So Sarah and I have begun doing daily crossword puzzles online. There is nothing better than taking a few relaxing moments to work my puzzle while sipping the morning cuppa Joe.
Now some may say I'm old, and to that I'd probably have to agree. I guess I am old. But I am also expanding my cranium at a much faster rate than you. I can feel the neural pathways widening as I whip out the answers! Besides, do you know what a policeman's club in Ghana is called? Didn't think so.
Anyway, they are fun, but I have noticed that a lot of the same clues and answers are reused. Each puzzle is written by a different person each day and some of them just blatantly rip off clues from the puzzles a couple days before. Come on people, don't be slackers. If you're gonna write a puzzle, give it your all! Don't cheap out and copy someone else's stuff.
Well just wanted to share. Plus Sarah got all excited when she thought I was going to blog and it turned out I was just reading others. So this is really for her. Sorry dudes.
Now, off to do my daily puzzle. Stinking work got in the way earlier so I'm behind a bit!
Ta Ta!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG!!!
Clear skies, sunshine and warm weather. That's what I'm currently enjoying. It seems our arctic climate has finally decided to shove off. No more overcast skies. No more rain/snow/hail. No more freezing wind. It seems we may finally be moving into the weather we should be having. Today is a high of 75, clear and sunny. This weekend, 80's and sunny! WOO HOO. Got a basketball game and BBQ lined up for Saturday. Got softball practice starting Sunday. AHHHH...I love this time of year.
In other news, Sarah is back on Facebook. It has been a difficult past month for her while she took her break, but things are now back in full swing. Be sure to drop her a line to welcome her back.
We have Ashley's friend Bradee staying with us this weekend while her parents are out of town. She'll be coming home with Ashley today after school and staying with us until Monday evening. Don't know how I'm gonna handle two teenage girls for an entire weekend....should be interesting. I can pretty much guarantee one thing for sure....I'll be listening to a heckuva lot more gushing of Justin Bieber than normal. Gotta steel myself.
Lotta changes around us lately...some good, some not so good. Change is a part of life, but that doesn't mean its always necessarily easy to deal with. But with change comes growth, and with growth comes strength. Gotta focus on the positive elements of change and let it build us up rather then getting mired in the negative and letting it tear us down. After all, its all part of God's plan and we just need to have faith that He probably has a pretty good idea of what we need! :D
School is almost out. Jaden will be done in a couple weeks. Ashley will be done shortly after that. We decided after much prayer and discussion to let Ashley attend Kuna High School next year. We secretly enrolled her when she was out of town and had planned to surprise her with an announcement in her yearbook. However with some of the more recent changes we felt that she should know early so she wouldn't be ultra depressed at never seeing her friends again. So now she is super happy. There are definately a lot of strings attached and she needs to prove she can handle it, but for now we're reassured that its the right choice.
Speaking of Ash, she and Sarah have started painting her room. Bright orange. BRIGHT ORANGE. I'll say no more. She likes it and that's all that matters.
Jaden is thriving in his Taekwondo class. He had a bout of wanting to quit and give up on it, but made the wise decision to stick with it. He doesn't like to practice, although he really doesn't practice much. But I think he's turned a corner. We kept on him and told him it would be a mistake to quit. Lots of friends and family said the same and he finally decided he wants it. He really wants his black belt! He didn't get to test in this last round for his next belt because we wanted to see more committment from him, but he is fired up for the next one and its a sure thing he'll advance. He knows all the moves, he just needs to focus on the discipline and self-control (which he is really starting to improve in) and then he'll be ready. So proud of him. Keep on doing your best little dude! He is also looking for ways to earn money for his training weapons. We'll think of some tasks for him to earn his sword and I promised I would buy his nunchuks when he earned his next belt. Good times!
I will be testing out my new wing recipe this weekend. I am hoping it turns out as good as I think it will in my mind. If not, I have a fallback plan. The Wing Off is rapidly approaching and I can't wait. Its almost doubled in size from last year and at last count we have 43 cooks participating. The are also adding judging and awards for the first time this year. Should be a blast! If you are around on June 12, stop by and see us!
