Fall in the air

Today I dropped B off for his first day of school. While the piercing screech of the early morning alarm was an unwelcome intruder into my morning dreams, I am pleased to be thrust back into a morning routine. Making breakfast and helping B get ready for school makes me feel like a good Dad.

It was a cold jeep ride today warranting gloves for the first time this year. I wonder how long it shall be before I am forced to write these posts from the warm side of the large window in the front of the coffee shop, hopefully sitting in the comfy chair.

Back from the lake

I am back from vacation part II and I feel rested and ready to do battle. I am diving back into work today and I have even begun to think of expanding my business. I enjoy spending time at the lake and I need to make more money in the winter to enjoy more time off in the summer.

Bright, beautiful sun

Yesterday we hit a bunch of rain storms on the way up to the lake; some were very intense with torrential downpours. Today it is absolutely beautiful. We went wakeboarding at 0700 and then I went for a short bike ride. I am writing this post from the deck of the coffee shop on the causeway.

J and I had a blowout this morning after he wrapped the tow line around the boat propeller. When I tried to explain he is responsible for all aspects of the boat when on the helm he got all bent out of shape and tried to blame the incident on B who had thrown the line. Often, when we have a disagreement, he storms away in anger but I am getting better at reeling him back in. Later I let him take the boat out with his girlfriend and friend.

Vaca Part II

Today I am meeting a friend for coffee. He is recently married with a new child and reminds me of myself when I was in my twenties. A few years back I got him out of the trades and into IT support. Unfortunately, he has not progressed any further than help desk support. It will be difficult to support a family on what he makes. I have tried to coach him career-wise over the years, but he is not real motivated.

We leave for vacation part II tomorrow. The boat is done and I am excited to get out wakeboarding

Yesterday I took J to Concord for his DMV hearing. The prosecutor recommended a 3 to 4 years loss of license with an additional two years suspended with good behavior. However, the Hearing Officer deferred his decision and we will not know the results for 10 – 15 days.

Emotionally, I am feeling a little better today. I have not taken any meds but I am excited about heading up to the lake. J is only staying with us Saturday and Sunday so things should be calm from Monday on.

Dichotomy

It is a stunningly beautiful day in the town square today. Yet my mood continues to be dark and stormy. Depression can overcome its victim in many ways. Some experience a sudden change in their life that triggers an immediate depressive episode. For me, the loss of joy and interest gradually permeates my soul much like the sea into a sinking vessel. Initially unnoticed by the crew, the ship begins to take on water in its deepest compartments. She becomes sluggish and slow to respond. By the time the crew discovers the hull has been compromised, she is foundering and the crew struggles to start the pumps. Some want a distress call sent out; but the veteran crew members insist they can save the ship without any help.

I really don't want to go back on meds; but also do not want to crash upon the rocks just as I am starting my vacation.

hospitals

Today I am writing this post from Childrens Hospital. We brought B here to see a neurologist about his muscle development issues. We have met with the intern and she conducted a battery of tests and asked many, many questions. We are now waiting for the neurologist to join us. B is doing fine overall. We just would like to understand why he cannot keep up with his peers physically.

Entrepreneur

Owning your own business has many advantages but one major drawback is no paid vacation. This is the first nice day we have had in a while and instead of a day off I am heading to work so I can make up some hours.

Today I ran a 5k with B. I stayed back with him and we ran a 24:32. I must admit that I had hoped for a better time especially with a 7:15 first mile... However, B did his best and I can live with that.

I continue to be in a foul mood. It is probably best that I go to work. I hope my mood improves over the week so I am feeling better for the second week of our vacation.

Home again

I am back in town sitting outside my favorite coffee shop enjoying my favorite beverage. I should be completely relaxed after six days of vacation but instead I am somewhat stressed. We dropped A off at the vet today for her knee operation. This is her second $3,000 surgery and it pains me to think of what else I could have spent that money on. Absent any other factors (such as my son) I am not sure whether I would have paid for the surgery.

Apparently my application to form a cadet unit has been held up largely because of the efforts of the asshole CO of my former unit. He is doing everything possible to stop the new unit and I am beginning to lose interest. I am will wait till I return from vacation in two weeks before investing any significant effort into this endeavor.

Good Ride

I just completed a 32 mile bike ride around long lake and I am sitting down at the causeway outside the coffee shop enjoying my well-earned latte. I brought my crackberry on this ride in case I broke down in some remote area. The mapping feature came in handy at the top of the lake when I was unsure as to which road to take.

This morning we were out wakeboarding at 0700 and the conditions were perfect. We are all jumping the wake now and it is just too much fun.

J, his girlfriend and girlfriend’s sister left yesterday. I love J dearly but he adds a lot of stress whenever he is around. We tend to disagree over even the simplest issues.

Vacation Part I

I am writing this post sitting on my boat, drinking a beer after a hard day at work pulling the kids around on wakeboards. Everyone had a good day today and we are enjoying the weather after a lot of rain. Camping in tents is less than fun when the thunder-storms are rolling through.

Work has been quiet and I have not heard much about my request to form the cadet unit so I have been able to relax and enjoy my vacation.

Trust

Yesterday B observed J driving his girlfriend’s car. While it is legal for J to drive, it is also stupid and needless. His motor vehicle hearing is next month and he will definitely lose his license for multiple years, possibly seven. His lawyer and I had advised him not to drive out of respect for the family of the deceased and to avoid any traffic violation that might adversely impact his motor vehicle hearing. He had agreed not to drive but apparently his word is still worthless. To make matters worse, he lied to D when she questioned him about it.

He is going up to the lake with us tomorrow and I have to sit on my emotions till we return as I don't want to start my vacation fighting with J.