Only Here To Disappoint

Greetings everyone. Another rainy damp week has ended so let's get right to it. The week started awesome with low 80's, but as the week went, the rain moved back in. Wonderful. Mid week, Jill and I photographed at a school in the morning. Man, 3 year olds are difficult to get to sit still for pictures!
As I was preparing for our match this week, I got word that two more players wouldn't make our match. Linnea came to practice late telling me that she was out of town, like Ally. Myself and Coach Kevin were in shock thinking "how are we going to handle this playing 6 girls with zero subs?" Practice was okay. The girls were a bit squarely, and it was raining a bit. Mia was having a rough practice and her heart wasn't in it. She hurt her leg a bit and couldn't shoot as hard as she normally does. Before practice, she was fine but they were all yelling and she was pretty upset. Later, I started thinking of ideas of Alice playing a sort of sweeper role where she could move freely from striker to defense. Made sense.

The rain cranked up Thursday evening, and I kept thinking "If enough rain comes in, will they cancel our game AGAIN..." Well, it kept raining Friday and by the time it stopped, it was enough rain to cancel all games Saturday. All fields had standing water. Talk about a big disappointment. For me and the coaches, it was a blessing in disguise. Not that we didn't have faith in the girls that were available to play, but I knew that not having subs would have sucked for them. Alice and Ryan looked like beasts that could have easily lit up the field, Elia and Cecilia would have been solid in the back but Mia was nervous with not getting a break. In the end, all of that didn't matter because the match could possibly get rescheduled and we'll have a full roster by then. Well, hopefully Ava. We'll see what happens.

Since Saturday was a bust and there's an EPL International Break (which means no Chelsea) we went to the movies at the new Movie Tavern at the mall. Mia wanted to see the new Adams Family animated movie. It wasn't too bad and she dug it. The new theater is nice as well. Later, the girls made macarons while I went to the final Torrent match of the season. It was a Halloween Night so we decided to have fans join us in costume. The Torrent pulled off a great 2-1 win. It's been a rough season at home, so it was great to see them pick up the much-needed win. They have two road matches left before the Member's Cup is complete. Not the most positive season, but a significantly better team overall.

I went home, changed and drove to a friend's annual Halloween party dressed as Spiderman. Super fun time catching up with friends like always. Made it back home around 1:45am. Today, we all slept in a bit, made some pancakes and we helped Mia with her homework before I went to work.

This week, I'll work on some drills for practice Thursday so we can prepare for the tournament over the weekend. This will be Mia's opportunity to win her first trophy with these incredible teammates. Exciting, right? That's all for now, thanks for reading!

No Mas Lluvia Por Favor

Good evening everyone. Another week in the books. A rather disappointing week unfortunately so this won't take long. We had yet another spell of crap weather unfortunately which cancelled our soccer practice. I felt bad because we probably should have had it, but I'm sure the parents didn't mind chilling inside a warm house. Mia ended up reuniting and playing with her friend Noelle after school for a few hours, which was nice. The two always can pick up where they left off and play after several weeks apart. 

Saturday, we were supposed to play, but Friday night, we got an email cancelling the match. 4 out of the 7 fields still had standing water. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Mia was super disappointed because her fav Milwaukee Torrent Women's Player Mariah Downs had planned to attend the game. Mia was going to play against her preschool BFF Olivia as well. Her BFF Cecilia misses playing as well. She was stoked because Adalyn's Mom was going to make hot chocolate for everyone too.  The only good thing about our game getting cancelled was that we were going to be short two players. Ainslee was out of town as well as Charley was ill and be out for the game, leaving us short on the bench. Mia still felt confident she'd score, but sadly we didn't get to play. The Cheetahs just can't catch a break this season. There's even a chance the game won't even get a make up because the season should be wrapping up at the end of October. So disappointing. We spent the Saturday running some errands, a little yard work, relaxing, and some Dominos/Sushi for dinner. We even watching the Brewers game. Mia for some reason, was booing them. Later, we went to my brother's beer league hockey game. They unfortunately lost, but Mia enjoyed watching her uncle. He even hooked her up with a game-used puck which she was pretty stoked about. 

Today, not much going on. Laundry then work. This week, hopefully we can practice and we have one make-up game as well. Mia takes on her friends Tenley and Charlie. We should have a full roster if my kids can stay healthy. My car should also be finished getting fixed. I definitely didn't mind driving in this SUV, but it'll be interesting to see my Corolla fixed. I'm honestly surprised they didn't total it, but it's still got plenty of life left in it. I'll miss push starting my car, and how incredibly smooth the Rogue drove. Chelsea is back in action this weekend as well, so hopefully they can pull off a win against Man U. That's all for now, thanks for reading! 

