Two weeks after Andy turned 40, his brother, Dave, also turned 40. We headed up to the Rockford area for the birthday bash. We stayed in Byron with my Uncle Art and Aunt Tammy. We drove up on Friday and got to Byron about 6 pm. My cousin, Erin, and her daughter, Thalia, were there. This was especially exciting for me because I had not seen Erin since her wedding and had never met Thalia, who is 5 years old. It was a great evening. We hung out in their pool, chatted, and watched the kids play. Thalia and Laura got along very well and played until bedtime. Laura was especially excited because Tammy painted her toenails and fingernails! After eating a large portion of Tammy’s cherry tomatoes, Laura also decided that she was the “Queen of Tomatoes” and even made up a song and dance to it. Lucky for all of you, Andy caughtit onvideo.
Another birthday has come and gone. This one, however, was a little different than most. I was born on July 23, 1970. If my deteriorating gray matter can still do subtraction, that puts me at the big 4-0. Statistically, I'm beginning the last half of my life. The beginning is all behind me, only the end lies ahead. On the other hand, I've lived 40 pretty good years. If the next 40 (I hope) are as good, or even better, I'm the luckiest man alive. I have some much better things to look forward to than I did in the past 40 years, too. I have two beautiful children I get to watch grow and become independent people. I get to grow old with my wonderful wife, and try to keep her from becoming a grumpy old lady (being grumpy and old is my job!) I've spent 40 years laying the groundwork for enjoying the life that's just beginning! I'm able to say that it's because of the great (sometimes "interesting") people I'm related to, and the wonderful people I've met along the way.
I had the opportunity to celebrate my life and everything I have with a lot of those people recently, thanks to Erica (who planned a great birthday party). We spent a lot of time preparing the house in the days leading up to the party, and I was afraid I was going to be too exhausted to really enjoy it. Steam cleaning old carpets until 1am is never fun. We patched walls, painted, scrubbed, cleaned, polished, and touched up everything. I spent Thursday working on the yard (and got a nice sunburn for my efforts!) trying to get it ready too. It was a lot of work, and left time for little else.
You are probably wondering why we haven’t posted in a while. Well, up until recently, we haven’t had much to say. June was an incredibly busy month, but it was mostly because every weekend we had projects to complete. This is all in preparation for Andy’s 40th birthday party or at least that is the excuse I’m using, because it’s better than admitting we just have found other things to do!
Finish the garden – It looks great and is growing fast now. Soon we will have fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, and jalapeno pepper. We also planted brussel sprouts, but I’m not so sure about those.
Add new mulch to the front planting beds – It took 9 bags to remulch. I had no idea so much had washed away in just a year’s time.
Clean the outside of the house – Ask Andy about the house wash that he found at Home Depot for only $8/bottle. Spray it on, let it sit for 5 minutes, and rinse it off. All the mold GONE.
Clean the deck – We used the deck wash from the same company that made the house wash. Our deck is amazingly clean. It had a lot of mold on it and it’s gone now! Of course, the actual cleaning process was a lot of scrubbing and hard work, but it looks great now!
This is a list of some of the more interesting fortunes I have received in fortune cookies in Chinese restaurants. When you read them, be sure to add the phrase "in bed" to the end!
Your lucky number for this week is the number five. (5 was NOT listed on the back)
Now is the time for you to explore. Take a vacation. (clearly should have been in an "advice cookie")
Your respect for others will be your ticket to success.
Your judgement is a little off at this time. Rely on friends.
You discover treasures where others see nothing unusual.
A four-wheeled adventure will soon bring you happiness.
You will attend an unusual party and meet someone important.
You have an active mind and a keen imagination.
Need some adventure and enjoyment? Take a vacation. (another advice cookie)
Tomorrow your creative side will shine forth with exceptional ideas.
An enjoyable vacation is awaiting you near the mountains. (I see a pattern)
You will soon bring joy to someone.
