1000 Answers

What a great, busy and eventful Saturday. This morning I woke up super tired and utterly confused on what day it was. My alarm went off and I normally don't set it for a weekend unless I'm working the early shift on a sunday. I thought "uhh...is it Friday? Thursday? Oh wait it's Saturday!"  Today, we packed up the car with beach stuff and headed out to Madison to spend some time with my older brother, his wifey and my nephew Alex.  Checked out the infamous Madison Farmer's Market, which I've heard a lot of great things about. It really is huge. We didn't even make the smallest dent in seeing everything. I did pick up a loaf of some spicy bread my friend Stephanie recommended. It was very tasty. Jill and I also got some smoothies and bubble tea. Mia drank some of my smoothie, and totally loved it. After the farmers market, we headed out to lunch at this mexican bar/restaurant (the name escapes me) the food was very good. Then, it was off to the beach.

Mia was so excited to see the beach again. It may not have been the clear waters of the beautiful ocean, but she didn't seem to mind too much. I helped Alex build sandcastles while Jill played with her in the water with my bro. All of the awesome weather and fun in the water exhausted the kids and they could barely keep their eyes open on the drive back. I didn't want Mia to fall asleep in their van so I tried to give her a little snack to keep her awake. Alex was eating some too but his eyes were getting droopy. Mia eventually passed out for about 2 minutes. She got a 2nd wind of energy playing with their cats and dog. Overall, great day. Jill's mom got to have the day to herself to do whatever she needed to, and not chase Mia around the house or yard. Saturday's are such an important day for Jill and I. It's the one day that we both are off and can spend time together as a family. We always try to do something fun or important on Saturday. Last weekend's visit to the zoo was an amazing time. We bought a family pass and plan on going as much as possible. I already took her by myself last Tuesday while Jill went to PT. The short 30 min visit was so much fun. Mia loved the penguins and gorilla/monkey exhibit she missed last weekend.

This week should go pretty quick. Work Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Thursday. Off Fri-Sun and we're heading down to the Indiana sand dunes. I have no idea what to expect. Hopefully Mia will survive the drive. That's all that matters. And of course she has fun with Jacqui, Rick, Leanne and Caleb. Hope everyone who's going to Summerfest has a great time and stay safe. That's all for now friends. Thanks for reading :)

Perfect Lines

Hey Hey! Had a delightful Father's Day for the most part :) Worked a busy 9am-5pm shift, followed by  dinner with my familia. Got a hand-made card of Mia's hands in the shape of a heart. Plus, a gift for Mia for myself. A little Penguins 3rd jersey for her to wear. Jill KNEW I wanted it for our little one and I can't wait to get a photo of her in it! She'll be ready for September when hockey starts up :)

Boy it's been hot this week. I've been getting tons of complaints at work "oh it's SOOO hot, this sucks" I'm sorry but I'll take heat over snow any day of the week. So Summerfest is coming up next week. It's been quite a while since we've attended. There's been a lot of great bands but I just don't have the time or patience. To get a great spot, you really have to get there early. Like, 3 hours maybe 4 early. I've been there early and to be honest, it's incredibly boring waiting and waiting and waiting. I've stood in the rain a few times waiting for Alkaline Trio and A.F.I. Both great amazing shows. This year, there are 4 amazing bands playing that I most likely won't be able to see. Ben Folds Five is playing this year, which is absolutely amazing. Seeing the original band would be something else to take in and enjoy. I can't imagine how insane the crowd will be. The Promise Ring, another recently reunited group that would be great to see. I saw them in their earlier years at Summerfest with my sister and it was a great experience in front row.

Now, if you're going to the Fest with just the intentions to drink and enjoy the food and walk around the grounds, and it happens to be the day the Hives are playing, you really need to catch them. They are the essence of rock and roll. Their live show is something everyone should catch when they can, and Summerfest is the perfect place to do it. Howlin' Pele, their front men makes the crowd beg for more songs. As I type, I'm remembering the time we saw them at the Rave and how much fun it was. Easily one of the best shows I've seen there. Last but not least, the Smoking Popes are playing this year and I absolutely love them. Great live performers, and they pack the set list full of songs. There, I'm done. Hahaha.

Mia actually was saying "dadda" and "daddy" today which made me feel quite good, since she says "MOM" and "Momma" a lot. She had a doctor appt today. Nothing worse then taking your kid in for shots. Especially if it's three of them. Post-shots, she's always fine. A little tender on the legs, but fine overall. Next one's are 18 months. Should be walking very well on her own by then. She does well now but gets nervous at times and likes to hold on to one finger. I truly am a lucky man. I may complain about work and the stress of current situations, but there's nothing like having this little family always on my mind. My little girl and my always-adoring wife. Nothing could be better.

That's it for now. :)

Architects and Engineers

First of all, big win for the Los Angelas Kings tonight. having a Leinies to celebrate as I type. My brother Andy kept me updated on game 6 while I worked a busy shift at KT. I also made a friendly wager to a regular customer that they'd hoist the cup tonight. We 'bet' a beverage from KT of the winner's choice. Looks like tomorrow I'm gettin a 40! Haha! kidding. Didn't write last week in the blog. Things I've been thinking about I didn't feel like writing about. Again. But, I HAVE been keeping myself busy, art wise! :) Last week when I was at work,  I thought about those common photo bomb photos of people being silly in the background of photos. Then there's also been super heros photoshopped into some older photos. Fun, right?  So anyways, I thought to myself, "why don't I do a few photo bombs of some classic photos in time, but instead of super heros, use some characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies??" In the words of some of the old Guinness ads, "BRILLIANT!" So I've got about 4 so far complete and up on the Thrill Factory art page on Facebook. So far, the response has been pretty good. The small project was put together mainly for laughs  and fun. Not sure I'll do much more, but we'll see what happens next. Nearly complete with the dog portrait. Next-a Steve Stamkos picture for my pop.

Last wedding of the year this weekend for my buddy Steve, who used to work at KT with me. When i first transfered there, he was like, 17 or 18. Can't believe the guy is getting married. His fiance is real nice, so I bet this marriage will last a life time. They seem quite happy together. I don't think we're bringing Mia with us, since we're uncertain she'll behave well in church. Not too big of a deal, I suppose. With all the heat we've had lately, she's been able to enjoy her pool and her new water table. Even the neighbor kids came over the other day and played while I was at work. I love it that she plays well with other kids. I'd hate to have the kid who flips out or doesn't wanna play well with others. That's all for now :) Off to bed.