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.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
