My tennis game.. and stringing dilemma

Well, after playing with my Prince Oversize 107 rackets for 25 years, I have decided to switch.. Or did I? I ordered 3 new Head MicroGel Extreme Pro's and had leather grips put on them, but never gave them a chance as I was having issues with overheads and forehands. So, after selling my Prince's on ebay, I ordered 2 more Graphites, strung one, went to the wall, hit a few balls and realized that the HMP really were my new sticks. However, I had already sold them too! So, I had to ask the buyer to listen to my story and I gave him the funds back and have been watching my rackets travel to Arkansas and now are on the way back.

Next problem... I sold my stringer too! Then, I decided to get the new Top of the Line, LaserFibre Quantum. That's what I ordered last week and was told it would ship out this Friday, 11/7/08. However, that got shipped out yesterday and left my bank account in a negative situation. I contacted the LaserFibre folks and asked them what happened? I also asked for a refund of the shipping charges as it's the least that they can do for the screw up that they caused me!

Oh.. the game of tennis! :)

Brian

Some Tennis , Fear, and an interview in afternoon

I played my usual Thursday am singles with Dr. George this morning. I lost the first set 7-5 and it was 4-4 in the 2nd when we ran out of the court time. It's amazing how your mind can wonder all over the place while in the middle of a competitive singles match. I noticed that I was feeling a bit depressed for some reason. I didn't play that bad and also was noticing the "fear" feeling of actually flying soon and having to face the "winning" of the match. I thought to myself, I am so sick and tired of fear of this that and the other running/ruining my life - I must continue to pray for strength and courage along with faith to see the "big picture" and that GOD is in control of my life. Tomorrow is my vein surgery and I've been trying to not let that creep into my psyche and take hold and get me going on some tangent that I can't do it. I AM going to get this done and face the procedure head on.  Like my dad said to me a while back, "son, no matter where you are, when GOD calls you home, it's time to come home," and that's so TRUE. 

 No Worries

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”

~ Philippians 4:6-7

I think that this verse is the best one for me and to live by it each day and pray for FAITH.

I have an interview at 1pm today in Tukwila WA. It's a great opportunity with a great company. I hope that it goeswell. The interview process is something very new for me and it's taken me some time to get the hang of it. My main goal today is to exude confidence in not only myself, but my 20 years of experience that I can bring to this position and company. Knowledge and experience coupled with a "win/win" attitude is my goal.

Best!
Brian

Olivia's Day in Seattle-Happy 13th Birthday!

We spent part of the afternoon today visiting the Pike Place Market. You see all type of people there, including the "famous" fish tossing stand. We went down to the water front as well to see the Old Curiosity Shop. Then, I took my son and friend and went to Game Works while the gals shopped. We topped off the evening with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

 My site was voting by as Blog of the day and I thought that was pretty cool to have been selected. I hope others enjoy reading my blog and it helps people.

My daughter's is 13, I can not believe it. Today's she is now officially a "teenager" and I she's so beautiful. I loved holding her hand today walking in down town Seattle. It was a great day and I am so proud to be her father.  Olivia is such a special young lady with so much talent and tenacity. She's her student body president and a honor roll student.  Olivia's such a blessing to me and I am so proud of her. I thank GOD for allowing her to come into my life - I cherish her so much.  My life would not be complete with out her or my son Owen. My wife and I are so blessed with two healthy children.

I started out today playing some really good singles tennis and decided to not change raquets - rather get a few replacement ones. I found one on Ebay and am in the middle of working out a deal on it. I have 5 rackets now, of which 3 are ready to be handed down to the neighborhood kids to use.  I also got Tennis Warehouse to send me out some new replacement strings. I was surprised about that, but they will continue to get my business because of their great service.

If you are in need of wanting to chat with another aortic dissection survivor, please be sure to let me know by emailing me or going to my FORUM to see/chat with other folks who have experienced a dissection themselves.

I hope this week finally reveals my new job career path and I can get back on track with having a full time job again. I would love to have this happen this week. I have quite a few "irons" in the fire right now and feeling pretty good that it's going to lead to an official job offer. I am still (slowly but surely) working on my studying for the pmp exam. I am hoping to take the test in the fall.

