Resolution

Ok so I'm writing this post a few days early, but I've been thinking about the new year, and I figure I'm only a few days away so why not.

So anyway, last year on New Year's Eve I was asked the question, What was my most memorable moment of the past year, and my least memorable moment of the past year? I sat there and thought. I mean I really thought. You know sometimes when we are presented with this type of question, we really don't think about it. We just make up something stupid or come up with some cookie cutter answer, but this time I really thought? What was my best and worst moments of the year?

Finally I had an answer. Nothing. Now here's the thing. Most people might answer nothing and really mean something but they're just to embarrassed to say, or they don't really feel comfortable saying what those moments might be. But for me I really mean I had nothing. Now the group I was with were like aw come on you have to have something from the past year that was good or bad? But I didn't, and like I said, I really gave it some thought.

So here's my explanation. As I've mentioned, I live a very boring (by most standards) life. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, my DW, my clowns, and the things I have. But I am also a very conservative person. I don't travel, unless directed by my job. I don't take big risks. I don't spend my money gambling on boats or on the strip in Vegas. I don't drink my weekends away at wild clubs or parties rubbing elbows with the who's who of the town.

So I have a pretty boring life. I work, take care of my clowns, do housework, make sure the grass is mowed and the trash taken out. I do these things on a daily basis. I am the typical Ward Clever (he was the dad on Leave it to Beaver for those of you who have no idea who that is), but you know those words have stuck with me all year..What was your most and least memorable moments of the year? So I guess having Nothing, is not exactly a bad thing really. I mean at least I didn't have some horrible moment in the past year that I wanted to forget, or something that will stay with me forever. I wasn't in a car wreck, no house fires (although I tried with the mower), no deaths, didn't have to bail anyone out of jail. So I guess those are all good things right?

The problem see is that I didn't have any good things to mention either? I didn't save anybody from a house fire. Didn't rescue anyone, didn't get my name in the paper for being a local hero, didn't buy a new car. No promotion at work, no new job, no milestones of any kind.

Now this question was asked last year, and my answer was basically nothing, and as this year draws to a close and I think back about those words...what is the best and worst thing that happened this past year, again I really have nothing.

I'm not a big New Year's Resolution guy, so I won't vow to do this more, or do that better, but I think this year will be different, and when this question comes up next year around this time, I hope to have a better answer then..Nothing.

J-Tony

Christmas Hangover

Ok so it's been a few days since I posted something. The DW got on the blog today and made a comment that she couldn't believe I'd gone this long without posting something, so I figured I'd better get something up here tonight.

It's been a busy busy Christmas. We had Christmas Eve with my in-laws. We didn't get home until late. When we did get home we got the clowns in bed and began our Christmas prep. The DW and I are pretty lucky. Our clowns don't get up at the crack of dawn to open presents. In fact the DW had to actually wake them up this year, and that wasn't until around 8:30 or so. My brother and sister have clowns that are a little older then mine, and they get up before the sun on Christmas day, so I'm glad mine sleep in. I can remember when we we're little we would get up pretty early too.

So we got up and had Christmas here at the house. The clowns cleaned up of course. After presents were all opened they kept going from one thing to the next, asking if we would get it out and open it. The living room was a mess. Nowhere to walk or move. That's what it's all about though right? They had a pretty good Christmas.

Later that afternoon we packed up and headed to my brothers house for Christmas with my family. I love going to my brothers house for Christmas. We used to have it at my parents house, but our family just kept getting bigger and bigger, and we very quickly out grew their house. So my brother has graciously had us all over for the past maybe four or five years. It's great because he has a big house and all the kids can play in the living room, while the adults can all sit round the table and play games and eat, and eat we did. At least I did.

So the last couple of days we've been out running around, taking gifts back, taking the clowns to spend their gift cards, and things like that, each night getting home late. So today we've decided to do nothing. Which we pretty much have managed. We've watched some kid movies, the DW and I took a nap, or what it the adult version of a nap when you have 3 clowns running around.

Well so I guess tomorrow we'll get back into a routine again. At least as far as the house is concerned. Like I said, we haven't done much, so I guess tomorrow is back to the dishes, the laundry, the housework, you know all the things that have to be done, that we've put off the last few days. Well I guess it was fun while it lasted. Maybe we'll try to find a place for all these new toys too.

J-Tony

Christmas Eve Eve

So today was the last day at work for 10 days. It's nice that we get a little time off for the holidays. The plant actually shuts down for that time between Christmas and New Years. So that's a nice little perk.

So today about 15 minutes before I'm getting ready to leave for our Christmas shutdown, my boss comes up to me and says that I've been selected  to go visit a customer in Iowa upon my return to work? What??? When? First thing Jan. 3rd. Are you kidding me? Nope. For how long? About all week, maybe back on Friday. I felt like Chevy Chase in Christmas vacation when he opens the envelope for his Jelly of the Month Club.Merry Christmas to me.

So tomorrow is Christmas Eve. We always go to my Mother and Father in-laws for Christmas Eve. Believe it or not sometimes I actually think it's to short. I mean when I was a kid it seems like we stayed at my grandparents all night long. As kids we couldn't wait to leave because we knew the sooner we got out of there we could go home and go to bed.I know everybody there has things they need to do and get ready for the big day, but it just seems like some years we rush through the day.

Well so I really have nothing much to say tonight. I've really been thinking about making some career changes though, and not just because I have to go to Iowa, although that does strengthen my argument. I think I'm finally to the point were I've had enough and it's time to start thinking about moving on and finding something different. I mean if not now then when, right? And what better time then the first of the year right?

Ok so on a side note, I made the Superbowl of my fantasy football league. Woot Woot. This is only my second year playing, so I don't think that's to shabby. 

Well so anyway, that's about all I've got for this evening. I'm going to spend the rest of the evening with my beautiful DW. We're going to play a card game called Pounce. Google it. It's a lot like solitaire. I grew up playing this game, and through the years have gotten pretty good. My poor DW can not seem to beat me. As hard as she tries, she just can't. It's pretty funny because she can beat me in just about every other card/board game we play. So anyway have a great Christmas Eve, Eve. I know I will.

J-Tony

Christmas Shopping

Ok so lets talk a little Christmas. Tonight I took mini-me to the store to buy gifts for his sisters, the DW and myself.

See I took him out because the girls have that Santa Workshop thing at school where they get to go and pick out some gifts for the family, but he's not in school yet so he didn't get to do anything like that. Now granted the gifts they get at the Santa shop are not the greatest gifts right, but they're their gifts.

So anyway, I had been telling him for the last couple of days that he and daddy were going to go to the store so he could pick out some things. So tonight was our night, and after dinner we headed out to get some presents.

Now to be fair, I took him to the dollar tree, which is where the girls Santa Workshop presents came from, so I knew we wouldn't be getting them something nicer then what they got all of us. After all we sent the girls with 5$ apiece, and they got presents for us all, so how nice could they be right, and anyway, that's not the point. The point is the giving right and not the cost, or the actual gift. The point is to teach them all about the giving.

So after I explained to him that we would not actually be going to Santa's Workshop, we took off. He did pretty well. He saw a coloring book that he thought Olivia would like, and she actually would, that's her thing. He saw some items for Emily that I tried to talk him out of, but he insisted on getting them for her. But then he saw some boy toys, and he got a little off track. You see he was supposed to be buying gifts for his sisters, Mommy and Daddy. He saw some action figures, a two foot sword, and a paper airplane that always comes back to you, and while I do think the air plane was pretty cool, I think he was thinking more of things he liked an not so much for dad. So I had him pick me out a hot wheels car instead. Finally he got the DW some lotion. There were three different kinds that he had to smell and decide which one he liked best. The first was ok, the second was an eww gross, and the third was so so. He decided on the first one.

So we paid for our gifts and headed home. Of course we weren't in the door two minutes and he told the DW what he got her. Nice.

A little later I had a chance to talk my oldest daughter and told her to remember that he's just a little guy and that he tried, and it's the thought that counts....yada, yada, yada, in hopes of preparing her for the gift he got her that I'm just sure she's not going to care much for. She explained that she understood and was ok with that. I told her that I didn't think he got her the greatest gift in the world, and again to just remember it was the thought that counts. Her response...that's ok, I didn't get him the greatest gift either.......

J-Tony

Playing Games

Ok so had Christmas with some in-laws last night. It was a nice time. I DW's parents are divorced so we split the Christmas's up with them. So last night we spent some time with my Father and Sister in-law. Nothing much really. Just the typical visiting, dinner, then presents, mostly for the clowns.

Ok so the real story today is Mario Kart. You know the game? See we have a Wii console and the other day we gave the clowns this game sort of as an early Christmas present. I'm not sure how one toy, one game can stir so many emotions. It's like a melting pot of emotions in my living room because of this game.

