Well...I'm up anyway

     When I return from work, I have to unwind, it is no different if I am there 9 hours, or 2.  So, here I am lying awake..might as well jot down some self proclaimed wisdom.

     Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my job?!  I really do.  I enjoy the different challenges that I face every day, and sometimes...sometimes, I get to be the hero.  I take pride in the work that I do.  That being said....I HATE when I receive a phone call in the middle of the night for anything that does not at least resemble an emergency!  Most staff have realized that I am not much of a "NO" guy.  I have no problem politely declining a mid night work invitation in certain situations, but the majority of the time I will just take care of it.  At least I find enjoyment in the faces of the night shift whenever I am in the building at that time..Rumors of fire drills start to spread, people frantically grab their coffee cups from the handrails, and move their carts out of the hallway..It can be fun.
     What a wicked crazy week at work so far... I am gearing up to take over an additional department, and I am fascinated by the responses I am receiving.  Some of my very near future staff members are excited, some have mixed emotions about the change, and at least 2 are downright upset about it!  Some people are resistant to change, and there will be a lot next month.  Should be an interesting month.
     This weekend, a Saturday golf tournament and some much needed time with my boys!
     On a different note, I have been working out only lightly this week due to the problems I had last week, I am supposed to "take it easy"  I know I am not able to do that at work, so I toned down the workouts.  I weigh in on Thursdays, but I cheated today and weighed a day early.  I am so close to meeting my first stage goal, and I am so excited!  Went for a couple drinks with one of my account managers yesterday, and he started cross-fit a month ago and had so many great things to say about it, so I am seriously thinking I might have to give it a try..which, unfortunately means changing gyms, but we'll see.
     I spoke with an old friend recently who got me a job interview with a pretty big corporation.  Great pay, a lot of travel, but a possible relocation to Arizona...Today, I turned it down.  This is one of those roads in life that I feel I made the right turn, but there's always going to be that...let's say, curiosity about it.  It was nice to be considered, and the big mistake was turning it down today, and not waiting until after a free trip to play golf in Scottsdale.  Too late. :)  There really is a delicate balance between the importance of salary and satisfaction.

Great ending to an otherwise crummy week

     Friday I began feeling like Josh again!  I went to work, for most of the day, My face is starting to look normal, and I am healing quite nicely from the removal of my wisdom tooth.
     Friday I learned that I am taking over another department at work, with this comes the responsibility of about 14 additional staff members, but I am excited for the challenge.  It will begin next month.  Funny thing, I got a text message right after the morning meeting stating that the announcement was made in the meeting, (I was at the doctors office, absent from the meeting), that I would be taking over these additional departments.  I was caught a bit off guard because I was unsure on whether or not it would actually happen. When I arrived at work, my boss and I worked out the details, and he sheepishly apologized for announcing it to everyone else prior to notifying me. HA.
     Saturday was a fairly lazy day, a bit of shopping, and a bit of college football.  That evening we joined some friends at their house for the UFC fight, which was amazing!  Dawn is chomping to host an event at our house, but I at least want to finish the living room remodel, which is partially postponed again, as I spent almost a grand at the oral surgeon's office!  Guess I should not have opted for the inexpensive dental insurance.
     Today was a great win for the Seahawks, and a huge win for me in fantasy football, so I am having a great evening.
     Dawn is diligently finishing the "Josh's Fat Quilt", named for the fact that it is made from all the old tee shirts I used to wear before I became....plump.  She says she will be done before bedtime tonight, and it promises to be the coolest,  softest, warmest quilt I have ever used!  There is something about a homemade quilt!  I remember making quilts for my sons when they were little, and so many years later, they still love those quilts!  Yes, I make quilts, I decorate cakes, and I cook.  This is in no way emasculating for me, I learned from a young age that it would behoove me to learn skills that set me apart from other guys, and it has worked out well for me.
     I did not work out last week at all, for obvious reasons, so I am VERY much looking forward to restarting my early morning workout routine again tomorrow morning!  I have been missing that immensely!
     On another note, today marks the first day of the Fall season...usually, the beginning of the "bearded Josh".  However, due to factors that I could not control..I have a one week head start.  I should look like a different man by the McCall trip in January..IF Dawn allows it to go that far.

Finally!!!!!

