I Am Pooped

This past week has been a blur - Greg posted about the Donation Drive for the families in our neighborhood who lost their home to a fire. On Tuesday night after finding out or neighborhood management representative was out of town on a conference, I thought - hey why not set up something to help raise money for them on behalf of the Neighborhood Watch. Somehow I forgot that there are only 24 hours in a day and I still have to get some sleep. On top of organizing the drive, I have my S.A.F.E. Instructor training this week. I had 16 hours of training at the Police Academy and if that isn't enough, it is my busiest time at work. Thankfully Greg has been a huge help. I know he is not thrilled that I have taken on more than I can chew - but its not like I could control that these would all converge into a week of hell. I did make an adult decision and backed out of a trip to Philadelphia today. Christopher spent the night last night cause we were going to go to the Red Unit today - I am pretty bummed cause I really want to see the show, but it will be here next year. Instead we watch She's the Man (yes, I know that is my fiftieth time watching that show but it's good - Hey, pretty lady) then this morning we watched Shawn of the Dead. Chris was nice enough to sleep until 11:30 to help me catch up on my sleep - too bad Benny & Kittie couldn't be that nice. After I fed them and got a little studying in, I crashed again until 11!

The donation drive had a pretty good turnout - over $4,000 donated and over 20 boxes of clothing and toys! I was listening to WTOP going into work on Friday and thought maybe they would be interested in the story. I was so excited to get a call back that I sent emails to every new organization in the area. A neighbor's sister is a reporter for fox news and they came out to interview the families - I was super busy when they were here so I wasn't interviewed - which might be good cause I may have had a few choice words about fox news. Just kidding - I would have bitten my tongue - maybe. I did get interviewed by WTOP - the woman was very nice but kept wanting to get 'natural sounds' for the radio - Greg nearly busted a gut laughing cause I was scraping boxes and opening and closing the same bag. Kinda weird. Then the quote they had of mine on the website was just from us chatting and makes me sound a bit flaky- honestly, I thought I had better quotes than that.

The SAFE class training has been good too - its a lot of working on fighting techniques and I am very sore. You know how I like to prove what a brute I am and since I am in training with a bunch of cops I have been trying to fight that much harder. The testing is tomorrow and I have been practicing my strikes and even studying on index cards just like my college days. I am hoping to make an A. The hardest thing for me will be the teaching part of the test. I get a bit giggly when I talk in front of people so I am hoping my throat doesn't close up on me. Wish me luck.
Greg didn't get the camera out in time to get a pic of me with WTOP so we did a reenactment.

This is what 'natural sounds' looks like.


More sounds.

This kid was so cute and wanted to contribute so he went home and came back with his entire coin collection- almost $30 in change! Luckily Chris helped me count and roll the change.

Had a really nice turnout, Greg snapped this shot of me in my super cool new shades. That arm in the left of the pic is my father-in-law. Greg Sr. came down to support the drive and donated the clothes that he cannot wear after losing all that weight and he even contributed some cold hard cash! Thanks Dad!

More Fire Story-Donation Day, WTOP, Fox

Karen is out helping with Donations today. WTOP news was there, and Fox too.

WTOP story here

Fire-the morning after...

I walked up to take pictures this morning I was shocked to see the fire department was still working on the fire – apparently the hot spots last quite a while. I heard the fire started at the second unit – they were grilling on the deck and the grill fell over. Guess the Fissell’s will not be grilling for a long, long time, if Greg will ever again.

No people were injured but we heard one animal was lost. When Greg called me I was still training with the police and the officer said you are 90 times more likely to have a house fire than to have your home broken into. They suggested unplugging all electrical outlets that are not in use – like cell phone chargers, ipods, etc. They are always hot when plugged into the wall and if you get a defective charger or cord – you can lose everything.

I can only imagine the panic Greg felt walking down Seatrend to see if it was our house on fire – I am sure he flashed to my working on the electrical outlets over the weekend. Thankfully Melissa was there for him.

Here are some pics from this morning – some guy tried to see if I would get on camera for the news filming that morning, but no make up means no TV time for Karen – guess my 15 minutes will have to wait.

My Worst Nightmare...

