out just where I stand on it. I have noticed lot of people chiming in on this topic. It is definitely a topic that is churning around. So far what I read in the bill, most seems reasonable. So far I have read nothing about abolishing private insurance, socialized medicine, government control of what procedure you can have or not have. But I am only about a 1/3 of the way through it.
Tiger Woods playing in The Masters: Good for him. I feel like he should get back on the course and do what he does best. Do I think it was right for him to cheat on his wife? Absolutely not! I also don't think all the media coverage is doing any good for him, his wife or the golf community. I really feel that in order for him to get his life in order he needs to start getting into a routine and what better way to do that than getting back to work. If he truly does have a sexual addiction, then continue to get help.
March Madness: For those of you not into this, I am truly sorry. I am not a huge basketball fan, but the games in March during the "Big Dance" are what basketball is all about. Underdog teams eliminating bigger teams. Upsets, stars that truly are stars, shining. I did not complete a bracket this year. In past years it has consumed too much of my time, of which, I don't have very much to spare right now.
Toyota's Recalls and Runaway Vehicles: I just want to say that I think that again the media is hurting the reputation of Toyota. Seriously with all the vehicles on the road that have accidents and problems I am guessing that the only reason Toyota is getting raked over the coals is because of the recent recall. Remember readers, roughly 4 accidents happen every second in the United States. I am pretty sure that the brunt of those are not "Toyota Recall" induced, so I am going to continue to ignore the press fluff. No to mention that my family doesn't own a Toyota...so pretty safe to say it isn't anything for me to lose sleep over.
Jessie James cheating on Sandra Bullock: I would like to go on record as saying what a moron. First off, any man that cheats on his wife has a certain percentage of ignorance in their day to day decisions. I have always been a SB fan, I think she is a pretty good actress, a pretty good person and I think she is pretty hot. What a slap in the face. I hope she can get things in order and have a chance to celebrate her "Best Actress, Oscar". A very sad story for anyone. I hope she finds strength and she can move on.
This weekend we have a lot going on. Sharkboy and I are going to have a "Boy's Night" tonight while Jenny is out hanging out with the girls. Tomorrow we have a lot of fun stuff planned. Jenny is working in the morning(not really that fun I know) and in the afternoon we are heading out to NC to have some fun with some old friends from school. Sunday we are going to the Corpus Christi Pancake breakfast to help raise funds for the playground. If you aren't doing anything, come out and enjoy some pancakes and some great company. I think the rest of the day will be spent just hanging out.
I wanted to send a huge Happy Birthday(yesterday and yes I remembered yesterday and called) to one of my dearest and best friends in the whole wide world. Happy Birthday Tara! I hope you had a great day! I know from what you described as you birthday night out you had a blast. We will celebrate more when we come down in June.
That's all I have for now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A post from the trenches
Hey blog readers. I have a few extra minutes that I can post something in the middle of this 48 hour shift. Thought I would jump on here and do so...no procrastinating.
The shift hasn't been too bad. I have run a few calls, got some sleep last night and for the most part I am not completely exhausted. We will see what tonight holds...
Time change tonight for my Daylight Savings Time friends...tonight roughly at 2 am we will spring ahead an hour. That means we should see the sun later into the evening and that my friends is a bright spot in my life.
Sharkboy and Jenny came to visit me today. It was really nice to see them. I hate to put them through these 48 hour shifts...especially on a weekend. They are both very understanding and I really count myself as blessed having them and their support. I ran into a friend of mine at the ER the other night. He is an emergency room physician and I haven't really talked to him in a few years. We exchanged the normal pleasantries as you would imagine. We chatted about things and he tugged on my wedding ring and asked how it was fitting these days. I told him that it was great. He reminded me that I should appreciate my wife and appreciate how much she does and supports me. I thought that a very nice thing to say and thought I would take this opportunity to say...I love you honey and thank you for all that you do to support me. I appreciate it and you.
So that is about all I have at this point. I am looking forward to spending time tomorrow with family and friends. We will be hitting Granite City for brunch with some great people and later bid Jen's cousin farewell. He is heading south to work in Tennessee to take a new job with his fiance' and her kids. Good luck to them. Also if all goes well I will finally get my hands on my World Famous Cigar bar autographed cigar box and cigars.
Have a safe night everyone...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
The shift hasn't been too bad. I have run a few calls, got some sleep last night and for the most part I am not completely exhausted. We will see what tonight holds...
Time change tonight for my Daylight Savings Time friends...tonight roughly at 2 am we will spring ahead an hour. That means we should see the sun later into the evening and that my friends is a bright spot in my life.
