Long time, No Blog

Well....it has been almost 2 weeks since my last Blog. I knew I would let time get away from me.

With Holy Week and work, my head has been spinning. The last week of March was busy with trade shows. We had 2 days of a trade show in Boxborough for work. Many customers came through our booth and were impressed with our products. I arranged to get one of our KitchenAid dishwashers hooked up live so people could hear how quiet they are. Just hope the business follows. The first two days of April I was at another trade show for Jenn-Air in Boston. Were were spotlighted in a booth of one of our trade customers. You meet alot of interesting people during these shows. Some just want literature, some want details....and some just want free candy...LOL

April 3rd and 4th we visited family in Utica, NY. My mother-in law retired from work and had her retirement party. It was good to see her and her side of the family. She definately earned her retirement and we hope she and dad can enjoy doing some travel and enjoying their grandkids more. We only stayed 1 day sine we needed to get home by Saturday night so we could be ready to sing for Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday was typical. The reading of the Passion seems to change every year but Peter always disses Jesus, Judas is a snitch and Jesus forgives them all. I always envision Ted Neely singing "I Want To Know, I want To Know, My God" and King Herod singing "Prove to me that you're no fool...walk across my swimming pool"... (if you ever saw Jesus Christ Superstar, you understand those comments). If not...rent the movie.

This past week was typical with work and preparing for the GACC Concert and Easter services. Volleyball started again this week. I expected all of my typical volleyball friends to be there (since they were the ones who told me it satrted again). I was surprised to find a bunch of teenagers there instead. Seems that the adults I usually play with all decided not to go this week. So instead of playing with a bunch of 30-50 year olds, I ended up playing with 17 and 8 year olds. Much to my surprise, not only did they let me play, but they actually fought over which team would get to have me. I guess my working out and weight loss since November has paid off. I was much more limber and quick than before. I also made alot of good shots against these whipper snappers and was their most successful server. I felt very good about keeping up with these kids until as we were leaving, one young girl said "Nice game Sir".....SIR??? SIR??? Talk about getting shot back into reality quickly. Plus the next morning I definately realized I was pushing 40. I am sure none of those teenagers had to soak in a tub and take tylenol for their aches and pains....Oh Well....

Holy Thursday mass included Renee and I singing with the adult choir and Rachel and the teen choir joining us. Good Friday was sung by the Teen choir. Good thing we only live 5 mintues from church since I had to rush home and get my son's white shirt. I cannot understand why 13 year olds have such a short memory span. I was impressed that our organist and choir diector Judy does a good impression of our son. ("umm....I dunno....I..er.....forgot"). Lord get me through these teen years.

Saturday was crappy weather. low 40's, windy and rainy. We still had Rachel's soccer game and everyone got drenched. They play the games at the High School field now but do not allow the spectators on on the field. So we had to watch the game from behind the fence and far away from the field. Such a stupid layout. No stands even . At least if there were stands, we could see the field better. For a change I am actually looking forward to away games this year.

Well...sorry for the long blog. I promise to keep up better from now on. Happy Easter everyone. Let's all continue to message of the season throughout the entire year.

Busy Weekend

I am quickly learning that weekends are not for relaxation. In fact, I am busier on the weekends than during the week. Sometimes I take a day off during the week just so I can enjoy the silence and peace. The weekend started with my Friday night date with my son to his Middle School Talent Show and then our movie (but the relaxation ended there).

Saturday I was up bright and early excercising and then driving my daughter to Sturbridge for a girl scout event. I then spent several hours shampooing our carpets and cleaning around the house. After driving back to Sturbridge in the late afternoon to pick up my daughter, I thought my driving was done. However, since the carpet was drying and the furniture was all in the kitchen and dining room, we decided to order a pizza. Guess who was chosen to drive to the pizza place? That's right...Yours truly.

Finally after dinner, we decided to rent a movie but instead of driving, Renee and I walked to the video store so we could enjoy the beautiful weather and get some fitness. (3 mile round trip walk). So I slept very well that night.

Sunday, as usual, was a busy day. Started early in the morning with more excercise. Then I drove our son to church so he could sing with the Teen Choir at the 9am mass. He had to do two masses today because he and Rachel altar served at the 11am mass. I actually had to cantor because our scheduled cantor never showed up. Good thing I am a trained musician because it was all sight read.

