Play Night

Friday night and all day Saturday Zach, Jenna and Shelby are in the show Tom Sawyer. And because the parents participation in the Green room, back stage, costume design, props, lighting, Etc, it becomes very difficult to see the show from anything other than the curtains at the side of the stage. But Saturday I had the opportunity to sit in the audience and watch as 65 kids from the ages of about 10 to 18 performed.... and it was awesome. There is some incredible talent. I was awestruck at Zach's rendition of the preacher. I fully laughed. It is fun watching my kids on stage, acting singing and dancing. I would have never thought, but there they were, without fear and totally comfortable on stage in front of an audience. I am a proud papa.

Opposites Attract

In my house I have two animals that are direct opposites. I love my dog Smokey, a very large German Shepherd, bull in a china shop, protector, with a row of teeth as long as my hand. Smokey stands guard in the house and no one comes in or out without a thorough looking over. Everything you'd ever want in a guard dog and companion. Then there's Bella, my daughter's cat. Graceful, beautiful, playful, not a care in the world, fun with a capital F. And somehow against all odds they are inseparable. They spoon each other. Bella is always waiting at the door for Smokey and they are never far from each other. Even as I am writing this blog Smokey is next to me and Bella has her paws across Smokey's. It is against the laws of nature that these two should be so close, but they are. They do spend time apart but as soon as the day slows down or there is lull in the everyday hustle and bustle of our house, you find Bella and Smokey laying next to each other, playing, Bella moving in and between Smokey's legs and Smokey simply watching, and protecting. I don't know if the two of them can communicate, doggie language versus kitty language. Maybe there is some kind of chemistry that constantly draws the two of them closer. Maybe in a different world or a different land Dogs and Cats live together all the time. I know that it exists here in my house and it makes me happy.

Friends

My wife says that I like work way to much. She is happy that I have found a career that I enjoy but at times I feel that my happiness for work is overboard. But what's not to love. My crew has become my friends. I like to hang around with these guys. They are fun and full of life. I like the Fire Engine, who wouldn't. I get to run red lights, run the siren, people get out of my way. I enjoy the calls, well most of the calls. They are interesting and I get to actually help. I enjoy the hospital, the doctors, nurses and staff, they have become my friends.

I know that I am rambling but there is probably nothing that I do not look forward to tomorrow. From the people I will see to the emergency calls I go on (even at night). This is strange I know. But part of me feels blessed that I am where I am and that I interact with the people I interact with.

I think that this is called community or making a difference. Whatever it is, I like it.