     This has been a fun and exciting week in the Keene home!  I awoke monday morning with what I thought was a baseball in my mouth.  I was curiously nervous, as I had absolutely no pain.  I immediately visited my favorite Dr. (Webmd)  and I decided that I had an abscessed tooth.  The only thing I was confused about was the fact that I had no pain.  Everything else made sense.  I had a tooth that chipped badly about 2 weeks ago, and I ignored it.  I went to work around noon, and that's when it hit me.  The worst pain I have ever experienced!  The dentist could not get me in that day, so I decided to bear it until the next day until I could see him.
     Later that evening it was getting so bad that I could barely move my neck.  Dawn finally convinced me to visit the hospital to at least get on some antibiotics.  The Dr. at the ER was concerned that the infection was moving so quickly and spreading down my neck that he ordered IV antibiotics as well as oral antibiotics.  I spent the remainder of the week going to the hospital every 12 hours for IV treatment and keeping my pain at bay with some highly effective pain meds.  My dentist referred me to an oral surgeon who could get me in today, so he pulled the broken tooth and this evening I am feeling SO much better!  I still have a bit of pain, and some localized swelling, but Goodness, what a relief!
     This is the first time I have ever had to deal with something like this, and I hope that it will be the last!
     Dawn has been such a good sport dealing with me and taking care of me.  Usually if I am not feeling well, I am a tough guy, but with this situation I have been a big 'ol baby!  Not to mention I have been all narc'd up on pain killers this week, which I am sure has been entertaining to her..How often does a wife get to walk into her husband singing Nicki Minaj or telling knock knock jokes when there is no one else in the room?
     Tomorrow, trying to catch up on 4 days worth of work in 1 day, and then this weekend..relaxation!

Frustrating football saturday

     This weekend, we headed up to Coeur d' Alene to watch my youngest son play football game in his first season of junior tackle.  He was so, very excited that I was there to watch him.  His game was not until 3:00, so we spent the early afternoon warming up with drills, and talking about different defensive situations.  We had a great time.

     I introduced myself to the coach shortly before the game, but as the game progressed I became increasingly frustrated with his coaching style.

     Junior tackle football is the first introduction for these young kids to "real" football.  It is designed for kids to learn the game, and progress as players so they will be ready for the time that they play more serious ball.  I noticed right off the bat that the coach was friends with most of the parents from the team, and I noticed that there were several players that played both offense and defense the entire game.  All the time, my son was on the sideline..so I bit my tongue and waited until the middle of the 2nd quarter.  Justin plays the safety position, like his father, so ever since his decision to play football I have taught him a lot about this position.

     So, we are in the middle of the 2nd quarter, and I notice that the coach is becoming frustrated with his safety position not paying attention, lining up wrong, etc.. So I simply said "you got a good safety right next to you coach.."  So, Justin went in.  He did great!  didn't fall for play fakes, did not fall for reversals, and played his zone extremely well.  Even saved a touchdown from the other team.  Did he receive any recognition from his coach?  NO!  Instead, he spent another quarter watching the game from the side while the teams running back, who also happens to be the coaches son, was playing safety on defense!  

     I did refrain from further words with the coach, as I was upset..I do NOT want to be one of those dads, but I am confused on 2 levels..how is a young kid supposed to progress as a player without playing, and why would you not keep a kid in when he is doing a great job?

     On the positive side, Justin was the happiest kid I have ever seen, and he is loving the game of football!  He was just thrilled I was there to see him get some great tackles.  

     I have asked his mother to keep me posted on the games that I cannot be there for, and...for now, I will not email or communicate with the coach.  I will keep working with Justin on drills, and conditioning and we will see where it goes.

     On another note, the Seahawks host the 49ers this evening, and I am very much looking forward to the party and game this evening!  GO SEAHAWKS!

Fun Thursday

     Every so often, something strange happens, a great day!  Do not misunderstand, I have plenty of good days, and loads of really good days.  When I say it was a GREAT day, I do not use the word lightly.

     Yesterday was one of those days..nothing, and I mean nothing could spoil my mood.  There were attempts, but I was feeling great!  In fact, the only negative thing I can think of yesterday was the fact that my shoulders ached from parts of my new workout routine, but even that was easily dealt with.

     Some...interesting news at work was presented to me, while I cannot disclose the information in this venue, I am interested to see how it plays out.  