A nice cake is waiting for you. (yes, the smiles were included, but I was hoping for *pie*)
Don't underestimate yourself. Your social skills are needed by others at this time.
You will be the guest of a gracious host within the month.
Soon, you will receive pleasant news.
You will soon receive help from an unexpected source.
Treat yourself to something of quality. You deserve it.
You should be able to undertake and complete anything you desire.
Investigate new possibilities with friends. Now is the time!
Now is a good time to finish up old tasks.
Do something unusual tomorrow.
You will have good luck in your personal affairs.
You shouldn't overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.
There are lessons to be learned by listening to others.
You will have gold pieces by the bushel. (I suppose this would be great in WoW or D&D)
You will obtain your goal if you maintain your course.
Your hard work is about to pay off.
Your path may be difficult, but will be rewarding.
Things are not always what they seem. It's not that bad! (How comforting.)
Investigate new possibilities with friends. Now is the time!
Now is the best time for you to be spontaneous. Serendipity!
You will make a change for the better.
This year your highest priority will be your family.
You will soon be the center of attention. (Maybe this one should have been for Laura?)
Do not dwell on differences with a loved one. Try to compromise.
You will make a change for the better.
A long lost relative will surface soon to your benefit! (Surface? As in, float to the surface?)
The world will soon be ready to receive your talents.
Keep your feet on the ground even though friends flatter you.
Tomorrow is a good day for trying something new. (Nothing like procrastination, eh?)
Remember three months from this date. Good things are in store for you. (That'll be August 18, 2010, if you're counting)
Tomorrow will be lucky and memorable for you.
This year your highest priorty will be your family.
Take some needed time to relax in the next few days. (Got this one right before taking a couple days off work!)
Old friends, old wines, and old gold are best.
Your imagination will point you in a new directions. Go for it!
You will attend an unusual party and meet someone important.
You will have good luck in your personal affairs this month.
You will soon be receiving sound spoken advice. Listen!
This year your highest priority will be your family.
Focus on your long-term goal. Good things will soon happen.
Blog
Two weeks after Andy turned 40, his brother, Dave, also turned 40. We headed up to the Rockford area for the birthday bash. We stayed in Byron with my Uncle Art and Aunt Tammy. We drove up on Friday and got to Byron about 6 pm. My cousin, Erin, and her daughter, Thalia, were there. This was especially exciting for me because I had not seen Erin since her wedding and had never met Thalia, who is 5 years old. It was a great evening. We hung out in their pool, chatted, and watched the kids play. Thalia and Laura got along very well and played until bedtime. Laura was especially excited because Tammy painted her toenails and fingernails! After eating a large portion of Tammy’s cherry tomatoes, Laura also decided that she was the “Queen of Tomatoes” and even made up a song and dance to it. Lucky for all of you, Andy 
Another birthday has come and gone. This one, however, was a little different than most. I was born on July 23, 1970. If my deteriorating gray matter can still do subtraction, that puts me at the big 4-0. Statistically, I'm beginning the last half of my life. The beginning is all behind me, only the end lies ahead. On the other hand, I've lived 40 pretty good years. If the next 40 (I hope) are as good, or even better, I'm the luckiest man alive. I have some much better things to look forward to than I did in the past 40 years, too. I have two beautiful children I get to watch grow and become independent people. I get to grow old with my wonderful wife, and try to keep her from becoming a grumpy old lady (being grumpy and old is my job!) I've spent 40 years laying the groundwork for enjoying the life that's just beginning! I'm able to say that it's because of the great (sometimes "interesting") people I'm related to, and the wonderful people I've met along the way.
You are probably wondering why we haven’t posted in a while. Well, up until recently, we haven’t had much to say. June was an incredibly busy month, but it was mostly because every weekend we had projects to complete. This is all in preparation for Andy’s 40th birthday party or at least that is the excuse I’m using, because it’s better than admitting we just have found other things to do! 
A nice cake is waiting for you.