Life according to John

So I somehow acquired a cold earlier in the week...Sunday into Monday. As much as I tried NOT to be around the kiddos too much, and not spread germs...it would appear that they have caught my cold :( Last night they had the sniffles, and a few small coughs were heard. Luckily, mom was able to get them some medice during the day, and the vaporizer has been humming all night long....SO, hopefully in the next two days, they can get over it.

Kinda ironic that the first family vacation that I'll be able to go on in quite some time...I may end up taking care of two sick kiddos. Maybe the fresh air, and the ocean will cure what they are dealing with.

So I'm sitting here at my desk thinking of all the things I need to pack, or buy or remember to do before I leave. SO MANY things....and apparently, I am cooking dinner one night while we are down at the beach. My parents cook one night, Jim and Laura will be cooking one night, Megan and Joe will be cooking one night....and YEP, I get to cook one night. Times like this, when being a single parent suck!

So I'm trying to figure out what I want to make for everyone, if you ask Bailey or Emma what they would like Daddy to make, they'll tell you "noodles!" So - it may end up that I do a past themed night...we'll see.

As far as my list goes, gotta pack up the kiddos sometime tomorrow, pack up myself sometime tomorrow, take the bikes, golf clubs, laptop, SUNSCREEN, medicine, vaporizer, camera, beach blankets...and I'm sure i'm forgetting something...well luckily I have two days to figure it out.

I will be sure to update my blog while i'm gone with pics and what - not from the trip...I'm sure the kids will provide many great photo-ops throughout the week!

~ more later

Ok...so it's 12:31am on Thursday morning...my alarm is supposed to go off at 5am so that I can get up early and head to school. Why do you ask, when I'm not technically supposed to be there until 730am?? Well, it's two fold, one-I"m crazy!! I must be...seriously!! Actually the real reason is because, I'm trying to get back to what I love to do..and that's to play music. It is my true passion. I absolutley am content behind a drumset, or piano...singing or listening and helping others find their way through music. For as long as I can remember it's the only thing that I've known that I can do with ease. It comes naturally. I remember being in the 5th grade and walking down the LONG hallway of the local high school...to enter into my first Band rehearsal. Surrounded by High school kids...I was a babe in the woods. What was I doing there?? I'm sure that's what they were thinking too as I walked into rehearsal 20 mins late...(I got lost) -never been in the high school before. Well not all stories end happily, the band director yelled because I was late and interrupted his rehearsal...so I turned and ran...all the way back to my classroom. I didn't go back for two days...but for some reason, when I got there...it felt better. Don't get me wrong, I was still out-numbered...and way out of my league...but soon, somehow, I fit in.

Ever since that moment, for some reason...it's kinda come natural.

So anyway, why am I getting up at 5am most mornings...and getting to school by 6am? Well, because there is a grand piano at school, and it's all alone early in the morning. It's just me and those 88 keys...to create whatever is inside of me. To not be judged, to not be ridiculed...to just be me. There is so much comfort letting go...and not being afraid to try something new. It doesn't always sound beautiful, My last name is Shaffer, not Bach or Brahms...but every now and again...something happens...something wonderful happens. I get this thought, that comes out a few notes at a time...and before long...it's quite lovely. Now this has only happened a few times in my life...so most of the time I play charts, or other songs that I've learned along the way...but there have been a few times.

I've written 4 pieces in my life...and sadly, I can really only play 1 of them now. My first song, I wrote in high school...I don't really remember how it goes, I do know that it's in Bb...(b flat) but other than that..not really sure. The next piece I wrote was in College. A friend had a sister who gave birth, and unfortunately the baby died 6 days after he was born...so I wrote a piece that's in 6 sections...one for each day of his life...oddly enough, I wrote that piece in about two days. To this day, probably the most beautiful piece I've ever heard...(not that I'm biased or anything.) Then there was the piece I wrote for my mom. My mom had always wanted me to write something for her, even though she wouldn't really say it...I know my mom! Anyway, I wrote a piece for her as a gift...to say thank you, for ALL of the times...EVERY time she has been there for me...and well as you can guess...it was the best gift I think I could have given her at the time. I wish for the life of me, I could remember how to play it. It's the only song that I actually created lyrics for as well. There is a recording of it somewhere...and maybe some day I'll find it...and listen to it again...and be able to figure out how to play it again. Finally we come to the last piece I've written...and well, I'm still working on it...but there's something there. I've found inspiration to write again, and play again. It's been quite some time since I've wanted to play...or write. Life has just been in the way. When Bailey was born, I used to sing to her and play the piano all the time....Then Emma was born...and I didn't as much...because there was so much more to do. Two dogs, a house, a job, two kids....and teaching lessons....I barely had time to stay awake. It's funny how life kinda knocks us around from time to time...to show us what's important.