I've heard yelling because it was my turn to play. I've heard yelling because of the track. I've heard crying because it's to hard and because of loosing. I've heard crying because of not getting to pick the track, and I've heard the proverbial  "in your face" chant when someone won. Yep that's right, I play to win

No seriously, the clowns are driving me nuts with this game. So much so that when we first got the game and only had two remotes and steering wheels, and the DW said, I'm not listening to this for the next two weeks, I had to run out and get a new remote so they could all three play at the same time.

So at this point Christmas day can't come soon enough so maybe the newness of this game will wear off. Here's hoping.

J-Tony

Being a Fun Parent

So I have some in-laws coming over tomorrow for Christmas, so today naturally we cleaned. For me, I loved it. I'm the type of guy who likes a clean house. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a clean freak, I just like the house to be somewhat tidy. Well of course the clowns didn't like it. So anyway, not a very fun day for the clowns for the most part, until the DW decided she had had enough.

Now around my house I like to think that I'm the fun parent. You know the fun parent is the one that lets the clowns cut loose and have some fun. Which actually probably isn't true. I'd say I'm more of a stickler then the DW, but I am more of a clown. That is to say, that I joke with them, or wrestle around with them, cut up and make them laugh more. The DW is more of a let them stay in their Jammie's all day or eat in the living room, fix pop corn for movie night type of fun parent. So I guess we each have our own way of keeping things loose.

Well so anyway being a house of five we always have laundry, and it seems like we always have mounds of it. Now here's the thing about this laundry, we have a ton, and I mean a ton of socks, but the thing about it is not all pairs of socks get washed at the same time. Back in the day, I guess people actually sorted  laundry, but in my house, we stick it all in there. Only a few times have we came out with pink socks and undershirts. For the most part everything gets washed at the same time. So you can see that maybe you only get three socks washed in a load, or one, or five. Whatever, it seems like it's never an exact even amount. So what do you do with all those socks????

Well we just keep them in a laundry basket. That's right, we have an entire basket of the families socks. Now every once in awhile one of us will go through them and match all of them up, but who in the world has time for that? So anyway, if you need some socks just get them out of the basket.

So I mentioned that the DW had had enough today. We had been cleaning all day long, and she came to the sock basket. Now for some reason earlier I had gotten on her nerves (again, not sure why or even how that could happen???), and all of a sudden she starts throwing socks at me. Sort of like a snowball fight, only indoors with socks. Of course the clowns started getting in on the action and it was on. We started throwing socks all around the room at each other just as fast as we could.It was pretty funny, and a great idea from a fun parent.

I always talk about building memories with our clowns. Sometimes the little things we do make those memories. It was a fun little thing to do that sort of broke up the hum drum of cleaning today, and I'm sure the clowns loved it. Heck I loved it.

J-Tony

Friday Night

Yeah so I really got nothing important to say tonight. Not that I have anything to say of any importance any night, but tonight is just one of those nights where I just have nothing.

Today is Friday, so that means the weekend. This is the last weekend before Christmas so we pretty much have to get all the shopping done this weekend. The DW has been out pretty much all day today. She met me after work with the clowns, we swapped cars, and she went out again. Which means that daddy cooked dinner. We had pizza rolls, grilled cheese, and chicken nuggets, and some fruit.

Now it's not that I'm a bad cook, because I can cook a few things, but I wasn't exactly prepared to cook you see. There wasn't anything set out to thaw or anything, so we just sort of made it work. 

Well so like I said, I really have nothing to say tonight. Since I've played Mr. Mom this evening, I think I'll settle down watch a ball game or two, and call it a night. I know pretty sad that here it is Friday night, and I'm ready for bed at 9~9:30. What happened to the good 'ol days of just getting the evening started at 9? I remember going out on Friday and Saturday nights, and you never even left the house until 9. My how times have changed. Not that I miss those days, but I do miss being able to stay up like that. You know that's part of the problem. It's not like I have to go to bed because I have to get up early tomorrow, I have to go to bed because my eyes won't stay open. You know the DW is more of a night owl, and it's nothing for her to stay up until midnight or later, and get up early and take the kids to school the next day.

Well ok now that I've rambled on about absolutely nothing, I guess I'm done.

J-Tony

Passion

So I guess it's no real secret that I work in a factory. I work in the office portion, but it's a manufacturing factory. I like to refer to it as the mill, the shop, breaking rocks, or the institution. I guess no matter what I call it it's not exactly something that I enjoy doing. I guess that's not a big secret either.

Now I get the whole only you can prevent forest fires thing, and I do believe that, but here's the thing. Today I had a group of people in and I was giving them the nickle tour of our plant. As we were walking and talking I asked the group if anyone had any questions or anything, and one of them replied, No I'm just taking it all in, I'm like a kid in a candy store.

I found this comment to be a little disturbing, and a little depressing and he's why. I find it disturbing because it's a factory. To me, it's a sort of, seen one seen 'em all sort of thing. I mean how can a guy get that excited about seeing people work on an assembly line? Was he serious? Do people really get excited about manufacturing? As I was thinking about his comments it brought me to the depressing part of it. I don't feel that way.

You see I get up and go to work every day because that's what I'm supposed to do, but I'm not passionate about my work, now I do my job and what's asked of me don't get me wrong, but there's no real passion involved. I really wish I was. I wish I could be excited about my job, and what I do. Again, I know only you can prevent forest fires. Which means only you can make changes. Only you can find what your passionate about and go for it. I get that. Believe me, I preach it to everybody I talk to, and maybe one of these days I'll get right on it.

So anyway, it just struck me today. I thought, there's something you will never here me say in here? I guess it works for that guy though, good for him. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Well so somebody mentioned to me today that Christmas is next weekend. I couldn't believe it. I was like what?  Next weekend? Where does the time go? You know every year we say we don't know how were going to get everything done. The shopping, wrapping, the baking, whatever it is, but you know it always comes together in the end. I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year. Maybe a little more this year then the last few.

J-Tony

Monday Night Madness

Ok so today is Tuesday, which means its time to ball. My league game doesn't start until 9 tonight, which means I'm going to be dragging tomorrow. You see I'm beat already and I've still got two hours before game time. Why am I beat already you ask? Well a little thing called Fantasy Football.

Yes the fantasy football playoffs started this past weekend, and let me tell you it was awesome. I know that sounds silly, but it really was a rush. You see I play in a league with the guys I work with, so there is a certain degree of bragging rights at stake here as well.

Now this past Sunday didn't start out to well for me. I was down early and had actually come to terms with the fact that I was going to lose. It was a hard pill to swallow, but I did it. In fact on Monday morning while my opponent was rubbing it in and talking about his match-up for the following week, I told our Commissioner how much I had enjoyed playing this year and that I would be back next year, even though I still had a few players playing in the Monday Night games. A few guys had told me stuff like it's not over yet, while others said they couldn't believe I'd lost.

So last night I didn't start my evening by watching the games. Again, thinking I was done. But right before I was heading to bed around 11, I decided to check online and see what the score was just to see what the damage was. To my shock and amazement, I was only down a few points. I quickly turned the t.v to the football game and decided I had to watch. Now I guess at this point I could have just gone on to bed and got the results in the morning, but who was I kidding. This was the playoffs, and I was only down a few points.  Well the game didn't end until after midnight, and in the end, I had won. (see picture..I'm team Stepdad).

Well I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe I had won. During the game, I was yelling at the t.v, and pacing the floor hoping that my guy would score some points for me. I'm sorry if you don't understand the concept of fantasy football, I'm sure at this point you're thinking, is he still talking about fantasy football?

So like I said, I won. It was an awesome feeling. So awesome in fact that right after that I tried to finally go to bed. Well I couldn't sleep. I was so jacked up from yelling at the t.v and wanting to win that I couldn't sleep once I finally got in bed. It took me over an hour to calm down and drift off to sleep. I know I know pretty silly, but whatever.

Which leads me to tonight. After getting about 3 1/2 hours of sleep last night, I'm beat. And tonight of all nights my basketball game is not until 9. Well it was worth it. Sometimes you have to sacrifice for the good of the team.  

J-Tony

I Had It

Have you ever just had something? You know like when you ask your clowns where they got that sucker or shirt or whatever it might be that you haven't seen before, and they say I had it.


Now my mom always claimed that us kids always gave her that explanation. Where did you get that gum...I had it. Or where did you get that money...I had it. Now clearly I don't remember this as being my only means of explaining my sudden riches of gum or money, but after hearing my own clown give me that explanation, I'm starting to believe that's the standard clown response.

So tonight Olivia was wearing some slippers that I didn't recognize, and I asked her, where'd you get those slippers Olivia?  Now before I go on here, let me say, I'll be the first one to admit that I'm not the most observant when it comes to the clowns clothes. There are only a few things around here that I play the "Dad Card" on, and the girls clothes is one of 'em. I have no idea who's shirt is who's. What sizes they're wearing, who needs jeans, shoes, tights, whatever, (and don't get me started on hair and it's accessories). I just don't do clothes, and quite frankly I'm sure they're all glad I don't.My DW does a great job of making sure they have 'em and that they match.  