Take Care,

Brian

Friday's almost over

As I am writing this post, my wife and kids are seeing the new "Journey to the Center of the Earth" movie. I decided to stay home and get caught up on some studying - which I didn't do much of! My daughter is going to be 13 on the 13th of July and OMG... I can't believe how she's become such a beautiful young lady. I am so proud of her and I love her so much.

I can remember when she was just a baby! Where has the time gone? Does she really know how much I love her? How much I care for her? How much I thank GOD for her!  I remember her drawings she used to make, here's some of my favorites surrounding this posting.

We took my son's Razor scooter back today as the chain kept coming off and returned it. He paid (out of his own pocket) the $50.00 extra to get the Razor electric motorcycle. Of course, he had to have it put together right when we got home. However, it's got to charge for 18 hours! That's tough on a 9 year old who wants his toy now!

 

 

 He's got his bike and has other scooters to hold him over. I just had to replace this back tire on his bike as he had been skidding a bit too much and it popped.. Oh.. the joys of being a dad.. priceless!

I ended up playing some outdoors tennis with Curt this morning and we had a great first set, but he fell apart in the second set. Speaking of tennis, I just had ordered the "champions set" from tennis warehouse, which is the same string combination that Federer uses. However, after string my mains with the Luxilon ALU Rough and about half way through the "gut" crosses, the gut looked like it was ready to break. I am thinking that it's better to buy them as the VS Gut and Luxilon versus the Wilson combined champions tour packaging. I am getting my $29.00 bucks back!

We had a BBQ tonight with my wife's sisters kids and my mother in law too! It was fun and enjoyed a burger and some hot dogs for the kids and good old fashioned corn and salad. The best thing.. was we had "dilly bars" for dessert!  I love ice-cream. I have been hooked on these "skinny cows" and they are lower in fat that regular ice-cream and are great! I love the cookies n cream, but all the stores sell out of them. Go figure!

I called the Varthon corporation up and asked for the sales manager hoping to get this name. I ended up getting it and sent him an email about the position on Craig's list that I saw for an "inside sales" position.  I had also left three messages for the recruiter there as well. I want them to know just how hungry I am and how committed I would be to working for them and their great company.

I think that it's important for potential employers to know something about me and the kind of person that I am. I feel very confident that I am on the verge of landing a new job soon - before the end of the month is my goal still.

I am playing my usual Saturday 0700-0830am doubles and looking forward to that. I realized today that there's competitive tennis (tournaments) to work on your ranking. Then, in my case, there's giving something back to the game as well. And that's playing with others who are rated lower than me, but it's a blessing for me to be out there to begin with so why can't I try and help them with their game and just share a few laughs as well? That's what giving back means to me!

I hope you enjoy some of my daughter's pictures. I know that I wil always treasure them as they are so near and dear to my heart.

Good night!

Brian

4th of July-Baseball and Fireworks

Well,

We (my wife, Olivia and Owen) went to the Mariners game yesterday at 1:00pm at Safeco Field. We got the tickets from a season ticket holder off CraigsList and they were great seats!  This was the first game that I can recall staying to the very end of the game. The Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1. It was hot and a lot of interesting fans. It's fun just doing some people watching. We also got to see a few foul balls land near us as we were about 17 rows behind the Mariners dugout and that's where  a lefty pitcher had a bunch of the right-handed batters hitting the foul balls. We really enjoyed the game.

After the game, we were orginally going to stay down and watch the Ivar's fireworks show. However, we decided to go grab some dinner at Chinook's in Ballard and then went home. My son asked  me to get some fireworks, so we hopped in the car and went to the local corner stand.

The stands are a cash only business and we hit the ATM machine first. With $60.00 bucks in our hands we went there. We ended up getting over $100.00 worth of stuff for only $60.00 and then went home and waited for the sun to go down. Man, what a fireworks show we had. It was a blast and out neighbor brought out some of his from last year and we proceded to blow up the entire neighborhood for about an hour.  Of course, yours truly had to get out in the rain this morning and I spent over an hour cleaning up the street and sidewalks - all in the name of fun! I think that everyone enjoyed the fireworks.

