The Prather's Blog

As Promised.... Cuteness

2011-12-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

For some reason we amassed a very large collection of hats for Zander. Here are just a few that I've managed to get good pictures of.
1. Hospital Classic In Blue

2. The Football Hat

3. The Ewok

4. The Polar Bear

5. The Holly Jolly Christmas (Also Zander's 1 Week Old Picture)

Might have missed an update or two

2011-12-19T02:28:00.000-08:00

As many of you are aware, Zander decided to come into our lives a little earlier than expected. After experiencing sporadic pains last weekend we were rest assured that Devin was just experiencing warm up contractions and had nothing more than that on our mind as we went in for her 34-35 week checkup. Much to everyone's surprise, the doctor's most of all, it seemed that Devin was dilated and there may not be much time to stop labor. No breaking of the water, no increasing contractions, no feeling that this was really happening at all. Just boom ! This is happening today.

They hurried us along downstairs to labor and delivery where we were placed in triage to get some fluids and medicine to stave off the delivery. After feeling fine during most of those 2 hours we were hopeful that we would be going home and Devin would just be on bed rest until it was time to really have the baby. But Zander had other plans. After 2 hours and recheck it was evident Zander's birthday would be Monday.

More than a million things raced through my mind as we made the short trip down the hall to a delivery room. Knowing the potential complications associated with pre-term delivery I was very close to falling apart. Would he be big enough, strong enough, far enough along to make it on his own? Would he be whisked away to the NICU for treatment I couldn't begin to imagine. It was too soon. When we were alone for the first time all we could do is cry, and pray, and pray some more. For his protection, for our guidance and serenity.

Visitors helped to pass the time between rechecks. I think if we had been left alone to worry we would have drove ourselves crazy. After just a few short hours, an epidural that only seemed to work in her right leg, and visits from the NICU staff to explain what would be happening once he came out it seemed it was "Go Time" as our friend Drew put it.

I won't trouble you with the graphic details of the next part of this story. I will just say that it went very well. And for being able to feel 95% of the pain because of a misplaced epidural Devin was amazing.

My heart raced as the doctors got their first look at our son. The words that followed were the most wonderful words I had ever heard. "This is a much bigger baby than we thought." As the doctor from the NICU examined him he told me that he looked fantastic and for being early they couldn't find a reason to send him to the NICU. I could feel my heart beating in my chest. I couldn't hide the fact that I was crying tears of joy for our miracle. Of course, being premature has it's complications. Feeding a baby thats just learning how to suck was the hardest part of the next 36 hours. (And the next few days at home for that matter) They had already informed us that our amazing Humana would force Devin to leave Wednesday morning because he had been born before midnight. We would be leaving with or without Zander. After an incredible team of nurses at Suburban spent hours with us and with him he hit all the milestones to come home at the same time that we did. It's amazing how things developed. So many things could have gone wrong at each different stage and he was here, healthy, and heading home... truly miraculous.

As I sit here now, in a sleepless night stupor, it's hard to believe we've already had him for an entire week. I guess when you fill your days with visitors, feedings, diaper changes, and an occasional insomnia induced coma time seems to fly by. Today we are taking him to the pediatrician for his 1 week check up. I'm just praying they don't want us to go back to the hospital. Praying that whatever we're doing for him seems to be the right thing. Wish us luck.

Warning! Blogs from this point on will have a cuteness factor of 10+. You've been warned.

October

2011-10-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Now nearing 28 weeks this pregnancy thing is really starting to sink in. Of course we have the normal new parent worries. "Will he like me? Will he sleep at night? Do we have everything ready in the nursery?" We probably have a few, not so usual, worries also. "Will he be switched at birth? Will wolves come and take him to be raised in the wild? Will a movie be made about his life involving priests and holy water?" You may laugh, but there are probably a million more scenarios that have come and gone through the ever paranoid brain of a soon to be father.

I'm reassured by my friends with older children that it only gets worse when they come out so some Xanax is probably in my not too distant future. Being prepared has always been my combatant to the anxiety and I think we are just about there. We have the nursery completed, the house safety proofed, and the major amenities purchased. Devin's baby shower is coming up in a few weeks and that should take care of most of the rest. Hopefully we can amass a collection of diapers to last us well into potty training. That would be nice. Now we just wait.... and wait some more.

We have managed to fill most of our free time with family and friends and adventures to the crazy expensive baby department at most stores. Time does really seem to be flying by as of late. Thursday will be the start of the coveted third trimester. It's still a little hard to believe. With the string of holidays and functions swiftly approaching, January will be here before we know it.

Yesterday, our good friends The Wheatley's took maternity pictures for us at Bernheim. They turned out fantastic. They run a photography business and do really awesome work. If you're interested in getting any type of pictures taken, or you want to look at ours, check out their FaceBook page and give them a like. It's Visual Flair Photography.

August / Sept. Happenings

2011-09-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

Well there is certainly much to report since last we spoke. As of this writing we are officially over the half way point in the pregnancy. After some tense moments over the last couple weeks we got some pretty incredible news today. Everything appears to be right on track. The baby is developing on schedule and looks great on the ultrasound. We decided to find out what we're having and are pleased to report that we will be having a baby boy.

It's hard to describe how happy we are that we have made it to this point. After so much uncertainty we can now hopefully relax a bit and enjoy the rest of the wait. January isn't that far off after all. As warm as the weather has been the last couple of days, thinking about a brisk January day is quite nice. The name we have picked out for him is Zander Joseph. It makes me happy every time I say it. We've only known for a little over 12 hours and the child's wardrobe is filling out quickly thanks to the Little Treasures sale we went to today. This kids in trouble already.

In the excitement of all the baby news I almost forgot to report that my paramedic school is finally drawing to a close. I finished up my hospital and field ride time last week so now I just have to go take my national tests at the end of the month.
The timing on it couldn't be more perfect. Needless to say, it's been an exciting time around our household and we're looking forward to the next few months. Thank you for waiting so patiently for updates. Now that school is finished I might actually have a bit more free time to take up the sport of blogging again.

Because I know you want to see them here are a couple pictures of the ultrasound today.

July

2011-07-26T13:42:00.001-07:00

Well, the idea of frequent updates seemed doable at first. I realize every 2 months is frankly not frequent so for that, sorry! Anyway, we've maintained a very busy schedule of work, school, and Dr.'s appointments the last couple of months and things are going very well. Paramedic school will be wrapping up in the next month or so which is definitely a big relief. As for baby news, there's not too much news to report. Other than that everything is going well. Devin is feeling much better now solidly into the 2nd trimester. These middle of the road Dr.'s appointments don't give us much to talk about. We won't have another ultrasound until 20 weeks. That will be September 2nd and surely we will finally find out what we are having at that appointment. Bets have been placed and team girl seems to be in the lead. But I'm not so sure. In the mean time the baby's room has underwent a dramatic transformation from empty room to crowded living quarters. I will post pictures later today of the work we've done so far. We'll have to wait until September to get the details going but we're pretty happy with the way it's turning out. More updates to come... eventually. Stay tuned.

-Joseph

And now for something completely different.

2011-06-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this tonight I imagine I peaked your interest on FaceBook so instead of beating around the bush I will come out and say it. Devin is pregnant. Yes, it's true. No, I'm not kidding. How? I will attempt to answer below if you are able to continue reading. If that's enough information for you, please feel free to stop here. Thank you for reading. If not, continue on.

A few weeks ago I took Devin to the hospital suspecting she was in the middle of an ectopic pregnancy. Having experienced that before we had prepared ourselves for the eventual outcome. The emergency room agreed and recommended that we proceed with a medicinal procedure to solve the ectopic and prevent any harm to Devin. Again, that is a road we had been down before. Somehow, I suppose by the nature of it being midnight the doctors decided to take another look the following morning and decide what to do. After a very long night staring at the ceiling in Suburban Hospital the next test looked worse than before and emergency surgery was recommended.

It's hard to describe the thoughts that swirled around the next few hours. I can tell you that there was a healthy dose of praying involved. The rest is really a blur. During surgery the Dr. came out to speak to me only minutes after the surgery had began. What I expected her to say and what she said were two very different things. Basically, what they thought they saw, they didn't now. What they didn't see before they don't know about, and if you're confused now, imagine how I felt on 2 hours of sleep. There was no ectopic. Everything looks good. We're going to end the surgery and wait this thing out.

Another night of sleeplessness led to an early visit from the Dr. who said looking very astonished herself, that she is still pregnant according to blood work and you can go home. We won't be able to tell you anything more for a few days. Confused, and incredibly worried we were sent on our merry way home. The yard sale benefiting our adoption was 2 days later. So if you came, I apologize for being forced to lie. We simply didn't have any answers ourselves. We appreciate all the support whether it was donating items, or coming to shop. It was a hard day. We raised a good deal of money and we will be making a donation of part of our earnings to Kosair's art department. We just feel like we need to pay it forward so to speak for the gift we were given.

The following Monday we went in for another appointment where they were able to tell us that yes, she was still pregnant and they were able to show us evidence. Still though, the doctor's didn't give us a whole lot of hope saying that because of the surgery and other things going on they just didn't know what would happen. Again, we were sent home without much. More hope than before, but still confusion. Today, almost 3 weeks later we went back to the doctor and were able to hear the miraculous sound of a heartbeat. It's safe to say that I've never been happier in my life. The doctor gave everything a good bill of health, drew blood, told us they still didn't quite understand how this happened, congratulated us, and that was that.

We have spent quite a bit of time discussing when we thought we should tell people. To be honest, we had wanted to wait. Since she was hospitalized and I was shady in my answers to several questions there was a lot of suspicion and it was determined that it was going to get out before we got around to telling anyone. That would have been a disaster. So here we are, telling the world. A couple of you had already figured it out and I appreciate you keeping it to yourselves and off FaceBook. It really means a lot to us. As it looks, January 19th is our expected due date. Begin praying now for sunshine and fifty degree weather instead of the mess of the last few winters.

