So, for a little while on Sunday, everybody on the Summerfest grounds was Irish. This weekend was Irish Fest. Lots of green, lots of Guiness, and lots of fun.
Holly tends to buy me something very cool when we go; a couple of years ago it was an NYPD tribute jersey that was worn by an Irish football team. This year it was the Irish national team's football jersey.
Saturday, Holly and I attended a wedding of a good friend of ours. Makes for a long day when the wedding is at 1, and the reception is at 5. I like the fast that Milwaukee isn't so big that we couldn't come back to my place between rounds and relax for a bit.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
priceless
Dinner at Saz's: $42
Gas to drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay and back: $30
Ice cream in Green Bay: $10
Spending a Saturday night in Green Bay just because we could: PRICELESS
Gas to drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay and back: $30
Ice cream in Green Bay: $10
Spending a Saturday night in Green Bay just because we could: PRICELESS
Saturday, August 2, 2008
an absolutely fabulous day
I'm sitting outside on the patio at Holly's folks's house, enjoying the awesome weather. The sun is out, there's a nice breeze, and there's a squirrell under the bird feeder feasting on leftovers. Holly and I went down to Whitnall park and picniced today, then returned home to visit with her parents.
It's days like this that refresh my soul and allow to me to stand (or sit) in the wonder of God and His creation.
It's days like this that refresh my soul and allow to me to stand (or sit) in the wonder of God and His creation.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
on moving...
So I've decided to stay where I am.
I didn't feel that the modest financial gain would benefit me being so far from my friends and all that I do.
As a friend commented, all it takes is one or two unplanned trips to Milwaukee to undo everything.
I slept amazingly well last night, which tells me that I made the right call. I wasn't so anxious about my decision that I tossed and turned as I had in previous nights.
Now, who has a broken computer for me to fix? ;)
I didn't feel that the modest financial gain would benefit me being so far from my friends and all that I do.
As a friend commented, all it takes is one or two unplanned trips to Milwaukee to undo everything.
I slept amazingly well last night, which tells me that I made the right call. I wasn't so anxious about my decision that I tossed and turned as I had in previous nights.
Now, who has a broken computer for me to fix? ;)
Monday, July 21, 2008
thoughts from Romans 1:1-17
Some thoughts as I read thru Romans 1 tonight. My thoughts will be in bold, emphasis in italics in the passage is mine.
Romans 1
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit[a] of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
In his greeting to the Roman Christians, Paul re-enforces who Christ is, both in his human heritage (v3), and his Heavenly heritage (v4).
7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Longing to Visit Rome
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—
When was the last time we were eager to go to church and see other believers?
12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
When was the last time we were encouraged by another's faith?
13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
Paul had a willing and receptive audience in Rome. There were some Christians already there, but for the most part, Rome was ripe for the new idea that the Gospel presented.
16I am not ashamed of the gospel,
Are WE ashamed of the Gospel? Is Jesus an afterthought to our friends and co-workers?
because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[c] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."[d]
Salvation for everyone...no matter what he or she has done. No sin too small, or too big, for God to overlook. No sin too small, or too big, for Christ to forgive.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
the cost of living
I've recently been apartment hunting to try to lower my expenses. Mind you, my current apartment runs me $465 a month for my studio, storage in the basement and a parking spot and includes heat and water; factor in electric, total of $500.
Why would I move?
To save money.
My commute to work is 50 round trip, 5 days a week. 250 miles, almost all highway.
My car gets better than 30 miles per gallon, so just on driving to work alone, per month, I spend $133 (figured at $4 a gallon/30 MPG).
I've got a lead on a place in Oconomowoc, 4 miles from work. Eight miles a day round trip. Forty miles a week. $585 a month, heat AND electric included.
So what's the problem?
I currently live 3 miles away from my girlfriend. This is the woman I want to marry. Currently, our schedules only allow us to see each other a couple of times a week, Thursdays for laundry at her folk's house, and a couple of days during the weekend.
Now it's a scheduling issue, but if I move 30 west, it's a logistics issue.
Would I be saving enough money to make it all work out?
Why would I move?
To save money.
My commute to work is 50 round trip, 5 days a week. 250 miles, almost all highway.
My car gets better than 30 miles per gallon, so just on driving to work alone, per month, I spend $133 (figured at $4 a gallon/30 MPG).
I've got a lead on a place in Oconomowoc, 4 miles from work. Eight miles a day round trip. Forty miles a week. $585 a month, heat AND electric included.
So what's the problem?
I currently live 3 miles away from my girlfriend. This is the woman I want to marry. Currently, our schedules only allow us to see each other a couple of times a week, Thursdays for laundry at her folk's house, and a couple of days during the weekend.
