March 13th!
Wedding Day!!!
Oh man. Tired from last night. Not only did I sleep on rough mattress in the parents' house last night I forgot my contact solution and slept in my contacts. :( Not fun. Dad and I are up at the Southwood House its 9am. Guess what!! It's freezing cold with 20 miles per hour wind. :( Plus, the tent guy showed up early and setup the tent in the wrong place. :(
I called Cassie about 10am and told her everything that is going wrong, "John do not worry about it we will roll with it. The most important thing is you saying I do." Her words sank into my heart like the Titanic sank to the ocean floor. Dad and I departed from the wedding site with a smile on our face. We were going to make it work.
6 pm roll up pretty fast that day. The boys looked sharp and handsome in the black suit tuxes and groomsmen all made it into to town safely. The day went like a flash. I found myself smiling for 24 hours straight. I think I found new levels of my smile when I saw Cassie walk down the aisle with Dustin. She glowed in her white dress. The dress was a little modern with a pinch of traditional it equaled to perfection. The morning problems vanished into to thin air the wedding ceremony and reception was memorable. This was our day. The wind stayed with us all day and night making it cold cold cold.
At the end of these 53 days, I said," I DO!!! "
Thursday, March 25, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
March 12th
1 Day!
OMG! Tomorrow I am officially married, a husband, step-father/steppy-d, and extremely happy! These 53 days of blogging about my experience has been life changing. Tonight my oldest step-son Dustin gave Cassie and I a toast. There were definitely tears from Cassie and I both. He told me how I have changed his life, but the real change has been me. My boys have changed me into something amazing. No longer am I the self centered individual that I once was. My friend Matt from high school told me best, “There was Peacock and then there was P. P was the egotisical guy who made sure no one got close to him. Peacock is the all smiles, friendly, hey lets hang out beyond a bar, and returns phone calls.”
Is this a new leaf turned over? Yes, I no longer have to put up a castle to protect my heart. I don’t have to revolve everyone around my world. I don’t have to be afraid of love. The boys and Cassie have moved into my castle and are permanent residents. This has been something that I have been waiting for my entire life. Cassie is the One.
24 hours Till I Do!
53 Days Till I Do
March 11th
2 days!
OMG (oh my goodness)! In 48 hours the wedding is here!!!!! It seems like everything is in slow motion. The incredible feeling of happiness is in the air. The boys are super excited, Cassie can't stop smiling, and I have just won the lottery. Yes literally, Cassie called my lucky numbers and in two days I get to spend the rest of my life with her. How much is my ticket worth? Its priceless. There is nothing in the world that can equal the value of her and the boys.
Cassie and I are finishing up the last of the details. We have boxes lining the hallway to be delivered to the Southwood House. All of little extra pieces of decoration, glam, and space fillers are doing to be setup tomorrow!
Some of the family have come into town and just so crazy happy for us. Plus, Mom dropped the bomb on me. She told me that I will be spending the night at her house away from Cassie. :( Bummer! Traditions are written in stone it seems like in the Peacock Family. I will grant Mom her wish. Its going to rough Friday night without Cassie.
48 hours and I am MARRIED!!!!
2 days!
OMG (oh my goodness)! In 48 hours the wedding is here!!!!! It seems like everything is in slow motion. The incredible feeling of happiness is in the air. The boys are super excited, Cassie can't stop smiling, and I have just won the lottery. Yes literally, Cassie called my lucky numbers and in two days I get to spend the rest of my life with her. How much is my ticket worth? Its priceless. There is nothing in the world that can equal the value of her and the boys.
Cassie and I are finishing up the last of the details. We have boxes lining the hallway to be delivered to the Southwood House. All of little extra pieces of decoration, glam, and space fillers are doing to be setup tomorrow!
Some of the family have come into town and just so crazy happy for us. Plus, Mom dropped the bomb on me. She told me that I will be spending the night at her house away from Cassie. :( Bummer! Traditions are written in stone it seems like in the Peacock Family. I will grant Mom her wish. Its going to rough Friday night without Cassie.
48 hours and I am MARRIED!!!!
53 Days Till I Do
March 10th
3 Days!
I am little nervous today. I am not scared of the "I do" but of everything coming together. Our wedding day has to be perfect. My checklists are coming in quite handy right about now. I do not have to worry about forgetting anything because it is all written down. The bartenders, tent folks, publix, the cake shop and the southwood house are out of my control. I just have to pray that everything we have paid them to do will be carried out.
The boys on the other hand are so excited. They haven't stopped talking about it. Its going to be a big event in their lives. I just want everything to go right.
I took the boys to pick up there tuxes today!! We had to make sure they fit.
Tip: Have everyone try on the rentals. Make sure everything is there as well.
The boys look sharp. Now I have to wait for my groomsmen to pick their tux up and I'll be less nervous.
3 Days!
I am little nervous today. I am not scared of the "I do" but of everything coming together. Our wedding day has to be perfect. My checklists are coming in quite handy right about now. I do not have to worry about forgetting anything because it is all written down. The bartenders, tent folks, publix, the cake shop and the southwood house are out of my control. I just have to pray that everything we have paid them to do will be carried out.
The boys on the other hand are so excited. They haven't stopped talking about it. Its going to be a big event in their lives. I just want everything to go right.
I took the boys to pick up there tuxes today!! We had to make sure they fit.
Tip: Have everyone try on the rentals. Make sure everything is there as well.
The boys look sharp. Now I have to wait for my groomsmen to pick their tux up and I'll be less nervous.
53 Days Till I Do
March 9th
4 days!!!
Magic is in the air! Cassie returned home about 8:17pm last night. She was exhausted. She had a wonderful time and had gained some new experience with the wedding business.
The boys came home today as well, its Monday!!! Yay! Saturday is creeping closer and closer and the boys and I are bonding more. The feeling I received from them after school pick up was speechless. They are so excited about March 13th. Ethan told me he can't wait to write Ethan Haire-Peacock. I cannot even begin to explain the happiness that ran through my heart at that moment. I knew that God had made me the luckiest man with Ethan's comment. This is just one of the many joys of becoming a Step-Father!
I hope one day 10 years from now the boys look back on March 13th as one of their happiest moments. I will never forget Ethan telling me that.
4 days!!!
Magic is in the air! Cassie returned home about 8:17pm last night. She was exhausted. She had a wonderful time and had gained some new experience with the wedding business.
The boys came home today as well, its Monday!!! Yay! Saturday is creeping closer and closer and the boys and I are bonding more. The feeling I received from them after school pick up was speechless. They are so excited about March 13th. Ethan told me he can't wait to write Ethan Haire-Peacock. I cannot even begin to explain the happiness that ran through my heart at that moment. I knew that God had made me the luckiest man with Ethan's comment. This is just one of the many joys of becoming a Step-Father!
I hope one day 10 years from now the boys look back on March 13th as one of their happiest moments. I will never forget Ethan telling me that.
53 Days Till I Do
March 8th
5 Days!!
The days are going much much slower. Cassie and I have been thinking about this day and my goodness did Saturday take forever! We were told by a number a people that the days will start to melt away faster, faster and faster. Well its not happening. The grains of sand in the hourglass are not moving any faster. I love it.
Cassie today helped a friend out with Woodland Fields Photography booth in Panama City. She left early in the morning not to return until late in the evening. I was happy for her because our friend Catherine Taylor had shot Cassie in her dress and decided to use her modeling pic on a large canvas. That canvas rode with them to Panama City to be displayed at the wedding booth. I still haven't seen Cassie in her dress or the dress at all. Their is something more powerful than Christmas morning to see Cassie in her dress in 5 days! The surprise is killing me. I am trying not to think about it or even tempt myself by being in the same room as the dress. The tradition of waiting is worth it.
Dad and I met up at his house and we traveled to Southwood house, my wedding site, to outline the last of the planning particulars. He and I are trying to visualize the lights around the trees, power cords to the lights, DJ is going to be here, tent is here, etc. I am thinking to myself, "John, I cannot waste time this close to the wedding."
Tip: Gentlemen being over prepared is your motto for your wedding.
It was great to get Dad updated on the preparations. I know between the two of us the wedding will be dreamy!
5 Days!!
The days are going much much slower. Cassie and I have been thinking about this day and my goodness did Saturday take forever! We were told by a number a people that the days will start to melt away faster, faster and faster. Well its not happening. The grains of sand in the hourglass are not moving any faster. I love it.
Cassie today helped a friend out with Woodland Fields Photography booth in Panama City. She left early in the morning not to return until late in the evening. I was happy for her because our friend Catherine Taylor had shot Cassie in her dress and decided to use her modeling pic on a large canvas. That canvas rode with them to Panama City to be displayed at the wedding booth. I still haven't seen Cassie in her dress or the dress at all. Their is something more powerful than Christmas morning to see Cassie in her dress in 5 days! The surprise is killing me. I am trying not to think about it or even tempt myself by being in the same room as the dress. The tradition of waiting is worth it.
Dad and I met up at his house and we traveled to Southwood house, my wedding site, to outline the last of the planning particulars. He and I are trying to visualize the lights around the trees, power cords to the lights, DJ is going to be here, tent is here, etc. I am thinking to myself, "John, I cannot waste time this close to the wedding."
Tip: Gentlemen being over prepared is your motto for your wedding.
It was great to get Dad updated on the preparations. I know between the two of us the wedding will be dreamy!
53 Days Till I Do
March 7th
6 days!!
Exactly 1 week until my life is changed forever. There is still so much to do for the wedding. I am just lucky that my Fiance hasn't stressed out. Today we are looking for gift boxes for my step sons. The groomsmen are receiving flasks for their gift and the step sons are getting something as well. Ethan's gift is an FSU water bottle, Dillon's gift is a Georgia water bottle and Dustin's gift an engraved flash drive with his initials DMH.
Gentlemen reading this blog, Micheal's the craft store has everything. I repeat Micheal's craft store has everything you need for the details of the wedding. Its a store that you will become all to familiar with. Don't fight it because your frequent visits will show more support for your fiance than ever before.
1 Tip: Starbucks coffee goes a long way before walking into the retail store.
Cassie and I did end up finding gift boxes for the boys. It was a simple trip. I know the boys will enjoy the gifts. The boys loving college football makes it easier to find something for them. Now if I can only find something for my Dad.
6 days!!
Exactly 1 week until my life is changed forever. There is still so much to do for the wedding. I am just lucky that my Fiance hasn't stressed out. Today we are looking for gift boxes for my step sons. The groomsmen are receiving flasks for their gift and the step sons are getting something as well. Ethan's gift is an FSU water bottle, Dillon's gift is a Georgia water bottle and Dustin's gift an engraved flash drive with his initials DMH.
Gentlemen reading this blog, Micheal's the craft store has everything. I repeat Micheal's craft store has everything you need for the details of the wedding. Its a store that you will become all to familiar with. Don't fight it because your frequent visits will show more support for your fiance than ever before.
1 Tip: Starbucks coffee goes a long way before walking into the retail store.
Cassie and I did end up finding gift boxes for the boys. It was a simple trip. I know the boys will enjoy the gifts. The boys loving college football makes it easier to find something for them. Now if I can only find something for my Dad.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
March 6th
7 Days!
This is it. 1 more week and holy matrimony. This is incredible. This is better than me making my 1st start for Florida State Football. 80,000 screaming fans don't compare to the bounce I am feeling right now. Its Saturday morning about 9:03am and one week from now I'll be getting prepared for I Do. :)
Cassie and I enjoyed a Coffee Date this morning. Thank you Starbucks. Having your best friend to share the rest of your life with is truly spectacular. We are talking about one week from now, the wedding rings, the placements of everything and the weather. :( The weather might be a little chilly. Its nothing that portable heaters won't fix. The weather says no rain that's a major plus. We relax for a short while longer at Starbucks. The parents had called and wanted us to stop by before we ran all over Tallahassee.
My parents' house. Mom and Dad. I can't get over it, in a good way, that Mom hugs Cassie first. I'm the baby in the family. Jeez. :) I want to group hug Mom and Cassie every time that happens. I love the fact that Mom and Dad both have welcomed her and the boys into our family. Cassie is the daughter they always wanted. Becoming a Step-Father is something I am proud of. It helps a lot that my family and Cassie and the boys all get along. I can't picture my life with Cassie and the boys. One week Until I Do.
7 Days!
This is it. 1 more week and holy matrimony. This is incredible. This is better than me making my 1st start for Florida State Football. 80,000 screaming fans don't compare to the bounce I am feeling right now. Its Saturday morning about 9:03am and one week from now I'll be getting prepared for I Do. :)
Cassie and I enjoyed a Coffee Date this morning. Thank you Starbucks. Having your best friend to share the rest of your life with is truly spectacular. We are talking about one week from now, the wedding rings, the placements of everything and the weather. :( The weather might be a little chilly. Its nothing that portable heaters won't fix. The weather says no rain that's a major plus. We relax for a short while longer at Starbucks. The parents had called and wanted us to stop by before we ran all over Tallahassee.
My parents' house. Mom and Dad. I can't get over it, in a good way, that Mom hugs Cassie first. I'm the baby in the family. Jeez. :) I want to group hug Mom and Cassie every time that happens. I love the fact that Mom and Dad both have welcomed her and the boys into our family. Cassie is the daughter they always wanted. Becoming a Step-Father is something I am proud of. It helps a lot that my family and Cassie and the boys all get along. I can't picture my life with Cassie and the boys. One week Until I Do.
53 Days Till I Do
March 5th
8 Days!
The best part of waking up is my fiance next to me. I love seeing her smile, feeling her warmth, and hearing her say good morning. As for the wedding she has put in 99% of planning into the wedding and the last little details are simple. I am making sure that the last 1% is good to go.
Today is Friday. It's haircut day. My fiance once told me she loves my hair one week after the cut. 8 days is close enough and I certainty did not want to go and get a hair cut on Saturday. My stylist told me congratulations and if I needed a touch up before the wedding come see him. Toppers is the name of the salon I have been going to since 2003. Trent is the best stylist ever. He transitioned me from the South Florida Spiky Gelled Hair to Professional Business Look. I trust only him with my hair. I'd wait 5 hours if I had to. Plus, I need look my best for one of the most important days of my life.