The amount of events that had to happen the way they did, in the order they did, and without causing harm to anyone involved is truly nothing short of a personal miracle. Thank you all for the support you have given us through everything, the infertility, the adoption process, and now this. We will definitely be needing the support now more than ever. It's almost time to start the next chapter. Thank you for reading. Good night.

2011-03-16T17:10:00.001-07:00

I have realized that blogging falls to the bottom of the priority list when I get busy. That might explain why there have been no updates for the last two months. Life has indeed been very busy. Paramedic class is in full swing and I'm doing every thing I can to stay on top of the workload. I spent several days preparing to have our taxes filed and avoid being audited. The hard work paid off and we managed to come out on top by $1.07. That money is going straight into the bank. With that stressor behind me I believe my ulcer can return to it's normal semi-nuisance status. And that's really all I've been up to. I know it doesn't seem like a lot but I can promise you it feels like I've been busy. Maybe it's that I've been lazy. I'll admit to that too.

Snow day

2011-01-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

After a very busy year, the new one is upon us and is promising to be even busier. After 4 years of what was supposed to take less than 2, my paramedic class has begun. While I had anxiously anticipated this for some time, it still caught me by surprise. It's difficult to get back in the swing of taking notes, studying, and debating test questions. Of course, this couldn't come at a busier time in my life. I know, however, that if I don't make it work now I might not get such an opportunity again. A free education that centers around my work schedule is the best case scenario. At least that's what I keep telling myself while waking up early on every one of my off days to head in for class. You may ask yourself how I found the time to blog about it. It's a snow day. And it was much needed.

Just needing to put thoughts on paper

2010-12-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Moments after laying down for bed a knock came at the door. I sprang to my feet, grabbed the nearest object / weapon and followed the barking dog down the hall to the front door. It's highly unusual that anyone comes over unannounced, especially late at night. When I opened the door I saw my parents, standing in the cold. For a moment I considered a million reasons why in the middle of the night my parents would be standing on my porch. I realized before they even spoke why they were here. As the words came out of my mother's mouth, it was as if someone had just set time to slo-motion. I sat there, silent for what seemed like an eternity as she proceeded to tell me that my grandfather had passed away. While it came as no true surprise, as he had been battling cancer and other ailments for years; I couldn't help myself from sitting in stunned silence numb to the world around me.

Growing up, I always cherished the time spent with my grandfather. Listening to his stories of years gone by, working with him on houses for less than minimum wage, feeding the chickens he kept in the barn I helped him to build. When my grandmother passed on several years ago a large part of him died as well. You could see it in his eyes. For years he patiently waited to be with her again and I know that he is there now telling her all about it.

It certainly makes you consider your own mortality when a generation of your family is gone. He was the last of my grandparents. I have always prided myself on how much of him I have in me. My red beard, my sense of humor, my love of story telling. Now those things seem a little more important. It pains me to know that my children will never know him but I will make sure that they hear the same stories that were repeated to me so many times over a pepsi. Through that, he will live on.

An overdue update

2010-12-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season I've broke my pledge to update in a timely manner. On Monday, we had our second home study meeting. All the hard work to make the home safe paid off and we passed with flying colors. So long story short, we have the blessing of the government to adopt an infant. As soon as our social worker left there was a long sigh of relief, followed by a joyous celebration, and then it was back to work. We have decided on a placing agency and now the process will begin anew to raise money, pray, and wait.

We have got over the first hurdle and are well on our way down the road. I don't think I could have asked for a better Christmas present than to have this part completed and that worry behind us.

Thanksgiving came and went rather uneventfully. As always, we ran around, ate more than one dinner, and got caught in traffic behind an accident. A fairly typical Thanksgiving for the Prather family. I'm looking forward to Christmas although I'll be working both Christmas eve and Christmas day. It seems like there is a more positive feeling to this years Christmas for me. Looking back a year ago, there was a good deal of hurt and self pity. I preferred to sit around and be sad about what we did not have and forgot to remind myself of the great things that I do. This past year has been a complete change. It's as if for the first time in a while, I'm reminded what a wonderful life ours truly is. And I didn't have to wreck my car and spend a night in the snow with an old man named Clarence to figure it out.

Before I end this blog I have to say to those celebrating the festival of lights. May you have a peaceful and joyous season. And if there are any latkes left over please send them my way.

A Great Big Thank You

2010-11-11T08:12:00.001-08:00

We would like to thank everyone involved with the fundraiser. If you donated items, entered the raffle, spread the word on facebook or twitter, we can not thank you enough. We raised a good deal of money and got so much support from friends, family, and complete strangers. A very special thank you goes out to the Sartins who made all of it possible. From the beginning, the support has been phenomenal and we ask you to keep up the e-mails, phone calls, and prayers. They mean the world to us. It will definitely be paid forward.

So Many Questions

2010-11-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

As you know our first home study meeting was today. This was the interview portion of the home study. After a long 2 days of finalizing everything, getting all our paperwork finished, and cleaning the house the meeting went much better than expected. Our social worker arrived right on time and was very nice. She put us at ease and talked with us about how her family went through a very similar situation to our own.

The interview was long, and we were asked many many questions. A lot of them I had thought of answers to but there were also a lot of questions I had not even considered. We had discussed discipline and a lot of the major things you'd think would be asked and had come up with what I considered good answers. When she asked what we would do with our child if something were to happen to us I had to say I'd think about it. I guess there are some things that you don't think about until it comes up. I suppose we'll have to figure a lot of things out pretty soon.

Everything seemed to go very well and the months of preparation definitely payed off. Now we just have to have one more meeting where we will have a counseling session and home safety inspection and this part of the process will be over. Our goal was to have to this portion done by the end of the year and it looks like we'll finish it up just after Thanksgiving. Now we can turn our attention to raising money and getting started with a placing agency. One hurdle down. Several to go.

In other news, the fundraiser being hosted at www.alexandcassie.blogspot.com is going very well. New prizes are being added and the support is incredible. Don't forget to check it out. Thanks for all the support.

-Joseph and Devin

Check It Out - Win Stuff . It's that Easy !

2010-11-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed with some pretty amazing friends. Many of you know Alex and Cassie or have heard us talk about them and their son Sam. Despite an incredibly demanding schedule they find time to lend a helping hand. We couldn't ask for better people to call our friends.

Starting today on their blog, Cassie has created a raffle giveaway to help us raise money for our adoption. There are some pretty great prizes up for grabs. If you come across this blog please take a few minutes to check it out. The link is www.alexandcassie.blogspot.com
Also, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has left comments, sent e-mails, called, and especially those that have donated items to the giveaway. The support has been phenomenal and we are truly thankful.

Update with Picture's

2010-10-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

As you all know the Home study meeting is next week. We are so excited and Nervous but ready for this step to be over with. From everything we've read adoption agencies want families to have their homes baby ready so we needed to start getting a room ready so we can be prepared for anything coming up. I have had my heart set on a Woodland creature theme for a long time now. We decided that a woodland creature theme would work out great for our room since we don't know if we will be getting a boy or girl and its very gender neutral.
Here is the Before and After of the room :

Before

After:

I am in love with the finished product. I can't stop going in there to look at it. We still have a few decorations here and there to put in later.
We won't be getting any more furniture anytime soon until we found out what age range we are approved for and of course what we need. The rocking chair came from Joseph's grandpa. I think he's going to try and refurnish it. Hopefully we'll have more updates soon.

2010-10-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Time has certainly gotten away from me. We have been so busy lately there hasn't been much time for things like blogging. We've been cramming as many things in to our days off as possible to get everything ready for the upcoming home study. Lovie had to be taken to the vet for an aggression test. I'm happy to report that she passed with flying colors. I have to admit, I had my concerns. She did an awesome job though, and really put on a show for the doc.

I had to get another FBI background check. That's the 2nd one this year. The tech taking our fingerprints said I was really good at it. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. After feeling like a criminal for a while we got that taken care of and in the mail.

The only thing that we have left is our meeting with the CPA to get our taxes in order. This is really the biggie and we've definitely been putting it off. But seeing as our first home study meeting is a little over a week away it's time we get that done.

The first home study meeting will be November 2nd followed by a second meeting and actual home inspection . So in theory we can finally be turned over to a placing agency in the next month or so. It's exciting but then we'll have to figure out how exactly we're going to finance the rest of the adoption. Something on the order of $25'000 . I've been in contact with the plasma donation center and looking in to all other means of financing it. We're hopeful we can find a bank willing to take a chance on us. Otherwise, it might take a while. I'm confident that we'll get there. We just have to keep moving forward.

On a completely different and serious note. It's been interesting to see the reaction unfold from family and friends regarding our adoption. It upsets me when people feel sorry for us and ask our parents how we're coping with not being able to have a baby. When they don't want to tell us good news about them having a child because they're afraid that it will upset us. When the awkwardness is palpable at a family function because all of a sudden people don't know what to say to us.

What people don't understand is that we have CHOSEN to adopt a baby. There are other procedures, and tests, and doctor's appointments that we could do and possibly be able to have a child naturally..... possibly. We have already spent several thousand dollars and endured much heartache and worry over tests and procedures and doctors appointments over the last 2 years.

When we sat down and seriously discussed adoption for the first time it's like a weight had been lifted from both of us. It was something that both of us wanted, but didn't want to be the first one to mention. Since making that decision, it's amazing how much better things have been. The stress level is significantly lower. Our marriage is stronger. And there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Adoption is something that both of us have carried in our hearts for a while and for us, it is the right decision. I know there are people that disagree, and there are those that don't understand why we wouldn't continue to do everything we could to have one of our own. All I can say to them, is that they shouldn't be worried about us. Because we are happy with the decision we've made and believe me, we did not come to it lightly.