Sharkboy and Jenny came to visit me today. It was really nice to see them. I hate to put them through these 48 hour shifts...especially on a weekend. They are both very understanding and I really count myself as blessed having them and their support. I ran into a friend of mine at the ER the other night. He is an emergency room physician and I haven't really talked to him in a few years. We exchanged the normal pleasantries as you would imagine. We chatted about things and he tugged on my wedding ring and asked how it was fitting these days. I told him that it was great. He reminded me that I should appreciate my wife and appreciate how much she does and supports me. I thought that a very nice thing to say and thought I would take this opportunity to say...I love you honey and thank you for all that you do to support me. I appreciate it and you.
So that is about all I have at this point. I am looking forward to spending time tomorrow with family and friends. We will be hitting Granite City for brunch with some great people and later bid Jen's cousin farewell. He is heading south to work in Tennessee to take a new job with his fiance' and her kids. Good luck to them. Also if all goes well I will finally get my hands on my World Famous Cigar bar autographed cigar box and cigars.
Have a safe night everyone...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Some fresh air
Hey blog readers...today I got home from taking Sharkboy to school and thought it would be a good idea to get a walk in early today, since they are calling for rain later today and I didn't want to put it off or hit the treadmill. So much like the house the last few days, I opened my windows in my brain and let it air out, all the while giving my heart and body some much needed exercise.
While on my walk I realized that many of the dog owners in the neighborhood are not responsible or respectful dog walkers. I could not believe the amount of poop I saw laying in the tree lawns and even some on the sidewalk. I know that while on a walk with your dog it is horrible to have to do the inside out bag dog poop grab. I don't like to do it, but I do. I understand that it is my dog and my responsibility to clean up after her, not somebody who happens to care for that lawn. Please people...if you have a dog, please be respectful and responsible and pick up your dogs poo.
I was watching the news today and they were covering the 14 y/o that killed his Grandfather. I was shocked to hear the story (as it is being reported). Apparently he went to his Grandfather's coat, got his loaded gun and went to his sleeping Grandfather. He then had an "internal argument" with himself before shooting his Grandfather in the head. OH MY GOD!!! I don't know what to think...that is crazy. But I think the part that was the most shocking is that he called his Grandfather "Pa Pa". That is exactly what Sharkboy calls his Grandfather. It was kind of creepy. I know it is a very common nickname for Grandfathers, but it was still a bit creepy.
I went to QI at the hospital last night. For those of you not in the know, Emergency Medical providers are required to attend a prescribed amount of QI, based on their level of certification. I went last night for some of mine. We learned about Hip Fractures and some interesting facts that stuck out to me I thought I would share. First is the fact that prior to surgical hip repair/replacement there was a 50% mortality rate in hip fractures. Holy cow...that is a lot higher than thought. Second was that, by 2020 they are expecting 350.000 hip fractures a year. That is a lot of hip fractures. I also was interested in the risk factors for Hip fractures. There was many of the obvious: Osteoporosis, low body mass, maternal history of hip fractures...etc. But a couple stirred my mind: Smoking, Alcohol consumption, vision impairment, living in an extended care facility (nursing home). Smoking? Well apparently that is a cause of Osteoporosis, didn't know that. Vision impairment, increases trips(not really that shocking...but never thought of it). But living in an extended care facility? Don't we send Grandma or Grandpa to the nursing home because they can't care for themselves and we don't want them to fall and break a hip? But now we find they are actually categorized as a risk now for that...wow. Good luck people...may we all never fall and break a hip!
Tomorrow morning I start a 48 on the medic...so I may not post until Sunday. I will try to maybe fire off some posts from the blackberry, but most likely they will only be random thoughts. Please feel free to comment.
Until next time friends...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
While on my walk I realized that many of the dog owners in the neighborhood are not responsible or respectful dog walkers. I could not believe the amount of poop I saw laying in the tree lawns and even some on the sidewalk. I know that while on a walk with your dog it is horrible to have to do the inside out bag dog poop grab. I don't like to do it, but I do. I understand that it is my dog and my responsibility to clean up after her, not somebody who happens to care for that lawn. Please people...if you have a dog, please be respectful and responsible and pick up your dogs poo.
I was watching the news today and they were covering the 14 y/o that killed his Grandfather. I was shocked to hear the story (as it is being reported). Apparently he went to his Grandfather's coat, got his loaded gun and went to his sleeping Grandfather. He then had an "internal argument" with himself before shooting his Grandfather in the head. OH MY GOD!!! I don't know what to think...that is crazy. But I think the part that was the most shocking is that he called his Grandfather "Pa Pa". That is exactly what Sharkboy calls his Grandfather. It was kind of creepy. I know it is a very common nickname for Grandfathers, but it was still a bit creepy.