Something I witnessed as I am talking about my wedding in the salon, everyone is listening. Their was probably 15 people casually eve dropping. I caught a number of them in the mirror smiling at themselves either remembering about their wedding day or excited to one day have a wedding day. It was great. I feel my smile gets bigger each time I talk about Cassie, the boys or our wedding. I feel as though energy of love infects everyone. I know people enjoy the feelings of happiness. That's what weddings are supposed to do they bring out the best in everyone. The joy of attending, being apart of, or just listening about a wedding warms a person's heart. Everyone in Toppers that evening felted my excitement and joy. I am the lucky one that is marrying my best friend, soul mate and equal. 8 days!
8 Days!
The best part of waking up is my fiance next to me. I love seeing her smile, feeling her warmth, and hearing her say good morning. As for the wedding she has put in 99% of planning into the wedding and the last little details are simple. I am making sure that the last 1% is good to go.
Today is Friday. It's haircut day. My fiance once told me she loves my hair one week after the cut. 8 days is close enough and I certainty did not want to go and get a hair cut on Saturday. My stylist told me congratulations and if I needed a touch up before the wedding come see him. Toppers is the name of the salon I have been going to since 2003. Trent is the best stylist ever. He transitioned me from the South Florida Spiky Gelled Hair to Professional Business Look. I trust only him with my hair. I'd wait 5 hours if I had to. Plus, I need look my best for one of the most important days of my life.
Something I witnessed as I am talking about my wedding in the salon, everyone is listening. Their was probably 15 people casually eve dropping. I caught a number of them in the mirror smiling at themselves either remembering about their wedding day or excited to one day have a wedding day. It was great. I feel my smile gets bigger each time I talk about Cassie, the boys or our wedding. I feel as though energy of love infects everyone. I know people enjoy the feelings of happiness. That's what weddings are supposed to do they bring out the best in everyone. The joy of attending, being apart of, or just listening about a wedding warms a person's heart. Everyone in Toppers that evening felted my excitement and joy. I am the lucky one that is marrying my best friend, soul mate and equal. 8 days!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
March 4th
9 Days!!
I know! Single Digits!! Oh my how the days have been drawn out and long. I have truly enjoyed the road to marriage. I still think Male Fiance's need a ring as well. Maybe a ring on right hand to signify, "he's taken/spoken for." Its crazy how everyone strives to be different yet follows the same traditional wedding formalities. Maybe a Celebrity just need to introduce that from Hollywood to gain more awareness. Or maybe no one really cares. I care.
I had a unique lunch appointment today. A business contact that I have known over the last year. He talked about mergers. I am not merging with anyone for my business but about merging community associations together. I thought about Cassie's family merging with my family.
Cassie family and my family. She is marrying into one of the best Peacock Clan's in the world. Her boys now become cousins with hundreds of my peacock cousins. I never put much thought into. I am blessed that my family and her family are bonding so easily. My mom and dad become instant Grandparents. My brother becomes Uncle James. My Aunts and Uncles become their Aunts and Uncles. :) Its a wonderful incorporation of Cassie and I. It's amazing to sit down and actually think about the impact our love and marriage affects. In the History Book of John and Cassie Peacock this day March 13, 2010 cements our love forever. The Peacock family tree has just merged more names for the best.
9 Days!!
I know! Single Digits!! Oh my how the days have been drawn out and long. I have truly enjoyed the road to marriage. I still think Male Fiance's need a ring as well. Maybe a ring on right hand to signify, "he's taken/spoken for." Its crazy how everyone strives to be different yet follows the same traditional wedding formalities. Maybe a Celebrity just need to introduce that from Hollywood to gain more awareness. Or maybe no one really cares. I care.
I had a unique lunch appointment today. A business contact that I have known over the last year. He talked about mergers. I am not merging with anyone for my business but about merging community associations together. I thought about Cassie's family merging with my family.
Cassie family and my family. She is marrying into one of the best Peacock Clan's in the world. Her boys now become cousins with hundreds of my peacock cousins. I never put much thought into. I am blessed that my family and her family are bonding so easily. My mom and dad become instant Grandparents. My brother becomes Uncle James. My Aunts and Uncles become their Aunts and Uncles. :) Its a wonderful incorporation of Cassie and I. It's amazing to sit down and actually think about the impact our love and marriage affects. In the History Book of John and Cassie Peacock this day March 13, 2010 cements our love forever. The Peacock family tree has just merged more names for the best.
53 Days Till I Do
March 3rd
10 Days!!
Cassie comes home today from her 3 day trip in Orlando. The sales conference is finally over, YAY! I hope she had fun because the days have stretched out long. I mean its like being pick for jury duty. You sit in the court house for 10 hours walking in and out of courtrooms only to be dismissed because of your age. I missed her to say the least.
About 7 months ago I had bought two storage shelf racks for the garage. They are 7 feet long, 1 1/2 ft wide, white wired finished, and smashed between a few boxes. In that time I had managed to put up one of those shelves. One side of our two car garage was messy, cluttered, and in the way. I am currently learning to become a good husband and one of those things is finish the home project. Trial by fire with finishing home project. In those 7 months I allowed the garage to be undervalued. I kept putting it off telling myself, " I'll get it another day." Well that day turned into, two days, three days, a week, two weeks, a month, and finally into 7 months!
Well today I changed all of that! I finally conquered that GARAGE! I told myself no longer and I going to be letting that shelf push me around. In a quick 45 minutes I taught that shelf whose boss! Those boxes are no longer in the way of the car and quite possibly two cars could fit now. The boys aren't with us this week but I know they would be proud as well.
The lesson from this is finish what you started. Allocate time to complete the task at hand. Remember that motivation and great feeling. Apply it to everything else in your life. Marriage and raising children are projects that take a lifetime to complete. Are you ready to build?
I
10 Days!!
Cassie comes home today from her 3 day trip in Orlando. The sales conference is finally over, YAY! I hope she had fun because the days have stretched out long. I mean its like being pick for jury duty. You sit in the court house for 10 hours walking in and out of courtrooms only to be dismissed because of your age. I missed her to say the least.
About 7 months ago I had bought two storage shelf racks for the garage. They are 7 feet long, 1 1/2 ft wide, white wired finished, and smashed between a few boxes. In that time I had managed to put up one of those shelves. One side of our two car garage was messy, cluttered, and in the way. I am currently learning to become a good husband and one of those things is finish the home project. Trial by fire with finishing home project. In those 7 months I allowed the garage to be undervalued. I kept putting it off telling myself, " I'll get it another day." Well that day turned into, two days, three days, a week, two weeks, a month, and finally into 7 months!
Well today I changed all of that! I finally conquered that GARAGE! I told myself no longer and I going to be letting that shelf push me around. In a quick 45 minutes I taught that shelf whose boss! Those boxes are no longer in the way of the car and quite possibly two cars could fit now. The boys aren't with us this week but I know they would be proud as well.
The lesson from this is finish what you started. Allocate time to complete the task at hand. Remember that motivation and great feeling. Apply it to everything else in your life. Marriage and raising children are projects that take a lifetime to complete. Are you ready to build?
I
53 Days Till I Do
March 2nd
11 Days!!
Love isn't enough. Love in relationship is a prerequisite. Something bigger has brought you two persons together and join them in marriage. I feel a superior passion, trust and an active participation over time is what makes a lasting marriage. Over the last 28 years I have learned from two great teachers, my parents.
I am thankful that my parents taught me what a strong healthy marriage should be. Some friends and other family members got divorced. Their will never be an exact Patrick and Donna Peacock. They loved, argued, and were best friends. My marriage to Cassie will be similar but customized. Every couple is different. Cassie and I have traveled different roads, and ran different races to get to the faithful foundation of marriage March 13th. I am excited to have fun, actively participate in Cassie's and my Boys lives, and show them my passion called love. Every day I will have to earn their trust but I am ready to continue that bond. I look forward to joining the club of doing the right thing, making time for my family and being a loving husband.
11 Days!!
Love isn't enough. Love in relationship is a prerequisite. Something bigger has brought you two persons together and join them in marriage. I feel a superior passion, trust and an active participation over time is what makes a lasting marriage. Over the last 28 years I have learned from two great teachers, my parents.
I am thankful that my parents taught me what a strong healthy marriage should be. Some friends and other family members got divorced. Their will never be an exact Patrick and Donna Peacock. They loved, argued, and were best friends. My marriage to Cassie will be similar but customized. Every couple is different. Cassie and I have traveled different roads, and ran different races to get to the faithful foundation of marriage March 13th. I am excited to have fun, actively participate in Cassie's and my Boys lives, and show them my passion called love. Every day I will have to earn their trust but I am ready to continue that bond. I look forward to joining the club of doing the right thing, making time for my family and being a loving husband.
53 Days Till I Do
Mar. 1st
12 Days!!
As if the first night of Cassie's 3 nights in Orlando away was going to be easy. I tell you tossing and turning in a king sized bed with cold sheets is recipe for no sleep. Moving around this morning and taking the boys to school was slow. I have been taking for granted the warmth, sweet smelling, and beautiful Cassie. I suppose I was just used to waking up and Cassie being next to me. I miss her dearly. I have been searching for the woman that I love for 27 years. Cassie is that woman. The phrase, "You never know what you have until you lose it." I won't lose Cassie but I do miss her more than ever. The boys are very smart and can tell that I am a little off. Dillon and Ethan tell me that Mom, Cassie, will be home before we know it. I just smiled and kept driving to the school. It's the greatest feeling in the world to have your children brighten your day. Their was a piece of me that was missing and Cassie and the boys are the missing piece.
12 Days!!
As if the first night of Cassie's 3 nights in Orlando away was going to be easy. I tell you tossing and turning in a king sized bed with cold sheets is recipe for no sleep. Moving around this morning and taking the boys to school was slow. I have been taking for granted the warmth, sweet smelling, and beautiful Cassie. I suppose I was just used to waking up and Cassie being next to me. I miss her dearly. I have been searching for the woman that I love for 27 years. Cassie is that woman. The phrase, "You never know what you have until you lose it." I won't lose Cassie but I do miss her more than ever. The boys are very smart and can tell that I am a little off. Dillon and Ethan tell me that Mom, Cassie, will be home before we know it. I just smiled and kept driving to the school. It's the greatest feeling in the world to have your children brighten your day. Their was a piece of me that was missing and Cassie and the boys are the missing piece.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 28th
13 Days!!
Cassie is leaving today, :(. I am sad. Sad like your best friend moving away. The good though Cassie comes back on Wednesday! I am already visualizing her return. Steak, wine, and girl scout cookies!
Having the boys to myself for one night! Dustin, Dillon and Ethan my sons. I personally feel that everyday the boys are with me our bond grows stronger. I understand that I am not their Dad but it won't stop me from still being a Dad. My growth with them as has been nothing short of excellence. The true of feeling of being a Step-Father is seeing your best qualities in them. They are strong, respectful and sarcastic. Its family supper tonight as well. It is even more evident of the respectful joking. Dillon and Ethan have learned so much from me to make everyone at dinner laugh. Months before they would talk softly and now they make everyone smile. I feel its a good trait to have. It will be easier for them to break the ice, engage in a conversation, and make someone smile. (I am smiling now just thinking about them.) The joy of becoming a great father has hit me hard. The amazon river of ideas is flowing to teach them more. Rome wasn't built in a day. I do love seeing them smile at me because they know where they learned it.
13 Days!!
Cassie is leaving today, :(. I am sad. Sad like your best friend moving away. The good though Cassie comes back on Wednesday! I am already visualizing her return. Steak, wine, and girl scout cookies!
Having the boys to myself for one night! Dustin, Dillon and Ethan my sons. I personally feel that everyday the boys are with me our bond grows stronger. I understand that I am not their Dad but it won't stop me from still being a Dad. My growth with them as has been nothing short of excellence. The true of feeling of being a Step-Father is seeing your best qualities in them. They are strong, respectful and sarcastic. Its family supper tonight as well. It is even more evident of the respectful joking. Dillon and Ethan have learned so much from me to make everyone at dinner laugh. Months before they would talk softly and now they make everyone smile. I feel its a good trait to have. It will be easier for them to break the ice, engage in a conversation, and make someone smile. (I am smiling now just thinking about them.) The joy of becoming a great father has hit me hard. The amazon river of ideas is flowing to teach them more. Rome wasn't built in a day. I do love seeing them smile at me because they know where they learned it.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 27th
14 Days!!
Its Friday! Ethan has his 100 point party at School today. 100 point party is something his 3rd Grade does as a reward. The teacher has a point system on a number different things. Such as, completed homework, meeting your reading goal, behavior etc. Ethan wanted Cassie to make her "Special Dip." What was cute Ethan wrote on his reminder slip about the party that Cassie needs to make the "Special Dip" for Friday. Of course we made the dip but keeping it away from his brothers was the hard part. Cassie and I had to keep it out of sight from the sharks. I just wish the teacher would invite me to the party. That dip is so good!
Ethan has baseball practice today as well. I am just ready for the cold to go away! Or maybe the wind that is slicing my face, drying my contacts and is a pain to my knees would go away. Dillon and Ethan are opposite teams again but this year Ethan doesn't start the season with a broken arm. I felt the hurt in his heart because he couldn't join his teammates at the beginning of the season. I would throw the baseball with Dillon as Ethan watched. I helped Dillon with hitting the ball while Ethan snagged. Cassie and I both smiled big when he met his new teammates this year. Ethan finally gets to let out all of his excitement for practice. I swear he had an extra gear of energy. He was bouncing around, leading the team in each drill and impressed the Coach with his hustle. Day was the day he has been wanting for a whole year. I was happy for him.
14 Days!!
Its Friday! Ethan has his 100 point party at School today. 100 point party is something his 3rd Grade does as a reward. The teacher has a point system on a number different things. Such as, completed homework, meeting your reading goal, behavior etc. Ethan wanted Cassie to make her "Special Dip." What was cute Ethan wrote on his reminder slip about the party that Cassie needs to make the "Special Dip" for Friday. Of course we made the dip but keeping it away from his brothers was the hard part. Cassie and I had to keep it out of sight from the sharks. I just wish the teacher would invite me to the party. That dip is so good!
