Monday, September 29, 2014

Someday Somewhere

Good Morning. Once again, late and with lots to go over with. Tuesday, I took the day off so Jill, myself and Mia could drive down to Illinois for Jill's Grandma's funeral. I'm already not a big fan of them, but taking a 3 year old and having to explain the whole process will be both confusing and a little heart breaking, but in the end, Mia did very well. She didn't go into the actual funeral part because I didn't want her seeing her Great Grandma in the open casket. We hung out with a couple of kids in this other room and colored. She did go to the burial at the cemetery where I did a lot of the explaining. I was glad I was able to get off from work to spend time with Jill and her family to pay our respects to her dearly departed Grandma. She lived a good life and unlike a lot of senior citizens, had every bit of her memory in tact before she went.

We came back to Wisconsin Wednesday evening because both Jill and I worked Thursday. Friday, Mia had school which went well. She was a pain to get moving (per the usual) but had a great day. Her teacher told me "Mia said that she was excited to be in class, but didn't want to get out of bed because it was comfortable" Too funny. She cooked for her class outside using sticks and leaves and seems to be getting along well with all of the kids. We watched the Chelsea vs Aston Villa game Saturday morning. Great 3-0 victory securing 3 well-deserved points. Loved Oscar's goal. Willian picked up one as well as Costa. Costa has 8 goals in 7 games. He was a great pick for the Blues and I hope he can continue his success throughout the season. Champions League game Tuesday so hopefully we can pull off the win.

Friday, I had found out that there was an opening for a spot in a coed indoor soccer league. Great! Except they meet on MONDAYS. DAMMIT. I so wish to play in a league. It's been a frustrating Summer (and now Fall) that I can't get into some sort of league to play. There is a new indoor place in West Allis called Strikers of WI LLC that hasn't been open too long. I asked them if they plan on doing any open times. Sounds like they might start at some point. I just hope it doesn't fall through.

So back to Saturday. We went to the Harvest Fest at the Stare Fair grounds with my brother and his wife and kids. Mia got her hair done like Elsa. Blue with snowflake stencil sprayed on her blonde head. She loved it, but it was a pain to wash out at night. Still, she looked gorgeous and kids throughout the day were complimenting her on it. She also tried pumpkin bowling. Knocked two pints down. Not bad.

Later at night. Jill and my sister-in-law went out for dinner while my bro and myself hung back with the kids. It was fun, and Mia really enjoy herself as well. She made him food while he played guitar for us. I've got to take her to a work meeting this Wednesday. Hopefully it won't be too long and she can make it through.  Okay, that's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Goodbye, Goodbye.

Good Morning. Lots to go over, plus I've got to leave for work in a short while, so let's get to it. Last Wednesday Mia and I watched the Chelsea vs Schalke game with my Dad. That was a rough one. We had the early goal by Fabregas which gave me hope that we'll win. Didn't happen. We ended up finishing off with a draw. Schalke was a stubborn team to try to get goals on. We had lots of chances. Drogba started and just couldn't get one in. My favorite moment of the game was when Fabregas got the goal, Mia jumped up and down and stops...looks down and realized she jumped right out of her flower jeans. "Uhh Daddy?" Couldn't stop laughing. So today, they play Manchester City, which I'll be sadly missing.

Mia had a great day in school Friday. She was hard to get moving in the morning, said "okay Bye Daddy" when I dropped her off. She totally loves school, and when I went to pick her up, she was sad because she didn't want to leave. My time Friday was mostly used on the pitch working on some shooting practice. Had the entire place to myself. I realized after about 10 shots, that I'm better right footed then left. Well, at least that day I was. I kept curling the ball with my left foot the wrong way. All of my life I've always shot lefty because it was the more comfortable one to shoot with. I get more power and accuracy with my right for some reason. Anyways, it was nice to get some quiet time to play. I wanted to get into my new art project, but that's okay.

Earlier in the week, we learned that Jill's grandma fell and broke her pelvis and with that, had a blood clot in her leg. Wonderful...Well yesterday morning when I came home from walking with Remi, she got the call that she passed away. 95 years old is a amazing. She always treated me like one of her own grand kids and Mia absolutely loved her. She's been through a lot and throughout the day, Jill kept quietly saying "it feels weird knowing she's gone" So while Jill worked on photos for the service, Mia and I went to my best friend Jay's birthday party for him and his wife's little boy Caleb. It was a lot of fun, even for the short while we could stay. Mia made friends with another girl her age.

Later, Mia, my Dad and I went to watch Carroll University take on Lawrence University at my old college while Jill and my Mom went to the early Just Between Friends sale. The rain clouds were threatening, but that didn't stop me. Well, in the end we didn't stay long because the rain+ wind blew into our section (under this overhang) so before my Dad started to "melt" we got out of there. Maybe another game in October we can hit up.