This could have been 2 different blogs, and probably should have been, but it's hard to think about one subject without the other coming into play. I know there's nothing that can be done about how people look at adoption. I understand that it puts people in an awkward position. I just wish that they could share in our happiness and excitement. And if they happen to have $25'000 laying around, be generous. LOL

That is all.

A Pill For Everything

2010-08-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

Where to begin... In my last blog I mentioned that I had been to the doctor. I never imagined that mentioning the fact that I'm nauseated on a regular basis would lead me down a rabbit hole of pills and procedures. After a lengthy and heated discussion with my Dr. I was put on a blood pressure pill which I fully intend to stop taking as soon as possible. The medication that was prescribed for the nausea did not seem to be working so I was referred to a surgeon for more pills, more bills, and a scope on Monday. Needless to say, frustration is setting in. For someone who has never taken any medication save for an occasional Tylenol, being thrown into a regimen of taking several a day has been quite the obstacle. I am, however, feeling better. I suppose if you take enough pills one of them is sure to work. I've been in a better mood lately too. I'll blame that one on the blood pressure pill. Devin had better enjoy it while it lasts. Hopefully this will be behind us soon and I can get back to a somewhat normal existence. If such a thing exists. Alas, the battery on the laptop is flashing so I had better wrap this up and head to bed before my ramblings are erased. The lesson learned here: Never tell my Dr. anything is bothering me.

Dodgeball Eye

2010-08-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

Back to school time is just around the corner. All the children who have been happily playing all summer without a health concern in the world will suddenly become patients when their teachers over-react to PE induced asthma, art induced smoke inhalation, black eyes from dodgeball, and the occasional seizure. I've been trying to figure out when schools stopped having a nurse in the office that would triage patients and send them back to class before turning the situation into a fiasco. I guess the days of that are long gone.

Much to discuss

2010-08-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Since last we spoke, dear readers, much has happened. Our home study paperwork is nearly completed. We ran into a few snags along the way but have managed to get back on track. Procrastination for my doctor's appointment was one of the major causes for the delay. I hadn't been to the doctor for anything of note since childhood and wasn't eager to hear things spoken that I had thought for quite some time. I suppose knowing a little too much about medicine kept me away from the doctor as long as it did. The nurse was certainly not happy about me arguing with her over whether or not my blood pressure was "high". I suppose doctor's offices have slightly different standards for these things than we in emergency medicine do. I relented my argument and let them say what needed to be said. They were the ones that would be signing documents for our home study so I just went with it.

Of course, life continues aside from the hustle and bustle of adoption happenings. Work has been busy and hot. And did I mention it has been hot? That seems to have been the general theme of late. I enjoy cold weather anyway but this year I am definitely looking forward to snowfall and shoveling. I wouldn't even be particularly upset if we were to skip fall altogether. Except for harvest homecoming that is. The apple dumplings are totally worth it.

In other news, my brother bought a house which I'll be helping to refurnish. Devin's business has exploded with summer orders. Pitchmen is returning to television without Billy Mays. The BP oil disaster appears to finally be stopped. Steven Tyler may be a judge on American Idol next season. And I've been praying every day. OK, there may be a few things in there that aren't personal news but the paragraph wasn't long enough. You can read about these other stories on other sites.

The highlight of that, is the prayer. I've never been one to pray. That is, until recently. Since the day of our yard sale I have worn my orange "Praying For Sam" bracelet that Alex gave me. After a couple of days I was looking at it on my arm and this overwhelming feeling of hypocrisy came flooding over me. How could I wear this bracelet and not listen to it's message. I began to pray about Sam and his parents, my good friends. Then went on to pray about our adoption. It went on from there as there was much we needed to discuss. Since then, not a day goes by that I haven't woke up and thanked God for the gifts in my life. My wife, my family, my friends, my health. Whether it leads to other things, at this point, I do not know. For now, it's nice to just be here. But I'm sure we'll be talking it over.

Yard Sale Success

2010-06-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we had our yard sale fund raiser. It was a huge success. We spent the better part of 2 weeks prior collecting items, pricing, making signs, advertising, and being worn out. It was definitely worth the work. We collected nearly $2000.00 passing our goal for the sale early in the day. We couldn't have done it without all the help from Devin's parents collecting items and sorting through everything with us. Or without all the generosity from our family and friends who donated items. We can't begin to thank those people enough. I was amazed by the generosity of absolute strangers who gave us donations and well wishes when they discovered why we were having our yard sale.

After all was said and done we had very little left unsold. A few boxes of things that will be donated to good causes. What we were left with was an inspiring testament to the good nature of people and a renewed energy for the road ahead. We have far to go but we keep moving forward.

Yard Sale

2010-05-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

After talking with the adoption agency it has become apparent that we will be coming up with lots of creative ways to raise money. The first of which, we have been planning for a while.

We will be having a large, multi-family, yard sale on Saturday, June 5th. Please come and shop till your heart's content. It will be held at 217 Cherokee Circle in The Village neighborhood. That's behind Arby's in Mt. Washington. Our goal is to raise $1'500 to put a dent in our upfront costs. We can use all the help we can get and will gladly and humbly accept any items you would like to donate to the sale. We will make any arrangements necessary to pick up the items from you if you'd like.

We hope to see you there. Thanks in advance for your support.

-Joseph & Devin

#1. Banana Pudding

2010-05-12T20:34:00.001-07:00

Today we took the first steps towards becoming adoptive parents. This morning we got up early, filled up the gas tank, and headed to Danville. Why Danville? some may ask. Well, (other than having a McDonald's, a couple of stop signs, and a Wal*Mart) the small town is where Adoption Assistance is located. That being the agency tasked with putting us on the path to parenthood. Though not easy to find in the back of a very residential looking building with no street number, we managed to make it there on time.

We met with the director, Julie, who was very good to us and answered all our many questions. She seems to think that we are good candidates for domestic adoption and should be approved for any age group. Of course all that is subject to the results of our home study. The home study, I am told, will consist of a very in depth researching of our life, finances, backgrounds, and favorite desserts. Mine is definitely home-made banana pudding. At least I have one answer figured out. The rest I will nervously ponder over for much longer than is necessary. That's just how I am.

When we got home it was decided that we should probably empty out a room if we're planning on having a child live with us. Although we haven't lived here for that long we had certainly amassed a lot of things in every room of this house. Combining two rooms was a fairly difficult task. As I write this, my computer now sits on my desk in what's left of my office. Basically, just my desk and the chair I'm sitting in. The rest of the room has become the new home for Devin's business. Change, compromise, and sacrifice are necessary. My OCD will just have to get over it.

It has definitely been a very long day. Though I sit here wide awake. My mind is racing with nervous anxiety. My stomach churns with yesterday's white castle mistake. Walking into the room next door a wave of calm rushes over me. Looking at the bare walls and floor there is only potential. A potential that I had perhaps got close to giving up on somewhere between the doctor's visits and disappointments. The road will be long, but the first steps have been taken. The feeling is indescribable.

Hold What You Got

2010-04-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

I'm reminded today of all the hours spent in the back room of my grandfather's house. He had fashioned it into an office and bar. Stocked with his choice of liquor and soft drinks for me and my brother, it was the first place I ran when we came to visit. I knew that's where he'd be. I'd climb up on a stool and order up a coke and we'd sit and listen to stories until my grandmother had dinner ready. Even if I had heard the stories a hundred times before I loved every minute of it. I can still recite most of them now, probably better than he can remember them himself.

Now, in the twilight of his life, he still prides himself on telling me a good story. Today he sat in his hospital bed, in pain from the chest tube they had just replaced. He still smiled, though I know it hurt, and told me stories. Though drastically different a circumstance, I found myself delighted and engrossed in every word he said. For a time, I almost forgot that we were sitting in a room at St. Mary's awaiting the next nurse to come in.

As I got ready to leave the hospital today, he told me something I had never heard him say before. He said, "Don't work too much. I was always happier and felt better when I was poor." It may have just been the morphine talking but that just hit me and hasn't left my mind these past few hours. I think it was his way of telling me that I need to come visit more often. Generally, work is my excuse for not attending a family function or holiday. I sit in uniform at work wishing I could be with Devin and listening to him tell her his stories. She's a new set of ears as far as he's concerned. She might actually believe that he picked up a car for an RC cola.

I fill my days off with so many things of unimportance. I delude myself into believing that I don't have time for things. The reality is that I must make time. I'm glad I was reminded of that today.

It's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

2010-03-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Spring is a time for new beginnings and also a time for letting go of the bleak winter behind you. I suppose it's fitting that Devin and I have decided to embark on a new adventure. We have decided to pursue adoption. This decision has been one coming for some time and not one that we have come to lightly. We, like many couples that battle infertility, had always kept the thought of adoption on the back burner. The plan B. Through much discussion, prayer, and guidance from our family and friends we have come to feel that adoption, for us, is our first choice.

We've decided to shift our focus from doctor's offices and medications to lawyers and agencies. For both of us, I think, a weight has been lifted. While the adoption process is a long and difficult road, the road laid before has prepared us for what lies ahead. We had both been feeling pulled to adopt but hadn't wanted to be the first one to say it's time. Of course, we will never rule out the possibility of having a child naturally. If that is part of the plan then it will happen in it's own time.

Like any life changing decision, adoption is full of questions and possibilities. Do we adopt an older child or a baby, international or domestic, boy or girl, will we even have these choices to make? Much discussion is required between us to decide many of these questions. This is, of course, just the start of the road. The application is filled out and signed. Where the process leads and how long it will take is completely up in the air. Even with all the uncertainty, the worry, the waiting that will inevitably be part of the process I can't help but feel the excitement welling up inside me.

For anyone that's interested, we will be posting updates, if and when there are things to report. And of course, there will still be blogs about other random happenings. The outpouring of support from everyone has been phenomenal and I can't begin to thank everyone for the words of encouragement. We will need you now more than ever.

