Save the Earth For the Diva!

Good evening everyone. MY was it a busy week (again). Monday, I had taken the day off so that at night, I could attend the Milwaukee Torrent's first soccer practice as a team. Mia had school per the usual and learned about Earth and how to protect it. She spent the gorgeous 83 degree day PICKING UP GARBAGE AND BOTTLES at the park with me...She could have went on the playground but decided that the planet needs help. "Dadda, people just do NOT care about the planet, we need to recycle". She was pretty obsessed with picking up garbage and making sure recyclable material goes where it belongs. It was both cute and smart of the diva. Later, I drove out to Glendale for the practice. Man, did the temp change from 80's to a very windy and cold upper 40's. At least the power was working and it wasn't raining unlike the last time I was there.

I stayed the entire practice videoing and photographing for both the social media sites, and Torrent TV. Torrent TV came from an idea of mine to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at what the players do to prepare themselves for game time, some fan interactions at matches and interviews with players and staff. The wind made it difficult at times, but I got what I needed. The interviews weren't easy dealing with the wind, but I learned for next time, a setting that helps cut the wind. I spent the next few days editing the footage for my first segment which went over real well. Wednesday, Mia skipped school because she was attending a field trip Thursday with Grandpa Chicago and the class to Texas Roadhouse and Sendiks, so we had the day to ourselves. We met up with some friends in the afternoon at the park. The kids had so much fun together and we even brought Remi. At one point I took Remi for a little walk, and all the girls came with me. It was myself, Mia, Olivia, Kaylee and her sister Maya. The girls were adorable playing hopscotch. We headed back and the kids played some more before we went home.

Thursday was the field trip. Mia and her Grandpa had a lot of fun. He had a handful of girls to keep an eye on and it sounded like they all had a great time. Thursday night was the first ever Torrent game against UW-Milwaukee. I couldn't attend it due to work, but I was glad to have found out later when I got home that they won their first game. I was fired up for the win and ready to go to MY first game Saturday against Marquette with my brother.

Saturday, Jill had to work an event for work while Mia and I watched the Chelsea game. They won 4-1 against Bournemouth and Hazard picked up a pair of much-deserved goals. It was great to see the good guys finally playing well despite having no titles to win at this point. Mia and I went to the park for a while playing soccer. She really likes playing goalie, and isn't too bad either. She'd want me to tell her where I was going to kick it so she could stop it. Little punk :P Later, my brother Andy and his friend picked me up and we went down to the game. Mia and Jill went later to see the Jungle Book at the theater. It was a cold evening, but the supporters had a lot of fun. I unveiled the Torrent Tom and the El Capitano mascot for the Flood. We had the flags waving and the drum pounding. It was a bit nerve-wrecking when the game was starting to just start chanting to get everyone going, but to my surprise, they were INTO IT! Parents, friends, soccer fans, etc were joining in and chanting as the team unfortunately fell to the college team 0-4. It was a tough loss, but with a busy week, a difficult game. I only hope the players saw how supportive the fans were for them and this is only the preseason, just they wait till the league game start. Milwaukee's been waiting for this team for quite some time, and it'll be nice for the soccer community to rally behind these guys. I don't know how many more preseason games I'll make it to.

Mia had a great time on her "girls night" with Jill. We enjoyed what we could of the nice weather Sunday before I went in to work.

This week, I'm going to vide edit some of my footage from Saturday's match and do some logo work for the salon. Mia's got some more school pictures tomorrow and graduation cap and gown pictures as well! Can't believe she's almost done with 4-K! Thanks for reading!

Summer Wind

Morning all. Last week of Summer before Mia starts her new adventures in 4K at Smarty Pants Learning Center. This will also be her last year at SP before starting KINDERGARTEN at the school across from our house. Earlier in the week, Mia hung out with some friends at Kids in Motion doing art, playing dress up and serving me play-food in the diner. She loves that place. Wednesday, I bad a biometric test for our health insurance, so Mia tagged along. She didn't like it when they poked my finger for blood, but I was rather stoked my results were very positive. After, we went back-to-school shopping with my Mom and Dad. Mia had fun picking out outfits that she wants to wear. She hung out for a short while with her BFF Olivia on a very cold Thursday morning for a while. It's funny, she wore capris and was super cold, but then didn't wanna leave when it was tome to go. I sincerely hope we can get her pals together this week before everyone starts school and they can have one last Summer hang out. Her friends Gracie and Hannah will rarely see her because they're at a different school that's every day. Luckily, she'll see Olivia and be reunited with her other friend Alexa next week when school starts. Mia had her open house Thursday. Jill and my parents went. Mia's still pretty stoked to go.

