Beautiful Things

Good morning folks, readers, and friends. I'm writing here on yet another snowy morning. Yesterday, temps were up in the mid-high 40's. Today, still warm, but with freezing rain mixed with snow. Awesome. So last Friday was Valentines Day. We haven't celebrated the "holiday" in a while, so this year I made some coconut truffles for Jill. That's right. MADE her. It was my very first time creating and putting together a dessert, so I wanted this to go perfectly. She was still ill from the week, but told me they were awesome. Friday morning, Mia had her play group. Her friends and her exchanged valentines day treats. It was pretty cute. She got some cookies from Grace and Hannah. Saturday, we didn't do much. I watched the Chelsea vs Man City game for the FA Cup with Mia. Sadly, we lost. We just couldn't get a lot of shots off.

Sunday, worked 7-3pm, then later took Mia to Kids in Motion. NEVER going there on a weekend again. MEGA busy, it's full price and there are just kids running everywhere. We saw a kid take a shopping cart full of groceries up the foam ladder into the play ground. No clue where his parents were.  Mia had fun though. Tuesday, we got a text from her friend about going to Kids in Motion again. We were gonna go to tot time at the trampoline park, but decided to do the kids place again. Mia had a LOT of fun with her friend Hannah. They chased each other around, shared fruit snacks and played quite well. This other dude from play group, Zack, must have the biggest crush on Mia. Always wanting to give her a hug, but for some reason, she's not a fan of him. At one point, I almost burst out laughing when he ran passed her, snuck a hug in, and ran off smirking. It was funny, and she had no idea what just happened. There's something about watching Mia and Hannah play, that really makes me happy. These kids get along so well. When we pulled into the parking lot, they had arrived then too and were waiting for us to get out. Mia couldn't contain her excitement and they both gave big hugs behind my car. Later inside, Mia had said "Daddy, I wanna share my fruit snacks with Hannah, so she'll give me a hug and kiss". adorable, right? We look forward to seeing Hannah and Zack at play group Friday with Grace and Omina.

Wednesday, didn't do much. Mia and I began our construction of the snow-minion. Tried rolling some balls in the front yard, but it was really glossy and icy, and everything would just crumble into powder. The back yard by our back step, however worked. Rolled two very large snow balls (50 pounds on one, 80 on the other). It was difficult getting one on top of the other to complete the 6 ft body that I originally planned to build. Mia later said "let's go inside". We didn't make a lot of progress, but we still had fun. Last night, Mia wanted gelato at the mall, so after dinner we hung around there. Saturday, Jill's brother and Mom are coming in. I'll be getting up nice and early for the Chelsea vs Everton game. Sunday, 7-3 then my brother and his fam are coming in for a visit.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading :)

The Road to Recovery

Good morning everyone. It's been an interesting few days, but I'll get to that in a bit. With Saturday and Sunday off, I had high hopes of a delightful and productive weekend with my two girls. Saturday morning I watched the 2nd half of the Chelsea FC game (because my NBCSports app wasn't working properly) Hazard secured his first hat trick, and a 3-0 win for the mighty Blues. That kid is incredible. Anyways, so that started the morning on a positive note. We went to the party store to get about 14 balloons (because its 2014) and went to go photograph Mia for her three-year photograph at the same location we did last year. Didn't work out at all. She was too cold and crabby to participate in this picture. FANTASTIC. Well, later we got some food in her (she may have been hungry) and we were able to shoot the photo in our backyard. Throughout the evening, I wasn't feeling the best. My stomach was hurting and I wasn't completely sure why. I had figured it was food related, but wasn't positive. We went off to bed earlier then usual, but I couldn't sleep.

