How this very cold day went

As usual we went to the 11:00 service at Woodland Hills. It was a very good message entitled Kingdom Healing and was about how Jesus healed vs how Christians today go about healing ministries. Based out of Luke 4:31-40. Best line from the sermon was a quote from St. Francis of Assisi:

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."

I've made this quote my signature on my web forum.

Our small group coach, Mike, wants to have Eric and I over to watch an episode or two of Firefly. We're thinking Thursday if it happens this week.

Apparently, during the service, Eric got called to work for some heater issue. After church Cara and I went out to lunch with Keesha. We were hoping to hook up with Eric after he was done, but his job took too long. Keesha recommended the Grand Buffet down on Robert St. south of St. Paul. It's been a long time since I ate at an asian buffet. It was quite fulfilling. So we took Keesha home since we didn't have Eric. She didn't have keys to get in either, so we left her on her porch to wait for Eric (who was done by then and only a couple of minutes away, so she lived... I hope)

Cara and I headed over to Leesha's dad's house where he was hosting her birthday party. They were in the middle of a movie in the movie room (that room was very cool, by the way). I didn't feel like watching so I made my way back out to the lobby to read my new novel (see last post), which I was clever enough to bring- suspecting something exactly like this. Leesha's party looked like it went pretty well. She had a flock of girls from her class over for that movie and then they played Twister. Her dad's wife, Bri, has twin sisters who were also there. They're twins with each other, not with Bri. Leesha's half brother, Zech, was also there and perhaps a mite overwhelmed with all the girls there.

This evening I came across a website during a Google search for 'Christian D&D gaming'. The site is called Aquela.com and is the site for freelance writer James Wyatt who contributes a lot for the D&D Eberron campaign setting. How about that?! That's what I've been reading lately. Wyatt was a Methodist Pastor for several years.

By the way - Eric came home about 4 minutes after we dropped off Keesha.

Dungeons & Doctors

I'm feeling much better today.

Yesterday was pretty laid back. Went downtown Minneapolis for a nice long session of D&D with Rob, Pat and Paul. We're starting a new game run by Rob so we spent the first half building characters and just talking about anything- and we covered almost everything. The last couple of hours we actually played a little. Got the feel of our characters and how they'll work together. Rob is setting the game in AEG's publication- the World's Largest Dungeon. Should be fun. It was good time.

We all left just before 5:00. I stopped on they way home to pick up a novel. I bought the 2nd in the Eberron: Dark Dreaming trilogy- The Shattered Land again by Keith Baker (I just chatted with him a couple of days ago).

Cara was still out with her mum when I got home. After she arrived we had dinner and watched three episodes of Doctor Who. The last two of the first season and the first one with the new Doctor. Cara is really getting into this show. That pleases me.

Tomorrow is Leesha's birthday party. Not sure how that's all going to play out, but half the reason I got that book is if I'm expected to be there for a long period of time.

All in all, I'd say it was a rather high Geekflag day.

Day off

Time to get over this cold. Did laundry, posted some comics on eBay and caught up with some other stuff. Listened to a lot of Bowie, read OOTS.

In the mail, today, we got a package from Willis West (Greg's household). It's a DVD presentation of photos from Christmas. Greg produced this complete with a Star Wars text crawl + John William's music and photo montage with music including Chuck Mangione. What a great gift. Thank you, my brother.

Our house was full of relatives celebrating Leesha's and David's birthdays. We had Delane and Ron, Rubin and Donna, David and Darlene, and Cara, Leesha and me all for dinner in our living room. It was a very nice time. I gave Leesha her Gameboy. She was thrilled to get it.
It was a nice time. However, my cold peaked around this time and I was struggling to maintain the energy to be social.

Tomorrow, Rob is DMing a new game.

Mr. Baker, Written Up and Slumberland

I have a cold.

I got Dah hooked on Narnia today. She asked me to lend her the Prince Caspian radio drama on CD so I took that in for her. I was telling her all about the series. She only was aware of the movie.

Now for some cool geekflag news. I had an online conversation with the creator of the Eberron campaign setting, Keith Baker. One of the characters in Eberron is named Greykell Ir'Ryc. Greykell is a woman who used to be a soldier for a country that doesn't exist anymore. She appears in the novel City of Towers as well as the only Eberron comic so far- Eye of the Wolf- both written by Baker. I want to know more about this character and did a google search for her and look what I found:

OH MY F$#@KING GAWD!!!
I just received my birthday present from my brother Keith.... it is probably one of the most amazing presents I have ever received in my entire life.

See Keith snuck "me" into a book a couple of years ago. A minor character named (strangely enough) Greykell (Captain Greykell Ir'Ryc if you want to be technical) who wears an eye patch, is an older mentor type to heaps of people and who (sadly) isn't such an exciting character that everyone in the known universe wants to make a movie about her or anything.

BUT!! She's apparently cool enough to have a comic made out of her. That's right!! "I" am the star of a one-off comic, written by Keith, presumably available in the comic shops now. Go out and buy the adventure of Greykell!! Get your friends to buy copies. If this sells well then there will be more Greykell stories.

WHOO HOO!!!!

I have to get a copy of the "other" cover since it's done by someone I also know, the entertaining and talented leemoyer, but in the meantime... BUY THE COMIC!!!!

Eberron: Keith Baker's Eye of the Wolf from Devil's Due Publishing dated August 2006.