Ethan has baseball practice today as well. I am just ready for the cold to go away! Or maybe the wind that is slicing my face, drying my contacts and is a pain to my knees would go away. Dillon and Ethan are opposite teams again but this year Ethan doesn't start the season with a broken arm. I felt the hurt in his heart because he couldn't join his teammates at the beginning of the season. I would throw the baseball with Dillon as Ethan watched. I helped Dillon with hitting the ball while Ethan snagged. Cassie and I both smiled big when he met his new teammates this year. Ethan finally gets to let out all of his excitement for practice. I swear he had an extra gear of energy. He was bouncing around, leading the team in each drill and impressed the Coach with his hustle. Day was the day he has been wanting for a whole year. I was happy for him.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 26th.
15 Days!
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough."
~Frank Crane
Dillon's baseball practice was canceled last night. The rain and park not turning on the lights at 7pm were the only factors a canceled practice. Cassie and I met Dillon's Coach, Coach Dustin. She and I very excited because the year before Dillon's baseball coach was not prepared/experienced in baseball. We trusted the former Coach for a whole season and just dreaded every game. Its an enormous relieve as a parent that the new coach has 12 years coaching experience under his belt and his team last season won the park championship.
As a new step-father I have to trust myself to be the best father/parent/step-father/johnjohn/steppy-d I can be. I am looking forward to making mistakes because I get to learn from them. The same trust I use for myself I have to make certain I have earned it from my kids and future wife. Things that are important to me are my random acts of kindness and the desire to participate in their lives. Whether that consists of practicing sports, helping with their homework, listening to their day, making coffee in the morning, leaving ninja notes around, or telling them I love them. I have to earn their trust everyday, day after day after day. That's what a family is, does, and strengthens. I believe so strongly in family and they are my family. Trust is number one on the Step-Father chart.
15 Days!
"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough."
~Frank Crane
Dillon's baseball practice was canceled last night. The rain and park not turning on the lights at 7pm were the only factors a canceled practice. Cassie and I met Dillon's Coach, Coach Dustin. She and I very excited because the year before Dillon's baseball coach was not prepared/experienced in baseball. We trusted the former Coach for a whole season and just dreaded every game. Its an enormous relieve as a parent that the new coach has 12 years coaching experience under his belt and his team last season won the park championship.
As a new step-father I have to trust myself to be the best father/parent/step-father/johnjohn/steppy-d I can be. I am looking forward to making mistakes because I get to learn from them. The same trust I use for myself I have to make certain I have earned it from my kids and future wife. Things that are important to me are my random acts of kindness and the desire to participate in their lives. Whether that consists of practicing sports, helping with their homework, listening to their day, making coffee in the morning, leaving ninja notes around, or telling them I love them. I have to earn their trust everyday, day after day after day. That's what a family is, does, and strengthens. I believe so strongly in family and they are my family. Trust is number one on the Step-Father chart.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 25th
16 Days!!
"A lot of times mistakes are what help you become a better player because you become mentally tougher in that situation when you face it again."
~ Mickey Andrews
As much as I hated many college football practices, a daily grind, life seems to be more approachable. Making mistakes is acceptable along as you learn from them and don't make them again as much. Its nice not to have a field video on me 100% of the time. Mickey also said, "The eye in the sky never lies!" Referring to the video camera on you during practice and in games. I truly feel that God is watching me on camera all of the time even when I don't think so. I have a family and I make mistakes. From football to family I have accepted not to be afraid to make mistakes. I am only human. I am striving for excellence and perfection but its good to know when I fall out of line. Thank you Cassie, Dustin, Dillon and Ethan. I promise to you that I will strive to be the best Step Father, Husband and Parent that I can be and more.
I have always remembered the IBM story about mistakes. Hear goes, Bob, the new executive that joined IBM's, head chief super important management, group had made a mistake. A mistake so big it cost the company $10,000,000. Bob the new executive just started a week ago. Well the boss walks into Bob's office and before the boss speaks Bob informs the boss his resignation will be handed in at the end of the day. The boss looks at Bob walks around his desk to face him eye to eye. The boss speaks, "Bob today was one of the worst days the company has ever had. Why would I want to fire you? I have just invested $10 million in your training. If you every do something like that again though we have to let you go." Bob had never looked at that perspective before. Bob would go one to bring the company to new heights.
16 Days!!
"A lot of times mistakes are what help you become a better player because you become mentally tougher in that situation when you face it again."
~ Mickey Andrews
As much as I hated many college football practices, a daily grind, life seems to be more approachable. Making mistakes is acceptable along as you learn from them and don't make them again as much. Its nice not to have a field video on me 100% of the time. Mickey also said, "The eye in the sky never lies!" Referring to the video camera on you during practice and in games. I truly feel that God is watching me on camera all of the time even when I don't think so. I have a family and I make mistakes. From football to family I have accepted not to be afraid to make mistakes. I am only human. I am striving for excellence and perfection but its good to know when I fall out of line. Thank you Cassie, Dustin, Dillon and Ethan. I promise to you that I will strive to be the best Step Father, Husband and Parent that I can be and more.
I have always remembered the IBM story about mistakes. Hear goes, Bob, the new executive that joined IBM's, head chief super important management, group had made a mistake. A mistake so big it cost the company $10,000,000. Bob the new executive just started a week ago. Well the boss walks into Bob's office and before the boss speaks Bob informs the boss his resignation will be handed in at the end of the day. The boss looks at Bob walks around his desk to face him eye to eye. The boss speaks, "Bob today was one of the worst days the company has ever had. Why would I want to fire you? I have just invested $10 million in your training. If you every do something like that again though we have to let you go." Bob had never looked at that perspective before. Bob would go one to bring the company to new heights.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 24th
17 Days!
Having a family that is full of love is powerful. Having a family that you can act dorky with is unique. Last night Cassie and I took some alone time together while the boys played video games in the front of the house. We were just laying in bed talking about our day, goals for tomorrow, and the wedding. Its been chilly outside since December, so naturally we were under the sheets staying warm. (I think our dream house is going to have a fireplace in the Master Bedroom.) In the middle of communicating we both flashed back to our childhoods.
Did you ever make forts when you were a kid? The kind of forts you make out of bed sheets and pillows. :) Cassie and I both reacted and grabbed the bed sheet and made our first mini fort! We even went as far to get the blackberry and make a quick video titled, "Fort Buddies!" Haha. We are so dorky its beautiful. We even shared it with the boys and we all laughed together.
P.S. It was great acting by me! (Not really) I did smile at the camera though.
17 Days!
Having a family that is full of love is powerful. Having a family that you can act dorky with is unique. Last night Cassie and I took some alone time together while the boys played video games in the front of the house. We were just laying in bed talking about our day, goals for tomorrow, and the wedding. Its been chilly outside since December, so naturally we were under the sheets staying warm. (I think our dream house is going to have a fireplace in the Master Bedroom.) In the middle of communicating we both flashed back to our childhoods.
Did you ever make forts when you were a kid? The kind of forts you make out of bed sheets and pillows. :) Cassie and I both reacted and grabbed the bed sheet and made our first mini fort! We even went as far to get the blackberry and make a quick video titled, "Fort Buddies!" Haha. We are so dorky its beautiful. We even shared it with the boys and we all laughed together.
P.S. It was great acting by me! (Not really) I did smile at the camera though.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 23rd
18 days!
Busy Busy Busy! Peacock Insurance, my business, is slowly up and running. A number of competitors have recently found out that I no longer work with my former agency. I have been receiving phone calls. I am exploring my professional options but I need to do what is best for my family. I feel strongly that having an open communication with my Fiance about new possibilities is crucial. I am making a decision that will affect my family so why not share it and get their opinions. We are a family. Its what families do.
I am blessed to have something so wonderful!
18 days!
Busy Busy Busy! Peacock Insurance, my business, is slowly up and running. A number of competitors have recently found out that I no longer work with my former agency. I have been receiving phone calls. I am exploring my professional options but I need to do what is best for my family. I feel strongly that having an open communication with my Fiance about new possibilities is crucial. I am making a decision that will affect my family so why not share it and get their opinions. We are a family. Its what families do.
I am blessed to have something so wonderful!
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 22nd
19 days!
My future success is my focus. As a future Step Father I have to believe in myself. My greatest liability is insecurity. I have taken what I learned from my Father and must apply the best of those lessons to my new sons. I won't let my insecurities weigh me down. I won't be afraid to make mistakes, admit to being wrong, or share my experiences.
I wrote previously that I don't have enough time with Dustin to share my wisdom. Dustin is 17, turning 18 in April, he will graduate High School in June and plans to attend the community college here in Tallahassee. I have to utilize my time because he wants his independence like most teenagers.
I suppose most insecurities are financial, being smart enough, or failure. These insecurities need to have a different perspective, another outlook. Not having enough money can be difficult but allow yourself to find creative solutions that are cost effective. I would love to provide my family at this moment right now, a huge house, swimming pool, and big lawn where the boys can play full 100 yard football. At this time I cannot support that goal but its worth chasing down. Being the creative parent I am I take my sons to the park. Swimming pool is tough but if you know someone ask or community pool in the city. Embrace your children' imagination and create your castle.
Not being smart enough to help your child study or answer life changing questions is ok. My father was not Albert Einstein. He did take me to libraries, introduced me to people he knew that engage my curiosity, or got me a tutor from school. I am not afraid to tell my sons that I don't know the answer but I can find someone who does.
Failure as parent is a big insecurity. I think what Pastor Erik told us having a foundation of friends, family and church can help you. I have to remember that asking someone for help is ok. There is no shame in asking. More times than not that person or persons was in the exact situation. The wisdom that our elders possess is truly precious. Asking never hurt.
I am lucky to have such insecurities but I promise that focus is future success.
19 days!
My future success is my focus. As a future Step Father I have to believe in myself. My greatest liability is insecurity. I have taken what I learned from my Father and must apply the best of those lessons to my new sons. I won't let my insecurities weigh me down. I won't be afraid to make mistakes, admit to being wrong, or share my experiences.
I wrote previously that I don't have enough time with Dustin to share my wisdom. Dustin is 17, turning 18 in April, he will graduate High School in June and plans to attend the community college here in Tallahassee. I have to utilize my time because he wants his independence like most teenagers.
I suppose most insecurities are financial, being smart enough, or failure. These insecurities need to have a different perspective, another outlook. Not having enough money can be difficult but allow yourself to find creative solutions that are cost effective. I would love to provide my family at this moment right now, a huge house, swimming pool, and big lawn where the boys can play full 100 yard football. At this time I cannot support that goal but its worth chasing down. Being the creative parent I am I take my sons to the park. Swimming pool is tough but if you know someone ask or community pool in the city. Embrace your children' imagination and create your castle.
Not being smart enough to help your child study or answer life changing questions is ok. My father was not Albert Einstein. He did take me to libraries, introduced me to people he knew that engage my curiosity, or got me a tutor from school. I am not afraid to tell my sons that I don't know the answer but I can find someone who does.
Failure as parent is a big insecurity. I think what Pastor Erik told us having a foundation of friends, family and church can help you. I have to remember that asking someone for help is ok. There is no shame in asking. More times than not that person or persons was in the exact situation. The wisdom that our elders possess is truly precious. Asking never hurt.
I am lucky to have such insecurities but I promise that focus is future success.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 21st
20 days!!
Baseball season is just around the corner. Dillon and Ethan are signed up and ready to tear up the city league. There is nothing better as a kid to look in the stands and wave at your parents after a hit or making a throw for an out. I also remember not having parents at a few games. Both my parents are wonderful and busy. They both give time to charitable organizations which may run over in my sports schedule. I would say 85% of the time they attended if not both of them one of them.
As a future parent, Step-Father, I remember my father would always ask about my game if he and mom missed one. He always love to hear the details, I went 1 for 4, striking out 3 times, I stole 2nd base, the pitcher was really tall and threw left handed, Ben hit a home run over the left field wall in the bottom of the 3rd Inning on a fast ball inside pitch, etc. I never thought about why he asked until I now. Even though he missed the game he wanted to make sure I knew he supported me and was there for me. He would always asked if I wanted help hitting or tell me to invite Jonathan (my best friend) over this weekend and go to the park. :)
I know my parents wanted to make all of the games but quality vs. quantity. I want to my boys to know I have unconditional passion in them and infinite love for them as well.
20 days!!
Baseball season is just around the corner. Dillon and Ethan are signed up and ready to tear up the city league. There is nothing better as a kid to look in the stands and wave at your parents after a hit or making a throw for an out. I also remember not having parents at a few games. Both my parents are wonderful and busy. They both give time to charitable organizations which may run over in my sports schedule. I would say 85% of the time they attended if not both of them one of them.
As a future parent, Step-Father, I remember my father would always ask about my game if he and mom missed one. He always love to hear the details, I went 1 for 4, striking out 3 times, I stole 2nd base, the pitcher was really tall and threw left handed, Ben hit a home run over the left field wall in the bottom of the 3rd Inning on a fast ball inside pitch, etc. I never thought about why he asked until I now. Even though he missed the game he wanted to make sure I knew he supported me and was there for me. He would always asked if I wanted help hitting or tell me to invite Jonathan (my best friend) over this weekend and go to the park. :)
I know my parents wanted to make all of the games but quality vs. quantity. I want to my boys to know I have unconditional passion in them and infinite love for them as well.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 20th
21 Days!!
"To have the kind of year you want to have, something has to happen that you can't explain why it happened, ... Something has to happen that you can't coach"
~Bobby Bowden
Its Saturday morning and I am recalling what a great year its been. I am using February 20th of 2009 to February 20th 2010. Last year my New Year's Resolution was to give up dating, focus completely on work, and possibly buy a house in Costa Rica. I guess 1 for 3 is not bad. I mean a .333 lifetime batting average gets you into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. The year I wanted was turned right side up. I fell in love, reached new goals with work and that house in Costa Rica is still there. I don't know why I picked Costa Rica I just did.
My year went as followed: I meet Cassie, voted to become Rotary President of my Club, met my work goals, gained a new family, blended my family and new family, proposed to Cassie, Cassie said yes, still planning the wedding, Miami beat FSU, quit my job and opened Peacock Insurance. The year I had could not have been something coached. I feel I have been preparing myself 2% a day for 28 years for this moment that God has blessed me with.
2010 is looking to be an even more successful year. I am so happy and blessed that the path God choose for me is the road less traveled.
