Simple Blog

The beat goes on

2009-07-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well a little travel, some more on the way and a sprinkle of work on top. Photo is in Puerto Rico. Working on 108, trying to lose a little of the extra padding and still getting Gobie up and going. What is keeping me up at night is the thought of space tourism. I think I am going to go into space in my lifetime.

Trying to revive the story

2009-03-26T07:41:00.001-07:00

So my intent is to update a bit more often but I am not making the mistake of promising all sorts of stuff and having it go dead again. Things past - quit my W2 job. Working full time on my own busienss - Gobie, Inc. www.gobieworld.com , keeping busy. 108north will be updated as work is rengaged. Things coming up, Katie and I taking a cruise in the caribbean.

Had a chance to experience a bit of nature at The Conservation Foundation. The picture is of a Red Tail Hawk who we got to see feed.

This, that and the other

2008-08-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well had a few adventures recently. Hung out at Alpine Valley for Jimmy Buffett, went up the lake in Michigan, got to see D, visited little baby Macy, become a Godfather again (and summarily had the heads of all the other mafia families eliminated), did a little work at Summer Nights.

Well 3 power cuts, 1 manual since last entry.

219

Now this

2008-06-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Katie had I have entered into a contest to lose some weight. She had a goal to eat better but it really ramped up when she learned she could hold a victory over me. Finally got started working on the house again. Naper Days is over and was a great success. Katie even helped out but pouring beer with me in one of the beverage tents. Saw Tom Petty in Michigan...it was Awesome. You may know his music but until you see him live, you don't know Tom.

manual cut

227.0

Back from the wild

2008-05-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

Spent a few days on the Appalachian Trail with 2Pops. Cut the lawn with the push mower

2008 - 2 push, 1 gas

225.8

Obama vs Clinton vs McCain

2008-04-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

OK, so my blog has nothing to do with those three but it is newsworthy. And I know you are rooting for the "O".

This isn't my picture but Katie was in Las Vegas so it is kind of my picture too? I am digging on a CD book set by www.marcallen.com, kind of a hippie capitalist.

The last couple of weeks have had me from 226.2 up to 228.2 and last week was 228.6. Trending in the wrong direction but I assure myself this is a normal market correction. Q2 is looking better, outdoors, more future munchkins (not ours) on the way to keep us running around. (Congrats again K+BJ).

Fun had by all

2008-03-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well it was another great show - the show was the annual viewing of "The Quiet Man" and lampshades (or Transformer Helmut's) were worn on heads. Easter was a good family day, my P-units came over to Katie's P-units along with other family members. We watched a little March Madness and ate delicious food. Over the last week I learned why there is a larger delta in shapes and sizes of dogs versus cats.

230.6 (even after a FULL Easter event - I count that in the win column)

Who says

2008-03-16T21:39:00.001-07:00

Who says you can't hold the camera yourself and take a nice self portrait? A lot of people and for good reason. Partied hard on Friday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day...oh, wait a second - that's right instead I watched over my Home Owners Association Election. Man getting old is for the birds. ( I will make up for it at the Quiet Man Party - you heard me)

Watch the littlin's on Saturday, my niece's and nephew. What a great bunch of munchkins. They are getting big enough where they entertain themselves...makes you wish they stayed smaller for a little while.

Sunday the day of rest...and a ton of stuff for the house. Weez got people coming on Monday.

227.8 - did nothing to deserve the drop

New stuff

2008-03-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am so hooked on a old/'new to me' show 'Dexter'. A couple of the characters bug me, actually most of them do but the writing for the Dexter character is so good. Got to meet the Mayor of Naperville and had a quick chat. Katie and I and have been ships passing in the night but we went out for a great dinner at Sullivan's. Very necessary. Also a chance to catch up with what is new with my sister. On to another work week, but with some added weight.
331.8

I want my baby back

2008-03-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Well the little lady was down visiting a friend so I had a weekend just to myself...yeah, right. There still is a lot to do on the house, so wittled down the 'to-do' list a bit. Also helping out in a couple of job searchs so did a little research in some new areas which turned out to be very cool. Fully admitting I may have Yuppie tendecines - checking out the price of a used BMW. Something down the road. Also talked about getting another pet, I want a monkey but it will most likely be fish. Dropped by the P-units (Parental Units) on Saturday, my sis and her friend was there. Katie came back on Sunday and we had dinner over at the In-laws. Stopped by my bro's house and got to see the neices and nephew. Todo Bien.