So maybe Olivia didn't understand the question tonight. I mean the look on her face sort of told the story. She sort of looked at me like she was thinking about the question and I think the conversation in her head went something like this:  
Does he mean what store did they come from,or is that more of a general question? Maybe he wants to know who bought them for me? Or maybe he wants to know who bought them and what store did they come from? Maybe he wants to know when I got them?Maybe he wants to know all the above including the date and time? Or maybe., oh forget it...then she answers...I had 'em. 

So I guess I can't blame her. Like I said, maybe that's the standard clown answer.

J-Tony

Christmas Cookies and Movies

So today was a great Christmas Saturday. This was one of those types of Saturdays that you should have in December. The only thing missing really was some shopping. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not complaining about not shopping, but everything else about today made it feel very Chrismas-e.

Today the DW and I baked with the clowns. It was a cold and rainy day here, so we stayed in and baked cookies, listened to Christmas music and put together a little gingerbread village. Now I'm sure that if you've ever cooked, baked, or done just about anything that involves clown participation, then you know this can test your patience very quickly. I mean kids are kids, and sometimes they can be rambunctious, loud, and down right annoying. So just imagine three of them after they've eating what equates to about a pound each in sugar with the cookies and frosting, not to mention the candy that goes on those gingerbread houses. But for the most part, everything was good. The clowns had fun, and the DW and I didn't snap.

After dinner, we went to the movies and saw Rapunzel. It was a decent little movie. However it cost an arm and a leg to take a family of five to the movies these days, but they had a great time.

So in the end it was a good day. Nobody had to do anything, no work to be done, no prior arrangements made, and no real reason to leave the house. Just me and my little family, spending the day together.

J-Tony

Something New

So today I was rummaging through the blog world (you know me and my addition with blogs), and I came across one where this girl had a page called 30 before 30. She decided she was going to do, see, or visit 30 somethings that she hadn't yet in her life before her 30th birthday. You know sort of like a bucket list, only before a certain age. I like the idea.

She had all sorts of things on there from writing and singing a song to having dinner some place special.

So I've been thinking about my own sort of list. Now this gal was a single lady, so maybe she had a little more freedom then most of us, but I'm sure there are still things that I could think of that I would like to do before my next birthday, or by the end of next year?

Now naturally there are plenty of things I'd put on my bucket list. You know like, see the Grand Canyon, skydive or visit New York City type of stuff, but my budget is limited here, plus I have responsibilities you know. So my list might be a little less extravagant then others, but I think I'll start putting together a list of items I want to do before the next year is up, and then I'll blog about the event. I think it would be a fun project and who knows I might get something out of it.

So what about you? With the new year right around the corner, think about the things you said last January that you were going to do this year and you didn't. No time like now to start making a list right?



J-Tony

Man on a Mission

Ok so I nearly lost my pinkie today.

Have you ever been on a mission that you just had to complete, however once you did your not sure why? Like why was that so important? Well that's sort of what today was like for me.

See we have one of those Little Tikes basketball goals in our house right. It's one of those that you can adjust from like 3 to 6 feet. Well mini-me just loves it. I've taught him how to shoot hoops, and the other night we learned about getting change. For those of you who may not know, getting change is when you make a basket you get the ball again and get to keep shooting until you miss. So anyway, I'm teaching him some aspects of the game, and he loves it. He asks me as soon as I get home if it's hoop time, or if we're going to play that basketball game again. So today when the goal broke, I was on a mission.

I also learned something today, broke to an adult and to a 4 year old boy, are two entirely different things. You see when I would shoot a basket (well of course I play too), the rim would fall down a little. Not much, but enough. We've had the stinking thing for about six years now, so I guess it's about time for it to start falling apart. Well anyway, it's been doing this for a few weeks now. Well today, I had the day off of work, and I had had enough, it was time to fix it.

So I studied the goal and how I could make improvements. I got that sort of Tim Taylor, Home Improvement look in my eyes. You know the one where you just know you can make it better with just a few adjustments here and there. I began taking inventory in my head as to what I had out in the man palace a.k.a garage that could be used to fix it. Soon I would begin my challenge, a challenge that my son would love and appreciate. A challenge that he would no doubt tell stories of one day to his children and his childrens' children. Ok maybe that's a little much, but at the very least I would be his hero for fixing it right?

So I got some tools and materials, and began. I told the boy it would be a few minutes because daddy was going to fix his goal. At first he didn't seem to mind, but as the project continued to drag on, as so many of these do, he grew impatient. So much so that at one point when I told him I was almost done and to just be patient, he told me, I don't want you to fix it, I don't care if it hangs down a little. And there you have it....

Shortly there after I cut my pinkie with a utility knife, maybe bad enough to get a stitch or two, but, like I said, I was on a mission. I was going to fix that thing if even if it was the last thing I ever did, and besides at this point there was no turning back.

So in the end, the basketball goal is fixed, well for the most part anyway. I got two blisters, a gash on my finger, and a son who quite frankly could have cared less. In hind sight maybe I should have just tossed that one out and spent the 45$ or so for a brand new goal. Better yet maybe I should have just gone with the wife's suggesting of buying some duct tape. After all in a man's world, if you can't fix it, duct it.

J-Tony

Girls and Boys

So today, was one of those days in life when you realize,  as much as you'd like, you just can't stop time.

You see tonight my kindergarten clown informed me that she has a boyfriend. Yes that's right kindergarten. Boyfriend. Then later tonight the DW had some picture samples of high school boys on them sitting out and she walks up, takes a look at them and clearly says, who are all these hot guys? 
Now I can tell you honestly that as a father of two daughters I am not looking forward to the boys who will no doubt be apart of my daughters' lives. So naturally I did what every other father of a 6 year old who is checking out boys would do. I told her she's grounded... for life. 

Now I realize she's in kindergarten and it's just one of those silly crushes we all have. I can remember being in first grade myself and having a girlfriend. So really the fact that she claims she has a boyfriend doesn't really bother me, it's more of the fact that I can't stop the inevitable, which is to say, I can't stop her from having boyfriends. 

The DW always says, I don't want them to grow up, I want them to stay little forever, but I've always said that I can't wait for them to grow up. What I mean is I can't wait to see them experience life. I can't wait to watch them grow up and do all those firsts. Except the whole boys thing. Not looking forward to those firsts.

I guess I know that the time will come when I will have to give my baby girl up to some boy, and truthfully I'm glad, because that would mean that she's found someone that makes her happy and wants to spend the rest of her life with. I just don't think I'm ready to go down that road when she's six.

J-Tony

Sucker Punched

Ok so have you ever heard the quote by Mike Tyson "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face"? Well tonight I had a plan, then I got punched in the face.

You see today during work, I had a plan. After work I was going to work-out, go home probably watch some sports on t.v, and call it a night,  you know my typical Monday. Nothing new or exciting, nothing different. However my DW had other plans.

She calls this afternoon about 2:30 and says are you coming straight home after work? Now I've been married 9 years to this lady, I know how she works. When she says are you coming straight home, that means I've got something going on, but I don't want to come out and say it I want to see if your thing is important first.

So anyway, I tell her my plans, she then tells me hers, and then I find out ours.

Ok so that's not even the bad part. So we go to dinner after she's done with "her plans"...again her idea. I had just got done working out, so naturally I'm not exactly dressed for dinner, but oh well.

Here comes the punch in the face. While were eating she says I need to go get the girls some shoes for their Christmas concert. No problem we drove both cars. I'll just take the boy and go on home. Mini-me is on board with this idea, and all seems well. Wait for it......Then out of nowhere her left cross. Luke we're going to Target, don't you want to go look at the toys? 

Ouch!

Didn't see that one coming.Maybe daddy can take you to the toys while the girls and I look for shoes. Wow, she's fighting dirty.

So after dinner we all drove over to Target. The DW took the girls to look for shoes, and I took the boy to look at toys. Not how I planned on spending my evening.

Mini-me checking out the toys

It worked out ok in the end though I guess. The boy and I looked at the toys, and he showed me everything he wants for Christmas, and I do mean everything. So it ended up being some good daddy, son bonding time because we didn't have to look at any girl toys.


So, I get the everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face thing, I guess you just don't figure that punch to come from your own wife.

J-Tony

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Ok I'm going to try to take you through the events of this morning. Anyone who has clowns of their own knows exactly what this is like. This is what it's like around our family getting ready for church on Sunday morning.

It starts off with the DW and I being awakened about 7:30 by clowns that obviously do not know how to be quite. Fair enough..I'm up.

I fix breakfast (pancakes) and some coffee, soon there after it begins.