I missed the Women's Singles final this am between the Williams sisters and turned on the TV just as they showed Venus running around with the trophy. It was a great win for her. She's a tremendous champion and so is her sister. And.... they won the doubles too! I know Serena would have loved to win, but it was Venuses time to win.  Still, in head to head, Serena has more Grand Slams.  I wish the tennis community would really appreciate what talented girls these Williams sisters really are.

The men's final will be tomorrow am and it's going to be "breakfast at Wimbledon" for me and I Will be up for the match at 0600am pst tomorrow.

We went to the beach the other day and I found a really cool stick that I thought I'd used to help reach my bird feeders. My feeders are 12 feet high on my custom feeder pole that I had build by a welding shop.

I really love the beach and the sound of the waves. It's a calming sound and the smell of the sea air just does something to you.  This was down at a beach in Mukilteo Washington, in an area called Picnic Point. My wife used to go there when she was a kid and it's a great place to go and relax on a hot day.

As you can see, I had my Washington State Open tennis T-Shirt on from last year. I lost to a guy in the first round that I should have beat. In fact, in the Seattle City, he got beat two straight by the guy that I beat in 3 sets to win the tournament for a second straight year.  I am looking forward to the Wa State Open this year and have been trying to practice some outdoor matches.  I have been going back and forth about a racket change and I am leaning on trying to got to a smaller head and even perhaps a smaller grip size for a change.

I am really still a bit angry at Starta8.com's inability to show professionalism and respond to me about why I didn't get their customer service manager position. I find it utterly disrespectful that they didn't take the time to offer me any constructive criticism. I am actually glad as I would NOT work for a company like this who's people don't even say "thank you" for interviewing with them - at least 3 of them didn't and they are NOT that busy to do that.  Moving on to bigger and better things...

It's been 5/2/2008 that I was officially laid off from Verizonbusiness - all due to some incompetent Microsoft employees that I took the blame for. Part of me really wants to let those idiots know what they have done to me and my family. However, they were all miserable people that I dealt with and are not happy. So, I'll let them wallow in their own misery and hit the "delete" button in my brain about wanting to really give them a piece of my mind.

I am beginning to wonder how my Life Insurance is going to turn out with Met-Life. I applied for a $250k policy and had the "in-home" nurse come by last week for the urine/blood and miscellaneous 100 other questions. As and aortic dissection survivor, I will be curious to see how this tracks throughout their systems and if it spits out a "reject" or "yes..we'll take em" and then come up with the monthly premiums. I know many other AD survivors are looking for life insurance or Long Term Care.

We have some new neighbors. What I mean is that we have the same pair of birds build a nest each year under our roof eaves near the front of the house. You can open the towel closet door and hear the baby's chirping. However, in addition to this family, it appears we have a new family that's moved in very close to my den window. And, I can see/hear them at work on their nest or perhaps taking care of their new born chicks already as well. I thought about putting a web-cam out their to watch the repeat customers and document them building and raising their chicks for next year. Might be worth doing.

Still haven't heard from AFV about the video I sent them of our trip to San Diego, CA. I had tape a male bull drinking a females (urine) and then putting on a huge -what looked like -grin! We all laughed and I sent the tape into them about a month ago. It might be too offensive for that "rated G" show.

Take care,

Brian

A trip back in time.... the Drive in Movie!

Wow.. I'll bet it's been 25+ years since I have been to the drive in. The last time I can recall was in high school. We went to see "Wally" and we took the Expedition. It's amazing how many people were at the drive in last night! The second feature was "Get Smart" and we'd seen it with the exception of my daughter. However, I could not get comfortable in that Expedition and literally never even saw the movie, I just laid between my two kids and tried to sleep - which didn't happen.

It's the 4th of July today and I am so thankful for our Indepence!  We are a blessed country and so fortunate to live in the US. That reminds me... I will hang up my new US Flag that I have in the garage - still in it's package ready to be flying high!

We might go to the Mariners game today for something to do. I am playing tennis at 8:30-10:00am with my friend Joe C. The men's semi-finals are on today at noon in all time zones and I think the Nadal match will be quick, but really want to see how Safin does against Roger. 

