How Behind Can I Possibly Get You Ask?
-- 21 May 2007 [Monday]
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Busy finishing up AutoRecruiter WP! Yeah! Now I just hope it works without issues. Nothing else major. Can't wait to transition back to CR team. Hope it goes quick.
-- 20 May 2007 [Sunday]
A very nice day. 82F and sunny today. We got a slow start, but then Amanda wanted to attempt to rent a row boat again at Bond Park. This time it went great!!!!!! I was so excited that Keegan and Carson didn't fuss about putting their life preserver on. They got right in the boat and Ian cried while we strapped it on, but I picked him up and he was fine with it. This was my first time ever in a row boat. I rowed us out with Amanda's guidance on how to turn, row, etc. :) It was fun once I got the hang of it. Windy day so I rowed out and she rowed back in with the wind. Great fun and the kids can't wait to do it again. We rented it for one hour - only $3. Next time we'll do two hours and bring our fishing poles with and some snacks and drinks. They are so excited as are Amanda and I !!! We'll try a paddle boat to, easier to manuever, but no moving around space, but we want the kids to experience it.
We got home and I got out the Slip-N-Slide as I promised them if they tried the rowboat. They all had fun on it, especially Keegan. Ian fell after 2x and didn't want to go back again. Gina came over and sat in the grass while they played on it. Carson had trouble getting the hang of when to slide, but he finally got comfortable with me pushing him down it and he had a blast as well.
We had a great dinner of crab cakes on the deck then and went on a nice bicycle ride. Keegan road a LONG way with no training wheels. I think he is actually done with the use of training wheels! I'm so proud of him. He's getting better and better about starting off by himself as well from a dead stop! He even tried riding on the grass a bit on the way home. So fun to watch. Carson is anxious to learn it as well, but we'll give him one more year so he gets a bit bigger. No need to rush it.
Got home and kids went to bed. We saw Jim outside using his telescope and Amanda and I went out and saw the rings around Saturn!!! Just amazing to me. Unbelievably clear to see. It was small but you could for sure see a ring around it!
-- 19 May 2007 [Saturday]
We went to the Target in Apex today to return a couple of duplicate birthday gifts that Keegan got and he got to pick out a new present. He got a Lightening McQueen race track type thing. Amanda and I think he'll bore of it quickly, but he was really stuck on it, so it's OK. I picked up a Lightening McQueen 'bop' bag for $4. it's a 4' tall blow up thing with sand at the bottom that you hit and it s-l-o-w-l-y bounces back. The kids loved it!!!! It really got a lot of their agression out I could tell. Best $4 I've spent in a long time! We then went to the Apex dump to get rid of the hazardous household waste that's been pilling up in the garage which felt great. We then grabbed a few burgers from Burger King and stopped at the 'fort' park in Apex where the kids played for a good hour or two. We watched a lot of some girls baseball game (while we ate) that Keegan really enjoyed (as did I). The weather was great - about 78F and sunny. Then the kids played in the park area and we headed home. Stopped off at the Goodwill store on the way home to get rid of 1 last box from our garage sale long ago.
-- 18 May 2007 [Friday]
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Super busy day at work with AutoRecruiter as mentioned yesterday. Day flew by and I got a lot accomplished.
-- 17 May 2007 [Thursday]
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Approached Rebecca at work today about transfering back to my original team. Looks like it will be a possibility, but I won't get my hopes up until it actually happens. I'm swamped at work with the Java AutoRecruiter WP224 that I need to get done by Monday next week.
-- 16 May 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home as usual. Amanda didn't have to go in until 1pm as they have hired a replace front desk lady at Dr. Dunsmoor's and she's come up to speed very quickly.
-- 15 May 2007 [Tuesday]
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Suprisingly I wasn't very tired after having gone to bed so late last night. It will probably hit me tonight around 9pm.
-- 14 May 2007 [Monday]
First day back at work after vacation. Don't want to be here. Keegan's on track out now for 3 1/2 more weeks. Wish we could all still be at the beach! We hung outside after dinner and talked with Jim and Gina while the kids played around. Really nice out and no bugs! I watched a wierd movie called 'Karla' on the Netflix - movies on demand service. It actually worked very good. I was just going to test it out, but got hooked on the movie and didn't get to bed until 1:30am! Yikes.
-- 13 May 2007 [Sunday]
Drove back from Myrtle Beach. Of course we were up early, ate, packed up, brought some stuff to the truck and then went swimming and played minature golf until about 1:30pm when we all finally had enough. Changed in the pool bathrooms outside and then stopped at Denny's for a late lunch. Everyone ate really well (all breakfast items) since we had such a small breakfast this morning in the hotel room. Left around 2:30pm for the drive home. Carson slept the entire way home until we hit Cary Parkway. Ian slept most of it. Keegan first watched 'Polar Express' and then finally fell asleep for just a little bit before we got home. Kids played outside a bit while we unloaded and then stayed inside. I think they had had enough of the outside activities! :) We made it home in just 3 hours - no speeding, but it was fast because we didn't stop once for food or breaks since they were mostly sleeping and exhausted from the vacation. Very nice ride. I was super tired from not having slept well the night before though. So glad to be away from the Harley bike noise. Our bed felt wonderful and the peaceful crickets outside at night were a blessing! You don't realize how nice the quiet is until you are bombarded with constant noise for 4 days.
-- 10 - 12 May 2007 [Thursday - Saturday]
Went to Myrtle Beach. Was a perfect trip. Just great weather, no rain. Played a ton of minature golf and swam in just about every pool there. They had completed the new mini-golf and pool area by the parking deck where we spent most of our time as it was unused by most people. Only drawback was it was next to the street which wouldn't have been bad, except it was the start of Harley Bike Week, which I didn't know about when I booked our trip. It turned out to be fun anyway, and the kids enjoyed looking at the bikes. We caught a parade on Saturday on our walk back from a huge egg and pancacke breakfast. Great Fun. Friday night we ate at the Nascar Cafe by the boardwalk. Neat place and the kids all ate well and enjoyed looking at all the cars hanging from the ceiling. Our room was the nicest yet there. Right on the 4th floor and very modern decorations with a nice mini bar, fridge, counter, sink. So we ate almost all breakfasts and lunches in the hotel. Ordered out pizza one night and at in the room which was a lot of fun. Only bad part was sleeping. I forgot the blow up air matress so we kept playing musical beds trying to find a good combination, but nothing worked. I think very soon as the boys grow bigger we'll have to rent two rooms, or pay for another bed to brought in! :) Between that and the loud Harleys, those were the only two drawbacks all trip. Great time.
-- 7 - 9 May 2007 [Monday - Wednesday]
Can't recall anything out of the ordinary. Worked from home on Wednesday as usual. This was Keegan's last day before track out started, and I got to drop him off and pick him up at the bus stop as well which was nice.
-- 6 May 2007 [Sunday]
What a day! Today was the Raleigh Ride-For-Kids charity event that I have done for the past 3 years now. But this year was to be different! I rode the 2002 Ural BC 750 I have this time. And it just didn't seem to be running good for the past 2-3 weeks. It was running rough when warm, and would be hard to start once warm as well and would want to die when I came to a stop. And it figures that this year would be the year I finally got a chance to ride a child!!! But I knew something wasn't right, so I had them put the child in Dwights rig to be safe. This would turn out to be a great call! Amanda and the kids came out to see me off. This year it left from Jordan Lake. Just a beautiful place. Gorgeous. About 20 minutes into the ride after leaving, I slowed to make a right turn and the bike died and would not restart. I coasted to the side of the road, where I still could not get it started. I let the huge line of bikes passed and declined the trailer thinking it just had to cool down and would restart like it has the past couple of weeks. Well it was really hard to get going this time, and I made a near full throttle U-turn, and it died about 100 yards later. Got it started again and about 1 mile down the road I started losing power. I looked down and the right header pipe was bright orange and OUT of the cylinder head!!!! Yikes! I immediately shut it down and coasted to the side of the road knowing I needed to be trailered home. Pushed the bike to a flat spot and waited for it too cool down. Checked what I could and borrowed some passing bicyclists phone to call Amanda. To keep a long story short, finally after sitting on the side of the road for 4 1/2 hours, Amanda borrowed Todd's trailer and was able to come rescue me! Luckily it was a gorgeous day and breezy so no bugs. Just wish I had some shade and a book. Met some people that stopped. Walked into a home across the street where an old couple lived as I wanted to call Amanda for the 3rd time to try to catch her at home (she had been waiting at Jordan Lake to see all the bikes come back and I didn't show. Then she knew I broke down, but she just didn't know where, so she headed home). Talked to a couple of police officers that stopped. It was a long day....but an adventure I won't soon forget. Turns out that my ignition interupter broke into two pieces. Common problem I've heard, but dumb me didn't keep the spare - which I had (and didn't realize) - in the trunk. If I would have checked up on it as soon as the bike started behaving wierd weeks ago, this all could have been avoided. Now I have to pull the cylinder head off to be sure I didn't damage any internal parts (valve, valve seat) I've been told. Ugh. Live and learn. If it weren't for the kids loving to go on rides, the Ural would be sold. But I just can't. And besides I'm learning so much on this and knew that ownership of this bike would be like this! :)
-- 5 May 2007 [Saturday]
Eric and Denise stopped over in the afternoon. Was really nice to see them again. They stayed quite awhile and the kids had a good time playing inside together. Collin loved all the 'new' toys at our house and the drawers and doors to open everywhere. I think Eric was getting tired of chasing him around by the end of it all.
-- 3 & 4 May 2007 [Thursday and Friday]
Can't recall what happened. I know I worked both days though.
-- 2 May 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home. Was very hot today - 92F. Tomorrow and the next few days are suppose to be cool again thank goodness!
-- 1 May 2007 [Tuesday]
Normal boring day at work. Rode the bike into work again. 90F today, but I haven't been outside since this morning. Sure it will feel hot on the way home. Amanda has a dinner appt. at 5:30pm today with the dental office people, so listen to some drug rep spiel. Nice for her to get out and have a nice dinner away from the kids. Filled up with 93 premium gas on the way in, at my local cheap place and it was $3.12 a gallon. Should easily hit $3.50 by summer, maybe even more. I keep thinking of selling one or both of my bikes to get something different - mainly smaller. The Guzzi is nice, but feels and is so big and heavy for the type of riding I do. I'm just so unsure what to replace it with, that is my problem! Something in the 650-700cc range is most likely. Thinking an SV650, or VStrom 650, or maybe a GS650.... who knows.
-- 30 April 2007 [Monday]
First full day back at work in almost two weeks! Feels like I have been gone a month. Hard to get started in the morning, but eventually got going in the afternoon. Wish I was back at home or traveling somewhere instead.
Keegan had his yearly checkup today and all went well Amanda said. He did great and passed hearing, seeing, height, weight, etc.
After dinner we played outside and Alex and TJ, Dawn and Todd came out and visited. Really nice to see all the kids playing together, running around, laughing, screaming, etc, while the parents talked. We stayed out until 8:15pm, which was great as usually Dawn calls her kids in around 7:30pm. I think she saw them having such a good time she let them be finally.
-- 24 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Didn't sleep good. Pillow was very hard and much too 'high', so my neck felt like it was at 90 degrees the whole night. Had a mango type drink and oatmeal raisin cookies in the gift shop and our driver picked us up at 8:30am. Softtek was nice and it was great to finally meet all the people and see where they actually work!
We were brought back to the hotel at 5pm and then picked up again for dinner 6:45. We went to La Catarina (ladybug). Very fancy place and food was excellent. The sauces are what made the dishes. Very good. We tried crickets! Yes, the kind you find in the grass. Not to my liking but had to try it. We at least didn't order 'worms' - which is also another traditional Mexican appetizer. I'll never eat crickets again, that is for sure. :) Fernando, the operations mgr for the whole site took us out. Our driver actually waiting in the parking lot 2+ hours until we came out and then brought us back to our hotel. Very nice guy.
-- 23 April 2007 [Monday]
Kiersten picked me up at 6pm and we headed to the airport for Monterrey, Mexico. Day went ok. Connected thru Houston on Continental airlines. Both flights out were on small 50 seater turbine planes. I couldn't even stand up straight. Glad to be off of those things! Hotel was very nice - much nicer than I expected it to be. Ended up getting to Monterrey by 2pm local I think it was. A couple of the Softtek folks met us at the hotel and then we walked a good ways to a local place for dinner. Food was ok, but the atmosphere was excellent. I had 'Suckling Pig'. It was good, but nothing different pork wise than I can find in North Carolina. I should have stuck with enchalada's or something. Salsa was good (as it was at every meal this whole week). Nice to walk thru the town and look at all the buildings, fountains, churches, etc. We got back to the hotel around 9pm I think it was.
-- 22 April 2007 [Sunday]
Headed back home early as Keegan's birthday party is at 4pm today. Got back by 1pm, unpacked and got ready for the birthday party. We got to the YMCA a bit early to setup only to be told the toddler pool was closed!!!! I was beside myself with anger that no one had notified us. After talking with the Director, etc. they did what they could and gave us a roped off spot in the big pool (4ft section) and provided us with a lifeguard that teaches the swimming actually. The kids did great adapting. Finally got Keegan and Carson in the pool with the floaties on their back and they loved it! In the end it worked out great and the kids had a great time. They also allowed us to put toys in the pool which helped, and the instructor in the water with me was nice and gave them some games to play and helped them the whole time. Just added a lot of stress to encounter that after the funernal and me still needing to pack for Monterrey.
Got home, got the kids settled and I finally repacked for Monterrey, Mexico as Kiersten was picking me up at 6am the next morning.
-- 21 April 2007 [Saturday]
Went to the funeral house today for visitation get together. Only two hours and the kids did a great job again. It was really cool seeing the slideshow that Renee put together. Some very old pictures in there that recalled some memories I had and others I didn't know about. Really good job. Nice funeral home and they had a small room in the back for the kids to play and watch video's which was great. Went back to Micks afterwards for appertizers and more talking with all the people. Full house - probably 30-40 people I would estimate. We eventually left around dinner time so the kids could unwind in the pool and my dad came back with Mac and Diane later at night. My mom actually came back too to swim in the pool a bit and visit with Mac and Diane so it all worked out good. Pool sure was cold though, even though they advertised it as 'heated' it sure wasn't.
-- 20 April 2007 [Friday]
Drove up to Williamsburg for Carl's funeral. Got there around Noon and was able to check into one of our rooms. Nice hotel. Went to Wendy's to eat some quick lunch, then back to hotel to change into our dress clothes and over to Micks. Followed everyone to the chapel in Colonial Williamsburg. Kids did absolutely excellent during the service!!! I was so proud of them I can't even tell you!! Then we went to a nice place for a dinner/conversation. Great food and a good time rehasing memories of Carl. Went back to the hotel and swam a bit so the kids could unwind. Hotel was full of schools groups. Eventually they came to the pool and it became too loud and crowded so we left. But we had swam a couple of hours already at that point so it all worked out good. Kids just did excellent today and I am so proud of them!!
-- 19 April 2007 [Thursday]
Can't recall. Did erands before leaving for Micks I think.
-- 18 April 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked just a 1/2 day in the morning to catch up on emails and get things settled before all this time off.
-- 15 -17 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Can't recall anything a month later when I look back to fill in the blanks I have. Sorry.
-- 14 April 2007 [Saturday]
Had the garage sale. We didn't do too well compared to others. I think we cleared $110 or something close to that. A lot of the bigger baby items (Crib, pack-n-play), etc. didn't sell so Amanda is going to post those on CraigsList. Felt good to be done with this as our next two weeks are so busy with the funeral and my trip to Monterrey, Mexico for work.
-- 13 April 2007 [Friday]
Worked as usual. Crazy day trying to find a hotel for next week for wake/funeral for Dad and us. Found one (Days Inn). Went to Walmart at lunch. Stopping at BJ's on the way home. Garage sale is tomorrow.
-- 12 April 2007 [Thursday]
Found out Carl passed away at Noon when my mom called tonight. back hurts bad still.
-- 11 April 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home today as usual. Amanda worked all day at the front desk as she is still filling in until Dr. Dunsmoor can hire someone. We just wish Amanda had more hygiene patients as it pays a bit better and she enjoys it more.
Very crummy outside today...rainy and cloudy all day with temps in the low 50's, but tomorrow is shaping up to be very nice finally!
We'll have some leftovers for dinner tonight and then give the kids a bath.
-- 10 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Normal day, nothing out of the ordinary. Went to work and came home. Amanda went into work, but only for about 1 hour. After dinner while she left for work, I took the kids to the YMCA on a bike ride. We came home just at dark and Amanda was already home waiting for us.
After the kids fell asleep, I helped Amanda get more stuff out for our garage sale this Saturday. it's the best feeling ever to me to get rid of things in the house. I got rid of a lot of clothes and a few more books. Slowly but surely we are getting down to what we really use and not just want to keep.
-- 09 April 2007 [Monday]
Can't recall anything out of the ordinary from this day. I worked and Amanda went to work at night.
-- 08 April 2007 [Sunday]
Easter Sunday. Kids woke up and had a terrific time! Ian did so good collecting eggs!!!! He's really growing up. It was so cute to see him holding all the eggs under his chin and in his arms as we always hide the kids easter baskets. We also hid eggs upstairs this year so when they woke up they were so excited!!! "Dad, Mom, the Easter bunny was in our room! "
We then ate some breakfast and colored Easter eggs later. They had a great time doing that - their hands were so stained I didn't think it would come out for days, but during bath at night it actually all went away. The kids got some new coloring pencils/crayons which are really nice and 'smooth' and they drew for a long time with those.
-- 07 April 2007 [Saturday]
Carson has a birthday party at Impact Athletics for one of his classmates today. Amanda is going to take him to this one since I got to take him to the last one.
He had a great time and Keegan goes to this same place next Saturday for a birthday party which I will take him too.
Eric and Denise stopped over!!!! We have not seen them in 1 YEAR! They are now officially back in NC (well Denise is) - Eric leaves on Monday to fly out one last time and drive the dog, cat and one car back. Then he's back for good. The kids really enjoyed having them over and seeing Collin too. We all had a great time. They left around 6pm as we went to the YMCA for an evening Easter Egg hunt. It was freezing cold outside with the wind, but the kids still had fun. Poor Carson got leveled on the '2nd running' - a 1st or 2nd grade kid collied direct with Carson and Carson went full in the air and was then laid flat out on the ground. His basket and eggs went flying and the other kids came over to take all his eggs, but I adverted that, got him back on his feet - looking a bit dazed, but no crying - and he took off. He said he was fine and just wanted to run again! It was actually funny in a way and sad too, but luckily no one got hurt. Carson found one of the special eggs on that trip, which entitled him to a special price (a pull behind small wooden bunny), so we tell him that was God's way of looking out for him after he saw him get run over.
After the kids went to bed we hid all the Easter eggs (Amanda had to run to the store first to buy some candy). That took about an hour trying to match up the plastic shells from our storage bag. I always hate that part and wish the eggs pieces were connected to each other.
-- 06 April 2007 [Friday]
I had a PTO day today from work as the kids had today off for the easter holiday and I want to bring down my vacation hours, so it was a good time I figured. Too bad it's going to be cold outside.
-- 05 April 2007 [Thursday]
Normal work day. Gave my passport and credit info to the receptionist to book our Mexico tickets. Hope we get a nice hotel at least! We have a $50 per day diem which is great! I'll be sure to use all of that! :)
Amanda dropped off her resume at a new dental office near the house. She is getting tired of Dr. Dunsmoor and I don't blame her. She is applying for full-time, so maybe I'll be able to stay home as I've wanted before the kids get too old! Insurance is the only kicker and scares me.
-- 04 April 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home as usual. When Amanda got home from work, I took Keegan out on his 'special time' with me. We went to the bowling alley, but they had leagues again so he just played some games and cashed in his tickets for a small stuffed duck which he really seems to like. We then tried to figure out where to eat. I wanted to go to a nice sit down restaurant, but he wanted pancackes for that, and of course none of those restaurants were close enough, so we ended up at what else, Wendy's. He and I ate good and had a small ice cream treat at the end that he was even too full to finish! WOW! :)
The wind really started to pick up outside as the cold front moves in for the next few days. I sure hope our newly planted grass is going to be ok.
-- 03 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Normal day at work. Went to mexican restaurant for lunch with John Littlejohn. I ate too much as usual, but I haven't been there in at least a month.
Very nice day out in the 80's today and sunny. Amanda has to work tonight. I finally booked a room for us at The Landmark resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. So the kids will be excited to hear about that tonight. We are going May 10 - 13th. Keegans last day before track out is May 9th, thus the dates. It also was the last weekend, before the resort starts requiring a minimum 5 night stay for the upcoming tourist season. Not too bad for 4 days/3 night, $277 total including all fees and taxes. It's the same hotel we have stayed at countless times before.
Found out that I am going to Montery, Mexico for work for a week! April 23rd - April 27th. Going with three other work people. Will be a nice break from normal work routine, but I worry about Amanda and the kids and will miss them terribly! I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures as I'll have my laptop with so I can download the camera card often.
-- 02 April 2007 [Monday]
I worked in the morning, and then left for the day at Noon. Took PTO for the other half. Amanda had to work during the day.
Ian and Alex came over for a playdate with Carson and Ian from 10am till Noon. The kids enjoyed it.
I met Keegan at school for lunch which was a nice suprise for him. Brought Carson and Ian along. They did great. Keegan choose to take Dylan outside as his 'friend'. Carson brought along the lizard he caught, which was a big hit at the table (and some other kids noticed it as well). Funny to see him take his pet carrier inside the school as we waited, then walk thru the lunchroom and finally outside.
Keegan had a meltdown at night - along with me. His allergies are bothering him so bad because of the pollen, that I tried to force some Benadryl down him after bathtime. He kicked, screamed and spit it back out. I lost my temper and put him into his bed and turned off the light after yelling at him. Ian and Carson layed down in our room to further punish Keegan. After about 20 minutes we talked it thru and appoligized to each other. I felt really bad about it the rest of the night and even some the next day. He's just so stubborn and won't try things it drives me nuts. But I recall at a young age having a hard time swallowing pills, and how hard my dad was on me about it. I should recall that and vow to be different, but it's hard.
-- 01 April 2007 [Sunday]
Hmmm, not sure what happened here...........shucks forgot again! Aggghhhhh!
-- 31 March 2007 [Saturday]
We went to Bond Park in the morning to go fishing. Dumb Dad forgot to bring the chicken livers with. Left them sitting in the sink!!! Agh. So I bought a hot dog for $2 from the hot dog lady, but that didn't work well. No bites, but a huge turtle was very interested and kept swimming to get our casts so all-in-all it was no good. We then ate lunch on the nice new deck they have and we're going to rent a row boat to
-- 27 - 30 March [Tuesday - Friday]
Hmmm, not sure what happened here...........shucks forgot again! Aggghhhhh!
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Busy finishing up AutoRecruiter WP! Yeah! Now I just hope it works without issues. Nothing else major. Can't wait to transition back to CR team. Hope it goes quick.
-- 20 May 2007 [Sunday]
A very nice day. 82F and sunny today. We got a slow start, but then Amanda wanted to attempt to rent a row boat again at Bond Park. This time it went great!!!!!! I was so excited that Keegan and Carson didn't fuss about putting their life preserver on. They got right in the boat and Ian cried while we strapped it on, but I picked him up and he was fine with it. This was my first time ever in a row boat. I rowed us out with Amanda's guidance on how to turn, row, etc. :) It was fun once I got the hang of it. Windy day so I rowed out and she rowed back in with the wind. Great fun and the kids can't wait to do it again. We rented it for one hour - only $3. Next time we'll do two hours and bring our fishing poles with and some snacks and drinks. They are so excited as are Amanda and I !!! We'll try a paddle boat to, easier to manuever, but no moving around space, but we want the kids to experience it.
We got home and I got out the Slip-N-Slide as I promised them if they tried the rowboat. They all had fun on it, especially Keegan. Ian fell after 2x and didn't want to go back again. Gina came over and sat in the grass while they played on it. Carson had trouble getting the hang of when to slide, but he finally got comfortable with me pushing him down it and he had a blast as well.
We had a great dinner of crab cakes on the deck then and went on a nice bicycle ride. Keegan road a LONG way with no training wheels. I think he is actually done with the use of training wheels! I'm so proud of him. He's getting better and better about starting off by himself as well from a dead stop! He even tried riding on the grass a bit on the way home. So fun to watch. Carson is anxious to learn it as well, but we'll give him one more year so he gets a bit bigger. No need to rush it.
Got home and kids went to bed. We saw Jim outside using his telescope and Amanda and I went out and saw the rings around Saturn!!! Just amazing to me. Unbelievably clear to see. It was small but you could for sure see a ring around it!
-- 19 May 2007 [Saturday]
We went to the Target in Apex today to return a couple of duplicate birthday gifts that Keegan got and he got to pick out a new present. He got a Lightening McQueen race track type thing. Amanda and I think he'll bore of it quickly, but he was really stuck on it, so it's OK. I picked up a Lightening McQueen 'bop' bag for $4. it's a 4' tall blow up thing with sand at the bottom that you hit and it s-l-o-w-l-y bounces back. The kids loved it!!!! It really got a lot of their agression out I could tell. Best $4 I've spent in a long time! We then went to the Apex dump to get rid of the hazardous household waste that's been pilling up in the garage which felt great. We then grabbed a few burgers from Burger King and stopped at the 'fort' park in Apex where the kids played for a good hour or two. We watched a lot of some girls baseball game (while we ate) that Keegan really enjoyed (as did I). The weather was great - about 78F and sunny. Then the kids played in the park area and we headed home. Stopped off at the Goodwill store on the way home to get rid of 1 last box from our garage sale long ago.
-- 18 May 2007 [Friday]
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Super busy day at work with AutoRecruiter as mentioned yesterday. Day flew by and I got a lot accomplished.
-- 17 May 2007 [Thursday]
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Approached Rebecca at work today about transfering back to my original team. Looks like it will be a possibility, but I won't get my hopes up until it actually happens. I'm swamped at work with the Java AutoRecruiter WP224 that I need to get done by Monday next week.
-- 16 May 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home as usual. Amanda didn't have to go in until 1pm as they have hired a replace front desk lady at Dr. Dunsmoor's and she's come up to speed very quickly.
-- 15 May 2007 [Tuesday]
Rode the motorcycle into work today. Suprisingly I wasn't very tired after having gone to bed so late last night. It will probably hit me tonight around 9pm.
-- 14 May 2007 [Monday]
First day back at work after vacation. Don't want to be here. Keegan's on track out now for 3 1/2 more weeks. Wish we could all still be at the beach! We hung outside after dinner and talked with Jim and Gina while the kids played around. Really nice out and no bugs! I watched a wierd movie called 'Karla' on the Netflix - movies on demand service. It actually worked very good. I was just going to test it out, but got hooked on the movie and didn't get to bed until 1:30am! Yikes.
-- 13 May 2007 [Sunday]
Drove back from Myrtle Beach. Of course we were up early, ate, packed up, brought some stuff to the truck and then went swimming and played minature golf until about 1:30pm when we all finally had enough. Changed in the pool bathrooms outside and then stopped at Denny's for a late lunch. Everyone ate really well (all breakfast items) since we had such a small breakfast this morning in the hotel room. Left around 2:30pm for the drive home. Carson slept the entire way home until we hit Cary Parkway. Ian slept most of it. Keegan first watched 'Polar Express' and then finally fell asleep for just a little bit before we got home. Kids played outside a bit while we unloaded and then stayed inside. I think they had had enough of the outside activities! :) We made it home in just 3 hours - no speeding, but it was fast because we didn't stop once for food or breaks since they were mostly sleeping and exhausted from the vacation. Very nice ride. I was super tired from not having slept well the night before though. So glad to be away from the Harley bike noise. Our bed felt wonderful and the peaceful crickets outside at night were a blessing! You don't realize how nice the quiet is until you are bombarded with constant noise for 4 days.
-- 10 - 12 May 2007 [Thursday - Saturday]
Went to Myrtle Beach. Was a perfect trip. Just great weather, no rain. Played a ton of minature golf and swam in just about every pool there. They had completed the new mini-golf and pool area by the parking deck where we spent most of our time as it was unused by most people. Only drawback was it was next to the street which wouldn't have been bad, except it was the start of Harley Bike Week, which I didn't know about when I booked our trip. It turned out to be fun anyway, and the kids enjoyed looking at the bikes. We caught a parade on Saturday on our walk back from a huge egg and pancacke breakfast. Great Fun. Friday night we ate at the Nascar Cafe by the boardwalk. Neat place and the kids all ate well and enjoyed looking at all the cars hanging from the ceiling. Our room was the nicest yet there. Right on the 4th floor and very modern decorations with a nice mini bar, fridge, counter, sink. So we ate almost all breakfasts and lunches in the hotel. Ordered out pizza one night and at in the room which was a lot of fun. Only bad part was sleeping. I forgot the blow up air matress so we kept playing musical beds trying to find a good combination, but nothing worked. I think very soon as the boys grow bigger we'll have to rent two rooms, or pay for another bed to brought in! :) Between that and the loud Harleys, those were the only two drawbacks all trip. Great time.
-- 7 - 9 May 2007 [Monday - Wednesday]
Can't recall anything out of the ordinary. Worked from home on Wednesday as usual. This was Keegan's last day before track out started, and I got to drop him off and pick him up at the bus stop as well which was nice.
-- 6 May 2007 [Sunday]
What a day! Today was the Raleigh Ride-For-Kids charity event that I have done for the past 3 years now. But this year was to be different! I rode the 2002 Ural BC 750 I have this time. And it just didn't seem to be running good for the past 2-3 weeks. It was running rough when warm, and would be hard to start once warm as well and would want to die when I came to a stop. And it figures that this year would be the year I finally got a chance to ride a child!!! But I knew something wasn't right, so I had them put the child in Dwights rig to be safe. This would turn out to be a great call! Amanda and the kids came out to see me off. This year it left from Jordan Lake. Just a beautiful place. Gorgeous. About 20 minutes into the ride after leaving, I slowed to make a right turn and the bike died and would not restart. I coasted to the side of the road, where I still could not get it started. I let the huge line of bikes passed and declined the trailer thinking it just had to cool down and would restart like it has the past couple of weeks. Well it was really hard to get going this time, and I made a near full throttle U-turn, and it died about 100 yards later. Got it started again and about 1 mile down the road I started losing power. I looked down and the right header pipe was bright orange and OUT of the cylinder head!!!! Yikes! I immediately shut it down and coasted to the side of the road knowing I needed to be trailered home. Pushed the bike to a flat spot and waited for it too cool down. Checked what I could and borrowed some passing bicyclists phone to call Amanda. To keep a long story short, finally after sitting on the side of the road for 4 1/2 hours, Amanda borrowed Todd's trailer and was able to come rescue me! Luckily it was a gorgeous day and breezy so no bugs. Just wish I had some shade and a book. Met some people that stopped. Walked into a home across the street where an old couple lived as I wanted to call Amanda for the 3rd time to try to catch her at home (she had been waiting at Jordan Lake to see all the bikes come back and I didn't show. Then she knew I broke down, but she just didn't know where, so she headed home). Talked to a couple of police officers that stopped. It was a long day....but an adventure I won't soon forget. Turns out that my ignition interupter broke into two pieces. Common problem I've heard, but dumb me didn't keep the spare - which I had (and didn't realize) - in the trunk. If I would have checked up on it as soon as the bike started behaving wierd weeks ago, this all could have been avoided. Now I have to pull the cylinder head off to be sure I didn't damage any internal parts (valve, valve seat) I've been told. Ugh. Live and learn. If it weren't for the kids loving to go on rides, the Ural would be sold. But I just can't. And besides I'm learning so much on this and knew that ownership of this bike would be like this! :)
-- 5 May 2007 [Saturday]
Eric and Denise stopped over in the afternoon. Was really nice to see them again. They stayed quite awhile and the kids had a good time playing inside together. Collin loved all the 'new' toys at our house and the drawers and doors to open everywhere. I think Eric was getting tired of chasing him around by the end of it all.
-- 3 & 4 May 2007 [Thursday and Friday]
Can't recall what happened. I know I worked both days though.
-- 2 May 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home. Was very hot today - 92F. Tomorrow and the next few days are suppose to be cool again thank goodness!
-- 1 May 2007 [Tuesday]
Normal boring day at work. Rode the bike into work again. 90F today, but I haven't been outside since this morning. Sure it will feel hot on the way home. Amanda has a dinner appt. at 5:30pm today with the dental office people, so listen to some drug rep spiel. Nice for her to get out and have a nice dinner away from the kids. Filled up with 93 premium gas on the way in, at my local cheap place and it was $3.12 a gallon. Should easily hit $3.50 by summer, maybe even more. I keep thinking of selling one or both of my bikes to get something different - mainly smaller. The Guzzi is nice, but feels and is so big and heavy for the type of riding I do. I'm just so unsure what to replace it with, that is my problem! Something in the 650-700cc range is most likely. Thinking an SV650, or VStrom 650, or maybe a GS650.... who knows.
-- 30 April 2007 [Monday]
First full day back at work in almost two weeks! Feels like I have been gone a month. Hard to get started in the morning, but eventually got going in the afternoon. Wish I was back at home or traveling somewhere instead.
Keegan had his yearly checkup today and all went well Amanda said. He did great and passed hearing, seeing, height, weight, etc.
After dinner we played outside and Alex and TJ, Dawn and Todd came out and visited. Really nice to see all the kids playing together, running around, laughing, screaming, etc, while the parents talked. We stayed out until 8:15pm, which was great as usually Dawn calls her kids in around 7:30pm. I think she saw them having such a good time she let them be finally.
-- 24 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Didn't sleep good. Pillow was very hard and much too 'high', so my neck felt like it was at 90 degrees the whole night. Had a mango type drink and oatmeal raisin cookies in the gift shop and our driver picked us up at 8:30am. Softtek was nice and it was great to finally meet all the people and see where they actually work!
We were brought back to the hotel at 5pm and then picked up again for dinner 6:45. We went to La Catarina (ladybug). Very fancy place and food was excellent. The sauces are what made the dishes. Very good. We tried crickets! Yes, the kind you find in the grass. Not to my liking but had to try it. We at least didn't order 'worms' - which is also another traditional Mexican appetizer. I'll never eat crickets again, that is for sure. :) Fernando, the operations mgr for the whole site took us out. Our driver actually waiting in the parking lot 2+ hours until we came out and then brought us back to our hotel. Very nice guy.
-- 23 April 2007 [Monday]
Kiersten picked me up at 6pm and we headed to the airport for Monterrey, Mexico. Day went ok. Connected thru Houston on Continental airlines. Both flights out were on small 50 seater turbine planes. I couldn't even stand up straight. Glad to be off of those things! Hotel was very nice - much nicer than I expected it to be. Ended up getting to Monterrey by 2pm local I think it was. A couple of the Softtek folks met us at the hotel and then we walked a good ways to a local place for dinner. Food was ok, but the atmosphere was excellent. I had 'Suckling Pig'. It was good, but nothing different pork wise than I can find in North Carolina. I should have stuck with enchalada's or something. Salsa was good (as it was at every meal this whole week). Nice to walk thru the town and look at all the buildings, fountains, churches, etc. We got back to the hotel around 9pm I think it was.
-- 22 April 2007 [Sunday]
Headed back home early as Keegan's birthday party is at 4pm today. Got back by 1pm, unpacked and got ready for the birthday party. We got to the YMCA a bit early to setup only to be told the toddler pool was closed!!!! I was beside myself with anger that no one had notified us. After talking with the Director, etc. they did what they could and gave us a roped off spot in the big pool (4ft section) and provided us with a lifeguard that teaches the swimming actually. The kids did great adapting. Finally got Keegan and Carson in the pool with the floaties on their back and they loved it! In the end it worked out great and the kids had a great time. They also allowed us to put toys in the pool which helped, and the instructor in the water with me was nice and gave them some games to play and helped them the whole time. Just added a lot of stress to encounter that after the funernal and me still needing to pack for Monterrey.
Got home, got the kids settled and I finally repacked for Monterrey, Mexico as Kiersten was picking me up at 6am the next morning.
-- 21 April 2007 [Saturday]
Went to the funeral house today for visitation get together. Only two hours and the kids did a great job again. It was really cool seeing the slideshow that Renee put together. Some very old pictures in there that recalled some memories I had and others I didn't know about. Really good job. Nice funeral home and they had a small room in the back for the kids to play and watch video's which was great. Went back to Micks afterwards for appertizers and more talking with all the people. Full house - probably 30-40 people I would estimate. We eventually left around dinner time so the kids could unwind in the pool and my dad came back with Mac and Diane later at night. My mom actually came back too to swim in the pool a bit and visit with Mac and Diane so it all worked out good. Pool sure was cold though, even though they advertised it as 'heated' it sure wasn't.
-- 20 April 2007 [Friday]
Drove up to Williamsburg for Carl's funeral. Got there around Noon and was able to check into one of our rooms. Nice hotel. Went to Wendy's to eat some quick lunch, then back to hotel to change into our dress clothes and over to Micks. Followed everyone to the chapel in Colonial Williamsburg. Kids did absolutely excellent during the service!!! I was so proud of them I can't even tell you!! Then we went to a nice place for a dinner/conversation. Great food and a good time rehasing memories of Carl. Went back to the hotel and swam a bit so the kids could unwind. Hotel was full of schools groups. Eventually they came to the pool and it became too loud and crowded so we left. But we had swam a couple of hours already at that point so it all worked out good. Kids just did excellent today and I am so proud of them!!
-- 19 April 2007 [Thursday]
Can't recall. Did erands before leaving for Micks I think.
-- 18 April 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked just a 1/2 day in the morning to catch up on emails and get things settled before all this time off.
-- 15 -17 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Can't recall anything a month later when I look back to fill in the blanks I have. Sorry.
-- 14 April 2007 [Saturday]
Had the garage sale. We didn't do too well compared to others. I think we cleared $110 or something close to that. A lot of the bigger baby items (Crib, pack-n-play), etc. didn't sell so Amanda is going to post those on CraigsList. Felt good to be done with this as our next two weeks are so busy with the funeral and my trip to Monterrey, Mexico for work.
-- 13 April 2007 [Friday]
Worked as usual. Crazy day trying to find a hotel for next week for wake/funeral for Dad and us. Found one (Days Inn). Went to Walmart at lunch. Stopping at BJ's on the way home. Garage sale is tomorrow.
-- 12 April 2007 [Thursday]
Found out Carl passed away at Noon when my mom called tonight. back hurts bad still.
-- 11 April 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home today as usual. Amanda worked all day at the front desk as she is still filling in until Dr. Dunsmoor can hire someone. We just wish Amanda had more hygiene patients as it pays a bit better and she enjoys it more.
Very crummy outside today...rainy and cloudy all day with temps in the low 50's, but tomorrow is shaping up to be very nice finally!
We'll have some leftovers for dinner tonight and then give the kids a bath.
-- 10 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Normal day, nothing out of the ordinary. Went to work and came home. Amanda went into work, but only for about 1 hour. After dinner while she left for work, I took the kids to the YMCA on a bike ride. We came home just at dark and Amanda was already home waiting for us.
After the kids fell asleep, I helped Amanda get more stuff out for our garage sale this Saturday. it's the best feeling ever to me to get rid of things in the house. I got rid of a lot of clothes and a few more books. Slowly but surely we are getting down to what we really use and not just want to keep.
-- 09 April 2007 [Monday]
Can't recall anything out of the ordinary from this day. I worked and Amanda went to work at night.
-- 08 April 2007 [Sunday]
Easter Sunday. Kids woke up and had a terrific time! Ian did so good collecting eggs!!!! He's really growing up. It was so cute to see him holding all the eggs under his chin and in his arms as we always hide the kids easter baskets. We also hid eggs upstairs this year so when they woke up they were so excited!!! "Dad, Mom, the Easter bunny was in our room! "
We then ate some breakfast and colored Easter eggs later. They had a great time doing that - their hands were so stained I didn't think it would come out for days, but during bath at night it actually all went away. The kids got some new coloring pencils/crayons which are really nice and 'smooth' and they drew for a long time with those.
-- 07 April 2007 [Saturday]
Carson has a birthday party at Impact Athletics for one of his classmates today. Amanda is going to take him to this one since I got to take him to the last one.
He had a great time and Keegan goes to this same place next Saturday for a birthday party which I will take him too.
Eric and Denise stopped over!!!! We have not seen them in 1 YEAR! They are now officially back in NC (well Denise is) - Eric leaves on Monday to fly out one last time and drive the dog, cat and one car back. Then he's back for good. The kids really enjoyed having them over and seeing Collin too. We all had a great time. They left around 6pm as we went to the YMCA for an evening Easter Egg hunt. It was freezing cold outside with the wind, but the kids still had fun. Poor Carson got leveled on the '2nd running' - a 1st or 2nd grade kid collied direct with Carson and Carson went full in the air and was then laid flat out on the ground. His basket and eggs went flying and the other kids came over to take all his eggs, but I adverted that, got him back on his feet - looking a bit dazed, but no crying - and he took off. He said he was fine and just wanted to run again! It was actually funny in a way and sad too, but luckily no one got hurt. Carson found one of the special eggs on that trip, which entitled him to a special price (a pull behind small wooden bunny), so we tell him that was God's way of looking out for him after he saw him get run over.
After the kids went to bed we hid all the Easter eggs (Amanda had to run to the store first to buy some candy). That took about an hour trying to match up the plastic shells from our storage bag. I always hate that part and wish the eggs pieces were connected to each other.
-- 06 April 2007 [Friday]
I had a PTO day today from work as the kids had today off for the easter holiday and I want to bring down my vacation hours, so it was a good time I figured. Too bad it's going to be cold outside.
-- 05 April 2007 [Thursday]
Normal work day. Gave my passport and credit info to the receptionist to book our Mexico tickets. Hope we get a nice hotel at least! We have a $50 per day diem which is great! I'll be sure to use all of that! :)
Amanda dropped off her resume at a new dental office near the house. She is getting tired of Dr. Dunsmoor and I don't blame her. She is applying for full-time, so maybe I'll be able to stay home as I've wanted before the kids get too old! Insurance is the only kicker and scares me.
-- 04 April 2007 [Wednesday]
Worked from home as usual. When Amanda got home from work, I took Keegan out on his 'special time' with me. We went to the bowling alley, but they had leagues again so he just played some games and cashed in his tickets for a small stuffed duck which he really seems to like. We then tried to figure out where to eat. I wanted to go to a nice sit down restaurant, but he wanted pancackes for that, and of course none of those restaurants were close enough, so we ended up at what else, Wendy's. He and I ate good and had a small ice cream treat at the end that he was even too full to finish! WOW! :)
The wind really started to pick up outside as the cold front moves in for the next few days. I sure hope our newly planted grass is going to be ok.
-- 03 April 2007 [Tuesday]
Normal day at work. Went to mexican restaurant for lunch with John Littlejohn. I ate too much as usual, but I haven't been there in at least a month.
Very nice day out in the 80's today and sunny. Amanda has to work tonight. I finally booked a room for us at The Landmark resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. So the kids will be excited to hear about that tonight. We are going May 10 - 13th. Keegans last day before track out is May 9th, thus the dates. It also was the last weekend, before the resort starts requiring a minimum 5 night stay for the upcoming tourist season. Not too bad for 4 days/3 night, $277 total including all fees and taxes. It's the same hotel we have stayed at countless times before.
Found out that I am going to Montery, Mexico for work for a week! April 23rd - April 27th. Going with three other work people. Will be a nice break from normal work routine, but I worry about Amanda and the kids and will miss them terribly! I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures as I'll have my laptop with so I can download the camera card often.
-- 02 April 2007 [Monday]
I worked in the morning, and then left for the day at Noon. Took PTO for the other half. Amanda had to work during the day.
Ian and Alex came over for a playdate with Carson and Ian from 10am till Noon. The kids enjoyed it.
I met Keegan at school for lunch which was a nice suprise for him. Brought Carson and Ian along. They did great. Keegan choose to take Dylan outside as his 'friend'. Carson brought along the lizard he caught, which was a big hit at the table (and some other kids noticed it as well). Funny to see him take his pet carrier inside the school as we waited, then walk thru the lunchroom and finally outside.
Keegan had a meltdown at night - along with me. His allergies are bothering him so bad because of the pollen, that I tried to force some Benadryl down him after bathtime. He kicked, screamed and spit it back out. I lost my temper and put him into his bed and turned off the light after yelling at him. Ian and Carson layed down in our room to further punish Keegan. After about 20 minutes we talked it thru and appoligized to each other. I felt really bad about it the rest of the night and even some the next day. He's just so stubborn and won't try things it drives me nuts. But I recall at a young age having a hard time swallowing pills, and how hard my dad was on me about it. I should recall that and vow to be different, but it's hard.
-- 01 April 2007 [Sunday]
Hmmm, not sure what happened here...........shucks forgot again! Aggghhhhh!
-- 31 March 2007 [Saturday]
We went to Bond Park in the morning to go fishing. Dumb Dad forgot to bring the chicken livers with. Left them sitting in the sink!!! Agh. So I bought a hot dog for $2 from the hot dog lady, but that didn't work well. No bites, but a huge turtle was very interested and kept swimming to get our casts so all-in-all it was no good. We then ate lunch on the nice new deck they have and we're going to rent a row boat to
-- 27 - 30 March [Tuesday - Friday]
Hmmm, not sure what happened here...........shucks forgot again! Aggghhhhh!
Comments