Me: Emily, get in here and eat your breakfast!
Luke get three cups for you guys and get the milk out.
Luke: I can pour my own milk dad.
Me: I'm sure you can Luke but just let me do it this time
Luke: (whining) Dad, I can do it ,as he attempts to pour a gallon of milk that weighs as much as he does.
Me: I know Luke but we don't have much time.
Luke: Dad where's my pancake?
Me: I'm working on it Luke.
Emily: I don't want syrup on mine. 
Me: Seriously you don't want syrup on it?
Emily: No
Me: It'll be dry
Emily: I don't care. 
Olivia: Dad can I have another pancake?
Me: Yes Olivia just a minute, I say in my, I want to scream because you clowns are already driving me nuts voice.
Me: Luke put down the cat! Did you already wash your hands?
Luke:Yes.
Me:Then leave the cat alone. Go wash your hands again.
Uggh as he storms off.

 So we finish breakfast, and I tell the clowns to find something to wear for church.
Luke: Dad, can I wear this shirt (referring to the one he slept in)?
Me: No Luke find something else.
Luke:Again whining, but I can't find anything.
Me: Go look!
Olivia returns to the living room with a wrinkly shirt.
Olivia: Can I wear this?
Me: We'll have to iron it Liv. (a.k.a. put it in the dryer for a few minutes).
The boy brings out a shirt and some pants. How about this dad?
I quickly look to the DW for approval.
DW: If it fits it's ok.
Me: Try on the pants son.

While the DW helps the girls with their hair and outfits I quickly hop in the shower. I get out and get dressed just in time to hear.....

DW: Girls find a brush
Emily: Looking around for said brush. I can' find it.
Olivia: Also looking for said brush, is quick to throw her sister under the bus. I don't know where it is, Emily had it last. 

Finally the brush is located. Shortly there after there is this....


Olivia: Ouch, (whining)....Hold still honey. Ouch it's hurting. A mother doing a daughters hair is never pleasant.
Me: Luke put the cat down
Emily: Dad can I have a candy? 
Me: What? A candy? No you can't have a candy, are you kidding me?
Emily: But I'm hungry
Me: Then find something to eat.
Emily: Can I have a cookie?
Me: Oh my goodness...no you can't have a cookie, find something good for you.
Luke: Whining holding up one shoe.I can't find my other shoe.
Me: Where did you find that one?
Luke: In the living room.
Me: Well go look in your room for the other one
Luke: (Whining) back to his room; returns with the other shoe.
Me: Olivia put the cat down!!
Me: Luke you need help?
Luke: I can do it
Me: Ok but the one your trying to put on goes on the other foot.
Luke: Oh
Olivia: whining
Me: What's wrong Olivia
Olivia: I can't get my shirt on
Me: Stop whining. If you need help then ask. Don't whine.
Me: Emily put the cat down!!!


 
This is just a little glimpse of the events that take place on a Sunday morning at my house. It's never a dull moment, and let me tell you after getting three clowns fed, dressed and ready t go, you need a little church time. 

So things sort of slowed down after we got home from church today. The clowns went outside and played in the snow, the DW had a session, and I did some housework and watched football. Again, just a typical weekend.

J-Tony  

Date Night...

Ok so the DW and I had a little "date night" last night. Well I don't know if you could call it a date, we actually just did some Christmas shopping for the clowns while they were staying over at the in-laws, but it felt like date night.

So the wife and I went to dinner after work, and then some shopping. You know shopping's not my thing, but the night out was nice. We had a nice dinner where it didn't feel rushed and we didn't have to referee anybody, and we had some great food in a grown-up atmosphere. So it was pretty nice.

The shopping part wasn't to bad either really. The stores weren't so crowded that we couldn't move and we didn't have to wait in line for very long at any one place.

You know being a parent now and doing the Christmas shopping reminds me of when I was a child and my mom would do all the Christmas shopping for us. I don't remember my dad going out with her much at all, maybe he did and I just didn't see it, but I can remember my mom being out all weekend long from morning till dinner, shopping. We always had the best Christmases.

So anyhow the "date night" with the DW and I finished up last night about 10:30 when we finally got home. We both quickly got all the stuff in, got in our Jammie's, and plopped down. She in front of the computer, and I in front of the t.v. It only took about a half an hour before she was waking me up to say, let's go to bed. Seems like that's about the way it goes anymore where she's waking me up to tell me to go to bed. Like I said though, it was a good time just being alone with her for a change. Naturally we don't get to spend a lot of times with just the two of us, so even if it's just a few hours it's nice. It's nice to get to reconnect sometimes.

Married couples need that you know. I mean we spend every evening together with the clowns, have dinner, do homework, baths, dishes, laundry, housework, all that jazz, just to get up and do it all over again the next day, and sometimes it feels more like a school project then a marriage. Now don't get me wrong here. All I'm saying is that sometimes you need that date night to walk around the mall with a beautiful woman on your arm. It's not always about what you do on that night, but rather who your with.

So today will be back to all the things we do on Saturday's. Clowns, Housework, laundry, car repair (still having  issues), yada, yada, yada.

J-Tony

School Uniforms

So the other day a friend and I were discussing school uniforms and whether or not we were for or against it. I quickly said I was all for school uniforms. He was not so quick to decide. Now when I was a child I was pretty quick to speak for my own individuality. You know like that's just me being me and I march to my own beat sort of thing. Now that I'm a parent I think I feel differently.

Now of course I think everybody is different, and I'm all for individuality, but I think when it comes to kids in school, uniforms are a good thing.

Statistics have shown that schools that have a uniform policy generally do better overall. Now of course there are still those kids that will act out. In my opinion uniforms equal discipline. It shows young people where the line in the sand is. There is no gray area, and anybody who knows me knows that I have trouble with that gray area. It also shows kids structure. Now most houses have structure I'm sure, but there are those who do not, and people, especially young people need structure.

Now I also understand the other side of this argument. That if we let the government start telling us how to dress what's next? This is PUBLIC School after all. I get that. It's a free country last I checked. I get that too. My kid should be able to go to school and have green hair if he/she wants, again, I get that.

Like I said, as a child, and even young adult with no clowns, I thought the very same way. That is what this country is all about right? Freedom. Freedom to express ourselves, freedom of speech. However I think people take these freedoms out of context. Yes we do have freedom of speech given to us thanks to our Constitution. However just because you have the right doesn't mean you won't pay the price for exercising that right.

Well so anyway, I know this is a topic that could be discussed for days and days, and I'm sure it has, but as I said now that I'm an adult and have clowns, I'm all for school uniforms. I want my clowns to get an education while in school. School and growing up is hard enough without having to have the right or cool clothes.

Again, just my opinion. Funny how our views change over time.

J-Tony

My Dad and Cars

So I really had a great night tonight. Now if you'd been around here I'm sure you would not have thought that. So to understand tonight you have to understand the back story of me, my dad, and cars.

See my dad, every since I've known him, could fix any car, any time, any day of the week. Most of the time with his eyes closed. Yeah he's that good, although he doesn't do nearly as much car fixin' as he used to mostly because I don't live with him anymore, but also because he's older now and doesn't need or have to.

So my dad, while I was growing up, was always fixing a car. If not one of ours, then for someone in the family. Truth be told he is great at fixing just about anything. He really was blessed with a talent to understand how things work and the abilities to fix them.

So anyway when I was old enough to have my own cars, there was always need for maintenance. It turns out cars need oil to keep running...learned that one the hard way. So my dad would fix my cars. This usually would mean that I  "got to help" . Now for me at 16, 17, 18 years old, there usually were things that I would rather have been doing then "help" my dad fix a car, and I'm sure there were plenty of times when I didn't help and just expected him to fix it.
Nonetheless there were cars to be fixed.
So anyone who has ever helped a man work on a car you know this mainly consists of....holding something. Not really doing much of anything, but holding something, or getting some tools. 

Now for me my job was usually to hold the light, and of course I didn't hold it in the right spot and dad would have to reach up and grab the light out of my hands to get a better look, all the while chastising me for my half-hearted efforts. Or he would tell me to get a certain tool to which I had no idea what he was talking about and inside was wishing we could be done already.Inside I mostly hated it. It was either cold, or hot, or hurt my back, or boring..... Yes my dad and me fixed many a cars. 

It wasn't until I got older that fixing these cars (yeah I've had a lot of car issues over the years) really started to mean something to me. I really started to enjoy it. Not the car breaking down thing, but the time and the knowledge I gained. See over the years even just holding the light I guess I learned a thing or two about cars, and once I got older he let me do more and more of the actual work, which I really enjoyed. Again, it taught me a lot.

So present day. Tonight, I have a car issue. I call my father to get some advice before I begin. I've already gone through some of the steps he's taught me over the years, but still looking for some answers. He tells me what he thinks and we hang up the phone. I retreat to my garage mumbling and confused about this one. Pretty soon out comes mini-me. The DW said he wanted to come out and help. It was such an awesome feeling. Here was my son wanting to be with his dad, to share some quality time and fix the car. He wanted to learn, he wanted to get dirty, he wanted chip in and help......
Naturally I told him that the first thing he would have to do is, hold the light.