Now it's a scheduling issue, but if I move 30 west, it's a logistics issue.
Would I be saving enough money to make it all work out?
Monday, July 7, 2008
aftermath of the weekend
Hope you had a good holiday weekend...here's how mine went:
worked on the 3rd, over to Holly's for dinner, at which she and I decided to go to the fireworks on the lakefront. We tried a new location this year: the South side. The booms were a little late, but otherwise it went well. We were home in 20 minutes after the fireworks done.
For the 4th, picked up my buddy Curtis, and we joined Holly's Dad at the Holz Chevrolet car show. Nine-hundred cars, mostly classic muscle and some antique. We were able to case the grounds in about 2 hours.
Drop off Curtis at his place, then back to my place to pick up the fixin's for taco salad. Make that over at Holly's house for the get together that afternoon. It was a hit :P
Saturday I had a client in the morning, then bummed around my apartment. Went over to a friends house to watch the race from Daytona, then home.
Spent Sunday with Holly, just hanging out. After church, we had lunch at BW3's Mayfair, then listed to the rest of the ballgame at my place. Made a quick custard run, then went for a ride around town. Stopped to see some friends over in Oak Creek, then home to get ready for the work week.
Not entirely interesting, but then, if it was all interesting, how would we appreciate the differences??
worked on the 3rd, over to Holly's for dinner, at which she and I decided to go to the fireworks on the lakefront. We tried a new location this year: the South side. The booms were a little late, but otherwise it went well. We were home in 20 minutes after the fireworks done.
For the 4th, picked up my buddy Curtis, and we joined Holly's Dad at the Holz Chevrolet car show. Nine-hundred cars, mostly classic muscle and some antique. We were able to case the grounds in about 2 hours.
Drop off Curtis at his place, then back to my place to pick up the fixin's for taco salad. Make that over at Holly's house for the get together that afternoon. It was a hit :P
Saturday I had a client in the morning, then bummed around my apartment. Went over to a friends house to watch the race from Daytona, then home.
Spent Sunday with Holly, just hanging out. After church, we had lunch at BW3's Mayfair, then listed to the rest of the ballgame at my place. Made a quick custard run, then went for a ride around town. Stopped to see some friends over in Oak Creek, then home to get ready for the work week.
Not entirely interesting, but then, if it was all interesting, how would we appreciate the differences??
Thursday, July 3, 2008
waiting vs. anticipating
Holly and I were out for a walk Monday night, and we were talking about things pertaining to our church. I mentioned that I didn't feel like I was waiting for something, but that I am anticipating something.
She asked me to explain the difference.
Waiting....merely passing time until the next event, like at the doctors office; you wait to see the doctor.
Anticipating...expecting something to happen...like Christmas. You don't wait for Christmas, you anticipate it.
I'll be honest, I don't know what I'm anticipating, but I think it's gonna be cool.
She asked me to explain the difference.
Waiting....merely passing time until the next event, like at the doctors office; you wait to see the doctor.
Anticipating...expecting something to happen...like Christmas. You don't wait for Christmas, you anticipate it.
I'll be honest, I don't know what I'm anticipating, but I think it's gonna be cool.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
racecars
As you may or may not know, dear reader, I'm a Nascar fan. I also happen to live across the street from the legendary Milwaukee Mile. This past weekend, the Craftsman truck series and the Nationwide series were in town.
Johnny Benson, winner of the Truck race on Friday night.
When I go to the track, I take my scanner. This allows me to listen in on radio communication between drivers, and crew chiefs, Nascar officials and track officials. I use noise cancelling headphones to save my hearing.
Carl Edwards. Flew in from California to run the event, then flew back to run the Sprint Cup race on Sunday.
Time to change the tires and put in some gas.
Under caution. Scott Wimmer, from Wisconsin, leads; Carl is second; Mike Bliss is third.
I had a great time both night. Friday got interesting as they cleared the bleachers due to lightning, but finished the race after the threat was gone.
Johnny Benson, winner of the Truck race on Friday night.
When I go to the track, I take my scanner. This allows me to listen in on radio communication between drivers, and crew chiefs, Nascar officials and track officials. I use noise cancelling headphones to save my hearing.
Carl Edwards. Flew in from California to run the event, then flew back to run the Sprint Cup race on Sunday.
Time to change the tires and put in some gas.