So much has happened in the past year....and to go into detail...would certainly take forever...and well, I should sleep a little tonight. But, I think the biggest thing that has happened is an awakening. An understanding of who I am....who I AM...not who I am supposed to be according to someone else. I've started listening to myself...and to God to hear my inner-self speak. I've gotten back to what has made me happy...Friends, Family, Church, and Music. Oddly enough, they are so woven together, that it's quite easy to experience them all. It has been through music that I've "heard" God's word the clearest! From songs at Church the first few times when I started going back...to sending inspiration in various forms to me when I am sitting behind the piano. I've had the good fortune to have a fantastic studio of kids who have that passion for music as I once had and now have again. I've been blessed with the opportunity to mold and shape them into fine students of music...thirsting for more knowledge...and all the while, they have been teaching me as well. Teaching me that, even when life tears you down, you always have something to offer. And through it all, they have been there to accept it when I've offered. My students have amazed me with conversation about theory, and how things work...more than just forte, mezzo-piano, and repeat signs. Yes it's true, I complain about going and teaching lessons almost weekly, there are so many more things I'd "rather" do...but truth be told, when it's all done, and I'm home at the end of the day....I feel complete. Like I've made a difference in someone's life. Who knows, maybe one day I can look at the TV or some form of media and say, I remember when he/she was only 8years old....and if by chance I had some small part in their ability and success...WOW!!! what a feeling that would be.

Do I miss the classroom as a teacher? Sometimes....but I'd much rather keep my studio kids and not have a classroom. Too many politics, too many constraints...too many rules! I like having the flexibility to change whatever I had planned to meet where my students are...to help them achieve. And while no, it may not help them on their SOL's...or assist them in finishing a project for a "core" class...I believe, it is helping them become better people. It's opening their hearts, and minds to the idea of passion. For anything, for something, for whatever. That can't be bad right?

So I will enter that auditorium tomorrow morning around 6am...and I will turn on a light or two...and will take my place behind the piano...hardly a soul will know i'm in the building...and almost certainly no one will hear me....but I will hear it. That's what matters...my passion burns inside to create. To once again feel the rush of accomplishing something that not too many people take the risk to accomplish. To create something and put it on display. Will I ever be famous, probably not...will I ever be rich....hardly...but, will I have lived a life full of passion and emotion. ABSOLUTELY!!! And to me, what could be richer than that?

I often think of the movie Mr. Holland's Opus. It's about a musician who takes a "gig" as a high school band director...to just bide time for a year or two while he composes his "big symphony". Well about 30 years later he's still in that "gig" and it's time to retire...and now that's all he wants to do. The part that sticks out to me the most is, at the very end of the movie, there's a scene with one of his students, a red-haired clarinet player...and she's all grown up. And she tells the audience of the auiditorium, that Mr. Holland was rumored to have been working on a symphony that would make him rich and famous. She goes on to say that Mr. Holland isn't rich or famous, outside of their small town...but that secretly they have practiced...and have learned his symphony...and she tells him, "We are your symphony, we are the melodies and notes of your opus and we are the music of your life." How awesome would that be...as the student to give that back to the teacher..and for that teacher to receive such a gift...I'm in awe!

So as I sit here tonight in my bed....and it's now 1:08am....I think about all of the students that I have taught....over the years about music, and how to play or sing to the best of their abilities...and it all comes down to this. Music makes me happy. It's what I love to do. I love to talk about it, play it, teach it...listen to it and enjoy it. So in 4 hrs...I'll wake up...complain a little..but then I'll be happy...completely happy for the hour that I get to play music everyday. And for those 60 minutes...nothing else matters. What a beautiful way to start the day.