Now I get that he's 4, and he can't hold the light very well right now, but you have to start somewhere.

No seriously, it was cool though that he really did want to help daddy. We went to the auto parts store and got a part, and he almost stayed outside with me for like 5 minutes after that, but he got to cold and went inside.

I started this post be telling you that I had a great night. Sure we had car trouble, and that was stressful for a while, but I also got to start building memories with my son. The same type of memories I have with my dad, and I really cherish those moments in my life now.  Oh and I think the car is fixed.

J-Tony

This Is Only A Test

So I saw something I thought was pretty interesting the other day.

A football player, in this past weekend's game, dropped a pass that would have given his team a victory over one of the premier teams in the league. Following his mishap he had this to post on his twitter account:

"I praise you 24/7 and this is how you do me!! You expect me to learn from this?? How?? I will never forget this ever!! Thanks Tho..."

Now we've all heard the typical sports cliche after some athlete scores the winning touchdown, goal, or point, "I just want to give thanks to God for helping me score and for us winning". I for one have always thought that was bologna. God doesn't care about sports.....Does he?

Now upon first hearing of and reading his post I was really shocked. In fact I've had to read it several times just to wrap my mind around it. Now not knowing this guy personally and not knowing who he praises 24/7, I can only assume he's speaking of God. It certainly made me think.

Now at first I was appalled. I thought, is this guy for real? What blasphemy. Is he seriously blaming God for him missing the ball? Then I thought could it be that God is some how the reason for him dropping the game winning pass? The more I thought about his tweet, the more I thought yeah, I believe God could be the reason why he dropped that pass.

We tend to think or remember God on our terms and just like this guy, we think that He owes us something. We give thanks to God for the many blessings we have or when things go right in our life, but do we ever look to him when things go bad? When we screw-up do we ever think it's because of God that this happened? 

Now before you get to excited, let me explain.

A little back story on the football player. The game before this one he had a career best game. He caught 3 touchdown passes led his team in yards, and was unstoppable on the field. However, like so many professional athletes he put on "a show" in front of the camera and ended up getting fined by the league for his antics and ridiculed by his peers.

Which leads me to my thoughts on this. When we are in school we are tested to see how well we know the material. Did we listen during lecture, did we study? We take these test to see how well prepared we are. I believe God acts in this very same way.

See God tests us (not temps, tests). He tests us to see how well prepared we are. He tests us to see where are hearts are. He tests us to see how loyal we are. Again we tend to think on our time and terms, but I don't believe God works that way. I believe God works on his time, his conditions.

Now again, I don't know this football player, and I really don't know where his head was when he posted this tweet, I can only try to take if for what it says, and try not to read anything into it, but maybe he is being tested to be humbled? I believe God tests us each and every day to humble us. To let us know just who we are, and who He is.

So anyway, not that my blog is a religious forum or anything, but I found it very interesting how much press this tweet was getting. It made me think, maybe the next time I screw-up I should take note and remember this is a test, and who knows, maybe God does care about sports.

J-Tony

Doing Homework

Ok so for the record, the Turkey was good.

All right well my ego is now shot. I just tried to help the oldest with her math homework and got so confused that I had to call the DW in from the bullpen to close the deal. I'm so ashamed. Normally I don't have any problems helping her, but tonight I just couldn't get my head around it. How sad is that, that I have to build myself up by even writing that normally I don't have any problems with my 3rd graders homework. Wow are they in trouble in a few years, here's hoping the DW can keep up. Ok so maybe Math is not my strong suit. 

So today was a pretty normal Monday. Not much going on. The DW and I both trying to get healthy, although I may be a little better then she is at this point. She finally did break down and go to the doctor today so maybe that will start to help.

Tonight is one of those nights where I really have nothing to say. Yeah I had this little blurb I was going to post about my son, and how much he reminds me of me, but I don't feel much like posting it tonight. I'm just not feeling very creative and I don't want to sound to much like one of those parents who just talks about their kids (although isn't that what parents are supposed to do?)

So anyway, I guess I'll cut is short tonight and think about something decent to post for tomorrow. Maybe I'll go work on my math skills.

J-Tony

Being Sick and Eating Turkey

Ok so I didn't post anything yesterday because I was to sick. I slept a good portion of the day away, and the other portion I didn't feel like doing much. Still not feeling 100% today, but somewhat better. I'm fighting a stomach bug. I believe the same one my clowns just got over. Throw in a fever and body aches and it makes it rough.

So anyway today is Sunday. We didn't go to church again today because of the sickness that has surrounded our house the last couple of weeks. The DW still has a head cold as well. So we'll take today and pretty much do nothing again. I know the kids are getting a little cabin fever, but what are you gonna' do?

We did have a pretty decent Thanksgiving day. We spent the day with my side of the family. Did the traditional meal watch football, look at store adds, discuss Christmas gifts. It was nice to get together.

So anyway on our way to my parents house for Thanksgiving, the DW decides she wants to make a Turkey. Says she's never cooked one and wants to try. Now it was suggested to her that maybe she start with something smaller, sort of a test run if you will, like a chicken or maybe a Cornish game hen something like that. However, when my DW gets something in her head that she wants or wants to do, that's usually the way it goes. So yesterday she went to the store and purchased a 12 pound turkey. So we'll see how it goes. So far it smells great. So we're going to have a mini Thanksgiving meal at the house tonight, and I'll be eating it even if it kills me.....I mean because of the stomach issues.

J-Tony

What We've Got Here Is.......

Ok so I've been changing up the blog for the last week or so. It's funny because in the beginning I just wanted to have a blog. I didn't really care what it looked like or anything. I just thought let's just get something up there, but now since I'm down with O.P.B (other people's Blogs), I want to change it almost daily. So that's what I've been doing. I've discovered that I can add video's (thanks to the DW), pictures (again thanks to the DW), and even add different pages, yep you guessed it, thanks to the DW. Ok so in the beginning I had no idea what I was doing, and I'm not all that tech savvy, but that's why I love the DW, she fills the gaps. So pardon the many changes. I'm sure there will be plenty more to come as I find the right combination's.

So today has been pretty lazy, yet productive. Is that possible?

It started off for me early this morning again with a clown puking. Yes the 3rd one finally got it. He woke up about 2 or so heaving and scared. The DW got up initially with him and helped him out. Being the great husband I am, I got up as well. The DW has been fighting a head cold for the last few days so I figured I'd stay up with the boy while she went back to sleep. So needless to say I didn't get much sleep last night. If it wasn't the boy puking it was the stupid cat playing with the Christmas tree. We put it up the other day, and of course he feels the need to play with the ornaments and he has climbed it now once. So in between clean-up duty with the boy I was chasing the cat around with a spray bottle. Anyway, the kicker is this morning about 8 o'clock or so, mini-me springs up from the couch and announces "wake E, wake E" like we had a sleep over or something, and that's why he was on the couch and I was in the recliner? Me of course, feeling like I've spent the night "in the box" (Cool Hand Luke, great movie), looked at him with one eye and asked are you serious?

Apparently he was serious because he hasn't stopped. No more stomach issues and he's eaten like a horse all day long. So let's hope it's completely gone.

So about the lazy yet productive day. Once I got my first few cups of coffee down me, I was ready for the day. Once again there was laundry and dishes (that's a given though in a house of five). I cleaned both bathrooms, mopped the kitchen floor, made a barbecue chicken pizza for lunch, made a great dinner, cleaned up the dishes, ran the dishwasher, and managed to play some video games and squeezed in some guitar. So you see it's been a very busy day, but lazy in the fact that I still got to "play" a little bit. Now if we could all just get healthy that would be great.

J-Tony   

Happy Thanksgiving

Ok so today is Thanksgiving, so Happy Thanksgiving.

So today we will be going to my parents for dinner. I always enjoy being with my family on the Holidays. Naturally, I guess most people do. We will do the traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. We'll sit around eat, watch football, and maybe play some cards. Should be a good time.

Hope everyone has a Wonderful Thanksgiving and takes the time to reflect on what they have, and be thankful for it, rather than what they don't have. I know sometimes it's hard to find the positives, but we all have something to be thankful for.

J-Tony

Thanksgiving Eve

So today it finally got cold and rainy here, and now they are calling for some snow fall. If haven't mentioned it before, I love the snow. I love the cold winter months. I love all that goes with cold snowy days. A little crazy huh?

You see I think that in the winter you spend more time with family. As I've said, I'm a simple man with a simple life, and that's the way I like it. That's the way I was raised. In the winter you stay home and enjoy the family. You play games with your children, you watch movies, and football, and I think your a little more grateful for the things you have. I know that I am.

The summer time has the sun, and water parks, and fireworks, and I get all that, but as I get older I hate the heat and humidity, the bugs, and the sunburns. Maybe it's a sure sign of getting old, but I enjoy winter, and it only magnifies that love when it snows.