W00T!!!

So I wrote a private message to Keith Baker on the WotC forums (Keith is the creator of Eberron and author of these books) and asked him if Greykell is based on his sister. Here's what he said:

Re: Greykell Ir'Ryc

---

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moebius Can you confirm that Greykell is based on your sister?

Yes, it's true. It's pretty much just as she describes. Greykell as presented in City of Towers is fairly directly based on Greykell the person, which is to say that I used her as an inspiration for the character's personality and dialogue as well as using her name. RL Greykell doesn't have an eyepatch, but she's a huge fan of Snake Plisken (Escape From New York), so I decided it would be fun to give her an eyepatch. At some point I was talking with Greykell the person and jokingly said that I should write my next series of novels about Greykell the character and her experiences during the Last War. Then the opportunity to work on the comic came along, I was considering various plot ideas, and it occurred to me that it could actually make a pretty good story! And the rest you know...

__________________
Keith Baker
Eberron Designer
Come visit www.BossytheCow.com!
Want to talk about the Eberron novels? Now, you can do it here!

So there you have it. Kind of cool.

I saw a 5 Eyewitness News truck at Johnson Elementary school, today, as I dropped off my bus aid after my noon route. I went over and said hi to the photog. He recognized me and I knew him, but he was one of those photogs that I never got to know his name. He was there for some story about St. Paul schools now serving tater tot hot dish- breaking news!

I had to write up a couple of students today- first write-ups of the year. The Christmas Story kid and his sister were fighting even after being separated. I told them that if they continued, they'd be written up. They continued. And right before they got off the bus, too. What a waste. I think the sister is going to be kicked off the bus for a while. This is far from her first write-up.

After work I went over to Cara's folk's house. They suddenly served dinner, but the real reason I was asked to come over was to help her dad bring a new box spring back to Slumberland and take a smaller one to the house. That's what we did. Cara went to Leesha's parent-teacher conference. Leesha is staying at their house tonight.

no work tomorrow

Gameboys, Playstations and RPGs

A few days after Christmas vacation ended my buddy, Dequan, from the elementary school route lost his Gameboy. It seemed like another kid on the bus, Carry, stole it. Dequan always is getting in trouble. He seems like he is starved for attention and how he goes about getting attention puts him on opposing sides with most people. So he's always getting in fights or pissing people off.

Today I put some pressure on Carry about the Gameboy. Carry brought it on the bus for some reason. I told him it seemed very much like he had Dequan's Gameboy and that if it was Dequans, that he ought to give it back to avoid serious problems. He claimed he got it at GameStop, but in the end he did give the Gameboy to Dequan (which yields his guilt). I had him stay on the bus after everyone got off to tell him I thought he made the right choice. He still stuck to his story that he just bought the Gameboy, but wanted to give it to Dequan anyways.

Carry looks just like the kid from Christmas Story

On my activity route (activity routes are for kids who stay after school for whatever reason) there is a boy named Victor who has made it clear since I started on the route that he doesn't like me. Tonight, I think I won him over. It started by me asking if he had a Playstation or an XBox. He has a Playstation II. Asked him what was his favorite game. Star Wars.
Well.
All I had to do was set the hook.
All the way home we talked about it. He even moved from mid-bus to right behind my seat. Thank you, Mr. Lucas.

I got a Christmas gift from Cara's folks. Well, they asked what I wanted and bought it for me. Anyway, I added to my growing Eberron book collection with Sharn: City of Towers book which came with an Eberron soundtrack. I guess where ever Darlene bought it had to order it and she got it today. These books are very high quality. Thank you Sorleys. (note* this book is different than the novel I posted about on the 21st. It is about the same place, however this book is a resource about Sharn, the other book - just City of Towers, is a novel that takes place there)

Last day of work for the week, tomorrow for we have Friday off!

Today is Leesha's 9th Birthday!

I remember my 9th birthday. Its one of the only childhood birthdays I do remember. Mom and dad and Greg and I took one of our marina's houseboats out on the chain for the evening and overnight. We anchored off of the little island on Scattering Rice Lake, I think. I remember I got a Star Wars action figure for my birthday. Ree Yees I think was what his name is. Greg got a Star Wars guy, too. Chief Chirpa- our first ewok figure. Brothers getting something on the other's birthday seemed logical back then.

Dah is back. She must've been feeling ill yesterday because she is back to her normal self again and that pleases me.

A couple of weeks ago I made a mix CD for my brother of all David Bowie music. So that's what I've been listening to a lot lately. Because of that, all day I've had music and dialog from the movie Labyrinth in my brain. I've been craving that movie again for a while now.

After dropping off the last students this evening, dispatch called for me over the radio- "Base to 192, Jeff?"
"This is 192, go ahead".
"See me when you get in tonight"
"10 4". Now my mind starts up. What could I possibly have done to get the attention of dispatch? Did I get tagged for speeding? Has my temporary license expired? What did I do? I park, sweep out the bus, clean up everything and make the trek across the parking lot to the office. When I get in, Peter in dispatch throws a paper at me. I look at it and it is a check! Monarch Bus Services have a policy that if you are on time to work and all your stops and schools every day- you get a $.60 bonus for every hour you work that month. That is what I received tonight.

Before I went home I delivered an eBay package and picked up a birthday balloon.

When I got home, Leesha was on the phone with my folks. A bit later I got to talk with them, too.