Wheel's are rolling and it feels good.

The occasional blogger

2009-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

Some months ago, I came to the interim conclusion that no one was reading this blog. Therefore, being the busy / lazy person I am, I decided to devote more time to having things to blog about, than to blogging. The past few months have definitely been busy. It seems like time keeps speeding up, faster and faster every day. Thanksgiving snuck up on me and now, before my turkey has digested, it's almost Christmas time again.

It is often said that time goes by faster as we age. I never really understood this until recently. We fill our lives with so much routine that any given Tuesday could just as well be the one last week. The tuna helper on the table in front of you looks almost identical to the one you had heartburn after the last time you had nothing better to eat. It's hard to slow down and pay attention to life passing by. Up early each morning for my routine before work, then 12 hours or more spent there, then home to try and steal a few precious moments with my wife and dog before repeating the sequence the next day. It's hard to say that many of those days stick out in my mind as those to add to the long term memory. I suppose that's the reason time seems to be going by so quickly.

The ordinary does not need to be remembered again. Space is needed to remember the out of ordinary. The days spent building snow hippos, or waiting in line for famous Hot Dog's after a 7 hour drive. The time spent being inspired by art or film or a really good book. The time spent with the woman you love each night being incredibly happy and grateful you got off work on time to steal a few more minutes. We allow the in between to be erased. The bad days at work, the meals from a drive-through bag, the housework, and the list goes on. The resolution is to fill your life with things to be remembered whenever possible. And of course to write about them so you don't forget that you once had a good idea. I don't care if anyone else reads this blog any more. At least I will have a way to remember these passing thoughts.

More Pictures of Art Institute of Chicago

2009-08-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some more amazing pictures of some of the paintings we saw today.This museum was amazing.I loved how they had art classes you could take plus the College class.Hopefully one day I could be a student at this school.Dont worry mom we arent here to house hunt.

Here is a picture of the coolest fountian I have ever seen.It is a holographic video of a person face that sometimes sprays water from the mouth.

Chicago Day 2

2009-08-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Waking up this morning was tough. They don't call this bed the "Sweet Dream Experience" for no reason. But up it had to be. After much anxiety and questions to the hotel staff, we decided to take the train into the city instead of spending the rest of our money on parking at all the things we wanted to see. It actually turned out to not be that bad. It was quick and efficient and both of us made it to and from the city for less than $10.00. So far, that's the best deal we've gotten all trip. The rooftop train turns into a subway the closer you get to downtown so both of us got a new experience out of it.

After making it downtown we trekked over to the Art Institute to fulfill a couple of life time goals for Devin. It was incredible to see some of the most famous paintings in the country right in front of you instead of in a text book. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Seurat, and on and on and on. It was amazing. Of course, being a school, there were several people sketching the famous works and lectures being given by people pretending to know more about the art than the artist. But, when you waited long enough, you could get a little alone time in front of famous pieces like American Gothic, Van Gogh's The Bedroom, Water Lilly's by Monet and my favorite; Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. Spent from getting lost in the half metropolis, have museum we found a door and realized we should have packed an umbrella.

Luckily Millenium Park was just across the street so we braved the cold blowing rain and went for it. The fountain sculpture and the bean were just too cool to pass up because of a little rain. We got some great pictures and had a blast with everybody else dodging rain drops. We stopped by the cultural center for an art-o-mat and then it was back to the train for the trip back to Skokie.

After some discussion we decided that pizza should be our last meal here in town so we hit up the local Lou Malnati's for some good stuff. Of course, we ordered to much and fearing it wouldn't make the trip back to the Ville we gave the rest to the appreciative hotel staff. All in all, it's been a great, relaxing weekend. We've decided to do this sort of thing much more often. With everything that's been going on, it was just nice to get away. Tomorrow, it's back to home with refreshed minds, bodies, and souls.

More pictures

2009-07-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a few self indulgent pictures of the hotel.

Chi-Town

2009-07-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

This morning we set out on a weekend retreat to Chicago. The second city. After a late night at work, getting up at 4 this morning was a bit rough but when we pulled up to Hot Doug's Sausage Superstore & Encased Meats Emporium it was definitely worth the drive. It's amazing how long locals will wait, lined around the block, for some truly amazing food. Premium sausages, duck fat fries, award winning Chicago Dogs, and a great atmosphere make Hot Dougs a fantastic local eatery. I try not to be too much of a tourist but it's hard not to get excited about great food.

After getting our belly's full we drove over to Navy Pier, a place that Devin had actually not been to in her childhood trips to the windy city. It was a unique opportunity to see the city from the vantage point of a small boat out on Lake Michigan. The rest of the pier is a combination fair midway and shopping mall just a couple minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of incredibly bad traffic and throngs of rude and uninterested people. I suppose a town with this much road rage would have to have the cure in the form of some really good food.

Sleepy and ready to relax we headed up to our hotel and it's safe to say our expectations were exceded. The room is beautiful, quiet, and clean. Just like the rest of the hotel. Many thanks to William Shatner for helping us negotiate this one. Tomorrow it's a train ride into the city and a trip to The Art Institute. And of course, some more great food. Looking forward to it all and so far, I'm not limping... so we're one step ahead of the last trip.

The Bag O' Salsa

2009-06-30T15:32:00.001-07:00

With all of the recent publicity surrounding the death of Michael Jackson several others have been overshadowed. It seems like a bad time to be famous as of late. David Carradine apparently died from some kind of s&m gone wrong. Ed McMahon died of old age, Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer, and perhaps most poignant to me, Billy Mays died suddenly from a heart attack. I have spent a lot of time over the years making fun of the bearded pitchman. Only recently have I grown to truly respect him and what he has done for so many. When the show Pitchmen came on a couple of months ago on Discovery channel I tuned in for a good laugh. What I found was an insight into Billy's incredible talent.
Love him or hate him, Billy forced you to pay attention. I never really considered that when Billy Mays promotes a product it's because he truly believed in it and the designer. So many have come forth recently to share their stories of how Billy changed their life. Struggling inventors and businessmen who never would have made it if not for Billy Mays. Many reading this will think I'm silly. I agree that I am. However, for whatever reason Billy's death has affected me. I will not mourn the death of the King Of Pop though I will listen to my old albums. I will not be searching for Charlies Angels, Star Search, or Kung Fu episodes on YouTube. I will, however, give a little more respect to the commercials during my favorite shows. Although, the ShamWow guy deserves to be made fun of. He's a douche.

Aaah.... Now that's refreshing.

2009-05-25T17:37:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, I am an old school Mountain Dew addict. I can thank Mr. Sartin for that. Like any other Dew lover I noticed when the recipe and subsequent flavor changed. It was no longer the drink I could have a case of during a Rambo marathon but more a drink that I enjoyed occasionally. I was delighted when I discovered that PepsiCo has launched Mountain Dew "Throwback" an original recipe all natural sugar drink. I took my first drink and I immediately remembered why I had a caffeine headache for years and my teeth are slowly rotting out. It was like reuniting with a long lost friend. I know that sounds silly but just go with it. As I was doing a bit of research prior to writing this blog I am devastated to find out the drink will only be available for 8 weeks. I've only got about 3 or 4 weeks left until it leaves again sadly. Enjoy it while you can! However, if you live in Mt. Washington you will not be able to find it as I am expecting to stockpile as much as possible before the deadline.

Day 6 - Starting For Home

2009-05-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today began with a hearty breakfast in the hotel and a prayer that today would go by quickly. At least we had a good breakfast. Joseph drove about 400 miles today and did his best to get us to Des Moines quickly but losing an hour going into the Central time zone we didn't get to the hotel until about eight. Another early early day tomorrow will be hard to do but knowing that a familiar bed, a familiar toilet, and a familiar friend will be waiting for us at home gives us energy for the trip. We stopped on the freeway today to get a picture of an awesome sculpture. If you can't tell from the picture it's a plaster cast of a real T-Rex dug up on that property being led on a leash by a human skeleton. We thought it was worth a picture anyway since we didn't have anything else to show you from today. Off to bed now. We're going to need all the energy we can get.

P.S. The free grilled chicken meal was the worst idea anyone has ever had. Just thought I'd put that in there.

From Des Moines Iowa (AKA : The fun capitol of the world)

Joseph And Devin

Day 5: A Change Of Plans

2009-05-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Originally we had planned on visiting Devil's Tower in Wyoming today. After a restless night of sleep and too much riding in the car we told the rest of the family to go on without us and we would find something to keep ourselves entertained. We started off the day by walking to the downtown area of Rapid City. It was a nice walk and once there took pictures of the "City of Presidents". Covering 2 streets and about 6 blocks there are bronze statues of 36 of our 44 Presidents completed and standing guard on the street corners. The rest are set to be completed by next year. We took a lot of pictures and got stared at by passing motorists but it was entertaining. My favorite statues were of JFK and Nixon. The detail on them was amazing. I've posted some pictures below if you're interested.

After finishing the Presidential tour we decided to venture furthur from our hotel and see if there was any good shopping at the Rushmore Mall. We figured there might be some local shops or at least a couple of interesting tourist traps but were surprised to find the Jefferson Mall had grown wings and flown to South Dakota. The only exception were the 3 cowboy hat and boot shops. The Hobby Lobby next door didn't have anything of local flare either so Devin will have to shop EBAY for scrapbooking supplies when we get home.

Needless to say, after about 6 miles of walking and shopping we were ready to head back to the hotel. Joseph spotted a taxi during our walk to the mall and quickly put the number into his phone. A quick phone call when we were ready and we were more than happy to pay the taxi driver as much as he wanted for the drive back to the hotel. That was Joseph's first ride in a taxi and I think he'll always remember it fondly. It's off to relax in the hot tub and get some grub. We'll be starting our drive home in the morning losing 2 hours along the way. So it's going to be an early start. We hope everyone has been enjoying our blogging. It's given us a chance to unwind every night and look through all our pictures. We can't wait to get home and see the dog and everyone else. We'll be home soon.