So we put our Christmas tree up tonight. I remember when I was a child, my mom would always give us an "early" Christmas present when we put the tree up. It was her little way of kicking off the holiday season. Now a days my brother and his family watch a special movie when they put the tree up. It's a little tradition that he started when his clowns were young and he still does it. I think it's important to have family traditions. That's the type of stuff that clowns remember all their lives.

So tonight is one of those nights that I really have nothing to say. I'm looking forward to the next few days. I'm looking forward to Christmas this year, more so then over the last few years, and these next couple of days really gets things started.

So as tomorrow is Thanksgiving I just want to say that I am truly thankful for my parents, who have always been great parents. You know it's not until we get older and have clowns of our own that we realize how hard the parenting thing can be. I'm also very thankful for all my immediate family as well as in-laws. You know a guy couldn't ask for better in-laws then what I have. You all in all I've been pretty blessed, and I am truly thankful. I know it's all very cliche, but whatever....Happy Thanksgiving.

J-Tony

It's That Time of Year

It's that time of year again. The time when you dig all the stuff out of the garage or closets, dust it off, clean it up and head outside. Around here it's a way of life for most. Yeah that's right, I'm talking about Deer Season.

Now I don't hunt, or fish, and quite frankly I'd rather jab an ice pick into my eye socket than to do either one, but where I live, like I said hunting is a way of life for most. At work they have rearranged schedules because so many people take time off during the start of the season.

Now here's the thing that doesn't set well with me. First it's not really "hunting"  it's more like ambushing. Maybe they should call it that and I would feel better about it. Maybe if I met someone from around here for the first time and they asked me if I was an Ambusher, instead of a hunter maybe I would feel differently about it. I mean think about it. Are they really "hunting" the animal? After all, they get a stand, put it up in a tree and wait for something to come by right? Then, when they see something, they stay just as quite as they can before BANG!! Got one.

Here's another thing.  I read a little article that talked about using things like Deer Decoys, Deer Urine, to mask your human smell, and Deer Food to help lure them to your stand all to help you "hunt". Seriously?

Ok so isn't that just like calling the pizza place and having them deliver it to my door? I mean I'll just sit here, tell you what I want, lure you with a tip, tell you how to get exactly to my house, and when you get right up to my door...BAM, Dinner's ready!

So again, is it really hunting? Wouldn't it make more sense, if we're going to call it hunting, that the hunter be on his feet, walking through the woods looking for said deer? Tracking his footprints and chasing him down on foot? I mean I guess I might understand it a little more if we all depended on the deer as part of our income or we used the hides and made coats and things out of 'em, but most hunters kill them for the meat, and lets not kid ourselves, they do it for the sport as well. For the thrill of the kill. Don't get me wrong, I'm ok with that. You do your thang, but I don't get it.  

Here's another thing I don't get about this deer hunting. They get up in the wee hours of the morning. Usually in the cold. They drag their stuff to "the perfect spot". They set-up camp just before dawn. In the tree by day break. Then they sit there and they wait. Sometimes they wait and wait and wait. Sometimes they don't see a single deer all day. They sit there for 12 hours or more just waiting for a deer to come by? Meanwhile I've been to the grocery store, the bank, picked up lunch for the family and am still home in time to watch the early football games. Now that's not the kicker. I've talked to guys who have told me that yeah they saw a couple of them out there, but were never able to get a shot on 'em, or the deer was to small? What? No shot? I've even known guys to go the entire season and not see a deer? Not one stinking deer? Are you kidding me? Heck I see at least one on the side of the road every week during this time of year. Now if it was me and I happened to be in this position (which I wouldn't be), and I saw one and I've been in this stand all day, and maybe this is the only one I've seen all season, you can bet your bottom dollar I'd be gettin' me a deer. I'd just keep shooting at that thing till I had no more bullets, then if still nothing, I'd throw my gun at it. I would chase that thing down and hog tie it like I was a professional bull rider for crying out loud.

 Well so anyway, I don't mean to offend anyone who might be a hunter out there. To each his own right. I mean I said before you have to do Your Thang. As for me, I'll stick to the pre-packaged stuff, it's easier to catch.

J-Tony

Who Cares About Sports

Ok so for those of you who like to talk about sports...here we go.

This weekend in the middle of cleaning up after sick kids and doing laundry, I managed to watch some football. Now anyone who knows me knows this is nothing new. I don't watch a lot of t.v other than sports, and while I am torn at times about the "business" of the games, I think watching them in my house is important and I'll explain.

When I mention "sports" I mean football, basketball, and baseball. I'm sure there are some Nascar fans out there that want to argue about racing being a sport, and maybe even a golfer or two, and that's fine, but we don't watch them. Here we watch "the big 3".

Now I do believe that sports on all levels can be a very good thing. They can teach us about winning and loosing, and what it means to be a good sport. They can teach us about being on a team and putting others first.

Let me explain the "being torn" part. I am like most people I think, when it comes to these athletes. I am sick and tired of seeing them on t.v or reading about them and the crimes they've committed. Now I get it, people mess up and do things they shouldn't, Lord knows we all have, maybe not to the degree that some of these guys do, but none-the-less we all mess up.

I think the thing that bothers me the most is that we, as a society, put so much stock into our sports while are communities, schools and churches around us suffer. Don't get me wrong, I am just as guilty.

I could go on and on about all the things I think are bad about sports, the money spent, the time and energy "wasted" and the franchises getting rich because of them. But the bottom line is, I obviously don't think those things are bad enough to keep me from watching.

Ok so now to why I think it is important in my house to watch them.

This past weekend while the girls were down sick and with the DW being a rock star with a camera, the boy and I had some time to lay around and watch football together. Now mini-me is to the point where he is both annoying and cute while watching sports. Who's got the ball daddy? New England. So are they New?? No that's just their name, you know where they're from. Who's got the ball now daddy? Still New England. Is our team the snatchers? (He means the Steelers). No our team is the Colts. Who's got the ball now daddy? So you see what I mean.

The thing about it is, Daddy is a middle classed family man. I don't travel the world sampling unique dishes and drinking fine wine. I live a very simple life which means my clowns live a very simple life. Which means when the weekends roll around in the winter and there's nothing going on at the Yacht Club, we watch sports. This weekend he an I watched some games and he cheered when I cheered, (even if he didn't exactly get it) and I tried to answer all his questions the best I could so he could understand it (and let me tell you explaining instant replay to a four year old is not easy). But mostly we just hung out and enjoyed being father and son.

You see we spent some quality time together, time that I hope he remembers for a lifetime. Now I'm sure he won't remember this one particular weekend, but hopefully he will remember lots of weekends where he and his dad watched sports or chucked the ball around, and maybe one day he'll have a blog and tell stories of his dad and sports. I know I can remember watching certain games with my dad, and that's the type of stuff that makes memories. I'm sure there will come a time when he doesn't want to even be in the same room with me, so for now I'll take all the questions of who's got the ball now, and which team are the snatchers that he can come up. Even my girls know certain things about the games, and while they appear to not be as interested, it still is a time we can share together.

So I guess I'll keep root root rooting for the home team all the while hopefully making memories with my clowns and try not to focus on all the negatives in the sports world. 

J-Tony

Twice As Nice

Ok so let me just say that some of you out there may read this and think I brought this on myself, (read open up and say ahh)  and to that I say touche.

Early this morning, about two o'clock to be exact, it happened. Again, I lay still pretending not to hear. Mom, I puked again. My natural instincts kick in...I quickly spring into action and shake the DW to wake her up. Then it hits me. Crap, it's the weekend, and she has an early morning session tomorrow. Looks like it's my turn.

So I get up with her, it's the first clown again. I don't understand it, she seemed fine yesterday? She played, she ate, no issues, no fever, no complaints. How could this be? I think maybe it's just a dream because of my blog post from the other day, then the smell hits me. She managed to get one entire arm, and she managed to walk from her bed to ours without wiping it off at all. Nice.

I get her cleaned up, and settled onto the couch. Her bed is a mess. She sleeps on the top bunk. Again..nice. I clean up as much as I can without disturbing clown #2. I finally settle down in the recliner. I jump at every sniffle, cough, and dog bark for the next 10 to 15 minutes, almost like an expecting father minutes away from his wife's water breaking. So far no after shocks. I relax and figure maybe it's passed and we can get a few hours sleep before the rest of them wake.

In what seems like five minutes later, I'm awakened again. It's mini-me. In a panic, I run him through the gauntlet of questions. Are you ok? Does your belly hurt? Did you throw-up? Do you need to potty? My barrage of questions has him stumbling through the living room like he's been hit with a Mike Tyson right cross. He has no clear answers. He appears to just be sleepwalking. I corral him back to his bed, and wish him a good night.

