Geez ... this post title sounds pretty New Age. You know, as in, here, hold this piece of crystal and feel a renewal of your essence.... blah blah blah. Oh well,it just popped into my head.
It has been pretty busy around the doodstead of late. The oldest son has had about 4 band events in as many days, one of which I was finally able to attend. They has their second competition this past Saturday at my Alma Mater. Again, they scored a rating of Excellent, and swept all five caption awards (Auxiliary, Percussion, General Performance, General Effect, and Visuals). Monday they had the school district exhibition performance. Last night they had the third and final competition, again scoring an Excellent and sweeping the captions. With their first competition, they already qualified for State, so that is coming up in a couple weeks. This Friday is the last home game, and also senior walk night, though I won't be able to make it. The Wife will walk with the oldest when he is announced.
Work is still going fine, though I feel older each week with the numerous aches/pains I seem to acquire on a daily basis. After a couple days off, I feel better, until I get back into the shop. Ibuprofen is my friend.
Been sticking my nose a little more into my Kindle of late. Less computer, more reading. Of course, it is easy to do when I get home because almost everyone is in bed already. Seems lately my hours have increased due to the extra traffic. Since July, I have added about an hour plus to my drive time due to the increase of traffic. I blame it all on snowbirds. That and one of the newer techs is an ass, and never seems to have his paperwork ready when I get there (my next to last stop) or worse, he isn't home yet. He lives in one of those suite rental by the week/month/whatever places, so it's not like I can leave his stuff on the porch. Very, very irritating. And he whines about how they require certain things to be done, paperwork-wise. Most days I just want to tell him "You're Fired!".
Speaking of "you're fired' ... how about that GOP race. (smh). Debate tonight. Maybe something proper will happen.
PeacE
Showing posts with label band. Show all posts
Showing posts with label band. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28
Monday, November 17
Another Weekend Shot Down
I am tired. Not sleepy-tired, just worn-out tired.
Saturday, the oldest Son had State Championships for Marching Band. They were to go first at 9am, so his call time was like 7am at the school. Thankfully, the venue was on the west side this time, and we were able to rush grabbing some breakfast from McD's and get there in time for their performance. Then it was sitting on concrete bleachers for three hours until the awards. After the shat, we had to rush home to drop the two younger boys off, then head to the wedding reception for my brother was having that afternoon. I really saw no reason to go, as they were legally married in May, then did the whole "wedding show" last weekend in Sedona, and now a reception this week. But the Wife said I needed to go because it was family. The Wife had a headache come on from the loud music there, and spent most of the time out in the foyer area. I sat there most of the time, talking with a few others I knew, and family. Thankfully, I did not have to work at the pub that night, and we just stayed home afterwards.
Sunday morning I had to run out and dump much of the accumulated trash in my work truck. I was to meet someone, as he wanted to take the metal stuff for scrap, but I guess I was early, though I thought I was late, and missed him. I did fill up a whole dumpster with trash though. Then it was home to change into my Redskins gear and head to the pub for the game. Was hoping to meet up with a couple friends there, but they weren't able to make it. I felt a little lost without my buddy Don there. So, the Redskins played a horrible game, and instead of staying (and drinking) to watch the Lions-Cardinals game, I stopped by the store on the way home, picked up some needed things, and went home.
Our internet connection at home has been a problem. Been with Qwest/Centurylink for several years now, and at different times, the internet connectivity will go out sporadically, for hours at a time. It had been worse seemingly over the past week, so I called the tech line. After two hours on the phone, there was nothing they could seem to figure out, so told me that the modem must be bad, and I would need to replace it, as the one I purchased through them years ago, the warranty had expired (go figure). I got the specifications of what I would need to be sure I bought the right kind, and headed to Best Buy, but only because the tech said they have the type I need. I asked for sales help, as I wanted to be sure I got the right kind, and it turns out there is only one brand there they carry, that was this VDSL type I needed. Guess what, it was branded Centurylink. But I did find out that they seem to be the only ones that use a VDSL type, versus the ADSL type, and the only difference between the two, is something to do with the wiring configurations in how data is transferred. So, $100 later, I had a newer modem. We went to Denny's for dinner, then home so I could hook up the new modem.
Guess what? Didn't fix the problem. As of this morning, even while typing this post, the modem has lost connection several times. It seems to be holding steady at present, so I should probably close this post and save it before it goes again.