From South Dakota one last time,

Joseph And Devin

A Blog For Tim (Day 4 Part 2)

2009-05-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the cemetary located outside of Deadwood. I thought you might like them.

Day 4: The Badlands & Deadwood

2009-05-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today we ventured into the Badlands. An area of land built by volcanoes and washed away by the rain to leave an area of uniquely colored and beautiful rock formations. There is a 20 mile loop that takes you past the most stunning overlooks and through terrain that made you believe you were in the desert of Arizona. Who would have thought it possible to get a sunburn on vacation here in South Dakota? The meal at the visitor center in the park was nice and we ate some Indian Fry Bread which is always tasty. Probably just as good at Harvest Homecoming though.

After leaving the Badlands we drove out to Deadwood. A town of casinos, casinos, casinos, and a Pizza Hut. It was nice to look at but other than that we probably could have lived without seeing it. The Pizza Hut was nice though. The town featured the site of the infamous Wild Bill slaying outside of Saloon #10 (Now Wild Bills). We drove up to the cemetary where Wild Bill lay buried but you can read about that in part two of this blog. Tomorrow Devil's Tower and Spearfish waterfalls. Josephs foot is getting better and his limp is slowly going away. Of course he'll be fine by the time we get home. It figures.

From South Dakota,

Joseph and Devin

Day 3: Rushmore, The Horse, & The Dumping Bison

2009-05-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

It's day 3. Today was the first day we could actually look at anything we came all this way for. Of course, it couldn't be a Prather vacation without some amount of trouble. Heavily medicated and full from the omelet bar at the hotel Joseph was able to limp his way around Mt. Rushmore pretty well. It was breathtaking. I know that sounds corny but unless you've seen it, it's hard to imagine how beautiful it really is. The trip was now immediately worth it. The forecast was for rain but we managed to get through without more than two drops and got some amazing pictures. We ate bison burgers for lunch which were good but more than likely overpriced.

After some more Tylenol it was off to Crazy Horse. This was an interesting stop. Crazy Horse Memorial has been under construction for well over 50 years and only the face is completed. They rely solely on private contributions for funding the entire project. I suppose that would be the reason it cost $30.00 to get in and several more for anything else you wanted to do there but it was very cool. In 75 years or so when a little more of the monument is completed we will have to return and view the progress.

More Tylenol, Add some Pepto Bismol and it was off to the Needles Highway and scenic wildlife loop in Custer State Park. The first part of which was a crazy looping highway that would make an iron stomach flip, full of beautiful overlooks and blasted tunnels through mountainous regions. The wildlife loop featured a 20 mile drive through prairie land where bison roamed free along side donkeys and strange deer. The bison seemed to use the bathroom a lot. Enough for me to get a picture anyway. The donkeys were friendly enough to walk right up to the window and try to steal a kiss. It was a great day. Devin's car sickness finally faded as we drove back to our hotel and dinner was nice and relaxing. Tomorrow it's off to the Badlands and maybe Deadwood. We'll let you know.

Regards from South Dakota,

Joseph & Devin

For Danielle

Day Two: Injury and Windmills

2009-05-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

We made it to Rapid City. There's not a whole lot to see here in the town besides some restaurants and stores. Everything to see is at least an hour one way or another from the hotel so even tomorrow there will be more driving. Joseph didn't sleep well last night because of the bar that shared a parking lot with our hotel. It was interesting at 2AM when the bar started kicking the drunks out. The second leg of the trip had some more exciting landscapes. Thousands of windmills lined up in Iowa were amazing.

We decided to stop at the corn palace in Mitchell South Dakota to see what all the hype was about. It would have been a nice stop to get out of the van and rest but Joseph tripped in the parking lot injuring his foot and will be completing our vacation with a noticeable limp. It made for a couple of good pictures though. After leaving Mitchell there wasn't much until reaching Rapid City. Some open spaces and finally some scenery once we got closer to here.

We are both looking forward to tomorrow. After two days of riding in the car we're ready to see what we came here for. Presuming Joseph can walk and we don't have to rent him a hover round.

Regards from South Dakota,

Joseph & Devin

From the heart of Des Moins, Americas corn capital

2009-05-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

As you all know we are on a big adventure this week. We have just tackled the longest drive we have done in a long while and we're only half way there. We have seen more corn fields than I would like for a life time and have seen some nice pottys on the way. I have to say that Illinois has better pottys than any other state I've seen so far. Very clean and well kept. We were pleased.

So far the family is getting along well. We were a little worried that 12 hours might be a little long to sit in a hot car and stare at corn but everyone is handling it pretty well. No car sickness, no major arguments....yet. The highlight of the drive was the worlds largest truck stop. A combination truck stop / walmart/ doctors office/ movie theatre/ crazy thing in the world. I've attached some pictures of that. It's been a long day and tomorrow will be an equally long day to get to Mount Rushmore. So it's time for bed and hopefully an early start tomorrow. More updates daily so check back. As of yet Joseph has not found a statue of his co-worker (Iowas most famous resident) but he will continue to look.

Greetings from Iowa,

Joseph & Devin

Recharging

2009-04-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time for me to take a couple of weeks off work. Time to unwind, relax, and recharge the batteries. I always take my vacation surrounding our anniversary so we can make it special. After toying with several trip ideas Devin finally agreed to go to South Dakota with me. It's a dream vacation for me and I'll finally cross several things off my bucket list. Of course Mt. Rushmore is the chief attraction but I hope we have time to take in the untamed beauty of that part of the country. After a particularly difficult year I think we both need the trip more than we realize. If I can only manage to get a handle on my vacation ruining road rage I think we'll be in good shape.

Good bye to lazy Sundays

2009-03-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Mowing the grass. That weekly chore that I so happily abandoned months ago has returned. I will shed a tear for my lazy Sundays later. Now if I can just get my weed eater to work.

Chi Town

2009-03-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

As of late, I have become increasingly interested in the world of good food. Perhaps it's the many hours of Food Network on in the background while I'm working on things at home. Perhaps it's the marathons of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" during the monotonous 12 hour shifts at work. Whatever the reason may be, I was inspired to go on a culinary adventure.

After watching the No Reservations episode shot in Chicago my friend John and I decided to take a little trip. Tuesday, completely on a whim, we drove to Chicago... to eat. Our first stop was a place called Hot Doug's Sausage Superstore. It's a hole in the wall place in the Northern suburbs that the locals can't seem to get enough of. Now I know why. I have to say, there are no two finer words in the English language than encased meats. Quite simply, I will be going back often. Until Doug agrees to let me franchise one closer to home. So I imagine I'll be going back for a very long time.

The next few hours of sightseeing occurred mainly as a break from eating to allow hunger to return. I got to see some pretty amazing traffic and a lot of the city from the passenger seat of John's car because it was pretty much pouring down rain the entire day.

When hunger returned we went on a mission for authentic Chicago style pizza. It may sound funny but we had a bit of a hard time finding a place. Apparently most authentic joints only open after 6 during the week. We finally settled on Pequod's, a place named after Ahab's vessel in Moby Dick. We were pleased to find out that while this shop was not the one featured on TV, the owner of that place had at one time owned Pequod's and the food was much the same. Excellent on so many levels. Perhaps it was the stomach full of sausages from earlier but for the first time in my life I couldn't polish off the rest of the pizza. I'm sure that made Devin happy because she got to experience it when we got home.

On our way home we felt the urge to see one more place that Bourdain had visited. The Calumet Fishery. Essentially a shed on the river that sells smoked fish. Very good smoked fish. Presuming you can get past the look of the place and the smell that smacks you in the face when you open the door. The line of people waiting in the rain spoke for itself. So lunch the next day at work would be smoked salmon and trout from Chicago. I couldn't wait.

All in all, it was a great day. 12 hours of driving for 2 of the best meals of my life. Totally worth it.

Poster Boy

2009-03-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

After a few months of waiting I finally got the poster for the product I was asked to promote. My partner and I took a few hours off the street one day to take some pictures for an advertising campaign for the Comfort Zone blanket warmer. It got our service a free one and it works great. Plus I get to have the side of my head in EMS magazines across the country. Lucky me. Here's the ad.

A Good Read

2009-02-27T15:52:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have had an on and off relationship with reading. I have always enjoyed a classic novel and grew up reading comic books like they were going out of style. I suppose what distanced me from the enjoyment was my brief stint in college. Forced readings and incredibly lengthy textbooks managed to suck all the enjoyment out of it. For a long time I couldn't think about starting a novel without getting a headache. The 28 pages of a Green Lantern monthly was about all I could handle.

I was recently directed to a great book by Christopher Moore. My friend had just finished reading it and was so excited about it being the best book he had ever read, shoved it at me and begged me to read it. The book was entitled Lamb (The Gospel According To Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal). It sat on my desk for a couple of days before I ventured in and once I did I couldn't put it down. It was amazingly funny and sarcastically intelligent at the same time. I finished it in a couple of days and realized I had rediscovered my love for reading.

The book tries to explain the gap in the recorded history of the life of Christ. Why wouldn't it be possible that Jesus had many adventures prior to beginning his ministry? Of course Jesus is joined on his travels by Biff, a stonecutter's son who aspires to be the village idiot. Through humor Moore tackles some incredibly tough issues and manages to make you smile through some of the hardest parts of the story. I think even the deeply religious could enjoy the read if they could accept the book for what it is, a work of fiction. Not meant to blaspheme or rewrite the accepted gospel.

After finishing Lamb I had to find more Moore. The second novel I blazed through was A Dirty Job. A story that finds a man suddenly faced with the reality that he has become the grim reaper. Or at least one of them. I think I enjoyed this one even more than Lamb. I quickly decided that I needed the rest of his collection and have began to buy and read them one at a time. I'm currently on Fluke, one of Moore's best sellers, and am engrossed as always. I even got a membership to Books A Million to aid in my quest. That's really an understated book store that deserves more credit. I think this is the part of the blog where Levar Burton pops up and thanks me for the book review. See you next time.