21 Days!!
"To have the kind of year you want to have, something has to happen that you can't explain why it happened, ... Something has to happen that you can't coach"
~Bobby Bowden
Its Saturday morning and I am recalling what a great year its been. I am using February 20th of 2009 to February 20th 2010. Last year my New Year's Resolution was to give up dating, focus completely on work, and possibly buy a house in Costa Rica. I guess 1 for 3 is not bad. I mean a .333 lifetime batting average gets you into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. The year I wanted was turned right side up. I fell in love, reached new goals with work and that house in Costa Rica is still there. I don't know why I picked Costa Rica I just did.
My year went as followed: I meet Cassie, voted to become Rotary President of my Club, met my work goals, gained a new family, blended my family and new family, proposed to Cassie, Cassie said yes, still planning the wedding, Miami beat FSU, quit my job and opened Peacock Insurance. The year I had could not have been something coached. I feel I have been preparing myself 2% a day for 28 years for this moment that God has blessed me with.
2010 is looking to be an even more successful year. I am so happy and blessed that the path God choose for me is the road less traveled.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 19th
22 Days!!
Play a little music, dance a little and maybe just maybe your family will dance with you.
This is nothing new with Cassie, the boys and I. We put on "Today's Hits" and sing along sometimes. We all work extremely hard everyday. The boys study hard in school, Cassie and I work constantly, this is just another form of stress release for the family to enjoy. Some of us even have our own dance moves. Dillon does the rapid hand flying motion. Ethan does the John Cena, "You can't see me!" I mimic other signers also throwing in some 80s moves. Dustin laughs and is embarrassed. Cassie has the most rhythm and out dances all of us. (She tells me it the years of her and her sister having their own dance parties growing up.)
The best is turning the music on and eventually everyone's energy in the house increases. A week ago Dillon was signing along to a song in the car, Shy Dillon was signing along! Its incredible that little moments like that I really enjoy and will remember forever. I am excited for what the future will bring and what the boys and Cassie will teach me. Memories last a lifetime. I ready to fill my memory tank!
22 Days!!
Play a little music, dance a little and maybe just maybe your family will dance with you.
This is nothing new with Cassie, the boys and I. We put on "Today's Hits" and sing along sometimes. We all work extremely hard everyday. The boys study hard in school, Cassie and I work constantly, this is just another form of stress release for the family to enjoy. Some of us even have our own dance moves. Dillon does the rapid hand flying motion. Ethan does the John Cena, "You can't see me!" I mimic other signers also throwing in some 80s moves. Dustin laughs and is embarrassed. Cassie has the most rhythm and out dances all of us. (She tells me it the years of her and her sister having their own dance parties growing up.)
The best is turning the music on and eventually everyone's energy in the house increases. A week ago Dillon was signing along to a song in the car, Shy Dillon was signing along! Its incredible that little moments like that I really enjoy and will remember forever. I am excited for what the future will bring and what the boys and Cassie will teach me. Memories last a lifetime. I ready to fill my memory tank!
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 18th
23 Days!
Is there something wrong with me? My how I have turned into a mushy wimp for romantic love movies. I have always enjoyed watching romantic movies but never have been able to place myself in the emotional climax of a movie. I would always laugh at that moment. I have changed.
So Cassie and I watched "Love Happens." The main character lost his wife and is now a motivational speaker, "A-Okay!" The whole movie uncovers that the main character wrote this book about how to cope with a loss but he has not taken his own advice. The movie slowly reveals all of this. (Sorry I spoiled the movie!)
During and after the movie I teared up. For the first time ever I pictured myself losing something so valuable, Cassie and the Boys. I realized that I must have something wrong with me or Cassie and The Boys have filled the missing piece in my soul, True Love. I turned and looked at Cassie and told her, "I Love You! My life would be incomplete and thank you for saying yes."
23 Days!
Is there something wrong with me? My how I have turned into a mushy wimp for romantic love movies. I have always enjoyed watching romantic movies but never have been able to place myself in the emotional climax of a movie. I would always laugh at that moment. I have changed.
So Cassie and I watched "Love Happens." The main character lost his wife and is now a motivational speaker, "A-Okay!" The whole movie uncovers that the main character wrote this book about how to cope with a loss but he has not taken his own advice. The movie slowly reveals all of this. (Sorry I spoiled the movie!)
During and after the movie I teared up. For the first time ever I pictured myself losing something so valuable, Cassie and the Boys. I realized that I must have something wrong with me or Cassie and The Boys have filled the missing piece in my soul, True Love. I turned and looked at Cassie and told her, "I Love You! My life would be incomplete and thank you for saying yes."
Monday, February 22, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 17th
24 days!
Presidential duties today! Two board meetings, one coffee appointment and cooking dinner for Cassie! Today is a wonderful day. Their is nothing like cooking for your love. Its apart of my future husband duties. Cooking! It could taste terrible but the woman you love will march through the meal and politely tell you it needed a little something. I love it.
Tonight I am attempting fajitas. Something about slicing green and gold peppers lightly salte'ing them in pan and combining that flavor with chicken. I can still taste it.
Cooking has never been a problem for me. I am Eagle Scout so I got a practice a lot in Boy Scouts. The Cooking Merit Badge, I earned it! Plus, something about learning how to cook in the middle of the woods makes you appreciate the modern kitchen. We scouts used kerosene with our coleman burners. It was an experience. The fact that Propane gas was later incorporated into our life was a Giant step in cooking outdoors. Thank you Scoutmaster Chris Marsh for upgrading my live on camping trips!
I pretty confident with my skills. I am just lucky to have found a woman who will tell me that something is missing with dinner, I know by now she isn't looking for seconds!
P.S. Fajitas turned out great!
24 days!
Presidential duties today! Two board meetings, one coffee appointment and cooking dinner for Cassie! Today is a wonderful day. Their is nothing like cooking for your love. Its apart of my future husband duties. Cooking! It could taste terrible but the woman you love will march through the meal and politely tell you it needed a little something. I love it.
Tonight I am attempting fajitas. Something about slicing green and gold peppers lightly salte'ing them in pan and combining that flavor with chicken. I can still taste it.
Cooking has never been a problem for me. I am Eagle Scout so I got a practice a lot in Boy Scouts. The Cooking Merit Badge, I earned it! Plus, something about learning how to cook in the middle of the woods makes you appreciate the modern kitchen. We scouts used kerosene with our coleman burners. It was an experience. The fact that Propane gas was later incorporated into our life was a Giant step in cooking outdoors. Thank you Scoutmaster Chris Marsh for upgrading my live on camping trips!
I pretty confident with my skills. I am just lucky to have found a woman who will tell me that something is missing with dinner, I know by now she isn't looking for seconds!
P.S. Fajitas turned out great!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 16th
25 Days!!
Cassie and I are driving the boys to school. Its about 7:55am. Its cold and windy, its Florida it should be Hot and Sunny! Its February, :(. The boys received a hair cut yesterday and they look sharp. They are both wearing their hats to school. Go figure. I guess they do not like the hair cut as much as Cassie and I do. The hair will grow back we tell them. Dillon sitting in the back seat pulls his hat down a little more trying to hide the short hair. We pull up to the car drop off and let the boys out and tell them to have a wonderful week, we love you, and we will see you in week. Ethan blows a kiss a Cassie as Dillon the shy one is embarrassed about Mom's "I love You" and keeps walking. :)
I remember Elementary School and Middle School. It was accepted for Mom to say I love you out loud in 5th Grade but 6th Grade it was uncool. Total embarrassment in Middle School. Go figure. Maybe its the parents' job to hold back a little at that age. Who knows. I am just lucky that the love in me is brought out about the three boys and Cassie. Their was a time when I heavily guarded that place in my heart. The Castle walls were thick, high, and reinforced with steel rebar (the steel rods that are used with concrete so that concrete does not crack.) It is just amazing how Cassie side stepped the fortress walls and opened the side door to my heart. She is the one. She found a side door in my heart that I did not know existed. From our first lunch date their was something about her that I knew was different. I just knew she was the one. Since that day, the journey we have taken has been amazing, fantastic, awesome, and beyond. I never knew I had this much love to give. She and the boys have truly changed my life for the best. Steppy D is me.
25 Days!!
Cassie and I are driving the boys to school. Its about 7:55am. Its cold and windy, its Florida it should be Hot and Sunny! Its February, :(. The boys received a hair cut yesterday and they look sharp. They are both wearing their hats to school. Go figure. I guess they do not like the hair cut as much as Cassie and I do. The hair will grow back we tell them. Dillon sitting in the back seat pulls his hat down a little more trying to hide the short hair. We pull up to the car drop off and let the boys out and tell them to have a wonderful week, we love you, and we will see you in week. Ethan blows a kiss a Cassie as Dillon the shy one is embarrassed about Mom's "I love You" and keeps walking. :)
I remember Elementary School and Middle School. It was accepted for Mom to say I love you out loud in 5th Grade but 6th Grade it was uncool. Total embarrassment in Middle School. Go figure. Maybe its the parents' job to hold back a little at that age. Who knows. I am just lucky that the love in me is brought out about the three boys and Cassie. Their was a time when I heavily guarded that place in my heart. The Castle walls were thick, high, and reinforced with steel rebar (the steel rods that are used with concrete so that concrete does not crack.) It is just amazing how Cassie side stepped the fortress walls and opened the side door to my heart. She is the one. She found a side door in my heart that I did not know existed. From our first lunch date their was something about her that I knew was different. I just knew she was the one. Since that day, the journey we have taken has been amazing, fantastic, awesome, and beyond. I never knew I had this much love to give. She and the boys have truly changed my life for the best. Steppy D is me.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 15th
26 days!
The boys have Presidents' Day off from school. Yay!!!!! One more day with us. It seems like the week we have the boys it flies by. Cassie and I have one more night with the boys then they go back to their dad's house for a week. :(
Dustin, Dillon and Ethan. The three amigos. If only Xbox live could allow all three of them to play at one time their morning would be complete. The 3 of them are always competing with one another. Dustin being 17 has the total advantage but Dillon and Ethan both show flashes of greatness. Seeing them remind me of my brother and I playing together. James is my older brother of 3 years. We played together all the time. We always competed with each other as well. James wasn't much of a baseball or football guy but we competed in everything else. Whether it was chess, video games, monopoly, karate, reading, vocabulary, swimming, holding our breath, who could get chores done faster etc. I remember both of us competing in Karate. Oh jeez, for some reason we always got matched up together for sparring. We had the head, fist and foot gear. Every Saturday morning we had to spar against each other. James hit much harder than I did. It sucked. He was taller as well. So when I kicked I had to aim higher and it seemed like he knew what I was doing. Every time I side kicked he would catch my leg and pummel me. He was 3 years older than I was! I was 9 he was 12. Its funny how the age advantage that young was such a factor. I'm 28 now and he is 31, but I continued with contact sports and grew up and out. I almost have a 80 lbs advantage now. He is lean and tall and practices KungFu. He and I still size each other up every now and then. Its great how we are both running different races. The competition has evolved into helping each other become more successful. Of course their are the younger brother annoying moments but that's my job! Dustin better enjoy his 7 year age advantage now because when Dillon and Ethan grow up his winning percentage is going drop. Dillon had better not rest either Ethan is going to be a force as well. Dillon is almost a head taller than Ethan despite only being 1 year older. I just hope they will evolve that competition into helping one another become successful. Being on top of the world is great but lonely. Why not have your closest brothers there to enjoy it with you.
26 days!
The boys have Presidents' Day off from school. Yay!!!!! One more day with us. It seems like the week we have the boys it flies by. Cassie and I have one more night with the boys then they go back to their dad's house for a week. :(
Dustin, Dillon and Ethan. The three amigos. If only Xbox live could allow all three of them to play at one time their morning would be complete. The 3 of them are always competing with one another. Dustin being 17 has the total advantage but Dillon and Ethan both show flashes of greatness. Seeing them remind me of my brother and I playing together. James is my older brother of 3 years. We played together all the time. We always competed with each other as well. James wasn't much of a baseball or football guy but we competed in everything else. Whether it was chess, video games, monopoly, karate, reading, vocabulary, swimming, holding our breath, who could get chores done faster etc. I remember both of us competing in Karate. Oh jeez, for some reason we always got matched up together for sparring. We had the head, fist and foot gear. Every Saturday morning we had to spar against each other. James hit much harder than I did. It sucked. He was taller as well. So when I kicked I had to aim higher and it seemed like he knew what I was doing. Every time I side kicked he would catch my leg and pummel me. He was 3 years older than I was! I was 9 he was 12. Its funny how the age advantage that young was such a factor. I'm 28 now and he is 31, but I continued with contact sports and grew up and out. I almost have a 80 lbs advantage now. He is lean and tall and practices KungFu. He and I still size each other up every now and then. Its great how we are both running different races. The competition has evolved into helping each other become more successful. Of course their are the younger brother annoying moments but that's my job! Dustin better enjoy his 7 year age advantage now because when Dillon and Ethan grow up his winning percentage is going drop. Dillon had better not rest either Ethan is going to be a force as well. Dillon is almost a head taller than Ethan despite only being 1 year older. I just hope they will evolve that competition into helping one another become successful. Being on top of the world is great but lonely. Why not have your closest brothers there to enjoy it with you.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 14th!
27 days!
Its Valentine's Day! What What! Two days ago Cassie promised me that we would not get anything for each other for V Day. The wedding is so close and money is a little tight. Well I promised that I would not buy her anything. It was too late! I bought her gift three days ago! HA. The ninja in me is very sneaky.
We woke up early, coffee was brewing, the boys were up and the Red Gift Bag was on the kitchen table. She happen to walk by it twice without noticing. :) Its one of those time when your mind is elsewhere and you don't notice something that is out of place. With a little head pointing, she finally saw it. "John! We promised we would not buy anything!" I responded, " I know Cassie, but I had already bought this three days ago and I promised two days ago." She was impressed the gift. We actually ran out of the french vanilla creamer that morning so the Red Bull 8 oz full of sugar came in handy for her. :)
One thing I have really enjoyed is making Cassie happy. The smile on her face is what I have been waiting for my entire life. The boys have noticed as well. Their mom is smiling a lot more these days. The affect that they have all brought into my life is a shared happiness. I cannot imagine my life without them in it.
27 days!
