Here's some new stuff.
Check out my new blog, Lower Paxton Journal on Pennlive.com! This will be a local interest blog for Lower Paxton Twp and surrounding areas, geared to entertain, inform, and start good healthy dialogue on the Pennlive forums, as well as at the local Dunkin Donuts or Borders.
Other new things.... Baby is now walking and talking.... Well, not really, but he is growing really fast. I swear he will be a big ball with little arms and legs sticking out soon! He has passed three months now, and I simply cannot believe it has been that long. Time has been flying.
Also, we have moved to a new house.
Also, I have taken a new job.
Well, that's about enough major life changes for a few months span!
Let's explain how this all came about, shall we?
I had been going about my business, waiting for Declan to be born, and working hard to increase my straight commission income, knowing my wife would be off for maternity leave and that we would need the money.
Anyway, Declan was born on Easter, and shortly thereafter new neighbors moved in next door. More on the neighbors in a moment. I sent out emails to co-workers and former co-workers letting them know that Declan was born, and was healthy.
About a week after I wrote the emails, I received an email from my former boss and he said that there was a job opening, he thought that I would be perfect for it, and asked if I was interested in talking about the position.
Explaining that I was very happy where I was, I said, sure we could talk about it. Anyway, they offered the job to me with a nice steady larger paycheck (no more straight commission highs and lows) and gave me the opportunity to advance.
I took it.
I the meantime, the new neighbors moved in and the first night in the house there are six police cars and an ambulance over there. After several hours of yelling and swearing, the man called the police on his girlfriend. Not knowing the situation, I can not elaborate, but it was not a nice night, and it shook my wife around pretty good.
We started looking at houses the next day.
And then we found one. Put quickly, there was haggling, we didn't quite get the price we were looking for there, but did get close, so I can't complain.
We haven't sold our old house yet, so if you're looking for a nice duplex, make us an offer!
So there you have it... You're caught up to date with my life, and I hope it wasn't truncated too much, but otherwise it would have been a book (and you have to pay for those, by the way!).
There will be more stuff posted on a regular basis here, since my life is settling down a bit. There is now actually time to breath, next comes time to do fun stuff again. Maybe.
Thanks for reading, and stayed tuned!
Bret
-30-
6.6.05
New Stuff Coming Soon!
Alot has been going on, and I will be posting soon. I apologize for everyone I have not replied to, but things have been flying fast and furious!
31.3.05
New Baby Has Arrived!
Here's a quick note to let everyone know that my son was born on Sunday. His name is Declan Parks Fledderjohn, he was born on Easter Sunday, March 27th at 7:33am. He weighed 7lb 2oz, and was 18.25 inches long. Declan is pronounced dek-lan.
He's a bit jaundiced right now, but besides that, both baby and mother are doing well.
-30-
He's a bit jaundiced right now, but besides that, both baby and mother are doing well.
-30-
21.3.05
Grammar
Here's an article by Jesse Kornbluth on ten deadly sins of grammar. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and as a side note, mediabistro.com is a very valuable site for writers and other media professionals.
http://www.mediabistro.com/articles/cache/a4028.asp
http://www.mediabistro.com/articles/cache/a4028.asp
18.3.05
Londonderry Township Rejects Rezoning Request
Here's my latest article from the Patriot-News.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1111141455253090.xml
My thoughts on agriculture, Londonderry Twp., and proposed developments will follow over the weekend.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1111141455253090.xml
My thoughts on agriculture, Londonderry Twp., and proposed developments will follow over the weekend.
16.3.05
A Fun Evening with the "Crew"
I had a great time earlier this evening, and rather than work on the article which is due tonight, I figured that I would report on the meeting rather than work on the article... How's that for priorities?
Actually, I am going to only write a quick entry here to say my impressions.
I really enjoyed meeting everyone (and some for the second time Alan and Sara). Unfortunately, I think that I may have led the meeting a bit off track by talking more about PennLive and the Patriot-News more than blogging. That's kind of 20/20 hindsight, and I hope that I didn't offend anyone.
Ross and Nathan, I hope you don't feel that I moved the meeting the wrong way. However, I did learn more about blogging, so the slant on the tools involved in blogging was enlightening.
Alan Hayakawa is a past customer of mine when my family and I owned the Mail Boxes Etc. store on Rt. 22 in Harrisburg. As I run into past customers, I miss the business. Did I make a mistake by not buying the store out from my father when I had the chance? Yes and no. My divorce from Star could have demolished the business, so I would say that it wasn't a mistake, but perhaps I would like to go into that business again, who knows? Boy, I never thought that I would say THAT!