Come On Down

2009-02-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

I spent much of my lazy summer days growing up watching the Price Is Right and dreaming of winning a blender or maybe a new car. Bob Barker became sort of a hero to me and when asked to name 5 goals for the future at some point in high school my number 1 goal was to win a showcase full of fabulous prizes. Many laughed and many more wanted to, but felt bad for me instead. Needless to say, I've grown up a bit since then and my priorities have certainly changed.

When Bob Barker announced he was retiring from the show a little piece of my inner child died. I didn't have the money to make a trip to California so I wasn't going to achieve that goal. I was saddened by the news but happy to hear that the show would continue with a new host. But who could ever replace Bob? As you know, Drew Carey eventually replaced Bob as the host of the best TV show on at 11AM. I had been a fan so I was eager to see how he did.

It didn't really start off so great. I was taken aback by the way that they kept the show exactly the same but just put Drew in Bob's spot. His awkward way of trying to be Bob even went as far as the speech at the end of every show about having your pets spayed and neutered. For a time I thought all was lost but I've been impressed by the way that Drew has made the show his own. He shed the dress shirt and tie for a more casual and comfortable look. He jokes with the contestants and the announcer and all in all makes it a much more enjoyable thing to watch.

Seldom, do new hosts capture the essence of what the show once was. Family Feud has went through several hosts but none compare to the original. I think its evident that somethings not working when you go through so many hosts in just a few short years. Somehow Millionaire has survived without Regis yet I don't know how. Meredith Viera can read questions but just isn't as funny or as energetic as the perpetually wired Mr. Philbin. Could America accept Jeopardy without Alex Trebek? They had enough problems dealing with the fact that he shaved his mustache. Wheel of Fortune without Vanna White? Maybe, but Sajack would have to leave at the same time.

I suppose it all comes down to familiarity. We like the comfort of knowing that a familiar face will be smiling at us if we should happen to turn on the TV. We like knowing that our hero quarterback won't leave for the Jets and we'll be stuck with the new guy. But that's a different blog all together. In a time of constant uncertainty I'm glad I still have something to smile about at 11AM.

My Take On The Oscars

2009-02-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

Mickey Rourke probably got robbed. The Dark Knight definitely got robbed. Wall-E got everything it deserved except for the song that lost to the goliath that was slumdog millionaire. I don't know how much more praise that can be thrown on that movie. I guess I should probably see it before thinking the whole Oscars were rigged.

My Trip To The Andrology Lab (Part 2)

2009-02-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

Wanting to be a responsible husband, I finally agreed to visit the andrology lab. Bright and early this morning I ventured downtown. I hate, no... loathe parking downtown for any reason. It's not like work when I can just pull up to the front door of the hospital. There's parking garages, pay lots, and parallel parking. I'm pretty sure I passed that part of my drivers test because he wasn't paying attention. Needless to say, I panicked when I couldn't find a good parking space and opted to park in the first garage I saw which was a good 15 minute walk from the lab I was headed to. At least the car was parked. I would be OK.

After making the trek to the lab, passing homeless and business types, Jews and Gentiles along the way I was pretty much out of breath. I realized I was pretty much jogging the whole way out of fear that one of those business types might try to get me to donate to charity. So, red faced and out of breath I went in. When I entered the small office on the seventh floor a petite elderly grandmotherly woman greeted me and had me fill out some paperwork. She looked more like a librarian than someone who dealt in sperm collection. I probably looked like an out of shape fat guy with emphysema but looks can be deceiving. I don't have emphysema.

During my wait I realized that the radio was playing a mixture of gospel and country music. Neither one my favorite but more tolerable than 50 cent I suppose. A song came on singing about "No one knows what goes on behind closed doors." It made me smile and think the subliminal messages are meant to calm me down. The other 4 or 5 men sitting in the waiting quarters were all peculiarly staring straight at the floor. I suppose eye contact would make them feel like everyone knew what they were about to do. I couldn't help but find the humor in it. I even tried to strike up a conversation and was met with awkward silence. I think one person laughed when I got called to the back and said to the crowd, "Wish Me Luck!"

I won't trouble you with the details of the next part of the story.

On my way home I kept thinking about what the librarian said to me on the way out the door. After taking the jar with no gloves on she said, "Looks good - long pause - have a nice day." It shook me a little.

The results came quicker than I could have imagined and essentially an IUI, or intrauterine insemination, seems to be our next step. At least the doctors are agreeing with each other. With time, luck, and money we'll get there. I know we will. My amazing wife has been through so much. Through high hopes and horrible disappointments, tests and procedures. We have endured. She is stronger than I ever knew and will make a great mother someday soon.

Why I tell you this now I do not know. I suppose full disclosure is my way of accepting the past and looking forward to the future. We will keep you updated, I promise. That is, if you're interested. If not, there's always YouTube. I'm sure you can go watch a monkey sniff his finger and fall out of a tree a few more times. Wish us luck and thanks for the support.

My Trip To The Andrology Lab (Part 1)

2009-02-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

Before I can really get into the topic of this blog I feel like some amount of back story is needed. As some of you may already know, my wife Devin and I have been trying to have a baby for some time now. Almost from the day we got back from our honeymoon. I never expected it to be a difficult road. However, the past 2 years have taught me that not everything is as easy as it seems.

We struggled with not knowing the problems as incompetent doctors suggested this or that and of course questioned why we wanted to have children so soon. After a heart breaking near pregnancy that resulted in an ectopic fiasco it strengthened our resolve to achieve our goal. However, doctors felt a little less than optimistic. We were told a variety of things that all led up to them saying that we were pretty much out of luck.

After a couple of months passed, and more expensive and pointless procedures were ordered, we decided to part ways with the doctors that had been helping us and prayed for a new beginning with a new doctor. Lo and behold, there was hope. We were finally told what was wrong. Devin has PCOS, or poly-cystic ovarian syndrome which reduces our chances of conceiving. While it sucks, at least we know what we're dealing with. As they used to say in the cartoons of my youth, "Knowing is half the battle"

A few months of fertility hormones have certainly made things interesting at our household. I remind myself often that it's a means to an end. Before moving further the doctor recommended that I be a responsible husband and have my part of the equation evaluated. Thus finishes back story.

Part 2 to post in minutes.

A New Promise Of Blogging

2009-02-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

I realize that I have not blogged in quite some time. At least not on as regular a basis as I once did. For those interested, I promise, there will be new posts to read at least weekly and hopefully more like daily.

Baby its cold outside!!

2009-01-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

We had a nice lazy weekend. Trying to stay warm as much as possible.As you all know Lovie hates snow and cold weather. This is a picture of Lovie, She didn't move from that spot all day and definitely would not let us take the blankets. She is so funny and just to darn cute.

Sorry it has taken so long to update this blog. We have been crazy busy. Planning our First Prather family Vacation to South Dakota to Mount Rushmore. Joseph has been really busy with work etc.Expressions by Devin has been keeping me on my toes, Work (babysitting the Davis family)etc. But all in all Joseph and I wouldn't not have it any other way. This year is going to be a fresh start and all we can do is keep moving forward. Thanks for reading hope to have more updates and pictures up soon:0)

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

2008-12-01T14:57:00.001-08:00

It Christmas at the Prather's.Our trees are up and so is our lights and decorations.Heres is a couple pictures of our trees.Pictures of our light to come later this week when it is not so nasty out side!!!!

Here is our big Christmas tree:

Here is my craft tree,It has everything you would ever need to card make(will most of it lol)

Open for business

2008-12-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

I opened my second shop this weekend.
I am excited and scared all at the same
time. We will see how it goes.Check it
out at: www.Lollishops.com/expressions-by-devin
Thanks for all of your support!!!!

What i bought at Itybitybags

2008-11-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with your something I found and fell in love with on etsy.I bought this hat, mitten an scarf set from Itybitybags.As soon as I saw them on her shop I had to have them.The Scarf is made from cream knit, Mittens are made from recycled sweaters, and the Hat is made out of cream knit.There are very well made and they are Super warm and super stylish.I had a never had a hat , mittens and scarf that kept me so warm.Itiybitybags has some other super cute items.You should totally check out her shop.She is now one of my top shops on etsy!!!!

Check her out you wont be disappointed:
www.itybitybags.etsy.com

I Voted

2008-11-04T04:28:00.000-08:00

Polls opened at 6AM. I was standing in line at 5:45. The time is now 7:30. I just got home. I realize that it may not seem like it took me that long. But bear in mind that in every previous election day it took me less than 3 minutes to vote. If my experience is any indication of how the rest of the country will look today, we are in for a very very very long day.

Live Lunch

2008-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we got the opportunity to go to live lunch, a weekly free concert hosted by WFPK radio Louisville. I didn't really know what to expect because I hadn't heard much from the band that was set to play but I was absolutely blown away. The Muckrakers, a Louisville based band, were amazing. The music was great and has quickly become one of my favorites. The setting in the WFPK studio was incredible. Just the band a few feet away from 75 or so people that got there early like us and waited for a bit to get in. I haven't been to many concerts but that was definitely the best. If I can in any way spread the word about the Muckrakers here it is. Their new CD "The Concorde Fallacy" drops this Tuesday. It's their first for a national label and from what I heard Friday, it's going to be fantastic. Go pick it up! You can also watch part of the show that we saw right here.

New cards

2008-09-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here are two new cards I made today.I am hoping to put them on etsy in the next couple of days, so you are getting a preview.Tell me what you think!!
On your right is my new
"shake that booty" there is embossed glitter on the diaper, the picture is popped up and has a real button on it.
The card on the left is my new little diva card
diaper and hair bow on
baby is embossed
with glitter.The baby is popped.Little diva
held in place by two copper brads and is
popped up on the paper also.

Each card has congrats stamped inside.Keep checking back for more new cards.

Glendale's Fall crossing festival

2008-09-15T18:15:00.001-07:00

I am super excited to announce that Expressions by Devin will be set up at Glendale's Fall crossing festival.October 18,2008 7am to 5pm. It has over a thousand arts and craft booths.If you want a great parking stop make sure you get there early,The parade starts at 10:00 am. Expressions by Devin will be set up in the True Kentucky shop field. Thanks for all the support and hope to see you there.

A Question Of Inconvenience

2008-09-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

I'd really like to know what Joe Lieberman has gained from selling out. How can someone go from being the vice presidential nominee for the Democratic ticket to a cheerleader at the Republican national convention? Perhaps he was offered some share of record windfall profits from the oil companies. It's nice to know that priorities can change so quickly. Al Gore would be ashamed of his pick for the vice presidency.

Expressions By Devin : Update

2008-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone here is an update on Expressions By Devin. As you all now I am currently on Etsy. Coming this fall I will be on a new web-site called Lollishops.com. It is like etsy but the administrator is a little more picky about who gets to have a shop. Thanks for all the continued business and I hope you check out Lollishops when it opens in a couple of months. Keep coming back and I'll keep having new stuff on all three sites. Thanks for helping the business grow.

To Sydney Australia

2008-08-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody. Joseph & I haven't posted in a while. Both of us have just been busy with work and more work. I've been working like a mad woman in my studio trying desperately to get prepared for this fall's craft fairs. Expressions By Devin is going very well. Business has really picked up because of ETSY and I just made my first international sale! Things are exciting. We'll be posting more often, I promise.

The Many Adventure Of Lovie (Continued)

2008-08-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to play Call of Duty with Joseph.

Nothing to prove

2008-07-14T15:39:00.001-07:00

Much has been said about the legacy of Brett Favre. Many say that it has been tarnished as of late due to his possible return from an all to brief retirement. I would like to offer this. Throughout last season, as Favre broke nearly every record that he had not broken yet, the commentators spoke as if he had already left the game. As he was having one of the best seasons of his long career they hinted at the finality of his time in the NFL. They spoke about the last time Favre would throw a touchdown in Lambeau Field, the last time he would start a game for the Green Bay Packers, long before the announcement came in March from Favre himself.

It's not hard to imagine that he would feel pressured to retire as everyone had resigned him to it before he had himself. In the very first press conference you could feel the emotion as he spoke about his love for Green Bay, but more about his love for playing the game of football. He stated then, that when the idea of his retirement came up in conversation, no one tried to talk him out of it. The veteran, record holding quarterback, and beloved legend was being told he was not wanted.

Where does all this lead? It leads to a legendary quarterback who still wants to play, needing a new home. While the idea is horrific for all cheeseheads, myself included, I can't help but see where he's coming from. He definitely doesn't need the money, he holds almost every record, and he's a definite for the hall of fame. So why will Brett Favre leave his home in Wisconsin? Because he can. And maybe he needs to prove that to himself if not everyone else.

A star is born!!!!

2008-07-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Lovie is our little star. Check out my mom's etsy shop to see lovie modeling a new feature to my mom's shop. There will be more pictures of lovie posted later in her shop.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6019368

Expressions by Devin expands to ETSY

2008-06-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody. Now you can find my cards listed on ETSY Thanks for the support!

Photo of the day

2008-06-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

For Fathers Day I baked my dad a cake.It's my Famous Banana Cake.Every time we have a family get together ,I have to make this cake. I found the recipe in one of the cook books I bought at Half price.Hope everyone has a Happy Fathers day!!!

One More

2008-06-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

On the way back from a run yesterday my partner and I were discussing the patient we had just treated. How crazy things got once backup arrived, how badly the hospital had treated us, how so many people refuse to get out of the way of an ambulance. The usual stuff. After a brief silence he asked me a profound question. "Why do we keep doing this to ourselves?" I answered his question with a question of my own. "What else are we going to do?" It was the only response I could fathom at the time. He raised a good question and I've been stewing over it for the past 24 hours or so and figured I'd write down some of my thoughts.

It has to start with why I got into the business in the first place. I wanted to help people. I wanted to make a difference. I realized fairly quickly that the reality of the profession was not the fantasy I had imagined. In fact, most patients require little more than a big white taxi with red lights. The few that require more are few and far between. In a normal twelve hour day, only thirty minutes or so are filled with the adrenaline pumping, life saving, fast driving, fantasy world I imagined when I started my training a few years ago. And most generally the patients you put the most work into will not live much longer than a few days.

Still there is that one patient, that one trip to the hospital, that one life saved that makes the years in between seem worth it. I think most people that do my job can say that they do this because of Jeffrey or Suzanne or Jack. That one life, in so many years, that came back and said thank you. I think if we ever have the conversation again, I will simply say, "Twenty eight more years is a long time. There's got to be at least one more."

The many adventures of Lovie Part 2

2008-05-24T19:53:00.001-07:00

Judge for a corn hole tournament.

The many adventures of Lovie part one

2008-05-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

First time voter

2008-05-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

For our anniversary my sister bought us a new cookbook.The book is called "The Blue Willow Inn Bible of Southern Cooking." The recipes from this book are from a restaurant from Georgia .We tried out one of the recipes the other night. It was great!!!We had the baked pork chops. I loved it not because it tasted good, which it did, but it was very simple to make and didn't have too many ingredients. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves southern cooking.

Batter Up... A Glowing Endorsement

2008-05-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

We just got home from dinner and I felt it necessary to share the experience with all our thousands of readers. Home Run Hamburgers & Fries is an awesome new restaurant on Hurstbourne Lane. The baseball themed diner serves what I feel to be the best hamburgers in town. And their fries aren't that bad either. I just thought I'd share.

Got a little side tracked at the end

2008-05-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

As you've probably noticed by the decreased volume of blogging Devin and I have been back to work for a week or so. All in all the vacation was great. Going back to work that first day was pretty tough. At least there's only 49 more weeks until my next vacation. So I've got something to look forward to. Devin and I decided to walk down to the Mt. Washington spring festival today to make sure there wasn't any reason to go next year. There definitely isn't. I think I'll bide my time until the state fair to get a funnel cake and ride dangerous home made roller coasters. We spent about 10 minutes walking up there, 5 minutes walking around, & 15 minutes walking home. We had to take the long way around to avoid running into any more long lost acquaintances. Don't they know that's what MySpace & Facebook are for? That way your two minutes worth of catching up doesn't even have to be done face to face. I think most people don't really have any interest in what I've been doing, they just want to know whether they're better off than I am. Whether my wife is better looking than their's, whether I like my job when they hate their own, whether I've done something with myself instead of stagnating from high school. That's really all they're interested in. It would be an ego boost if I hated my job, my life, and was married to an ugly woman but alas none of that is true. So hazah to they who would feel better than I. For life is good when rambling.

Tasty Chicken

2008-05-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

Don't know why, but it just tastes better there.

Starbucks

2008-04-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody. I've been drinking a lot of Starbucks lately and have made some cool vintage cards with the extra energy. Check them out and let me know what you think. Thanks for all the business. Expressions By Devin is really taking off thanks to you guys!

Going Green

2008-04-28T10:23:00.001-07:00

Today is our 1 year anniversary. Devin and I decided to do something different and go green today. We planted a tree and even got a recycling bin. Lovie seems to like the new tree; she's already "claimed it" a couple of times. And just in case anybody is thinking about buying a tree when you're driving a Toyota Yaris... somehow we did it.

Waiting for dark

2008-04-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

So far vacation has been great. We've went some cool places and done some cool things but the best part has been getting to spend time with Devin. The past year that we've been married I've been in school, working over-time, and always on the go. It's been a blessing to be able to sit around and watch a movie without worrying about studying for an exam. I think I've almost got my honey-do list complete. I know these are the days that I'll remember when I'm old. The days where we did absolutely nothing and loved every minute of it. The greatly outnumbered days of nothingness sitting on the deck and waiting for dark. That's living.

New Cards

2008-04-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

New cards up on the website!!!

Dog tired

2008-04-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took advantage of my first day of vacation and went to Bernheim for a walk. Lovie Had to be carried the last little bit.

Random picture of the day

2008-04-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Weekend Crafting

2008-04-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

My mom and I had tons of fun making this.Hopefully in the next couple of months we well have more purses to come.We are working on a website for my mom, It well feature monogrammed baby bibs , purse and etc..I well keep you posted.

New Cards

2008-04-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

New cards are at the Bakery.I well be posting more of them on my website but here are a few.I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

The Shuffle

2008-04-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here’s how it works:

1. open your music library
2. put it on shuffle
3. press play
4. for every question, type in the song that's playing
5. new question — press the next button
6. don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool
7. tag some people

opening credits: You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette

waking up: Welcome To The New South - Less Than Jake

first day at school: Dice Game - Chingy

falling in love: Give In - Sister Hazel

breaking up: Iron Man - Ozzy

prom: Belief - Gavin DeGraw

life’s okay: The Wonderful Cross - Chris Tomlin

mental breakdown: Glorious Day - David Crowder Band

driving: Daydream - The Lovin' Spoonful

flashback: The Fallen Interlude - Blink 182

getting back together: Adam's Song - Blink 182

wedding: Handle This - Sum 41

birth of child: You Can't Hurry Love - Phil Collins

final battle: Valley Of The Jig - String Cheese Incident

death scene: Tell Her About It - Billy Joel

end credits: It's So Easy - Guns N Roses

Okay.. I tag: Anybody who thought this was cool like I did

I need to mow the grass

2008-04-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

If I could only have 2 days in a row without rain, my yard would be dry enough to mow. It's starting to look like I fit in with the neighborhood. Now I can't have that can I? People will start expecting me to have strange aromas coming from my shed at 2AM. And more than that, they'll expect me to have a big enough trash pile in my yard to not need a fence. And so on down the rabbit hole. I'll have to head this one off before it's too late and I have kids swimming in my drainage ditch. Aaaah, suburbia.... the American dream. I really need to mow my grass.