Its Valentine's Day! What What! Two days ago Cassie promised me that we would not get anything for each other for V Day. The wedding is so close and money is a little tight. Well I promised that I would not buy her anything. It was too late! I bought her gift three days ago! HA. The ninja in me is very sneaky.
We woke up early, coffee was brewing, the boys were up and the Red Gift Bag was on the kitchen table. She happen to walk by it twice without noticing. :) Its one of those time when your mind is elsewhere and you don't notice something that is out of place. With a little head pointing, she finally saw it. "John! We promised we would not buy anything!" I responded, " I know Cassie, but I had already bought this three days ago and I promised two days ago." She was impressed the gift. We actually ran out of the french vanilla creamer that morning so the Red Bull 8 oz full of sugar came in handy for her. :)
One thing I have really enjoyed is making Cassie happy. The smile on her face is what I have been waiting for my entire life. The boys have noticed as well. Their mom is smiling a lot more these days. The affect that they have all brought into my life is a shared happiness. I cannot imagine my life without them in it.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 13th
28 days!
Its Dillon's Rain Delay Birthday Party!!! YAY! Fortunately, the rain stopped about 5pm Friday evening. Its windy, chilly, but SUNNY! The party is outside at Tekesta Park. The park has a small playground, a full basketball court with 10 ft goals, and a full football field and baseball field. Today is Dillon's day.
These boys are amazing. I know I pretty much say this in every blog but its true. Cassie raised them well. Its Dillon's Birthday party but he is still respectful. For example, we are in Target buying last minute gatorade, chips, and hand sanitizer(you should never leave home without it). Target was out of a number of things especially Red gatorade, Dillon's favorite. Some kids might have pitched a fit. Its his bday party, if Dillon really wanted Red Gatorade i would gone to publix to get. Dillon simply chose Blue flavor and wanted us to hurry up (this was cutting into his basketball and football playing).
When the party started a number of his friends showed up. Dillon was asking them, his friends, what they wanted to do first. He was not selfish and telling them this is what we are doing, he simply asked. A little bit later kids from the surrounding neighborhood showed up. They wanted to play basketball. Instead of Dillon saying, "hey this is my party and your not invited," he asked if anyone wanted to join their team to make the players even. A lot of maturity from a 10 year old.
Sometimes I wonder if we adults are that mature and respectful. I have only been when Cassie for a little over a year and Dillon was the shyest of the three boys. I happy that he allowed me to see his true personality. He's a great kid and I am proud to be his Steppy D.
28 days!
Its Dillon's Rain Delay Birthday Party!!! YAY! Fortunately, the rain stopped about 5pm Friday evening. Its windy, chilly, but SUNNY! The party is outside at Tekesta Park. The park has a small playground, a full basketball court with 10 ft goals, and a full football field and baseball field. Today is Dillon's day.
These boys are amazing. I know I pretty much say this in every blog but its true. Cassie raised them well. Its Dillon's Birthday party but he is still respectful. For example, we are in Target buying last minute gatorade, chips, and hand sanitizer(you should never leave home without it). Target was out of a number of things especially Red gatorade, Dillon's favorite. Some kids might have pitched a fit. Its his bday party, if Dillon really wanted Red Gatorade i would gone to publix to get. Dillon simply chose Blue flavor and wanted us to hurry up (this was cutting into his basketball and football playing).
When the party started a number of his friends showed up. Dillon was asking them, his friends, what they wanted to do first. He was not selfish and telling them this is what we are doing, he simply asked. A little bit later kids from the surrounding neighborhood showed up. They wanted to play basketball. Instead of Dillon saying, "hey this is my party and your not invited," he asked if anyone wanted to join their team to make the players even. A lot of maturity from a 10 year old.
Sometimes I wonder if we adults are that mature and respectful. I have only been when Cassie for a little over a year and Dillon was the shyest of the three boys. I happy that he allowed me to see his true personality. He's a great kid and I am proud to be his Steppy D.
Friday, February 19, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 12th
29 days!
We broke 30 days! Yay! The wedding is coming up fast, fast, fast, and fast! The boys are even taking turns changing the days on the chalkboard. :) Its an incredible feeling. Cassie and I are trying to stop and smell the roses on the journey to our wedding day. Its getting tougher each day to slow down. V-day is approaching fast as well! Hollar!
Valentine's Day is Cassie and I's first formal date a year ago. She was on the edge of the cliff cursing V-Day because she had never experienced the happiness that comes with it. 2009 I had taken Cassie on a date to the University Club. We dressed up formally, we both experienced our first five course meal followed by a deep romantic conversation. The most memorable date I have ever been on. I know with the wedding budget and finances this year its not the same but of course I have to get a gift. Its the thought that counts guys!
I had the gift picked out because we were at Target and she at looked the Ipod Arm Band and put it back. We attend the gym regularly and she holder for the Ipod Nano, it just made sense to get it for her. She is traveling next week and I got something to aid her while being in the car, red bull and gummy worms! Of course I had to include the boys, the card I bought I got all of the boys to sign it and help hide from Cassie! I'll have to wait and see how she likes the gift in a couple days! Its no 5 course meal but its the thought that counts.
29 days!
We broke 30 days! Yay! The wedding is coming up fast, fast, fast, and fast! The boys are even taking turns changing the days on the chalkboard. :) Its an incredible feeling. Cassie and I are trying to stop and smell the roses on the journey to our wedding day. Its getting tougher each day to slow down. V-day is approaching fast as well! Hollar!
Valentine's Day is Cassie and I's first formal date a year ago. She was on the edge of the cliff cursing V-Day because she had never experienced the happiness that comes with it. 2009 I had taken Cassie on a date to the University Club. We dressed up formally, we both experienced our first five course meal followed by a deep romantic conversation. The most memorable date I have ever been on. I know with the wedding budget and finances this year its not the same but of course I have to get a gift. Its the thought that counts guys!
I had the gift picked out because we were at Target and she at looked the Ipod Arm Band and put it back. We attend the gym regularly and she holder for the Ipod Nano, it just made sense to get it for her. She is traveling next week and I got something to aid her while being in the car, red bull and gummy worms! Of course I had to include the boys, the card I bought I got all of the boys to sign it and help hide from Cassie! I'll have to wait and see how she likes the gift in a couple days! Its no 5 course meal but its the thought that counts.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 11th
30 days!!
It is a slow day. The pieces of my professional success are coming together. I have decided to open my own Insurance Agency, Peacock Insurance. Why not? I have come to realize my former job and I were traveling on different paths. Cassie calls it, "Running a Different Race!" My race is MINE! I have been reading a lot lately. Like 4 books in two weeks. Business ideas are just flowing like the Mississippi River. Its tough to keep track of them. Conveniently my phone has a voice recorder on it and it gets used a lot. I have probably repeated some of this information in former blog posts. Oh well. I find myself analysizing other businesses as well. Its crazy. I thinking the customer service, sales people, cleanliness, appearance, upsales, how fast check out is, etc. Is there something in my brain that is working on a different wavelength? Should I care how other businesses are run? My sales coach would call it, joint venturing. Sell yourself to helping that business be even more successful. Steve would say, " No body wants free advice. No body listens if its free. Now if you could get them pay you, Now your advice is an investment." So who knows, I just enjoy teaching Dustin, Dillon, and Ethan the things that improve a business. Because when they are ready for that Marathon Race called Life, they will be way ahead of the crowd. I just enjoy sharing with them a new perspective on how to do business. Dustin gets it now because he's 17 but Dillon and Ethan are 10 and 8 but they are very bright. They have already told me when summer comes the Lemonade stand at my new office is going up. Little Entrepreneurs. I love it.
30 days!!
It is a slow day. The pieces of my professional success are coming together. I have decided to open my own Insurance Agency, Peacock Insurance. Why not? I have come to realize my former job and I were traveling on different paths. Cassie calls it, "Running a Different Race!" My race is MINE! I have been reading a lot lately. Like 4 books in two weeks. Business ideas are just flowing like the Mississippi River. Its tough to keep track of them. Conveniently my phone has a voice recorder on it and it gets used a lot. I have probably repeated some of this information in former blog posts. Oh well. I find myself analysizing other businesses as well. Its crazy. I thinking the customer service, sales people, cleanliness, appearance, upsales, how fast check out is, etc. Is there something in my brain that is working on a different wavelength? Should I care how other businesses are run? My sales coach would call it, joint venturing. Sell yourself to helping that business be even more successful. Steve would say, " No body wants free advice. No body listens if its free. Now if you could get them pay you, Now your advice is an investment." So who knows, I just enjoy teaching Dustin, Dillon, and Ethan the things that improve a business. Because when they are ready for that Marathon Race called Life, they will be way ahead of the crowd. I just enjoy sharing with them a new perspective on how to do business. Dustin gets it now because he's 17 but Dillon and Ethan are 10 and 8 but they are very bright. They have already told me when summer comes the Lemonade stand at my new office is going up. Little Entrepreneurs. I love it.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 10th
31 Days!!
I was just thinking about Cassie and I's meeting with Pastor Erik yesterday. Perfect couple! Ha. There was not much Pastor Erik could ask us questions on but he did ask some tough questions. His experience in pre-marriage sessions is asking what happens when....? There will be a day where you will get use to each other. Its just natural process and the foundation that you lay early in your marriage will determine your longevity. "You cannot expect to have HOT hotel love making every night." There will come a day when you won't be able to perform. Its getting it out in the open now versus' 50 years from now. What happens when you can't work anymore/provide for your family? If you lose your job, house, communication, or beauty?
Pastor Erik is honored that he gets to counsel and marry us. Those are definitely questions that have to be addressed in any marriage. I am just excited that Erik has challenged us to be aware of the curve balls that life throws at you and that your not alone. Asking for help is ok.
31 Days!!
I was just thinking about Cassie and I's meeting with Pastor Erik yesterday. Perfect couple! Ha. There was not much Pastor Erik could ask us questions on but he did ask some tough questions. His experience in pre-marriage sessions is asking what happens when....? There will be a day where you will get use to each other. Its just natural process and the foundation that you lay early in your marriage will determine your longevity. "You cannot expect to have HOT hotel love making every night." There will come a day when you won't be able to perform. Its getting it out in the open now versus' 50 years from now. What happens when you can't work anymore/provide for your family? If you lose your job, house, communication, or beauty?
Pastor Erik is honored that he gets to counsel and marry us. Those are definitely questions that have to be addressed in any marriage. I am just excited that Erik has challenged us to be aware of the curve balls that life throws at you and that your not alone. Asking for help is ok.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 9th
32 Days!
It was an early start today. I am President of Capital City Rotary Club and I had to attend the Sunrise Club's meeting at 7:30am. President Martin was very generous with his introduction. The purpose for me being there was to accept a $1,000 check for our Nims FCAT math tutuoring project. For some reason I am always a little nervous before I go and talk but once I am walking up to the podium I am fine. I cracked a few jokes about my age and 18 months as a Rotarian. A little background on Rotary, the average age for my club of 59 members is about 52 years old. The fact that I am 28 and leading the club is blessing and a disbelief. Sunrise was in great spirits and I accepted the check. I really missed driving Dillon and Ethan to school. I hope that they will one day be leaders and make a difference.
Perfection. What is that? Webster says: perfection -
32 Days!
It was an early start today. I am President of Capital City Rotary Club and I had to attend the Sunrise Club's meeting at 7:30am. President Martin was very generous with his introduction. The purpose for me being there was to accept a $1,000 check for our Nims FCAT math tutuoring project. For some reason I am always a little nervous before I go and talk but once I am walking up to the podium I am fine. I cracked a few jokes about my age and 18 months as a Rotarian. A little background on Rotary, the average age for my club of 59 members is about 52 years old. The fact that I am 28 and leading the club is blessing and a disbelief. Sunrise was in great spirits and I accepted the check. I really missed driving Dillon and Ethan to school. I hope that they will one day be leaders and make a difference.
Perfection. What is that? Webster says: perfection -
The quality or condition of being perfect.
The act or process of perfecting: Perfection of the invention took years.
A person or thing considered to be perfect.
An instance of excellence.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
33 Days!
Feb. 8th
Do what you say you will do. This is a test for being trustworthy and reliable.
~Jeffrey Gitomer
Everyone has many multi-tasking skills. When someone asks if you can do something you say you will do it. How many tasks get your full attention that you had planned? Quality over quantity.
The days are melting off faster than the polar ice caps. The wedding seems like tomorrow. It practically is. Every future Husband needs to hear this, "The wedding is big test to build a trusting and reliable relationship." I have made it a Major goal to do everything I said I would do. Sunday I had to take my Dad to the wedding site with the shepherd hooks and help him visualize the picture. Our mission was to figure out parking arrangements and how many spots, map it out, and lighting. Afterwards we reported back to Cassie and crossed that off the list. Their is a reward that comes out of that, A big smile and a kiss. Trust me, it makes your day.
Feb. 8th
Do what you say you will do. This is a test for being trustworthy and reliable.
~Jeffrey Gitomer
Everyone has many multi-tasking skills. When someone asks if you can do something you say you will do it. How many tasks get your full attention that you had planned? Quality over quantity.
The days are melting off faster than the polar ice caps. The wedding seems like tomorrow. It practically is. Every future Husband needs to hear this, "The wedding is big test to build a trusting and reliable relationship." I have made it a Major goal to do everything I said I would do. Sunday I had to take my Dad to the wedding site with the shepherd hooks and help him visualize the picture. Our mission was to figure out parking arrangements and how many spots, map it out, and lighting. Afterwards we reported back to Cassie and crossed that off the list. Their is a reward that comes out of that, A big smile and a kiss. Trust me, it makes your day.
53 Days Till I Do
34 days!
Feb. 7th
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
~George Bernard Shaw
Its Super Sunday! The biggest Football Sunday of the year and the Bridal Shower! Cassie is nervous and excited at the same time. She is happy that those closest to her are going to attend and a few new friends. She is amazingly happy. She calls it "Our Shower." I am excited for her and plus chicken wings, sliders and football later today.
The quote above about communication I would have to heavily agree. The communication from Cassie's mouth to my brain is stressing her a little as well. We do make lists for everything needed to cross off but the communication to be following on the same page requires a little more of her energy.