PeacE
Saturday, the oldest Son had State Championships for Marching Band. They were to go first at 9am, so his call time was like 7am at the school. Thankfully, the venue was on the west side this time, and we were able to rush grabbing some breakfast from McD's and get there in time for their performance. Then it was sitting on concrete bleachers for three hours until the awards. After the shat, we had to rush home to drop the two younger boys off, then head to the wedding reception for my brother was having that afternoon. I really saw no reason to go, as they were legally married in May, then did the whole "wedding show" last weekend in Sedona, and now a reception this week. But the Wife said I needed to go because it was family. The Wife had a headache come on from the loud music there, and spent most of the time out in the foyer area. I sat there most of the time, talking with a few others I knew, and family. Thankfully, I did not have to work at the pub that night, and we just stayed home afterwards.
Sunday morning I had to run out and dump much of the accumulated trash in my work truck. I was to meet someone, as he wanted to take the metal stuff for scrap, but I guess I was early, though I thought I was late, and missed him. I did fill up a whole dumpster with trash though. Then it was home to change into my Redskins gear and head to the pub for the game. Was hoping to meet up with a couple friends there, but they weren't able to make it. I felt a little lost without my buddy Don there. So, the Redskins played a horrible game, and instead of staying (and drinking) to watch the Lions-Cardinals game, I stopped by the store on the way home, picked up some needed things, and went home.
Our internet connection at home has been a problem. Been with Qwest/Centurylink for several years now, and at different times, the internet connectivity will go out sporadically, for hours at a time. It had been worse seemingly over the past week, so I called the tech line. After two hours on the phone, there was nothing they could seem to figure out, so told me that the modem must be bad, and I would need to replace it, as the one I purchased through them years ago, the warranty had expired (go figure). I got the specifications of what I would need to be sure I bought the right kind, and headed to Best Buy, but only because the tech said they have the type I need. I asked for sales help, as I wanted to be sure I got the right kind, and it turns out there is only one brand there they carry, that was this VDSL type I needed. Guess what, it was branded Centurylink. But I did find out that they seem to be the only ones that use a VDSL type, versus the ADSL type, and the only difference between the two, is something to do with the wiring configurations in how data is transferred. So, $100 later, I had a newer modem. We went to Denny's for dinner, then home so I could hook up the new modem.
Guess what? Didn't fix the problem. As of this morning, even while typing this post, the modem has lost connection several times. It seems to be holding steady at present, so I should probably close this post and save it before it goes again.
PeacE
Thursday, August 28
Something Bad is About to Happen
You know Murphy? Yeah. Him. The one that they named those laws after. I have a feeling I will be proving the truth of one (or possibly a few) of them probably this weekend. Two reasons why: 1) it is Thursday, and they have yet to ask me to work extra time to help out at work (for which I am happy about), and 2) the fact that I haven't been asked, that I am happy about it, means something bad is going to happen because I never seem to get to have a happy time last, or a good thing come to pass without something bad coming along right afterwards. Good, positive outlook, I know, right? Well, let's just throw in that Labor Day weekend is this weekend as well. Yeah, odds aren't stacking up well in my favor.
Friday night is the oldest Son's first home game they will perform at this school year. I feel sort of bummed I won't get to see it due to work, but then again, I never had the patience to sit through half a game just to see the half-time performance. I usually left afterwards. I guess in a way, I am saved from having to attend, though I will be going to at least one of the band competitions as they are usually on Saturdays.
Weather has been getting nicer. No rain for us this next week (so they say) and monsoon season should be ending. The past couple of evenings, it has cooled off enough by about 8pm that I actually shut the AC off in the truck as I am getting cool, and roll down the window. Can't wait until "winter" so I can leave the window down all the time.
My year with the company came up on Tuesday. I haven't been called in for a performance review as of yet. Maybe today will be the day. But I did receive the information packet for their 401K program. I have never done one before. Just glancing through the pages of the booklet they sent on how to set it up and the options, I am confused. The Wife will straighten me out, I hope, once we can sit down and go through it this weekend. At least the company will do a percentage match up to a certain limit.
PeacE
Friday night is the oldest Son's first home game they will perform at this school year. I feel sort of bummed I won't get to see it due to work, but then again, I never had the patience to sit through half a game just to see the half-time performance. I usually left afterwards. I guess in a way, I am saved from having to attend, though I will be going to at least one of the band competitions as they are usually on Saturdays.