~See you by the piano

The past weekend was so much fun! It all started Friday, when I took the day off. I needed to just relax and de-stress from the hustle and bustle of Work. I had some personal issues I needed to deal with, and so it was great to just get away. I spent the day relaxing, ran a few errands...but overall...just enjoyed life and the beautiful weather!

Saturday was scheduled to be a very busy day...and as it turned out, it was! I woke up and made some breakfast...homemade French Toast, mmmm...it was so good!! Then it was off to the pool! Yeah the pool is open. Some friends came over, we packed the cooler with drinks and snacks and off to the pool we went. What a beautiful morning, the sun was out the temp was high...and the smell of sunscreen was in the air. We basically had the entire pool to ourselves, which was nice. After about an hour or two at the pool I had to leave, and head to my youngest daughter's birthday party. Yep, little Emma is turning 2!!

So I left to go to Chuck e Cheese...where "a kid can be a kid". The party was fun, as far as Chuck e Chesse goes, it was a little uncomfortable...with all of the "ex-inlaws" and what not. But I made the best of it, saying hello and being polite. The girls had a blast playing games...and eating pizza and running around. Little Emma even wanted to meet Chuck e Cheese himself. So we got pictures taken with her me and Chuck e Cheese. So cute!! After about 2 hrs most of the people had left, so I said my good-byes and headed home for a bar-b-que party.

I got home around 430ish...and fired up the grill. Burgers, corn on the cob, noodle salad and some other stuff were on the menu! As I fired up the grill and was about to put the burgers on...one of the staff members at my apt building...came up and said that grilling was not aloud. Hmm...maybe I should have checked first. He was cool about it though...he said, "do what you gotta do..and then put it away". So I finished grilling and then doused the flames out.

The food turned out to be really good, and as everyone gathered around the table we said a blessing...and began to eat. I looked around the table at all of my friends and felt really blessed to be able to spend such a good time with people who mean so much to me. It really felt good to have people over, and to see them enjoying themselves so much!

As night approached we started to break out the games. First there was a little Wii action going on. I just got a Wii-Fit, so we had to break it in! And then when played some other games...trivial pursuit...Apples to Apples...etc. Patrick was able to make it this time...and that was really great! My school friends got to meet my absolute BEST friend.

There were definitely some great lines from the evening...and not all of them were/are appropriate for this blog, since my mom reads it :) But, nonetheless, they were hysterical!!! Especially Danielle's comment relating to the cards being dealt to her fast!! ;)

Anyway, Patrick left around 1am....and the rest of us crashed soon after....I was exhausted...I didn't really sleep much that night...not sure if I was too hot, or what, but just couldn't sleep. I finally fell asleep around 4 or 5 in the am...and didn't get out of bed till almost 1130-12.

So Sunday, the girls arrived home around 615. We played cards, and hide and go seek...and of course watched sleeping beauty....then it was off to bed...for all of us!!

Monday morning I woke up with a fever, runny nose...etc...where did that come from?? Not wanting to get the girls sick...I did my best to stay away from them until mom came down in the afternoon. The girls played with play-doh...and watched Shrek in the morning...and when they went down for a nap...so did I. Mom got there about 230-3pm...and from that moment on I didn't leave the bed. Arghh..I hate being sick. Luckily though, it's all in my head, a head cold that is. I think i still may have a little fever, as I am sitting here sweating at work...but hopefully I can kick this before sunday...We leave for the beach around noon!

So I have my medicine, my OJ, and my chicken noodle soup...now I just need someone to take care of me...I'm such a baby when I'm sick...good thing mom is in town!!

But today is a great day!! Little Emma is 2 today!! Happy Birthday Emma Grace!!!!!

Happy Tuesday everyone...

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I have updated this...and I was trying to figure out what to write about. And life has presented some things in which I can discuss. So here goes!