I am bidding on a new racket myself. It's been 20+ years that I have played with the Original Prince Graphite OS. Granted, they still make it and it's a great racket - perhaps the best of all time! However, I have a one-handed back hand and am playing more doubles, so the 100 (mid plus) head size will be a down grade from the (107) oversize. Also, the top tennis pros that have one handed back hands, with the exception of Roger, use the Head Microgel Extreme Pro.

I sent the folks at Strata8.com an email asking what were the reasons that I didn't get the job and/or to provide me with some constructive criticism on what I can improve on. I spoke with my mom yesterday about this and she said to leave it alone - that you'd already sent them the email and not to pesture them. As much as I know she's right... I am a bit pissed off to put it bluntly that they don't have the respect to at least follow up.

Happy 4th of July!

Brian

Watching some good tennis!

Gasquet versus Murray match, just started watching, Gasquet is 2 sets to love lead and it's 5-5 in the third and Murray's had about 5 Ad In points. Murray goes up 6-5 in the 3rd.

I applied for (actually emailed) the folks at Integratelecom for a director job. I am hoping to hear from them soon. I also emailed the F5 folks and my contacts at ATT Wireless and Intermec. And, Shelly at T-Mobile as well.

I listened to my Flight Harmonizer CD last night and it's helping me. I am getting closer to flying soon!

Thanks,
Brian

Monday Morning-Looks like another beautiful day

It's about 6:45am and I am sipping my morning coffee and I can hear the sounds of the sprinkler in the front yard through the noise of the fan blowing in the den window. The air feels kind of cool as the rest of the house is 80 degrees!

I am playing tennis at 0800am outside this morning with my friend Curt. My interview is tomorrow and I need to get my hair cut today and do a bit more preparing for the interview.

I listened to the "flight harmonizer cd" again last night before bed and I am really feeling confident that this is going to work. I've got to essentially be my own coach and allow the "positive" side (Jesus) run my life and focus on the cross for all that it promises and the protection that it provides.

We still haven't figured out what we are going to do about the 4th of July yet. Or normal plans of going to my sister in law's place, it didn't work this time.

Got an email from a worried aortic customer today who is trying to find a surgeon and I sent off a couple of emails today to my experts to get him help.  His cardiologist mentioned the Cleveland Clinic which is an excellent place. However, there's quite a few other places that have tremendous surgeons as well.

I can not believe that it's the last day of June! Wow, summer is flying by really fast.

We got a patio set yesterday from Fred Meyer and had dinner out on it last night. I am thinking that I will try to find an umbrella for it today. I was also thinking of one of those little portable fire kits - but... I am not sure if they are that great and how much usage it would get?

Have a great day! Be thankful for EVERYTHING that GOD has blessed you with.

Brian

Just had my conference call with Captain Ron Neilsen

I wanted to say that I am so thankful for Captain Ron and his assistant, Barbara for setting up this conference call with Brook as well. It was a great positive experience for me and I truly appreciate it. I am feeling more confident each day. Check them out at http://www.Fearless-Flight.com and get help.

I played tennis this morning and it's supposed to be 90 degrees today here in Everett, WA. Wow, that's hot and it's already 11:00am and I am sweating just writing this post up in my den area.

I am getting ready for my interview on Tuesday and can't wait to start there. (Thinking positive that they are going to like me and hire me). I have a 90 day trial period in that I don't get benefits.

I am meeting with an "at home" nurse from Met-Life to try and apply for a 250K Life insurance policy. I have a few tests that they have to run as well as gather my medical records.

We had a BBQ last night at our neighbors and we had some wine. My friend makes the win in his garage. Check out, http://www.furiouncellars.com and see his wines. They are great!

Thanks,
Brian

Oh.. I got my other site, http://www.briantinsley.com working, but have a lot more to do there!

Almost 10pm on Thursday evening-long day!

I played tennis with my friend George Haughn. He beat me 6-4-7-5 today. I served like crap and was a bit tired, I had 2 beers yesterday at dinner! Light weight!  And, we played at 0700am versus our usual 05:15am start time. Oh yah... I didn't sleep that well either.  Ok..enough excuses!

I got the Webinar from the fearlessflying.com site and started listening/watching the presentation. It's about 2.5 hours and I got through the first 30 minutes. I am really believing that this will be the final step. I am possibly going to be speaking with Ron Neilsen and another fellow student who sounds a lot like me and was able to overcome his fear and get on a plane.