I went to QI at the hospital last night. For those of you not in the know, Emergency Medical providers are required to attend a prescribed amount of QI, based on their level of certification. I went last night for some of mine. We learned about Hip Fractures and some interesting facts that stuck out to me I thought I would share. First is the fact that prior to surgical hip repair/replacement there was a 50% mortality rate in hip fractures. Holy cow...that is a lot higher than thought. Second was that, by 2020 they are expecting 350.000 hip fractures a year. That is a lot of hip fractures. I also was interested in the risk factors for Hip fractures. There was many of the obvious: Osteoporosis, low body mass, maternal history of hip fractures...etc. But a couple stirred my mind: Smoking, Alcohol consumption, vision impairment, living in an extended care facility (nursing home). Smoking? Well apparently that is a cause of Osteoporosis, didn't know that. Vision impairment, increases trips(not really that shocking...but never thought of it). But living in an extended care facility? Don't we send Grandma or Grandpa to the nursing home because they can't care for themselves and we don't want them to fall and break a hip? But now we find they are actually categorized as a risk now for that...wow. Good luck people...may we all never fall and break a hip!
Tomorrow morning I start a 48 on the medic...so I may not post until Sunday. I will try to maybe fire off some posts from the blackberry, but most likely they will only be random thoughts. Please feel free to comment.
Until next time friends...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
It's been a long time...
Hey blog readers...If I had a dollar for everytime I said I was going to post something tomorrow, well I would have about 20 bucks. I have had a whirl wind last couple weeks, and they are going to continue to whirl. Lots going on, but that is no excuse for denying my blog readers an update...so here you go.
First I would like to touch on my New Years goal...well as many of you can remember, it is to have a good time with friends and family and never pass up an opportunity to have fun. Well somehow the last month I have strayed from that. No worries friends I have a grasp on the tiller of that ship and we are coming back on course. I made the mistake and letting someone else change my mood. It is funny how one experience with someone can bring you down. I have spent my whole life not letting someone else dictate my mood. I slipped and let it happen. I am reminded that I am human and that it is time to get back to just being me and not let bitter angry power hungry people adjust my mood...enough about that though...
Some things I have been pondering lately...The air traffic controller that let his son talk on the radio and all the press that followed. I guess I am just pretty light hearted about this. I think it is great. I have a job that my son thinks is a pretty cool job, as I am sure his son thought about his job. I have let my son come and visit and hang out with me...he has never gone to a fire, car accident or medical, but he has sprayed the hose, honked the horn and turned the lights on. I guess I look at it this way. He was in the tower surrounded by professionals that do this everyday. He was obviously coached and he was only doing ground control (not that, that is easy Skully...). I feel pretty strongly that no ones life was in danger and the pilots seemed to like it. Airline pilots and air traffic controllers have a very stressful job. This is one of those times that they got to express their "human side".
Just across the state line a 14 y/o boy killed his grandfather. That is horrible! I can't think of any reason to kill anyone, but your grandfather? I hope they hold his as responsible as an adult. You make adult decisions, you get adult consequences.
Funny thing I saw today...I was walking accross the parking lot at Walgreens. There was a nice older black woman walking across the parking lot. She was carrying a huge purse, smiling at people as they passed and greeted me with a very nice hello. She continued accross the parking lot. I noticed her hair was a bit out of place. It was Platinum Blond and straight. I just shrugged it off. I got in the truck and as habbit for me, I was backed into the parking spot. So I had a front row seat for what unfolded. The wind was blowing a bit...not hard, just a pretty good breeze. When all of a sudden her Platinum blonde hair blew right off her head...it started across the parking lot. Her hair underneath was was about a 1/2 inch brillow pad like hair. She pursued it and the language that was coming out of her mouth was not that of a sweet old lady. She finally captured her prey about 25 feet away. She shook it out...placed it back on her head and continued into the store hand on her head and pleasently greeting passers by...I finished laughing and continued on my way.
I am currently doing a month long rotation on the Medic truck. I am trying to get my "Lead Status" in the county. I had forgotten how long a shift on the medic could be. I guess I have been spoiled on the engine. Typically a medical call on the engine at 2 am means I will be back in the station and in bed by 2:45 or 3:00. On the medic...you might as well figure getting back around 4am or so. So needless to say there are some sleepless nights. It will be a long month, but worth it to get my Lead.
Sharkboy is doing great. The weather seems to be breaking for spring, so he is outside more. He is doing pretty well in school...He asked me this morning if I would go to school with him. I told him I could not go to school with him. He replied Dad, it is only Kindergarten, I think you know this stuff. I assured him it wasn't the academic challenge that concerned me.
Well that is about all I have for now...I am happy to announce that the spring outdoor cigar season has started, thank the lord for sunshine, warmer air and time to enjoy a nice cigar.
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my peeps!