I snuggle back into my recliner again with the thoughts of getting some sleep before dawn breaks. Again, I am awakened what seems like five minutes later.  

Dad I'm puking. I wake up, standing over me is Clown #2. She too has the stench that can not be disguised. The poor thing, she looks scared, nearly in tears. I get her cleaned up as well and then go tackle their room. It's now pushing 4:30 in the morning.


Ok so I'm finally able to get both girls resting, get cleaned up myself, and lay back down on the recliner. A few hours later the wife gets up and surveys the damage. I get back up with her and start working on the laundry that follows a night like this. There are sheets and blankets to wash. Clothes, pillows and snuggies. Yes the wife's beloved snuggie had been hit.

The rest of my day has been nothing but cleaning, and laundry, and baths, and spraying Lysol, accompanied by a few more hurls.

So now it looks like it's down to just the boy as far as this bug is concerned. I guess for me it's a good thing I have to work tomorrow.

J-Tony

Love Is.....

As Thanksgiving draws closer and I see people posting things such as, "today I am thankful for deer season, and McDonalds smoothies", and crap like that. I am truly thankful for Love. Often times we associate love with couples, or sex, or even just loving our kids, but love is so much more. I am thankful for love. Thankful that the people who know me and Love me understand this. Sometimes I am not easy to love or show love. I hope and pray that every day I can show what Love is to somebody.

Love is patient, love is kind
It does not envy.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;
It is not self-seeking, nor easily angered.
It keeps no record of wrongdoing.
It does not delight in evil,
But rejoices in the truth.
It always protects, trusts, hopes, and preserves.
There is nothing love cannot face;
There is no limit to its faith, hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things that last forever:
Faith, hope, and love;
But the greatest of them all is love.

-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

J-Tony

Open Up and Say Ahh

So I was awakened this morning about 2 am with, "Mom I threw-up in my room". I lay there....very still as if playing dead in front of a grizzly bear.  Again I hear "Mom..I threw-up in my room". This time I have to acknowledge it, so I do what every husband and father who has to get up in a few hours to go to work would do in that situation........I reach over and shake the DW..."Babe she puked in her room".

Now before you judge, understand that I did have to get up in a few hours to go to work while the DW works from home. So in my mind it seems like the logical choice.

So the DW gets up with the oldest clown and I get back to sleep, however a few hours later as I'm getting ready for work I have this feeling come over me. I start to sweat.....My stomach turns...I feel queasy....Ok I'll stop right there because I'm sure you don't want to know all the details of what happened next.

So anyway, all day today I've felt horrible. I've been dizzy and my stomach as been upside down. Now if you know me at all you know that I like to eat. I'm not a large man be any means, but I don't miss to many meals. Well today I didn't even eat lunch, so you know something was up.

Well so it seems it has passed the oldest clown now. She's been able to keep food down since about lunch, and while I'm still queasy I haven't actually lost my cookies.

Now we're just sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop with the rest of the group. So here's hoping I'm not sitting here the next few nights discussing what we had for dinner and what it looked like when it came back up. My guess is the DW won't be the only one on clean up duty.

J-Tony

Testing 1,2,3 and A Little About Me

Ok so tonight I've been trying to figure out how to add photos to the blog from my phone. My thought was that when I was out and about if the mood struck me I could take a picture and add it. I thought it would be a nice touch. Well it didn't exactly work like I wanted it to, but as we say here in my neck of the wood, there's more than one way to skin a squirrel (said in my best hillbilly voice). Actually I don't think I've ever said that.
I did figure out how to add pictures in general though. Here is one of my favs.  Hopefully you all know what this is.

So the more I think we're all basically the same on this great big world, the more I think maybe we're not.

Yesterday I mentioned how awesome my day was. I woke up and really felt good, refreshed, vibrant. Then today things were just "normal".

Today I was tired, my body hurt from playing ball or sleeping on a bad mattress, or from whatever (some might say old age), so I just drudged through the day, doing my work, but noting to spectacular. Nothing really happened. Nothing brought me down or made me upset or really picked me up, it was just a normal day. So as I walked through the day and did my thing, I wondered if there were co-workers who were having that "great" day? Someone who feels like the sun is shining down on only them? Or are we all just drudging through the day? Did someone else have a great day yesterday, and now they are "back to normal" like myself? Are we all that much alike or am I crazy?

So tonight since I really have nothing of interest to talk about I thought I'd tell ya a little bit about me..

So here goes. I do not like Pitch-in dinners unless it is my family only. No offense I just don't want to eat other people's cooking. I do not like to eat chicken on the bone. Boneless chicken is cool, but don't like it on the bone unless I or the DW fried it. Otherwise forget it. I do not eat rice. 'nuff said. I do not like to use the same fork for both dinner and desert, even if just at home. I'm a sports nut. Played and watched the big 3 all my life. Named all 3 of my clowns after family members (mine and the DW's). I've had 13 cars and one motorcycle in my lifetime and have been in 3 major wrecks. I've lived in 8 different houses, but only one state. I love the cold winter months. The snow, the cold, the rain. I think winter makes you appreciate the little things in life more,
and if it doesn't then it should.

I have a horrible fear of spiders. So much so, that I have nightmares about them. I've been known to wake up in a cold sweat and in a panic because of a spider dream. I can not watch t.v about them, I can not see them outside or around the house and it usually freaks me out just to think about them. My clowns have caught on to this now and think it's funny to tease me about it, but to me it's a fear just like being afraid of heights or public speaking. 

Over the years I have taught myself how to play the guitar, juggle (I know corny but it's a conversation piece), and am working on learning Spanish (although that one is tough). I've been a sports correspondent for two different news papers, and have a passion for theater. Well ok not sure about the passion thing, but I do want to act in a play. I have had 3 dogs 4 cats, countless fish and a snake as pets.

I never served in the armed forces but there is a piece of me that wishes I had. I pride myself on being a good husband and father. Every night I tuck my clowns in bed, we say our prayers, and I tell them tomorrow make good decisions, be smart, be a leader, and do the right thing, in hopes that one day they will reach the cross roads of life and those words with echo in their minds.


Well that's about all I got for tonight. I mostly just wanted to figure out how to post some pictures on here, and now that I have, oh boy watch out.....

J-Tony

In Your Eyes

Have you ever felt great? I mean have you ever woke up and just felt great? I'm not talking about a physical feeling (because at this point in my life those are few and far between anyway), no I'm talking about a spring in your step, Mr Bluebird on your shoulder type of great feeling when you wake up? Today I had that feeling.

Now I'm not sure exactly why I had this feeling. Maybe it was the coffee, or maybe it was because of the night before, or maybe today was just the day that the good Lord decided was going to be "my" day. Regardless, I'll take it. I mean heck who couldn't use a good day right?

I guess maybe I should clarify when I say that maybe my good day today was because of my night before. See on Tuesday nights I play basketball in a league and last night right before the halftime buzzer I hit a half court shot. It was, as the kids say, Epic. Well ok maybe not epic, but it was pretty cool. First time in my life that I have had that type of opportunity, and I made it. Now I know that a good percent of making a shot like that is luck, but still it was fun to do. We ended up loosing, but I made the shot of the year so far, and as you know it's all about me.

So anyway, in the course of my great day today I started thinking, isn't it funny how we don't always see ourselves the way others see us? I mean most of us don't see ourselves as self centered, egotistical, arrogant or whatever the case may be (not saying that I am of course, or at least I don't think I am). 

Someone mentioned to me today that I struck them as someone who wasn't afraid to venture out or take a leap of faith (something to that affect). This really took me back considering I see myself as being very conservative, someone who plays it real close to the vest, if you know what I mean. I think I'm more like the golfer who "lays-up" rather then tries to hit it over the water. Ok so maybe some of you don't understand the golf reference, sorry. I guess in other words, I'm a big chicken. Or at least I see myself as a big chicken. Afraid to make big changes in my life or "take a chance" so to speak. I think maybe the reason that I don't take that leap or make that change is the fear of failure. Maybe we all have that fear to some degree some just hide it better then others.
Shoot when I go out to eat (regardless of the establishment) I get the same thing every time. No deviating. In fact I think the DW can order for me now. Usually there is no need to even look at a menu, or the board, again depending on the establishment. I know we're only talking food here, but that's sort of the way I roll. I thought it was interesting that someone else doesn't exactly see me that way. Again, I guess we never really see ourselves the way others do.

Ok so moving on. I need  to know when is it time for a man to get rid of some clothes? Here's the thing. I've got some shirts, and what my DW refers to as "old man jeans" that I just can't seem to part with. There is one shirt in particular, it's an Old Navy long sleeve sweater/tee sort of thing, that my DW hates. Her complaint is not that it's ratty or torn, but rather because it looks old, like "late '90's". I of course, having no sense of fashion think it looks fine? Every time I put the thing on she looks at me like I should be on that web site People Of Wal-Mart. Again, to me it looks fine, it's not ripped, has no stains and still fits (even after all these years).