We studied Matthew chapter 23 tonight for Small Group. Our group has developed a thing where we serve food for everyone (who wants to partake, about half eat before) and anyone can bring food to add to the bounty. We will socialize while people arrive and help ourselves to the food. Tonight, Steve and I ate in the dining room while the rest of the group ate in the living room. I could overhear Rob joking about saying the line from Labyrinth about the Goblin King taking his baby away. So from the dining room I reply, quietly - "did he say it?!" and to my delight Rob caught it.

It was a good night for discussion. Talking about Jesus and his smackdown on the Pharisees. We pretty much got through the whole night without talking about poop- but that's because Rauchwarters weren't there.

Almost as soon as we were done with group, Cara went to sleep. She was wiped out.

Boring Morning, Busy Night

Humdrum morning. Dah almost didn't say a word all the way to school and she slept on the way back. I think something's wrong with her.

Busy night.
After work I gave a guy a ride to a bus stop. As soon as we leave he tells me that the bus already left the spot he wanted me to drop in off at. So we ended up behind it, pursuing it to its next stop. A ways off my course home. Oh well.
Next I picked up a couple of things for Leesha's birthday present. Her gift from me is a Gameboy Color. I was going to find one for sale and was talking about it on the bus before Christmas break when one of the kids on the Middle School route said he'd just give me one of his. And he did! So, tonight I picked up a couple of games for it. We shall see how well she likes the Gameboy and how well she takes care of it.
Then I stopped to get some shipping supplies for eBay sales. It was almost 9pm when I got home.

Bi-Polar Weekend, Switchers, Wet Hair and the End of a Book

As covered in the last entry, we went to the Bomberg's house on Friday night. Saturday was spent with our former Before-You-Say-I-Might class mates for our first reunion since we've all graduated and married. The nature of the two visits- Friday night vs Saturday- made for a bi-polar weekend.

One foundational factor with Friday night is that the Bombergs are Jewish. Now, don't take any of this the wrong way. But, that is a line between us that will never go away. There will ALWAYS be that difference. Saturday, that line doesn't exist. Friday there was a level of discomfort the whole time (at least for me). It was a biding of time till its over. Saturday was more of a time that you don't want to leave. There was a genuine relaxation. Its very interesting to have both experiences on the same weekend.

This weekend was my monthly service to Woodland Hills. Every third weekend I fulfil the media crew's switcher position for all three church services. There are several people filling various roles for each service and about half are on a monthly rotation. The two camera people are on the same schedule as I am so I will almost always end up with the same team- which really works out nicely.

This week's sermon was by Brenda Salter-McNeal and was about Jacob wrestling with the Angel. I really like that story. Its a brother story.

It also is from Genesis which I think is my favorite book in the Bible. Its in the last 10 years that I realized that a good chunk of my favorite Bible stories are related and sequential. Isaac, the same little boy that was almost sacrificed is the same old man who gave Esa's blessing to Jacob. Jacob becomes Israel, the same old man who was moved to Egypt at the end of his life. Israel's sons are the origin of the 12 tribes. No one pointed these small factoids out to me or I didn't put it together until recently. I love that book.

The one problem with switching at church is that I'm left mentally wiped out. This afternoon Cara had to work so it was just Leesha and me. Soon after Cara left, I crashed. Leesha took as shower and I took a nap. When I woke up she was not in the house. I looked outside and she was finishing up sweeping the entire driveway! I was impressed and thanked her, then scolded her for going outside right after bathing with her hair all wet.

I finished reading a book today. An Eberron novel- City of Towers by Keith Baker. Eberron is a new D&D campaign setting that has gained my interest lately. This novel is written by the guy who gave the setting life. They describe Eberron as Lord of the Rings mixed with Indiana Jones mixed with The Maltese Falcon. So basically its fantasy with elves and dwarves, but with pulp adventure and noir. I liked it and will probably be reading more.

Bugs, Buses and Bombergs

I believe there is some sort of spirit that influences one's day. It may manifest in small ways- like stop light timing. Today has a good spirit. Everything was falling into place as it should today.

Some drama on the elementary school route this afternoon. Dequan is a kid with some self esteem issues. Somehow he sets everyone against him. This kid ends up in more arguments and fights than anyone else. He is so hungry for attention that he saps my energy more than any other kid on any of my routes. Today, he decided to take Dah's seat on the bus- the seat directly behind my seat. When Dah got on the bus and she saw that her usual spot was taken she went back further and got real quiet. It was difficult to tell, but she seemed more upset than I think she should have been for just a seat.

About half way through the route we ran into trouble on University and Dale. There were maybe 8 police cars in that area with crime tape and all sorts of action. They were redirecting traffic so I altered the route and took the remaining kids home all out of order which caused all sorts of questions and complaints about going home from them. I enjoy deviating from the route sometimes.

Cara picked up my check today.
My CD player in the jeep is pretty much dead.

I was in a mood when I got home. Hadn't even stepped in the house when Leesha unloads on me all about some bug in the basement. After I unloaded all my layers and stuff, used the bathroom, kissed my wife I went into Leesha's room to tell her she might want to give Dah a call to make her feel better. Leesha's reply was something about that stupid bug. I asked if she even heard what I said. She said she did, but then continued about that bug in the basement. So I gave up trying to talk to her. She's obsessed with it. Shortly after that her dad came to pick her up.

