3.059

Is the current gas price. Actually went down 2¢ per gallon in the last two days.

Hopefully this is a good thing

Now that Memorial Day is over, I am sure, gas will surely dip below the $3.00 per gallon mark, only to increase again around July 4^th.

Gotta love the oil companies

--gfo

A Short(er) Week

Although this is a holiday shortened work week, life will be busy for me here in the office, and I will probably come in for a little bit this Saturday. One good thing though is that we only have two night of baseball and softball, Thursday and Friday.

Had a very relaxing weekend, got to sleep in all three days, and best of all, I did not think once about work, which made it easier to relax even more

Now I just need to figure out what I want for my birthday day next week?

--gfo

Lest We Forget

Those who have made the ulitmate sacrifice for this country, to keep us free, and the world free for others. Though many people have differing opinions, we should never forget the men and woman who died, protecting the very freedoms that so many people in this world lack, and many Americans take for granted.

Today is a day of remembrance, let's keep it that way

--gfo

Man Its Hot

The last few days the temperatures have been in the upper 80's. Right now as I type its 87°. I actually put our air conditioner in our room last night too. The overnight temperatures are only going down to the mid 70's. The forecast for the week is much of the same. At least the humidity hasn't come in yet...but I am sure that is on the way. Looks like it will cool down into the 70's toward the end of the week

We even put our living room air conditioner on today, its old but it does the trick. I grilled some steaks today, and man it was hot standing in front of the grill

...and its not even summer yet, officially

--gfo

This Will Get Your Heart Pumping

A video of a Bugatti Veyron being tested to see if it can achieve its top speed of 407 KMH/253MPH. Amazing watching this car move as fast as it does.

Italian engineering at its finest, and you can own one for just over 1.4 Million dollars

--gfo

Good Meal, Better Price

Today the kids got out of school at 1300 because they had field day. As is tradition when they have early days, and one of us is off, we go out to lunch. Today we decided to go to the Old Country Buffet. We haven't been there in a long time, and I forgot how good their food and selection is. It cost me and two kids $19.02 for the all you can all eat buffet. I had four taco's, a cheeseburger, and two serving of macaroni and cheese. For dessert I had two pieces of cherry cheesecake.

My son had taco's and mac and cheese, and vanilla ice cream. My daughter had two servings of mac and cheese and spaghetti.

For the amount of money spent and for the food we ate, I'd say we got our money's worth. I am still full.

We definitely will make this one of regular lunch places.

--gfo

Catch Up Day

Since today like every Friday is a ½ day here in the office, I hope to catch up and clean up on things that I have been pushing aside in favor of other projects/priorities. I am for the most part caught up on my regular work, and planned on straightening things up and closing out some things that have been clogging by desk and in bin.

Will be nice to have a long weekend, and enjoy some family time

--gfo

Like Father Like Son

So the boy has a bad dream last night and ends up in our bed sleeping between us. I wake up about 0400 this morning, and I am cold, turns out he has all the covers.

Guess he got my cover hog gene

--gfo

3.079

Was the price I paid last night to fill up my car. $30.00 to fill up the tank in my car.

4¢ increase in two days.

--gfo

The Game Goes on

Last night prior to the start of our softball game, the other coach and I were informed that one of our girl's father passed away earlier that day. He was in his 50's, she is about 8 or 9. Despite her mother's objection the girl wanted to play, and she did. The girl said that Daddy would have wanted me too, and he will be watching me from heaven. She seemed okay throughout the game, played well, and even got a hit.

We didn't tell the other girls about what happened, we did tell ours (his two and mine) after the game. We kept an eye on her to make she was okay, and most importantly maintaining her focus on the game for her own safety.The girl's mother showed up about the second inning, and I offered my condolences, but I didn't know what else to say.

After the game, the other coach and I went over to the family, offered our prayers and support again, and I think its when the little girl realized what was going on, and she got real upset.

This man was one of the best parent's we had. He was at every practice, cheered every girl, even the other team, and on many occasions complimented the other coach and I on how good of a job we are/were doing with the girls. Most importantly, he let us coach.

I didn't know him well, but we could feel his loss at the game. I cried a little bit when I got home.It will be weird without him at the game's, he was our biggest cheerleader, and most supportive fan. The girl will be okay, we have a game scheduled for Friday, not sure if she will be there or not.

The game will go on, and perhaps the bond of sports will help the healing process for the girl and her family.

Rest In Peace Mr. V.