I was laying there, clutching my stomach. Later, got up and threw up. Felt absolutely horrible. I was convinced the turkey meat in my pasta was bad. Went back to bed, still hurting. Heard Jill roaming around downstairs and met her in the hallway. Right after I told her what happened, I blacked out. She got my semi-conscious and told me I was out, then I guess I blacked out..again. This time when I came to, I could hear her crying "whats WRONG?? why is this happening??" THEN I blacked out AGAIN. Came to again, and she was just hysterically crying "do I call 911??" NO I'm fine, don't worry. She got my crackers and juice and I sat there in bed feeling like complete crap. My limbs and legs just couldn't hold body up. I had no food in my system and the blood sugar was dangerously low.

About 4am, Mia threw up. WONDERFUL. I was now convinced Mia and I picked something up from Play Group. Someone had to have been sick and shared it with us. So Sunday, we sat around all day. Jill took good care of us and it was just a delightful weekend. I've been on the slow road to recovery. Today, feeling pretty good. At work the last two days, I wasn't feeling the best. Stomach still hurting. Mia hasn't been wanting to eat much. She threw up Monday and Tuesday night. Wednesday night, finally didn't throw up. I was also able to get her to eat something last night too. Jill came home not feeling the best so I did my best effort to keep the kiddo with me so she could get some rest. Not 100% sure what the plan is for the weekend, but we'll see when we get there

Quick review of Metropole by The Lawrence Arms. Solid album. These guys never write "singles" or "hits". Songs just become the fan favorites over the last 10 years. This album just grows more and more on you, the more you listen. Some of my favorite tracks are "You Are Here" and "Beautiful Things". Lyrics are great. It's not as gritty as Oh! Calcutta which was their last album release 8 years ago. It's a bright, clever and well-writtened album that will be an instant classic. Hope they can make it to Milwaukee sometime.


Okay that's it for now, thanks for reading.

Juice boxes and fruit snacks

Hello! Gonna try to make this quick. I've got to wake up Jill for her daily morning work out before 7am. That's our new routine in the morning. I get up 6ish, walk the dog, come home, eat breakfast and then wake her up so she can work out. It seems to be working, but I'm getting more exhausted by the end of the day. Over the weekend, Jill, my Mom, my sister in law and the kid went to this big pet expo. Myself, my older bro and Dad hung out at home watching the Chelsea Fc 2011/2012 highlights. It was especially nice to relive the moments of when we took the Champions League cup. Almost goosebumps watching Drogba take that last penalty kick :) Tuesday, I took Mia to her friends house. FIRST TIME hanging out at a friend's house and she's 2 1/2 ! awesome. Can't believe how old she's getting. Hanging out with friends, soon school...Time is just flying.
So we went to hang out with Hannah, this little boy Aiden and Hannah's mom. Gracie, Hannah's sister (and Mia's other friend) had to go to preschool so she didn't get to play with the kids. Mia had a blast. Except the part where they walked upstairs to play dress up and Hannah yelled down 'Can Mia get naked?" and Mia interupts with  "I DONT WANNA GET NAKED!" I assume Hannah tried to take her hoody off or something. All in all, it was a fun experience and I look forward to play group Friday (as always) when we'll see them again.

Yesterday when I got home with the sleeping kid, I did some research on anamorphic drawings, which is basically, creating a piece that if you center it a certain way on the camera, looks 3D or floating. I would like to try and figure this thing out some day. Looks very cool, but highly technical.

So I posted last week that I'd give a proper review of the brand new Lawrence Arms record, Metropole. Give me another week. I listened through the whole thing once. I want another so I can give you a solid 100% on this thing. It's really good. Hang tight.

This weekend, we're supposed to go to Illinois to visit Jill's familia, but since they've been getting pounded by tons of snow (and probably will Saturday, as it is forecasted) we may stay home. It'll be weird having two days off and nothing major planned. I think we discussed catching up on laundry and taking Mia's 3-year photo. We did one last year when she was turning 2, photographed outside in the snow holding up red balloons. She was so pissed that day, but the photo turned out really nice and sweet.

Okay, that's gonna do it for now, thanks for reading.