This week is SOL testing at my school. So for the past two weeks we have been preparing 600 computers to be ready for the students. Changing out keyboards, screens, reimaging..etc. Well all of our efforts were realized this Monday when the first test session began. There were a few problems...and stress levels were high for some people...but through it all, all of the computers were fine...and all of the problems were not as a result of any of the computers...so all of our work paid off! The best part about the testing window so far is what I was told from the administrative staff, "That we all appreciate everything you have done for us, and we realize all of the hard work and extra time you have put in...and the fact that your mood and the manner in which you have been responding to issues has been fabulous!" It's always nice to have someone recognize your efforts, and take the time out to share with you how much it means to them. :-)

Monday afternoon I was exhausted!!!! All I wanted to do was go home and take a nap. So I called my one student who I give lessons to...and rescheduled for another time...and that's exactly what I did. I went home...and was lying in bed by 4pm. I think I fell asleep and slept for about an hour...afternoon naps are quite simply the best! Now if it had been raining that would have been better...but it was good to just lay there and relax...and wrap up in the blankets and not have a care in the world. After my nap...I was invited to go for a walk at the park. Now given the fact that I have slacked a little in my efforts to get to the gym...I decided that that may be a good idea. So off to the park!! I didn't realize that to walk around the lake...is a little more than 4 miles. So when we got to the park it was around 630....well by the time we made it around the park..it was quite dark! But oh what a time. The sunset, the water, it was beautiful. Looking around and seeing and experiencing all that God has created. It was perfect!! It's amazing how so often we just walk on by, and don't take the time to stop and enjoy. Well Monday was all about enjoying His work!

And then came yesterday afternoon. Two of my friends and I have formed a Bible study group...and sometimes our schedules are quite difficult to coordinate...so we haven't met together in a while. Well, yesterday looked like the perfect opportunity to meet. So we all agreed to meet at 6pm for dinner and then we would study God's word after. Well, like any good plan...it kinda didn't happen that way.

I had made an appointment to talk with the Pastor at my church on Tuesday at 430. I wanted to get a Christian Male's perspective on life...and all of the challenges and wonderful things that i'm going through. Well as it turns out, he was on a conference call to Hong Kong, something to do with a joint project at the church, anyway our meeting was supposed to start at 430...and I think I walked in to actually talk around 5:15. Yikes!! But I didn't want to pass on this opportunity! So we talked for about an hour or so...sharing stories, and discussing life and how God is working in my life, and has been there all the time...pursuing me. As we wrapped up, and I was getting ready to leave...the Pastor asked me if I had considered being Baptized. I told him that I was baptized back in 1979...but that becuase I have come back to Christ and I'm "home" now, I actually had been thinking about that for a little while. So I asked him for a little more information about the process. So I got in the car and hurried to meet up with my friends for dinner, who had been waiting for me for 35 mins. I felt so bad...I am NEVER late!! Except this time. They were both very understanding, and were excited to hear about my meeting...I shared with them some of what took place...and then we enjoyed a very nice dinner. ( I had a salad...but didn't go to the gym)

As we left two of us hung around for a little while and kept talking. More about what the Pastor and I discussed. About what it means, and how I'm going to continue to live my life the way in which is honoring to God and what that might look like. The more we talked, the better I felt. To have someone to talk to, about God and my thoughts, my feelings, my hopes...in a society that doesn't jump to embrace those things, was very comforting.

As I sat at home last night, I was reflecting on my day...and the many conversations that I had. And I have come to two conclusions that I know are true:

1.) God is present in my life everyday, in everyway and is guiding me along my journey. Down the path in which He has layed before me...and will help me every step along the way.

2.) I can't and don't have to do this alone. That there are many people who He has put into my life to assist me in finding my way and living the life that was meant for me.

I am so excited for the next two months! To see the changes unravel and to see what He has planned. I can't wait for the summer, to be free to follow those dreams and to perhaps realize those hopes as truths...and to begin what I hope and see as the next step of my life. A more fullfilled life, a more connected life...a more God-ly life.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

So the past two weeks have been extremely stressful!! EXTREMELY!! Between planning events, studying for my exam and juggling life's surprises, I have managed to get through all of them...and come out on top!

Now, don't for a second believe that it's because of what I did. I had a lot of help along the way!! I'm so fortunate to have people in my life that are willing to step up when called upon to help me accomplish what it is I need to accomplish.