227.8

Good weekend, good weekend

2008-02-25T05:36:00.000-08:00

My pops came over this weekend to help fish the cable TV line up to the second floor. He used to do this when he worked for Ma Bell and it was awesome to be side by side working with my Dad. The wife is working come crazy hours and so I am trying to keep up with the house stuff.

The only down part is my efforts to shed some mass. The idea being a pound a week over the course of a year or until I hit 200 - whichever comes first. I gained a pound last week. I don't want any radical changes just aiming at some better health. Keep all your crazy diets to yourself.

Status - 229.6

A party to remember

2007-12-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

So a little of what has happened and what is coming up: Had a great turkey day with Katie's family, went shopping at midnight with my wife and then bowling with my cuz's. We have gotten a little further on the house. I am soon to become a master plaster (that is fun to say) with the repair work I have to do at 108. Trying to remember the fondest memory of 2007 now that it is drawing to a close - Katie offered when we had a day to ourselves in Fort Collins, CO but I really liked the cruise with B+K and C+M.

Fantasy Football is a wash this year - another money loser. Talking to 2-Pops about hiking a bit of the AT with him in 2008, and looking forward to Christmas.

Christmas Already?

2007-11-14T05:19:00.000-08:00

I am strangely OK with the Christmas holiday creeping earlier and earlier like an Iowan primary. Had a great weekend with the kids hanging out the the ultra exclusive Pheasant Run Inn. It is a very unique experience. (Picture is of the atrium where we had a nice brunch with mimosa's)

On unrelated item I am watching 'Sunrise Earth' on the Animal Planet channel ~ it is similar to the fake fire people would put on their TV's during holiday's. It isn't even relaxing because in the back of my mind I am asking; "why am I watching this?"

Also, if you are at a place that offers 'Hayrides' insist that there actually is 'hay'; for the ride.

Just to get outdoors

2007-11-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend. Nothing like camping in the Midwest; changing colors, great weather (meaning cool to cold) and good fellowship. Found out you can use Jewel discount card at Dominick's and Dominick's Fresh card at Jewel - ain't that crazy. Project 108 is winding down and Katie cut her hair short. Need to get a hold of the Saps, listening to tapes Mr. P made for a good friend brought me back to the olden days.

Road Trip!

2007-10-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses. OK, no cigarettes but who wouldn't want to road trip to Nebraska! Yup - 1800 miles in 72 hours...driving alone. Yeah, like I was going to get Katie to do something so crazy. Basically it was just to have a beer with Spud. That's him during the windstorm we camped through. Had the the fam over to the almost finished house, going to a Fire game with Tom W. and thinking fond thoughts of the time spent in Ogallala, NE. Got to try out a Mazda 3 - not bad.

Score!

2007-09-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

What a wickedly beautiful weekend! As we are just about to launch into October had a great weekend - mid 70's, sunny and things to do! Started out by losing at a game of Texas Hold'em at the Scoundrels Lair. Saturday swung by the a Native American Pow Wow. Sunday hung with the kids at Silver Springs State Park. What a great time. The house is getting close to being done, work is picking up and I LOVE fall weather!

A day in the life of...

2007-08-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Things are steady as she goes, plugging away in the staffing world for 8 hours a day (that is the computer I sit at). Which could explain the back stretches I have to do now. Running has been taken off the list of things to do (not by my choice) so that leaves swimming and biking. So I guess I have to get better at swimming. Great. And to boot, I am getting older.

It's a start

2007-07-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well it is best to keep the tally up. I used the push mower last time but after a long weekend in Colorado it was time to bring out the gasoline. Had a great weekend with the Rocco Deluca putting on a great show. And with Lofta-Palooza coming up next weekend, things keep on rolling.

Amoung other things I got to catch up with Dan, do some hiking, and hang with my sweet-tart.

Power Mower - 07.29.07

At this moment

2007-07-20T21:07:00.001-07:00

OK, a few things have happened. They started work on the house, we went on a cruise and I missed my friend D's birthday - July 4th! How can you forget that! But we were a little late on my nephew N's as well. It's OK, when we get back from Colorado it will be time to start getting serious on my "to-do" list. Here a a cool shot from the aircraft carrier The USS Midway.

Holy Crap - this is amazing.

2007-06-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

We have Ass...ter

2007-06-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a good friend (John O.) I have now planted New England Aster aster novae-angliae (Asteraceae). The first step in the Native Illinois plant program. We'll see how far we get. As most people know - I have no idea what I am doing. Surprise. The way I see it, this is one big experiment. Meanwhile, ran a 5K without causing myself too much pain and almost saw a Fire game on Saturday. Spent some money on house stuff and started getting ready for the cruise. Talked to the P's before they left on their cruise to Alaska - so cool.