Very soon after Leesha got picked up Cara and I went to the Bomberg's house for dinner and just to hang out. What can I say about this visit. We've been with them before and had a really good time. This time didn't measure up to those visits. Kristin threw a mini fit while playing Phase 10 when Matt tried to point out she was playing incorrectly. It was awkward. After the game, Cara and Kristin went through a HUGE collection of maternity clothing while Matt kept nodding his head back and forth in some strange attempt to act not sleepy while I channel surfed. We had been trying to get together with them for a long time and maybe this was too short notice or something, but it just felt forced to me. And we didn't leave till after midnight. It was nice to see Sadie (I'm horrible).

Tomorrow we see the Jankoviches.

Comic Book Day and The Voice that Relaxes

We had a Safety Meeting at work today so I was unable to go home. This disrupts my routine which is good and bad. I love to go home and relax turning the heat and the radio up, but I am also a fan of change.

Since there was no work or postal service on Monday, that makes today Comic Book Day!

It's usually on Wednesdays, but not today, that I go to The Source and chat with the guys working there about whatever- usually Hans. Hans and I trade music a lot. We have many similar interests which go beyond just music. Today we talked about The Gunslinger series by Stephen King and how Merlin/Randall Flagg (of the Stand) was very similar to Tolkien's wizards and even Lewis's version of Merlin in That Hideous Strength. He lent me another album by Transatlantic. In turn, I gave him a copy of Ayreon - The Human Equation. Transatlantic was a lighter prog band that featured Neal Morse who left the band and went on to do solo stuff as a christian musician.

I got gas for the Jeep today at $1.86 a gallon!

Dah is a young girl on the elementary school route I work. She has taken a liking to me and always sits right behind me and chats away about whatever. One day Leesha ended up riding the bus with me all day. She and Dah became friends, but they can't seem to connect by phone since. Today, Dah wanted to sing songs that she made up right there on the spot. I allowed her to go ahead. The odd thing about it (and what makes it blog worthy) is that when I would allow myself to focus on her voice, I found it very relaxing. It only worked on the songs she made up. The only other song she knows (that I recognize) is Whitney Houston's Greatest Love of All and I found that that song doesn't relax me at all- even if its sung by Dah.

As soon as I got home dinner was served. As soon as dinner was done, Leesha was on her way to bed. Our schedule is brutal. Seems like there isn't much time with her.

Buses Don't Fit at the Post Office

I had to pick up a package at the post office, but to get there during their open hours I had to park the school bus in the parking lot. It was early so it ended up being no problem. But still. 30 foot vehicle, come on!

I heard "Another Brick in the Wall part II" on KQRS tonight and now I want to listen to The Final Cut.

I'm coming up to the end of the book I've been reading for the last week and a half. Its a D&D book from the campaign setting Eberron. Even thou this is the first ever Eberron book I've read, it still feels like the old Forgotten Realms books I used to read in High School. Its light. And fast paced. As apposed to George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series (which is way better, but much heavier- in content and actual weight!).

Got a good nap in on the bus this afternoon. In the mid 20's and sunny makes for a very comfortable bus as long as you park east/west.

I'm trying to write every day this year. I'll develop a format in time to come. This is just a mashup of ideas just to get them down.

It has been a while.

Today, I saw an eagle standing on the ice on the Mississippi River at the intersection of Jackson Ave and Werner Rd. An eagle in downtown St. Paul. What do you think of that?

There has been so much. Its too much to cover with one entry. You are going to have to keep coming back to absorb it all.



The big news as of late is that Cara is 14 weeks pregnant!

We are moved in. We are now reside in Oakdale. We are now online and our phones work. And all three of us just went swimming in Tanner's Lake.

test

Woke up this morning at the Minneapolis Hilton and Towers. Cara held out till today. She must've felt worse than she let on last night.

The KSTP party was a great time. Right away we ran into Zach and exactly next- Steve and his date. Cara did a good job keeping up with me as I dragged her all around introducing her to so many people. Had some of the shrimp that don't qualify for the name shrimp.
Found Ben and Kristina, Ahmed, Robin and her friend Dana. We joined their table and had a wonderful dinner. This year was hosted by Cyndy and Joe. The entertainment, a comedian, was better than last year's mime.
After dinner people started clearing out and hanging in the lobby again. Our table, as per every year, hung out and danced. Steve collected centerpiece decorations penguins left by people. We were one of the only groups to do so. Our group and, of course, Jimmy's (from the garage staff). He always cracks me up. We danced out till midnight. Cara and I went on up to our room and shortly after that fell asleep. more pictures here

KSTP Christmas Party

tonight Cara and I are staying at the Hilton and Towers in downtoan Minneapolis for the KSTP Chirstmas party! (she's not feeling good)

my former co-worker's brother was on Want to Be a Millionaire Movie addition today or at least it was taped to day to be aired sometime in Feburary. Perry was one of the phone a friends but didn't get called. unknown at this point how well Austin did.

first day I felt like I was a regular on the morning shift.
I actually excersized today

Strange Weekend

the good

6 months married today
saw Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (loved it)

the bad

ripped a hole in the couch wrestling with Leesha
spilled wine on carpet downstairs watching SNL with Cara (just call me captain destructo!)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving at our house. Since Cara's family is in Africa and mine are in St. Louis (and Greg & Mandy are with her folks) we invited other people who where lacking family or plans to come and celebrate with us. Here's who joined us:

• Terry, Teresa, and Lucas
• Josh Schneider
• David Hasenberg
• Eric and Keesha Phiefer
• Laura Beth
• Cara, Jeffry and Leesha

Leesha was supposed to be picked up by her dad but he never showed up. She seemed ok with that. He, later, had a lame excuse. Lucas Treleven was the center of attention and entertained us most of the evening.
It was a great time with lots of great food and lots of great folks.