Well I suppose I should get some more work done. Its a slow day but I need to finish a few things before we go grocery shopping. Catch ya later Blog land!
In other news, Sarah is back on Facebook. It has been a difficult past month for her while she took her break, but things are now back in full swing. Be sure to drop her a line to welcome her back.
We have Ashley's friend Bradee staying with us this weekend while her parents are out of town. She'll be coming home with Ashley today after school and staying with us until Monday evening. Don't know how I'm gonna handle two teenage girls for an entire weekend....should be interesting. I can pretty much guarantee one thing for sure....I'll be listening to a heckuva lot more gushing of Justin Bieber than normal. Gotta steel myself.
Lotta changes around us lately...some good, some not so good. Change is a part of life, but that doesn't mean its always necessarily easy to deal with. But with change comes growth, and with growth comes strength. Gotta focus on the positive elements of change and let it build us up rather then getting mired in the negative and letting it tear us down. After all, its all part of God's plan and we just need to have faith that He probably has a pretty good idea of what we need! :D
School is almost out. Jaden will be done in a couple weeks. Ashley will be done shortly after that. We decided after much prayer and discussion to let Ashley attend Kuna High School next year. We secretly enrolled her when she was out of town and had planned to surprise her with an announcement in her yearbook. However with some of the more recent changes we felt that she should know early so she wouldn't be ultra depressed at never seeing her friends again. So now she is super happy. There are definately a lot of strings attached and she needs to prove she can handle it, but for now we're reassured that its the right choice.
Speaking of Ash, she and Sarah have started painting her room. Bright orange. BRIGHT ORANGE. I'll say no more. She likes it and that's all that matters.
Jaden is thriving in his Taekwondo class. He had a bout of wanting to quit and give up on it, but made the wise decision to stick with it. He doesn't like to practice, although he really doesn't practice much. But I think he's turned a corner. We kept on him and told him it would be a mistake to quit. Lots of friends and family said the same and he finally decided he wants it. He really wants his black belt! He didn't get to test in this last round for his next belt because we wanted to see more committment from him, but he is fired up for the next one and its a sure thing he'll advance. He knows all the moves, he just needs to focus on the discipline and self-control (which he is really starting to improve in) and then he'll be ready. So proud of him. Keep on doing your best little dude! He is also looking for ways to earn money for his training weapons. We'll think of some tasks for him to earn his sword and I promised I would buy his nunchuks when he earned his next belt. Good times!
I will be testing out my new wing recipe this weekend. I am hoping it turns out as good as I think it will in my mind. If not, I have a fallback plan. The Wing Off is rapidly approaching and I can't wait. Its almost doubled in size from last year and at last count we have 43 cooks participating. The are also adding judging and awards for the first time this year. Should be a blast! If you are around on June 12, stop by and see us!
Well I suppose I should get some more work done. Its a slow day but I need to finish a few things before we go grocery shopping. Catch ya later Blog land!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
NFAF: Destination Detroit!
Well we're on the road towards hitting National Fine Arts Festival in Detroit. For one glorious week in August we'll be chillin' in the Motor City. We have lots of work to do before we get there, but we're well on the way and everyone is getting pretty excited.
We got our plane tickets last week which was awesome! Came in under budget too which is even better.
Had our ministry performance trip to Wilder also and rocked it! Those dudes really love seeing all the drama and sign stuff and they show their appreciation every time we go. Its truly a great thing to be able to take these things on the road and bless people outside of our little circle. We have a couple of performances at the District Council then I think we're done for a while. Maybe another chance or two over the summer but nothing concrete yet.
Now begins all the prep work though. We decided to completely revamp our large human video and we're going with the entry from last year. Its a lot of the same group and we got an invitation for it as well, but we have a ton of reworking to do to get it up to snuff. So we have a summer full of practices lined up, but it will be fun. Also have to work at rewriting the talking drama since we lost a couple parts.