Bounce

Greetings. So unfortunately we saw a return of the bitterly cold temps again (great). Which meant frigid walks with my dog, Remi. Nothing more motivating to get out of bed, then to think "gee, I wonder how many layers I can get on?" Still not as bad as what Atlanta and the rest of the coast got. My friend is stuck at the ATL airport and has been there for over 24 hours, waiting to fly to Chile.  A few days ago, my friend, her kid and myself with Mia went to the trampoline park and had a blast :) Mia started out not really into it, but explored the ball pit, and had a lot of fun. Soon, my friend showed up. Her little boy mostly liked rolling around, and didn't really get into jumping. Mia even showed him how to. While playing in the foam pit, Mia decided it would be more fun to build an igloo outside of the pit. Hilarious AND practical too. She loved it when I would try to bounce her from a sitting postiion up in the air. So if you've got a kid under 5, take then to tot time thursday and tuesday mornings. Only 6 dollars for an HOUR :)
Yesterday, I grabbed lunch with my friend Micaela and Mia at a coffee shop down the road from my parents. It was good catching up, since I haven't seen her since Christmas eve when she stopped in the store for a minute. Mia (whom I'm quite proud of) even played nicely with Micaela and could chat comfortably with her. Normally around people she doesn't see that often, she's shy. It's understandable. Kids are all shy. Most of them, so I get it, but instantly, she was very good. Same with my friend Nicole, she sees her every so often and is totally cool with her.

After lunch, watched the Chelsea Vs West Ham game. Not a good one, but the point will have to do with the 0-0 draw. Lots of shots, but they packed their attacking third with defenders. Goalie was solid, and had a ton of help. Lampard had a good shot at the end, but it went straight at the goalie. Shoulda went far right.

Stopped at US Cellular on the way home. My phone battery hasn't been lasting as long ( I was told its because it's been cold) but I wanted to take advantage of their "battery swap" program, that allows you to swap out up to 4 batteries in 2 years. Well guess who doesn't do that program anymore?? Bah..Guess I'll have to deal with it for now. I'll have to wait till the fall when I'm up for an upgrade and get either the s4, the NEW s5 when it comes out, or suck it up and get an iPhone (which I have doubts of doing).
Got my copy of Metropole from the Lawrence Arms plus shirt and beer coozy. 4 or so days ago, I got the confirmation for the digital download.  I haven't been able to get a solid listen in. I put it in the car but Mia prefers the music either really low, or off when we drive. It's punk rock, so thats not a surprise. When I have listened to it twice, I'll give you a review. It's been 8 years since their last full length and a good 4 or so years since their EP Buttsweat and Tears came out. I've waited a long time for this.

Last before I go, I posted on Instagram a photo of Mia doing her best impression of defender David Luiz from Chelsea last weekend, and within 24 hours it had picked up a TON of likes including the man himself David LUIZ. I was stoked he saw it and found it funny.

Okay that's all for now, thanks for reading

Say Goodbye Good

Greetings everyone. So before I really get into this post, I need to get something out first since it's been on my mind for a while now. It's soccer-related so most may not care. Anyways, For a while now, one of my favourite players, Juan
Mata hasn't been getting his playing time in for Chelsea. His last game, was a short 20-30 minutes on Jan 1st, which is pathetic. The current manager has been enjoying his midfield section using Hazard, Willian and Oscar, leaving Mata out every game. Juan Mata, voted The Player of The Year 2 years in a row, wins the Champions League with the group in 2012 and has a World Cup win with Spain under his belt. There was talks about him leaving since he started sitting on the bench, but I never paid too much attention to it. Why on Earth would they get rid of this talent? Well, then this week, more rumors were circling that he'd leave the club for our rival Manchester United. Once again, I'm thinking "This is crazy, he's not leaving us for a rival that's doing terrible" well, it's not confirmed officially yet, but it's looking pretty clear that he's going to complete the move for a major pay increase and playing time. Clearly, Chelsea has lost interest in Mata, the manager didn't want to play him so he knew it would be a matter of time before he'd wanna leave. It's tough. It's like "do I stay with this club that I love so much and not play, or go elsewhere and play every game, and get some more money?" PLUS the World Cup is coming this year, so how does a man on the defending champion's team prepare for that? I spent most of my day off yesterday with my mind in another place, honestly. I am quite fortunate to have seen him play against Inter last Summer in person. He's a great player and it'll be hard to see him in another color. When I stood in Stefans Soccer Store and was trying to decide "do I get Oscar, Hazard or Mata on my new white away jersey.." I went with Oscar because I was afraid I'd "jinx" Mata to leave. I DO however have him on my 2014 Spain one, and will wear it with pride, but like I said, it'll be hard to see him in red now. If he would have just went on LOAN for any team, I'd be okay, because he'd be coming back blue, but this is gonna sting for a while. This would be like if Aaron Rodgers left the Packers for the Bears (for all you American Football fans) or of Crosby left for the Capitals. I'm not mad at Mata, just Chelsea for letting a talent go. From Chelsea's perspective, they want the money BIG TIME. They need a new striker, and they know this money will go to one.