White Doves Of Freedom

2008-03-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

After a year and a half of class, I'm finally done! I've been waiting for approval to take my final exam since Christmas. Yesterday morning I was finally able to go and get it done. After being fingerprinted and body cavity searched at the testing center I got to take my exam. Then I spent the rest of the day sick with worry until I got my results which I am pleased to say that I passed. The burden of this class has been lifted off of my shoulders. It's really an indescribable feeling. Now comes the benefit of having stuck with it for so long. The raise, the prestige, the respect of my co-workers. Well at least I'll get a raise. Many thanks go out to my friends and family for their support all the way. Now on to paramedic class. I think I'll be taking a break first though.

New website

2008-03-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Check out my new website. www.expressionsbydevin.com Let me know what you think.Thanks

Extra Extra....

2008-03-18T17:53:00.001-07:00

For everybody who didn't get to check it out on Saturday, my watch made the front page of the Courier Journal. I was so proud. Check it out.

What You Crave

2008-03-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting week. As most of you know, one of my heroes since childhood is Brett Favre. He announced retirement after 17 years in the NFL. I suppose I was a little naive to think that I might watch a game with Favre as quarterback with my son someday. I was never able to watch Terry Bradshaw play for the Steelers although my dad tells me it was awesome. Now I'll have a story to tell my son when he asks about the memorabilia lining my office walls.

In other business, I worked more than 50 hours over the snowy weekend. So many people decided that driving in a foot of snow was a good idea. It confounds logic. I had a reason to be on the road. My reason was the people that didn't, who in turn slid, spun, and flipped their 4 wheel drives right off the road. What some people will do just to get to White Castle when they get "The Crave." There's nothing like a sack full of sliders to keep you warm while standing in the snow all night waiting for a tow truck.

Disclaimer:
This blog is in no way aimed to take away from the delicious taste of a White Castle hamburger. I'm a craver myself and was quite glad they were the only restaurant open during the snow.

Going international!!!

2008-03-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

If you don't already know, My Uncle Dan and my Aunt Marguerite own a bakery. Heitzman's traditional bakery located on Shelbyville road.They sell all different kinds of bake goods and has a great deli. But as of today ,They don't only sell back goods and deli sandwiches. They sell Expressions by Devin handmade cards and crafts.Each month well be a different holiday or themed cards,Plus the basic happy birthday,Thank you cards etc..Hopefully some day we well be going international,But for the time being this is good!!!

Sunshine & Flip Flops

2008-03-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

March has certainly come in like a lamb. Devin couldn't wait another day to put on her flip flops and spend some time in the studio. The dog seems to be doing fine. She's laid out on the deck most of the day soaking in the warm air.

Check it out

2008-02-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

Peter Searcy is a great artist from Louisville. Check him out on MySpace

Cold Feet

2008-02-29T08:41:00.000-08:00

I dropped Lovie off at the animal hospital this morning to get fixed. I don't think she's ever given me a more pitiful look. The funny part is that she pulled me in the door since she's never been there before but as soon as she realized where she was, it was time to get out quick. I got a brief lecture on feeding her better since she weighed in a little heftier than they would have liked. So I guess I'll cut down on the under the table stuff that she loves so much. It's strange sitting here at my computer without my foot warmer. I hadn't realized just how attached I had become. In other business, I finally broke down and called the cable company today. For years I have said that I don't need cable. I'm perfectly satisfied with my 3 1/2 stations I can get in clearly. With the digital switch looming and the promise of a faster internet I am forced to give in. At least now I suppose I'll be able to watch This Old House without holding the antenna upside down. That too, will take some getting used to.

Tear down this wall.....

2008-02-26T13:13:00.000-08:00

As some of you are already aware, I've been waiting around with my hands tied for quite a while now to take my EMT-I exam. Theoretically, I should have been able to take it in late October but things got stonewalled and delayed for various reasons. Most of the red tape has finally been pulled away and I can schedule a date to go test. My only concern now is that I've been out of class for so long that I am really going to have to buckle down and study if I want to pass. I am so ready to get all of this behind me and move on to my promotion. Things are finally starting to look up.

A relaxing day

2008-02-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day.I didn't have to go to work today because of the ice.I got to spend time with my Mom ,my sister and Lovie.Later on I went to my studio and came up with some new ideas.Let me know what you think?

Paging Chuck Bartowski

2008-02-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I am quite pleased that the writer's strike is over. Conan is a lot funnier with a team of writers to help him out. The funny looking beard could only get so many laughs. The strike, however, has really messed things up. Shows that were never meant to air, are now the only things keeping the networks afloat while new episodes of the shows we want to watch are being feverishly produced. Many shows have simply opted to call it a season and not air new material until the fall. That's disappointing. Now that the summer replacements have been spent I wonder what television has left to offer before August. Perhaps Fear Factor will get another go at it. You certainly don't need writers for that type of mindless garbage. Unfortunately I'll have to wait until fall to find out the fate of everyone's favorite Intersect. Until then, I suppose reruns of Law & Order will have to do.

Mission Complete

2008-02-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

I finally got my studio back in order. I added some new things to the studio to make it pop. I painted the walls, stenciled my website on the wall, added new curtains and moved things around and finally got organized. I love the finished product. Here are some pictures of our progress and the finished product.

How Stimulating

2008-02-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it would seem that after some debate the economic stimulus package has passed. It should mean we'll all be seeing a little bit of extra spending money in the next 3 or 4 months. As much as I appreciate a government handout now and again, I'm having trouble seeing the logic. The word "recession" gets thrown around so loosely. The mere mention of the R word sends the stock market tumbling. So then the government cuts interest rates which makes it harder for the government to make money. Then the government gives $600.00 to every person who worked a day last year. Money that the government does not have due to the enormous and growing debt caused by an unjustified war. Sometimes I think that they just want to see how deep the rabbit hole goes. With an embattled economy and the job market losing ground for the first time in years, I would wager that most of the recipients of this stimulus package will simply cycle it in to their check book to pay debt and monthly bills. History has shown that similar attempts to spark the fizzling economy have failed only making marginal dents in the retail market. I say, leave the economy alone stupid. The stock market is supposed to go down from time to time, people are supposed to lose jobs. It's what makes our system work. Other wise, we'd all be rich and money would lose it's intrinsic value. There has to be poor to make the rich. Much like the gradual warming and cooling of the Earth that Republicans like to label global warming as the economy has it's ups and downs as well. Give it time and it will get better. An influx of a few dollars into WalMart will help WalMart, not our society. I've said my piece, now I'm over it.

A Disappointing Snow

2008-02-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

What will more than likely be the only legitimate snowfall of the year has turned out to be quite a disappointment. While the snow was still falling yesterday you couldn't make a snowball without a lot of effort. This morning, hoping to be able to enjoy the extra day off we set out in the rain to a whole lot of ice. No snow, just ice. We were still able to spend a little time outside before we got soaked by the rain & got some good pictures.

Under Construction

2008-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

Expressions by Devin has a new office.Well at least a new coat of paint.Hopefully some new decorations in the next couple of days.We have been working on the studio for the past two days.I have to say it looks a lot better then it did. It took a long time to pick out a paint color and a lot of thought to the design.Here are some pictures of before and of the progress we have made.I will post new pictures when the studio is complete.

Night at the movies

2008-02-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to the movies. Joseph saw Rambo with my dad and he loved it. Lots of killing and stuff blowing up yada yada yada. Mom and I went to see Fool's Gold. Whatever you do, don't waste your money. Especially not for Director's Hall tickets. The movie could have been better if it was only an hour long and didn't have a couple of stupid supporting characters that took away from the movie as a whole. I was disappointed because I loved "How to lose a guy in 10 days" and was hoping this would be just as good. Taking the actors from a popular movie and putting them into another one works sometimes but not in this case. When Blockbuster has 1.00 rental night get it then.

I should eat better

2008-02-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, already February. Football season has come and gone. Another Manning has won a Super Bowl trophy. The year is soaring by. Quickly approaching two years with my employer, my thoughts turn to the years gone by. Not much has changed. Perhaps, the reason for time slipping away so quickly is that our minds forget the unchanged. There's simply no reason to remember the same thing twice. That way our memories have room for life's new experiences. Perhaps a vacation is in order for April. Of course I'll have to turn in my vacation request now because everyone knows that the last week of April is a happening time. I can't compete when it comes to seniority so time is of the essence. The time between now and then will, I'm assured, not fly by but my mind will simply forget most of the mundane. Even driving an ambulance with lights and siren down the freeway of life becomes old hat. The thrill subsides when the nerves do the same. A constant battle rages between the world of making a difference and the world of futile efforts. The latter reigns supreme more and more and more. I suppose futility in work becomes the norm, which can so easily be erased by a mind seeking adventure and excitement. Perhaps it is best to only remember the highlights of work. It leaves so much more room for the good times at home. The time spent with my wife, our friends, and family. The time wrestling with the dog. The time someday I'll spend playing KerPlunk with my children. Retirement is only 28 years away. I'll be 51 when I'm eligible for it. Aaaah, then I'll have the time to fill my mind with adventure. Presuming of course I'm able. I suppose I'll have to start preparing now. I really should eat better.

A Fresh Start

2008-02-07T07:16:00.001-08:00

Hey, this is Joe. Devin and I have been toying with the idea of starting up this blog for a little while now. I used to blog heavily on MySpace but as of late all my blogs got deleted during maintenance on the site. It probably wasn't a great loss to literature but nevertheless I felt like I had some good material. Alas, it is time to start anew. I hope you enjoy.