Weather has been getting nicer. No rain for us this next week (so they say) and monsoon season should be ending. The past couple of evenings, it has cooled off enough by about 8pm that I actually shut the AC off in the truck as I am getting cool, and roll down the window. Can't wait until "winter" so I can leave the window down all the time.
My year with the company came up on Tuesday. I haven't been called in for a performance review as of yet. Maybe today will be the day. But I did receive the information packet for their 401K program. I have never done one before. Just glancing through the pages of the booklet they sent on how to set it up and the options, I am confused. The Wife will straighten me out, I hope, once we can sit down and go through it this weekend. At least the company will do a percentage match up to a certain limit.
PeacE
Sunday, November 3
Sometimes It Just Doesn't Work
I took the last week off. Well, sort of. It was more like I didn't have anything I really wanted to share. Not that anything especially good, or bad, has to happen for me to have something to post about, I just didn't feel like posting anything. Some of you are probably smirking and muttering, "That's nothing unusual, posting nothing, since you do that half the time anyways." Don't worry, I can hear you. I am usually thinking the same thing. But don't let that stop you from coming here to see how your life is better than mine.
I sifted through many memories yesterday. The oldest son attended the ABODA State Festival for Marching Band yesterday, as they had made it there based on three EXCELLENT ratings (as well as some caption awards) from three previous competitions. I decided to go, as not only have I only been able to see their show once, but for support, as it was an hour's drive away, across the Valley, having to use 5 different freeways to get there. They received an EXCELLENT rating, plus caption for Musical Performance. No one received a SUPERIOR rating. Since they performed in the morning, we had to wait all day to find out they did not qualify for State Finals, as they were not in the top ten in ratings. But four EXCELLENT ratings, and several captions are great, considering they started their show late due to not having a band instructor until almost the start of school. They out-performed last year's band.
I mentioned going through memories. Being at the State Festival brought back thoughts of when I was in Band. I heard several of the kids around me in the stands, that would make comments like I did when in band, about the performance of the band on the field. Stuff that was important to me then, not so much now. I remembered how it felt to finish up that 4th song with the grand flourish and horn flash with the high slow step. The feel of sweat pouring off the face, and running down my back and sides, heaving lungfuls of breath while holding the attention pose, knowing I had just completed the show giving my part everything I had. The excitement of the bus trips to Band Days, and even some thoughts of how my buddies and I always managed to sneak off where ever we were, and get into some kind of mischief. I hoped my son was getting to make some of these memories - well, except the ones about getting in trouble - or at least caught at it. Yeah. This post is taking forever to write as I keep reminiscing.
I think I will close off on that note. Heh. Note. Post about band. Get it?
PeacE
I sifted through many memories yesterday. The oldest son attended the ABODA State Festival for Marching Band yesterday, as they had made it there based on three EXCELLENT ratings (as well as some caption awards) from three previous competitions. I decided to go, as not only have I only been able to see their show once, but for support, as it was an hour's drive away, across the Valley, having to use 5 different freeways to get there. They received an EXCELLENT rating, plus caption for Musical Performance. No one received a SUPERIOR rating. Since they performed in the morning, we had to wait all day to find out they did not qualify for State Finals, as they were not in the top ten in ratings. But four EXCELLENT ratings, and several captions are great, considering they started their show late due to not having a band instructor until almost the start of school. They out-performed last year's band.
I mentioned going through memories. Being at the State Festival brought back thoughts of when I was in Band. I heard several of the kids around me in the stands, that would make comments like I did when in band, about the performance of the band on the field. Stuff that was important to me then, not so much now. I remembered how it felt to finish up that 4th song with the grand flourish and horn flash with the high slow step. The feel of sweat pouring off the face, and running down my back and sides, heaving lungfuls of breath while holding the attention pose, knowing I had just completed the show giving my part everything I had. The excitement of the bus trips to Band Days, and even some thoughts of how my buddies and I always managed to sneak off where ever we were, and get into some kind of mischief. I hoped my son was getting to make some of these memories - well, except the ones about getting in trouble - or at least caught at it. Yeah. This post is taking forever to write as I keep reminiscing.
I think I will close off on that note. Heh. Note. Post about band. Get it?
