and I feel like I’m about to be in the greatest adventure ever.

I had a full steam ahead attitude and spent today cleaning the house, getting the kids room together and continually calling Ryan to wish him a happy birthday.

He thinks that I got him a stuffed duck for his birthday since I call him my little duck. But NOOoooo he got something completely different.

As for Santa, I was asked to keep the amount of stuff down since they would have to ship it back to Indiana since they wouldn’t be able to fit it in the car as they are being picked up to spend Christmas in Disney.

How do I top that?

I don’t. I can’t. So I do the best I can with the time that I have with them and in the end, I can only hope that they both know that their dad loves them.

Joanna’s being gone is a pain in my ass.

At one point today I cried out from the garage to Jo, expecting her to be there.

I am such an idiot!

But it does prove how important she is in my life.

I’m a lucky man I tell you. In 5 days and change, I’m a married man again.

And I CAN’T wait!

In today’s What I know… I’m warning friends about wedding plans thus not avoiding their Christmas parties, telling you what I thought of last night and thanking you!

What I know … the December 11th edition, eight days before I get married:

Tonight is the last Christmas party until we get back from the wedding. Joanna leaves for Austin Sat morning.  I pick up the kids from the airport on Wednesday and spend time with them until I head down to the wedding site.  You are sooo Lucky Lubbock Mustang Club, we are able to fit you in tonight.

I’m sorry to the many people we had to turn down, but Joanna’s going to be gone and I want to spend some quality time with the kids before the wedding.

And my deepest apologies to Matt…

I know that I promised to make your party this year, but you scheduling it on my WEDDING DAY, even though you were INVITED to the wedding seems wrong.  Or maybe you are doing it because of it…  And I TOLD YOU that the Browns would beat the Steelers.  HAHAHAHAHA Dinner is on you when we get together next.

Trans Siberian Orchestra

Last night was a sight and sound extravaganza.  TSO put on one of the most amazing shows last night at the USA.  Joanna would have like to hear Wish List. I was scared about the lack of “play” and fun portion of the program as TSO concentrated on some of the new songs from their album Night Castle.  They were in the middle of 8 shows in 5 days, and when you are the 4th show in, fatigue has already set in.

I was extremely impressed with the new violin players that TSO – West had picked up for this year.  They won me over with the “play” piano section where Patrelli highlighted his wife’s incredible talent.  Though it isn’t a guitar battle  (three years ago) or piano battle (two years ago) … it was amazing.

The additional trucks that they had to have for the video presentation was money well spent.  I think that the images of marching toy soldiers was really good.

I love listening to comments of people as they walk out.  Most of them are, “Wow,” “Now I understand what you are talking about Dad,” and “We’re getting tickets next year!”

But the best comment of them all , from a 40 year old man, last night was “This is the closest thing that mom and dad would come to an acid trip!”

I couldn’t help but start laughing.

Then I was stunned into ewww mode.

Now the USA has catwalks that go to stairs that escort people from the second level to the main concourse level.

The USA staff had turned on the fans to suck out all the smoke and haze from the USA and with the wind caused a fairly plump 40 year old woman’s dress to fly up…

and show those of us who heard her gasp…

her lack of underwear.

Ladies, if you can pound down a dozen donuts and call it a snack, for the sake of those around you. WEAR UNDERWEAR!!!

All I could think of was Wynonna’s Big Brown Beaver from Primus.

Thanking You!

For the record, I’m not nervous about the wedding.  I have to thank my family, friends and co-workers for supporting me during this Perfect Storm of events and things till the New Year!

First it was big work event, followed by TSO, followed by the kids, then the wedding.

You guys are making this EASY!

So let me ask you one more time to get me your song titles for the music that you want to hear at the wedding.

Otherwise…

It’s hearing the 17 song play list over and OVER again!

Love, Luck and Lollipops , ROCK ON!

We want to know what 3 songs that you want to hear at the wedding reception. You guys help pick the play list …! We always love the help of our friends. Let me know what songs you want to hear and if the “Music Director” approves it, you will be jamming along to it at the wedding reception.

Now all the music for the major dances are done.

The music while you eat are chosen.

The music for the introduction of the Bridal Party is done.

But what do we dance to after all the formalities are done?

Please help us make the decision.

Otherwise it’s 3 hours of the Chicken dance. And nobody wants that!

The Groom

* His wedding attire

Tuxing it up! Sized and just have to pick the place where I’ll rent it from.
CHECK!

* The bride’s engagement ring and wedding band

Engagement Ring paying off and wedding band FOUND but not acquired
Work in progress!

* Gift’s for his attendants

I found the perfect thing for my guys, now will all of them show up? I dunno.
Work in progress!

* The marriage license

I’ll get closer to the wedding.
Work in progress!

* His medical examination and blood tests

No med exam/blood tests  in the Great State of Texas.
CHECK!!

* A present for the bride

Found but haven’t acquired yet.
Work in progress!

* The bridal bouquet and corsages for the mothers

I’ll get closer to the wedding. As of right now only one mom coming so cost is 1/2 what I expected.
Work in progress!

* All boutonnieres for the ushers, fathers and himself

I’ll get closer to the wedding.  As of right now only one dad coming so cost is 1/2 what I expected.
Work in progress!

* All honeymoon costs

We’re not taking one.  Just ran out of vacation days and we’ve both be stressing too much, but we’ll have one, just not after the wedding. We can have the perfect honeymoon when it’s right for us.

We’re not a traditional family!

So far I’m a
“Work in progress!”

Right now I have no idea on showers, bridal or otherwise.  Consult Joanna for any and all shower information!  All I need to know is When, Where, what should I wear and are the kids there?

Postscript: No showers have been planned.

I’m keeping clear from the parental units as we are not in communication right now.  I’m hoping for the best like my friends continue to tell me but expecting the  tragic worst.

I’ve spent more time worrying about the house and the bills with a recent paycut that playing cards online, reading blogs have all taken a back seat.

So let me address the following while I’m thinking of it. I twitter when I can but, I can’t post on my phone yet, have to figure that one out.

Bam – Bam : Still thinking of your father in law in my prayers and your blog is required reading for Frantic Fridays.

John Hartness : Your choices series is one of the best pieces I have read in a long time. Well written and I can see the further plotlines you have ahead. Well done sir.

Prince of Houston : Yup, I’m alive, barely but I’ll call you this week.

OOSSUUU754 : Brother, I’m not forgetting you, just have had one shit week.  Will get back to you on Thursday.

Gcox25 : I’m still here sir, and I’m dragging my mean as a snake fiance up there soon.  Okie Vegas I need your healing waters.

F-Train : Have faith in your play.

CK : You are amazing

Doc Chako : Single parenting sucks huh, I believe in you.  Give The Wife my love.

The Wife : I know I’ve fallen off the face of the earth, but losing all your phone numbers when my phone melted is the reason.  We’ll connect soon.

DRhodes : My friend, I’m here, we’re both busy, let’s pillage some dude soon

Riggstad : Are you still alive?

If I haven’t mentioned you it wasn’t with malice, it’s just what I can think of right at this second.

I’m taking things slow, because I get the kids soon and it will be totally worth it.  All my pain will be gone soon.

I’m counting the days Shelby and Ryan.