First I would like to touch on my New Years goal...well as many of you can remember, it is to have a good time with friends and family and never pass up an opportunity to have fun. Well somehow the last month I have strayed from that. No worries friends I have a grasp on the tiller of that ship and we are coming back on course. I made the mistake and letting someone else change my mood. It is funny how one experience with someone can bring you down. I have spent my whole life not letting someone else dictate my mood. I slipped and let it happen. I am reminded that I am human and that it is time to get back to just being me and not let bitter angry power hungry people adjust my mood...enough about that though...
Some things I have been pondering lately...The air traffic controller that let his son talk on the radio and all the press that followed. I guess I am just pretty light hearted about this. I think it is great. I have a job that my son thinks is a pretty cool job, as I am sure his son thought about his job. I have let my son come and visit and hang out with me...he has never gone to a fire, car accident or medical, but he has sprayed the hose, honked the horn and turned the lights on. I guess I look at it this way. He was in the tower surrounded by professionals that do this everyday. He was obviously coached and he was only doing ground control (not that, that is easy Skully...). I feel pretty strongly that no ones life was in danger and the pilots seemed to like it. Airline pilots and air traffic controllers have a very stressful job. This is one of those times that they got to express their "human side".
Just across the state line a 14 y/o boy killed his grandfather. That is horrible! I can't think of any reason to kill anyone, but your grandfather? I hope they hold his as responsible as an adult. You make adult decisions, you get adult consequences.
Funny thing I saw today...I was walking accross the parking lot at Walgreens. There was a nice older black woman walking across the parking lot. She was carrying a huge purse, smiling at people as they passed and greeted me with a very nice hello. She continued accross the parking lot. I noticed her hair was a bit out of place. It was Platinum Blond and straight. I just shrugged it off. I got in the truck and as habbit for me, I was backed into the parking spot. So I had a front row seat for what unfolded. The wind was blowing a bit...not hard, just a pretty good breeze. When all of a sudden her Platinum blonde hair blew right off her head...it started across the parking lot. Her hair underneath was was about a 1/2 inch brillow pad like hair. She pursued it and the language that was coming out of her mouth was not that of a sweet old lady. She finally captured her prey about 25 feet away. She shook it out...placed it back on her head and continued into the store hand on her head and pleasently greeting passers by...I finished laughing and continued on my way.
I am currently doing a month long rotation on the Medic truck. I am trying to get my "Lead Status" in the county. I had forgotten how long a shift on the medic could be. I guess I have been spoiled on the engine. Typically a medical call on the engine at 2 am means I will be back in the station and in bed by 2:45 or 3:00. On the medic...you might as well figure getting back around 4am or so. So needless to say there are some sleepless nights. It will be a long month, but worth it to get my Lead.
Sharkboy is doing great. The weather seems to be breaking for spring, so he is outside more. He is doing pretty well in school...He asked me this morning if I would go to school with him. I told him I could not go to school with him. He replied Dad, it is only Kindergarten, I think you know this stuff. I assured him it wasn't the academic challenge that concerned me.
Well that is about all I have for now...I am happy to announce that the spring outdoor cigar season has started, thank the lord for sunshine, warmer air and time to enjoy a nice cigar.
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my peeps!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
A little catch up
Hey blog readers...sorry it has been so long since my last post. I have been busy watching the Olympics. I don't really follow the Summer Olympics like I do the winter. I just love the Winter Olympics.
Funny Sharkboy story. The other night I was pestering Jen in the kitchen. Sharkboy was out in the living room playing. Jen gave me one of those thoroughly irritated looks(I recognize this look because I am capable of soliciting it, often...). I made the joke to her that she had that "stab you in the eye with a toothbrush look". She laughed and we went on with our evening. Later that night I had finished reading with Sharkboy in bed and we were playing until Jen came in to do the bed time prayer and the customary goodnight kiss and when she came in she gave us "the look"...Sharkboy covered his eyes and said "quick Daddy cover your eyes, she is going for the toothbrush". The room was filled with laughter. Just goes to show us he is listening even when don't think he is.
Other than that...everything else is pretty much the same. This snow is becoming pretty cumbersome to find fun stuff to do. I can't wait for spring...
Until next time, or I think of something else to blog about...
Be Kind, Be Safe...GO USA!
Shalom my Peeps!
Funny Sharkboy story. The other night I was pestering Jen in the kitchen. Sharkboy was out in the living room playing. Jen gave me one of those thoroughly irritated looks(I recognize this look because I am capable of soliciting it, often...). I made the joke to her that she had that "stab you in the eye with a toothbrush look". She laughed and we went on with our evening. Later that night I had finished reading with Sharkboy in bed and we were playing until Jen came in to do the bed time prayer and the customary goodnight kiss and when she came in she gave us "the look"...Sharkboy covered his eyes and said "quick Daddy cover your eyes, she is going for the toothbrush". The room was filled with laughter. Just goes to show us he is listening even when don't think he is.
