Love They Say

Hello people. Going to try to knock this one out quickly. Getting quite sleepy, so bare with me. Last Friday, I got an email from a gentleman who runs the different pick up futsal games in Brookfield. Looks like they do games Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Well, they needed TWO subs for last Sunday's game so guess who FINALLY got to play? :) Jill gave me the okay to go check it out, so after work, I contemplated going (weather was crap) but the roads ended up being pretty good. We quickly headed down to the BSA training facility where they have the games. Actually, we later figured out that it wasn't too far from our old apartment and within walking distance of my old advertising/marketing job. I was super stoked to play when I got there. Futsal is totally different then outdoor and indoor turf soccer. I've never played futsal so it was an interesting experience. It's 4 on 4 plus a keeper. No throw ins, you kick it in when it goes out. No offsides either and the ball moves quite quickly. With this group, every 10 minutes they rotated who'd play keeper, so everyone would get to play on the court. I ended up volunteering for the 1st rotation after kick off. Never played keeper before, but it wasn't too bad. Got two goals scored on me. One off a cheap bank shot but it was still pretty fun. Glad to switch it up when I could :) I didn't get any goals, but took some good shots and hit the cross bar (totally thought It was going in) Didn't play the 2nd half sadly. I could hear Mia throwing a huge fit towards the end of the 1st half, and could see Jill struggling to keep her happy. Oh well. I really wanted her to enjoy watching me like the first time I played back in October. She was hungry and pissy so it just wasn't happening. Jill said she said "go Daddy" every once in a while. Totally worth coming out to play. Because it's $10 to play, I won't be playing every weekend. Just two times a month I think. I ended up hurting my foot, when  defender stomped accidentally on it. Still sore.

Saturday,  I played a little hockey with my older bro. We walked down to the rink near his apartment and skated around passing the puck. We avoided the rink with the boards because there was some high school kids playing a pick up game. We didn't wanna be recruited. Hahaha! All in all, it was a fun time skating and discussing Chelsea, the Penguins and everything in between. So last weekend was full of sports for me. For lunch in Madison, we ate at Monty's which is one of the best restaurants in the area. 

Today, Mia and I shoveled the 3-4 inches of snow we got. She even wore her MITTENS! It may not sound like a big deal, but she never ever willingly wears mittens or gloves. Next, maybe she'll wear a hat. My friend Nicole, her kiddo B and myself with Mia hung out at Kids in Motion down the street today. Mia had a lot of fun climbing through the tubes and playing with the giant Lite Brite. I also enjoyed catching up with Nicole. 

That's it for now. Thanks for reading. 

Mostly Memories

Greetings readers. It's getting late and I've got all kinds of things to discuss so let's get at it, shall we? First, I'd like to get to last weekend. My in laws came in for a visit for a few days, and stayed at a hotel near us. Saturday night, they checked in, and Mia and I casually watched a 60's cover band butcher songs in the hotel bar. The door woman told me we weren't allowed to go in because she wasn't old enough. After about 10 or so minutes we headed upstairs to check with Jill's familia. Soon after going up, she said "Daddy, go see band?" So naturally we went back down again. This time, the door woman said after about 5 minutes of watching outside the door "if I get a wrist band on you, you can go in and get closer to watch, but just make sure you leave by 9". Hell yes, sounds good to me. So that's what I did. Mia and I had so much fun. The band was compiled of older men ranging from 50s-60s. I didn't think they need two tambourine players, but that's alright I guess. Mia had a great time. Clapped after every song. Older women would approach her and say "oh are you going to dance sweetie?" She'd simply ignore and try to watch behind their big ol' head. That'll make them go away :) So that was technically Mia's first "show" if you wanna call it that. We left after 9, and when we went back upstairs she told everyone about the band and how she clapped.