Chickens, Anu and Anime

Cara and I raked up all the leaves, piled them onto a giant tarp and dragged them down to a pit down at the end of the road. As we dragged the tarp, we approaced the neighbor's driveway. These people have chickens. And these chickens have little fear of strangers or giant tarps. We had to be careful because it was very easy to just drag this thing right on over them. I guess they think food when they see people. Not that they eat people, its that people are who provide their food. Chickens are strange.

We poked around the construction just west of our house, down the hill. Its coming along pretty fast. But the chickens followed us to the construction. Strange animals.

Cara had a night out with her friend Anu. They went shopping and out to dinner. I was thinking of going to a movie by myself, but opted to geek out on Gundam videos instead. It was just what I needed.

Festive Evening

Craig and Tracy and the boys are going back to Africa in about a week. So in celebration and spending some time with them before they go, Delane's and Ron are hosting dinner at their house for the evening. Always a good time at their house.

I had to leave early, because I was invited to Vineeta's house for a Morning Show social gathering. Vineeta has just been switched over to the Morning Show (just after I was, also) and to get to know everyone better she and her husband are hosting this party.

Besides the Christmas Party and hanging out with some of the production crew, this was the first time I ever socialized with KSTP people outside of work and it was a blast!

Seth and his woman were there. I spent a great deal of time talking with Tommy from tapes, hanging out with Steve Schmit, and talked about Boston Terriers with Justin- the web guy. Schmitty and Kathyrn and I got into a pretty intense conversation about God in Vineeta's kitchen. When almost everyone was gone, Vineeta gave Justin and I a tour. What a cool house. This house is located south of Grand kind of near 35E. Three stories and a basement. We all went home around 11pm (which is really late when you work on the morning show).

Good time all around. I wish Cara could've come with, but it was important that she spend time with her brother's family before they left.

Here's Life Inner City Boxes of Love



Rob brought up an idea for a volunteer ministry for our small group. And since he brought it up, he was gracious enough to organize us in going through with it. So instead of meeting last night (like we usually do every Tuesday night) we met tonight at a warehouse in Minneapolis. The ministry is called Here's Life Inner City and the program we were working on is called Boxes of Love. What we did all evening was put together hundreds of boxes for needy inner city families. It was quite fun and we got to meet other people from our own church. It was really no sacrifice for us (other than we skipped watching LOST). Even Leesha was really helpful. She made bead bracelets that were included in every box.

When Leesha stays up past her bed time, its almost a guarantee that she will have a melt down. We were doing very well. In the car and on the way home, even. She was playing with my neck as I drove and trying to be playful, I bit her thumb- but I did it a just a little too hard. She pulled back and was real quiet. I could tell she was holding it in- not sure what to think of what just happened. I asked her if she was ok and if I bit too hard. That was her ticket to let loose.

Oh. My. Goodness!

She cried as hard as she possibly could! Which was fine. It was my fault. So we just let her cry. She eventually got tired of crying and forgave me. But that was kind of funny at first. Other than that, she was really really good. And even that wasn't bad. Just Melodramatic

Click for $.03, MTURK & Sleep

I got BJ and Seth started on this website. On this site you can actually earn money for simply clicking on which picture best describes the business presented. Its very strange- but they're paying, so don't complain.

Went to a sleep doctor today and set up an appointment to have a sleep study done on me. I suspect that I have apnea.

We had a bit of drama at home this evening. Leesha's math grade is slipping and it looks like its because she just doesn't care about her work. When confronted, Leesha dropped into a strange victim mentality claiming that when we praise her its too loud and hurts her ears. I pray that characteristic fades from her because there is no integrity a self proclaimed victim.

Cara and I had a very powerful prayer session together tonight. I love to pray with her.

Josh Moved

Josh and I loaded up a U-Haul van and my jeep full of his worldly materials and set off to his new residence. Josh and I met the maintenance guy who gave him the key to his apartment and we went all around looking for nicks and cracks to report so Josh wouldn't get charged for those things when he moves out.

After all was settled we started to unload. We got the jeep emptied out and had the van in position when Greg arrived. Unloaded and in the apartment, Greg and Josh took off to pick up more furniture from IKEA and somewhere else and get us some food while I stayed at the apartment and built a tv stand and waited for the bed delivery and the cable guy.

I finished quickly and laid down to read.

Soon everyone arrived at the same time. After the bed was in and everyone left, Josh went to drop off the van while Greg and I built a shelf. I love the fact that Greg and I can find any situation hilarious because we were laughing our asses off while trying to build that thing. Fun.

Not long after Schneidy returned the cable guy got there, too. And Greg had to leave. After all was settled in and the cable guy was gone, I too took off.

We talked about his recently ended relationship quite a bit and figured this move was a major step in the right direction.

I stopped in at the Shinder's just up the street from Josh's, the one I used to go to all the time. I also stopped at Hot Comics up in Richfield where Greg and I would go every Wednesday back in the golden age.