When I'm not busy with practices, we'll be busy with fundraisers!!! Man, we have a ton of stuff lined up. We've had a couple parents step up and volunteer to spearhead some efforts in addition to our two main annual campaigns, the yard sale and the fireworks booth. The kids also sent out a ton of donation letters to family and friends. And we've got several other donation ideas in the planning stages. Lots of work to be sure, but its all for something great and I have faith that God will meet all our financial needs!
Oh yeah, got softball gearing up too. And basketball and bbq season. Got the Wing-Off in June and then me and my buddy Jason are taking our boys to see a Star Wars concert on Father's Day (I'm taking J and he's taking his nephews). Should be a blast.
Somewhere in there I hope to find time to sleep.
And we have a couple camping trips to squeeze in.
All in all just another typically busy summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
We got our plane tickets last week which was awesome! Came in under budget too which is even better.
Had our ministry performance trip to Wilder also and rocked it! Those dudes really love seeing all the drama and sign stuff and they show their appreciation every time we go. Its truly a great thing to be able to take these things on the road and bless people outside of our little circle. We have a couple of performances at the District Council then I think we're done for a while. Maybe another chance or two over the summer but nothing concrete yet.
Now begins all the prep work though. We decided to completely revamp our large human video and we're going with the entry from last year. Its a lot of the same group and we got an invitation for it as well, but we have a ton of reworking to do to get it up to snuff. So we have a summer full of practices lined up, but it will be fun. Also have to work at rewriting the talking drama since we lost a couple parts.
When I'm not busy with practices, we'll be busy with fundraisers!!! Man, we have a ton of stuff lined up. We've had a couple parents step up and volunteer to spearhead some efforts in addition to our two main annual campaigns, the yard sale and the fireworks booth. The kids also sent out a ton of donation letters to family and friends. And we've got several other donation ideas in the planning stages. Lots of work to be sure, but its all for something great and I have faith that God will meet all our financial needs!
Oh yeah, got softball gearing up too. And basketball and bbq season. Got the Wing-Off in June and then me and my buddy Jason are taking our boys to see a Star Wars concert on Father's Day (I'm taking J and he's taking his nephews). Should be a blast.
Somewhere in there I hope to find time to sleep.
And we have a couple camping trips to squeeze in.
All in all just another typically busy summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Open mouth, insert foot
Well I feel like a complete tool. I've had some outstanding issues at work and I've been waiting for another team to take care of their part before I could do mine. However, the issues were directly affecting stuff that I was responsible for and I was completely at the mercy of the other team's action before I could proceed. The issue had been open since November of last year and I'd sent repeated requests for updates and ETA for completion. The only answer I ever got was "it was pending". Anyway, long story short, there was one guy, Julius, who was the owner of the issue on the other team. The last update I got from him was just before Christmas. I sent several other emails since the first of the year and got no reply. Now this is an offshore team, so we usually have to stay on top of them to get anything done, so its not exactly a new situation, but I was starting to get a little upset. So today, I fired off yet another email and made sure to copy all the account management that would step in a light fires if needed, hoping to get some results. Open mouth......
A little later, one of the other U.S. L3 guys I work with on that team called me back and said, "Hey, did you hear about Julius?". I was like, "Uh, no. I haven't heard anything about him". And he said, "Oh, well he passed away on Christmas. I guess there was no formal announcement or anything but I assumed everyone on the account team had heard." Insert foot.....
Well we worked together and got the issue fixed, but I just felt bad. Its not like I said anything mean or hurtful in my email, but I was frustrated in my heart at the dude and assumed he was just being lazy or something. Anyway, I just feel guilty for jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst about someone. I didn't know the dude well, but we talked a couple times and he seemed like a good guy. My prayers go out to his family.
On a less somber note, the diet is going well. We had our weekly weigh-in today and I lost another 3 pounds. Sarah and I have started doing the Tae Bo videos too. That Billy Blanks...man he's crazy, but his stuff is legit. Its definately a work out. I'm not much of a jazzercise/exercise video guy though so we're still looking at getting the gym membership. Hopefully we'll be able to go down this week and get some details.