After mass, I had more errands to run and then quickly back home by 1:15 to go with my wife and Rachel to her Girl Scout fund raiser. It was a fashion show and well worth it. I have a soft spot for little girls (as most dads do). And yes..I know my daughter has me wrapped around her little finger.....and I love it...

So...next was grocery shopping and doing some copying and preparing for our trade shows this week. Starting to feel a cold come on but I can't afford it at this time. Hoping to get some sleep and start fresh tomorrow.

Long week ahead. Will touch back soon.

I Love You Man

Today was a long day. Was in Western Massachusetts for some meetings and then got home around 4. Took my son to his Middle School Talent show. He and his buddies were originally going to play a song at the show but decided last Sunday that they were not ready. They did not feel they should do it if they are not going to be ready. So Chris and I went anyways to support his classmates. I always have a soft spot for talent shows and music concerts and kids.
After the talent show, we had a date to go to Guitar Center and then to see a movie. I thought I might be an embarassment to my son when he ran into a bunch of his buddies outside the movie theatre...but much to my surprise, he could not wait to introduce me to the kids. I was also surprised to find out that not only is my son considered cool by these boys, but that my son apparently is idolized by these boys for his ability to attract the ladies. I guess he is a girl magnet....but yet to have a girlfriend.

I am quickly learning that my son is alot like I was. I always had girls around me but none of them wanted to date me.....I was their cute buddy. But I think that made me a better man later in life because I understood women better and appreciated them. I would hope my wife would agree.

My son and I spent some time checking out bass guitars at Guitar Center. He wants his own bass and amp for his birthday. We have a deal that if his grades improve and he gets better in math, he will get his gift. I hope it works out because I liked the bass also...LOL We will see...

So we then went to see "I Love You Man". Very funny and witty movie. Paul Rudd really played his character well. He plays a guy who gets engaged only to realize he never really had any male friends. His fiancee has several girlfriends and is all set for her bridal party but he has nobody. I can relate well because I have had a few guy friends but always got along better with women. My ushers were my high school friend, and best Man Tom (who lives in New Hampshire but does not communicate with me anymore), my sister's husband, my wife's brother and a College buddy (who I have not spoken to in years). So I am very similar to this guy in the movie.

We also liked the movie because there was an underlining theme involving the band "Rush" who I love and have gotten my son into. Again, the movie really spoke to men and their balancing of romantic relationships and "buddy" time. I am blessed because my wife has always let me have my guy time (as I have let her have her girl time). The movie was awesome but definately not for young kids. There were a few conversations and dialogues that I was concerned about my son hearing...but since he is apparently a ladies man, I guess I should not worry....LOL

We have a busy day tomorrow as well. Our daughter has a girl scout thing early in the morning...so I better get to sleep. Will update you more tomorrow.

Jerry

Mt First Blog

Well....here I go. Trying this Blog Thing. It is bad enough that I talk all the time, now I have another avenue to use..LOL It was another sunny day here in Central Massachusetts but still cold. Just waiting for the warmer weather so I can start walking outdoors more. I can only do "Walk Away the Pounds" in front of my TV so much. The time comes when I need to enjoy the sights of my town and enjoy the fresh air. Monotony in my excercise routine is what has caused me to fail before so I need to change it up and keep it fresh. 30 pounds lost so far since October. Cannot believe I let myself get so fat. Using Shaklee and the Wii has helped me stay focussed without craving food. Just sitting here after a day of work and watching TV. Am sick and tired of reality shows with immoral people. We need to get back to basics and have some self respect. I long for the days when VH1 actually showed videos instead of Brett Michaels looking for love with a bevvy of idiots who are just looking for quick fame. And if I hear of one more singing wannabe screaming and wailing on American Idol, I think I am going to puke. Maybe it is me, but I just can't watch that show. I like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson so I guess some cream rises out of that mush. I know I am in the minority hear but I just can't watch that crap. Oh well.. Hope my blog is interesting. I promise I will get better. I am still a virgin..LOL. Touch back tomorrow.

Jerry