My mom is probably one of those people that NEVER seems to say no, when I need her the most! Knowing when to step in and offer to help, or to just do it without saying anything! The other day, I came home from an extremely stressful day, and unfortunately had a HUGE headache! Without saying a word, Mom stepped in and allowed me to "de-stress" and take some time to relax. She entertained the girls while I recovered from my headache. Mom if you are reading this, the sermon on Mother's day said it all! I love you, and am immensely proud that you are my mom...you have set the standard in which I aspire to reach as a parent. Thank you mom!

I have been studying for the past two weeks for an exam that honestly, I should have taken a little while ago...but as is the norm, life got in the way...but I did take the exam and I PASSED!! I probably didn't study as much as I should have, but my score reflected the way in which I studied. I only focused on the stuff that I knew, I didn't know. It worked!!

I had my cohort classes this week...and I had a lot on my plate for these classes. Thinking of questions to ask the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, planning for the joint session...and other things. Everything went extremely well. But the highlight for me, was some of my fellow cohort members stopped me during the day, or sent me an email, and said that the really enjoyed the opening of the meeting and all of the efforts that I had put into making everyone feel welcome through my photo presentation. I also received many compliments on my design that we used as the focus of our gift to the members. I really had a feeling of accomplishment. As I reflect, I have realized that I am uncomfortable responding to compliments. I get embarrassed when someone compliments me sometimes, but at the same time, I yearn for that acceptance and recognition. So I have decided that that is something I need to work on.

I have also reached out this week to the Pastor of the church that I attend. I have asked him to set some time aside for him and I to talk about life. Where I am, where I have been, where I want to be, and what I want in life. I look forward to that time when we can sit down and discuss how God has worked in my life, and is showing me today and everyday, that while I make mistakes and stumble along the way, He will continue to guide me and shine light on the path in which He has layed before me.

So looking back on the past few days/weeks...I MADE IT!! I have passed the exam, I have gotten through stress and personal set backs...and I have opened doors to the future. With friends, family and Him beside me the entire time, I know and can say today without a doubt in my mind; LIFE IS GOOD!! I am today Happy, and look forward to what life has in store for me.

Happy Thursday afternoon everyone!!!

So to steal a cliche' from Back to the Future, "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." - Thanks McFly!!

I had so many things to get ready for today...and I stayed up way to late...and couldn't fall asleep...and so 3 hrs of restless sleep...was all I got last night. I woke early (430am)!!!! and headed off to work to arrive hopefully no later than 530. Why you ask?? Well, a close friend of mine is having her birthday today!! Happy 25th MJ!! Anyway, in conversation amongst our group of friends, it came out that she had never had anyone make a "big deal" of her birthday. So...I did!!!

You know just a few balloons...a "happy birthday" banner...a picture of her teaching and framed...that sort of thing. And then a group of her girl friends took her out tonight to make her feel special. Well I think it worked...judging by her facial expressions...I think she had a great day!!


As I headed home this evening...which was 9pm...and NO I didn't get a nap or dinner tonight...I was feeling frustrated...with the amount of work I have to do tonight in order to be ready for my "big, responsible" day tomorrow. So much going on...and barely enough time to breath!! I came into the apt...plopped down on the couch and had a good little cry. I know, I know, "Guys aren't supposed to cry" - WHATEVER!!! I DID!!

Anyway, after I collected myself...I chatted with a friend who has always been there when I have been in need the most...and quickly I was reminded to "breathe" And then take it one step at a time...and prioritize what needed done. It's amazing how I'm so good at giving advice like that to my friends...but when it comes to me...sometimes, I can't see the forest for the trees. So I was able to breathe...and I finshed the bulk of my work for tonight...

So why am I blogging tonight when there is still work to be done?? Well that's easy! It can be summarized in one word: DEEB!! This is a man who has taught me so many things about life, love, understanding, listening to others, listening to myself...how to reflect and how to be introspective of myself in ways I did not know. He reminded me a month or two ago about the power of writing therapy. So here I am. I am having a therapy session with you, and you and you. I feel peaceful, while I write...no stress, no deadlines...no wordly distractions. It's just me and my thoughts, scary at times...but nonetheless...my thoughts.

