i'm Alive!!!

Technically according to my Google Talk status "I'm alive and kicking". I say this because it has been forever since I have had a chance to blog. Not so much had a chance but really haven't had any interest in looking at a computer screen after spending 10 to 12 hours a day staring at a server (baffled most times). This last week has in my mind been the first week (in the last 2 months) that I really have felt that I was back assigned to a submarine (yes still new construction but still sucks). This means early mornings (to work-out before work) and late days troubleshooting and installing equipment and software. With all of this I can't thank Maddie and Amanda enough for their patience (though Amanda is used to this) while adjusting to the work load and dealing with my LAN that is an abomination (not kidding - this network is so over engineered and complicated that it didn't even make it a day getting turned over to me that something wasn't working).

Fortunately this long week was followed up by a long weekend to spend some time with the family, get some tasks done, and ultimately get some rest to recharge before starting the week all over again. I don't know if I am ready to start the week again but I am definitely thankful for the time to spend with my family (Thanks Columbus - though I don't understand how this is a holiday - oh well).

So some of the things we did this weekend:

Movie Night - Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue

Pretty much finished my Entertainment Center Project
(Blog post to follow)

Shopping for Christmas (Yes we get this done early)

Beer Run to Grape and Gourmet

Lowes Build and Grow Event with Maddie
(Blog post to follow)

Video Game time - Plants vs Zombies

Grown-up Only Movie Night(s) - Date Night and Iron Man 2

The boy and girl who cried....

HEART ATTACK!!! While I know it is not exactly appropriate to fake a heart attack (unless as a last resort to get out a sticky situation or awkward moment) I do often find humor or attempt to generate humor in the oddest ways. I admit (acceptance is the first step right?) that my sense of humor can be a bit strange at times but as far I am concerned if I get a smile, laugh, or head shake then I have been at least somewhat successful in brightening up someone's day.

So an ongoing.. joke? prank? way of driving my wife crazy? I have is any time I have indigestion or heart burn I pull the old "Ohhh... It's the big one!!!" while clutching my chest. My way of thinking is that I am young enough that I can pull this off without worry of a real heart attack hitting with my wife thinking that I am just messing around (apparently my performance is Oscar winning) but it definitely upsets her that I do this (don't worry.. it's a loving kind of upset). I tend to walk that fine line of amusing my wife and driving her nuts with most the time teetering on the amusing side.
One day my wife and I were sitting on the couch relaxing. Maddie was on the floor playing with her toys when all of the sudden she stands up, clutches her chest, and says "Ohh... It's the big one!!!". Completely out of the blue, no prompting, and I hadn't even recently done this to Amanda. Both of us cracked up (apparently Maddie can do this without a scolding).

While there is a lot of things that Maddie could pick up from me that are less than desirable, I think I can live with her assimilating my sense of humor and flair for dramatics. Though this may be a different story some day when I am called for a parent-teacher conference to explain why I taught my daughter to fake a heart attack during a math test (I guarantee Amanda will leave this completely up to me to explain... eye roll included).

Sweet Princess or Maniacal Genius?

So there is no doubt in mine and my wife's minds that Maddie is just the sweetest little girl but I often have to remind myself that she is her father's daughter (my wife reminds me quite a bit).

My most recent reminder that my daughter does and will most likely have me wrapped around her little finger happened the other day.

I am getting ready to transfer to a new command (back to sea.. um not really I'm going to a new construction submarine.. wifey is super happy) and as part of that my family has to get certain stuff in order. I was fortunate enough to meet up with Amanda and Maddie during the work day to get my wife's military ID updated and they both met me at the ID office. We got the task done (Amanda it wouldn't have been such a mug shot if you would have just showed your beautiful smile) and I had another errand to run separately so gave kisses and went on my way.

After I got back to my car I found that my wonderful wife and daughter had left me a note. Just a simple note from Mommy and Maddie. Super sweet and definitely made my day but wait... not yet the break your heart moment.


So I get home that night and Maddie is lovey dubby and talkative (usually I have to beg for a kiss or hug when I'm leaving for work). We actually got some game time with her favorite game Club Penguin where she was giving me kisses on the cheek every time I got her coins (trend here?).


A little later Maddie and I were sitting at the kitchen table when all of the sudden she reaches over, puts her hands on my cheeks, says "Daddy I'm really happy you liked your note", and then leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. Daddy is mush in Maddie's hands. She probably could have asked for a pony right then and there.

And so begins the struggle not to fold at every whim but to still make sure my little princess is happy (I know Amanda will keep me in check.. though I pretty much already fold to her whims so there is probably no hope for me).