Other than that...everything else is pretty much the same. This snow is becoming pretty cumbersome to find fun stuff to do. I can't wait for spring...
Until next time, or I think of something else to blog about...
Be Kind, Be Safe...GO USA!
Shalom my Peeps!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentines Day
Hey blog readers...it is that day that most men cringe at and most women anticipate. We celebrated over Friday night and Saturday since I am at work today. Sharkboy signed his card himself and it meant a lot to Jenny. Jen got the usual chocolate and card from me...and seemed pleased. (I am still waiting for my gift)
Yesterday we made the final big booking decision for our Disney trip in June. Thanks to Marci (who is our Hero)...we will be staying at the Beach Club! I am pretty excited, but my excitement is nothing compared to Sharkboy's. So we will be flying into Tampa on the 12th, Disney 14-17th and then finish out the trip in Tampa for my Birthday. It will be a fun time.
Aunt Karen and Grandma stopped by to drop off some stuff. I love it when they come and visit. Uncle Jim and Aunt Elaine stopped by yesterday to drop off Sharkboy's B-day present. Jim helped him put together some of his legos. It was a nice little visit. L.A. and F.i.L. came over in the evening and ate chili with us that Jenny had made. It was a nice Saturday of visiting and hanging out. Oh yeah and Awesome Aunt Kelly and Awesome Uncle Jon stopped by and dropped of Disney books for us for our trip. it is nice to have some things for research for our visit.
Well I finally got the new TV for the bedroom. We now have a 32" flat screen TV on the wall in the bedroom. Just in time to watch the Olympics in HD. The picture is amazing and it is helping drive us to put the big screen in the basement. Installation went pretty well, and I am very pleased with the final product. It is amazing to say the very least. Looks like when I get banished during the bachelor I will be in the bedroom...(yes, I will be in the bedroom, not Jen) not the basement(yet).
Good luck to Lauren on her first indoor games/tournament. Indoor soccer season kicks off today and I can't go, but Jenny and Sharkboy are going to cheer her on. Go Lauren!!!
Well that is all I have for now...until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Yesterday we made the final big booking decision for our Disney trip in June. Thanks to Marci (who is our Hero)...we will be staying at the Beach Club! I am pretty excited, but my excitement is nothing compared to Sharkboy's. So we will be flying into Tampa on the 12th, Disney 14-17th and then finish out the trip in Tampa for my Birthday. It will be a fun time.
Aunt Karen and Grandma stopped by to drop off some stuff. I love it when they come and visit. Uncle Jim and Aunt Elaine stopped by yesterday to drop off Sharkboy's B-day present. Jim helped him put together some of his legos. It was a nice little visit. L.A. and F.i.L. came over in the evening and ate chili with us that Jenny had made. It was a nice Saturday of visiting and hanging out. Oh yeah and Awesome Aunt Kelly and Awesome Uncle Jon stopped by and dropped of Disney books for us for our trip. it is nice to have some things for research for our visit.
Well I finally got the new TV for the bedroom. We now have a 32" flat screen TV on the wall in the bedroom. Just in time to watch the Olympics in HD. The picture is amazing and it is helping drive us to put the big screen in the basement. Installation went pretty well, and I am very pleased with the final product. It is amazing to say the very least. Looks like when I get banished during the bachelor I will be in the bedroom...(yes, I will be in the bedroom, not Jen) not the basement(yet).
Good luck to Lauren on her first indoor games/tournament. Indoor soccer season kicks off today and I can't go, but Jenny and Sharkboy are going to cheer her on. Go Lauren!!!
Well that is all I have for now...until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bud Light = Headache
Hey blog readers...so here is an update from yesterday.
Sharkboy's party was awesome! He and all of his buddies from school came to firehouse for a birthday party. They toured, climbed on fire trucks, ate pizza drank pop, and consume cupcakes. They all seemed to completely enjoy the time at the firehouse and hopefully they learned a thing or 2. One of the boys confessed to Jen that his Mom does not let him drink pop or eat cupcakes because they make him hyper. Jen was concerned and asked him if he wanted something else. His reply was "My Mom isn't here, I'll have Coke, and is there anymore cupcakes?" Jen figured what the heck, his Mom isn't here and he is going home soon and gave him both. I now have an understanding why parents choose not to give there kids sweets that wind them up. That kid went from being a well mannered young man to a mad man in the matter of 2 small glasses of coke and a cupcake. He was like a crack head looking for his next fix. He was constantly asking for more cupcakes...I will admit, I lied to the young man that we were out. But I was not going to be responsible for him flipping a fire truck over in his sugar induced fit of rage.