--gfo

Back To Work After A Day Off

As nice as it was to have a day off yesterday, it sometime doesn't seem worthwhile to take a day off. Even just one day off and it takes at least that to get caught up on things. I had 28 unread emails. I got into the office at 0530 this morning, and have been working as fast as I possibly can, and I still have twelve more that are unread. Some of the emails I was able to handle quickly, and others require more work. I still have a backlog from last week that needs to be finished as well.

Sometimes, there are not just enough hours in the day to get everything done.

Oh well, I did enjoy my day off and not once thought about work.

--gfo

3.059

Is the current price of gas at the station I normally get gas at. As it changes I will post updates as to the price changes. In the last week, gas has gone up 10¢ a gallon. I bet by the end of the week, it will go up another 10¢, especially with the Memorial Day weekend coming.

This is bullshit. The oil companies are recording record profits, and the consumers are getting killed.

--gfo

Well I Survived

Estrogen Fest 2007. The girls were up until about 0330, and despite major interference from the boy they managed to have a very nice time.

When I came down stairs about 0945 yesterday morning, I was told by one of the girls, that I can't come down as the sleep over wasn't over yet, I laughed and continued on my way, heck I had to come down, if they wanted to eat.

I dropped the last of the girls off at 1400 or so, came back home and took about an hour long snooze.

Overall a nice time was had by all. My girl's friend's were very nice and polite.

--gfo

The Herrs Factory Tour

Today, I took the day off from work to accompany (chaparone) my son's field trip to Herr's Food Inc. A regional snack food maker of chips, pretzel's, etc. The trip was for the kindergarten through second grade. Two bus load of kids plus about 20 parents and teachers accompanied the students on the trip. It is about an 1½ hours from the school.

We got there around 1115 and the kids all had lunch, then we went on the tour. It started out with a ten minute video of how the company was started, and grown over the years, then it was off to the factory floor for a tour. First we started out, where they make pretzels, then it was to the corn and tortilla chip part, then to the cheese curl section, finally the tour ended where the potato chips are made. The tour guide even got us some chips that were about ten seconds old.

Once that part was concluded it was off to where the snacks are actually packaged and the tour concluded at the gift shop.

The tours themselves are free and are about an hour in total. We actually spent more time in the buses than on the tour. I did bring my camera, but for proprietary reasons, no pictures were allowed. I learned a few things, but overall was disappointed, as it seems like we were rushed through the facility. Although its a very loud and busy place, so having people especially younger kids in the building most of the day would be a huge distraction

I was in charge of four kids, including my own, and I must say they were very good. I wish I could say the same for the other kids. The bus ride was loud a lot of the kids were very undisciplined, and had to be told many times to settle down.

Hat's off to all school bus drivers out there. It must be real tough driving with all that background noise.

All in all in what a nice day.

--gfo

Estrogen Fest 2007

Tonight my daughter is having three friends sleep over. There will be pizza, ice cream, and four eleven year old girls watching movies, giggling, doing hair (and probably talking about boys).

Me and the boy are just going to stay out of the way.

Hopefully this goes over real well, without any interference from the boy. I will try and not be too much of a nuisance

The boy will be doing the same thing in about a month.

I wonder if we will get any sleep tonight

--gfo

The Ascension of the Lord

Today is fortieth day after Easter Sunday so its Feast of Ascension of the Lord. The Ascension is when the body ascended to heaven, marking his physical reunion with God. For Catholics its a Holy Day of Obligation, which means the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. (wikipedia) Usually I try and make mass on Holy Days, but was unable to do so.

The kids are off from school today and tomorrow. So they are glad to have a day off.

--gfo

Primary Election

Well the man I wanted to win the Philadelphia Mayoral Primary, Michael Nutter, pulled it out, and with only a token Republican challenger. Mr. Nutter will more than likely be the next Mayor of the City of Brotherly Love.

Good Michael. I hope you are true to your word and do a better job than your predecessor to be.


--gfo

Primary Election Day

Here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its an off year election so voter turnout will suck more than usual, I would bet its around 30-35%. Locally the big race is the Philadelphia Mayor's race. Although I can't vote in it, I do work in the city, so I have some interest in it. Otherwise, the elections in my town are for council, and some judgeship's. The latter which I really have no idea, and will probably ask one of the local council people at my polling place how to vote.

In my over twenty years of eligibility to vote, I have only missed one election, primary and general, and that was because of the birth of my daughter.

No matter what, I get to the poll's, its always been my motto, if you don't vote, don't bitch...unfortunately, IMHO, those who bitch the most, are probably the one's who don't vote.