PeacE
Monday, August 27
Returning to a Routine
The boys are entering the third week since school started back up, and things around my household are returning to normal routine. Note: I say normal in regards to my household. Both the oldest son and I are getting more adjusted to the 'Zero Hour' starts most days of the week, where he needs to be at school by 6:30. In fact, today I made myself get back to the gym. I had not gone all summer (since about mid-June) so two months plus of not going.... Needless to say, I was a bit worried, in regards to my weight. I have always liked the saying 'An Optimist is never pleasantly surprised' and today proved it. I weighed in five pounds lower than when I was last there. I am now at the lowest weight I have been in years. Even my workout went really well, though I do see a little I need to get back to where I was before (distance walking/jogging). Overall, I am sitting here with a smile on my face (an unusual sight, believe me - more like the Joker's grin), and have that feeling of the 'Workout Glow' going on!! And it's a Monday!!
Preacher Tom and I are off to the movies here in an hour or so. We were finally able to find a showtime that coincided with our schedules, to go see "Expendables II". We both have been looking forward to it, as both our Wives have no real interest in seeing that type of action movie.
The oldest has his first marching band event this Friday for the school's first home football game. I should try to find out how much a family pass is sporting events. It is way expensive to just take the family and go, paying regular entry fees. When the Daughter was last in HS, the family pass was available and probably saved us a goo $100-$200 over the course of several football games. I think we were able to use it for a few of the concerts/plays that went on as well. Note to self to see what I can find out.
I think that about covers things for me today. I already am feeling the muscles starting to stiffen up a little, though, it's a good hurt.
PeacE
Preacher Tom and I are off to the movies here in an hour or so. We were finally able to find a showtime that coincided with our schedules, to go see "Expendables II". We both have been looking forward to it, as both our Wives have no real interest in seeing that type of action movie.
The oldest has his first marching band event this Friday for the school's first home football game. I should try to find out how much a family pass is sporting events. It is way expensive to just take the family and go, paying regular entry fees. When the Daughter was last in HS, the family pass was available and probably saved us a goo $100-$200 over the course of several football games. I think we were able to use it for a few of the concerts/plays that went on as well. Note to self to see what I can find out.
I think that about covers things for me today. I already am feeling the muscles starting to stiffen up a little, though, it's a good hurt.
PeacE
Friday, October 14
Homecoming Weekend
Fall always brings the things everyone seems to know about: leaves changing colors, cooler weather, HS football, and Homecoming. Many probably do not return to their high schools for homecoming, feeling that they already had four (or maybe more) years of it, and no wish to remember their past. Others thrive on it, and go 'all out' in promoting the event. I think over the past 21 years since I graduated, I have maybe gone once, maybe twice.
This year is a bit different. The Class of '91 is having their 20 year reunion this weekend, which weirdly enough coincided with homecoming this year. An old friend who will be attending the reunion (I think) had set up a group page on Facebook a few months ago, for all HS band members for classes 89-93 (I think, again). Between her and a couple others, we have set up a couple meet & greets for just us old band members for tonight and tomorrow. It will be nice to 'hook up' with people I haven't seen for many years, and I am sure there will be a few there from after the years I had graduated.
Tonight's activities include a tour of the HS campus since it's 'renovation' by the current principal (the band director from my senior year) followed by some sort of tailgate party prior to the Homecoming game. Afterwards, those of us in the group, and I am sure others that will be invited, are meeting up at one of the hotels nearby, where they have arranged extended hours at the lounge for mingling... for me, drinking ... and be playing 80's music (reason enough to be drinking). Saturday they have a family picnic thing set up, but I won't be attending it.
So, I have got my camera batteries charging, clothes set out for tonight, and money in my pocket. Looking for some good times!
PeacE
This year is a bit different. The Class of '91 is having their 20 year reunion this weekend, which weirdly enough coincided with homecoming this year. An old friend who will be attending the reunion (I think) had set up a group page on Facebook a few months ago, for all HS band members for classes 89-93 (I think, again). Between her and a couple others, we have set up a couple meet & greets for just us old band members for tonight and tomorrow. It will be nice to 'hook up' with people I haven't seen for many years, and I am sure there will be a few there from after the years I had graduated.
Tonight's activities include a tour of the HS campus since it's 'renovation' by the current principal (the band director from my senior year) followed by some sort of tailgate party prior to the Homecoming game. Afterwards, those of us in the group, and I am sure others that will be invited, are meeting up at one of the hotels nearby, where they have arranged extended hours at the lounge for mingling... for me, drinking ... and be playing 80's music (reason enough to be drinking). Saturday they have a family picnic thing set up, but I won't be attending it.
So, I have got my camera batteries charging, clothes set out for tonight, and money in my pocket. Looking for some good times!
PeacE
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