Swing Baby!

2007-06-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Some crazy sounds coming from Naperville. Katie and I sat on our front porch and took in the sounds of Jazz Fest which featured Big Bad VooDoo Daddy. This of course brought back of all the fun days when Tom, Mike, Al, Eds and I would put on our Zoot Suits and hit the clubs to swing dance. Yeah right.

Anyhow, that beat working all day at Sam's club - yup, you read it right. Sam's club - just another notch on the ol' job belt. Long story and I am not writing about it now.

Bring on the house work!

Sacrifice....

2007-05-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

I watched a great program about the Medal of Honor and the stories behind some of whom received it. Quite a Memorial Day weekend. Actually it was a fun week as well. We did a lot of purchasing for the big redo on the house. We also got a chance to see the fam (both sides) and get some work around the house. Went on a 25 mile bike ride with my Father-in-law. My friend Paul and brother Ken helped move a behemoth stove out of the second floor into the garage. Got an email from the saps, now just have to track down D and Lisa.

Summer time

2007-05-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

Holy carp! (No, Katie I meant that misspelling). Getting a handle on how much time yard work has been a bit more of a challenge than I thought. It was a nice week and weekend so I thought I would knock out all my landscaping to-do's and then head off the the Civil War Days. Sorry Charlie - I only got 3 things done and it took all freakin' day! Maybe not this year but it will all pay off when we can have friends over like we do at the W's up North.

I still need to get a hold of 'D', Lisa T and the Saps.

Where is the love?

2007-05-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

So we had a Garage Sale this weekend. And things went pretty well. We are at the final stages of having stuff from 108 to sell so it was kind of a remanent sale. The funny thing is you never know what will sell. It was also my niece's First Communion on Saturday - she is growing up! Got to see my Aunt C., plus my sis and niece from Iowa - what a blast. Then putting in the patio and the in-law's on Sunday. Found out my friend Tom is on his condo owners association as well - I feel we will be able to share some war stories. What it was Derby day? Must have missed it.

One down

2007-05-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Katie, puppy and I walked 6 miles for the March of Dimes. We did OK, though the little guy needed to be picked up for some of it. It was a beautiful day to be walking on the Chicago Lake front. A couple of things of note: My Aunt Claudia is coming to town, spoke to Jungle Johnny, need to get a hold of D and Lisa T.

Time keeps slipping into the future....

Oh the fun

2007-04-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Katie and I discovered the joys of watching life go by in the store front window of our local mexican grill. We saw a woman drive around in the small parking lot no less than 5 times looking for a parking spot. Did I mention the parking garage accross the street no further than 100 feet! It was amazing, it almost seemed like one of those videos were they speed up the film and put funny music behind it.

Of course now we have to spend a little more time to work off some of that fine food. Walking around town after the elections. Now it is time to start working on my own campaign.

Things are happening

2007-03-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Found out I am a runner up in the Bone Marrow Match - maybe next time. We are getting numbers on what it will cost us to get 108 ready for little ones. I am going to be the next president of our Home Owners Association. We still haven't done our tax return and we are getting money back. Slackers.

And it is St Patty's Time - means good times at Jackson and Ryans'.

Had a chance to visit with my neice and on the look out for news from my friend Brian L. about a new addition.

I may be a match!

2007-02-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

Well, a lot is going on. You can see by our 108 Blog that we are getting closer to finding out how much and how long our restoration work is going to be on the house.

In the mean time I found out that I may be a match for a bone marrow transplant! I registered in 2002 with the National Marrow Donor Program at a cost of $75 to me (but they usually have fundraisers to eliminate the cost to register - but I was too excited to wait). Then nothing. I almost forgot I was in the database - until last week. I got the call. I may be a match. So I went in last Wednesday (01.31.07) to see if I am a match. I have a 1 in 8 chance of being the one. When I find out (4-6 weeks) the news will be posted. The photo is of my arm where they poked me and the letter telling me I could be it.

You never know

2006-12-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

I am always naturally curious about people. I am curious about what stories they have to tell. Some are simple and some are amazing. This falls into the latter catagory. I happened to be walking the halls of the office building were I work and bumped into a gentleman that works in the office 2 or 3 doors down. Turns out after a short converastion he has some amazing stories. He has been to both the North and South Pole. He may be just a businessman to some, dressed in a suit and a real nice guy - but ask a few questions and you will find adventure-driven individual. Ya just never know so go ahead and ask.

