Hello and welcome all, to this, a new phase of my life. Don't jump to conclusions, this isn't a "life altering" phase. Just a change i thought would be acceptable to help create a different viewpoint for how i approach this stage in life. OK, that was way too dramatic. How bout I just write all the things that I don't typically say out loud. (This can be inclusive of about 90% of my thoughts because as most of you know, i really only talk about 10% of the time.) Consider this your insight to me and my self proclaimed logical thoughts.
Lets begin with a little refresher shall we? I used to write a weekly entry on my MySpace page to keep people up with my activities. I thought it was kind of fun to just lay stuff out there so I could at least feel good about venting, explaining, or simply stating some thoughts or actions I used to do. The whole process became awkward when Kelsey would read these entries and say "I never knew you wanted to do ..." or "When were you planning on telling me that?" It wasn't that I tried to keep things from her, its just when i type I have completely random thoughts that may or may not carry weight later in the grand scheme of things. The few that did, i expect, didn't always sit well for Kelsey, and everyone else who was involved. Which I felt that they were just in raising these questions because I suck at explaining or talking about certain things.
So why do it again? I dunno. I guess life is becoming really busy, and i want to be able to reflect on some thoughts before any major changes take place in my life. Work is creating an atmosphere that is taking up a lot of time in my day to day activities. Yes, back in the day when i did write entries, i HAD free time. I had time to waste. I could pump out an entry in about 20 mins. Now, this entry will probably take me all day. (With that point, i'll probably write weekly sunday night so i don't waste too much time at work. It just causes more problems for me and my co-workers.)
I guess I could just try and catch everyone up now. Typically I do a "Weekend Update" (please note that i'm aware off all my shameless copy cat/stealing of ideas), but seeing as how more than a weekend has gone by I should just stick to an "Update."
Kelsey and I own a house in Oakdale. The "projects" are still on a list that will get done. The list isn't that long anymore and most of it is now just preferential projects that we'd like to get done, and none that really "Have to." The have to phase was really annoying, and it makes the house much more enjoyable if the projects consist of visual results that appeal to Kelsey and I. Home owning is definately something i am still enjoying and I look forward to every minute i get to spend in the house. ESPECIALLY with a new puppy. We found ourselves a Shiba Inu puppy and named her Kona. She is doing her own little remodeling of our house. Her most recent contribution was a nice little hole in our couch upstairs (thankfully it was our "garage sale" couch and not our $2K leather sectional). I dunno, i like the new feature Kona put in the couch. It adds character. Kelsey doesn't agree. Kona is still every bit of a puppy, but we're rigorously trying to cement the fact that we are the masters into her brain. I am definitely the sucker and the one that lets her get away with EVERYTHING! I don't seem to mind so much when she acts out or redecorates our upstairs carpet, because she's just a puppy. But there are certain people who do not enjoy me supporting this behavior. So, i have agreed to be a little more careful of what Kona can and cannot do. With this in mind i'm hoping we will have ourselves a nicely behaved, but a still full functioning awesome dog, very shortly.
One such challenge we're about to face is pictures. We haven't been the best of puppy parents and been snapping away at our cute little dog, so I really wanted to get a good picture of all 3 of us before she gets too big. We're getting professional pictures taken tomorrow. I got Kelsey a photo session for us last year for Christmas. We're finally getting around to using that present and i couldn't think of a better time to use the pictures with our new little puppy! (NO, NO OTHER SCENARIO WOULD BE BETTER! I don't know what you are all talking about.. you're supposed to take pictures when you get a ring? What?) So be on the lookout for some cool pictures of cool people.
Other than that, I guess things are pretty normal. I don't think i'll be coaching basketball this year. I'm more into trying to get a little better at Log Rolling. Hell, i'd just be happy to be in shape next summer. I guess that means more trips to the YMCA and hanging out with some old friends. I'll take that, plus the free weekends i get by not coaching basketball. I'll coach when i have a kid. :-) About 50 years from now.
With me moving blog locations, i have given up certain attributes that i liked with the MySpace blog entries. One such attribute i enjoyed was the fact that music could play in the background. I haven't figured out if this site has that capability, but i am going to assume it doesn't. As such I'm incorporating a new feature to my blog. My weekly music suggestion. One song, each week, that i enjoy and figure you all might enjoy as well. It will be listed at the end of the blog, and right after my favorite part about these entries... the "Ten things i think, i think."