So a thought that has been waying on my mind for a couple months now has been this: What's next? I have felt like something has been missing in my life. That I'm incomplete. Well, what's next? What is it that I'm missing...this morning...I realized what I'm missing..."the gift". You know that feeling of waking up in the morning and just knowing that someone is as excited to see you as you are to see them. Whether it be romantically, or friendly or collegially...that feeling is still there. I experienced that gift this morning for the first time in almost a year!!! That's what I've been missing. To do something for someone, without strings...without an agenda...just to do it because it should have been done so long ago. Because it was the right thing to do. Because it felt right! What a feeling.

SO......What's next? Well for me...it's grasping on to that feeling and holding on with both hands wrapped around it. It's being that person, who cares, who gives, who shares, who accepts. It's speaking the thoughts of the moment to the people who are around without fear of rejection or consequence. To give the gift of me...and to experience "the gift" in return. That's what is next.

So I am struggling with some thoughts today...I feel like sometimes, people judge me for who they think I am based on a title or group that I belong to or something like that. For example, as many of you know...I am going through a divorce, and yes there are people to blame for what happened...and part of that blame is mine...I feel like people hear the word "divorce" and conjure up this image of something that just isn't there.

John 7:24 - Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

As far as who's to blame...in this whole situation. Well with my therapist guiding me through my thoughts...I have come to realize that yes indeed I'm at fault as well. But I'm human, I made mistakes...not big ones. Not earth shattering, rip your heart out...betrayal...but i'm sure painful ones.

However, given what I've been through...I pray to one day be able to forgive what wrongs have been done to me.

Matthew 6:14-15 - If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I have also realized that probably one of the reasons that I am where I am now, is due to the lack of faith...or disconnect with Christ that I have had for a period of my life. I know some people find Christ early, and can say to Him, "Yes, I am a follower of you, you are my Lord and Savior." I also am smart enough to know that some people are never able to do that. Fortunately, for me I was able to see that there was a void in my life. Something that no matter what I had, a house, a car, a job, two kids, a wife...something wasn't right. Something was missing. I have had conversations with my mom as to what that is all about. And you know, it was that Christ was not in our lives. It didn't matter what I thought I had...without Him, it meant nothing.

And so, very openly and honestly...I took a chance. I allowed Him to speak to me. Unknowingly at first through, two friends at work. In talking with them, I heard something that sounded comforting...I saw something I liked, and I felt something that I hadn't in a long time. So I took a chance and swallowed my pride...and with Sam by my side, I walked humbly into FCC and asked for forgiveness. For guidance, for acceptance...for hope. And although it has taken me 29 yrs to allow Christ to fully enter my life...and to accept Him I am so glad that I did.

So here I am torn between what I know to be right...and what I understand is reality. I'm faced with people who by all accounts, are wonderful, loving, compassionate, hard working, understanding people in my life, yet they see me for what society tells them I must be. They see me as a failure...a failure at being a husband, possibly a dad, and possibly as a person. Christ teaches that we should forgive these people for judging without knowing. That through forgiveness, we too can be forgiven for our short-comings.

According to His teachings...Christians are to pursue Reconciliation, restoration, and forgiveness when faced with the possibility of divorce. I take solace in the fact that I did just that. I tried for months...doing all that I could, as an individual and as a couple. But when one person just doesn't want to be in that situation in any way...it's impossible and unreasonable to think that the other person can carry it.

I have done what I can...and now I am letting God do what He can. Which will be awesome! I have seen it already...bringing the people into my life that will be a part of my life in various ways. Whether it be as friends, colleagues, acquantances...or God-willing a companion for life's remaining journey. So my dilemma remains...what to do with the people who would not afford me the opportunity to be me...and to accept who I am for what I am?

As I sit here tonight, I pray for the answer...I pray for them to open their hearts and see me for who others see me...to accept me as others accept me...to understand and embrace who I was and now know I should be. I pray that my heart will open, and allow them into my thoughts and prayers...and knowing that not all will be able to be a part of my life...that the ones who should, will.

Above all, I pray that God's will be done. I have put my trust in the Lord...and he will deliver on that promise. I know he will.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13

~good night everyone

So they say, April showers bring May flowers right? Well May also brought me a couple other things this past weekend. My first hangover!! :( We'll get to that in a few minutes.