Mother's Day and Rain

Greetings everyone! Busy week once again with more fun and excitement coming within the next few weeks as well. Penguins got knocked out of the NHL playoffs, which totally sucks so I literally have no horse in the race at this point. Don't care who wins, just as long as it isn't the stupid Capitals. Chelsea played Huddersfield on Wed and just couldn't snag the much-needed win. Bollocks. 1-1 draw. Mia played with Noelle on Wed for about an hour or so, which is always enjoyable. Throughout the week, we had way too much rain, in fact it was enough rain to spring a leak in our sub pump. I was going to play drums one day and noticed some water by my kit. NOT good. After a lot of investigation, I discovered the leak and where it was exactly coming from. With some sealer tape, I fixed it. YAY! Drum kit safe for now.

Friday I was stoked to get to pick up the diva during yet another day of rain. I took the day off to go to the Milwaukee Torrent match against Grand Rapids FC. The cold temps and rain certainly kept the fans away. Maybe 25 fans+ joined us in the stands. The Flood looked strong with about 10 guys pounding buckets and cowbells. The last time GR came to Hart Park, we blew a 2-0 lead and drew them. We didn't get any goals and neither did these jerks. I say jerks, because they were getting way with a ton throughout the match including hammering on our trusty and tough keeper Auggie. He took a beating and the refs just weren't calling anything. We held a 0-0 draw, which was fair. I still can't believe Auggie survived the match. Today, the Torrent played Columbus and picked up another draw 2-2. Friday's match was a rainy but frustrating game, but we made the most of it.

Saturday, Mia had dance class with the other class. Picked her up later, she had lunch and went back for photos at the studio where Jill was snapping pictures of all the kids. Mia looked adorable in her outfits and I'm looking forward to seeing her recital. Cecilia is joining us as well, which Mia is super excited about. She got through the pictures and we spent a few hours chilling at home. I had a handful of Torrent graphics to do as she played some games. Jill came home later and we drove to the in-laws for BBQ chicken and pie/strawberry shortcake. Uncle Tommy was around too so we got to catch up with him. He's stoked that he bought a condo. Looking forward to seeing it in June.

After yet another storm, we drove home. Mia passed out quickly and I had to get her butt in the house in the pouring rain. Never fun. She woke up quickly, but changed into jammies and crawled into her new bed. Jill and I stayed up till 2:00am working on various things. Today, she woke up at 6:00am and poked at me "Daddy, we have to get the Cheerios for Mommy!!" I asked what time is it and she goes 6:30am...Nope, it was 6:03am...WAY too early. So we made her breakfast and since we all agreed that it was too early for us to stay awake, we went back to sleep for another hour. We got up, met at the Peach Tree for some lousy service from the hostess for breakfast with my parents and after went back home to relax before I went to work. Mia gave both grandmas books, and painted flower pots with flowers planted in them. Great job Mia :) I missed Chelsea's final game against Newcastle which was totally fine since they blew it and lost 0-3. Sums up our general season. Europa league here we come. FA Cup final against Man U still so there's hope.

This week, I have to pick up some art supplies for the class I'm teaching on Wed at Mia's school. We'll be drawing Emoji's so it should be fun. I signed up Mia for soccer in the Fall today so I hope her cleats still fit. hoping for better weather this week. That's all for now, thanks for reading!

Turn Off The Rain, Turn Up The Fun

Good evening everyone! In case you're wondering why I say "evening" its because I typically type Sunday night after work. Mia had two days off this week and for the most part, enjoyed the time off. Getting some extra sleep and spend time with us was enjoyable. Wednesday, it was back to school and she once again, requested myself to join her for lunch, so I did. Lunch was enjoyable, and its always funny that her friend Cecilia always asks me "Can I play striker at our game??" Love her ambition.

I was on the fence about canceling practice due to lousy weather conditions and a wet practice field. When I went out for recess with Mia and her peeps, I pretty much had my mind made up. It was downright crappy out. The field and playground were off limits to the kids at recess because it was so wet. The wind+dampness was pretty unbearable at times so I made the decision to cancel. The girls wouldn't have had much fun and would have complained the whole time. Other teams practiced but I don't think the parents were too disappointed. I'm bummed I didn't get the day to work with them since we had lost the previous match, but once again, we wouldn't have had a good time at practice.

Mia and I worked on homework and played before Jill came home from work. The lousy weather we had this week had my concerned for Saturday's match. Friday, it rained all day and night.  I had hoped that the rain would hold out Saturday and we could get in this game before our very last one next weekend. Last season, they had a lot of rescheduling that lead them into November to finish out the season.

Saturday morning came, and like Friday, it was damp and wet out. Great. Mia was hyped for the match and I kept my eye on emails and website from the NBAA (New Berlin Athletics Association) Nothing. Told my parents via email that everything was still on. I had the audio streaming for the Chelsea vs Crystal Palace match. Garbage day for the Blues losing the last-place team that hasn't scored all season. We need to re-focus and get back on track. Mia got ready and we were on our way to the field by 11am.