Felt good to use almost every muscle in my body. And it felt good to help a friend.

decision day

whether or not to commit to a different schedule. should i take the morning shift? and listen to George Noory every night on my way to work?

or

should i stay with this schedule, but have it go an hour later and miss dinner with my family and come home just as Leesha is going to bed?

the morning shift will free up some of the responsibility i have under Monica so that i may focus on more training.

the day shift would allow me to sleep more.

Perry's last day

(sad)

Got Lots Done Today

I've been subbing on the early shift again
picked up Tux for Eric's wedding
came home
Cara Leesha and I went to do erronds and picked up my new computer.
Robert came over for dinner
Robert and I went to Eric's to help him move. He had lots of stuff to move.



His house was quite the mess.

got home
computer crashed

Grandma & Grandpa & St. Louis

We went to Grandma and grandpa's for brunch. Spent a good deal of time with them. Gma took leesha out shopping. Lucky girl.


Then we went to The City Museum. Amazing place. Its like the playground at McDonald's but for adults, too. If you ever spend time in St. Louis, you really ought to see the City Museum. here is a picture gallery

Pretty much right after we came home and had dinner leesha went to bed.

Cara and I got my folks to play Settlers of Catan and Cara won. My mom made food for tomorrow while she was playing (and she still did better than Dad and I).

Mom & Dad & St. Louis

Arrived at Mom and Dads at about 8 am. visited till about 10 and went to sleep. Mom and Dad took Leesha to the Butterfly House (which we heard she didn't really like). we had dinner and just visited.

Leesha was off her game. She was very tired from trying to sleep all night in the car and just being somewhere else. Even though she behaved very well, we designated over by the door as the time out spot- just in case. Well, Leesha chose dinner time to fight with us. My mom served coleslaw and Leesha melodramatically ate it with great facial expressions, fighting every moment with every excuse not to eat the slaw. Her face was so over the top that my mom couldn't contain herself and just started laughing at the expressions. So I sent my mom to the time out spot. She went! Laughing the whole time.

great time.

Leesha went to sleep really fast and really hard. We watched LOST that dad taped on Wed. My folks are fans, too.

Drove All Night

We left for Stl, MO shortly after I got home from work.
Drove all night listening to George Noory.
Every time we stopped Leesha managed to wake up and ask where we where. Unless we stopped at a rest stop so she could use the rest room. Then we'd have to wake her up. How did she know? little stinker.

Perry's Birthday

Today is Perry Kennedy's birthday. It is also the day he put his 2 week notice in to quit. Perry has been accepted at a new job at a school in Eden Prairie or Edina or somewhere down there. Congratulations and happy birthday!

I don't have a title for this one

Cara and I had a very nice day putsing around shopping. We were supposed to meet Greg, Spud, David and Jutton at Uptown Bar for gyro omelettes, but those dorks decided to grab McDonald's and sit in front of that horrible Viking vs Bears game instead of hang with us. I was pissed. Shouldn't have been. Its so common for those two (Greg and Spud) to back out of plans it shouldve been expected. My bad for not expecting. In spite of those asses, Cara and I had a great day.

Jutton caved and went over there anyways. He came over from Greg's house and we had blannies (blannies used to be what our bachelor household would call pancakes). Cara made these amazing blannies with bananas in them! wow! those were so good. Then off to the movie.

Watched Serenity (for the 3rd time) with Jutton. First time Jutton saw anything Firefly/Serenity. He liked it a lot. Not a surprise, the movie is great.

awesome movie

Spud is in town.

Cara, Leesha and I went to her cousin's wedding today. Jason and Jonel got married today in the same church that Cara and I were married. It was nice and very traditional. Leesha was picked up by her dad after the ceremony.

After the wedding we went up to Greg and Mandy's house to see Spud. Jason, Marusha, Skyhawk, David and Misty Budney (what?!!!) arrived later. And even later, Jutton and his

It was good seeing Spud. It wasn't an ideal setting. It was too fast and not quiet enough. But it was a good time. Got to connect with David a bit. Cara felt that she connected with Mandy a lot more.

We set up plans to go to Uptown Bar and Cafe tomorrow for gyro omelets. Always love gyro omelets.

Serenity



Schneidy hasn't been doing so well, lately. He needed some friend time. God bless Cara for recognizing that and almost sending me out to hang with him (she is such a keeper. I was out late lastnight for Viking Game Day and I know she would really like to spend some time with me, but while I was working last night Schneidy called to see if I was busy tonight and Cara pretty much sent me out with him).

We were going to use a couple of free movie passes, but the movie would have to be 10 days old or older and nothing that was that old was any good. Serenity opened in theaters today. I am going to go see it tomorrow night with a bunch of people, but you know what... We went to Serenity anyways.

I think it was a good thing for him to get his mind off his drama for a while.




what a wonderful movie. Best one I've seen this year. I know and love the show its from- Firefly. Schneidy hadn't seen any Firefly, so it was neat to hear what he thought of it from that perspective.

Go see this movie.

Wednesdays = Comics and LOST

Still filling in for my manager as she's in Ireland. Today, however, wasn't too hecktic with all that. Makes for a nice change. I started to sit with Scott and learn some of the switcher.

Jay came to town for lunch today. I drove Brad, Ben, BJ and myself (I was the only person in my car whose name didn't start with a B) to Godfather's Pizza. Cara had called and wanted to know if I could go to lunch with her, so I invited her to go with us. Shortly after we got our food and sat down, she arrived. That was a real fun time. Its good seeing Jay and its always fun to have lunch with my wife. Brad had never met her before.

