Not a lot is happening

Hello all,

Well, it was another busy day at work for me. I am getting settled into being a member of the EMS team.

-Andy

Busy day at work

Hello all,

I am writing you from the comfort of my couch. Yep, the Royals game is delayed due to rain (again) and my kids are upstairs in bed. Let me tell you a little bit about my day. When I came into the office, I checked my email and replied to those questions I was asked. I was then pulled into a meeting at 8:30 that lasted 45 minutes. I returned to my desk to see that I had another meeting at 10:00 that would last until 11:00. After my 11:00 meeting, I ate my ham sandwich at my desk, but was called into another meeting at 11:30 that lasted to 12:30. It was in that meeting I was invited to a 1:30 meeting that would get me up to speed on the 2:00 meeting I would be attending. The 2:00 meeting lasted over an hour. Once it concluded, we all met to discuss the meeting (an extra 30 minutes or so). Now it was almost 4:00. I had not accomplished much on my task list and my day was almost over. So, here I sit at home knowing that everything I was suppose to accomplish today will be sitting there for me tomorrow. I'm sure tomorrow will have its own new challenges that will need to be addressed as well.

I guess this is the definition of multitasking...

-Andy

Tuesday morning rain

Hello all,

It seems that Kansas City is stuck in a pattern of rain again. It has rained five days in a row and my grass is growing more and more with each passing day. If I don't get out there soon, it will be as tall as my dog again.

-Andy

Memorial Day

Hello all,

Good morning! I just could not sleep in today. I was awake by 7:30 and was watching CNN's coverage of Memorial Day ceremonies from Washington DC while eating breakfast. As I listened to the speeches, I could not help but think of Omaha beach in Normandy. So many white crosses and stars of David lined up perfectly. So many men died to allow me the right to sit in my chair and enjoy this freedom. Thank you to all the veterans that left their homes to fight in distant lands to defend our way of life against those that would like to force us to think a certain way and follow a foreign doctrine.

On this day, I challenge each of you to think about all of the things you do in your every day life that you would not be able to do if under strict government oversight. Listening to the radio: you would not have the freedom of choice. Every song, topic and commercial would be screened and approved. I have seen it. I know what government sponsored television is like. You only get one side of the story. It may not even be based on facts. Think about freedom of learning. You have the intranet. You are using it right now to read this blog. Think about every search being monitored and rejected based on content.

Without knowledge, the masses would be fed whatever the government would like them to hear. The population would hate who the handlers said to hate. They would praise who they wanted praise. It would be a puppet show and each of us would be attached to strings.

So tonight before you lay your head down to sleep, please say a prayer of thanks for all the men and women that have held the flag and sworn to protect it against those that would like to revoke those freedoms we each take for granted.

Thank you all and good night.

-Andy

Sparse Sunday School

Hello all,

It is time for summer I guess. Our Senior High Sunday School class only had four people in it today. I'm sure many of them were out of town with their families. It is just a sign that our class will be much smaller for the next three months. I hope our students return are safe this weekend.

-Andy

Cleaning the house

Hello all,

This afternoon Jennifer and I tackled cleaning the house. It is amazing how many toys make their way downstairs in the course of a few weeks. We had trucks and games and dolls in every room on the main floor. After picking them up and running the vacuum, the house looks a lot better.

-Andy

Ocean Day

Hello all,

Today was Oak Wood Manor's Ocean Day. The kids were able to change into their swimming suits and go play in the sand and wading pools that were set up in the playground. Both Jennifer and I attended Ali's final event as a kindergartner. Zac came along to share in the event. The only problem was it was so cold. The weather did not cooperate at all. It was in the low 70's and overcast. Many of the kids were splashing in the water with their teeth chattering.

I hope you had fun Boo! You sure did look cold.

-Andy

Early to Bed

Hello all,

It is almost 10:00 PM and everyone is already in bed for the night. Zac was the first to drift off to sleep at 7:30. He really played hard all day and curled up on Jen's lap while watching the Royals game. He was snoring in short order. Ali was next to drift off at 8:30. Jennifer laid down at 9:00. I am sitting on my bed writing this thinking what to do with the remains of the night.