     Also, I have been involved in an extremely dramatic "facebook debate" since Wednesday night.  This is a local debate on some business controversy, and I just could not help throwing in my 2 cents.  I have had threats, one guy wants to meet me somewhere..I have been called names, and all day yesterday my phone was blowing up with harassing facebook messages.  To make matters worse, when someone attempts an insult, I reply only with kind words, with one exception.  I received a lengthy message describing how uneducated and ignorant I was, and how foolish I sound.  Either this message was written by proxy by someone's 6 year old child, or this person slept through every grammar class they had ever attended.  So I replied:  "Thank you for the advice, and I will seriously consider furthering my education so that I may appear more knowledgeable on Facebook.  I took the liberty of creating some minor grammar suggestions for you.  Please see attached."  I had attached a proof-read, graded version of his original statement.  He did not receive a passing grade, and I am yet to hear back from him.  Hmmm.

     Dawn just shakes her head and laughs, she knows I love a good argument, and I do not give up.  When people take things personally, it amuses me.  My other template response is a direct quote from Mr. Spock.." I see you are becoming defensive to my remark, which indicates that you feel I am right."  I did quit last night, as I do NOT want anyone to become so passionate about their opposition with me that they feel they have to find me.  However, I did have a lot of fun with it.  

     So, I decided that perhaps, if I am ever bored out of my skull, I will create a mock Facebook account, and gather several friends.  I will, every so often, post remarks such as..."I think every child should be punished with cattle prods and baseball bats."  I will then sit back and watch the fireworks.  HA

     Now it is time for me to get ready for work, and I have a feeling today will go quite well also.  This weekend:  out of town for my son's football game. :)

Wake me up when September ends!

     There has never, ever been a piece of music that I have related to more than this single by Green Day.  September has been a rough month for me for quite sometime!  Several years ago, today, I lost a mentor, an role model, a best friend..My older brother.  I think about him all the time, but especially today.  I try with all my will not to remember that awful day so many years ago, and instead, focus on the great memories that we built during our childhood!
     About 6 years ago, I lost another great friend on September 20th.  So every year, I think the same thing..."wake me up when September ends."
     Today, as I tried to focus on work while my mind was racing in 132,378 different directions, I was able to take a little time out of my day to talk with a friend and that helped my day tremendously!  Very thankful for that!!
     On the way to the grocery store, Dawn changed the Sirius radio to Laugh USA, and I instantly began to think about how my older brother, Ben, and I used to listen to old comedy records in our shared bedroom for hours upon hours.  We used to love listening to Bill Cosby, Ray Stevens, George Carlin, and Eddie Murphy.  We would then repeat EVERYTHING they would say all week long around the neighborhood.  Shortly after this thought entered my mind...there was one of our favorite Bill Cosby bits  right there in the car.  As I listened, It was as if I was transported back in time...It was EXACTLY what I needed!  I was a big boy, and did not lose it right there in the parking lot, but I was filled to the brim with absolute joy!!
     The one thing that bothers me so greatly this day, every year, is that so many people see today as an opportunity to discuss conspiracy theories, and bash the government of our own country as well as others.  Look, there are a lot of people who are in grief today, lets just take a day off from your opinions.
     Tonight, I will watch science fiction, in the form of Star Trek, and eat some ice cream,  as I do every September 11th in the memory brother.  These are 2 things that my brother and I always enjoyed together!

Ready, set, go!

     I am truly hoping that Monday does not truly set the tone for the rest of the week!  It was an off day from the start!  I woke up in a foul mood, so I decided to be unsociable and skip the gym (because there is so much interaction at the gym at 415 am!)  instead I decided to allow my heavy bag to absorb some frustration!  I have yet to find a pair of training gloves that I like, so I just wrapped my hands.  This works until my workout playlist hits a Rob Zombie song, and I start to absolutely destroy the bag!  Certainly not the best idea for someone to start the day with hurting hands, that works primarily with their hands.  Lesson learned!
     The workday was an odd day.  No matter how I tried, I could not seem to get ahead, and then this afternoon, a co-worker, and fellow manager was let go.  Somewhere along the line, someone decided that I was  the heartless monster that would take on the job of escorting people to their office, staying with them while they gathered their things, and escorting them off the premises.  Which for the most part is okay by me, just a guy doing his job right?  Well, people tend to get emotional, and it was NOT programmed into my DNA how to deal with emotion.  I just do not know how to do it!  So, that was a real downer.
     It just seems like a lot of people close to me are going through so much negativity.  Someone very close to me is going through, what is going to turn out to be a pretty devastating divorce, another person close to me is having some more  health problems, and has to undergo surgery next week, and a few others are going through tough times as well.
     The morning workouts, if nothing else, are allowing me to have some time set aside everyday to think...not about work, or other peoples problems.  I do not think of the endless amount of work that remains needed with this house.  I only think of me.  It's MY time.  I guess I am selfish during that hour or so!  I am certain that tomorrows thoughts, with everything that's going on, will revolve around all the good things that are a part of my life.  All the obstacles I have endured over the last five years, and the growth that I have achieved. (mostly growth around the waist. :)
     This weekend is going to be a great weekend to get out of town, and leave some of my issues behind, a nice break!  I am so looking forward to it.