Okay, enough ranting about this. Last weekend, we went to my nephew Easton's birthday party. Tons of people there, but Mia mostly was a great girl. Played well with E and his little friend Josie. Looking forward to tomorrow's playgroup. Mia's been really enjoying the time with her friends, and every parent loves to see their kid happy with other kids. Wednesday, I tried something. For a short while, Mia's been doing her best David Luiz (from Chelsea) impression. He tends to stick his tongue out in pictures. He's a totally care-free, talented fun fella and everyone loves him. I told Mia "wouldn't it be funny if we took a picture of YOU in your Chelsea kit and sent him a picture??" She totally agreed. I knew from past experiences that she's not a fan of wearing the jersey. It's a different material then she's used to. Well, she WORE it and I was able to get some pictures of her with a photoshopped Stamford Bridge behind her with the caption reading "Chelsea's latest signing for 10m, Midfielder Mia Justman" Plus I did one of her sticking her tongue out and photoshopped David Luiz's face next to her's.

This weekend, not sure what we're doing yet. Jill's got dinner plans, but her friend Leanne may come up (pending on weather) Sunday I work 7-3.

Last but not least, here is the picture I drew of Mia. Took a LONG time, but I'm mostly content with it. Have a great rest of the week and thanks for reading.

The Early Bird Drinks His Morning Orange Juice

Greetings. It was a busy, but pretty solid weekend last week. Friday, Mia had a GREAT playgroup. ALL of her little friends were there. Gracie, Hannah, Omina, Zack and Weston. She was so stoked to she the girls. They played so well. It was the first time in a while she wasn't partially sitting on my lap to play. After play group ended, some kids hang out and run around the empty room. Mia participated this time. It looked like a toddler mosh pit. When it was time to go, Gracie had gotten her fingers slammed in the door, so she was crying. Hannah, like always was the first to give Mia a hug goodbye, and I SWEAR TO GOD my heart melted when I saw Mia hugging her back with a little smile on her face. As I type this, my heart is already melting. It was so freakin' adorable. Gracie cried in her mother's arms as we walked out. Mia INSISTED on holding on to Omina's hand, so I had little Hannah's. As we were heading to our car, Gracie was just not calming down and eventually sat in a snow bank for absolutely no reason what so ever. So she cried even more. Eventually, she ran up to Mia and gave her a big hug goodbye. One of those hugs that "I'm in pain, and I need my friend now" hugs. Mia was so sweet that day, and invited the girls to her birthday party in March.

 Saturday morning, I was awaken by a text at 6:30am explaining from my older brother "no hockey today, the ice is too slushy" from the freezing rain we had got the night before. Okay. I also knew that Chelsea was playing Hull City at 6:45am, and was hoping to get a little more sleep before match time. Sadly, Mia, who crawled into our bed, started kicking me in the ribs so I gave up on that idea and got up to take the dog. As SOON as I moved my head off the pillow, she rolled her little noodle on it. Oh well. Took the dog out for a nice quiet walk through the icy neighborhood. Came back, made breakfast and watched the game online. I gotta say, it was quite nice having a little morning to myself to enjoy my favorite team beat Hull City 2-0. Both goals were real slick, and I was hoping they'd motivate me to get some goals come futsal time Sunday night.

