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June 30, 2008
June...We Hardly Knew You...
These children and my wife are the center of my life, and so it seems appropriate that they be in the center of this post.
See you tomorrow...
Posted by Jon at 08:02 PM | Comments (0)
June 29, 2008
Nothing. Can't Think Of A Thing...
I guess this was bound to happen.
Post every day for nearly seven months, and eventually, you are going to run out of things to post about.
That's not entirely the case, as I have several posts in the 'hopper', just waiting to be refined and made better for your viewing pleasure.
Just not tonight. Better will have to wait.
I just wrapped up a very long weekend of work, and starting tomorrow, I have to go right back to work. Ick.
I'll try to do better tomorrow.
See you then.
Posted by Jon at 08:51 PM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2008
The New Math...
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't know math. At all.
But here's something I do know...
Late hours + long day at work + lack of sleep = exhausted.
G'nite.
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 10:28 PM | Comments (0)
June 27, 2008
Not Sold In Stores!
With all the crap you see being sold on television, and none of it sold in stores, what the heck are they selling in stores anyway?
Have a great weekend.
See you tomorrow...
Posted by Jon at 01:16 PM | Comments (0)
June 26, 2008
Clobb, Clobb, Clobb...
If you have been reading the blog on a daily basis (as I know you have) then you know that Jonah has about perfected the art of stalling at bedtime. He needs to go potty...He needs water...He bumped his head...The fan is turning around...He needs Chap Stick...Is night time over yet? During the stall sessions, I try to be as patient as I can, but even the most loving parents need some time away from their kids. Thanks goodness for bedtime.
So one recent stalling tactic went something like this...
SOUND OF DOOR UNLOCKING AND CREEKING OPEN...
Jonah: "Daddy?"
Me: "Go to sleep, Jonah.
Jonah: But, Daddy..."
Me: "Yes, Jonah."
Jonah: "I hear clobb."
Me: "You hear what?"
Jonah: "The clobb."
Me: "What is that?"
Jonah: "I can hear it in my ears."
So at this point, I remembered that Jonah had a runny nose, and was a bit congested, and that's when I figured it out...
Me: "Jonah, that's your heartbeat. Go to sleep, son."
Jonah smiled real wide, and quietly went back into his room and went to sleep.
Posted by Jon at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)
June 25, 2008
Wordless Wednesday...
Posted by Jon at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)
June 24, 2008
Another Brother Lost...
Just got back from the visitation of a fallen Firefighter.
Chief George Crocker died suddenly this past weekend.
He was 32.
Makes me think.
Makes me sad.
I didn't know him, but he was my Brother. That's why I had to go. To let him and his family know that they are not alone. They never will be. They might not have George, but his Brothers and Sisters will be there for them. Always. His passing reminds me of how short life can be.
If I don't say it enough, or if I haven't said it to you lately, I love all of you, and miss you very much.
Rest in peace George. You are a Hero. You will be missed.
Posted by Jon at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)
June 23, 2008
"He Was Right There A Minute Ago..."
...Words that George Carlin would want on his tombstone.
One of the greatest comedians of our, or any time, passed away today, and when I heard the news, I became sad. And then I laughed. Through my sadness, I laughed at the man who helped me through some really rough times. Thanks to Mr. Carlin and his over the top, edgy, weird, hilarious humor, I was able to sleep better, laugh better, and appreciate the world for all it's craziness, a little better. I used to sleep with a walkman, to help me sleep. I could listen to George's tapes over and over and over again, and each time, still laugh.
I saw George in concert three times, and though each time I laughed, I felt he was getting angry and bitter at the world. I though his comedy was suffering. But through his anger, I was still able to laugh, and remember all of his bits, his jokes, the seven words you can never say on television, the driving in New Jersey, his dislike for organized religion, and so many, many, many other topics.
I am sad today. But I will still laugh when I hear George Carlin, and I will never forget what he did for me.
Thank you George. Rest in peace.