In the evening we went to Trivia night at Sharkboy's school. We took my Aunt and Uncle. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. We finished tied for 4th, but next year we will be much more organized and ready. I am thinking team name, shirts and a team slogan. My only disappointment was that the only beer available was Bud Light. I am pretty certain that my beer consumption of only micro-brewed, craft or heavy beers is why my head is pounding 12+ hours later. The table next to us won...they had a nice come from behind in round 7 and they never looked back. Snacks, adult conversation and beer = a nice time had by all. We did experience a miracle last night though...a pitcher of beer appeared, one of the ladies at our table asked who ordered it and no one had...it was deemed a "Beer Miracle" so we all had a little of it. The best part was that it appeared when Father Daryl was talking about the "Fishes and Loves" miracle and the fact that, that parable was reported 6 times in the disciples books of the bible. So I thought it only fitting to report it in my blog...
Well another day at the firehouse today...until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...(never overlook a miracle)
Shalom my Peeps.
Sharkboy's party was awesome! He and all of his buddies from school came to firehouse for a birthday party. They toured, climbed on fire trucks, ate pizza drank pop, and consume cupcakes. They all seemed to completely enjoy the time at the firehouse and hopefully they learned a thing or 2. One of the boys confessed to Jen that his Mom does not let him drink pop or eat cupcakes because they make him hyper. Jen was concerned and asked him if he wanted something else. His reply was "My Mom isn't here, I'll have Coke, and is there anymore cupcakes?" Jen figured what the heck, his Mom isn't here and he is going home soon and gave him both. I now have an understanding why parents choose not to give there kids sweets that wind them up. That kid went from being a well mannered young man to a mad man in the matter of 2 small glasses of coke and a cupcake. He was like a crack head looking for his next fix. He was constantly asking for more cupcakes...I will admit, I lied to the young man that we were out. But I was not going to be responsible for him flipping a fire truck over in his sugar induced fit of rage.
In the evening we went to Trivia night at Sharkboy's school. We took my Aunt and Uncle. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. We finished tied for 4th, but next year we will be much more organized and ready. I am thinking team name, shirts and a team slogan. My only disappointment was that the only beer available was Bud Light. I am pretty certain that my beer consumption of only micro-brewed, craft or heavy beers is why my head is pounding 12+ hours later. The table next to us won...they had a nice come from behind in round 7 and they never looked back. Snacks, adult conversation and beer = a nice time had by all. We did experience a miracle last night though...a pitcher of beer appeared, one of the ladies at our table asked who ordered it and no one had...it was deemed a "Beer Miracle" so we all had a little of it. The best part was that it appeared when Father Daryl was talking about the "Fishes and Loves" miracle and the fact that, that parable was reported 6 times in the disciples books of the bible. So I thought it only fitting to report it in my blog...
Well another day at the firehouse today...until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...(never overlook a miracle)
Shalom my Peeps.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Great, more snow!
Hey blog readers...so there is more snow in our very near future, and that is very displeasing to me.
Now don't tell me I am being ridiculous just because I live in Northern Indiana and live in the snow belt. I don't have to like it...nothing about living here requires me to like it. Because frankly until the last couple of years I didn't mind it at all. Maybe I am getting old, I don't know. My recent trip to Florida opened my eyes to this whole "Snowbird" lifestyle. Until that trip I never understood "Snowbirds". Why in Sam hill would any one want to commute to the south to get away from the snow to come back to humidity and heat? Well I think I am starting to understand. It was very nice to be able to go outside, not in a multitude of layers, and enjoy yourself. It wasn't hot, but it was nice. It would be nice to have the biggest worry was the Palms may get frost damage, not do I have to wake up early and shovel the newly fallen snow. Or, man I have to wear a light jacket to the golf course this morning, not that Parka I used to have to wear in January/February in Indiana...and the whole coming back in the summer. I see why, who wants to ride out a tropical storm or hurricane. It is the best of both worlds. No worries though, no plans on becoming a "Snowbird" anytime soon. But I wouldn't rule it out in the future.
Nothing big today to report. I am at the fire station and things seems to be running smoothly at home. Tomorrow we have Sharkboy's birthday party at the fire station. All the boys from his class will be joining us in a testerone filled fire station. Should be a good time, what boy doesn't like fire trucks, firemen, pizza and cupcakes. Then we have Trivia night at Sharkboy's school. I am really looking forward to have some "adult time out". No idea on how the night will work, but everyone is saying how good of a time it will be, so I am going into it with an open mind and looking forward to some fun (and again, that fits right into my "New Years Resolution"). Win or lose, I plan to have fun.