Good night,

-Andy

Doing laundry while watching TV

Hello all,

Have you ever just had one of those nights where things just flowed great? Tonight for dinner we had beef stroganoff and garlic toast. It didn't take long to fix and after dinner, we started to watch the American Idol finale and results shows on DVR. I slipped in and out of the family room to reload the washing machine and dryer while the show slowly reached the moment all of us were waiting to see. After it was over, Jen flipped the radio on to listen to the last inning of the Royals game. We won 11-7. Great Job Royals!

-Andy

Royals Game

Hello all,

Tonight was HOT DOG T-SHIRT night at the K. Ali and Zac really wanted to go to the game tonight and cheer on their favorite condiment in the 5th inning. Yesterday I stopped by the stadium and bought four tickets in section 114, row NN. The seats were great. We had a wonderful time. The crowd was great. T-shirts were twirled often as the Royals rallied to win the game in the 8th inning when David DeJesus was walked in to score the go-ahead run. What a great game.

The kids cheering as the final out was recorded -- they are great fans. They follow the game. They cheer loud for their favorite players. I am looking forward to taking our kids to many games in the future.

Good night,

-Andy

Monday Monday

Hello all,

Today is the first day in months that I have not had to rush home and take Ali to dance class. It was very nice to enjoy my drive home tonight and eat dinner as a family.

-Andy

My Birthday and Ali's Dance Recital

Hello all,

This morning both Jennifer and my confirmation classes have been confirmed. I am very proud of all of you. J.J., Alex, Jacob and Mike: you all were great students and I am happy to be your confirmation mentor.

This afternoon Ali had her dance practice and then recital. Here are some pictures.



I'll create more later...


This evening, I opened my cards from my family and called my mom and sisters to see how they were doing.

Good night,

-Andy

Back home

Hello all,

After a wonderful evening at Great Wolf Lodge, it is nice to be home and able to sleep in our own bed. We have not done a lot today except a few loads of laundry and general clean-up of the house. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. We have confirmation in the morning and Ali's Dance recital in the afternoon. NOT to mention the most important part: MY BIRTHDAY!

-Andy

Great round of Golf at Tiffany Springs

Hello all,

Wow, what a great morning to golf! The teams were Jon and I vs. David and Jennifer at Tiffany Greens Golf Club. We teed off at 8:45. Every one's ball was in the fairway. Jennifer hit a nice tee shot and almost out drove David and I from the ladies tee. Jon and I jumped out to an early lead on the front nine. David and Jennifer were doing great, but Jon and I kept making pars. We had our first beer on the 14th tee. We were almost done and I was getting thirsty. Jon and I finished at even par 72. Thank you Jon. It was a lot of fun golfing with you.

This evening, we were at Great Wolf Lodge for a night of fun at the indoor water park. Ali and Zac enjoyed going down the red and blue slides in the kiddie pool. Ali became more adventurous as the night went on. She was soon going down the bigger slides by herself. I am proud of you Boo!

David and Susie joined Diane and my mom at Outback steakhouse for dinner. We all had a great meal and enjoyed each other's company.

Good night!

-Andy

MY FRIDAY

Hello all,

It is so nice to have this be my last day of this week. I am taking a vacation day tomorrow to play golf with my wife, her brother David and a friend Jon. It is going to be Jon and I vs. David and Jennifer. The battle will soon be waged on the Tiffany Springs golf course. Good luck to all.

-Andy

More finger follow-up

Hello all,

Today I received a call from ARAMARK's risk management division. Wow, it is only a small cut. I would hate to think how they would react if I had really hurt myself. At least I am not making too big of deal about it. I know it was an accident. The manager said my next meal is his treat. I think that is very nice of him, but not necessary.

-Andy

Cut my finger

Hello all,

How stupid can you be to cut your finger while gathering items from a salad bar? Well, I am that stupid. I was reaching for the spoon in the peas when my finger grazed the side of the metal container. I did not pay much attention to it because it did not hurt. It was not until I went to pay for my salad that I realized I was bleeding. That is when it went a little crazy. I had to give a statement to the cafeteria manager about where I was and how it happened. I then had to disinfect my finger under supervision and only then could I put a band-aid on my cut. I was called later this afternoon by the manager to follow-up with me and see if I was feeling OK. I'm starting to think they are making too much out of this.