I snuck away from work at about 2:30 to take a co-worker, Mike, to the airport. He's got a friend in Vancouver he's going to visit. Mike is fun to hang with. He has a great sense of humor. One odd thing about him, though- He's seen every single episode of LOST and he hates the show.

I spent the gift certificate that Leesha got me at the comic book shop on a movie that I think she will like.


awesome movie. I've seen the Japanese version with fan-subtitles.

When I got home from the comic book shop there were my ladies with a couple of dudes. Nathan and Aaron. Ages 4 and 2. Cara is nephew sitting tonight so her brother and his wife could go out and celebrate his birthday.

This day was also the day Cara's friend Kristin and her husband were going out of town and we were going dogsit for them. Just after we ate, Matt dropped off Sadie. So we were fully [insert noun here]-sitting.

At about 7:30 everyone under the age of 8 went to bed. I took Sadie for a quick walk. Rushed home to watch the 2nd episode from the 2nd season of LOST.

A Good Saturday

I got to sleep in today. As the Flaming Lips once said- "sleep in when you can". More and more that thought seems prudent.

Our guests were already out on their adventures by the time I got up. And Cara was getting ready to go do some of her errands. That left me with some much cherished me time. So I got a bunch of things done.

• I bid on an ebay auction (with birthday money- this was the kind of auction where you get a great idea of what you're looking for and you happen to remember it when you have some time to surf and there happens to be an item that fits exactly what you're looking for and it ends that day! it all was meant to be)
• I got our Melaleuca order in
• updated this blog
• changed my MySpace profile color
• watched this week's eBaumsworld
• posted a couple of things for sale on ebay (one has a bid already!)
• and surfed my favorite forums

it was good

Leesha came home early. She and I played Battleship online and she kicked butt. It ended just about when it was going to her head.

Then we played Old Maid and Go Fish when everyone returned.

After Cara and Kristin got home we started thinking about going out to eat with the Koski's at an Indian restaurant. We met David and friends there and had a great dinner. Leesha was getting tired but she held it together.

Came home- Leesha to bed.

Played Settlers of Cattan

While the girls talked, us boys shared interesting internet sites:

• http://www.detoursvideo.com/Elsewhere.htm
• http://happytreefriends.com
• http://www.homestarrunner.com/
• http://parcours-diversifies.scola.ac-paris.fr/
• http://www.lionelcharlet.com/EN/en_aviation.html (this one was so cool!)

and I won my auction!

nice day.

the only thing that was rather negative was that I found out that my friend Josh's girlfriend has been cheating on him. And he's taking it pretty hard. I feel so bad for the poor guy. If you read this, Schneidy- you are in my prayers.

Friday Nights are Nice

Our weeks have become quite busy, lately. And the fact that Cara is working full time subbing, now adds to the release of Friday evening. Leesha is off to dad's on Friday nights for the last few weeks. So its developing into our lets-not-plan-anything night.

So we had a small dinner and watched the last 3 episodes of LOST season 1 (Cara hadn't seen them yet and needs to before she sees the season 2 premiere).

Cara's friend from school, David, and his wife, Kristin, were coming to town tonight and they arrived haflway through the last episode. They came in and we talked till about half past midnight. When they went to bed, Cara and I finished the episode.

Having just seen the season 2 premiere, it was interesting seeing the last episodes again.

I love this show. I love how they ended the season with the scene of everyone boarding the plane. These creators have a real good sense of what I think is good tv.

LOST... power ) :<

Wednesday, Robert came over to watch the season 2 premiere of LOST. We had a nice dinner and as Cara put Leesha to bed, Rob and I watched the season 1 recap episode. As it started, the sky got real dark and KSTP started cutting in with weather updates. With the weather picking up and Leesha getting freaked out all was getting frustrating. We put Leesha to bed downstairs, grabbed a couple of flashlights... and BLACK.

Power went out at 15 minutes to 8:00 pm.

Rob and I checked out the upstairs to make sure there wasn't too much damage while Cara read to Leesha by flashlight. We just talked for about 45 minutes in the dark. Rob finally went home and Cara and I went to bed.







about 10 minutes to 1 AM the power came back on. I started a download of the premiere episode and watched it the next day.

We got a new car!

this is not our actual car, but its the same model, year, and color as ours.



manual trans and under 59,000 miles.

Eric and Keesha's Couple Shower

Showers are strange. I guess they're just an excuse to get more gifts. We hosted Eric's and Keesha's at our house. Fondu. After we ate we planned on playing games, but we ended up sitting around and talking instead.

I Got Specs

Last Hot Day of the Year? I Think So!

Odd thing this morning.

Leesha was a pill last night because she was so tired. So we ended up putting her to bed without her devotional. She popped in this morning and woke us up. Why not do her devotional from last night now? So she read it, we read it again and we talked about it. That was fine, but then she wouldn't leave us alone, so we continued to talk about God and these questions came up:
What is the Holy Ghost? and
What is the Trinity?

Since Leesha was sick yesterday, she'd sit with us in Church (instead of expose other kids to whatever microbes that may still be on her- rather, just infect the nearest adults). Greg Boyd's message happened to be about the Holy Spirit and the Trinity! He actually asked the very same questions we discussed this morning. It was really weird. And amazing.