The girls ended up sleeping most of the morning, which allowed me time to go salt the driveway, work on a little art and clean up the kitchen some. Sunday morning, early shift. Wasn't exciting, but all I could think about was playing futsal. Jill and Mia came to my game (with my sister) and that meant a LOT to me. Originally, they weren't going to come because the last time they did, Mia cried and I had to split early. This time, Mia WANTED to come, and we brought some distractions for her if she got bored. I mean come on, it was a 2 hour game, I wouldn't hold it against her if she had lost interest. So, I started on the colored team (we do colors vs white) and thanks to some Messi-wannabees, I wasn't receiving a whole lot of passes. Our team wasn't doing the best with defense either. When it was my turn in goal, I got scored on, 3 or so times. No one was in back to help defend. Bugger. So when it got to the point of "do you guys wanna do a trade" I was immediately offered. Fine. So I went on the white team. WAY better team to play on. No wonder they were beating us. Better passing overall, and I got a really slick goal, and a couple of assists. My goal was a nice pass of a teammate, a quick move around a defender and shot it far right post on goal. It was my first time playing that my teammates were vocal about the goal. "Those were really nice moves, Mike" Thanks :) When it was my turn in goal, I noticed that they had one fella that stayed back for defense which helped with keeping the goals down. Ended up letting in two. Oh well. It was a lot of fun and I hope to get in to play again in another month or so.

This weekend, my nephew Easton is having a birthday party. Should be fun. That's all for now. Next week, I'm posting my FINISHED Mia portrait :) Thanks for reading!

Hittin' the Ice!

HEY! How's everyone today? Okay, I've got some awesome things to share. No, really. Well, it's awesome to me and Jill at least. Over the weekend, Mia decided she wanted to try ice skating. GREAT! So, we drove to what I was told to be an outdoor rink in Waukesha. She fell asleep on the way, but we still went anyways in search of this rink. Nothing. Didn't see anything at all. Bugger. Well, later that night, Mia still wanted to go skating, so we drove to the Petit Ice Center, which is where local hockey games (of all ages) are played, as well as where speed skating olympians train and have trials, and of course, where the public can open skate. Been there so many times growing up. Anyways, so thankfully because Mia's under 4, she was free :) So Jill put her skates on her boots, as I got laced up. We walked up the stairs and I slowly got her onto the crowded ice. Jill was a bit nervous, but I reassured her that I would NEVER let Mia fall. EVER. Mia got on, slid a bit and got off. Crap. After some lemonade and a slow walk out in her boots, she tried it again with her skates. "This isn't scary" she said on her boots, so we got the skates back on and she was good to go. Not as bad the 2nd time around. So she skated a bit, with me holding on tight to her hands. I think the crowds of people was a bit much at first for her. I couldn't have been more proud. Every hockey player dreams of their kid's first time out on the ice. It's special. My brothers and I learned on a frozen "lake" of water in our backyard we'd be fortunate to get every time our neighborhood would get a big rain before winter. The way the hills were in the back would hopefully fill enough with water to get a nice frozen lake for hockey. It wasn't much, but it worked. Anyways, I was super happy she took an interest in something new, and didn't give up.

We've had crazy cold weather as of lately here. Like, -17 a few times. Walking Remi hasn't been easy, but you just need to layer up. Luckily, it's starting to warm up some. like, 20s today maybe? Haha. Unsure what we're doing this weekend. Chelsea plays Stoke, so hopefully we'll get a win. Been craving some futsal lately. Haven't played in a few months, and sadly haven't gotten any emails from the pick up group for any subs this week. Bahhh. Hopefully soon I can get playing. Finished this wonderful piece of art I've been working on for months. Alright, that's all for now. Thanks for reading!