It's All About Perception

I'm fond of saying that I never thought I would move back to Maryland, and if things had gone differently back in the day I probably wouldn't have.  Even though we've been living in Maryland for the past six years part of me has always considered this a temporary situation.   It's not that anything is overwhelmingly terrible about living in the Old Line State, as a matter of fact there are things I enjoy about living here.  Part of us would like to be closer to the other half of the family, in the Midwest, and all of us would love to find a way to relocate back to Chicago; the city which we both love and where we met.

It's interesting to me then when a dear friend from our past comes to town for a few days and visits Maryland for the 1st time.  Our friend, in town for a brief conference in DC, arranged his travel plans so he could visit Annapolis and meet our daughter.  The last time I saw this friend was 5 years ago when I drove through Missouri on my way to our wedding in Minnesota.  The friend was, then, a father to a newborn baby boy, and would not be able to make the trip to Sara's and my nuptials.  That was ages ago.  Now he has two young sons, Sara and I have a daughter and we are all in a different place in our lives.

Our friend seemed to really enjoy Annapolis.  We walked around downtown, checked out the Naval Academy, ate some local fare/crabs and even went for a little kayaking excursion on the Severn River.  It was odd to see our neighborhood, our city, and our lives through the eyes of someone else.  It made me wonder if I sometimes neglect to appreciate what we have and where we are.  When my friend snaps a picture of the river, I stop and wonder when the last time I really noticed the beauty of the river.  When he wanted to walk around the Naval Academy and just take in the architecture it made me feel silly for not having gone there and checked it out since we moved back.  When he savors every morsel of crab he picks from the carcass of a blue crab... well, there I'd have to say I've always loved eating crabs.

It was a good visit.  He joked several times about moving to Annapolis.  This morning as I dropped him off at the Metro station so he could go into DC for his presentation I was sad to see my friend go but happy to have had him visit our family.  Peck is a friend whom, even though we sometimes lose touch, always makes me appreciate the friendship we shared in the past and the bond that grows as we do.  I had a wonderful time. 

Pick A Peck...

Our dear friend, Jonathon Peck is coming to town.  More on this later, I have to get to the airport to meet his flight from the Show Me State.

Every 4 Years!

It's the Summer Olympics!  Yay! I love the Olympics both Summer & Winter.  They're something I look forward two every 4 years.
4years ago I was laid up in hospital bed, having gone through my 2nd percutaneous kidney procedure.  Sara was by my side as I was laid up, draining into a bag, popping pain meds, and watching the Summer Games!  This year with my busy work schedule, & lack of cable television or television viewing time I don't anticipate seeing a lot of the competition.  I'll have to try my best to catch highlights on the news, or find access to footage online.

These Days I Really Enjoy My Weekends!

Weekends!  I get a weekend these days?  It's nice!  After almost a year of working 7 days a week it's nice to consistently get a pair of days off  EVERY WEEK!  I'm not used to it.  

It's not like we're doing incredibly exciting things, or having grand adventures during my days off from work but I am thoroughly enjoying spending time at home with Sara and the Button.  Sometimes it's just nice to unwind on the floor with a rolling baby, walk the dog as a family, or even just sit on the couch and giggle at each other.  My days off are in the middle of the week but you'd better believe I am working for my weekends!

Why A Bullfighting Theme? Why Not?

When I was little we lived in Spain. We would go to bullfights every now and again. I never wanted to be a matador. I admired them. I was dazzled by their flashy outfits and their cape work. Behind it all, though, I think I realized it was all show; a sport of which I didn't really understand the rules. Once my brother convinced my parents into letting him bring home pieces of one of the butchered bulls that we found in a trash can outside of the arena. It was gruesome, it was fascinating, and soon it began to stink.

Posted the above as my profile information on the day I changed the blog's look. 

A Storm Is A Brewing

Actually the storm is already in full swing outside. 
10 minutes ago a thunderclap, or maybe it was a lightning strike, shook the entire house.  I involuntarily ducked as I walked through my kitchen.  Now the thunder continues to sound, and there's been some pretty spectacular arcs of lightning out in the night sky.  I'm sitting inside listening to the rain drops pound on the AC unit.  I am amazed that the baby is still sleeping and I am pretty sure that the wife is curled up in bed, under the covers and dreading the next thunderclap.
Oh, there she is.  Out of bed and  into the baby's room to check on her.  Apparently, she's still sleeping.  I should go to sleep soon myself, but I love a good thunderstorm. 

Even Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part V

So it's finally here.  My last 3AM shift... this week.  I was able to get a better night's sleep last night even though we are still without power.  I am so glad to be done with this week!

Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part IV

Miserable night's sleep... up again for my 3 AM shift!  I'll be happy when this week is over!

Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part III

Still without power... I have to admit; sleeping in a oven has not made this week any easier.  Two more 3AM shifts to go after today!

Roosters Are Still Asleep: Part II (Delayed Due To MD's Widespread Power Outage!)