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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!