My wife and I have a new game we're passionate about. Its called Carcassonne and its some kind of card/strategy game like Settler's of Catan, or Ticket to Ride. I downloaded it on the Xbox a while ago but we just recently started playing. Its addicting and fun, and we have some pretty epic battles like we always do when we play together. Its just our competitive natures. I tried playing online, but I got my butt handed to me. There are some crazy dudes out there playing that game.
This week is full of more activities so we're busy busy busy. Not much time for relaxing though, but all the hustle and bustle keeps us out of trouble I guess. The weekend is going to be super crazy. We've got dinner on Friday at our friends' house. Saturday we have a special drama workshop/practice from 9-5, then we're having some good friends over for dinner that night. Sunday we have church, then the JBQ pizza and ice cream party, then going over to some other friends' house for Superbowl. Oh and Sarah has to clean the gym with Jess that night too. Whew! I'm tired just writing that out.
Well gotta run, but I hope you all have a fantastic week and remember:
Don't look like a fool with your pants on the ground!
(haha, love that old dude)
Later!
A little later, one of the other U.S. L3 guys I work with on that team called me back and said, "Hey, did you hear about Julius?". I was like, "Uh, no. I haven't heard anything about him". And he said, "Oh, well he passed away on Christmas. I guess there was no formal announcement or anything but I assumed everyone on the account team had heard." Insert foot.....
Well we worked together and got the issue fixed, but I just felt bad. Its not like I said anything mean or hurtful in my email, but I was frustrated in my heart at the dude and assumed he was just being lazy or something. Anyway, I just feel guilty for jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst about someone. I didn't know the dude well, but we talked a couple times and he seemed like a good guy. My prayers go out to his family.
On a less somber note, the diet is going well. We had our weekly weigh-in today and I lost another 3 pounds. Sarah and I have started doing the Tae Bo videos too. That Billy Blanks...man he's crazy, but his stuff is legit. Its definately a work out. I'm not much of a jazzercise/exercise video guy though so we're still looking at getting the gym membership. Hopefully we'll be able to go down this week and get some details.
My wife and I have a new game we're passionate about. Its called Carcassonne and its some kind of card/strategy game like Settler's of Catan, or Ticket to Ride. I downloaded it on the Xbox a while ago but we just recently started playing. Its addicting and fun, and we have some pretty epic battles like we always do when we play together. Its just our competitive natures. I tried playing online, but I got my butt handed to me. There are some crazy dudes out there playing that game.
This week is full of more activities so we're busy busy busy. Not much time for relaxing though, but all the hustle and bustle keeps us out of trouble I guess. The weekend is going to be super crazy. We've got dinner on Friday at our friends' house. Saturday we have a special drama workshop/practice from 9-5, then we're having some good friends over for dinner that night. Sunday we have church, then the JBQ pizza and ice cream party, then going over to some other friends' house for Superbowl. Oh and Sarah has to clean the gym with Jess that night too. Whew! I'm tired just writing that out.
Well gotta run, but I hope you all have a fantastic week and remember:
Don't look like a fool with your pants on the ground!
(haha, love that old dude)
Later!
Monday, January 25, 2010
All the latest and greatest
Well, I finished our taxes today. Hooray!! FINALLY! I always like to get them done as soon as possible so we can (hopefully) get a refund as soon as possible. Ended up owing a bit to state (again) but we'll get some back from federal so that's cool. Most of it is probably gonna go into the trip fund for TBQ and fine arts. But I did promise Sarah some new dishes and cooking stuff for the kitchen.
Speaking of fine arts, our drama practices are in full swing and things are starting to shape up nicely. Lots more work to do, but all the kids are excited about the dramas and are eager to make them the best they can be. Really looking forward to the finished performances in the spring and our trip to nationals in the summer.
Greta is a crazy fur ball, just in case you were wondering.
Weather is acting dumb again. It was warming up for a while, then it got cold and snowed again. Now its cold and overcast. Summer needs to hurry up man! I want to play some B-BALL!!! And BBQ. And swim.