Sara Bozich's father, Frank was a customer of our Mail Boxes Etc. in Etters.
Considering that Alan works for the Patriot-News, Sara has a column with the Patriot, and I freelance for the Patriot, we have a HUGE amount in common considering the Patriot and out Mail Boxes Etc. connections.
It's very interesting how worlds collide, or better yet, how small the community really is.
Coming soon! Entries based on my conversations with Ian Rankin (Scottish Mystery Writer), Larry the Cable Guy (comedian), and John O'Connolly (Irish Mystery Writer).
Any feedback on who you want me to interview and write about, let me know! I'll try my best, but will respond to everyone regardless of whether I can get the interview or not.
Bret
Actually, I am going to only write a quick entry here to say my impressions.
I really enjoyed meeting everyone (and some for the second time Alan and Sara). Unfortunately, I think that I may have led the meeting a bit off track by talking more about PennLive and the Patriot-News more than blogging. That's kind of 20/20 hindsight, and I hope that I didn't offend anyone.
Ross and Nathan, I hope you don't feel that I moved the meeting the wrong way. However, I did learn more about blogging, so the slant on the tools involved in blogging was enlightening.
Alan Hayakawa is a past customer of mine when my family and I owned the Mail Boxes Etc. store on Rt. 22 in Harrisburg. As I run into past customers, I miss the business. Did I make a mistake by not buying the store out from my father when I had the chance? Yes and no. My divorce from Star could have demolished the business, so I would say that it wasn't a mistake, but perhaps I would like to go into that business again, who knows? Boy, I never thought that I would say THAT!
Sara Bozich's father, Frank was a customer of our Mail Boxes Etc. in Etters.
Considering that Alan works for the Patriot-News, Sara has a column with the Patriot, and I freelance for the Patriot, we have a HUGE amount in common considering the Patriot and out Mail Boxes Etc. connections.
It's very interesting how worlds collide, or better yet, how small the community really is.
Coming soon! Entries based on my conversations with Ian Rankin (Scottish Mystery Writer), Larry the Cable Guy (comedian), and John O'Connolly (Irish Mystery Writer).
Any feedback on who you want me to interview and write about, let me know! I'll try my best, but will respond to everyone regardless of whether I can get the interview or not.
Bret
14.3.05
I Dreamt of Unconsciousness
I Dreamt of Unconsciousness
Why are Mondays always such a struggle? It takes every fiber of my being to hoist myself out of bed and wrestle my body into clothes.
The drive to work makes me feel like a man on death row moving slowly down the institutional halls on the way to the electric chair.
It doesn't help that the very first event of the day is a long, drawn out meeting. After an hour, and frequently more, of mind numbing boredom, we make a break for the coffee machines desperately seeking out the stimulation which will move us forward into the day.
Today the topper was an hour teleconference. It was a grim feeling of deja vu, as I strained to understand the people on the other end. Through the noise, I did gain about 15 minutes of good information, which is actually a fantastic meeting.
There ya go. I'm just floating down the stream of consciousness without a paddle.
Why are Mondays always such a struggle? It takes every fiber of my being to hoist myself out of bed and wrestle my body into clothes.
The drive to work makes me feel like a man on death row moving slowly down the institutional halls on the way to the electric chair.
It doesn't help that the very first event of the day is a long, drawn out meeting. After an hour, and frequently more, of mind numbing boredom, we make a break for the coffee machines desperately seeking out the stimulation which will move us forward into the day.
Today the topper was an hour teleconference. It was a grim feeling of deja vu, as I strained to understand the people on the other end. Through the noise, I did gain about 15 minutes of good information, which is actually a fantastic meeting.
There ya go. I'm just floating down the stream of consciousness without a paddle.
10.3.05
Why do I only post about pregnancy?
Well, hello again!
There has been a ridiculously long gap in posting and it looks like I am starting back up with another update dealing with pregnancy. What can I say... Life changing events are worth writing about.
We are in week 34. Since the way our last pregnancy ended with Lincoln, Mary Jane is being watched like a hawk. Right now she is going once a week for a non stress test on the baby (a boy, Declan will be his name) and once a week for an ultrasound physical profile of the baby. Also, she is taking two shots of Heparin in her stomach per day.
But the ends justify the means, I suppose. In the end, all looks well with Declan and we have been tentatively scheduled to be induced on Good Friday, March 25. Stay tuned for updates.
