I will never forget Matt Ryan's first NFL pass back in 2008. It was a 60+ yard bomb to Michael Jenkins for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions.
He has many great throws to look back on in his seven seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Some of his tosses have led straight to victory.
He single-handedly beat the Chicago Bears in his rookie season with another clutch throw to Michael Jenkins. he did all that with no time outs to work with.
Ryan was magic and he had some key throws leading the team to a huge win over the Seattle Seahawks in the 2012 NFC divisional playoff. I still can't believe Matt Ryan turned 30.
To think I wanted the Falcons to draft defense with the 3rd pick in the 2008 NFL draft. I got burned by Michael Vick's inconsistent play and his dogfighting conviction in 2007.
The Falcons needed help on D and didn't feel good about having to pay 8-figures for a QB before Ryan came along.
Again, I can't believe Matt Ryan is 30 and he's the best QB the Falcons ever had.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Dreaming of a better 2016
This year of 2015 was more challenging than I ever imagined. It started and ended with me staying put at CBS46 as a VO/SOT editor. I took over the 'lead editor' role in November so that I could have weekends off, which I have. I've spent my weekends with my family. It's been tough dealing with crying and needy children at home, but we do the best we can.
I applied for countless other jobs to see what else I could get. I got a lot of rejection letters, Human Resource form letters, and an actual person tell me she was not going to interview me for a content editor position. I must have a likability/networking problem. I must get that corrected.
My wife and I got away to the Florida Gulf Coast for a 'babymoon' before baby Blake came into the world.
Ben was well established in our family, then Blake came along to complete our family. I wouldn't trade them in for anything in the whole world.
In sports, I didn't do many updates this year. I need to do more starting tomorrow.
As a sports fan, I saw the Arizona Cardinals with an 11-5 record take them into Charlotte, NC for an NFL wild card game. I spent a lot of time with my family, and I didn't see them play much on TV. As expected, with a 3rd stringer in Ryan Lindley, they lost to the Carolina Panthers and their season ended.
Fast forward to the end of this year, the Cardinals are 13-2 and fighting for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. My dream is to see them play in Super Bowl 50.
My Sun Devils beat NCAA Champion Connecticut, in the NIT.
My Anaheim Ducks made it to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals. The Arizona Coyotes did nothing this year.
The Phoenix Suns didn't make the playoffs again for a 5th season in a row, and could soon make it 6.
For the first time in 22 years, I lived in a city where an NBA team made into a conference finals. The Atlanta Hawks made it against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and got swept 4-0.
My San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Arizona Diamondbacks all missed the playoffs. My Padres FIRED Bud Black and former Arizona State Head Coach Pat Murphy.
My Braves kept Fredi Gonzalez while the Arizona Diamondbacks fired Kirk Gibson.
Finally, my Arizona State Sun Devil football team finished with a 6-6 mark and accepted a bowl bid to the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl at Phoenix's Chase Field.
Here's what I dream of: Being healthy, debt free, having a healthy family, getting a new house, seeing my Sun Devil Men's Basketball team make the NCAA Tournament, my Arizona Coyotes make the playoffs, my Padres compete for a Wild Card spot, and for my Sun Devil Football team to bounce back in a big way and make a major bowl game.
I applied for countless other jobs to see what else I could get. I got a lot of rejection letters, Human Resource form letters, and an actual person tell me she was not going to interview me for a content editor position. I must have a likability/networking problem. I must get that corrected.
My wife and I got away to the Florida Gulf Coast for a 'babymoon' before baby Blake came into the world.
Ben was well established in our family, then Blake came along to complete our family. I wouldn't trade them in for anything in the whole world.
In sports, I didn't do many updates this year. I need to do more starting tomorrow.
As a sports fan, I saw the Arizona Cardinals with an 11-5 record take them into Charlotte, NC for an NFL wild card game. I spent a lot of time with my family, and I didn't see them play much on TV. As expected, with a 3rd stringer in Ryan Lindley, they lost to the Carolina Panthers and their season ended.
Fast forward to the end of this year, the Cardinals are 13-2 and fighting for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. My dream is to see them play in Super Bowl 50.
My Sun Devils beat NCAA Champion Connecticut, in the NIT.
My Anaheim Ducks made it to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals. The Arizona Coyotes did nothing this year.
The Phoenix Suns didn't make the playoffs again for a 5th season in a row, and could soon make it 6.
For the first time in 22 years, I lived in a city where an NBA team made into a conference finals. The Atlanta Hawks made it against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and got swept 4-0.
My San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Arizona Diamondbacks all missed the playoffs. My Padres FIRED Bud Black and former Arizona State Head Coach Pat Murphy.
My Braves kept Fredi Gonzalez while the Arizona Diamondbacks fired Kirk Gibson.
Finally, my Arizona State Sun Devil football team finished with a 6-6 mark and accepted a bowl bid to the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl at Phoenix's Chase Field.
Here's what I dream of: Being healthy, debt free, having a healthy family, getting a new house, seeing my Sun Devil Men's Basketball team make the NCAA Tournament, my Arizona Coyotes make the playoffs, my Padres compete for a Wild Card spot, and for my Sun Devil Football team to bounce back in a big way and make a major bowl game.