It is sometimes hard for me to visualize our detailed wedding picture. I love her because she can read my body language and know when I am not picturing it. She has to get me to re-focused and help me paint the canvas in my brain. I have been getting better about visualizing quicker, its not quick enough but I do not take it personally when she has to slow down to help me. Trust me, Cassie can visualize a "Monet" before she even starts to paint it. This is another quality of Cassie that I love. I feel like I am constantly learning more and more from her. Its a wonderful feeling.
Feb. 7th
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
~George Bernard Shaw
Its Super Sunday! The biggest Football Sunday of the year and the Bridal Shower! Cassie is nervous and excited at the same time. She is happy that those closest to her are going to attend and a few new friends. She is amazingly happy. She calls it "Our Shower." I am excited for her and plus chicken wings, sliders and football later today.
The quote above about communication I would have to heavily agree. The communication from Cassie's mouth to my brain is stressing her a little as well. We do make lists for everything needed to cross off but the communication to be following on the same page requires a little more of her energy.
It is sometimes hard for me to visualize our detailed wedding picture. I love her because she can read my body language and know when I am not picturing it. She has to get me to re-focused and help me paint the canvas in my brain. I have been getting better about visualizing quicker, its not quick enough but I do not take it personally when she has to slow down to help me. Trust me, Cassie can visualize a "Monet" before she even starts to paint it. This is another quality of Cassie that I love. I feel like I am constantly learning more and more from her. Its a wonderful feeling.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 6th
35 Days!
"Chance can allow you to accomplish a goal every once in a while, but consistent achievement happens only if you love what you are doing."
~Bart Conner
Last night Cassie and I had the pleasure of joining friends for dinner. In particular, Sushi and Kirin Beer! We did end up staying out later than normal, 11:3o pm. We are dragging this morning. Cassie and I are early sleepers, like between 8-9 pm. We both enjoy getting up early in the morning.
This Saturday marks 35 days till the Wedding. :) but there is a lot more to get done. Its a wonderful thing that Cassie and I are in love and getting are married because planning a wedding is organized chaos. I am blessed that I am a list person along with Cassie. We make our list of things needed to get done and one by one cross them off. This is an achievement in its own. The wonderful thing about it is consistency. We aren't trying to plan a wedding in a week. I had enough courage 9 months ago to go to Books a Million and buy a couple books about "wedding planning." Those books and close friends and family have consistently helped with the wedding. We both know at the end of all of the list making the Crowning Achievement will by Our Wedding! 35 days!!
35 Days!
"Chance can allow you to accomplish a goal every once in a while, but consistent achievement happens only if you love what you are doing."
~Bart Conner
Last night Cassie and I had the pleasure of joining friends for dinner. In particular, Sushi and Kirin Beer! We did end up staying out later than normal, 11:3o pm. We are dragging this morning. Cassie and I are early sleepers, like between 8-9 pm. We both enjoy getting up early in the morning.
This Saturday marks 35 days till the Wedding. :) but there is a lot more to get done. Its a wonderful thing that Cassie and I are in love and getting are married because planning a wedding is organized chaos. I am blessed that I am a list person along with Cassie. We make our list of things needed to get done and one by one cross them off. This is an achievement in its own. The wonderful thing about it is consistency. We aren't trying to plan a wedding in a week. I had enough courage 9 months ago to go to Books a Million and buy a couple books about "wedding planning." Those books and close friends and family have consistently helped with the wedding. We both know at the end of all of the list making the Crowning Achievement will by Our Wedding! 35 days!!
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 5th
36 Days!
How simple is that? Improving your life by 2% a day is obtainable. Cassie and I aim for more than 2% a day but we know by the end of the week 14% improved if better than no percent. I know this goes back to "Rome wasn't built in a Day" lesson as well. :)
36 Days!
Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived. ~ Captain Jean-Luc Picard
How simple is that? Improving your life by 2% a day is obtainable. Cassie and I aim for more than 2% a day but we know by the end of the week 14% improved if better than no percent. I know this goes back to "Rome wasn't built in a Day" lesson as well. :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 4th
37 days!
Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure. ~Don Wilder and Bill Rechin
Every morning you make your day. No excuses, you either get it done or you don't. You either find something to make your day Great or you don't. Cassie and I share the same outlook, No Excuses. We wake up every morning knowing that we will make the next 24 hrs amazing some how.
I feel that No Excuses goes beyond just us and our perspective. It's really a way of life. It follows into my business, community, and family life. When you give your word to do something, either you do or you don't. I am President of my Rotary Club. I give my word to get things done and I am expecting the same from my officers and members. I listen to everyone and when an excuse pops up I ask, "When are you going to get it done and do you need help?" Don't get me wrong I am not cold hearted. I actually had a time when one of my members did not get the report out on time and I asked why not. He responded, "I was in Tampa with my sister-in-law and she is dying." I said, "I appreciate the hard work you have done, my deepest condolences to you and your family, How can we help you to get it done? Would you like for someone else to take your responsibilities for the time being? Let me what you feel most comfortable doing?" His sister-in-law died 3 months later. I was deeply sadden by his loss but I feel we helped him devote more time to his family by shifting his responsibilities. The work had to get done.
Now I don't mention time anywhere in the paragraph. No Excuses can and cannot be time sensitive. Its your decision. I know with the boys we are teaching them the same perspective. Did you get your homework done? Yes or No. If No, well stop playing and come and finish. We ask, "Do you need help?" We don't want excuses.
37 days!
Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure. ~Don Wilder and Bill Rechin
Every morning you make your day. No excuses, you either get it done or you don't. You either find something to make your day Great or you don't. Cassie and I share the same outlook, No Excuses. We wake up every morning knowing that we will make the next 24 hrs amazing some how.
I feel that No Excuses goes beyond just us and our perspective. It's really a way of life. It follows into my business, community, and family life. When you give your word to do something, either you do or you don't. I am President of my Rotary Club. I give my word to get things done and I am expecting the same from my officers and members. I listen to everyone and when an excuse pops up I ask, "When are you going to get it done and do you need help?" Don't get me wrong I am not cold hearted. I actually had a time when one of my members did not get the report out on time and I asked why not. He responded, "I was in Tampa with my sister-in-law and she is dying." I said, "I appreciate the hard work you have done, my deepest condolences to you and your family, How can we help you to get it done? Would you like for someone else to take your responsibilities for the time being? Let me what you feel most comfortable doing?" His sister-in-law died 3 months later. I was deeply sadden by his loss but I feel we helped him devote more time to his family by shifting his responsibilities. The work had to get done.
Now I don't mention time anywhere in the paragraph. No Excuses can and cannot be time sensitive. Its your decision. I know with the boys we are teaching them the same perspective. Did you get your homework done? Yes or No. If No, well stop playing and come and finish. We ask, "Do you need help?" We don't want excuses.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 3rd
38 days!
"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." Oprah Winfrey
Cassie has told me many times that "Rome was not built in a day." There is so much I want to learn, experience and build. One of my goals for 2010 was to at least hit the gym 4-5 times a week. Cassie and I have been doing great meeting this goal. Its just every time I am in the gym I push myself to far. The fiery competition burns ever so brightly once I walk into the gym. I get this its me against the other guys and I'll have the best workout today. I played college football and lifting weights every day was routine. I lifted heavy weights, over and over and over. That investment in my body was vast. Now fast forwarding to 2010 and not lifting for almost 3 years the struggle and adversity is there. The muscle memory is there to push myself hard but the body is telling me, "Your recovery needs more time." My body is forcing me to set a goal for the wedding deadline but also to set daily goals to hit. My body will be stronger with time but I am wanting results now, now, and now. For something that came so easy for years I forgot how hard it took to get to the top.
Currently, I am exploring my options for the next step with a professional career but I am wanting results now, now, and now. Planning the wedding is full of the tiniest of detail which will make the wedding but learning patience and knowing that in 38 days the wedding will be here and 38 days feels long. The wisdom that I am learning from my significant other is priceless. The struggle that is patience is guided by Cassie's strength to say, " Rome was not built in a day!" I can't wait to learn every little detail about my future wife. If it takes a lifetime to learn then I can't wait and I'll keep my pencil sharpened.
38 days!
"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." Oprah Winfrey
Cassie has told me many times that "Rome was not built in a day." There is so much I want to learn, experience and build. One of my goals for 2010 was to at least hit the gym 4-5 times a week. Cassie and I have been doing great meeting this goal. Its just every time I am in the gym I push myself to far. The fiery competition burns ever so brightly once I walk into the gym. I get this its me against the other guys and I'll have the best workout today. I played college football and lifting weights every day was routine. I lifted heavy weights, over and over and over. That investment in my body was vast. Now fast forwarding to 2010 and not lifting for almost 3 years the struggle and adversity is there. The muscle memory is there to push myself hard but the body is telling me, "Your recovery needs more time." My body is forcing me to set a goal for the wedding deadline but also to set daily goals to hit. My body will be stronger with time but I am wanting results now, now, and now. For something that came so easy for years I forgot how hard it took to get to the top.
Currently, I am exploring my options for the next step with a professional career but I am wanting results now, now, and now. Planning the wedding is full of the tiniest of detail which will make the wedding but learning patience and knowing that in 38 days the wedding will be here and 38 days feels long. The wisdom that I am learning from my significant other is priceless. The struggle that is patience is guided by Cassie's strength to say, " Rome was not built in a day!" I can't wait to learn every little detail about my future wife. If it takes a lifetime to learn then I can't wait and I'll keep my pencil sharpened.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
53 days Till I Do
43 days!
Jan. 29th
ITS FRIDAY!! Yay. Some days I feel like it take forever for it to end, like thursday jan. 28th. Its currently 6 am and I am ready to conquer the day. Cassie and I had to rain delay Dillon's birthday party for tomorrow. Dillon turns 10 years old and wanted a basketball and football party at Tekesta Park. Tekesta is a huge open field with nice playground, basketball court and football field. Due to the severe thunderstorms for today and Saturday morning we rain delayed the party until Feb. 13th. Dillon told us that's ok because Mitchell, his best friend, could make it in two weeks.
Cassie and I met with Mom at her house 9 am. Mom who majored in Hospitality at FSU finally gets to use some of her college education for our wedding. Mom just retired from Star Metro the City of Tallahassee Bus Transportation System. Hospitality to Transportation and back to Hospitality, full circle. The meeting was more about rehearsal dinner and flower girl dress. I got to throw my opinion about the Teal napkins for the rehearsal. That's a win for me! Haha. (I know Cassie is going to laugh at me.) I am so excited. My wedding is going to be remembered for the rest of my life. I am just smiling just thinking about it. It is very helpful to have family support.
To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush
Jan. 29th
ITS FRIDAY!! Yay. Some days I feel like it take forever for it to end, like thursday jan. 28th. Its currently 6 am and I am ready to conquer the day. Cassie and I had to rain delay Dillon's birthday party for tomorrow. Dillon turns 10 years old and wanted a basketball and football party at Tekesta Park. Tekesta is a huge open field with nice playground, basketball court and football field. Due to the severe thunderstorms for today and Saturday morning we rain delayed the party until Feb. 13th. Dillon told us that's ok because Mitchell, his best friend, could make it in two weeks.
Cassie and I met with Mom at her house 9 am. Mom who majored in Hospitality at FSU finally gets to use some of her college education for our wedding. Mom just retired from Star Metro the City of Tallahassee Bus Transportation System. Hospitality to Transportation and back to Hospitality, full circle. The meeting was more about rehearsal dinner and flower girl dress. I got to throw my opinion about the Teal napkins for the rehearsal. That's a win for me! Haha. (I know Cassie is going to laugh at me.) I am so excited. My wedding is going to be remembered for the rest of my life. I am just smiling just thinking about it. It is very helpful to have family support.
To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush
53 Days Till I Do
44 Days!
Jan. 28th
I don't feel like writing today. It's Thursday and all I can think about it is the weekend. The boys are in school and Cassie is working. I am still exploring all of my options for my next step in the business world. I have so many ideas floating in my brain. I find that sometimes its hard to write them down fast enough. So I figured out that my phone has a voice recorder and I have started using that.
The best thing about all of these ideas flowing like the Mississippi River not all of them are work related. Their are wedding ideas, home improvement ideas, and family fun activities. The family activities has shot me in a new direction with the boys. Dustin for Christmas received a hand held video camera. Cassie loved this idea, to have the boys dress up and make family videos. Rather than just videos for birthdays and special events we could have them make football videos and send them to college programs, "Act now and secure this future athlete for your program!" Just kidding with the tagline. It would be though cute.
I am thankful that I have this time to focus on the things that matter the most in my life.
Jan. 28th
I don't feel like writing today. It's Thursday and all I can think about it is the weekend. The boys are in school and Cassie is working. I am still exploring all of my options for my next step in the business world. I have so many ideas floating in my brain. I find that sometimes its hard to write them down fast enough. So I figured out that my phone has a voice recorder and I have started using that.
The best thing about all of these ideas flowing like the Mississippi River not all of them are work related. Their are wedding ideas, home improvement ideas, and family fun activities. The family activities has shot me in a new direction with the boys. Dustin for Christmas received a hand held video camera. Cassie loved this idea, to have the boys dress up and make family videos. Rather than just videos for birthdays and special events we could have them make football videos and send them to college programs, "Act now and secure this future athlete for your program!" Just kidding with the tagline. It would be though cute.
I am thankful that I have this time to focus on the things that matter the most in my life.
53 Days Till I Do
41 Days!
Jan. 31st
"I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it."
Gale Sayers
As a future step father I am aiming high for helping to make my boys as successful at whatever they want to become. Dustin is 17 years old, and has not quite figured out the spark that is going to wake him up in the morning for his "drive." Dustin being the teenager is a little bit harder to talk with because its not 5 years down the road its tomorrow matters and everything else will be alright. Dillon and Ethan are 8 and 9 years old. They are more sponge like at absorbing setting goals and working towards dreams. We have taught them that "the world is your oyster." Do not get me wrong I am not in this alone as "the step father" I have a warrior next to me to help her name is Cassie. She and I share the same value system and drive to be successful. That is one of things I love about her.
Dillon and Ethan both love football. Whether or not it had anything to do with me playing college and professional football I do not care. What has impressed me the most with those two is teach me this, can you throw with us, or hey check out our new play. I love it. Don't get me wrong I would love to see both of them play College Football but Cassie and I have agreed to not pressure the boys into anything. I told her that if they want to learn I'll teach them everything I know and if I can't I'll find someone who can.