So Friday morning, I took off from work to spend with kiddos. They were going with their mom up to PA for a family event...so I didn't go into work until 11am...we played hide and seek, made pancakes...played games...and of course, watched Sleeping Beauty! It was a great time...and really put me in a great mood for what would be a fantastic weekend.

After coming to work...and doing some tasks for the day...I left and headed to find a dining room table. I was having company over on Saturday night for what we like to call "game night". So, I had meaning to purchase a nicer dining room table for a little while, and was now in the position to actually do it...now the only question was...Where do I buy it from? So after checking online...and looking in stores for a few hours...I basically was frustrated with not finding anything, but luckily I took a friend with me so it really wasn't a big deal...so to the Lacrosse game we went.

I need to say that I really don't understand Lacrosse. I mean, I watched a kid...run full on into another, who wasn't looking at all, and level him...no penalty. Then two minutes later, another kid got his stick tangled up with another kid...that kid fell down....and it's a penalty. Don't get it.

So we left the game and headed to dinner. Gotta love Steak 'n things. Great philly cheese steaks!!
A group of us all got tickets to South County's production of Fiddler on the Roof. The students did an amzing job...and although the show wasn't over until after 10pm...it was worth it. It's been a while since I've seen live theatre...almost 4 years. While sitting there in the audience, I remembered how much I loved being involved in theatre, and couldn't help but think of all the shows I have been a part of. To have the opportunity to be a part of a show again..would be great! I haven't been on stage in 10 years!! Wow, has it been that long? Amazing!!

On to Saturday. I headed off to Ikea to take a look at, and purchase hopefully, the table I found online the day before. Well I ended up getting there early...so I went in to Sam's club...to "look around." Well looking around isn't always the best thing for me. To make a long story short, I bought a 32" flat panel tv for the bedroom (awesome!!!) and then went to Ikea and bought the dining room table/chairs that I saw. Headed back to the house to put everything together...before the party goers got there. Luckily I had some help with putting the furniture together...and getting things set up for the night!!

Ran to the store...to pick up the FEW items, (the list was a page long) needed for preparing the food, and drinks for the night. Came back and started cooking!! Food for the night was a chicken and rice burrito...with a corn casserole...and blueberry cobbler for dessert! YUM!!!!!

As people started arriving, and we sat down to eat...we of course started drinking. Now this is were I probably got in trouble. I started with a few glasses of wine...which turned into a few more. Then we started playing games. The first game was, Disney's SceneIT. Great game...and no, not just because I won!! But let me just say, for being the only guy at the party...I beat three girls by not a small margin...but I'll attribute that to having kids...even though, the other part goers apparantly "studied" disney trivia the day before to get ready to crush me!! We then played a game I had never heard of...called Apples to Apples. Turns out I'm pretty good at that game too...it was a lot of fun!! Anyway, so we're playing...and while I'm still drinking wine, some cosmopolitians are being made and poured...and well, I had a couple. Probably where I made a mistake.

I remember parts of the night...like, being online..talking to Whitney....calling Patrick on my cell...not sure why? And then yes, I did end up dancing on my coffee table...and at one point I remember dancing like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof.

Fortunately I have great friends who would NEVER hold
any of this against me...or who would have taken pictures
to share with the rest of the world....


oh wait...here's one I was just sent this morning!! gotta love it!

But the best quote from the night was "I'm stuck between my body and pigs"
~ nice one Marissa :)

Anyway, that night was interesting on many levels...I ended up getting sick through the night 3 times...blah...don't miss those days from college. And the next morning I was hit with something I have never had to deal with before. A hangover!! Usually, in college, I was always able to roll out in the am, and was fine. Not this time!! I woke up with an extremely fragile stomach, and pounding head. The stomach thing left around 11am that morning...but the pounding head stayed with me and "comforted" me pretty much the entire day. Oh well, I guess what they say about it catching up to you when you get older is true. Just another gentle reminder that I'm almost 30.

So this morning when I woke up at 5am...it was nice to feel normal again...and ready for a what could be a great week!! A freind of mine is turning 25 on Thursday, so there should be some good times involved with that!

Well, that's all for now friends....Happy Monday!