That was my cursor, in the text box of this current blog entry 5 minutes ago. As it became impatient with my indecisiveness of words, I myself became quite irritated that I simply couldn't begin pushing the keys efficiently and articulate my thoughts clearly (wow, for once I'm lost for words). So I stared at the blinking I-bar (as I shoveled down 1/2 of my homemade ham sandwich) and tried to grasp something from the chaos of my contemplation, and came to this...
The last few months have been a blur of events, knowledge, and as Jill teases me often, "monumental moments" (love you too sweetie). Each have been worthy of their independent blog post, but time escapes me often and I've unintentionally been MIA to my own blog. So, in a smorgasbord attempt of information for my faithful followers, here's a shakedown of the last few months.
Less than 3 months from the Wedding! Invitations are sealed and ready, Registries are established, Jill has had her first dress fitting, and bachelor/bachelorette parties have been planned. All is very exciting as we near July 5th. However, lots more to do (including the release of EricandJill.net).
Counseling that will last a lifetime Jill and I have been voluntarily seeing a Christian Counselor (Julia) for the last couple of months. I can't even begin to describe how amazing these weekly sessions have been for us as we prepare for a lifetime together. We are so overjoyed that God has brought her into our lives at such an early stage of our relationship. Thank you Julia. Jill and I continue to learn so much about each other in various topics and discussions and you've helped establish a wonderful foundation for our marriage.
Dad & Brother head to Florida! Early March they flew down for a weekend. We drove to the Wide World of Sports and watched a Cardinals/Braves Spring Training game. Good times for all.
Caxiam Group office upgrades to suite across the hall Check out Flickr for a peak into the build out and eventual move. Ethan and I finally felt the timing was right to beef up our space a bit and take advantage of some unoccupied space across the hall. Though it was hard to part with some unwanted expenses to make it all happen, we felt the decision justified itself with the influx of work we have signed on for 2008. This will be Caxiam Group's main hub for many years to come, and the entire team is pumped. Bigger/roomier conference room, more natural light, each employee has an office, and we have square footage to expand our team if necessary.
Babies everywhere! Through various trips back to the Midwest for wedding planning, I've had the pleasure of seeing my nephew Carter here and there. He may be the happiest baby I've ever been around, he's ALWAYS smiling! Check out Carter's Blog to see just how cute he is. Jill is a very proud Aunt, and it's always heart-warming to watch good friends (now in laws!) become parents and grow their family. Hey Matteson's, I haven't forgotten about you as well! Go Ava go!
I've also been able to observe Ethan and his wife Amy as they get closer to their delivery date. What an exciting time for them. Stick through those Lamaze classes buddy, they're only temporary! I'm looking forwarding to holding Emelyn (please Amy, deliver before the wedding) in a few short months. Check out the Pitsch's blog to catch up more on Baby E.
I'm obsessed with the Dog Whisperer show on the HD National Geographic Channel. It's all I watch these days. It has me hook, line and sinker. Be the pack leader!
A revamp of Eric-Sharp.com to come... Aside from the launch of EricandJill.net (w/ Blog), Eric-Sharp.com is needing an overhaul. Previous blog posts will always be available (possibly through EricandJill.net), but I have a vision for the professional side of myself that not only wants exposure, but needs it. As I build Caxiam Group and gain experience and knowledge, it's imperative to share ideas and make contacts to keep the inertia of my awareness and artistic energy in continuation. Plenty of ideas to go around, and all will be put into motion probably post-wedding. I know this may seem like a lot of sites to manage and contribute to, but this will be part of my overall planning and pre-production to keep things smooth and seamless for myself and visitors.
RB or OL? 2008 NFL Draft baby What do I love about the Spring? No, it's not March Madness - that actually does little for me. However, you start talking Mel Kiper, Draft Analysis & Speculation - now I'm interested.
My heart says the Bears select a RB in the 1st round - hopefully, Illinois' Mendenhall. My head says they'll select one of the premier Offensive Linemen and trade their two 3rd round picks to select a RB (if a solid one is still on the board) in the 2nd round.
Is it September yet? Go Bears.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Dog Whisperer
This guy has captivated my attention in the last few months and certainly been a purveryor of my growing love for dogs!
As with any type of excellence, he makes dog training look easy. His book and National Geographic show is simply gold. I find myself watching show after show (Friday nights @ 8pm), reading page after page, and still wanting more.
Though his methodology and practice isn't new to the dog training world, his own approach and simplification of a dog's needs and an owner's resposibilites is what's seized my curiousity.
Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist, known for his uncanny ability to walk large packs of dogs at a time. Not only that but, from poodles to pit bulls, these now well-behaved canines have each been rehabilitated, rescued from a wide range of extreme behavior issues - anything from insecurity to severe 'red zone' aggression!
Jill and I headed to the encore of "The Spirit of the Marathon" this evening - truly a piece of work. Every single minute was inspirational. The Soundtrack alone provided me with a consistent rush of goose bumps.
This non-fiction movie was especially powerful for Jill because the marathon documented was the 2005 Chicago - one of the many marathons she has run and finished successfully. Though I've only participated in a 1/2 marathon thus far in my young running career, I did feel an emotional connection to the featured runners and their friends and families. It was especially entertaining to watch some of them train in Chicago, as I trained on similar paths next to Lake Michigan last year with Jill.
The film reminded me of how exciting it was to train and run in a big event, conquer a fear of failure, and reach a personal high that seemed so unreachable. Look out Chicago Marathon 2009 - Jill and I may be close to committing ourselves to this event in the near future. My first, her...well, I think she has lost track. :)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Right on Cue
Working towards a major design deadline for a major client (wow, look - it's tomorrow) and the discovery of Puddle of Mudd's new album couldn't have come at a better time.
Full of volume, energy and dynamics. Just what I've needed to stay focused and put in these long hours this past week.
Let me throw some props to The Humble Brothers as well - some fast paced Electronic to get your blood pumpin'. They produce some original compositions and remixes for film, tv, and interactive media (Need for Speed video games). Whether you need some rippin' BPMs for designing or working out - give them a shot.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Honeymoon BOOKED!
Destination > Sandals in Negril, Jamaica!
After much deliberation and thorough research, we couldn't pass up the all-inclusive feature, amazing accommodations, and the beautiful beaches of Negril.
Other locations that were in the running:
- Tahiti - Anguilla - Bermuda
From July 9th to the 16th, Jill and I will be setting up shop here:
