Can A Brother Get A Break?

I just picture Ice T saying this.  The man is still a pimp.  Anyways, enough of that and on to what this blog is about.

I don't know if I've ever been this busy in my life.  Maybe, just before I was about to get married, but right now I think this period, tops that.  In fact, at the moment I write this, I should still be sleeping, but it's the only time have to write.  As most loyal readers (if I have any left) know, I haven't written many blogs lately.  Let's look at my latest schedule.

From 8-13 to 8-20 we were on vacation in NH.  I don't know if you've ever packed for (at the time) 2 1/2 month old baby for a week in what could be unpredictable weather.  Holy crap did she need a lot of stuff.  Still mission accomplished.  I don't really remember much of it, because I blinked and it was over.

Today (Saturday 8-27) is the baby's Baptism/Christening (I don't remember what it's called).  So all week it's been about coordinating and purchasing food for the cookout.  A cookout that is probably going to be a cook-in.  Seems like the east coast is about to get slammed by a hurricane called Irene.  Sounds like one of those tough biaatches from my high school days in Brockton, MA.  The hurricane's last name wouldn't happen to be Sanchez, would it?  Are her main weapons razor sharp Lee press-on nails and pulling hair?  Girl fights, way worse than boy fights.

Speaking of Brockton, the very next day (Sunday, if your keeping score) is a family reunion of sorts.  The guys I hung around with in Brockton and even after I moved to a different town, will all be getting back together for the first time in at least 10 yrs.  Jeff has managed to get everyone together.  Just like back in the days when we were younger, it doesn't matter what we do.  It'll be great just to spend a few hours with everyone.

The following weekend, Labor Day weekend, we head down to PA.  Riley gets to meet her third great-grandmother.  This weekend, as far as I know, will wrap up the whirlwind of travel that we've taken her on.  This (now) 3 month old baby will be to as many states as I went to when I was a teenager. 

Plus, before I forget...I've been putting together a benefit concert for my friend that has been in the hospital for the past 2 months.  You know in my free time.  Just something to try to help him out with hospital bills and what not.  I can report he's doing 1000 times better than he was at the beginning.  He's come a long way, but still has a long way to go.  The man is a fighter and he's proven he won't give in.  Without getting into any details, he was in about as bad shape as you could be in.  I'll report more on the concert as it gets closer.

I still won't get a break.  There are no sick days for Daddy.  No complaints however, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Off The Beaten Path Show # 8

Monday 8/8/11 @ 12PM ET, Wednesday 8/10/11 @ 4PM ET and Friday 8/12/11 @ 8PM ET...Show # 8...I'm very proud it's gone on so long.  This will most likely be the only show for August.  We have our family vacation and the christening for the baby the very next week.  Just not enough time with the technology that is needed, but I'm still going to give it a shot. 

I'd do it on vacation, but we unplug for that entire week.  As off-grid as we can get.  It's a beautiful thing...I suggest doing that for at least a weekend every six months or so.  You're not really missing anything...it'll all be there when you get back.

Here's the Playlist for Show # 8

Bad Reputation – Joan Jett

See No Evil – Television

Girl U Want – Devo

Fantasy – Aldo Nova

Never Enough – LA Guns (Hair Metal Song of The Week)

Fighting My Way Back – Thin Lizzy

Love or Confusion – Jimi Hendrix Experience

Kid Charlamagne – Steely Dan

Kate – Ben Folds Five

Do You Wanna Hold Me – Bow Wow Wow

Head On – Jesus And Mary Chain

She Bangs The Drum – Stone Roses

Who’s Gonna Save Us? – Living End

She Gave Good Sunflower – Black Crowes

The Drowsy Surgeon – Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons

’67 Serenade – Jay Berndt

The Village Green Preservation Society – Kinks

When Will I Be Loved – Everly Brothers

Ooh La La – The Faces

I’m On Fire – Dwight Twilley

I’m A Boy – The Who

Rock and Roll Girls – John Fogerty

World Turning – Fleetwood Mac

Who Do You Love – Bo Diddley

Hope – Descendents

Ya Ya – Lee Dorsey

Set Your Goals – CIV

Banana Splits – The Dickies

Rock Around With Ollie Vee – Buddy Holly

Ashes to Ashes – Faith No More

Straight To Hell – The Clash

 Hope you enjoy it...take care

What Happened To July?

No, there isn't a reason why Richie Cunningham is pictured, but who doesn't love Ron Howard?  Anyways, July flew by and I didn't do a whole lot with this blog.  I haven't given up on it or quit...it's just that real life get's in the way sometimes. 

I'm doing full on Daddy Duty from about 8AM to about 6PM and then more after the wife goes to bed.  Plus, the physical toll it takes.  You just don't want to write after that.  I'm loving every minute of it, but just can't find time to write that often.

The 8th Off The Beaten Path Radio Show has been completed.  I'll post more when it gets closer to it's debut. 

Me along with a couple of other friends have started to plan a fundraiser for my friend Mark.  He's been in the hospital for over a month with an illness that is still undetermined.  He's starting to show improvement, which is really all you can ask for.  Still in the planning stages, but there has been talk of a concert with some great Rhode Island bands and a raffle.  More to come on that when plans get solidified. 

Our family vacation will be coming up quickly in the month of August and we can't wait.  A week at the lake is always a good way to recharge the batteries.  Seeing family and old friends.  It's easily the best place on Earth for us.  A little piece of heaven.

That's what I've got for you.  I'll be back with more news on the radio show, as well as, the fundraiser.