Posted by Jon at 07:59 PM | Comments (0)
June 22, 2008
Not good
Most of you know that Jon has been working weekends at the newstation for almost a year now and that he's been working the 3-11 shift. It has it's drawbacks, but at least we get to see him for a good portion of Saturday and Sunday. Well, the full time assignment editor quit recently, so Jon is (at least for the next little bit) working during the day. Supposedly his hours are 8:30-6:30....but last night he was there until 8 pm and the same occurred tonight. What that means to us is that he was gone from 8:00 am until 8:30 pm or so....which is pretty much all of Jonah's and Josh's waking hours. We missed him both yesterday and today and I'm sure it was no fun for him either. I figured the least I could do today was blog for him so he can relax when he gets home. So, I just did!
Posted by Jon at 08:15 PM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2008
A Story For Your Summer...
On this first day of summer, I thought I'd help you work through the heat, humidity and haziness with a humorous tale. So get comfy...This is going to take a while.
So many years ago, growing up outside of New York City, we (my friend and I) used to hope and pray that our schools would be closed due to heavy snow. (Or any snow.) But for some reason, our school district (a rather large one) REFUSED, simply REFUSED to close schools when snow would fall. Something about not getting paid, or having a finite amount of snow days, yadda, yadda, yadda. In the eyes of a child that just wants a day off from school, none of that matters.
So on the snowy nights, my friend and I would huddle around the local radio station that broadcast reports of school closings. Our school district started with "S", so of course, the waiting was interminable. (If we were in the 'Apple' school district, our lives would have been sooooo much easier.) Rarely, if ever, did the news anchor close our schools. Yes, to us, he was the guy. It was him. Nobody from the schools would call, no way. This news reader was responsible. We made a pact, my friend and I, one nearly snowy night; that if we ever found this guy, we were going to do something violent to him. Simply because he refused to close our school. Bastard.
Move a few years ahead to Buffalo, New York, where during and after college, I got into the radio business first as a board operator, then a disk jockey, and then a news anchor/reporter. It was during a famous Buffalo snowstorm that I experienced a feeling of dread.
One night, I was called in on my day off, to help read school closings. (You know what's coming...) And since this storm was particularly potent, it closed a lot of school districts. There's no telling if they ALL closed, because I suppose it's possible that some dopey administrator kept their school open. So here I am, reading dozens, upon dozens of schools that are closed, and a terrible thought occurred. What if I have turned into the guy I wanted to physically damage lo those many years ago? What have I done? What if I don't close a school? Will there be two boys wishing horrible things happen to me? What have I become? I became that news anchor, whose only job was to report, and to make the snowy days brighter for kids all over the school district. And as I read, I knew that I was making children happy. I knew that. But there might have been one hearty school district that remained open in the face of heavy snow.
I guess I'll never know...
Have a cool summer.
Posted by Jon at 08:55 PM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2008
Movies...
...What are they?
I heard they have something to do with a big screen, popcorn and a dark theater?
Ugh. It's been a while since we've been able to go see a movie.
Whining? You bet.
Indiana Jones and Get Smart, we miss you, but we'll catch on pay-per-view or NetFlix sometime.
Sigh...
Posted by Jon at 09:32 PM | Comments (0)
June 19, 2008
Boys in the sun!
Posted by Jon at 08:29 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2008
Remembering The Charleston 9 On Wordless Wednesday...
Posted by Jon at 06:48 PM | Comments (0)
June 17, 2008
Yet Another Crummy Post...
It is now 11:10pm, Tuesday night.
I just got back from training, and I have to get up at 4:30am.
That being said, this is your crummy post for today.
Apologies.
See you tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday!
Posted by Jon at 11:09 PM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2008
Another Sad Day...
It seems like there have been a lot of these here lately on OutOfHans, but, these things are just not in my control. If they were...
There was a terrible wreck in Onslow County, North Carolina, not far from the coast.
A Firefighter and an Onslow County Sheriff's Deputy were killed while directing traffic.
You can read more about it here.
Please, please, please remember to slow down and/or move over at least one lane if you see a fire truck, a police car, an ambulance or a tow truck on the side of the road. I would rather be in a house fire, with stuff falling down around my ears, than to stand out on a busy highway, because people just don't think. Please hang up the phone, pay attention, and try to remember that these folks out on our highways and roads are just doing their jobs. We need to keep them safe. They are my brothers and sisters.
Lastly, when you drive through a scene on a highway or road, at least remember me, and know that if you slow down and change lanes, the life you save may be mine.
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)
June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day!
And It was!