Today, 9am-5pm shift. No idea what we're doing later. Maybe laundry. Anyways, thanks for reading!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

The Conundrum

Late once again on my blogging. Been pretty busy.  Fall is coming. Well, it sure feels like it it's arrived. The other day, I had a very cold walk with Remi. Can't believe Wednesday it was a delightful 80's. Yesterday it didn't even get above 50. BRRR. I sincerely hope it can improve the rest of of the month. Nothing too exciting to report this week. It's been busy at work for both Jill and myself.

Mia had school Friday. Second day. Got her in early in hopes to meet some of the other kids, and learn some names. Mia and I had time to read a book and get her to the bathroom before her class started. Didn't get to talk to any other parents. It would appear they drop them off, and head out immediately. Mia got to paint an apple tree, play outside and a variety of other fun activities. She really likes her teacher, Miss Angela and gave her a high-five when I picked her up. Her teacher told me they have an opening for a tues and thurs class (which would be with her best friend Hannah) so we're undecided on if we want to do it. The Pros-she's with her best buddy, she'll have the same teacher and she'll have a more routine schedule during the week for school. The Cons-It'll cost more per month and she isn't always the easiest to get moving in the morning. So, we're undecided. There isn't a long list of kids waiting for that spot, so there isn't a rush to decide if we wanna do it. While she was at school, I made some time for myself to drum. Felt so amazing to play again. Didn't feel rusty either, which is great because it's been long since I've played last.

Saturday was great. I got up early to watch Chelsea take on Swansea City. Awful first half. Terry had an own goal off a deflection, but luckily before the end of the half, Diego Costa picked up equalizer. Towards the end of the first half, Jill and Mia came downstairs with Mia in her Chelsea jersey. We watched the 2nd half while Jill went to the grocery store.One by one we started picking up goals with Costa getting a hat trick and newly signed striker Remy getting the 4th goal. Mia found it hilarious that there is a player on the team with the same name as our dog. All in all, great win for the Blues.

The rest of the day, we did yard work, played at the park and Jill and I were able to watch a movie at night when Mia went to bed. Sunday, we went on a family walk, I got my hair cut and will be heading to work very soon.

That's all for now, thanks for reading!

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Down For The Count

Good evening. A few days behind on my blogging, only because I was sidelined with a rough fever that lead to some stomach pain since Wednesday. Wednesday night I got real real sick, through up a ton but still had to make it to work Thursday and Friday. I'm doing a little better but I'd rather not reflect on this. It sucked and I'm still getting over it.

Last Saturday Chelsea marched on to a fantastic 6-3 victory over Everton. I was fortunate to watch it while Jill and her family were out. It was a total nail biter. Diego Costa picked up two great goals proving already that he was a great pick. New comer Luic Remy will be interesting to see in action in the near future. We did have to say goodbye to striker Fernando Torres as he went on loan to AC Milan. Mixed feelings for the fans since he cost quite a bit for the club and wasn't able to aptly perform to to the price tag that brought him there, but there are some solid memories of the player that we'll always have and look fondly on as he moves on to bigger things in Italy.

There's been quite a few things going on with Miss Mia as well. She's been avidly listening to Tegan and Sara every time I drive her anywhere. More specifically songs "Back in Your Head" and "Hop a Plane". She most recently began enjoying their latest single "Closer". She's got almost all of the lyrics to "Hop a Plane" down which is crazy. She's getting really good at driving her Mustang Power Wheels and can now park it in the garage. It's really handy that the battery plugs into a normal outlet because she's been driving it every other day :)

She started preschool Friday. It was a day I was both looking forward to and dread for obvious reasons. She's been talking about it for a while. Just as I was going to get her into the car and Jill was heading off to work, she got upset. She exclaimed how much she'd miss us and Remi and started crying. Great. Not even out of the driveway. We calmed her down and Jill followed us to school. She got in, and was perfectly fine. Kissed Jill goodbye and myself. For the first time in quite a while, I had some peace and quiet. Sadly, because of my health, I couldn't take full advantage of it. Did a little picking up in the living room, took care of some laundry. Would have loved to kicked the ball around the pitch or played my drums, but there will be other days. Picked her up at 11:30am, and she was stoked to see me. Told me all about school, playing with the sand table, painting a picture. She's looking forward to going back next Friday which is great. Today, I spent the majority of the day with her, as Jill did a WildTree workshop at my sister in law's house. Mia and I had a pretty good day. Did some art, played outside, she rode her bike around, she took a bath, watched a movie. Tomorrow, I hope to get some grass cut before work.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading!