Not that bad

That last post seemed a little depressing after I read it again. It's really not all that bad. I have lots of work to do and all, but at least that keeps me busy.

I really do want to get to the kids ball games, though. I didn't play ball as a kid and missed out on that opportunity to bond with my dad. There are a lot of things that I wish were different about my youth, but that is not something I can fix.

My sister-out-law's father died a couple of days ago. He had been getting frail and wasn't as sharp as he used to be. Not really that old, though, relatively speaking. I know that it will be hard on her mom and her for a long time. I never really spent any time with him. Just met him a couple of times over the years.

With the generator problems at work continuing (read: company slow to make a decision about what to do - repair/replace), I have picked up an additional 10 shifts for the month of May. That will put me over my goal of 300 hours of overtime for the year and it will only be the end of May! I think that comes to 14-15 hours extra every week so far this year. It doesn't look like it's gonna slow down any either. Gonna have to block out some time for family and not let the overtime temptation get out of hand.

Got the lawn mower up and running yesterday and cut the front lawn. Then spent the next 3 hours sneezing and "enjoying" my allergies. It's raining today, so I won't be cutting the back yard. I'm really disappointed about that

Well... gotta get busy with the day's work.
Blog later!

In the thick of it.

Today is the middle of a long run of shifts. I get fatigued easily when I work on day shift. There are so many issues and so much drama when everyone is in the building. Night shift, in contrast, is so peaceful. Still... at least my job doesn't involve daily exposure to potential chemical hazards (Hi John!).

Still no progress on the generator repairs. That means more doubling up on shifts, which means more overtime. This is both good and bad. I will be able to reach my goal of 300 hours of additional overtime faster at this rate, but I may miss some of the kids baseball and softball games.I should have close to 250 of the 300 hours by May 22nd. At this rate, I'll end up with closer to 500 hours by years end.

So much to do at home. The honey-do list isn't getting shorter. Newest development... the bathroom toilet is leaking under the floor and the water is coming into the kitchen. Isn't home ownership grand!? :-P I will have the plumber pull the toilet, caulk the drain and replace the wax ring, and put the throne back in place. Should cost about an arm...

Signed a committment for getting the driveway replaced. Byebye $6800! It really needs to be done. I just don't know why it has to cost so much. Just got done paying for all the windows to be replaced. New ones look great and function beautifully. That was another $6800. Next up is getting a quote for the deck and shed. I need to have a new shed built for the kids bikes and outside toys. That way, when the Solstice comes in, I can park it in the garage and not worry about the kids scratching it with their bikes. It will also prevent me having to yell at them when they are just being uncoordinated kids. Win win if you asked me (except for the expense of the shed).

Gotta remind myself to give the wife some extra help with her work load this week. I know that her list is long and not getting any shorter either. Must make the extra effort to compliment her on her accomplishments and successes. She works so hard and gets so little in return from the kids in the way of appreciation. Guess I should be training them better in that too.

The Bible sits gathering dust on the shelf. Gotta get some nourishment or I'll surely dry up and die this week. Pray for me...

Got my confirmation number today!

Well, after deliberating and looking around, I think I have finally decided to actually commit to buying a Pontiac Solstice for my "midlife crisis" car.

I went to the local Ford dealership and got less than enthusiastic reception when I was looking at the Mustang. In fact, I am still waiting on the quote and that visit was almost a month ago...

Anyway, here is a link to a page with lots of pictures of the Solstice. I haven't decided on a color, but kind of like the metallic gray.

Still around

Even though I never seem to post, I'm still around. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to do all I need to and then some of what I want to.

I had good intentions of getting the lawn mower out and cleaned up today. Needed to sharpen the blades and change the oil, too. Maybe tomorrow...

I'm still working tons of overtime. In fact, I will be putting almost 100 extra hours in during the next 4 weeks. That should help pay for the kids school, but I will be hard pressed to get to all their events and practices. That makes me a little sad. I really want to be a visible touchable Dad. I know that it really makes a difference in the lives of children if their father is present often. Steve Farrar in his book: Point Man, says that contrary to popular myth, it really is quantity time that matters. Quality time is good, but not enough.

The kids got their report cards today. We have some work to do with a couple of kids in a couple of subjects. Most did really well, though, with one getting all A's and making distinguished honors. Now we need to make time to get up to Krispy Kreme and Chuckie Cheeses so that they can get their freebies for the A's!

Gave the wife a foot rub this afternoon. I don't know if she liked it or not... she fell asleep. I guess that's good. She works so hard and most of the stuff she does gets undone so quickly. Sure would be nice if the dishes and laundry could stay done for a while, and the toys stay on the shelf. Before we know it, the kids will all be grown and gone. I guess I need to learn to better enjoy the moments while they are here.

That's all for now. Maybe I should write more often. It really is a little relaxing to get it out on "paper".

Where does the time go?!

Lots going on tonight. Not much time to post, but felt the need to update a bit.

Kids are doing well. Baseball and Softball seasons are starting. Horse show season is starting. Lots of places to be and only just the two of us to drive. We'll work it out, but the little ones will have to deal with all the carseat time. Not really fair, but neither is life.

I've already got an extra 160 hours of overtime for the year so far. Need another 140 before I'll feel comfortable with making all the bills. It'd be nice to get it out of the way, but I need to spend some family time too. Making hay while the sun shines is tough when you have a large family with lots of committments.

I feel spread thin somewhat, but compared to my wife, it's nothing. She is amazing with the kids. Wish I was half the parent she is. That said... time to go.