Throughout the week, I worked on an image/sticker for The Flood's Founder's Pack where you can purchase a scarf, a sheet of stickers as well as a supporter's flag for a mere $40. Hopefully we can get some orders in and get these bad boys manufactured. It's been a labor of love, and I hope we get the supporters we need. The dog portrait is SO close to getting finished too :)

Saturday, we did yard work ALL day. As exhausting as it was, it looks nice, cut and clean and we spent the evening at Zoo Ala Carte. It's a fun event to go to, but in the end expensive. Some of the food runs out (Jill was bummed they ran out of kraut for the Ruben Sliders) and it's quite crowded. Wish they had better quality performers then an old dude covering Neil Diamond songs. All in all, the night was fun. Who knows if we'll go back next year. Sunday I watched the Chelsea vs West Brom game bright and early at 7:30am. FINALLY a win. They were looking rough the last few games, but it was great to see Diego Costa getting a goal and fighting hard. Our new signing Pedro scored too while making Man of the Match which is a great sign of good things to come for the new Spanish international.

This week, Jill's parent's are moving up to Wisconsin. Wednesday, the bigger truck is bringing everything in, and Thursday, they'll drive up the other vehicle full of stuff. It's weird thinking that they won't be in that house. It was beautiful and we've been traveling to there for the last 11 years.
As far as the weekend, I'm unsure what we're going to do, but most likely help them in any way.

Thanks for reading!

The Toddler 200

Greetings! Eating some guacamole and chips before I head off to bed. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend. I worked the majority of it, but enjoyed whatever time I wasn't stuck at work, outside. Saturday, we went with my parents to check out some dogs from a rescue/foster group in Waukesha. They ended up with a very friendly Aussie/Shepard/Mix named Chief. It's interesting watching my Dad interact with him since he has no interest in dogs, or has ever liked pets in general, but having a dog will be good for the old man. Gives him someone to talk to, and he can take him outside throughout his morning routine. Sunday, we spent the morning with Jill's parents and did some yard work. Got all of the grass cut before I went off to work.

Monday, I went in for a hair cut. The place I've been going to for a short while is a small company down the road from our house. The owner snuck me in quick before an appointment. She was telling me about all of her different marketing moves to help her business grow and get customers, and mentioned she needed a new logo. I said I've got a background in graphic design and she seemed interested in me designing a new logo. Sounds good. Today, I got a little start on what I'm going to do. Also over the weekend, Mia befriended our neighbor's little boy James. He wandered over a few times over the last few days and they played nicely. He's 4, but Mia has no problem telling him "HEY DON'T POKE THAT TOAD WITH A STICK!" In the photo below, you can see them racing in our drive way.

Mia and I had planned on hanging with my best bud Jay and his kiddo today, but the weather looked threatening and he ended up having some work to do so we took a rain check. My little brother had his second kid, Camden the other day so Mia and I went over to visit. His other son Easton was asleep as well as Cam so we didn't stay very long. I forgot how incredibly tiny new borns are. Mia's very shy and nervous around babies. Mostly because she has dolls the same size that don't move, cry or anything like that. She was calling him "my little brother" today which is kind of funny considering she has no interest in a sibling.

The World Cup is getting closer and closer. Getting exited as the days go on. It made national news that former superstar Landon Donovan wasn't chosen for the USMNT to play in Brazil. Everyone was upset (minus my older brother and myself) He may be good with the Galaxy, but is he honestly quality for the US team at this point in his career? I'm thinking, not likely. Wondolowski is at the top of his career with a good stack of goals scored with the Earthquakes. The US team may get out of their seed alive with him as striker, but facing Germany and Portugal could be a challenge, not to mention Ghana who knocked them out in 2010.

Last but not least in the soccer world, last week Chelsea said goodbye to our beloved David Luiz. Always a fan favourite with his charisma and his ability to covert free kicks to goals and overall silly personality. He will be playing for France giants PSG next season for a cool 50m. He's Mia's favorite player and when I broke the news to her that he left Chelsea, she responded with "awww that's really sad Daddy". She still loves "Super Frank" and "Nando' Torres" so that's good. Hoping Mo can turn these big sales to some big players for the Blues next season. This Saturday is our 6-year anniversary so we're hoping to go out for dinner somewhere. Right now we're torn between vegetarian or sushi. Possibly some footgolf Saturday morning in Madison with my bro. Okay, that's all for now. Thanks for reading :)

My Money Is On The Long Shot

Morning! Going to make this quick, okay? okay. Friday, my barely-working phone was about to hit the dust, so Mia and I went in and I picked up a new phone. Debated for a few days on what to get, but it was clear what I knew I should get: The Galaxy s4. As much as I wanted to give the iPhone 5c a try, the s4 was a better choice in the end. I've only had it for less then a week, and so far I'm really digging it. The 4G LTE speed is so quick and smooth, the battery life is amazing (can go a full day of usage without having to charge till the next day later) and the camera is top notch.

Saturday, we went with my parents to look at some dogs for a possible adoption (them not us) in Mukwonago. Lots of beautiful dogs and puppies. Real friendly breeds. Mia especially enjoyed the puppies. I would have loved to open the small gate and let them lick her, but that obviously couldn't happen. She also enjoyed the little chicks and goslings for sale in the middle of the store. After that adventure, my Dad and I watched the Chelsea vs Aston Villa game. It was a rough one. We should have won, but received two red cards. Luckily, we DID defeat Gala the other day. Sadly, I missed that game. Would have been a great one to watch. Especially because it was Drogba's return to the Bridge. From what I've read, it was quite a sight to see when he walked onto the pitch.