Tuesday, 11:08pm my little brother became a Dad, I became an uncle again and Mia got another cousin. Today, she met little Easton Cole Justman. She got jealous of Jill holding the little 5 pounder. I guess every toddler goes through that. They hate seeing their mother holding another kid. Man, seeing my little brother with his new son, and the smile on his face reminds me of when I was a new Dad. Everything is new, scary and exciting. The kid was totally brave to be there to watch everything happen is pretty amazing. Since Mia was a emergency c-section, I wasn't allowed to be in the ICU. Mia tried handing a block to sleeping Easton and said "Easton play with block!" Poor kiddo doesn't get it yet, but before you know it, they'll be playing as often as possible.

Speaking of playing, today we met up with some friends and let loose our kids at the Big Back Yard, a little indoor playground for kids of all ages. They had different jungle gyms, slides, basketball hoops etc. Mia met some new kids and had a lot of fun. Good place to let her run off some energy and meet some new children. She befriended a little girl, Caroline and her bro Wyatt. They even gave her, Jill and myself hugs before the place closed down for the day. All in all, busy day. Found out Chelsea FC tied and the Penguins lost. Not a good day for my teams. :( That's all for now. Thanks for reading and stay warm. It's been a cold few days here!

Drop the puck

Greetings everyone. Today was rather a weird day. First off, Jill was off from work. During the Winter, she has to take one weekday off, so why not take a day off on MY off day right? Well after a late night with Mia Tuesday, she ended up sleeping in till 11:40am today. Jill woke up first around 11 something and said to me "what time is it? I hear the mail truck outside". I knew it was later then usual. So we started the day late, and ended up heading over by my brother Andy, picked him up and headed over to the Delafield pond. He repeatedly asked for myself or Jill to shoot some updated photos of him playing hockey. It was a great time. Jill got behind the lense and took some fantastic photographs. I love watching her work hard with the camera. I'm quite used to seeing her shoot pictures of Mia just about every week, but today seeing her get creative with the elements & shooting some action shots of my brother was a little treat for me. Mia loved watching her uncle play. She would keep yelling "MISS IT MISS IT!"  when he'd shoot at the dilapidated net. All in all, fun time. While walking with Mia on the ice today, I imagined in the next few years seeing her playing hockey on her own. Skating circles around me, stick in hand. I won't be disappointed if she decides not to play hockey, but it'd be rad if she had interest in it. Hopefully the next time, I'll get to hit the ice and play some with Andy.

In other news, the NHL and the big wig owners finally reaching a deal means hockey season is in full swing. As a major fan, I'm super stoked to get to see my beloved Pens play again. Today in Pittsburgh, they had a free scrimmage for the fans, and it packed about 18,000. Needless to say, NHL hockey was quite missed and every one's stoked. It's great timing for the casual fans because football is drawing near, which will possibly draw some people towards professional hockey. It's still a pity the Winter Classic fell through, but what can you do? So now I'll be avidly following all things Penguins and of course, Chelsea FC.

Speaking of Chelsea, bummed they drew today. 2-0 up in the first half, then they ended up tieing in the end? They need these points to catch up to Manchester United. Let's do this Blues!

All in all, great day off. Mia was pretty silly most of the day. Later in the evening when she hurt her head, Jill said "Mia would you like some ice cream?" Mia quickly perked up and said "With candy on top!" We have no clue where she got that from. Still adorable, as always.

That's all for now.

The Sound of the Life of the Mind

Evening folks. Today on my day off with the kiddo, I thought about how lucky I am to have an amazingly awesome healthy and fun daughter, so here's a little reflection on parenthood. Being a parent is a surreal experience that takes a lot of patience and love to make work. This year quite a few friends of mine have got a kid on the way including my little brother who's got his little dude coming in a short few weeks. I remember when we were patiently awaiting for our little kiddo to enter our lives. You think you're prepared but nothing prepares you for when they hand you that beautiful baby you've anxiously waited for. That baby is your new center of the universe. Everything will revolve around the child for the rest of your life as it should and you immediately accept and embrace it. I'm super stoked for my brother. He's wanted a kid for a while and it'll be a humbling and great experience for him and his wife. I can't wait to see Mia hold his kiddo when he's born. She LOVES babies too. It's the best being THE Dad. It's a complete learning experience. I love talking to Dads both new and ones who have a few kids to hear how they handle parenthood.