My Father's Day was a low-key affair, with my wife and my boys. All wished me a happy Father's Day, and pretty much let me be.
We cleaned up a bit, Megan went shopping with Jonah as Josh and I slept. (I ran four calls with my Volunteer Fire Department last night, so sleep was at a premium!)
I spoke with my Dad, whom I miss dearly. I also spoke with Ben, who I miss just as much. I haven't seen Ben since my wedding nearly five years ago, and I haven't seen my Dad since Josh was born, more than a year ago. Words cannot describe the emptiness that I feel that I cannot see my brother and his son, and that I cannot see my Dad more often. But this is about Father's Day, not sadness, as my Dad was/is a fantastic father, and Ben is a great father to Ethan. I miss you all very much, and to you Dad, and Ben, I hope you had a very, very, happy Father's Day!
I am proud, honored, and just downright tickled to be called "Dad" to two of the best, cutest, adorable, wonderful little boys. I am equally as proud, honored and just downright tickled to be the husband of the best, most beautiful, caring and wonderful wife.
I Love You All!
--Jon
Posted by Jon at 07:57 PM | Comments (1)
June 14, 2008
Yikes!
Yikes!
Posted by Jon at 11:11 PM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2008
We Have Lost Another Good One...
NBC's Tim Russert passed away today, taken from us way too early.
He was a role model for Journalists, here and around the world.
His loss is significant in that a voice that asked tough questions, a voice that delved deep into areas some Journalists cannot, or would not go, has been silenced.
Your presence in our politics, in our lives, on our televisions, and in our homes, will be missed.
Thanks for your contributions, and your legacy Tim.
You will be missed.
Posted by Jon at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)
Can't Blog...
...Racing For A Cure!
Today, Megan, Jonah, Josh, me, Aunt Abby, G'ma and G'pa and Amanda took part in the 2008 Komen Race for The Cure.
I wish we didn't have to do this. I wish we had a cure, so that families wouldn't be torn apart. I wish we could put our money into research, as opposed to war.
I'll post pics when I can!
See You Tomorrow!
Posted by Jon at 10:53 PM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2008
A short walk down memory lane...
You can always count on me (this is Megan!) to get sentimental on you. I was looking through baby pictures again and here are pictures of both Jonah and Joshua on the day Josh was born. Let me take you back to November 12, 2006!
This is what Jonah looked like on the day his brother was born. He was a mere 22 months old!
And this is what Josh looked like on the day he was born. He was a mere couple of hours old!
Okay, so of course we have to do pictures of what they look like today (or as close to today as I can get) when Jonah is quickly approaching 3 1/2 years old and Josh is 19 months old!
Amazing, no?
Posted by Jon at 08:52 PM | Comments (0)
June 11, 2008
Wordless Wednesday...
Posted by Jon at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)
June 10, 2008
Technology...
I am thinking about technology.
I am thinking I don't own enough of it.
I am thinking about what we did before cell phones, computers, GPS's and ATM cards.
What did we do before they came along?
We had maps.
We had a phone hanging on the wall, or in a booth on a street corner.
Didn't need computers, really.
But I remember standing in line at the bank on a Friday afternoon, waiting to get cash out for the weekend, If you didn't, and you didn't have a credit card, you were pretty much screwed.
Technology.
Oh how far we've come.
Posted by Jon at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2008
It Pains Me To Say This...
...But I have absolutely no idea what to post today, and for that, I am terribly sorry that I wasted your time.
Come back tomorrow. Perhaps something will strike me.
Not a bus or anything like that, but an idea.
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 08:13 PM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2008
They're Almost Here...
Not many people know this, but I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics. I love the fact that every two years, athletes from all over the world, gather together to prove that at least in small groups, we can all get along together. This is the spirit that drives the Olympics. I experienced that spirit after volunteering for the World University Games in Buffalo, in 1993. I met so many people, from so many different places. It was a great time to learn about other peoples and cultures, and just put our differences aside, at least for a little while.
Then, in 1992, the Olympics Summer Games were held in Atlanta. The Torch came through Buffalo. I covered the Torch Run for radio station WGR-55. It was amazing. The Torch had its own security force from the Georgia State Patrol, and even had it's own hotel room! That is how special the flame is, and how significant it is to the Games.