I received my interview schedule for my postion of Client Services Manager at Strata8.com and I hope that everything goes well. I am looking forward to the opportunity to really make a difference there!

I still have some other irons in the fire, but nothing as hot as this prospect. They are in Bellevue, WA and it would not be that bad of a commute for me.

I screwed around with some other Word Press theme today and finally got it to work, but decided that it's too much work and I really think this one works just fine and I am sticking with it.

I sold my Total Gym today and my ladder to the same guy. As much as I had wanted to keep the Total Gym, it as too big for the garage and the kids all got on it and abused it. So, it's down the road and I am trying to obtain my VisionQuest HRT 3600 bike again. That's what I really need! I have weights at the club, a ton of them and the exercise bike would be great and my wife liked the last one that I had too! There's a guy in San Diego that has one and I am trying to figure out how to ship it up here relatively cheap.

Good night!

Brian

I am finally going to do something about my flying issues

I purchased the Fearless Flight Kit from captain Ron Nielsen and wrote him an email explaining my situation and how it's been since I've been on a jet liner. I am approaching 15 years I bet! My son was crying the other night as he wants to go to Hawaii so bad or just go on a vacation. It's taken a toll on my wife and daughter as well that their dad is a coward. Well... No More! I am sick and tired of this once and for all!

I am trying to find a new job and most of these jobs require some travel. In the past, I would just skip those and that would be the first thing that I would scan for in the job requirements section. That's crazy!  I don't want to be 75 years old sitting in my rest home wishing that I had gone on some vacations instead of living in constant fear of what "might" happen, versus reality of just being in GOD and having the FAITH to believe that GOD IS WATCHING over me and that everyone will die some day and that it's not up to me to pick that date/time, it's me living in the palm of GOD'S hand and to keep my eyes focused on the CROSS.

I am really feeling and hoping that this will work out with captain Ron. I am also hoping that my interview with Strata8.com goes well. I had my phone interview yesterday and am looking forward to meeting them in person. I believe that this is a tremendous opportunity for me to excel there.

I can do ALL things through CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME! That is the verse that I am re-dedicating my life to. Paul said "ALL" things, not some thing and not others, but ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me! If GOD is for me, WHO can be against me?

Played some singles today and split sets with my friend Dr. Steve. He's a great guy! I also met with Dr. Strup about my Varicose veins and we have a plan of attack on how to fix them. I am waiting for my insurance approval. It's going to be 6 weeks out that I am supposed to where the stockings first. I hope that United Health Care approves it.

Take care!

Brian

Still trying to find that job!

I had what I thought was the perfect job, but come to find out the territory was in Chicago, even though the position was based out of Redmond Wa. So, that's been a bit of a downer today. I took my son to get his frog a bigger tank and we ended up getting 2 more fish and a new tank for him. He paid for it this time!

My daughter leaves for 4 days to go with a friend to their lake property. I will miss her! I love her and my entire family so, so, so much!

I have another phone interview tomorrow with a company called Strata8.com and I hope that this goes well. I also applied for a job at Boeing, Intermec, TMobile and a few others today. 

My wife is really feeling the stress of me not working and it's getting to my family and me personally as it's the most stressful time of my life. I hate this not having a life where I go to work everyday and feel confident about my ability to provide for my family. This is a tremendous burden that I have got to find a way out of. I know that GOD is testing my patience and has something out there for me! I am hoping and praying that a job comes to fruition soon! My blood pressure is starting to rise!

Well, our tennis season is over, we lost in the first round of the playoffs 5-0, nobody even won a match! I also lost in the quarters of the Seattle City Realestate gals 45's draw to David Larsen. He ended up winning it over a guy name Chris Romeny who took out the best player in our draw, or at least on paper hand a national 45 ranking, Howard Mendel. Oh well, Howard must have had a bad day, but I've seen Romney play and he's good too!

I got my HD TV set finally going and it's a real treat watching this HD serious on when we went to the Moon. I can not even fathom how incredible our space program is and what we've been able to accomplish and those who have perished as a result of pushing the envelope.

Bye for now! Got to watch my "when we landed on the moon" program and playing early tennis tomorrow. I am also going to have my varicose veins look at by Dr. Strup in Monroe, apparently he's the resident vein expert around here.