Writing Samples for May 17, 2015
(OTS)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT IS GOING TO BE A SPECIAL NIGHT RIGHT HERE ON C-B-S 46.
(VO)
DAVID LETTERMAN WILL TAPE HIS FINAL SHOW AFTER NEARLY 33 YEARS ON LIGHT NIGHT T-V, 21 OF THEM ON C-B-S.
LETTERMAN HAS TAPED MORE THAN SIX-THOUSAND SHOWS AND INTERVIEWED ALMOST 20-THOUSAND GUESTS.
BILL MURRAY WILL BE HIS FINAL GUEST ON "THE LATE SHOW".
HE WAS LETTERMAN'S FIRST GUEST ON THE N-B-C SHOW IN 19-82 AND ON THE C-B-S SHOW IN 19-93.
(FSG)
YOU CAN CATCH "THE LATE SHOW WIHT DAVID LETTERMAN" WEEKNIGHTS AT 11-35 P-M RIGHT HERE AFTER C-B-S 46 NEWS AT 11.
(ONCAM)
IT WILL BE ABUSY WEEK OF GRADUATION CEREMONIES THROUGHOUT COBB COUNTY IN THE NEXT WEEK.
(FILE VO)
THE COUNTY'S FOUR PRIVATE SCHOOLS GRADUATED THEIR SENIORS YESTERDAY.
MORE SCHOOLS WILL HOST COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES BEGINNING ON TUESDAY.
COBB SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT CHRIS RAGSDALE SAYS SEEING HIS STUDENTS WALKING ACROSS THE STAGE FOR THEIR DIPLOMAS IS SPECIAL.
(TAKE SOT)
(CHRIS RAGSDALE/COBB SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT)
"This time of the year is what we look toward. When we talk about student success and our "one team one goal" statement and theme, this is what we mean."
(CONTINUE VO)
NEARLY 75-HUNDRED COBB COUNTY SCHOOLS STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO GRADUATE BY THE END OF NEXT WEEK.
(ON CAM)
GRADUATION WAS A FAMILY AFFAIR AT A NORTH COBB SCHOOL THIS WEEKEND.
(EFX/VO)
TWO MEMEBER OF THE GRADUATING CLASS OF ACWORTH'S CORNERSTONE PREPARATORY ACADEMT GOT SPECIAL TREATMENT ON SATURDAY.
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL JEANNE BORDERS AWARDED HER GRANDSON BRENDAN HIS DIPLOMA.
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER CHARLES SINEATH WAS INTRODUCED BY HIS GRANDSON, CLASS VALEDICTORIAN CHARLES MARLOW.
PRINCIPAL BORDERS SAYS THAT HER SIXTH GRADUATING CLASS IN THE MOST SPECIAL ONE.
(TAKE SOT)
Jeanne Borders/Cornerstone Prep Principal
"For me, this is really the realization of a dream" (BUTT)
Brendan Borders/Cornerstone Prep Graduate
"she's both my grandmother and principal. It's special that she's the one who gets to give me my diploma."
(CONTINUE VO)
BORDERS WILL ATTEND GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY WHILE MARLOW WILL GO TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT IS GOING TO BE A SPECIAL NIGHT RIGHT HERE ON C-B-S 46.
(VO)
DAVID LETTERMAN WILL TAPE HIS FINAL SHOW AFTER NEARLY 33 YEARS ON LIGHT NIGHT T-V, 21 OF THEM ON C-B-S.
LETTERMAN HAS TAPED MORE THAN SIX-THOUSAND SHOWS AND INTERVIEWED ALMOST 20-THOUSAND GUESTS.
BILL MURRAY WILL BE HIS FINAL GUEST ON "THE LATE SHOW".
HE WAS LETTERMAN'S FIRST GUEST ON THE N-B-C SHOW IN 19-82 AND ON THE C-B-S SHOW IN 19-93.
(FSG)
YOU CAN CATCH "THE LATE SHOW WIHT DAVID LETTERMAN" WEEKNIGHTS AT 11-35 P-M RIGHT HERE AFTER C-B-S 46 NEWS AT 11.
(ONCAM)
IT WILL BE ABUSY WEEK OF GRADUATION CEREMONIES THROUGHOUT COBB COUNTY IN THE NEXT WEEK.
(FILE VO)
THE COUNTY'S FOUR PRIVATE SCHOOLS GRADUATED THEIR SENIORS YESTERDAY.
MORE SCHOOLS WILL HOST COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES BEGINNING ON TUESDAY.
COBB SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT CHRIS RAGSDALE SAYS SEEING HIS STUDENTS WALKING ACROSS THE STAGE FOR THEIR DIPLOMAS IS SPECIAL.
(TAKE SOT)
(CHRIS RAGSDALE/COBB SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT)
"This time of the year is what we look toward. When we talk about student success and our "one team one goal" statement and theme, this is what we mean."
(CONTINUE VO)
NEARLY 75-HUNDRED COBB COUNTY SCHOOLS STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO GRADUATE BY THE END OF NEXT WEEK.
(ON CAM)
GRADUATION WAS A FAMILY AFFAIR AT A NORTH COBB SCHOOL THIS WEEKEND.