One of the things I am thankful for is my Father not pressuring me into any one sport. Like all parents this competitive beast comes out for their child to be the ultimate, best, or sport changer. My father had his moments but for 98% of the time he was just Dad. I told myself that I would not be the over bearing competitive parent to my kids. Do I want them to succeed? Yes. Will I help them achieve their dream? Yes. Dillon and Ethan have 10 years to figure out their road to success. Dustin has 4 months until High School Graduation. He will be 18 years old and independent. My time with Dustin if he chooses to move out will be incomplete. My one wish being a parent, step father, father whatever, is to guide him to the burning goal that is his dream.
Jan. 31st
"I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it."
Gale Sayers
As a future step father I am aiming high for helping to make my boys as successful at whatever they want to become. Dustin is 17 years old, and has not quite figured out the spark that is going to wake him up in the morning for his "drive." Dustin being the teenager is a little bit harder to talk with because its not 5 years down the road its tomorrow matters and everything else will be alright. Dillon and Ethan are 8 and 9 years old. They are more sponge like at absorbing setting goals and working towards dreams. We have taught them that "the world is your oyster." Do not get me wrong I am not in this alone as "the step father" I have a warrior next to me to help her name is Cassie. She and I share the same value system and drive to be successful. That is one of things I love about her.
Dillon and Ethan both love football. Whether or not it had anything to do with me playing college and professional football I do not care. What has impressed me the most with those two is teach me this, can you throw with us, or hey check out our new play. I love it. Don't get me wrong I would love to see both of them play College Football but Cassie and I have agreed to not pressure the boys into anything. I told her that if they want to learn I'll teach them everything I know and if I can't I'll find someone who can.
One of the things I am thankful for is my Father not pressuring me into any one sport. Like all parents this competitive beast comes out for their child to be the ultimate, best, or sport changer. My father had his moments but for 98% of the time he was just Dad. I told myself that I would not be the over bearing competitive parent to my kids. Do I want them to succeed? Yes. Will I help them achieve their dream? Yes. Dillon and Ethan have 10 years to figure out their road to success. Dustin has 4 months until High School Graduation. He will be 18 years old and independent. My time with Dustin if he chooses to move out will be incomplete. My one wish being a parent, step father, father whatever, is to guide him to the burning goal that is his dream.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 1st
40 days!
Its monday! We drove the boys to school this morning only to frown because they were with their dad for this week. We celebrated Dillon's birthday last night. He turned 10 years old!!! Double digits! I can't remember when I turned 10 but I won't ever forget his.
Turning 10 is like turning 16 yrs old, 18yrs old or 21 years old. Its a significant birthday for Dillon, he gets to be 1 0.
Dillon loves spaghetti and meat balls. His future Grandmother, my mom, cooked spaghetti and meat balls. He loved it more than Christmas Morning, maybe not that much. Sunday night in the Peacock Household is family supper night. (My family was born in the south and Supper equals dinner. It gets even more confusing when I explain that dinner equals lunch in the south. Thats another story in itself.) My mother and father feel that blood is thicker than water. The foundation of my parents and my life is built around family. When I attend Florida State University and lived in an apartment I still attended Family Supper Night. I even brought some of my friends over for Sunday Dinner and they still talk about it today. (The best time is Thanksgiving, 40 relatives under one roof packing on 5,000 calories of home cooked food. My friends still look for an invitation for that holiday every year.) Its consistently attended by my Mom's Sister Stacy and her family, and cousin Erica. Other members of the family attend every now and then but its rare. Cassie and the boys have come to love Sunday Dinner. Aunt Stacy and Uncle Bob have 3 children as well. Aubrey, Annette, and Patricia. Aubrey is 17 like Dustin, and Dillon, Ethan and Patricia are all 1 year apart. Roughly 13 members of the family eating and bonding on Sunday together.
I just love how my new family is being assimilated into my own family. I am smiling just thinking about how in one year my life has changed for the best. I love you Cassie, Dustin, Dillon and Ethan.
40 days!
Its monday! We drove the boys to school this morning only to frown because they were with their dad for this week. We celebrated Dillon's birthday last night. He turned 10 years old!!! Double digits! I can't remember when I turned 10 but I won't ever forget his.
Turning 10 is like turning 16 yrs old, 18yrs old or 21 years old. Its a significant birthday for Dillon, he gets to be 1 0.
Dillon loves spaghetti and meat balls. His future Grandmother, my mom, cooked spaghetti and meat balls. He loved it more than Christmas Morning, maybe not that much. Sunday night in the Peacock Household is family supper night. (My family was born in the south and Supper equals dinner. It gets even more confusing when I explain that dinner equals lunch in the south. Thats another story in itself.) My mother and father feel that blood is thicker than water. The foundation of my parents and my life is built around family. When I attend Florida State University and lived in an apartment I still attended Family Supper Night. I even brought some of my friends over for Sunday Dinner and they still talk about it today. (The best time is Thanksgiving, 40 relatives under one roof packing on 5,000 calories of home cooked food. My friends still look for an invitation for that holiday every year.) Its consistently attended by my Mom's Sister Stacy and her family, and cousin Erica. Other members of the family attend every now and then but its rare. Cassie and the boys have come to love Sunday Dinner. Aunt Stacy and Uncle Bob have 3 children as well. Aubrey, Annette, and Patricia. Aubrey is 17 like Dustin, and Dillon, Ethan and Patricia are all 1 year apart. Roughly 13 members of the family eating and bonding on Sunday together.
I just love how my new family is being assimilated into my own family. I am smiling just thinking about how in one year my life has changed for the best. I love you Cassie, Dustin, Dillon and Ethan.
53 Days Till I Do
Feb. 2nd
39 days!!
The house is quiet. Cassie had to make a trip to Destin, FL for work. The weather is overcast, foggy, misty and windy. Something about rain and fog this new year that I cannot remember experiencing this many times in two weeks. Oh well I can only pray that come March 13th the weather will be sunny, warm and comfortable.
Whenever Cassie has to travel for work its rare that she is gone longer than two nights. She has a red travel suitcase with wheels and the long black handle. Its a little faded from all of the traveling she has been doing the last 3 years. This week her rental car was a Ford Escape. She always picks up the rental car before she leaves town. Well she and I have developed our own Ninja Notes. Since I can't place anything in the rental car to tell her "I love you," I have to find new spots in the red suitcase.
There are only three zippers on the red suitcase and finding new spots is challenging. This week I covertly placed a two notes in her book and makeup bag. I have to do all of this while she in the bathroom 5 feet away. I have be a NINJA! Haha. That always cracks me up. Over the course of our 1 year relationship we have probably ninja'ed each other over 100 times. Inside information, she left me a lip stick message on the mirror, a note in my gym shoes, and note on the toilet paper. The last one sounds crazy but its awesome and there is a risk of not seeing it and the note being flushed. Anyways, she and I share something so amazing and wonderful. I know there are couples out there that share the same love with their spouse. I am truly blessed that Cassie chose me. I have won the lottery!
Nin - Ja
a member of a feudal Japanese society of crazy in love agents, highly trained in martial arts and stealth, whose covert skills range from sneakyness to writing amazing loves notes and smiling constantly.
39 days!!
The house is quiet. Cassie had to make a trip to Destin, FL for work. The weather is overcast, foggy, misty and windy. Something about rain and fog this new year that I cannot remember experiencing this many times in two weeks. Oh well I can only pray that come March 13th the weather will be sunny, warm and comfortable.
Whenever Cassie has to travel for work its rare that she is gone longer than two nights. She has a red travel suitcase with wheels and the long black handle. Its a little faded from all of the traveling she has been doing the last 3 years. This week her rental car was a Ford Escape. She always picks up the rental car before she leaves town. Well she and I have developed our own Ninja Notes. Since I can't place anything in the rental car to tell her "I love you," I have to find new spots in the red suitcase.
There are only three zippers on the red suitcase and finding new spots is challenging. This week I covertly placed a two notes in her book and makeup bag. I have to do all of this while she in the bathroom 5 feet away. I have be a NINJA! Haha. That always cracks me up. Over the course of our 1 year relationship we have probably ninja'ed each other over 100 times. Inside information, she left me a lip stick message on the mirror, a note in my gym shoes, and note on the toilet paper. The last one sounds crazy but its awesome and there is a risk of not seeing it and the note being flushed. Anyways, she and I share something so amazing and wonderful. I know there are couples out there that share the same love with their spouse. I am truly blessed that Cassie chose me. I have won the lottery!
Nin - Ja
a member of a feudal Japanese society of crazy in love agents, highly trained in martial arts and stealth, whose covert skills range from sneakyness to writing amazing loves notes and smiling constantly.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Jan. 30th.
42 days!
Last night we grilled chicken and shrimp! We marinate the chicken in italian dressing and as for the shrimp its butter, garlic salt and lemon pepper. HMMM. Dustin went over to a friend's house to stay the night and that meant more FOOD for everyone else. YAY!
The night before it was storming. The 2 feet of rain, 15 mph wind and lightning! One of my biggest fears is lightning. Now I played football at Florida State University and I do not fear much but lightning. I still remember how this fear came about. It was 2004 season. We were practicing in shorts this particular day and it was humid and hot. There were a few clouds in the sky but nothing to be concerned about. It had just lightly rain before practice at 3pm. Being that the month was August we could always count on light rain everyday. Its just Florida weather. You just have to love it. Well, the rain was gone and the grass was wet. We had just started our position drills when we all noticed a strange small dark cloud floating above us. It was just awkward. The kind of awkward like a single red rose blooming in the Alaskian Snow. Just misplaced. The cloud kept kept getting closer and closer. Just as Coach Steele, my linebacker coach, was shouting orders, BOOM!!! That dark cloud had just LIGHTNING'ed the Soccer Field Light Tower! The football and soccer fields are like 20 ft apart with chain link fence separating it. All 120 players and coaches dropped to the ground and got up and bolt to the locker room. Think about this, Coach Bowden is 3 stories up in his coaching tower. As soon as that bolt of lightning came out, Legendary Coach Bowden raced everyone off the field. I think he might have first, Coach Bowden is 76 years old!! It is funny to think about now but at the time we thought otherwise.
Saturday morning the lightning prompted me to snuggle closer to my fiance. I did it out of fear to hold her closer but the result was even better. I got wake up spooning the woman that I love. My wish to have and to hold came true.
When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.
~ by Elizabeth Bowen
42 days!
Last night we grilled chicken and shrimp! We marinate the chicken in italian dressing and as for the shrimp its butter, garlic salt and lemon pepper. HMMM. Dustin went over to a friend's house to stay the night and that meant more FOOD for everyone else. YAY!
The night before it was storming. The 2 feet of rain, 15 mph wind and lightning! One of my biggest fears is lightning. Now I played football at Florida State University and I do not fear much but lightning. I still remember how this fear came about. It was 2004 season. We were practicing in shorts this particular day and it was humid and hot. There were a few clouds in the sky but nothing to be concerned about. It had just lightly rain before practice at 3pm. Being that the month was August we could always count on light rain everyday. Its just Florida weather. You just have to love it. Well, the rain was gone and the grass was wet. We had just started our position drills when we all noticed a strange small dark cloud floating above us. It was just awkward. The kind of awkward like a single red rose blooming in the Alaskian Snow. Just misplaced. The cloud kept kept getting closer and closer. Just as Coach Steele, my linebacker coach, was shouting orders, BOOM!!! That dark cloud had just LIGHTNING'ed the Soccer Field Light Tower! The football and soccer fields are like 20 ft apart with chain link fence separating it. All 120 players and coaches dropped to the ground and got up and bolt to the locker room. Think about this, Coach Bowden is 3 stories up in his coaching tower. As soon as that bolt of lightning came out, Legendary Coach Bowden raced everyone off the field. I think he might have first, Coach Bowden is 76 years old!! It is funny to think about now but at the time we thought otherwise.
Saturday morning the lightning prompted me to snuggle closer to my fiance. I did it out of fear to hold her closer but the result was even better. I got wake up spooning the woman that I love. My wish to have and to hold came true.
When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.
~ by Elizabeth Bowen
53 Days Till I Do
Jan. 27th
45 days!
When big changes happen in your life you tend to realize what is most important and who are friends you can energize yourself with. The trip to Pensacola and having dinner with Steve Clark helped to put everything in perspective. My wedding, becoming a step father, exploring all new job opportunities and being a husband. The honeymoon was another important planning obligation but Cassie and I felt that at the moment too much is going on. The mutual decision was to put off the honeymoon for 1 year. Certain friends were very encouraging about this decision and that energy was wonderful to absorb.
The honeymoon, which traditionally is the groom's undertaking, was a 1 year rain delay. We had picked a nice quiet tropical location, Captiva Island, FL. A nice 7 and half hour drive from Tallahassee, :(. It had everything we were looking for beach, sun, and exclusion. The fact that we decided to post pone the honeymoon made me sad. Not the crying, loss of loved one sad but a can't provide for my family sad. Cassie and I made the decision and I had to excuse myself to the bathroom and gather myself. I knew that quitting my job was detrimental to my business success but I did not realize the consequence to my family life. I told myself to take 5 mins to collect my thoughts and gather myself. I vowed to push forward and reward my family with my future success. The feeling of failure to provide was just burned into my brain. I told myself I will be determined to never let anything stand in my way to provide for my family again.
Perspectively this change in my work life has boosted my other roles and I am happy to push forward. 45 days Till I say I Do!
45 days!
When big changes happen in your life you tend to realize what is most important and who are friends you can energize yourself with. The trip to Pensacola and having dinner with Steve Clark helped to put everything in perspective. My wedding, becoming a step father, exploring all new job opportunities and being a husband. The honeymoon was another important planning obligation but Cassie and I felt that at the moment too much is going on. The mutual decision was to put off the honeymoon for 1 year. Certain friends were very encouraging about this decision and that energy was wonderful to absorb.
The honeymoon, which traditionally is the groom's undertaking, was a 1 year rain delay. We had picked a nice quiet tropical location, Captiva Island, FL. A nice 7 and half hour drive from Tallahassee, :(. It had everything we were looking for beach, sun, and exclusion. The fact that we decided to post pone the honeymoon made me sad. Not the crying, loss of loved one sad but a can't provide for my family sad. Cassie and I made the decision and I had to excuse myself to the bathroom and gather myself. I knew that quitting my job was detrimental to my business success but I did not realize the consequence to my family life. I told myself to take 5 mins to collect my thoughts and gather myself. I vowed to push forward and reward my family with my future success. The feeling of failure to provide was just burned into my brain. I told myself I will be determined to never let anything stand in my way to provide for my family again.