This year, the Olympic Summer Games are being held in China. China doesn't have a great human rights record, and I am no fan of what they do to, have done, and probably will do to their own people. But what happens in another country, is, in my opinion, nobody's business. Yes, China has cracked down on political activists in China, Tibet, Mongolia, and Taiwan. But to douse the flame as it makes its way across Europe is sad. We may not like what China does, but we have to put that aside, so that the Games can go on, peacefully, without the interference of politics.
Earlier this year, the Oylmpic Flame was protested on its route around the world. Activists tried to douse the flame as it made its way from Greece, to Beijing. It was sad to watch this, as the Olympics are for athletes, and not for politicians, though the politicians would think otherwise. The Flame is an enduring symbol of what the Games mean, and what they mean to a peaceful society. It made me sad to see the Flame being targeted as a symbol of politics, rather than a symbol of peace. To make matters worse, the Chinese people suffered greatly, after the major earthquake that took the lives of countless people. All we can do now is pray for them, and pray that the Games go off without a hitch.
That being said, I am so totally stoked that as of today, the Olympics are only two months away! The spirit of competition is gearing up, and so are the athletes from all over the world. I will try to watch as much as I can, and enjoy the Games that while at once, seem so very far away, but are really so close.
Good luck athletes! Bring home the gold!
Posted by Jon at 08:18 PM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2008
Denied...Again...
Big Brown was a big letdown. The horse poised to become the Triple Crown Champion, faltered on the back stretch, and finished dead last. Big Brown was a force to be reckoned with, having taken the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, impressively. In fact, I don't think I have ever seen a race quite like the Preakness three weeks ago. Big Brown, ridden by Kent Desormeaux, left me speechless as I watched them pull away from the field. Big Brown and his rider were so dominating, so overpowering, that there was no doubt in the minds of most, that these two would be cheered as the Champions of the Triple Crown.
But it was not to be.
I tend to follow racing just before the start of the Triple Crown 'season'. I read scouting reports, follow the future stars on their path to glory, and keep an eye on who is destined to be in the Winner's Circle. My Dad used to take me to Off Track Betting in New York City. He would allow me to bet on the big three races, and then, get the hell out of those places. They were, to say the least, creepy. And I got good at it. I may not have been in the money all the time, but more often than not, the horses I chose came in. I learned about how to choose horses, not on names or silk colors alone, but by bloodlines, and trainers, and jockeys. It was (and still is) a lot of fun. This year, I was close, having only bet on the Kentucky Derby. The Derby proved depressing, as the filly, 8 Belles, had to be put down after coming in second. Not a small feat, considering that she was a filly. Traditionally, the girls don't race well against the boys. (But I believed, and she came in right where I wanted her to.)
These throroughbreds are bred for speed. Out and out speed. Which is why we haven't had a Triple Crown winner in 30 years. Make that 31. The Belmont, at Belmont Raceway in New York, is the longest of the three races. Watching the Belmont today, it seemed as if Big Brown was just lying back, just like he did in the Preakness, but then faded, and was unable to recover.
This was a great Triple Crown 'season', as far as I am concerned. Big Brown came out of nowhere in a race that was nearly impossible to handicap. He then silenced all as he took the Preakness, and bought America, and the world, to the edge of their seats, looking for a Triple Crown winner.
Not this year.
Thanks, Big Brown and Mr. Desormeaux. You have provided an excitement for me that comes around but once a year. I look forward, as I always do, to running of the roses, and the 'season' that comes with it.
Posted by Jon at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2008
Friday Is Sick Day!
So I got a three day weekend that I didn't really want. Actually, I don't have weekends anymore, as I work two jobs, one Monday through Friday, the other Saturday and Sunday. I got a day off today, since Josh was sick. He got sick at his baby sitter's on Thursday, and Megan took work off to stay with the poor boy. It was my turn on Friday, since Megan was not able to take the day off from work. We spent most of the day sleeping. When we weren't sleeping, we were watching kids PBS.
I would rather be at work.
Not because I don't want to spend time with my sickie kids, but because a morning of kids PBS will drive any sane human to work.
Trust me.
Posted by Jon at 08:09 PM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2008
So silly...
I heard this song on the radio this morning and had no idea there was actually a video to go with.
Posted by Jon at 07:26 PM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2008
Problems In Space...