(EFX/VO)
TWO MEMEBER OF THE GRADUATING CLASS OF ACWORTH'S CORNERSTONE PREPARATORY ACADEMT GOT SPECIAL TREATMENT ON SATURDAY.
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL JEANNE BORDERS AWARDED HER GRANDSON BRENDAN HIS DIPLOMA.
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER CHARLES SINEATH WAS INTRODUCED BY HIS GRANDSON, CLASS VALEDICTORIAN CHARLES MARLOW.
PRINCIPAL BORDERS SAYS THAT HER SIXTH GRADUATING CLASS IN THE MOST SPECIAL ONE.
(TAKE SOT)
Jeanne Borders/Cornerstone Prep Principal
"For me, this is really the realization of a dream" (BUTT)
Brendan Borders/Cornerstone Prep Graduate
"she's both my grandmother and principal. It's special that she's the one who gets to give me my diploma."
(CONTINUE VO)
BORDERS WILL ATTEND GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY WHILE MARLOW WILL GO TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.
Journal Entry for December 31, 2015 (NEW YEAR'S EVE)
Today has been a tough day for me. Both at home and at work, I got frustrated. I was more visibly frustrated here at work than I was at home.
I had one job to do at home (two if you count holding Blake): I had to watch Ben and make sure he did not mess with our tool box.
Kelly put together Ben's new Planes toy, and I just sat there. I got to learn to step up from now on. No more sitting on the sidelines for me when it comes to being a husband and a father.
The 5PM newscast for CBS46 was a disaster. I did not get the best from my producer, field crews, and director for when things were not feeding in on time and I got a lot of snide comments from the director. I can hear them over the loudspeaker.
I needed to take a TV timeout around 6PM so that I could regroup. This was only the second day of 2015 where I needed to consider taking a mental health day off from work.
I've got to get better at what I do so that I'm not stuck editing VOs and SOT/VOs for the rest of my life.
That begins now as I start writing some sample stories and posting them to this blog.
Happy reading.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
A step of progress towards my career mobility
From 2:30pm to 2:40pm, I got to sit in on the news editorial meeting today. I got to hear what stories my station was covering and picking the certain angles to the story.
I get a little bit of a buzz when I get a chance to learn how people are part of the day's news coverage.
Everyone in attendance made me feel welcome. I felt like part of the team in there.
I had one idea for a pitch for Thursday: Will there be any early morning tailgaters for Thursday's noon time Peach Bowl kickoff.
My theory is only the rain can stop the festivities around the Georgia Dome for Thursday's matchup between Florida State University and the University of Houston.
I get a little bit of a buzz when I get a chance to learn how people are part of the day's news coverage.
Everyone in attendance made me feel welcome. I felt like part of the team in there.
I had one idea for a pitch for Thursday: Will there be any early morning tailgaters for Thursday's noon time Peach Bowl kickoff.
My theory is only the rain can stop the festivities around the Georgia Dome for Thursday's matchup between Florida State University and the University of Houston.
Journal entry for December 30, 2015
We all got some good sleep last night. In our house, that is a luxury and a precious commodity that we truly value.
I changed a few diapers this morning of Ben and Blake. Daddys change diapers (and so do moms).
In addition to the diaper changes, I had the honor of feeding Ben breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dessert. I am at work to where I cannot feed him dinner tonight.
I had a hard time getting Ben to eat his green beans. Getting him to eat bak bak (Chicken Nuggets), goldfish crackers, cake, and ice cream, now that's a different story entirely. I love eating and hanging out with my little eater.
I got to play "lights", turning on and off the light switch, cars, and drew on his new chalkboard.
Today also began a marathon session of decluttering our home. I'm giving away things at least once a day. I'm going to give things to Goodwill for other people to use. We don't need some things and we need the space in our present home.
I had a good thing happen for me at work today. Tune in to my next blog post to find out what it was.
I changed a few diapers this morning of Ben and Blake. Daddys change diapers (and so do moms).
In addition to the diaper changes, I had the honor of feeding Ben breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dessert. I am at work to where I cannot feed him dinner tonight.
I had a hard time getting Ben to eat his green beans. Getting him to eat bak bak (Chicken Nuggets), goldfish crackers, cake, and ice cream, now that's a different story entirely. I love eating and hanging out with my little eater.
I got to play "lights", turning on and off the light switch, cars, and drew on his new chalkboard.
Today also began a marathon session of decluttering our home. I'm giving away things at least once a day. I'm going to give things to Goodwill for other people to use. We don't need some things and we need the space in our present home.
I had a good thing happen for me at work today. Tune in to my next blog post to find out what it was.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Journal Entry for December 29, 2015
The day started when I woke up just before 8am. I had to get Blake up since I heard him stirring inside his pack and play. I heard him moving around in my sleep. That has been a talent I've gained in recent months since he came into the world.
I took care of Blake's diaper duties when I woke up and a couple other times throughout the afternoon when I was home. When I wasn't working for him, I held him, played with him, lifted him up, and put him in the swing to go to sleep.
I love holding my little Blake like a football. I get to see his beautiful head and sometimes smiling face. I love to see him smile without any of his teeth. Soon, he's gonna have his first tooth, and I'm gonna be told about it.