So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Now don't tell me I am being ridiculous just because I live in Northern Indiana and live in the snow belt. I don't have to like it...nothing about living here requires me to like it. Because frankly until the last couple of years I didn't mind it at all. Maybe I am getting old, I don't know. My recent trip to Florida opened my eyes to this whole "Snowbird" lifestyle. Until that trip I never understood "Snowbirds". Why in Sam hill would any one want to commute to the south to get away from the snow to come back to humidity and heat? Well I think I am starting to understand. It was very nice to be able to go outside, not in a multitude of layers, and enjoy yourself. It wasn't hot, but it was nice. It would be nice to have the biggest worry was the Palms may get frost damage, not do I have to wake up early and shovel the newly fallen snow. Or, man I have to wear a light jacket to the golf course this morning, not that Parka I used to have to wear in January/February in Indiana...and the whole coming back in the summer. I see why, who wants to ride out a tropical storm or hurricane. It is the best of both worlds. No worries though, no plans on becoming a "Snowbird" anytime soon. But I wouldn't rule it out in the future.
Nothing big today to report. I am at the fire station and things seems to be running smoothly at home. Tomorrow we have Sharkboy's birthday party at the fire station. All the boys from his class will be joining us in a testerone filled fire station. Should be a good time, what boy doesn't like fire trucks, firemen, pizza and cupcakes. Then we have Trivia night at Sharkboy's school. I am really looking forward to have some "adult time out". No idea on how the night will work, but everyone is saying how good of a time it will be, so I am going into it with an open mind and looking forward to some fun (and again, that fits right into my "New Years Resolution"). Win or lose, I plan to have fun.
So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
He makes me laugh until it hurts
Hey blog readers...nothing, really huge going on today in my life. Jenny is good, Daisy is well Daisy and I seem to continue to wake up on the right side of the dirt every morning...life is good!
Sharkboy tonight in the tub had Jenny and I laughing so hard it hurt. Now, I would like to start off with that Sharkboy loves his baths. He will sit in the tub until he either becomes hypothermic or he is pruned beyond recognition. So he was in the tub and called for Jen to come see him. She laughed a laugh that only comes from the heart. A hearty laugh that says what she is experiencing is pure and simple funny. I walked down the hall and the image that unfolded in front of me caused me to laugh equally as hard as Jen. Sharkboy was squatted down in the tub, in all of his unabashed glory. He was holding a snorkel like a cane(not really sure why a 6 y/o has a snorkel in the tub, but stranger things have occurred, so I won't dwell). He then said in his best old man voice "I am on my way to Hula classes". That was accompanied by a hilarious hula dance and song all in old man character. He then proceeded for the rest of the night to act like and old man. Snorkel cane and hunkered over the rest of the evening.
Remember to look around and don't be afraid to laugh at what you see....sometimes it is the best option.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Sharkboy tonight in the tub had Jenny and I laughing so hard it hurt. Now, I would like to start off with that Sharkboy loves his baths. He will sit in the tub until he either becomes hypothermic or he is pruned beyond recognition. So he was in the tub and called for Jen to come see him. She laughed a laugh that only comes from the heart. A hearty laugh that says what she is experiencing is pure and simple funny. I walked down the hall and the image that unfolded in front of me caused me to laugh equally as hard as Jen. Sharkboy was squatted down in the tub, in all of his unabashed glory. He was holding a snorkel like a cane(not really sure why a 6 y/o has a snorkel in the tub, but stranger things have occurred, so I won't dwell). He then said in his best old man voice "I am on my way to Hula classes". That was accompanied by a hilarious hula dance and song all in old man character. He then proceeded for the rest of the night to act like and old man. Snorkel cane and hunkered over the rest of the evening.
Remember to look around and don't be afraid to laugh at what you see....sometimes it is the best option.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
So much to update...
Hey blog readers...I have been pretty busy lately. After vacation I jumped right back into work and with Sharkboy's birthday on Monday, kept very busy.
Florida was awesome! I saw some really good friends, met some new ones, enjoyed the warm weather, built a sand castle, smoked a few cigars, played some golf, ate some seafood and generally enjoyed life. Thank you to my hosts for interrupting your busy lives to spend some time with me. You are the best!
While in Florida I visited World Famous Cigar Bar (WFCB). It is a really cool place. If you are ever in the Ft. Myers area or Naples (after March) and enjoy cigars, it is a must visit. I met the owner, and the director of marketing. Very cool people with a great vision of how to enjoy a cigar in a bar atmosphere. Oh how I wish I could be there for the Super Bowl Party they have planned (I am jealous Athena).
Work has been very busy lately...not with the obvious calls, but with all of the changes that come with a merger. It is still a very exciting and fluid atmosphere. I love to see the changes that are happening and look forward to the growth.
Sharkboy turned 6 on Monday...Happy Birthday little man! He is growing up everyday. He never stops making us laugh and more importantly making us proud. He shares a birthday with the anniversary of Janet Jackson's "Nipplegate" at the Super Bowl. I did not see it live...I was a bit busy, but when he looks back on his birthday, he has something to tag it with. Keep growing buddy...you are turning into a great little man that I am proud to call my son!