Under caution. Scott Wimmer, from Wisconsin, leads; Carl is second; Mike Bliss is third.I had a great time both night. Friday got interesting as they cleared the bleachers due to lightning, but finished the race after the threat was gone.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
detours and such
Check out my other blog for pics of the floodwater along I-94 between Milwaukee and Madison
http://thechadhasspoken.blogspot.com
http://thechadhasspoken.blogspot.com
feeling nostalgic
For some reason today, I missed my old home in Central Illinois. Maybe, just maybe it's that tomorrow, June 19th, marks 9 years in Milwaukee. Nine years since I moved out of my mom's house to the Big City to start new.
I remember the radio station I used to listen to, WWCT, or Rock 106 as it was known. Great morning show to listen to while I drove to school, great rock on the air. I had a couple classes with one of the DJs, and got to know him fairly well.
I remember 4th of July on the Riverfront in Peoria. Fireworks set to music by another station in town. Place would be packed.
Late night movies at the Willow Knolls 14.
Hanging out at the riverfront in Pekin, under the bridge with our musclecars.
Burgers at Schooner's in Morton.
Torpedo's at La Gondola in Pekin.
99 cent gas.
Monday nights at Brown's house.
I remember the radio station I used to listen to, WWCT, or Rock 106 as it was known. Great morning show to listen to while I drove to school, great rock on the air. I had a couple classes with one of the DJs, and got to know him fairly well.
I remember 4th of July on the Riverfront in Peoria. Fireworks set to music by another station in town. Place would be packed.
Late night movies at the Willow Knolls 14.
Hanging out at the riverfront in Pekin, under the bridge with our musclecars.
Burgers at Schooner's in Morton.
Torpedo's at La Gondola in Pekin.
99 cent gas.
Monday nights at Brown's house.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
oh Faramir, how you have fallen
when last we saw Faramir, he was in Middle Earth.
I guess he's fallen on hard times....I found him at Miller Park recently...
working for peanuts!
I guess he's fallen on hard times....I found him at Miller Park recently...
working for peanuts!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
I love West Allis
So, I drop Holly off at home around 10:45pm Saturday night after dinner with a friend. On my way home, I'm a few blocks away from my apartment when I see an Indy car turn right off of National onto 84th....an INDY car...
As soon as my light turned green, I followed it to Paulie's Pub. Race home, park my car and walk back to the bar to see what I have to do to get a ride...
I walk up, West Allis' finest are issuing a noise citation because one of the neighbors compained.
YOU LIVE NEXT TO A RACETRACK!!!
The racecar in question was the Jim Beam two seater, used for taking fans for rides around the racetracks the Indy car series is racing at. Paulie's Pub must have worked something out with Jim Beam. Funny thing is, the car had headlights, taillights, turn signals and an Indiana license plate...totally legal. Heck, the Harley's are waaaaay louder. Oh well...we laughed it off.
As soon as my light turned green, I followed it to Paulie's Pub. Race home, park my car and walk back to the bar to see what I have to do to get a ride...
I walk up, West Allis' finest are issuing a noise citation because one of the neighbors compained.
YOU LIVE NEXT TO A RACETRACK!!!
The racecar in question was the Jim Beam two seater, used for taking fans for rides around the racetracks the Indy car series is racing at. Paulie's Pub must have worked something out with Jim Beam. Funny thing is, the car had headlights, taillights, turn signals and an Indiana license plate...totally legal. Heck, the Harley's are waaaaay louder. Oh well...we laughed it off.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
reflections on the weekend
Holly and I drove down to Illinois to visit my family over the holiday weekend. We left Saturday around 9am and made it to my sister's house in Western Illinois about 2ish (271 miles). We then met up with some old friends of mine for dinner at their house around 4 (21 miles), back to my sisters around 10:30 (21 miles). Both Holly and I had a hard time sleeping, as there seemed to be alot of noises we weren't used to, like coyotes and clock radios and me snoring.
Sunday morning, we we're up early to head to church (32 miles). I have a friend from my high school days who is pastoring a new church plant on the riverfront in Peoria, and we also got to hook up with some other friends of mine, Cory and Vicky. After church, Holly and I we're invited over to Cory and Vicky's (7.4 miles) for lunch and a chance to talk and catch up.
After lunch, Holly and I headed back to my sister's house (40 miles) for my youngest nieces birthday party. After cake and pizza, we hang out for a bit to talk with my mom and stepdad. about 5:30, we leave to head to my dad's house (30 miles) to watch the Nascar race and hang out with my dad and stepmom.
Up Monday morning for breakfast, then off to my paternal grandparents (59 miles) to have lunch with them and catch up. My Dad's folks are 84, and living in their own house after taking a stab at assisted living. They didn't care for the assisted living deal, so they bought a house that has a handicapped accessible bathroom, as Granddad had a stroke about 5 years ago and has limited use of his left side.