I got the chance to play cars with Ben while my wife was taking good care of Blake. I built our car track in his bedroom and we put cars onto the track. We moved them round and round the track on the floor. The red car did not move on its own on the track. I had to move it around by my own hand. I wanted to see if Ben was interested in playing cars with me. I think he was. We had a great time playing together.
Ben and I had an interesting adventure during lunchtime. He was constantly whining, so I had to give him some goldfish crackers to eat. I thought I did a good thing for him. So we did some lunch in the dining room. I tried to feed him some tacos after his snack. He didn't eat any of his lunch much to my disappointment.
I really wanted Ben to eat so that I could give him some of his yummy birthday cake. Alas, I could not give it to him. I had to be the good parent in not giving in to him. He later redeemed himself by drinking most of his milk before I put him down for his nap. He started to sleep well before I started heading out the door for the day.
I had to mail off some important paperwork and bills before leaving for work here at CBS46.
I encountered some trouble in getting to work on time again today. This time, I was backed up on I-75 Southbound from Highway 92 to Wade Green Road. It turned out there was a little wreck just past the Wade Green Road exit (EXIT 269). Once I got past that accident, it was smooth sailing for me to the 14th Street Exit.
I got through the ride by listening to News/Talk, 80s music, 90s music, and sports talk radio.
I have a greater appreciation for AM/FM radio now that I'm not driving with my satellite radio in my car again.
I spent the first four hours of my shift working for CBS46 editing the 4, 5, and 6pm shows. After a quick coffee break, I deleted video in order to free up some space for my fellow editors and I to continue working and editing.
I feel a little bit accomplished tonight as I reached out to someone to see if I can better my career moving forward. I did so in order to help me better provide for my family. My family is the most important part of my life to date.
I'm about to finish up work here at CBS46, rest up, and go at it all over again tomorrow for the good of the Irwin family.
I took care of Blake's diaper duties when I woke up and a couple other times throughout the afternoon when I was home. When I wasn't working for him, I held him, played with him, lifted him up, and put him in the swing to go to sleep.
I love holding my little Blake like a football. I get to see his beautiful head and sometimes smiling face. I love to see him smile without any of his teeth. Soon, he's gonna have his first tooth, and I'm gonna be told about it.
I got the chance to play cars with Ben while my wife was taking good care of Blake. I built our car track in his bedroom and we put cars onto the track. We moved them round and round the track on the floor. The red car did not move on its own on the track. I had to move it around by my own hand. I wanted to see if Ben was interested in playing cars with me. I think he was. We had a great time playing together.
Ben and I had an interesting adventure during lunchtime. He was constantly whining, so I had to give him some goldfish crackers to eat. I thought I did a good thing for him. So we did some lunch in the dining room. I tried to feed him some tacos after his snack. He didn't eat any of his lunch much to my disappointment.
I really wanted Ben to eat so that I could give him some of his yummy birthday cake. Alas, I could not give it to him. I had to be the good parent in not giving in to him. He later redeemed himself by drinking most of his milk before I put him down for his nap. He started to sleep well before I started heading out the door for the day.
I had to mail off some important paperwork and bills before leaving for work here at CBS46.
I encountered some trouble in getting to work on time again today. This time, I was backed up on I-75 Southbound from Highway 92 to Wade Green Road. It turned out there was a little wreck just past the Wade Green Road exit (EXIT 269). Once I got past that accident, it was smooth sailing for me to the 14th Street Exit.
I got through the ride by listening to News/Talk, 80s music, 90s music, and sports talk radio.
I have a greater appreciation for AM/FM radio now that I'm not driving with my satellite radio in my car again.
I spent the first four hours of my shift working for CBS46 editing the 4, 5, and 6pm shows. After a quick coffee break, I deleted video in order to free up some space for my fellow editors and I to continue working and editing.
I feel a little bit accomplished tonight as I reached out to someone to see if I can better my career moving forward. I did so in order to help me better provide for my family. My family is the most important part of my life to date.
I'm about to finish up work here at CBS46, rest up, and go at it all over again tomorrow for the good of the Irwin family.
Dreaming of an elegant dinner
My ideal meal consists of an appetizer of cheese sticks, a main course of a 16 oz. (or more) steak, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, creamed corn, and a glass of wine.
The above photo from a Lawry's Prime Rib restaurant is the closest thing I can find to what my dream meal looks like.
Of course a nice cheese pizza doesn't hurt either.
Tonight, I am going to heat up some ham, green beans, hash brown casserole, and a couple of rolls. I'm going to do that right now. My belly is telling me so.
And just after I posted this picture, it is gone, and it was good.
Of course a nice cheese pizza doesn't hurt either.
Tonight, I am going to heat up some ham, green beans, hash brown casserole, and a couple of rolls. I'm going to do that right now. My belly is telling me so.
And just after I posted this picture, it is gone, and it was good.
Dreaming of Mesa and the Falcons' new stadium
Early this morning, I had a dream that I was back in Mesa, Arizona and that I was looking for photos of the all-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium here in Atlanta.
I was back in my hometown visiting some friends near one of the houses where I used to live. It was around nighttime and I was outside with some friends out in the desert. It was near a dirt road near a major street in Northeast Mesa.
I was hanging out with some people on the bed of an old-time pickup truck with a little campfire in front of us. I think we were roasting marshmallows and recalling old times along the way. I think we had some coffee from on old-time container. The coffee was black with no creamer or milk in sight. We drank it anyway because we loved it.