One by one, the girls arrived and were practicing shooting till the game starts. We were short one player; Aleeza. I think she's only played two games with us and was a late-addition to our team. They scored first, but Kylee banged one in soon after. We both exchanged blows ending the first half at 2-2. This team was tricky, but we could definitely get the win. I switched out keepers and we kept up the pressure the 2nd half. The soccer coordinator came over to me to tell me that if the weather gets worse (thunder/lightning) that we'd call the game.  The girls worked hard together and Kylee banged in not one, but two more goals as the rain started to fall harder.  I took our goal scorer out the last few minutes to give our 1st half keeper a chance at striker. She held her own and we finished the game 4-2. Great win for my determined and soaking wet girls. Mia took a nice warm bath when she got home before we went to the movies.

We went to the Ridge and saw My Little Pony. Due to a birthday party renting out the majority of the limited-seats theater, we were stuck in the very front :( Not cool. Mia came dressed up in all MLP attire and really enjoyed the movie. I think i nodded off a few times. Later, we made dinner and relaxed before Mia went to bed.

Today, we went to my in laws for lunch before I went to work. Did some much-needed cleaning and took out the air units officially ending Summer in the house. This week, last practice Wed, Chelsea plays Roma as well. Saturday, it's our last game for the season. It'll be an emotional game for the kids as well as myself but it'll be a good time. Weather is supposed to be great and some of my co workers are going to cheer on Mia. I've got some freelance logo design work to do this week as well.

That's all for now, thanks for reading.

Make The Rain Stop

Good evening everyone. Going to try to get through this quickly. I'm pretty exhausted after a busy end of April.  It's been raining for days and I'm ready for Mother Nature to turn off the gloom and doom weather. Mia was back at school and her routine this week. She was glad to see familiar faces again like BFF Charlie. Wednesday, I worked REALLY hard on nailing a lunch note for her that took way too long. Mia's been really into the ultra-creepy movie Coraline lately, and I wanted to draw a picture of the main character as best as I could. Luckily, it turned out and she was really excited about it. Friday, I took off for the Milwaukee Torrent kickoff party. I picked up a very excited Mia from school and we jet over to Cascio Interstate Music to look at violin lessons over the Summer. Mia's totally stoked and it'll be good for her to learn her instrument she so badly wants to master.

Later, my buddy Jon and I met up and drove to the Torrent kick off party. Met some of the new players, got my season ticket and has some incredible beers. All in all, awesome time. Saturday, Mia FINALLY had dance again after a long two-week break she didn't really want. She had a lot of fun and is looking forward to trying on her costumes for pictures next week that Jill will be photographing (the entire academy). Later, Jill and Mia went to a baby shower while my brother Andy and I braved the crappy weather to watch the first home match at Hart Park for the Torrent. They took on UW-Whitewater. We stopped at Leff's first for some beer and food. I was pretty impressed with the sandwich I got and he liked his burger. Beers were well-priced as well. Some more of The Flood members rolled in and we walked over to the stadium. I stupidly forgot my tom and the other guy who was going to bring the bass drum couldn't make it, so it was a pretty silent march over. We'll make some noise next weekend for the home opener. We were all fired up on the stands cheering and then...they kicked us all off. They were worried about lightning and we all had to vacate. Not as much fun cheering from the fence. The freezing rain was absolutely miserable for everyone and at HT with the score 1-1, most of us split. I felt horrible leaving the game, but I couldn't stand out there another minute. They ended up winning 3-1. Great game for the team. They played today at Valley Fields which thankfully for everyone who went to the match, has a ginormous dome over it to keep everyone warm and dry. They won again with only one more friendly match left this Wednesday in Elm Grove. These guys are doing really well and I hope they can beat Lansing on Saturday for the league opener match. I also hope we can generate a better supporting section, otherwise I'll be chanting for very few people. After Jill and Mia came home, we watched the Penguins/Caps game and Mia did some homework with her buddy Remi.

Today I got up nice and early to watch Chelsea beat Everton. They played Southhampton during the week and won that match (that I missed due to work) Today, they did very well creating chances and defending well. If the Spurs would have lost to Arsenal, we would have a very comfortable gap to easily take the title in the last few games. Alas, the winds weren't in the Gooners sails and they blew it. Damn Spurs.

This week, I have a slew of projects to accomplish. Friday, myself, my mother in law and father in law are volunteering at the High Interest Day at Mia's school. Should be a lot of fun. I'm doing something art-related. Saturday, I've got the Torrent game and hopefully can take Mia.

That's all for now, thanks for reading!