Sunday, worked 6am-4pm. It was quite the long day. I used to pull 10 hour shifts every once in a while, but didn't sleep well the night before and I was pretty much the acting manager for the morning since my boss is on vacation. More responsibilities, but that's okay. I've been diligently working on this Mike's Hard Lemonade can design. Hoping to get it complete today. REALLY REALLY hoping. I know I should have started it earlier, but my inspiration was dry for weeks. It's hard to force it, but I try to. I think the final submission will be nice. Hopefully.

Decided this morning that I'm going to apply to bartend at Summerfest. My good friend Stacy informed me they're looking for bartenders for the Fest, so this should be good extra money for me. No experience required is nice, even though generally I know what I'm doing. Just as long as I'm tending near the country stage. We'll see if I get the job.

This weekend-Nothing too exciting. We're going to find out what we're getting back as far as taxes are concerned. Working 7-4pm Sunday. Next Thursday, Mia's turning 3. I'm going to take her to Tot Time at the trampoline park before going to work. She'll be stoked. That's all for now. Thanks for reading!

The Recurring Slumber Complexity

Greetings. Going to make this one short and sweet. Very exhausted. Last week my brother Andy and I took our little ones on a little walk to the beach followed by lunch. It was a beautiful day. Mia loved walking the beach, and throwing stones in the water. Saturday, her other grandparents from Illinois came in to visit. Walked the farmer's market, found some great foods and got trapped in a lovely thunderstorm. "DADDY IT'S RAINING WE GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE!" Poor girl. Today, I wanted to do something fun. After a visit by Grandma at work and Grandpa later, we tried to go to the Trampoline park (Helium). I swear, EVERY time we get on the freeway, she's out like a light. She didn't sleep real well the night before, and woke up today earlier then she'd prefer. Sorta moody, sadly. After her nice nap, she was mostly fine. We went on a good walk with our good pal, Remi. Later, Jill came home and we had dinner and watched the last episode of Masterchef.

So I was avoiding discussing this the last few weeks, but thought "eh what the hell" so here's what I've been working hard on. My good friend had recommended me to her friend who works/owns a company that designs neon beer signs for companies big and small. I rebuilt my resume, put together my website and got a few sample ideas of some beer signs submitted. Well, it looks like I'm on file. That's about it. They are too busy to train me with LED lights so they may contact me in the near or far future. Honestly, I'm pretty bummed, but this could still lead to something. The good thing with this, is that the last few weeks, it got me to kick my self directly in the bum to get my website complete, update my resume and work in Illustrator again. There could be other jobs on the horizon, but this experience was strangely, a good one despite it not
going the way I was hoping. Today, I felt completely relaxed working on this Mia portrait. It's taking some time, but it's coming out beautifully.
As much as I'd love to keep typing, I really should hit the bed. Thanks for reading!

Send Help

Greetings. Keeping this one short and sweet. Super tired today. Rough night trying to sleep last night. A pesky mosquito was trying to drain me of all my blood and patience. Over the weekend Jill's Mom drove up Saturday morning en route to take Jill to a wedding shower. They ended up taking Mia too because a little job opportunity came up. Last week a good friend from college had informed me of a possible second job graphic designing neon beer signs for a small company from home. I haven't applied for a job in quite some time so I didn't really think too much of it right away, until she brought up that it would be a mostly stay-at-home position. Perfect for the few hours I'm home before I work at 2. So After reconstructing and updating my resume a few days ago late at night, I began working on piecing together my website. Friday night, I pulled artwork from different places and Saturday I had some alone time to get serious work done on the site. I decided to make a real clean, easy to navigate website for clients and anyone interested in my work. Since I did the free sight, I was limited to a mere 30 images so it was a bit tough getting what I wanted on. I still may change things up. Overall, quite happy with the layout and my little logo I created for the header :) Later, we did dinner and I worked 2nd shift Sunday evening.

I was quite stoked for my day off with Mia, but for some reason it just wasn't a good day for her. She woke up earlier then usual, didn't feel like breakfast and just was a crab 80 percent of the day. I promised earlier in the week that on Wednesday we'd hit up Helium trampoline park. When we got there, they weren't open yet, so on her request, we went to the library. She played with puzzles and did some reading. After lunch, we drove back to Helium but she fell asleep on the way. So, I turned around and spent an hour or so working on a portrait of her. Hell, it may end up on my website :P Chelsea's playing friday. GO BLUES! :) Gotta love those guys. Some love the Packers, others go crazy for the Brewers. My team will always be Chelsea :)

This weekend's kind of up in the air as far as what we're doing. All I know is September is going to be busy, so bring it on :P Thanks for reading.