On other fronts, I am now selling advertising for a large broadcasting company (radio) in Harrisburg. On the freelance writing scene, I have also had the privilege of interviewing some very interesting people.
I'll talk more soon.
Bret
There has been a ridiculously long gap in posting and it looks like I am starting back up with another update dealing with pregnancy. What can I say... Life changing events are worth writing about.
We are in week 34. Since the way our last pregnancy ended with Lincoln, Mary Jane is being watched like a hawk. Right now she is going once a week for a non stress test on the baby (a boy, Declan will be his name) and once a week for an ultrasound physical profile of the baby. Also, she is taking two shots of Heparin in her stomach per day.
But the ends justify the means, I suppose. In the end, all looks well with Declan and we have been tentatively scheduled to be induced on Good Friday, March 25. Stay tuned for updates.
On other fronts, I am now selling advertising for a large broadcasting company (radio) in Harrisburg. On the freelance writing scene, I have also had the privilege of interviewing some very interesting people.
I'll talk more soon.
Bret
26.2.04
Tests of physical, emotional and spiritual nature
Today my wife and I are going to the hospital to have some tests done on her and to talk to a genetic counsellor. Fun stuff, huh?
Here's why.... In December we lost our baby, Lincoln. He was 35 weeks along, and everything was pretty much textbook. On December 16th, MJ (my wife) was worried because she hadn't felt him kick all day, and he had been fairly active. After calling the Doctor, we were told to go to the hospital, just to make sure everything was ok. Fear gripped my stomach with an icy hand as my wife and I went in, praying all the way.
Upon getting put in a labor and delivery room, a nurse came in and attempted to find Lincoln's heartbeat. She could not locate it, and in the past his heartbeat was loud and clear. There was something definitely wrong.
They sent for an ultrasound machine. The machine was so cloudy and murky, they could not get a good view so they sent for another. This one also was not acceptable, so they called down to radiology to get a better machine sent up.
Every second that clicked by was like an eternity. We sat there waiting in dread waiting for a result that we did not want to hear, but knew was going to come.
The machine they brought up confirmed our worst fears. His heart had indeed stopped. He was dead.
My wife was saying such things as, "Oh my God. This can't be real. Wake up Mary Jane, wake up!"
Words were rapidly leaving her lips in between raging outbursts of tears.
Numbness was the first reaction I had. My emotional mind disconnected a bit and my logical problem solving mode kicked in. I had to make sure that my wife was ok, and I needed to get the details for what was going to happen. I would have time to react emotionally plenty later, although I would say that the night of the 16th was the worst few hours of my entire life.
Instructing us to come back at 7:00am the next morning, they sent us home with some sleeping pills for my wife.
Calling relatives with this kind of news sucks. Although we are blessed with wonderful families and great friends, yet again, this was more awfulness.
The next morning we dutifully went in to be induced.
Lincoln was born at 5:50pm. He weight 6 lb 9 oz, and was a beautiful baby. Holding him in my arms at that moment was when the pain broke through in a torrent of tears and great sobs which wracked my body. It all poured out of me as I thought that he was never even able to draw a single breath, that he was never able to seen to sun or a blue sky, that he was never able to play, even once.
Upon examination of Lincoln, the doctors said that there were no outward signs of why he might have died. We consented earlier for genetic testing and a autopsy, which they processed afterwards.
At the end of January we got the results.... There was no conclusive evidence as to cause of death.
This leaves us with trip to the hospital today to see if they can find any issues that my wife may have with clotting or diabetes (she tested fine during the pregnancy, but they may want to do a more in depth test). Then we will be going to genetic counselling (even though there was no chromosome problems).
I just got a call from MJ. Before the testing begins, we will be getting Lincoln's ashes from the hospital (we let the hospital cremate him, and we will have a memorial service later).
What a wonderful day we have to look forward to.
On the bright side, at MJ's last OB/Gyn appointment her doctor said he was pencilling her in for a February delivery.... So, at least at this point, it doesn't look like there is a problem with trying again!
Here's why.... In December we lost our baby, Lincoln. He was 35 weeks along, and everything was pretty much textbook. On December 16th, MJ (my wife) was worried because she hadn't felt him kick all day, and he had been fairly active. After calling the Doctor, we were told to go to the hospital, just to make sure everything was ok. Fear gripped my stomach with an icy hand as my wife and I went in, praying all the way.
Upon getting put in a labor and delivery room, a nurse came in and attempted to find Lincoln's heartbeat. She could not locate it, and in the past his heartbeat was loud and clear. There was something definitely wrong.