As that part of the dream closed, I found myself moving from the outdoors to the indoors with far worse results.
In the next phase of my dream, I moved on to a homeless shelter somewhere in Mesa. Some of the people looked familiar to me in this dream.
Some of the people I roomed with were members of my family as well as from my church volunteer group. I don't know what brought us all together. I don't know the circumstances that forced us out of our homes and into this shelter. I remember wiggling around in my sleeping bag trying to get comfortable and go to sleep.
As I was trying to go to sleep, images of a new football stadium were dancing in my head.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the 2017 (and beyond) Atlanta Falcons was creeping up inside me. My obsession to find some of these images took over my desire to get a good night sleep.
In reality: I have not been back to Mesa, Arizona since 2009. I haven't been to Arizona since 2012. I live comfortably with dreams of a bigger, better house in my hometown of Acworth, Georgia.
One day, I will pay money to go see a football game at the new Falcons' Stadium as soon as I can.
My dream is to see one last Falcons game inside the Georgia Dome in 2016 before it gets torn down.
I was back in my hometown visiting some friends near one of the houses where I used to live. It was around nighttime and I was outside with some friends out in the desert. It was near a dirt road near a major street in Northeast Mesa.
I was hanging out with some people on the bed of an old-time pickup truck with a little campfire in front of us. I think we were roasting marshmallows and recalling old times along the way. I think we had some coffee from on old-time container. The coffee was black with no creamer or milk in sight. We drank it anyway because we loved it.
As that part of the dream closed, I found myself moving from the outdoors to the indoors with far worse results.
In the next phase of my dream, I moved on to a homeless shelter somewhere in Mesa. Some of the people looked familiar to me in this dream.
Some of the people I roomed with were members of my family as well as from my church volunteer group. I don't know what brought us all together. I don't know the circumstances that forced us out of our homes and into this shelter. I remember wiggling around in my sleeping bag trying to get comfortable and go to sleep.
As I was trying to go to sleep, images of a new football stadium were dancing in my head.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the 2017 (and beyond) Atlanta Falcons was creeping up inside me. My obsession to find some of these images took over my desire to get a good night sleep.
In reality: I have not been back to Mesa, Arizona since 2009. I haven't been to Arizona since 2012. I live comfortably with dreams of a bigger, better house in my hometown of Acworth, Georgia.
One day, I will pay money to go see a football game at the new Falcons' Stadium as soon as I can.
My dream is to see one last Falcons game inside the Georgia Dome in 2016 before it gets torn down.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Journal Entry for December 28, 2015
I woke up this morning without having any memorable dreams in mind. I could hear Blake stirring in his sleep inside his pack and play.
I got Blake up first since he was more vocal. I got Ben's milk ready by warming it up and putting it inside his sippy cup. When I walked into his room, Ben was still asleep. I had warm milk but no awake Ben.
I gave Blake a chance to rest on one of the bouncer seats, then I gave Ben his milk for the morning. I saw him suck down that sippy cup full of milk before I picked him up from his crib. Then I gave him one of the biggest hugs he's ever had at the age of 2.
Ben let me chase him around the house before I changed his diaper. Blake spit up on himself a few times after his 9am bottle before I changed him for the first time today.
I played with the boys by showing them how to play with their new monkey toy. I put five balls in the monkey's head, then the head went down and spit the balls out onto a rotating wheel. I let Ben chase the balls while Blake watched in amazement.
Blake got a kick out of watching us play. I think I had more fun playing with Blake's new toy. It was supposed to be for him, but I need his older brother Ben to show him how to play with it.
I held Blake in my arms for several minutes, then I let him have a good time in his exersaucer for a while. I'd let him play in there as long as he is not crying. If he starts to cry, that is my cue to pick him up and hold him. Blake is my baby who needs to be held most of the time.
Ben's two meals of the day at home were mixed. He ate his entire sausage and cereal platter for breakfast. For lunch, it wasn't so great. He didn't finish his ham and green beans that I worked so hard microwaving for him. I felt bad that he would go hungry before naptime, so I gave in and gave him a piece of birthday cake and some warm milk.
The hard part of my day is juggling Ben's lunchtime and Blake's bottle feeding time and molding the two together. It's a challenge, but I know that I've succeeded when Blake polishes off his 2nd bottle of the day.
After both of their naps, I had to race to the finish by getting both boys dressed and ready to go. We left home around 1:18pm to day care.
The hardest part of my day is saying good bye to them before heading to work here at CBS46.
After I ate some dinner, I played some Candy Crush Saga and got beat by Level 461 for another five straight games. I am giving that up for the night.
I'm juggling editing, watching Monday Night Football (Bengals/Broncos), and watching CNN on my PC. I'm going to edit some serious VOs and SOT/VOs before it is all said and done. I will also practice some writing in between assignments.
Before the 11pm show started, things did not come together for me to showcase some of my editing skills. I had a chance to edit a re-track of a CBS Newspath package since I had some time to do it. he script did not come in on time for me to do it. I put in the package as is from Newspath with Omar Villafranca's track as it was intended.
I'm getting ready to do an emissions test tomorrow. I can't wait to get it done. Let's move!!!