Our diet is going well. Still want a big fat slice of pizza or a cheeseburger, but I'm being strong. Didn't even get popcorn at the movies the other day which was a real chore. We really need to get our gym membership so we can start working out in addition. Even though I may lose weight, I never feel like dieting really works unless I'm working out too. I don't want to just lose weight, I want to get fit. We're looking at signing up with Anytime Fitness. We like the flexibility with the 24/7 availability. I'm bummed there is nothing in Kuna with raquetball courts, basketball courts or swimming pools, but I also don't want to have to drive 30 min to get somewhere that does. So for now I'll be happy with weights and cardio only. Sarah just wants the tans so she's happy.
Speaking of movies, I took Sarah and Jaden to see Avatar the other day. I had already seen it but they hadn't so we decided to treat ourselves to a day out. Ash was at a friend's house so she missed out. I love that movie man. Its so cool. And the visuals are awesome. I need to get a 3-D tv now so I can watch all these cool movies at home the way they were meant to be seen.
Getting very excited for the final season of Lost to begin. Next week!!! Very anxious to see how they wrap everything up.
I need a haircut. Maybe tomorrow me and the boy will go.
Well I'm tired of typing now so I'm gonna sign off. Later dudes!
Speaking of fine arts, our drama practices are in full swing and things are starting to shape up nicely. Lots more work to do, but all the kids are excited about the dramas and are eager to make them the best they can be. Really looking forward to the finished performances in the spring and our trip to nationals in the summer.
Greta is a crazy fur ball, just in case you were wondering.
Weather is acting dumb again. It was warming up for a while, then it got cold and snowed again. Now its cold and overcast. Summer needs to hurry up man! I want to play some B-BALL!!! And BBQ. And swim.
Our diet is going well. Still want a big fat slice of pizza or a cheeseburger, but I'm being strong. Didn't even get popcorn at the movies the other day which was a real chore. We really need to get our gym membership so we can start working out in addition. Even though I may lose weight, I never feel like dieting really works unless I'm working out too. I don't want to just lose weight, I want to get fit. We're looking at signing up with Anytime Fitness. We like the flexibility with the 24/7 availability. I'm bummed there is nothing in Kuna with raquetball courts, basketball courts or swimming pools, but I also don't want to have to drive 30 min to get somewhere that does. So for now I'll be happy with weights and cardio only. Sarah just wants the tans so she's happy.
Speaking of movies, I took Sarah and Jaden to see Avatar the other day. I had already seen it but they hadn't so we decided to treat ourselves to a day out. Ash was at a friend's house so she missed out. I love that movie man. Its so cool. And the visuals are awesome. I need to get a 3-D tv now so I can watch all these cool movies at home the way they were meant to be seen.
Getting very excited for the final season of Lost to begin. Next week!!! Very anxious to see how they wrap everything up.
I need a haircut. Maybe tomorrow me and the boy will go.
Well I'm tired of typing now so I'm gonna sign off. Later dudes!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
My real post....
HAHAHA, that last post was too funny. I just had to. Man I love Ackbar, and that line is classic!
Anyway.
Yo, what's up bloggerville? Me I'm just kicking it in 2010 (that's two thousand ten, not twenty ten btw) and starting up another amazing year.
We had a great Christmas and really enjoyed our vacation time with family and friends. We had so much fun and really loved being able to just sit back and relax a bit. After all the hecticality (NEW WORD) of the past year it was a breath of fresh air to just put everything aside and get reinvigorated.
The New Year was rung in with family and friends once again and we had a blast playing games and snacking all night. I am not allowed to say we were "partying" because apparently that can only mean we were drinking. At least that's what my wife and daughter informed me of when I spoke those words to the Starbucks drive-thru attendant. My deepest and most sincere apologies Ms. Starbucks Drive-Thru Attendant. Please do not get the wrong idea about us and please continue to supply me with ultra delicious coffee treats. Thanks.
I also recently celebrated my birthday, but again, I did not have a party. Please bear that in mind. There was no booze, so it was not a party. :D (Prediction Alert!!! Very soon you will hear the sound of what you may believe to be a branch cracking very loudly....in fact it will be my wife slapping me for being sarcastic....but hey, at least I'm blogging so I should get some credit).