Calling All Soccer Hooligans

Good Morning everyone :) Well, I missed the final Chelsea game of the season Sunday morning, but they did pull off a win so at least we ended the long season on a somewhat good note. Counting down the days to the World Cup now. With the Penguins out of the playoffs, I'm left to root for the Montreal Canadians. So glad Boston's out. Mother's Day weekend was great. Jill loved the photo with paper flowers Mia and I put together for her. The weather wasn't too bad either, but currently, it's rainy (again) and cold. Brrr..Took Mia to Kids in Motion this week to play with her friends and the other we went to the park with them. A tad cold and dreary, but she had fun. She also mastered a new thing at the play ground too. Inside this "tree house" there's a ladder where the steps are made of leaves. It's not like a ladder that is straight up and down, it sort of staggers a little in a spiral-like motion. Anyways, she saw her friends scaling it so of course SHE wanted to try it. A little scared at first, but when she got to the top (with my help) she was so proud. When Jill came home later that night, she of course had to tell her about her new concur with a "Mommy, are you proud of me?" Adorable.

This weekend we're shooting pictures of our friends Cori and Dan with their little boy Hunter. Hopefully the weather is better. Sunday my Dad and I will be driving to Bridgeview Illinois to watch the Chicago Fire take on Sporting KC. Should be a great time.  Once again, hoping for really nice weather since we'll be outside. I was notified there will be a SoccerFest coming in June, with a massive amount of people to be expected. Different age groups have teams, all competing for the "World Cup". From my understanding, it's one of the biggest soccer events in the country. My brother BJ and I are intrigued so I made a post in search of 4 more players. If we can get a team, it'll only end up being about 14 dollars a person. Sounds like a blast, but I'm not holding my breath. Who knows if I'll be able to get this team filled. 

That's it for now. Thanks for reading! :) 

I Was a Fool

Greetings. Getting late so let's get this underway. Over the weekend, we made a visit to Illinois so Jill could have a girls night with her best buddies. They live in different part of the midwest which means they don't get to see each other that often. Needless to say, they had a good evening, I'd imagine. Well, Jill said they did. Sushi and drinks are always awesome, right? Sunday we went to the park before dinner and heading home. A bit windy, but nonetheless a good time for Mia. Who doesn't love the park? I'm starting to think she gets a bit intimidated around the bigger kids running wildly around. Today, same thing. Had some fun, then these bigger boys ran around with fake swords and knives. She was ready to call it a day. Later today, Jill came home and we went for a nice family walk with Remi. Totally highlight of my day. Why? because it's the simple things that can make you happy. Spending time with the two of them always makes my day. Plus, it was quite nice out, and it's supposed to only get better. Super stoked about that.

Most of last week and part of this week, we were getting way too much rain. Was able to get some cool photos of Mia wondering around in the rain and puddles. Gave my Lil Wayne portrait to my buddies daughter and I was quite surprised how much she loved it. Could I have done better? Probably. It wasn't easy but I'm glad she was happy. Trying real hard to complete a picture for a birthday gift. Hopefully I can pull it off. Hoping to get a bike ride in with Mia either tomorrow or Friday morning. Okay,that's all for now. Thanks for reading :)

Draw a Crowd

Greetings. Been an interesting rainy week so far. Glad to be off today, unlike last week when I was working 2-10. Over the weekend, Jill's parents came up to celebrate a late-Easter. Dinner, a little easter egg hunt were the highlights of Saturday. We also cleaned the former Guinea Pig room and will be turning it into a nice play room for Mia. We even got some nice carpet as well. Look forward to getting this started and finished. Myself and Grandpa put together Mia's little playhouse my Mom/Dad/Sister got for her for her birthday. Didn't take long get up and she absolutely loves it. Even has a pink chair in it (which is currently floating in the river on the side of our house.

All of the current rain has really put a damper on my time off with Mia. Can't play at the parks, can't play soccer or hit up the swings. We did keep quite busy though. Dropped off some left over guinea pig litter at the local humane society. Mia loved all of the dogs and cats. Surprised she didn't care for the rabbits, but that's alright. She went from cage to cage checking out the different dogs. When they'd bark she'd quickly grab me and say "DADDY WHATS THAT!? THEY BARKING!" You know how kids say "why?" a lot? well she tends to say "whats that?" a LOT. It's more cute then annoying so we'll leave it at that. Anyways, she thoroughly enjoyed the dogs and also the cats. She'd say in the highest pitch "hiii kitty!" Totally adorable. As soon as we got by by Dad, she was too tired to chat, and ended up napping for a few hours. Oh well.

Nothing too exciting going on this weekend. Hopefully the weather improves for once this week. ALMOST complete with the Lil Wayne portrait. Hopefully will complete by next week. HOPEFULLY. That's all for now. Thanks for reading.