You Say it's your Birthday

It's my birthday too, yeah. And a fun one at that. The Wife took me and the kiddos on a surprise adventure to a place where you can glaze your own pottery. We made a really fun cookie jar and the Boyo decorated a plate. A good time was had by all.

Dinner was at an authentic Japanese restaurant. (Owned by a Japanese guy, our cook was of Latin descent) But it was great. He (the chef) did all of the cool cooking tricks, and was very impressive. The food was great, and the owner even took a picture of us and gave it to me as a birthday present before we left. We'll be going back!

My mother in law saw this picture and thought it looked like a past president... any guess who? The Wife and I both thought it looked like G. Washington's head on top of a noseless A. Lincoln. Ah... cloud art!

On this, the beginning of my 38th year (yes I did the math right, each birthday is a celebration of the completion of the year that you say you are) I am looking forward with great anticipation the coming years and adventures. Today I am thankful, most very much thankful, for The Wife. She lets me chase my dreams and helps me focus on what is important. She is beautiful inside and out. Without her (or the kids) I would have been forever lost.

Thanks to all who have sent birthday greetings and best wishes.

As a last note... when we returned home from dinner, we played all of the phone messages of various friends and family singing the happy birthday song. By an amazing, nay miraculous, coincidence, each group that sang (and there were five of them) all started on the exact same note!

Time for bed, it was a very nice birthday!

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A Double Rainbow Evening

The Wife worked today, so Boyo, Sweet Pea and I went to a local lake to take in a 'picture walk' and do some serious playground playing. Well, the Boyo played feverishly on the playground while Sweets and I slept and watched respectively.

We spent the whole morning out and about, then headed home to rest and recoup. Boyo napped on the couch, Sweets in my arms. After we picked up the wife and had a huge and delicious Mexican meal out, we were treated to a fantastic rainbow vista.

So today I'm thankful for double rainbows, and being doubly blessed with my children. I'm thankful for being paired with The Wife, and for her memory... as she just reminded me that the groceries which we bought after dinner are still in the car. Am I too young for the home? Gotta go...

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A Busy Day

Hugely busy day here! Shop cleanout continues, and I'm looking forward to having not only a clean space to work, but an organized one as well!



The Boyo and I have gone on a couple of 'Photo Walks' to take pics for the Picture a Day Challenge. Here are some that didn't make the cut.

I'm discovering new and wonderous things when I go to take pictures. Even more so from the Boyo, who sees things that I don't as a 'grown up'. Some of his pictures are quite good for a pre-pre schooler! He has opened my eyes, and helped me 'see' things to shoot. Today I am thankful for his child sight. Thankful that he is teaching me every day what is really important. He cares very little for money or things, and sees the world around with a great sense of adventure and wonder. And is still ecstatic at going poo in the potty! It's the little things really, that mean so very much!

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Happy Birthday Bro

Yesterday I was all about the sleep. Long night shift, long drive home, but thankful for the smiles of my family upon my return. And very thankful to my kind and loving wife who sent me to bed early!

Today I am thankful for my brother. He turns 35 today. He is one of the most talented people I know, musically and otherwise. Totally dedicated to his family, a great example of a dad.

We don't spend near enough time together anymore, but neither of us can convince the other to move to their neck of the woods!

So today I am thankful for his influence on my life. He often took the road less travelled, and that led him to a great many adventures... schooling in England, performing operas in Rome, he played golf in high school his senior year, instead of just sticking to swimming like I did. He learned to play violin in college and played in the orchestra. He does his own thing, a great lesson for me. Even though he's my little brother, I still learned a lot from him over the years.

Love you bro.

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uff da

Going to sleep today.

Oy

Better Get Started

Events have occured today that are very unmotivating to me. Job stuff, personal stuff, that sort of thing. Suffice to say, I'll be having words with some passive-aggressive co-workers about talking behind someone's back.

What I am thankful for today are friends who talk straight to me, animals I've known who live without guile, and beautiful weather to drive in.

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Photographers Take Your Mark...GO!

The Great Picture a Day Challenge begins today! I'm so excited...I may vomit!

Or, I'll grab the ol' D60 and start shooting!

Here's a shot from yesterday driving home in the early, foggy morning....

Doesn't count for pic-a-day, but I sorta like it.

Also, in keeping with my goal to stay positive this month, here is what I'm thankful for today...

My sister was born on this day! I am so very glad she was. She is incredibly talented and smart, has a wonderful family and has lived an amazing life thus far. (though she may think otherwise) She believes her husband is too good for her, but she's wrong. They are perfectly suited for each other. He is a wonderful man, and a perfect compliment to her. you should see them dance!

My sis has always been one of my very best friends (though we had some rough times growing up, but who didn't in their tween and teen years?) She taught me to dance, but more importantly, taught me to be comfortable in my own skin, regardless of my shape. All these years later it is still paying off, as that lesson has helped me become who I am today.

I am thankful today for my sister on her birthday.

I am still waiting for her to officially accept the invitation for the pic-a-day challenge.

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