Back to my b-day. I had a great lunch with the fam, then cake and a small "gathering" back at the in-law's dwelling. On my actual b-day Sarah made me a delicious breakfast then took me out to a movie (Sherlock Holmes which was sweet!!) and shopping. Good times.
Now today happens to be my daughter's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!!!). She is 14 and growing up so stinking fast. It would almost make me feel old if I wasn't such a dashing young buck still. We will be celebrating by having a party....er....gathering....of family and friends here for cake and ice cream. Then tomorrow she gets a girl's day out with shopping and lunch.
Tis the season of birthdays for sure and this marks the beginning of our marathon. In the coming weeks we have something like 13 birthdays to celebrate....crazy busy but all good.
BTW, did you hear about them Broncos? WOO HOO!!! They won the Fiesta Bowl again and remained undefeated. It wasn't as memorable of a game as the one a couple years ago, but it was still good and will undoubtedly do great things for their football program. Can't wait for next season! I'm finally stocking up on BSU apparel also. I have been the only member of our family to not have any BSU clothing but that will change. I snagged a sweet fleece and will be picking up a couple hats. Now I'm an "official" fan!
Well, my blogging reservoirs are about run dry now. I'll close in saying that I pray you all have a very happy and blessed new year. I look forward to all the exciting new adventures that await us in the year ahead and I'll be sure to blog about them all.....but probably 2-3 weeks after the fact, hahaha! Until next time America!
Freedom is what you do with what is done to you.
Anyway.
Yo, what's up bloggerville? Me I'm just kicking it in 2010 (that's two thousand ten, not twenty ten btw) and starting up another amazing year.
We had a great Christmas and really enjoyed our vacation time with family and friends. We had so much fun and really loved being able to just sit back and relax a bit. After all the hecticality (NEW WORD) of the past year it was a breath of fresh air to just put everything aside and get reinvigorated.
The New Year was rung in with family and friends once again and we had a blast playing games and snacking all night. I am not allowed to say we were "partying" because apparently that can only mean we were drinking. At least that's what my wife and daughter informed me of when I spoke those words to the Starbucks drive-thru attendant. My deepest and most sincere apologies Ms. Starbucks Drive-Thru Attendant. Please do not get the wrong idea about us and please continue to supply me with ultra delicious coffee treats. Thanks.
I also recently celebrated my birthday, but again, I did not have a party. Please bear that in mind. There was no booze, so it was not a party. :D (Prediction Alert!!! Very soon you will hear the sound of what you may believe to be a branch cracking very loudly....in fact it will be my wife slapping me for being sarcastic....but hey, at least I'm blogging so I should get some credit).
Back to my b-day. I had a great lunch with the fam, then cake and a small "gathering" back at the in-law's dwelling. On my actual b-day Sarah made me a delicious breakfast then took me out to a movie (Sherlock Holmes which was sweet!!) and shopping. Good times.
Now today happens to be my daughter's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!!!). She is 14 and growing up so stinking fast. It would almost make me feel old if I wasn't such a dashing young buck still. We will be celebrating by having a party....er....gathering....of family and friends here for cake and ice cream. Then tomorrow she gets a girl's day out with shopping and lunch.
Tis the season of birthdays for sure and this marks the beginning of our marathon. In the coming weeks we have something like 13 birthdays to celebrate....crazy busy but all good.
BTW, did you hear about them Broncos? WOO HOO!!! They won the Fiesta Bowl again and remained undefeated. It wasn't as memorable of a game as the one a couple years ago, but it was still good and will undoubtedly do great things for their football program. Can't wait for next season! I'm finally stocking up on BSU apparel also. I have been the only member of our family to not have any BSU clothing but that will change. I snagged a sweet fleece and will be picking up a couple hats. Now I'm an "official" fan!
Well, my blogging reservoirs are about run dry now. I'll close in saying that I pray you all have a very happy and blessed new year. I look forward to all the exciting new adventures that await us in the year ahead and I'll be sure to blog about them all.....but probably 2-3 weeks after the fact, hahaha! Until next time America!
Freedom is what you do with what is done to you.
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