Plans are in the works for the Leonard's take on Florida trip. We are planning a week long vacation this summer in Florida. It is going to be a full week, but it will be fun. Aunt Cici...we will call you very soon to make the plans...
Well that is all I have for right now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Florida was awesome! I saw some really good friends, met some new ones, enjoyed the warm weather, built a sand castle, smoked a few cigars, played some golf, ate some seafood and generally enjoyed life. Thank you to my hosts for interrupting your busy lives to spend some time with me. You are the best!
While in Florida I visited World Famous Cigar Bar (WFCB). It is a really cool place. If you are ever in the Ft. Myers area or Naples (after March) and enjoy cigars, it is a must visit. I met the owner, and the director of marketing. Very cool people with a great vision of how to enjoy a cigar in a bar atmosphere. Oh how I wish I could be there for the Super Bowl Party they have planned (I am jealous Athena).
Work has been very busy lately...not with the obvious calls, but with all of the changes that come with a merger. It is still a very exciting and fluid atmosphere. I love to see the changes that are happening and look forward to the growth.
Sharkboy turned 6 on Monday...Happy Birthday little man! He is growing up everyday. He never stops making us laugh and more importantly making us proud. He shares a birthday with the anniversary of Janet Jackson's "Nipplegate" at the Super Bowl. I did not see it live...I was a bit busy, but when he looks back on his birthday, he has something to tag it with. Keep growing buddy...you are turning into a great little man that I am proud to call my son!
Plans are in the works for the Leonard's take on Florida trip. We are planning a week long vacation this summer in Florida. It is going to be a full week, but it will be fun. Aunt Cici...we will call you very soon to make the plans...
Well that is all I have for right now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Leaving on Jet Plane...dispatches from afar.
Hey blog readers...well I am not really far yet(as I type this), I am actually just sitting in South Bend Regional Airport (SBN for all my airport friends). I hate to run close in the airport, and I hate lines at ticket counters. So I get here early...
Well yesterday was a total odd ball day for me. I worked, but we didn't run a single call. As a matter of fact the engine only moved on to the front drive to clean the floor under it, and back in when the floor was dry. I wasn't really sure I liked that day...I actually do like running calls.
Today we hit the shopping front for Sharkboy. He needed some new shoes. As his current footwear seemed to be bothering him and when questioned he said they felt tight. So being good parents we decided to get him some new shoes. We heard that New Balance in front of the new Martin's was really good for help sizing and they had some really cute errr I mean cool shoes for kids. We went and they were right. We payed a little extra but they fit him perfect and he loves them. While we were on the road Sharkboy did his usual singing along with the radio. He usually doesn't know the words, but he listens to the chorus and picks it up and just sings along. So there was a song on that the chorus begins "Life is good, but Eternal Life is better" Well the 5 almost 6 y/o interpretation of that was "Life is good, but a turtles life is better". Needless to say Jenny and I had a pretty good life. I love those moments.
Florida is the destination tonight. I am staying with my best friend...I mean we go way back...For purposes of the blog we will call her "Bean Counter". I am really excited about this trip. With her living in Florida our friendship for the most part is limited to phone conversations, e-mail, Facebook and the occasional visit in either direction. While down there I will be visiting with Athena. That is exciting as well. I plan to do some golfing, smoke some cigars, laugh, have a few beers and just generally enjoy life.
Well that is all I have for now...there will be more this week. Most likely with pictures...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Well yesterday was a total odd ball day for me. I worked, but we didn't run a single call. As a matter of fact the engine only moved on to the front drive to clean the floor under it, and back in when the floor was dry. I wasn't really sure I liked that day...I actually do like running calls.
Today we hit the shopping front for Sharkboy. He needed some new shoes. As his current footwear seemed to be bothering him and when questioned he said they felt tight. So being good parents we decided to get him some new shoes. We heard that New Balance in front of the new Martin's was really good for help sizing and they had some really cute errr I mean cool shoes for kids. We went and they were right. We payed a little extra but they fit him perfect and he loves them. While we were on the road Sharkboy did his usual singing along with the radio. He usually doesn't know the words, but he listens to the chorus and picks it up and just sings along. So there was a song on that the chorus begins "Life is good, but Eternal Life is better" Well the 5 almost 6 y/o interpretation of that was "Life is good, but a turtles life is better". Needless to say Jenny and I had a pretty good life. I love those moments.
Florida is the destination tonight. I am staying with my best friend...I mean we go way back...For purposes of the blog we will call her "Bean Counter". I am really excited about this trip. With her living in Florida our friendship for the most part is limited to phone conversations, e-mail, Facebook and the occasional visit in either direction. While down there I will be visiting with Athena. That is exciting as well. I plan to do some golfing, smoke some cigars, laugh, have a few beers and just generally enjoy life.
Well that is all I have for now...there will be more this week. Most likely with pictures...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