Brian

Interview at 12:30pm today with Free and Clear

I applied for a project management position with this company and have an interview (phone) today at 12:30. I am hoping it goes well. The company, http://www.freeclear.comis about how to help big companies get their employees help to quit smoking. It's completely non-telecom related and would be a breath of fresh air. I sent in my application to the http://www.pmi.orggroup for the pmp certification program. I got approved and now I am studying for the exam. In fact, I just paid $1850 to take the Velocitech 3 day PMP Prep Course in hopes that it will help me pass the exam. I was involved a many projects while at MCI/Verizonbusiness and I think that this certification will help open more doors.

I can honestly look back at all the projects that I have been involved with and it's hundreds and for the life of me, less than 1% were done with MS Project. Most were just done with a simple Excel spread sheet for tracking action items. I hope that this class will help me with future projects/employment opportunities.

I am in the Seattle City Real Estate Gals Men's 45's this weekend. I think I am the #3 seed. I am hoping to win this tournament. I am also in the USTA 4.5 Play offs this same weekend as well. It should be a busy weekend of tennis!

Thanks,

Brian

Monday Morning-Cloudy outside

Well,

It's Monday am and I just got done filing my UE for last week. I am hoping that this week something's going to pan out that GOD will show me where I am going to be working. I have a few irons in the fire and hopefully, it's going to happen this week.

I also ended up winning the Seattle City 4.5 Tennis Tourney again. That's two years in a row! I had  a really great tournament and played well.  I am scheduled to play in the Seattle City Mens 45 age division tournament this June 16-22nd. I hope to win that and have the talent to do it. I am truly a singles player and my doubles is just not near as good of a game.

We lost our last USTA league match to Nordstrom Tennis team last night 3-2. It was very close and in fact, our #2 singles player lost in a 3rd set tie breaker. My partner had to pull out in the first game of the 2nd set due to a pulled hamstring muscle. We will play this team in the first round of the playoffs.

Have a great week!

Brian

An incredible and beautiful weekend!

Well.. It would have been really great had I won my tennis tournament. The guy that I lost to won it. It turns out that we had known of each other 10 years ago and I actually bought my first stringer from him. It was my first outdoor match and man.... the sun was right in my eyes on one side and it had to have been 100+ on the court as it was 90 degrees that day.

There's a chance that I am hoping and praying and (please pray for me to land the "key account manager " position at Philips Medical Systems) as I am unemployed at this time and DO NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT! I feel terrible that I am without a job and although Satan would like to make me feel even worse, I am going to and will rise above the "down and out" guy, but rather using this time to PRAISE THE LORD for all that he's done for me. The message today was about Gideon and how he was called by GOD to be a mighty warrier.  And.. not to fear that GOD WOULD BE WITH HIM. Gideon was a bit like the "doubting Thomas" figure in the bible in that he constantly needed proof by GOD that he was going to do what he said he would do. I hadn't really knew all the details and this message today from Judges. Here's a great overview:http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/studies/online/judges7.htm

What really struck me is that the amount of men, if I believe around 300 that would tackle the 135,000 army and prevail over them with GOD's Help. God NEVER lies and the words of the bible, every one of them are TRUE. I am personally realizing more and more that FAITH, (believing in thy heart and confessing with thy tongue) that what ever you ask, be it for GOD's Glory, that it will happen. You just need to believe it's already happened and act (Faith) on it. I am believing by faith that I was recently healed of my fear of flying and that SATAN's hold of that fear has been terminated by GOD once and forall.

I am praying that the Philips job really happen and by FAITH, I AM BELIEVING that GOD WILL MAKE IT COME TRUE.

Good night!
Brian

My daughter was student of the month!

I went to see my daughter receive her award for "determination" and it's true-she's very determined to do things well. She's an A student and a super student council 3 time repeat winner!

I played tennis today with Steve and we split this time. I was down 5-2 in the second, came back to get to 5-5 and up 40 love and he went on a rampage! Needless to say, he won the set.  He and I are going to play doubles this weekend and ARE going to win!

I got official notice that my first day with Comcast is the 27th of May! So, that's great news! God does do miracles and answers prayers! My parents and friends, along with myself were praying that I would get a job soon!