FOOTBALL!

   

     There are only a small handful of things that I really take seriously..football is one of them.  Dawn is such a good sport about this, and she has decided that, rather than become a football widow, she would embrace it and join me in my love for the game.
     It was great this weekend to see a WSU cougars win, as well as a Seahawks win!  Dawn even got the honor of raising the house 12th man flag Sunday morning for the season opener.  I'm not sure she realized what a treat that was, but she had a lot of fun with it!
     I am excited to travel to Couer d' Alene this weekend for my youngest son's football game.  It's always a good time to visit with my mom as well.
     On a different note, my workouts are getting more productive, and although yesterday was football Sunday, I still made good eating decisions, so I am looking forward to my weigh in day this Thursday!

Turned out to be a great Saturday!

     I started today with a sight that I never like to see on a Saturday morning....a time clock!  I had a pretty great day at work yesterday, but I had several audits and inspections that came due this week, and just about everyone at work needed something from me, and they needed it NOW!  Needless to say, I did not get even half of my inspections done.  I could have stayed late, but wanted to go to the "debriefing" meeting (which means beer with friends).  I almost cancelled and stayed at work, but at the last minute was talked into it.  Boy, did my arm need to be twisted!
     So this morning, I woke early with the intent to finish work by 10, and get some golf in.  I should have done one of two things.  1. I should have weaseled into my office without anyone seeing me, or 2. I should invest in a disguise.  When people know I am at work on a Saturday, they come up with a plethora of tasks for me that need to be dealt with immediately!  Noon rolled around, and I decided that golf would wait until tomorrow.
     I decided, after returning home, that it was high time Dawn learned to golf.  So, I surprised her with her own set of clubs, complete with a cute, pink golf bag.  She was thrilled.  No turning back now, so she will get her first lesson Sunday.

     I also decided to skip the gym this morning.  After all, if I lift weights 7 days a week, I will need to apply for a concealed weapons permit just to wear long sleeves.  Dawn rolled her eyes when I provided her this excuse.
     I was not able to be there, but My oldest son had his first high school football game in Kennewick Friday, and they won 22 to 7.  He was thrilled.  I spoke with him while he was on the bus home, he played safety, and was able to knock down a pass might have been a touchdown against them.

 
  My youngest son had his first 5th grade football game Saturday in Couer d Alene.  They won 28 to 0.  He also plays safety.  This is what I played in high school, so I am so proud!  

I admit, it's getting better

     I had to throw in a Beatles reference in the title.  Last night, I mixed a new playlist for weightlifting, and it is full of Beatles songs that I love!  This one really spoke to me this morning.  It really is, getting better!  I am finding that the morning workouts are getting longer, easier, and more intense.  This morning was no exception!  I literally dragged my lazy but out of bed this morning, as 4:30 am came too quickly after celebrating the NFL season kickoff last night, but I am committed dag nabbit!  When I got to the gym, I noticed "the screamer"  was not there.  This is going to be a good workout without having to listen to a 50 year old man scream at the top of his lungs as he lifts 100 pounds!  I decided on a "quick" cardio since I was so tired.   Perhaps just 45 minutes on the treadmill.  Once I began, however, I started to feel so great that I forgot how tired I was, and boosted my jog.  What a GREAT way to start out the day!

     Yesterday was such a great day at work...almost all the way to the end.  I had a chamber ambassador meeting ( a GREAT excuse to leave work for an hour and a half!)  Shortly after I returned, I received word that a state complaint surveyor was in the building.  This is nerve racking for every manager there.  I spoke with my boss to see if there was a need for me to stick around, and I was told.."no, you skate again you lucky bastard!"