Perspectively this change in my work life has boosted my other roles and I am happy to push forward. 45 days Till I say I Do!
53 Days Till I Do
Jan. 26th
46 days.
The boys are back! As I am making coffee in the morning for my future wife I also make the lunches for the boys at 6am. I get a kick out of making them. I just know what the boys like. Iceman, Ethan, loves spicy mustard on his sandwich. Destroyer, Dillon, loves yellow mustard. The Bottomless Pit, Dustin, eats everything. Dustin, being 17 years old, leaves for school at 7 am so I make his first. Cassie and I started giving Dustin money for lunch but we found that giving him a lunch equals more food for him. So I make his lunch, plus he gets two sandwiches. :)
Responsibilities plays a major role in our house. The phase "Jack of All Trades" is fine but you become a master at nothing. Cassie and I did not sit down and assign each other duties but we were able to figure out who does the best at certain duties. For instance, i make coffee majority of the time, make the lunches, laundry, and keeping my side of the closet clean. Cassie cleans the house, cooks majority of the time, and keeps her side of the closet clean. We have trade offs, such as, doing the dishes, taking out the trash and making the bed.
Would it be fair to expect one person to do it all? I do not think so. Cassie and I both would go nuts! I am extremely delighted that we have figured each other out and that we determined who is best at what.
"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach."
~Tom Robbins
46 days.
The boys are back! As I am making coffee in the morning for my future wife I also make the lunches for the boys at 6am. I get a kick out of making them. I just know what the boys like. Iceman, Ethan, loves spicy mustard on his sandwich. Destroyer, Dillon, loves yellow mustard. The Bottomless Pit, Dustin, eats everything. Dustin, being 17 years old, leaves for school at 7 am so I make his first. Cassie and I started giving Dustin money for lunch but we found that giving him a lunch equals more food for him. So I make his lunch, plus he gets two sandwiches. :)
Responsibilities plays a major role in our house. The phase "Jack of All Trades" is fine but you become a master at nothing. Cassie and I did not sit down and assign each other duties but we were able to figure out who does the best at certain duties. For instance, i make coffee majority of the time, make the lunches, laundry, and keeping my side of the closet clean. Cassie cleans the house, cooks majority of the time, and keeps her side of the closet clean. We have trade offs, such as, doing the dishes, taking out the trash and making the bed.
Would it be fair to expect one person to do it all? I do not think so. Cassie and I both would go nuts! I am extremely delighted that we have figured each other out and that we determined who is best at what.
"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach."
~Tom Robbins
Saturday, January 30, 2010
53 Days Till I Do
Jan. 25th
47 days.
Today is a ROTARY DAY and We get the boys back! YAY! Speaking of Iceman, Destroyer and Bottomless pit, Cassie shares custody with her ex husband. The boys stay with us every other week. Mondays when its our week with the boys is amazing! The home Cassie and I have made is empty when the boys are not with us. Its a kind of quiet that we cannot explain. We love our time with the boys.
The balance between family, work and community time has to be equaled out. There are only 24 hours in a day and between 8am and 3pm the boys are in school. After school the boys are busy studying and doing homework for an hour. We allow them free time after that to do what ever they would like. Their #1 free time activity is a toss up between xbox or sports outside. The weather plays a contributing factor in that as well. For instance, if its cold, rainy or muddy the boys choose xbox. Dinner is prepared at 5:30pm and served at 6-6:15pm. The boys shower at 7pm and read until 8pm then bed time. Cassie and I have to balance everything around our routine for the boys. Such as, work, community service, grocery buying, appointments etc. Cassie and I both feel our success revolves around our routine, our strategy to use time efficiently.
My fiance told me this story that I am going to share with you. It's called "The Lesson of the Five Balls."
Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you’re keeping all of them in the air. But one day, you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls — family, health, friends, integrity — are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life~
47 days.
Today is a ROTARY DAY and We get the boys back! YAY! Speaking of Iceman, Destroyer and Bottomless pit, Cassie shares custody with her ex husband. The boys stay with us every other week. Mondays when its our week with the boys is amazing! The home Cassie and I have made is empty when the boys are not with us. Its a kind of quiet that we cannot explain. We love our time with the boys.
The balance between family, work and community time has to be equaled out. There are only 24 hours in a day and between 8am and 3pm the boys are in school. After school the boys are busy studying and doing homework for an hour. We allow them free time after that to do what ever they would like. Their #1 free time activity is a toss up between xbox or sports outside. The weather plays a contributing factor in that as well. For instance, if its cold, rainy or muddy the boys choose xbox. Dinner is prepared at 5:30pm and served at 6-6:15pm. The boys shower at 7pm and read until 8pm then bed time. Cassie and I have to balance everything around our routine for the boys. Such as, work, community service, grocery buying, appointments etc. Cassie and I both feel our success revolves around our routine, our strategy to use time efficiently.
My fiance told me this story that I am going to share with you. It's called "The Lesson of the Five Balls."
Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you’re keeping all of them in the air. But one day, you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls — family, health, friends, integrity — are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life~
53 Days Till I Do
Jan. 24th
48 days!
I spent the better part of Sunday reading and finishing a book. I watched a video on "Famous Dave's BBQ" owner. I loved it. I learned that "Dave" reads 2 -3 books a week, 50-60 magazines a month and writes about everything. He said, " It's not the economy fault for your business, its your "economy" that determines your success. I won't take part in this pity party about "the bad economy." I loved it. He is right. You make your own success. Its the details that determines the outcome of success.
Come to think of it when I was 21 years old I thought the other way around. "The big picture is what is most important." The details will come with the big picture. I could not have been more wrong. I'm 28 years old now and just thinking how naive could I have been. A big picture that REQUIRES Details: my wedding. The big picture is the ceremony, reception and "I do." The details that have to come together is what makes the big picture. For instance, the dress, tuxes, flowers, color schemes, indoor vs. outdoor, and the 1st song as Mr. and Mrs. Peacock, the ribbon color on invitations and lets not forget about the seating arrangement. As everyone knows there are a lot more specific details that make a wedding. I am excited to step outside my comfort box and learn about MY wedding day! Some guys will say to their fiance, "you take care of all of the details and I'll just show up." Really? Come on. This is not just a moment in your future wife's life that is only important to her it should be important to you as well. You cannot take this day back. I REPEAT, "You Cannot Take this Day Back." All the details, which an average guy would not help plan, that make your special day are going to be viewed by your family, honored guests, and your wedding day scrapbook for LIFE! Think about it, the rest of your life the photos from the special day will carry over for decades. I am a guy who wants to help plan the smallest detail so that when I think back into my vault of memories, when I am 70 years old, I will cry with happiness.
I will admit that I am not the most visually creative male but I have improved light years beyond 21 years old. The smallest detail makes the biggest picture.
"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. "
Ernest Hemingway
48 days!
I spent the better part of Sunday reading and finishing a book. I watched a video on "Famous Dave's BBQ" owner. I loved it. I learned that "Dave" reads 2 -3 books a week, 50-60 magazines a month and writes about everything. He said, " It's not the economy fault for your business, its your "economy" that determines your success. I won't take part in this pity party about "the bad economy." I loved it. He is right. You make your own success. Its the details that determines the outcome of success.
Come to think of it when I was 21 years old I thought the other way around. "The big picture is what is most important." The details will come with the big picture. I could not have been more wrong. I'm 28 years old now and just thinking how naive could I have been. A big picture that REQUIRES Details: my wedding. The big picture is the ceremony, reception and "I do." The details that have to come together is what makes the big picture. For instance, the dress, tuxes, flowers, color schemes, indoor vs. outdoor, and the 1st song as Mr. and Mrs. Peacock, the ribbon color on invitations and lets not forget about the seating arrangement. As everyone knows there are a lot more specific details that make a wedding. I am excited to step outside my comfort box and learn about MY wedding day! Some guys will say to their fiance, "you take care of all of the details and I'll just show up." Really? Come on. This is not just a moment in your future wife's life that is only important to her it should be important to you as well. You cannot take this day back. I REPEAT, "You Cannot Take this Day Back." All the details, which an average guy would not help plan, that make your special day are going to be viewed by your family, honored guests, and your wedding day scrapbook for LIFE! Think about it, the rest of your life the photos from the special day will carry over for decades. I am a guy who wants to help plan the smallest detail so that when I think back into my vault of memories, when I am 70 years old, I will cry with happiness.
I will admit that I am not the most visually creative male but I have improved light years beyond 21 years old. The smallest detail makes the biggest picture.
"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. "
Ernest Hemingway
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
53 days Till I Do
Jan. 23rd
49 days!!
Its Saturday! Cassie and I don't sleep in. We never have. Its amazing that we both enjoy getting up early and making the Day Great!
A habit that I picked up from Tommy Bowden, former Clemson Football Head Coach, is making coffee in the morning for his wife. I heard Tommy speak at The Tallahassee Quarterback Club. TQbC is a non-profit that supports local high school football. Its a club that is made up of 200 raging football fans. A majority is Florida State Seminoles, Gators, some Georgia, Alabama and last a lone Wake Forest fan. Men and women from the community gather 8 or 9 times in the fall to listen to a speaker, eat great food and enjoy fellowship. I love it.
Anyways, Tommy Bowden is our club's speaker that this particular club meeting. Well, Tommy was speaking about life, coaching, and his father Legendary Coach Bobby Bowden. In the 45 mins of talking I held on to Tommy saying, " I get up at 5:30am every morning and make a cup of coffee for my wife. I love the smile on her face every morning and whatever stress I had been carrying was lifted. Her smile gets me through the long days at the office. " I have remembered that and applied it to my life. I get up at 6 am every morning and make coffee for my future wife. The smile it puts on her face wakes me up and makes my day. Even on Saturday and Sunday I make the coffee. She is amazing and I'm lucky that she chose me.
"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." ~Judy Garland
49 days!!
Its Saturday! Cassie and I don't sleep in. We never have. Its amazing that we both enjoy getting up early and making the Day Great!
A habit that I picked up from Tommy Bowden, former Clemson Football Head Coach, is making coffee in the morning for his wife. I heard Tommy speak at The Tallahassee Quarterback Club. TQbC is a non-profit that supports local high school football. Its a club that is made up of 200 raging football fans. A majority is Florida State Seminoles, Gators, some Georgia, Alabama and last a lone Wake Forest fan. Men and women from the community gather 8 or 9 times in the fall to listen to a speaker, eat great food and enjoy fellowship. I love it.
Anyways, Tommy Bowden is our club's speaker that this particular club meeting. Well, Tommy was speaking about life, coaching, and his father Legendary Coach Bobby Bowden. In the 45 mins of talking I held on to Tommy saying, " I get up at 5:30am every morning and make a cup of coffee for my wife. I love the smile on her face every morning and whatever stress I had been carrying was lifted. Her smile gets me through the long days at the office. " I have remembered that and applied it to my life. I get up at 6 am every morning and make coffee for my future wife. The smile it puts on her face wakes me up and makes my day. Even on Saturday and Sunday I make the coffee. She is amazing and I'm lucky that she chose me.
"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." ~Judy Garland
53 Days Till I Do
Jan. 22th
50 days!
The days are getting closer. I feel like the time is just melting away like a stick of butter in the microwave. Cassie and I are still in Pensacola its FRIDAY!! The only thing is 3 hour drive back! :( Well its not so bad. The weather cleared and a little chilly. Cassie had to go to some appointments behind hotel checkout at Noon.
I was left to myself once again. The gym was calling my name! I wanted to do something light today. I had a 3 hour drive and the last thing I needed was to have no energy to keep my eyes open. I made it a Cardio Day! Its crazy how much information we keep from different sources, people we meet, past experiences etc. Well I feel like America has given Cardio a bad rep. Follow me a second, how long do you really want to jog in place for? I see people on the treadmill, bicycle, or the elpilical for hours! Get this the American Olympic Team trains on Cardio Machines like we do in the gym. One thing though, they train for 8 mins at a time. They cycle through an 8 min treadmill, 8 min bicycle, and 8 min elipical. They agree that those machines work they just use them differently. Granted they train at full speed all the time and the results certainly follow. I use that knowledge in my work out and do 8 mins per machine. I feel much better, get a better work out and do it in less time. Go figure that America's definition of Cardio is skewed. You don't believe me,
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/heart-and-cardiovascular/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100198014.
That's MSN Health.
I am trying to develop a new habit that will decrease my stress, promote creative thinking and look great for my future WIFE!!
from Stephen Covey
50 days!
The days are getting closer. I feel like the time is just melting away like a stick of butter in the microwave. Cassie and I are still in Pensacola its FRIDAY!! The only thing is 3 hour drive back! :( Well its not so bad. The weather cleared and a little chilly. Cassie had to go to some appointments behind hotel checkout at Noon.
I was left to myself once again. The gym was calling my name! I wanted to do something light today. I had a 3 hour drive and the last thing I needed was to have no energy to keep my eyes open. I made it a Cardio Day! Its crazy how much information we keep from different sources, people we meet, past experiences etc. Well I feel like America has given Cardio a bad rep. Follow me a second, how long do you really want to jog in place for? I see people on the treadmill, bicycle, or the elpilical for hours! Get this the American Olympic Team trains on Cardio Machines like we do in the gym. One thing though, they train for 8 mins at a time. They cycle through an 8 min treadmill, 8 min bicycle, and 8 min elipical. They agree that those machines work they just use them differently. Granted they train at full speed all the time and the results certainly follow. I use that knowledge in my work out and do 8 mins per machine. I feel much better, get a better work out and do it in less time. Go figure that America's definition of Cardio is skewed. You don't believe me,
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/heart-and-cardiovascular/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100198014.
That's MSN Health.
I am trying to develop a new habit that will decrease my stress, promote creative thinking and look great for my future WIFE!!
from Stephen Covey
"Whenever your present situation, I assure you that you are not your habits. You can replace old patterns of self-defeating behavior with new patterns, new habits of the effectiveness, happiness, and trust-based relationships."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