I got my car fixed today at Rodland Toyota. My friend had tried to fix it and ended up stripping the threads out when he tried to put on a Napa filter. $150.00 later, I got it working finally. Now, I am just hoping the smell of gas goes away soon! Speaking of car issues, my wife was in a panic this morning as the Expedition somehow was stuck in 4 wheel drive mode. I rushed home, put in neutral and heard it slip back into the "normal" two wheel drive condition.

The 16th is my severance day pay date and I just found out that I will get UE for the week ending the 9th, 16th and 23rd.

Tonight is my daughter's youth group and we'll have to figure something out for an early dinner.

Take Care,
Brian

Monday morning-Nice sunny day here in Everett Wa.

Wow... We managed to pull off a victory in our USTA match last evening against the Seattle Tennis club. The match came down to our #1 Singles versus their #1 Singles. We pulled in out in the super tie breaker in the 3rd.

I didn't play well in my USTA 45 singles finals and lost 6-2, 6-3. I had split sets with the guy last time and could have played much better and beat him. I will get him next time for sure.

I got a call from my old boss at Verizon last Friday, he'd left me a voice mail and it was nice to hear what he had to say. I spoke with him on Saturday am and we are going to do lunch with some of the folks possibly this week.

I think I will go to the track today and/or go for a long walk or perhaps a bike ride. It's such a nice day out. I actually think a bike ride would be fun!

Need to get the emission test on the Expedition as the tabs are due. I also filed for UE last week and I am hoping to get a few payments, at least 1 for all the money that I contributed into that fund.

Ok.. Gotta run!

Brian

Tired and ready for bed!

It's only 8:26pm and I am ready to hit the hay! I had a 2 hour tennis match this morning in the Semi finals that I won 6-3, 7-6. I play in the finals tomorrow at 9:30am.

It was my son's last lacrosse game today and my parents came over to watch it. They really enjoyed it. My son's got a friend over for a while as my wife is out with the kids mother for a "girls night" out for a while. My daughter is doing the elliptical and I am fighting to stay awake!

Got word that I will be working out of the Lynnwood Comcast office where my friend is the VP of sales for Comcast.

I ate too much at the BBQ party we had after the Lacrosse match... Urgh!

Just got a call that we might have another player we can pick up tomorrow for our USTA match at 4:45pm. Otherwise, we'd have to default a doubles match.

I just got an email from a gal who just had her surgery at Stanford from Dr. Reitz and Dr. Timic and it sounds like it went great for her. I am so thankful to hear that!

Gotta run!

Brian

I got my offer letter from Comcast yesterday

I got the "official" offer letter for the job at Comcast. I am going to take my drug test today and then send it back to Comcast. I am most likely going to start around the end of May.

My daughter on student council again and she was so happy to win again for the 3rd straight year.

Our last lacrosse game is this Saturday and then the BBQ. I have my first round of the Harbour Square-Western Washington Invitational this Saturday. I am the number one seed. I played with George this morning, I got him 6-3 and he got me 7-6.

I am playing well again! Lot's of confidence in my game!

I need to fix my light fixture that turns on my outside lights in front of the house. I apparently broke it when I was taking out my son's mattress!

I am getting my fuel filter replaced in my Camry tomorrow.

Gotta run!

Brian

Happy Monday!

The day started out with taking my daughter to her school and helping her hang up her posters for Student Council for next year. She's been in the group for the last 2 years in a row! I am sure she'll be there for her last year!

I took my car into Brian Maddy-he's a tennis buddy and owns his own auto shop. He's good! He's not cheap! But, I get to watch him do the work! I had him put 6 new plugs in, change the automatic transmission fluid and put a new filter in.  It turns out my timing belt was done at 90K, so around 180K we can do it again-plus water pump/seals etc.

I found out that I am covered for medical/dental/vision up till 2/2/2009 and I am supposed to start Comcast in late May, however, their benefits take 60 days to become effective.

Well, I got into the tourney this weekend and I am looking forward to it. I also have a USTA match on Sunday (Mother's Day) that is at the Seattle Tennis Club-fancy place! You have to wear all white, or.. not playing there!

We are still in first place so far!

Thanks,
Brian