-Andy

Signing Zac up for gymnastics

Hello all,

Today Jennifer and I signed Zac up for his first organized youth activity, gymnastics. As you know, Zac is very outgoing and has shown an aptitude for tumbling at home. We thought this would be a great activity to channel his energy and have success. I hope that you like it Zac.

-Andy

Happy Mother's Day

Hello all,

Happy Mother's Day Jennifer, Diane and mom! I hope that you all are having a great day today. The weather is wonderful for your special day. Our family went out for lunch with the Reno family as well as Diane at Abuelo's in Zona Rosa. After lunch, we took Diane back to her house and returned home to allow the kids to play for a while in the newly mowed back yard. Later in the evening, Jennifer and I watched The Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith. It is a good movie with an uplifting message. I recommend renting it.

-Andy

Mowing the yard

Hello all,

Today I finished mowing the back yard. It was over eight inches tall in places from all of the rain we received this week! I bagged the entire thing. I can't tell you how happy I am to finally be done with it. I will NEVER allow it to get this tall again.

-Andy

NEW AC

Hello all,

I am working from home today to allow CLA-CO Heating and Cooling to install our new furnace and AC. They were here for almost 6 hours putting the new system in and testing it. The cool air started to blow around 5:30 this evening. Jennifer and I are very pleased to have the air cooled and the allergens filtered out.

-Andy

Royals Game

Hello all,

Today I went to my first Deb Wheeler team outing. We all went to the Royals game. Before the game we tailgated in the parking lot and socialized. As we ate hamburgers and hot dogs, we shared a little bit about ourselves. It was a lot of fun to see my teammates in a social setting. I greatly enjoyed it.

I wish the game would have been as much fun as the conversation. the Royals were smashed 17-3 by the Oakland A's. Oh well, maybe the road will be better.

-Andy

Small Fuel Leak, Diane's surgery

Hello all,

It seems that our van has a small fuel leak somewhere and the shop can't find it. They are ordering some dye that should allow it to be spotted. At least I know that Jennifer and I are not crazy.

On a different note, Diane had knee surgery today. Jennifer took her to the hospital and has been checking on her from time to time today. I hope you start feeling better soon Diane.

-Andy

No Van

Hello all,

Yet another day has passed without Jennifer having a van. I am running the kids to Lisa's and then her to work. I finally get on the road by 7:30 and make it to work by 8:20. I do not like getting to work that late.

-Andy

Check Engine Light, again

Hello all,

Jennifer and I are tired of this dance. Every two weeks the Van's Service Engine Soon light comes on. We dropped it off last night at Randy Reed. I'm hoping that Lyle calls me today with news that they have finally found the problem. I'll keep you posted.

-Andy

Looking really wet out there today

Hello all,

Today Jennifer, Ali, Zac and I went to the Royals game with David and Marcy Reno. It was kids Koala bear day at the K. We were lucky to have seats under the overhang. It rained on and off for most of the day. We left in the 7th inning due to being cold and wet.

Good night,

-Andy

Another Good Spa

Hello all,

Just a quick note to say that Jennifer and I had another good spa tonight. We have a couple of customers that are thinking about signing up to do the business with us, which is great news.

The air conditioner is still not in yet. We are waiting for the check to come from the bank to get the process started. I was hoping that it would come in the mail today, but it did not. Maybe Monday will be better!

-Andy

Its Friday!

Hello all,

I am preparing for a SODS overview for my LTEM contact today. I hope that everything goes well as it will be my third attempt at getting this information conveyed to this team.

-Andy

Great day at work

Hello all,

I felt productive today on my new team today. I was able to help diagnose a problem and work with the vendor to get a solution. I'm feeling better about my role on the new team.

-Andy

More Rain

Hello all,

It is raining more today. The air is very humid and it feels like an early summer day. I was hoping Spring would last longer than two weeks. It is hard sitting at home with the windows open and knowing that it is affecting my family. I wish I could get the air conditioner installed today. I hope that it will be installed early next week.

-Andy

Rain

Hello all,

It is a good thing I mowed the yard yesterday. It has been raining on and off all day long. Since the house does not have any way to filter out the allergens, it is really hard on Jen and the kids. Both Ali and Zac have the sniffles and Jen is battling a sinus headache.

-Andy