So the real question is, when does a middle aged man of 3 clowns stop trying to be fashionable? I mean I don't usually wear the old man jeans, but they might do in a pinch, right and so what if I look like I just stepped out of the 90's? Who am I trying to impress? I certainly don't want to be known around town as the old guy who thinks he's still 20 right? Well, I guess if nothing else maybe I'll live long enough that my clothes will come back in style, here's hoping...I really like that shirt.


J-Tony

More on Stories

Ok so maybe I need to clarify last night's post just a little. I'm talking to this guy at work today, and he's telling me "his story" of how when he was in high school he played basketball, and how he had some "smaller" scholarships to play but didn't (his words)...blah..blah...blah...it dawned on me that my post last night was two things.

First it was spot on. I am so right. Everybody has a story. And I don't mean funny stories of how somebody put a lamp shade on their head at a party kind of stories. I mean. Everybody has those "I could'a been a contender" type stories. Which is my second point. Everybody could'a, would'a, or should'a, if only it hadn't been for.... I mean everybody always wants to blame somebody or something else. 

The thing is, maybe that's just the way we all are? Maybe we're all people who if we would have gotten a lucky break here or there, things would be different. Maybe all our lives would be changed if it wasn't for that one thing, or that one time?

You see though, as I'm listening to the guy who "could'a been" Indiana's Mr. Basketball back in the day, ramble on about his past, I start thinking about my own story. Yes that's right, it's all about me.

So I'm thinking about my story, and quite honestly I don't have a story really. Now I have funny stories of how I put a lamp shade on my head at a party one time, but I'd rather not tell that one. In fact, I'd rather not think about or "relive" any of my stories. I guess that's because I realize that they are past. It's over. I've moved on. I'm a much better person now then when those stories took place, and I'd much rather focus on the future and what lies ahead then to think about yesterday. So here's to tomorrow, not yesterday.

J-Tony

What's Your Story

So today I realize that everybody has a "story". I guess I've always known this, but today it struck a nerve with me and was something that made me think.

You see today is Monday, and that means on Monday morning (and most all day long) it's time to analyze your weekends fantasy football did or did not's. See my league is made up of 12 guys, 11 of whom I work with. So after every weekend we "meet at the water cooler" and discuss what we should have done, or what somebody else should have done, or didn't do. Don't get me wrong, I love playing, but today it just struck me wrong or something. I mean I was to the point where I would see someone from my league around the office and avoid eye contact just so I wouldn't have to talk about it. Not because I lost and couldn't bare it (I actually won and am in the points lead, not that you care), but because everybody has a story.

People just can not accept the facts. Think about it. Have you have ever talked to somebody at the license branch who has had their license revoked? Just talk to them for a minute. Listen to them. There is always some "poor me" story of how the cops did them wrong. Or how the lady behind the counter didn't tell them they had to have the correct paperwork before hand. If you've ever had to be in defensive driving or some court mandated class you know exactly what I'm talking about. Everybody has a story, and most of the time it's not their fault. Somebody else screwed them over or didn't do something which in turn caused them to get in trouble.Today it just made me think. I mean as I'm listening to the same 'ol "I should have done this" story I just kept thinking, yeah but you didn't? Why are we talking about this..again. Didn't we discuss this last week?

I don't know I just got to thinking about this today, and about how everybody has a story. As a society I think we are always so quick to blame someone else for our actions. It's always easier to say, if it wasn't for this or that I wouldn't have done this or had to do that.

Well so anyway, What's your story??

J-Tony

It's not fair

So I've come to realize that there are a few things in life that are just not fair.

Take being a parent for example. Being a parent is just not fair. I mean we do it, or at least most of us do, because we love it, and we chose it, but honestly it is the hardest job in the world.You really are darned if you do, and darned if you don't, and most of the time the choices we have to make are just not fair.

So we all went to church today. Again, back to our "old" church. Now mini-me has not been to this church since he was just a little baby, so he really doesn't know anybody or anything about this place. He is so much like his pops it isn't funny. He's a little shy and timid in new surroundings. He usually is ok if or when his sisters are doing these things with him, but without them he's "clingy". Naturally he feels some sort of comfort when they are around. Plus they are pretty good big sisters and take good care of him. Well the DW explains to him that he will have to go to his class while we are in church. He's not real excited about this. So she mentions that maybe she can get him in the class with this sister. For this he is "on board". He clearly tells the DW that we will go as long as he can be in class with his sister, but he is not going to class alone. (Lovely how the 4 year old calls the shots).

So anyhow, we get to church and wouldn't you know it he has to go to the class by himself, and the girls go to a different class. In the beginning he is shy and has his head down, and won't speak to anybody, and of course the DW is heart broken. Now me, I think it's good for him to be by himself a little bit. He doesn't get much social time without his sisters. After all it's good for all of us to get out of our comfort zone every now and then, but as a parent you want your child to be happy, and feel secure. So to see him upset made me a little upset as well.

So anyway throughout the service both the DW and I were worried about the little guy. Now here's where I think it's just not fair for us parents. Of course I start thinking what if he's miserable? What if this scars him for life? What if he grows up and forever remembers the time when he was four and his parents "left" him all alone in some strange room with strange people, and he was "forced" to interact with other little boys and girls? What if one day he's relaying the events of this horrible day while laying on a couch being charged 120 bucks an hour? What if it's worse than that? What if one day he's giving an interview to Bill O'Riley while behind bars and all he can come up with for "why" is because of the events of today. On the other hand, what if we don't leave him alone and he ends up some creeper who's issues are related to being "clingy" as a child? Again, darned if you do, darned if you don't.

After the service is over the DW and I both head back to the classrooms to pick up the clowns. As she looks in on mini-me just positive she's going to see him sitting by himself upset maybe even crying, she sees him smiling and dancing around the room. What's this? He's happy? We made the right choice? Woo hoo. Yeah for us.

When I finally get a chance to ask him how his class and lesson was he is super excited to show me a picture he colored specifically for the DW and I. Now don't get me wrong. I believe that leaving him in children's church is the right decision. Like I said, he doesn't get much social time by himself, so I think it's good for him,  but these are the things that drive us parents crazy, and quite frankly are just not fair.

J-Tony

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles minus the Planes and Trains

If you've ever seen the movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles then you can sort of understand what it's like to travel with a stranger. One of my all time favorite movies by the way.

Ok so let me tell you a little bit about my trip. I realized that you kind of get to know a person when you spend 12 hours in a car with them. Look I'm sure this guy that went with me is a nice guy and all, but let me just give you some insight as to how my trip went.

First let me just say, I am not a big fan of listening to people eat. I realize we're in a car, and you get hungry and want to snack and that's ok. I mean after all it's not my car so I don't care if you drop something in between the seats, but I'd rather not have to listen to you scarf down that sticky bun first thing in the morning. Here's another thing. I can not stand for anyone to lick their fingers after they eat. I mean really? Really? You have to lick your fingers to get the last bit of goo off of them? Is that not the grosses thing ever? Use a napkin for crying out loud. Heck use your shirt for all I care I just don't want to see or hear you licking your fingers to get that last bit of honey bun.  

Ok so we've made it past the initial awkward beginning. We've made small talk about family, clowns and careers. We're now pushing toward mid-morning and finally lunch time. Let's just grab something quick so we can speed along and get to our destination. Do you have a preference? "Nothing fast-food". What? Nothing fast-food? Are you kidding me? That's the only "food" I know on the road. Grab a quick burger and let's move on, after all this is a business trip, you're not vacationing with the fam. here?

Ok ok so I cave, we have lunch. We sit down, we get waited on, we order, we get our food we eat. Then, all of a sudden he gets a napkin and starts blowing his nose right in the middle of lunch. Are you kidding me, hellllooooo trying to eat over here! Is it just me or is that not rude and gross? I mean it's one thing to feel a twitch or to have a hanger you gotta get, but to use a couple napkins to clean the pipes right there at the table is ridiculous.

So finally our work day is complete. We casually ask the locals for recommendations on places to eat for dinner near the hotel. One of them mentions that there really is not much around the area but if we travel up the road another 40 minutes there are all kinds of places. There is  big shopping center and lots of restaurants up there.  "Great" he says, "I need to look for a birthday gift for my daughter anyway". Now at this point I wanted to stick a sharp object in my eye. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs NOOOOOO. I mean really all I wanted to do was go find some dinner, and go back to the hotel, take my shoes off and relax watching t.v. until time for bed. Surely he wasn't serious. He wants to go shopping? No way dude.

Four stores later we finally got some dinner.

Now my DW asked me why didn't I just give him the keys and let him go by himself? Well I guess I didn't want to be a jerk or anything. So I sort of went with the "grin and bare it" attitude. Sometimes I guess it's just easier that way. And besides who knows, maybe he's blogging right now about the guy he went on a trip with.


J-Tony