Does this mean a Trek to the North Pole?

What a great Holiday

2006-11-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

Turkey day was great. Katie and I got ready on Wednesday, Katie's Mom cooked on Thursday, we ran around and saw a bunch of people on Friday, relaxed on Saturday and got ready for Christmas on Sunday!

This is a pic of Tom and Jason from my sap years.

Home stretch to Turkey Day!

2006-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

Back from camping - watched the Bears win!

What an amazing run from Hester. Set up some appointments for Project 108. Getting started with some things for Gobie. And planning the big Turkey Day festivities for here.

Went to our first town meeting on a proposed train station study - some people were a little heated. Then went to see the movie Flags of our Fathers! Great flick - not an action packed war film, this one made you think. They truly are the greatest generation so far.

Dee feel better - Jason thank you for the wedding photos.

Doing a little camping this weekend.

2006-11-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

Headed out to RockCut this weekend with Katie's Dad and my friend Paul. It feels good to get outside when the temp drops. This week has been busy working on Gobie stuff and busy at work. There is a lot of planning still to do with Project 108 and wanting to get more involved in Naperville activities.

I miss her

2006-11-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

Katie left for Texas yesterday and is back home but I miss her when she is gone. Having bought 108 now, and looking forward to our next steps, I like having her next to me.

I was listening to the Dan Patrick show and he was interviewing Jay-Z and I was so impressed on how much Jaz-Z was able to make pointed comments on a wide range of subjects. He never struck me as being so on top of his game.

I have to take a page from his book.

Simple Video Game

2006-10-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

My kinda game - space shootim' just my using the mouse. I like it.

Here it is.

Now that was a day!

2006-10-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Katie just threw down a nice birthday bash with her fam and mine. It was a beautiful day here in the midwest and just had a great time relaxing and having fun. The Bears won and are now 5-0 but people are talking about winning the Super Bowl already - too soon! Slow down.

Tomorrows project is to get moving on some baby steps for Gobie.

It didn't help the baybay clock by having my neices and nephew over - they were awesome and seemed to have a lot of fun. "M" is getting so much older and she is now kinda hanging around the adults and listening to what is going on. They are growing up way to fast!

Vampires!

2006-10-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Trying to get stuff done around 108 but I have to head out now to give platelets at Lifesource. It's a good thing to do. I need the Daily Show on the weekend or I need a DVR.

Pic of the day: Travel. From this site.

I am really groovin' on the OK Go video.

Time for a new political party

2006-10-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

I think its time for the Franklin Party. Ben Franklin was the man! He knew how to party and get the job done.

Simple Goodness

2006-10-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Just take this with an open mind and the background photos are beautiful.

Interview with God. Click on view presentation.

Just can't find the time...

2006-10-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the idea of working full time and running my company at night is starting off slow. I keep telling myself that I am just finding my groove and that it will all fall into place. However I did find time to up my run distance, this week I started 2, 4, 6 mile runs. No reason.

Also have to admit I am getting a little upset at the recent school shootings - makes me worry a bit about having munchkins.

Pic of the day.

And he's off...

2006-10-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well it is official - it's October 1st, 2006 and I am full time at Banner Personnel. My goal is to get to a point were I can can go back to part time and full time Gobie. Lots to do. Katie and I went to the 8 PM at Saints Peter and Paul (since that is the earliest mass we can make) and the word Gehenna was mentioned. I thought it was a nice name for a baby girl but alas it has another meaning and my idea was shelved along with a lot of others. Portillo (our Doxie) is supposed to be getting trained and while Katie is on board, I have been a little slow to go. Visited BoingBoing, Fark and BFD for my daily internet wanderings.

A lot to do.

2006-09-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

The internet can be a vast wasteland as well as a tool to find information. I spent the better part of a day looking for some web tool so I could put a "this far until we reach our goal" thing on this blog. If you ever have raised money for cause (if you haven't insert here the guilt necessary to do so in the near future - there are some great ones to choose from like The Red Cross, TNC, and HFH) you have seen those little thermometer showing how close you are to the goal. I have a couple of goals for the end of '06 and the year of 2007: I want to break the 100k in income (before taxes), get 108 ready for baby in 2008, and I want to get in better shape to start improving my times in my annual tri-athlon.

Lots to do. Time to get started.

The very last day

2006-09-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

I am going back to work full time as a W2 employee for the first time in well over a year. I have been trying to start my own company to avoid this but current events have forced my hand. Today was the last day before I start 9-5 for the forseeable future. Just thought you ought to know.