--gfo

A Rare Day Off

My son is sick, so I stayed home with him today. He was pretty punky all weekend. He seems a lot better today, up and around, and asking a lot of questions which is normal for him.

We have been playing Madden 2007 most of the day, mostly play half's of each other's games. I think I am getting the hang of it

I have been doing some work that I home from the office on Saturday, but I am missing some stuff. I just sent an email to a co-worker in the hopes that they can send me what I need.

Its been nice being home, especially since I have been working so much lately

--gfo

Happy Mother's Day

To all the mom's out their especially mine, and to my beautiful wife, who often refers to me as the third child.

I made the Mrs a nice breakfast, this morning (French Toast, Bacon, and Sausage), later I am making lasagna

We got her three nice outfits for school, cards, and some flowers

Except for the boy being sick, its going to be a real nice day.

--gfo

Boy It Feels Good

To be sitting at home tonight doing nothing. After working six hours this morning, and coming home to a sick kid, its nice to kick back and relax. I played four games of Madden 2007 on PS2, went to the 1700 mass with my daughter, came home and had a nice dinner. Changed into shorts and a T-Shirt and just kicked back.

Tomorrow should be busy, I will be cooking special breakfast's and dinners

Oh and I just realized that I still have to wrap mother's day presents.

--gfo

Just As One Get's Better

The other one gets sick. My daughter was home from school three day's last week with the flu. Now the boy seems to have it. I already took off work Monday to be home with him, as the Mrs took off all three days last week, and she isn't getting paid for being out. At least I am.

He looked okay when I got home from the office earlier today, and he even asked me to take him out to buy mother's day flowers. As soon as we got home, he plopped down on the love seat and fell asleep. Poor kid

I brought some work home with me, so I can do a little bit from here while I am home. He will probably just watch TV or play PS2 all day anyway.

--gfo

Mother's Day Shopping

Is done. Thank goodness my daughter was with me or I would have never gotten the right stuff. Now the only thing left is to wrap and sign the cards. Then make her a nice breakfast and surprise dinner

--gfo

TGIF

Its been a long week. Tuesday night was the only where we didn't have anything scheduled, every other night, including tonight we had baseball or softball.

Today like every Friday is a ½ day at the office. I will grab a bite to eat, relax for a little bit, then pick the kids up from school, and go mother's day shopping. Then its quick home, and change for a softball game tonight.

The girls lost their game last night, 2-0. It was a tough game. We were hitting the ball, just not getting the runners around the diamond.

Fielding was great, and we tried a new pitcher, and she did phenomenal.

I even got to wear my shirt, I am #18.

I will probably come into the office tomorrow for a few hours, since it looks like I won't be able to get caught up on my work this morning. I plan and am hoping for a relaxing weekend after that.

--gfo

The Philly Mayoral Race

Whomever wins the democratic primary next Tuesday is all but assured of being the next mayor, as the Republican party in this city is virtually non-existent. Former city councilman Michael Nutter is currently leading in all the polls, and is getting a lot of the endorsements from the local media outlets.

Although I can't vote in the election, because I am not a city resident, I work here, so the next mayor of this city is important to me.

Nutter has been my choice from the beginning (if I was able to make one). The fact that he doesn't get along with the current administration, and seems to have some visions for this city, is a big reason. The other guys running are all heavily connected or owned by others, who would only use the office to help out friends, and payback favors

The out of control murder rate, being one of the biggest challenges, should be the first thing that the new mayor takes on.

Anyone will be better than the stiff they have in there now. How he has not been indicted is beyond me

--gfo

Self Evaluation Time

My annual performance review is coming up June 4^th and part of the process is doing a self evaluation. The questions are fairly simple:

1. List your accomplishments and goals since your last performance review
2. What goals, if any do you feel you have not met, and why?
3. List three to five things you hope to achieve during the next review period. What resources do you need from your supervisor/company to achieve these goals
4. What can [the company] do to improve our processes and environment

Number 2 is generally the easiest to fill out. Number 1, requires some thought, since I am reviewing a whole year. Number 3, is one that I usually put a lot of thought into, and I generally do that part last. Number 4, is where I ask for stuff that I hope to get, in the hopes that it may happen. Occasionally I will offer constructive feedback on policies and procedures.

I always take a couple of days to fill it out (I have three weeks), then I look it over, prior to turning it in. Its always typed out, and I keep a copy for myself.

These are always tough to do. I find that I tend to be harder on myself, than my boss is.