     Last night was the season opener for the NFL season, and it was great!  Dawn and I went out for a light dinner, and the manager ended up comping our drinks.  Not because there were any problems, it just pays to know so many people in the community.  I had 3 different bets for the Denver Broncos, and if you did not watch, they won, so I am $75 closer to my next automotive restoration!  YAY!

     We ended up at a different pub for the second half of the game.  Dawn wanted a glass of wine, so she asks the bartender (as if we were at a fancy restaurant), "what do you have in a Cabernet Sauvignon?"  the look on this twenty something, face pierced, tattoo covered bartender was PRICELESS!  She had to tell him she was talking about wine.  His response, "you're at the wrong bar, lady!"  To what she replied, "just give me a glass of your finest boxed Merlot."  We sat for quite sometime waiting for her "wine" to come to room temperature as they keep it in the cooler.  I headed back to the table humorously debating whether or not she would be invited to any more football games.  When she returned, she had a glass of my kryptonite...Angry Orchards apple ale, with a shot of cinnamon whisky dumped into it.  I was sure there were 100,000 calories in this one glass alone, but it was SOOO good!

     This weekend will be a busy one, but I am very much looking forward to it!

friendly competition

    Last night was another dart night.  Ah, the opportunity to show my true competitive spirit!  When I am competing in ANYTHING I tend to become a real ass!  This probably explains why virtually all of my marital spats have stemmed from the "slug bug" game (which my wife does cheat at).  This match was no different.  I had a terrible headache, which I will use as an excuse.  I could not seem to throw any good darts, and my mood turned sour.  I feel bad when this happens and I have tried do hard to just take it all in fun.  I think I am getting better, as I don't even get mad when my kids beat me at pool anymore.
     Tonight I had my monthly visit with my dad and little brother at Hogans.  My brother and I always get there a good half an hour before dad, so we get to "geek out" we talk about star trek, star wars, everything from Sherlock Holmes, to Ninja Turtles.  Then, dad shows up and we talk about life, football, and catch each other up on our lives.
     Tonight was a particularly disappointing night at Hogans Pub.  After trying a couple new microbrews, I asked for my usual...Bottingtons, which is a golden honey ale imported from London.  "we don't sell that anymore." the bar maiden said.  Her next statement tickled my sense of humor.  "You didn't come in and buy it often enough, we have not even seen you in a month."  she stated with a smirk.  So, now I am committed to a once a week visit in which I request my favorite brew until they start ordering it again.  (sorry honey, if you are reading this).
     After a bit, a couple more friends joined the group and we shared a plethora of laughs.  It was then that I realized that it was Wednesday, and I had to work in the morning, so a couple last minute pieces of fantasy football draft advice, and I was out the door.
     Now, after inputting the microbrews into my fitness pal app, I realize that I just erased a lot of the hard work I have put in this week in my quest to lose some weight.  Ugh!  I assume I will have to begin consuming these...I can hardly say it...LIGHT beers.  I might as well not drink beer at all, and anyone who knows me well enough knows that is NOT going to happen.  Rock and a hard place.

Its a jungle out there!

     When Dawn and I bought this house we new we had a lot of work to do.  We mutually decided that the inside of the house would take priority.  This labor day weekend, we decided to put some major labor, and major money into the landscaping, just as soon as the upstairs living room is complete.  (Josh's conversion of the guest kitchen to a full service bar, complete with tapped counter, will have to wait).

This is not my yard, but pretty close. HA

     Saturday I went out to mow the weeds.  To be completely honest, there is a little bit of grass, just mostly weeds.  This took all of a half hour.  I then decided to spend a little bit of time on the slope that goes behind the shop and leading to the shop basement.  This was an adventure!  3 hours, 6 spider bites, and one unfriendly snake encounter later, I was done.  One of the spiders bit me on the neck, so the next morning I excitedly attempting climbing walls and shooting web out of my wrists.  Not this time!
     Today, Dawn and I could not stand the quiet house (the boys are back at their moms house, and wont be back for a couple weeks) so we went Halloween shopping, started at least.  You see, we both LOVE Halloween!  We decided on our couples costume for this year, and even picked out some new decor for this year.  What an exciting and fun thing to do today!