They sent for an ultrasound machine. The machine was so cloudy and murky, they could not get a good view so they sent for another. This one also was not acceptable, so they called down to radiology to get a better machine sent up.
Every second that clicked by was like an eternity. We sat there waiting in dread waiting for a result that we did not want to hear, but knew was going to come.
The machine they brought up confirmed our worst fears. His heart had indeed stopped. He was dead.
My wife was saying such things as, "Oh my God. This can't be real. Wake up Mary Jane, wake up!"
Words were rapidly leaving her lips in between raging outbursts of tears.
Numbness was the first reaction I had. My emotional mind disconnected a bit and my logical problem solving mode kicked in. I had to make sure that my wife was ok, and I needed to get the details for what was going to happen. I would have time to react emotionally plenty later, although I would say that the night of the 16th was the worst few hours of my entire life.
Instructing us to come back at 7:00am the next morning, they sent us home with some sleeping pills for my wife.
Calling relatives with this kind of news sucks. Although we are blessed with wonderful families and great friends, yet again, this was more awfulness.
The next morning we dutifully went in to be induced.
Lincoln was born at 5:50pm. He weight 6 lb 9 oz, and was a beautiful baby. Holding him in my arms at that moment was when the pain broke through in a torrent of tears and great sobs which wracked my body. It all poured out of me as I thought that he was never even able to draw a single breath, that he was never able to seen to sun or a blue sky, that he was never able to play, even once.
Upon examination of Lincoln, the doctors said that there were no outward signs of why he might have died. We consented earlier for genetic testing and a autopsy, which they processed afterwards.
At the end of January we got the results.... There was no conclusive evidence as to cause of death.
This leaves us with trip to the hospital today to see if they can find any issues that my wife may have with clotting or diabetes (she tested fine during the pregnancy, but they may want to do a more in depth test). Then we will be going to genetic counselling (even though there was no chromosome problems).
I just got a call from MJ. Before the testing begins, we will be getting Lincoln's ashes from the hospital (we let the hospital cremate him, and we will have a memorial service later).
What a wonderful day we have to look forward to.
On the bright side, at MJ's last OB/Gyn appointment her doctor said he was pencilling her in for a February delivery.... So, at least at this point, it doesn't look like there is a problem with trying again!
25.2.04
This is the historic opening of my first blog.
As I write this my stomach tightens in panic. Will I be interesting enough for people to actually read this? Am I ready for the commitment? Will I have a reuben on rye for lunch or a hamburger?
In regards to my worries, who knows? I am willing to take the first step and write, and you are interested enough to still be reading this, so at least we are both going in the right direction.
Some background on me.... (I like those trailing off sentences, but I will try to control myself.... Oops! Did it again.)
I was born and raised in and around Harrisburg, PA. My childhood involved a lot of running around in the woods and eventually on a golf course that my parents managed.
After graduating high school, I went to college, dropped out after a year, joined the army, was stationed in Germany, moved back to Harrisburg area, went to work with my parents in two retail franchises they owned, bought a house, got married, had a baby boy (Riley), got divorced, worked in trucking, got remarried (learned from my mistakes, married a woman perfect for me this time), and now here I am. The end.
Well, not quite the end, but I have to leave something to write about in future installments, now don't I?
Hey, you're still reading this, so thank you! I look forward to continuing our one sided conversation in my next post.
Regards,
Bret
breadthofreality@yahoo.com
As I write this my stomach tightens in panic. Will I be interesting enough for people to actually read this? Am I ready for the commitment? Will I have a reuben on rye for lunch or a hamburger?
In regards to my worries, who knows? I am willing to take the first step and write, and you are interested enough to still be reading this, so at least we are both going in the right direction.
Some background on me.... (I like those trailing off sentences, but I will try to control myself.... Oops! Did it again.)
I was born and raised in and around Harrisburg, PA. My childhood involved a lot of running around in the woods and eventually on a golf course that my parents managed.
After graduating high school, I went to college, dropped out after a year, joined the army, was stationed in Germany, moved back to Harrisburg area, went to work with my parents in two retail franchises they owned, bought a house, got married, had a baby boy (Riley), got divorced, worked in trucking, got remarried (learned from my mistakes, married a woman perfect for me this time), and now here I am. The end.
Well, not quite the end, but I have to leave something to write about in future installments, now don't I?
Hey, you're still reading this, so thank you! I look forward to continuing our one sided conversation in my next post.
Regards,
Bret
breadthofreality@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)