I got Blake up first since he was more vocal. I got Ben's milk ready by warming it up and putting it inside his sippy cup. When I walked into his room, Ben was still asleep. I had warm milk but no awake Ben.
I gave Blake a chance to rest on one of the bouncer seats, then I gave Ben his milk for the morning. I saw him suck down that sippy cup full of milk before I picked him up from his crib. Then I gave him one of the biggest hugs he's ever had at the age of 2.
Ben let me chase him around the house before I changed his diaper. Blake spit up on himself a few times after his 9am bottle before I changed him for the first time today.
I played with the boys by showing them how to play with their new monkey toy. I put five balls in the monkey's head, then the head went down and spit the balls out onto a rotating wheel. I let Ben chase the balls while Blake watched in amazement.
Blake got a kick out of watching us play. I think I had more fun playing with Blake's new toy. It was supposed to be for him, but I need his older brother Ben to show him how to play with it.
I held Blake in my arms for several minutes, then I let him have a good time in his exersaucer for a while. I'd let him play in there as long as he is not crying. If he starts to cry, that is my cue to pick him up and hold him. Blake is my baby who needs to be held most of the time.
Ben's two meals of the day at home were mixed. He ate his entire sausage and cereal platter for breakfast. For lunch, it wasn't so great. He didn't finish his ham and green beans that I worked so hard microwaving for him. I felt bad that he would go hungry before naptime, so I gave in and gave him a piece of birthday cake and some warm milk.
The hard part of my day is juggling Ben's lunchtime and Blake's bottle feeding time and molding the two together. It's a challenge, but I know that I've succeeded when Blake polishes off his 2nd bottle of the day.
After both of their naps, I had to race to the finish by getting both boys dressed and ready to go. We left home around 1:18pm to day care.
The hardest part of my day is saying good bye to them before heading to work here at CBS46.
After I ate some dinner, I played some Candy Crush Saga and got beat by Level 461 for another five straight games. I am giving that up for the night.
I'm juggling editing, watching Monday Night Football (Bengals/Broncos), and watching CNN on my PC. I'm going to edit some serious VOs and SOT/VOs before it is all said and done. I will also practice some writing in between assignments.
Before the 11pm show started, things did not come together for me to showcase some of my editing skills. I had a chance to edit a re-track of a CBS Newspath package since I had some time to do it. he script did not come in on time for me to do it. I put in the package as is from Newspath with Omar Villafranca's track as it was intended.
I'm getting ready to do an emissions test tomorrow. I can't wait to get it done. Let's move!!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
I tell Ben and Blake a joke (sort of)
I'm honoring Comedian and Game Show Host Steve Harvey by calling my two sons by the wrong name.
Ad art 1
This is the first time I've ever posted my sketch drawings for advertisements and things. Here we go.
This is partly inspired by what I saw and read about my Arizona Coyotes.
This is partly inspired by what I saw and read about my Arizona Coyotes.
Journal Entry for April 27, 2015
I hit the snooze button once this morning. I woke up at 7:30 a.m. I got my coffee ready and I got Ben's milk going before he woke up.
This just in: I achieved something special on my XBOX360 playing 'The Price is Right Decades' game. I "conquered" the maze in 1987's "Pathfinder". I did it on a 1987 mazda 323SE worth $7,153.
Ben woke up just beofre 8:15. I got to see a little bit of "Today" and "Good Morning America" before he had his first bottle of the day.
I let Ben play with my Playstation two controllers. I think I see a future gamer at home. For the most part, he takes good good care of them. I think he'll let me play some games down the road.
We spent time playing in his new tent. Before that, we played with his blue hippo ball machine with some round balls and Easter eggs going through there.
I squeezed in finishing "Lethal Weapon 4" before Ben ate his scrumptious breakfast. I fed him some pancakes, blueberry puffs, and some whole blueberries. I think he likes blueberries. I was surprised to see him finish the entire plate. I beamed. My boy can eat.
Right after that, I changed his diaper. Good thing I did because it was well timed and poopy. He pitched a fit because he didn't want me to change him. I was good because I didn't yell at him or get frustrated at him.
Last night, I said a prayer for patience and understanding. That helped me deal with my toddler. I think I'll need to do that again for the future.
Ben surprised me when he woke up early, before 1PM. I was so happy for that I skipped a shower. I was smart to finish meal prep for him early in the morning.
I did better in getting him dressed and diapered on time. That helped us get out the door faster and earlier.
I got Ben off to daycare early and in a reasonable amount of time. The usual 15-20 minute was a therapeutic one for me. Today I relaxed and enjoyed the drive to Ben's daycare.
Sometimes, I get scared in taking Ben to daycare all by myself. Let me explain. I want to be able to hear Ben while he's strapped in his car seat in the back seat. Right now, I can't see him too well while I'm driving. I hope to hear him in a happy state while we're commuting together.
Sometimes I'll hear him crying and I feel helpless when he does. I can't do anything to help him because I can't go to the back seat to see him. I have to deliver some silent prayers that he's going to be OK.
One of the hardest parts of my day after telling Ben's daycare handlers about his lunch is leaving him behind. I make sure that I give him some last minute lovins on the cheek before I leave for work.