Without further adieu:
"Ten things i think, i think" (original concept by Peter King)
1. I think its good to be blogging again. If not for myself, than maybe for my family. My mom actually asked for the page that i "blog at" because she was tired of not hearing all the news about Krissy and Trevor. I'd come home and say this and that about Trevor and she'd ask where i'd hear it from. When she learned about the blog sites she figured it was a good way to keep tabs on her sons and daughter. I being the only son that didn't have a "blog" page, i figured why not make the aspect a complete family outing and have some fun? We'll see how it goes, and i'll try to make sure everything is "mom safe" and yet still funny and inclusive of all that is my craziness.
2. I think everyone needs to own their own pet some point in their lives. If you had a family pet when you were growing up, you know how much fun it was. Its even better when you have your own. Sharing that responsibiliy is OK, but the real joy is seeing what kinds of emotions, actions and thoughts it brings out in you, or someone you love. Its a window into a whole other complex and rewarding side of yourself and those close to this new thing in your life. The idea that a dog is a dog, or a cat is a cat is idiotic. They are individual, unique, and completely life changing (if not all at once, then gradually over time they will change your life.) I recommend that anyone who thinks otherwise needs to read "Marley and Me." It is an excellent book and well worth anyone's time.
3. I think I'm extremely excited for October. For many reasons i won't go into, October will be a great month namely because Matt Nathanson, Yellowcard, and Matt Wertz are all coming to MN to be in concert. Coupling Matt Nathanson with a night of drinking at the Lion's Pub, what could be more excellent than a night of great music, fun entertainers, and a great beer and a fun bar? I see you're speechless. :-)
4. I think I better have a promising performance review in the next two weeks. With the amount of money EMC stands to make, how much work John and I have been doing to help bring in a large chunk of that money, I, like any other person, would like a fair return on that work. Here's to hoping everything goes well! :-)
5. I think i need a new phone. I think i really like the iPhone, but am not sure that switching to Cingul...er... AT&T is worth the hassle its going to create with Kelsey and I (both currently on Verizon) or work (EMC might get work phones for its employees). I guess we'll see what comes out of the discussions with work before i have to make any decisions.
6. I think i'm completely excited to be an uncle twice over. I guess i'm surprised i saved this for number six, but in reality it isn't as big as Trevor being born. Yes, this young child will have to encounter the wrath of the number two child (possibly even middle child issues) and will still be loved by all including me. But Trevor will always be the one i gravitate toward for no reason other than I am "The Godfather." Yes, call me a dork but i love that title. I really enjoy being the godfather and maybe someday Trevor can look at me as an uncle on a different level than all the rest. Otherwise the new addition will be fun to play with too... there are certain ages that are more enjoyable as an uncle, and i definitely can't wait for those days, but i am also looking forward to these next few years hanging out with Trevor as he experiences new things. I'll leave the superior spoiling to the pro's (mom, dad, grandma and grandpa, and buh-ba and papa.)
for the new arrival.
7. I think i've waited a long time for fall. Summer was great, but it was crazy busy. All of a sudden Kelsey and I have weekends where we get to be together, just the two of us, we actually have time to do things, and enjoy not working. I knew we'd have days like this, i just didn't know they'd be so few and far in between. Add to it, the perfect weather (60-70 degrees) and some new cloths, new activities, and sharing some awesome time with the girl of my dreams and i'm set. Work can't even take that smile that i've found again off my face.
8. I think i can finally nail down my fashion style. I've always joked how i think my fashion style is "whatever is comfortable." But now i think i've narrowed it down for you all. My fashion style is "Long Underwear." I joked with Kelsey about this, and i think it fits me. We went out and got a few new articles of clothing for various reasons. I needed a few new shirts to complete my vast assortment of clothing styles, and with our venture i found some really comfy shirts. J Crew, Gap and Eddie Baur all label the type as "Thermal" or "waffle stitch" but i'm smarter than that. It's long underwear... and it rocks!
9. I think I'll never be able to see my two favorite Chicago teams thriving at the same time. The cubs are in the playoffs and the Bears are struggling. Oh well... GO CUBS! Side note: Grossman can beat the Lions.. what say you now all you haters? Griese sucks too! Deal with it! Grossman for Prez!
10. I think this was an OK first blog. I hope all you enjoy it! More to come next week!
Recommended listening for the week:
Matt Nathanson - Car Crash
Enjoy! Have a great week everyone!