Next stop: Maternal Grandparents (18.5 miles). No food here, just a chance to visit for a couple hours. After that, we head to my mom's (1 mile) for dinner. Mom went all out: meatload, peas, biscuits....so much good food. We sat for a while after dinner, during which I entered a slight food coma. Holly took the wheel when we left for the first leg home, aided by my GPS. We stopped in Rochelle Illinois to gas up and get beverages, and I took the wheel for the rest of the way home (250 miles). I dropped Holly off at her house about 1am, then made my way home.
I included the mileage because I wanted to show that "going home" is never a short hop, even once I get there. We did it on less than three tanks of gas, two energy drinks, 2 sprite zero's, 1 diet coke, and a bag of cheese curds.
Why do I make that effort? I am blessed at the age of 32 to have all four grandparents, and I love my family. It's worth the numb butt and gas money to see them when I have the chance.
Sunday morning, we we're up early to head to church (32 miles). I have a friend from my high school days who is pastoring a new church plant on the riverfront in Peoria, and we also got to hook up with some other friends of mine, Cory and Vicky. After church, Holly and I we're invited over to Cory and Vicky's (7.4 miles) for lunch and a chance to talk and catch up.
After lunch, Holly and I headed back to my sister's house (40 miles) for my youngest nieces birthday party. After cake and pizza, we hang out for a bit to talk with my mom and stepdad. about 5:30, we leave to head to my dad's house (30 miles) to watch the Nascar race and hang out with my dad and stepmom.
Up Monday morning for breakfast, then off to my paternal grandparents (59 miles) to have lunch with them and catch up. My Dad's folks are 84, and living in their own house after taking a stab at assisted living. They didn't care for the assisted living deal, so they bought a house that has a handicapped accessible bathroom, as Granddad had a stroke about 5 years ago and has limited use of his left side.
Next stop: Maternal Grandparents (18.5 miles). No food here, just a chance to visit for a couple hours. After that, we head to my mom's (1 mile) for dinner. Mom went all out: meatload, peas, biscuits....so much good food. We sat for a while after dinner, during which I entered a slight food coma. Holly took the wheel when we left for the first leg home, aided by my GPS. We stopped in Rochelle Illinois to gas up and get beverages, and I took the wheel for the rest of the way home (250 miles). I dropped Holly off at her house about 1am, then made my way home.
I included the mileage because I wanted to show that "going home" is never a short hop, even once I get there. We did it on less than three tanks of gas, two energy drinks, 2 sprite zero's, 1 diet coke, and a bag of cheese curds.
Why do I make that effort? I am blessed at the age of 32 to have all four grandparents, and I love my family. It's worth the numb butt and gas money to see them when I have the chance.
Friday, May 23, 2008
catching up...
Wednesday, I thought I DVR'd American Idol, but it didnt' take for some reason. I did see it live, and went nearly deaf if my left ear the my Amazing Girlfriend screamed her delight of the David Cook victory.
Go David Cook....looking forward to your first album.
Long holiday weekend....using it to see family and friends in Illinois. I don't care that regular unleaded is $4.19 a gallon...I refuse to let that deter me. I have always laid the route for weekends like this based on mileage and time, and this trip is no different.
I'm on vacation all next week. Looking forward to that :)
Go David Cook....looking forward to your first album.
Long holiday weekend....using it to see family and friends in Illinois. I don't care that regular unleaded is $4.19 a gallon...I refuse to let that deter me. I have always laid the route for weekends like this based on mileage and time, and this trip is no different.
I'm on vacation all next week. Looking forward to that :)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
it's only Wednesday
it's only Wednesday....feels to me like it should be later than that this week.
Tonight I was home by 8:30...earliest so far this week. Between work and other appointments, I've been getting home late each night, and getting to bed late as well.
That makes for a tired Chad.
I'm enjoying a beverage before heading off to bed.
How's your week so far??
Tonight I was home by 8:30...earliest so far this week. Between work and other appointments, I've been getting home late each night, and getting to bed late as well.
That makes for a tired Chad.
I'm enjoying a beverage before heading off to bed.
How's your week so far??
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
time for a touch up
Welcome to the new layout and title of my blog. I felt it was time for a fresh look, so I looked around for a new layout and found this one. Works for me.
I've also started another blog that's more politically/civilly minded; that blog can be found here.
I'm keeping this blog as an observational documentation. Translated: this is where I'll ramble about getting older, people watching and general light hearted stuff.
:)
I've also started another blog that's more politically/civilly minded; that blog can be found here.
I'm keeping this blog as an observational documentation. Translated: this is where I'll ramble about getting older, people watching and general light hearted stuff.
:)
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