I take my usual path right down Main Street onto Jiles Road. Then I'm of to the left on Wade Green Road before driving down I-75 toward Midtown Atlanta.
It takes me about 30 minutes to get to work from Kennesaw. SiriusXM and Sports talk as well as News talk help me through the drive. Radio makes my drive fun for me.
I wonder what I'll hear on 1st wave or hair nation as I'm on the go. If there is a song that I like, I'll sing to it. Today nothing stood out for me to sing to.
I don't remember all the work I did for CBS46 tonight. All I could hope for was that I did my job well and that I did not disappoint anyone in my eight hours of service here at the station.
Three days down at work, two to go before my weekend begins.
This just in: I achieved something special on my XBOX360 playing 'The Price is Right Decades' game. I "conquered" the maze in 1987's "Pathfinder". I did it on a 1987 mazda 323SE worth $7,153.
Ben woke up just beofre 8:15. I got to see a little bit of "Today" and "Good Morning America" before he had his first bottle of the day.
I let Ben play with my Playstation two controllers. I think I see a future gamer at home. For the most part, he takes good good care of them. I think he'll let me play some games down the road.
We spent time playing in his new tent. Before that, we played with his blue hippo ball machine with some round balls and Easter eggs going through there.
I squeezed in finishing "Lethal Weapon 4" before Ben ate his scrumptious breakfast. I fed him some pancakes, blueberry puffs, and some whole blueberries. I think he likes blueberries. I was surprised to see him finish the entire plate. I beamed. My boy can eat.
Right after that, I changed his diaper. Good thing I did because it was well timed and poopy. He pitched a fit because he didn't want me to change him. I was good because I didn't yell at him or get frustrated at him.
Last night, I said a prayer for patience and understanding. That helped me deal with my toddler. I think I'll need to do that again for the future.
Ben surprised me when he woke up early, before 1PM. I was so happy for that I skipped a shower. I was smart to finish meal prep for him early in the morning.
I did better in getting him dressed and diapered on time. That helped us get out the door faster and earlier.
I got Ben off to daycare early and in a reasonable amount of time. The usual 15-20 minute was a therapeutic one for me. Today I relaxed and enjoyed the drive to Ben's daycare.
Sometimes, I get scared in taking Ben to daycare all by myself. Let me explain. I want to be able to hear Ben while he's strapped in his car seat in the back seat. Right now, I can't see him too well while I'm driving. I hope to hear him in a happy state while we're commuting together.
Sometimes I'll hear him crying and I feel helpless when he does. I can't do anything to help him because I can't go to the back seat to see him. I have to deliver some silent prayers that he's going to be OK.
One of the hardest parts of my day after telling Ben's daycare handlers about his lunch is leaving him behind. I make sure that I give him some last minute lovins on the cheek before I leave for work.
I take my usual path right down Main Street onto Jiles Road. Then I'm of to the left on Wade Green Road before driving down I-75 toward Midtown Atlanta.
It takes me about 30 minutes to get to work from Kennesaw. SiriusXM and Sports talk as well as News talk help me through the drive. Radio makes my drive fun for me.
I wonder what I'll hear on 1st wave or hair nation as I'm on the go. If there is a song that I like, I'll sing to it. Today nothing stood out for me to sing to.
I don't remember all the work I did for CBS46 tonight. All I could hope for was that I did my job well and that I did not disappoint anyone in my eight hours of service here at the station.
Three days down at work, two to go before my weekend begins.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
I dream of doing better for my family
I want to make more money.
I want to be able to earn more so that I can become debt free, become able to take my family on a good vacation, and buy them all a new home.
I want my boys to have things I don't remember having throughout my childhood. I want Ben and Blake to have an ongoing college fund, activities they can go to, summer camps, and all the toys that they can enjoy (provided they do their homework and get good grades).
Most importantly, I want them to have their mama with us so that we can continue to be a complete family.
I don't want my boys to be afflicted with what I had as a kid. I don't want them to obsess about things I did as a kid. I'm ashamed about it right now.
I have a lot of emotions running through my body and I feel mostly pain right now. I hope to do better for everyone again soon.
I want to be able to earn more so that I can become debt free, become able to take my family on a good vacation, and buy them all a new home.
I want my boys to have things I don't remember having throughout my childhood. I want Ben and Blake to have an ongoing college fund, activities they can go to, summer camps, and all the toys that they can enjoy (provided they do their homework and get good grades).
Most importantly, I want them to have their mama with us so that we can continue to be a complete family.
I don't want my boys to be afflicted with what I had as a kid. I don't want them to obsess about things I did as a kid. I'm ashamed about it right now.
I have a lot of emotions running through my body and I feel mostly pain right now. I hope to do better for everyone again soon.
Journal Entry for April 26, 2015
I can't remember anything significant about this day today. I would like to remember that I had a good time with Kelly and Ben. I hope I served them both well. More importantly, I hope that I served the LORD well.
One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday Morning is to go to the local convenience store and pick up some goodies. I like to go buy a Sunday Paper (MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL), a cup of coffee, a lottery ticket or two, and a "Fizzie" for my wife. Buying a Sunday newspaper is a throwback for me. I used to do that a lot as a kid, a college student, a CNN editor, and again today.