 Every kid is different. Some get the easy kid, others get the tough one. It can be difficult relating to the parents who have the opposite personality of yours. As long as you have a decent supply of patience. Man, I get this on a daily basis "oh enjoy your time now, because it won't be long before they grow up, blah blah blah". I gotta tell ya, I'm SUPER enjoying toddler Mia. Baby Mia was fun, but difficult because they can't tell you exactly what's wrong. So yeah, Toddler Mia is awesome. She's fun, creative, loves to sing and interact with people/friends/family and of course any animal she sees. Today I was thinking about when she's in grade school, I'll totally volunteer to coach soccer. Why not right? Could be a ton of fun. Man, the ways she loves me and Jill is amazing in every single way. Any awful day at work, I think of our happy little family. How complete I feel with the two of them in my life. it's a wonderful feeling and I could ask for more.

Baby shower this weekend for my sister in law. Jill & my mom are putting it together, which means Mia will get to see some people and family that she hasn't seen in a long time. She'll have a total blast. I haven't touched the Lil Wayne portrait because I decided I want to restart it. Wasn't happy with how it was looking and will redo it. It'll look real great and my buddy's daughter will LOVE it. That's all for now. Thanks for reading. Oh, before I go, the new Ben Folds Five record is absolutely fantastic. Later!

Why, hello 2013!

Greetings readers both casual and loyal! Hope everyone had a delightful and safe New Years Eve. In the morning, I packed up my bag and Remi and I headed off to see my Jill & Mia back at Jill's parent's house. They were there all week and in the time I was solo, I tried to use my time wisely to accomplish some things. Sadly, didn't make the most of my time. Worked on an art project, did a little drumming, and cleaned the house some. I really wanted to visit with some friends but things sort of fell apart. I did however, get to hang my with bro and watch the Dark Knight Rises. Not as good as the Dark Knight but it wrapped up well in the end. there were some plot issues here and there but overall it was pretty great. So on my drive to Illinois I was super excited to see the girls. The closer I got to their house, the more I thought how Mia would react when I walked in the door. Would she be ecstatic? Would she be sleeping?? Well when Remi and I pulled in with Jill's Dad's car, we noticed that the entire driveway was empty. No one was home :( Turned out her Dad and bro worked, and Jill and her Mom (with Mia) went out to some stores. Remi and I were pretty bummed they weren't home. Shortly, her bro pulled in so at least he could get us into the house. Remi searching the place for Jill but they weren't home. A little later they pulled in. I could barely contain my excitement. Mia was super happy to see me and wouldn't let go of my neck for quite a while. When I was sitting on the floor with Jill, Mia did something quite cute: She got in between us and put both arms around our necks and said "Picture Daddy, GET YOUR PHONE!" So I did! Felt great to be reunited with my beloved familia.

So here we are in the new year. Every one's making resolutions and goals to try to accomplish. Today on my day off, I thought about the different things I want to accomplish this year. Last year, I didn't put together a Thrill Factory site or design a successful shirt design for Threadless. Those were the big things I didn't accomplish. They'll come together hopefully in the near future. Who knows. :) THIS year, I want to:
Play in an adult soccer league (either indoor or outdoor)
Possibly find a 2nd job
Play pond hockey before the end of Winter with my brothers
Try to complete a killer water colour picture
Maybe do a series of some really nice photographs
And of course, continue being a positive and loving father to my Mia.

This afternoon, Mia and I went by my Dad's to watch the Chelsea FC Vs QPR game. Mia was so excited for the game, she ended up sleeping through the first half. Luckily, she didn't miss much. :P

Okay, that's all for now. Thanks for sticking with me through the year peeps :)