We went to Olive Garden for lunch with Keesha and Eric, Robert and Laura, Cara Leesha and me. Good time. Right after that we were going to Craig and Tracy's with a quick stop at a comic book shop (see, Leesha was very well behaved in church and I wanted to treat her with a new comic), but the shop was closed.

Even though it was possibly the last 90 degree day of the year, we took a walk to a park. uuuhhhh. I don't like humidity and heat. We all returned home and had a nice dinner.

As soon as we got home I popped a sleeping pill because I'd have to be at work at 4AM tomorrow. Boom, I was out pretty hard.

Do-Nothing-Day

It was almost too perfect.
Almost
Leesha had a strange accident. Apparently, she wasn't feeling good. Wasn't feeling good in a You're-Sliding-Into-First-And-You're-Feeling-Something-Burst way.
Cara went to the grocery store so Leesha and I were playing games on the internet when she says she needs to go to the potty and runs off. She took more time than I'd expect but didn't think much of it. Cara came home and I heard voices. I hear Leesha's voice is upset and I go up to see what kind of trouble she may be in and if I'd need to back Cara up. I mis-read the trauma. Asked Leesha what was wrong and she exclaims between sobs "I pooped in my pants!". Hold it together, Jeffry! Keep a strait face. She was embarrassed and scared (water-poop is not normal, man!) and clogged the toilet, so she was very upset. But crisis passed and everything got cleaned up and calmed down.

Crazy Day

Start the day running, I'd say. Last night, during the 5pm, my manager comes up to me and tells me to write a work order for this morning as soon as we find out what time they want it. That was last night!

On my way into the building, the same manager catches me and says I need to get to the Fair grounds building, first thing!, and pick up some banners.

Here we are, and no one knows what time still, they're asking me! So I write it for 'sometime AM' and hand out the work orders. See, we have a rule- no work order, no do it. all because of a select few (Hammer, Rusty, I'm looking in your direction).

After that I spent all day getting Studio B ready for a special broadcast on 5 that airs live tonight. They had to cover my camera during Midday so I could light. I did do stills for At Issue, but then left it for them while I returned to lighting.

I returned to stills for the 5pm and did do prompter for 5pm and at that point I think lighting was good. But after the 5, Sarah had me on a special Billboard.

Yeah, this post means nothing to most readers, but it does illustrate that it was a very busy day.

So I went and bought it.

I love this show. I think Cara is getting hooked even though she tries to deny it.

Fair Feedback

So here's what our director out at the Fair had to say:
----------------------------
Hey Gang... Once again we survived the Pronto Pups and Cheese Curds and had another great Fair. With the added excitement of the Key Wall I think it was our best Fair yet.
Thanks for all the hard work and hustle...we got a little soggy on the last day, but that didn't damped your spirit or talent.
The crowds were as good as ever...special thanks to Jeffry for getting them fired up and with the addition of the Water Bottles fun was had by all.
So...I'll see you same place...same time next year. Thanks again.

Tom Smith
Director
TV Operations
---------

thanks Tom

VGD show #1

As this day started, Vikings Game Day looked kind of grim. It seemed like a huge, not well thought out, project.

We were supposed to have new chairs for the new set, but they weren't around- someone dropped the ball on that one and everyone at the Mall turned to me to fix it. The At Issue chairs that we used at the Fair were brought down to the Mall for substitutes, but we needed 4 and only had 3. Good times.

We also were missing 8 strips that attach banners to banner frames. Again, everyone turned to me for answer. So I opted to return to the station to get the last chair and the adhesive strips. Robyn went with me. We made it fun, listening to the Cure (cause it was overcast). At the station, we found that someone else had also dropped the ball on the adhesive strip thing. All these issues that I suddenly had to resolve- created by others. Good times.

They sent Robyn and me to the store that supplies us with those things. We spent too much time there trying to explain what we want only to find that they hadn't any. I placed an order for them without any authorization to do so, but figured it wouldn't be that big of a deal since each item we were after cost $.12 each. Good times.

When we got back we found a metal wall with a outside-cafe-looking print on it. Guess what, we need to use this for a segment of our show. A wall. There were no supports or stands for this wall. But we used it. A couple of Vikings employees actually stood behind it holding it up while we shot the segment! Good times.

However, as every piece came together and was decided upon, the show really took a solid form. We have a lot of new elements in the show this year: new host- Rod Simons, new co-host- Rich Gannon, and new producers. The only on-air thing that is familiar is Lea B Olson.
Once the show took off we rocked. Everything started to fall into it's right and familiar place.

Daniel Chapter 6

We had small group tonight. Daniel chapter 6 is the story about Daniel and the Lion's Den. I guess I never knew that the King, King Darius was kind of on Daniel's side in that story.

Robert gave me a Best Buy gift card as well as a computer game he downloaded. Its a Traveller-like game, he says. We'll see if I find time to play it. I'm very tempted to buy the LOST season 1 DVD set with this card.

today was Leesha's first day in 2nd Grade

day off more than expected

We went to Target to get me some glasses, they won't be in for 10 days.
After we get back home, Stew comes in and shortley there after, Dan Kidney arrives. Then Eric.

We cooked food on the grill and ate outside.
We watched Triggerhappy.
We played Settlers - Cara won!

Everyone left, I drove Eric to Keesha's with his new/old transmission

Cara was apologetic because there was a lot going on today. It was a good day.