I was struck by the recent headlines that announced the one toiled on the International Space Station was broken. (Okay, I wasn't 'struck', just astounded. Being struck sounds too violent.) It seems that on the ISS, which, at any one time, can be manned (or womanned) by up to three people, only has one toilet. Not bad, I guess, but I suppose that it is possible that one or more people might need to go potty (sorry, we're in the middle of potty training at our space station) at the same time. It seems reasonable that they have worked that out. But then, last week sometime, the pump on the potty died. (It's real close to Heaven up there, I suppose, so it didn't have far to go.) Luckily, the Space Shuttle was on its way, bringing another module, and parts for the broken toilet. This is a Russian made loo, and this is not the first time it has stopped working. In fact, this is the third time going one or two got dicey in space.
I am happy to report that the problem has now been fixed.
I am so relieved. (And so are our Brave and Intrepid Astronauts, Cosmonauts and whatever else they are called in whatever country those space travelers are from!)
Posted by Jon at 07:24 PM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2008
Can't Blog...Meeting...
Just took a quick minute to say that I am still in a meeting at my Volunteer Fire Department.
This is the posting for tonight.
I apologize for its lameness.
See you tomorrow!
Posted by Jon at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2008
And The Next Six Beigns With A Whimper...
So here it is. The second full day of the last six months of blogging once each day for a year.
You'd think it would be some sort of momentous occasion. Or not.
In this case, choose, or not.
I worked until 12:00am Monday morning, then got up at 4:30am to be ready to go to work by 5:30am.
I am beat.
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 08:03 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2008
Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life...
...Or at least the beginning of the next six months of blogging once a day, each day for a year!
Where was I?
Oh yes. The Big Challenge.
Two years ago, during one of my infamous web surfing moments (which aren't really moments at all; they can be really, really long moments) I found a group of people who were taking part in National Blog Posting Month, or, NaBloPoMo. And guess what? They even have a website! No, seriously, it's quite a big deal. Visit them here. So during NaBloPoMo, all you have to do is blog once each day during the month of November, which, for the past two years, I did. (And I did it well, if I do say so myself, which I just did.)
Well, the good folks over at NaBloPoMo have issued a challenge. They have thrown down the gauntlet, and like the sucker that I am, I picked it up, and relayed the challenge to Megan, who offered her support. (Not that she doesn't always, but I was a bit surprised at this, but I was also in no position to turn down her support!) The challenge is called Blog 365, and all you have to do is post each day for the entire year of 2008. Fearing a hearty giggle and much finger pointing from my wife, she smiled, and said, "I will help you! We can come up with themes; we can do this!" And so, we're off. Two days in, and it's tough already. What will it be like on day 125, or 242, or 365? Will we even see those days? Can we do it? I think we can.
With a few rules from Blog 365...
Rules:
- Blog everyday for 365 days.
- Feb.29th is a Free Day and will be the Blog365 day of rest!
(Thanks Leap Year)
- You do not HAVE to post to the same blog as long as you post everyday.
- No internet? Write your post locally and post it once you are back on the grid.
- Computer Broken? Grab some paper and do some old school blogging.
- A post is a post, not everything has to be in writing. Photos, YouTube videos, and the like are all considered content.
- Have fun, because that's the whole point!
Note:
If you post offline work, consider changing the date on the post to reflect the day you actually created the content.
And here are a few more, from me. We may just post pictures of the Boys. We may just post once. We may post twice, thrice, or more, so stay tuned! Also, since I am not 'blog savvy, everything currently posted says 'Posted by Jon" at the end of each post. Some of the posts will be posted by Megan, who hopefully will identify herself, until I either become 'blog savvy, or my Brother-In-Law helps me out! (But if you can't tell by now that she's a MUCH better writer than I can ever hope to be, we need to talk...)
So here is a preview of what's to come...
Jonah's third birthday.
Rants.
Fire and life safety education. (I know, it sounds boring, but I love to educate, so there!)
Pics of Joshua.
Pics of our family.
Posts from the Boys, which will look something like this: jkdhfksgdiuhsbdig
Maybe even a video, if I become 'blog savvy. (Hah!)
And whatever else pours from our keyboard.
We hope you'll stick with us, and wish us luck!
Jon and Megan
Posted by Jon at 03:31 PM | Comments (0)