I am just about finished, I need to fine tune a few things, then I will submit, probably by the end of the week.

--gfo

Sad, Very Sad

A 29 year old man died at Philadelphia's Broad Street Run this past Sunday. The cause of death is unknown at this time. The man was apparently in excellent physical health. He collapsed at the finish line.

I ran this race twice, once in 2001 and again in 2002. Its was one of my favorite races of all that I ran, as it was a flat straight course.

This race is one of the most popular races in the city, and usually attracts over 7,000 runners every year.

My heart goes out to this guy's family.

--gfo

Softball Practice Tonight

Tonight we had a practice, only about ten girls showed up. We started out with some base running, stretching, then we worked on our throwing and catching. After that, we split the girls up, and the other coach worked on pitching and I worked on the batting.

From what I am seeing so far, our rookies are starting to do very well, and our experienced players are getting back into form.

We have a few nights off, then games, Thursday and Friday night.

Its nice to see the progress the girls have made in such a short time.

--gfo

So I Was Thinking About

What to write about today, and nothing has come to me yet. I didn't write anything yesterday either. It looks like I am slipping a little. Yesterday I slept until after noon, took the boy to Wal-Mart to spend some of his birthday/communion money, and I bought a new garden hose, and the damn thing still leaks.

Today as usual, I was in the office at 0530, and later tonight I have softball practice.

Nothing real exciting going in my world of late.

--gfo

One Nice Thing

About working on a Saturday (besides the time and a half), is that I can crank up my tunes. Especially when I am here by myself. Makes the morning go quicker. Normally I wear headphone during the regular week, or I keep the volume to a level to is almost inaudible to me. The headphone allow to block out a lot of the background noise, that occurs in a normal work environment. A couple more hours to go and I will have the remainder of the day off.

--gfo

Our First Softball Game

Was a Win for the Orioles (our team name). All the girls played great. The score was 5-1. My daughter had two hits, two runs scored. In this league standing aren't kept, and the scoring is unofficial but is kept for statistical purposes only. Also the girls pitch, but after four balls, the coach comes in and pitches. For our team, our pitcher, threw the whole game without once needing to have the opposing coach come in. As for the other team, with a few exceptions, I ended up going in for almost every batter, after which the our girls would hit. I did have five strikeouts (oops), which got me some ribbing from the parents...all in jest of course.

The girls looked really good, played well as a team, and are starting to come together. We need to work on some hitting fundamentals.

We have two games a week for the next six weeks, and a couple of practices in the early part of the weeks.

It feels real good to be back on the field again

--gfo

The Talk

Yesterday in school, my daughter's class (fifth grade) was split up between boys and girls, and were given the talk, about the birds and the bees. We had known about it ahead of time, and were given the option of whether or not she could participate. Neither of us had any objection.

Well I am at the point right now, that I want to be on a need to know basis. I asked the Mrs even our daughter had any comments on the presentation, and she said it was gross. I have always told my daughter that boys are gross, and now this presentation reinforced that.

I am sure that will change in a year or so, but for now, thank goodness boys are still gross

--gfo

On Drinking Water

I find that I drink more H₂O while I am at the office. Its made even easier by the fact that the water cooler is on the way to the bathroom. So it becomes a cycle. As I go to the bathroom, I fill up my water bottle (24 ounces), then about the time the bottle is empty, its time to go to the bathroom again.

I figure I am good for about four-five refills a day, with an occasional soda mixed throughout the day.

So at least once an hour I am guaranteed at least a three to five minute bathroom/water break

--gfo

Hard To Believe

That its May 1^st already. Baseball and Softball season are in full swing (pun intended), the kids (and the Mrs) are almost done school, the weather is nice and warm, the windows are open in the house.

We actually have a night off from both softball and baseball, which meant a home cooked meal, not take out or leftovers. It was nice to actually sit down and have dinner and actually enjoy it, and not rush through because, of a game, practice, or having to get homework done.

Of course this also means that we are coming up on my birthday in a little over a month.

Boy this year is flying by.

--gfo

On Desserts

In no particular order here is a list of my favorite post meal delicacies:

• Cheesecake, (with cherry's and whipped cream is a bonus)
• Cherry Pie
• Ice Cream Cake
• My mother in law's brownies...they have to be eaten to be truly appreciated
• Chocolate Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Chocolate Mousse Pie

Of course you can never ever go wrong with a hot fudge sundae, with chocolate ice cream.

Hope you all have cravings now...I certainly do

--gfo