I think in some way, I am part of a dying breed. I am one of the last people left in the world that goes to pay money to buy a newspaper. I even read it. There is something special, something magical about opening up the contents of what is inside the Sunday paper. I can expect some well-written in-depth pieces, a wonderful sports page, TV guide, and some coupons. Oh do I love some coupons.
Also, there isn't anything much better than a warm sip of fresh coffee that came brewed out of the convenience store coffee dispensers. Just a bit of milk (of cream), sweet & low, and a stir, and I am all set. I'm ready to drink. I'm stoked when I have that warm beverage running down my throat. That stream of coffee is flowing smoothly down the Irwin Canal. I think I'm about to go get another cup.
The hardest part of my day is coming soon. I am having to leave my wife and son behind for the day. I must do so in order to get to work on time. I'd honestly rather be home with the both of them. Until my day comes to where I have weekends off, I have to make do with the time I have available.
It's usually a mad dash to the finish, err, to get to WGCL-TV/CBS46. I'm always cutting it close as far as making it to work on time. I'm hoping I'll have some good things to read, messages to see, and good games to watch.
I'm hoping that I'm more aware of what's going on in the news. I want to be a good note-taker while maintaining my good work as an editor.
I'm getting excited for the arrival of my son Blake. I can't wait to meet him and hear what he has to say. I can only wish he will be an easier baby than Ben was. I can't wait to hold him, hug him, kiss him, and get him a bunch of little teddy bears.
I look forward to the day I can get him with a bear in the face. I'm waiting for you little Blake.
One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday Morning is to go to the local convenience store and pick up some goodies. I like to go buy a Sunday Paper (MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL), a cup of coffee, a lottery ticket or two, and a "Fizzie" for my wife. Buying a Sunday newspaper is a throwback for me. I used to do that a lot as a kid, a college student, a CNN editor, and again today.
I think in some way, I am part of a dying breed. I am one of the last people left in the world that goes to pay money to buy a newspaper. I even read it. There is something special, something magical about opening up the contents of what is inside the Sunday paper. I can expect some well-written in-depth pieces, a wonderful sports page, TV guide, and some coupons. Oh do I love some coupons.
Also, there isn't anything much better than a warm sip of fresh coffee that came brewed out of the convenience store coffee dispensers. Just a bit of milk (of cream), sweet & low, and a stir, and I am all set. I'm ready to drink. I'm stoked when I have that warm beverage running down my throat. That stream of coffee is flowing smoothly down the Irwin Canal. I think I'm about to go get another cup.
The hardest part of my day is coming soon. I am having to leave my wife and son behind for the day. I must do so in order to get to work on time. I'd honestly rather be home with the both of them. Until my day comes to where I have weekends off, I have to make do with the time I have available.
It's usually a mad dash to the finish, err, to get to WGCL-TV/CBS46. I'm always cutting it close as far as making it to work on time. I'm hoping I'll have some good things to read, messages to see, and good games to watch.
I'm hoping that I'm more aware of what's going on in the news. I want to be a good note-taker while maintaining my good work as an editor.
I'm getting excited for the arrival of my son Blake. I can't wait to meet him and hear what he has to say. I can only wish he will be an easier baby than Ben was. I can't wait to hold him, hug him, kiss him, and get him a bunch of little teddy bears.
I look forward to the day I can get him with a bear in the face. I'm waiting for you little Blake.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
I had a dream about living on Long Island
This morning, as I was going in and out of sleep, I had a dream where I was moving to Hempstead, New York on Long Island tomorrow.
My wife, two boys, and I loaded up the station wagon and we magically landed up the East Coast. I know not how we got there. We were very excited to be there and we had a big big house to go.
It was not a mansion, but it was a 2,000 square foot home that we could all fit us and our things into.
We even met Kelly's mom to give us a warm housewarming party. We could get anything we wanted to fill up our home with some goodies for the house.
Later on in the dream, I was watching a New York Knicks game and I was thinking about all the Western United States teams that I follow and support. A Westerner like me loved living on the East Coast. I had a sense of excitement about what I was getting into.
I didn't know what I was going to do for a living nor did I know what I was going to read every day. I think I had dreams of watching ABC7 Eyewitness News every chance I got when I was free.
In reality, I woke up. I still live in Acworth, Georgia. I love it there. I had a friend tell me never to live in Hempstead, NY. For the good of my family, I'll take him up on that. I'll want to see an NHL game up at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
My wife, two boys, and I loaded up the station wagon and we magically landed up the East Coast. I know not how we got there. We were very excited to be there and we had a big big house to go.
It was not a mansion, but it was a 2,000 square foot home that we could all fit us and our things into.
We even met Kelly's mom to give us a warm housewarming party. We could get anything we wanted to fill up our home with some goodies for the house.
Later on in the dream, I was watching a New York Knicks game and I was thinking about all the Western United States teams that I follow and support. A Westerner like me loved living on the East Coast. I had a sense of excitement about what I was getting into.
I didn't know what I was going to do for a living nor did I know what I was going to read every day. I think I had dreams of watching ABC7 Eyewitness News every chance I got when I was free.
In reality, I woke up. I still live in Acworth, Georgia. I love it there. I had a friend tell me never to live in Hempstead, NY. For the good of my family, I'll take him up on that. I'll want to see an NHL game up at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
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