Category: Family

Wow, talk about abandoned…

March 15th, 2009 · · Family, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology No comments - Tags: , , , , , , ,

I started this thing with the best of intentions, but it’s more or less a graveyard for my Twitter summaries now. Once my last semester is over, I still have hope to get going again. Of course, doesn’t everyone say that right before the blog dies?

Still, things are extremely hectic in our lives right now. Barely paying bills, Em working overnights and going to school, me writing for the paper and still with EDG and school full time. I know it just sounds like whining, but it’s not.

I’m enjoying my school time and work, just would be nice to have some more hours in the day. I remember making fun of old people when they said that. Here I am saying it and meaning it. How times change.

When did this whole responsible, grown up, busy flip come about? Somewhere between marriage, kids, and home ownership I think.

On the plus side of things, I found someone who seems to be successful in the geek world online (that’s a string of words, huh?) from up in Centralia. Go check her out at Blondish.net for more information. She seems really laid back and nice.

A load of nothing, and I loved it

February 7th, 2009 · · Family No comments - Tags: , , ,

Today started out as a decent day – got to sleep in, kids at Jennifer’s. Then as I was getting out of the shower, Jennifer called and asked if I would run to get something for mom and dad (today is their anniversary). Unfortunately, the trip would take me 30 miles north, and the business closed in 30 minutes.

To say the least I was in a hurry. I raced out of the house and zipped up there. Luckily, I made it in time (don’t ask how fast I drove, I would hate to incriminate myself).

Then I took my time driving back. It’s amazing how much you can miss until you take the time to look around.

Picked up the kids and then we went to Kroger for a spot of shopping. We managed a few groceries before picking out valentine cards and making our way home.

All things considered, I didn’t do much but drive a lot. Still I have to say it was a great day.

My ‘bucket’ list – aka What I want to do list

January 24th, 2009 · · Family, Illinois, Mount Vernon No comments - Tags: , , , , , ,

Now that I’ve finally seen the movie (see previous post), I have decided to make my own list. Because I can, that’s why.

  • Spend a week on white sand doing nothing
  • Watch Cardinal’s batting practice from the lower level and get an autograph or two
  • Visit California, Ireland, and Germany (Mexico is optional)
  • Raise my children well
  • Play with my grandchildren
  • Learn to swim
  • Leave a mark somewhere
  • Own a Pink’ suit (no, not the color)
  • Take a cruise
  • Pay an outrageous price for a meal
  • Watch a sunrise and sunset over the ocean – 2011 with Em and the kids in Florida
  • Visit New York, NY
  • Play
  • Complete a college degree – Completed 2009 and 2013
  • Save a life

Evidence

January 12th, 2009 · · Family, Illinois, Jaycees, Mount Vernon One comment - Tags: , , , , ,

Last night, way to late, I finally got some photos moved from the camera to Flickr. There weren’t as many as I thought, but if you haven’t noticed, scroll down a bit and they are ready to see.

These will mostly be appreciated by friends and family as they are photos of the kids and family. We have a lot more, but these are the better ones and ones that I feel like letting out into the general public.

I can’t believe we only have one photo of the kids from Halloween. That’s what you get when dad is off running the Jaycees’ House of Horror instead of being dad. Things will definitely be different this year. Time to put the right things first.

Stress and coping

January 4th, 2009 · · Family, Jaycees, School, Technology No comments - Tags: , , , , , ,

As you all know (or should by now) I have 2.5 jobs, attend school full time, play a major part in the local Jaycees chapter, and still maintain some semblance of a family. I have to say that everything together was just becoming too much. While I am still very busy, I have cut way down on my level of involvement in the Jaycees.

Over the past 3 years I have loved and hated my time with the Jaycees and everyone involved. Unfortunately at this time in my life something had to go, and as much as they have helped me grow and make community contacts, they are a volunteer organization. I enjoy giving of myself, but sometimes you have to realize your limits and step back as I have done.

Working at Ecodigital is still awesome and teaches me how to better support IS every day, not to mention it pays. 🙂 The gas station isn’t bad. My co-workers are all great, and the customers are usually regulars and quite nice themselves. Fixing PCs helps me learn more, and gain some extra cash too (albeit very little). School is soooooo very close to being done for now, I can taste the parchment.

I think that with the slight stress reduction I can continue working 2 jobs, finish school, and still enjoy time with my great family. Those of you who have been emailing support, thank you very much. It means more than you know to hear that people other than family and super close friends care about me and how things are going.