There was a 3 alarm fire in our neighborhood tonight, just a few hundred feet from our house. There used to be two houses to the left of that one you see there. I didn't pull into the hood until about 8pm, about 2 hours after it started. I saw all these cars parked on the street right when I turned in, and then saw a million flashing lights. I almost had a heart attack because they had all traffic turning around and not letting anyone down where we live in the back section. I was able to grab a visitor spot (which I can't even find on my own street most of the time), and walk about a quarter mile to the house with a bunch of groceries, talking to Mo in a panic. It was so surreal, I've never seen that many fire engines and police cars in one place. The houses were still on fire as I made my way home. I changed and put the groceries away asap, grabbed the camera, went back and took a bunch of pix. Called everyone and waited for Karen to get home from her SAFE class around 10. We went back out to get the cars at 11, and every news station in the area was there for their 11pm broadcast.

update from Tues. morning on Ch.7 news with video. Karen said she heard someone say it started by someone barbecuing, but I haven't heard or read that on any of the news yet.

Just a Bit Outside

Aunt Irene and Sharon were down for the weekend. Mom snagged Aunt Rene and I got to play with Sharon. We went to see Fracture with Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins. Pretty good movie, but Sharon and I watch too much Law & Order and figured it out early on. Although if you have 2 hours to spend, I highly recommend spending it watching Ryan Gosling. The dude even chews hot. One of my favorite things about company is I have a great excuse for my favorite - Pho Bowl! Sharon didn't want to venture out but she really enjoyed the Lemongrass Chicken.

We all met up Sunday morning for breakfast at mom and dads with....
The Tot

Tatum was on FIRE. Here she is playing with Aunt Rene - Peek.....

A-Boo!

Here is that funny face again.

Just look at that laugh - she was cracking everyone up.

She was enjoying her new couch and would fake snore just like Pa-Pa.

Sharon and I had fun hangin out - She picked up a new pair of glasses which look great with her new hairdo.

If you are wondering about my shirt it is because I had to leave early to play softball for the RBBB Tigers. I am a better cheerleader for the team than I am a player, but I do throw myself into the game. To prove it - I jacked my thumb trying to stop the ball and ended up leaving so I could ice it. I am pretty worried cause my training for the SAFE volunteer course begins tomorrow - I have a week of training with the officers and then a test next Monday. The last thing I need is a busted thumb. I will keep icing it and hopefully when I wake tomorrow it will be good as new. Not like I wasn't worried enough about the testing, I have really slacked off on exercising of late and I am not in my best shape for what this week will bring. But I am way psyched to volunteer for this program so I will be a man. Suck it up and rub some dirt in it. You know it bro.
Lots more pictures

Today, We Are All Hokies

Uncle Greg... Donkey

I got a call from my sis, Shell this morning saying she was in Tyson's for a conference - so at lunch I hoped in the car and met her for a yummy meal. Towards the end of lunch I got a call from my sis in law, Jenel and she was in the area too. So I met up with her and the Tot for ice cream. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Tatum was in a great mood despite the fact that they were in Tyson's cause it was the closest place that had the medicine she needed for her ear infection. Poor girl's ears were all red - but she was all smiles with her Aunt K. Of course the ice cream helped too.

She was very talky so we gave Greg a call on the phone. She was in full on conversation mode with Uncle Geg but only every 4th word was compensable. Greg played along well.

We kept trying to get Tatum to say Uncle Greg - but she just kept saying Donkey instead - which made me laugh so hard. I am going to do my best to encourage that one. If I am a fish - then Greg can be a donkey.

Check out this funny face - according to Jenel, Tatum has been making this face for the last couple days. Very cute.

Aunt Ann

I have been a bit behind on my posts lately - I didn't get this weekend's posts up till last night - but I didn't want too much time to pass before I wish my Aunt Nancy a happy belated Birthday. Aunt Nancy has the best collection of family photos and she passed this jem along of my mother (on the left) but she is lookin fine in the photo too so I thought I would share with youse.

Hope you had a great birthday Aunt Nanc - we love you lots and hope to see you soon.

Adventures in Babysitting

On Saturday Gregory and I baby sat the Tot. Tim and Jenel went to Richmond for a party so we got to spend Lots of time with Tatum. She was in the best mood, very entertaining and tons of personality.

Tinkerbell Tot

Tatum is not only cute but super smart - she can count to 10 in Spanish.

Greg had some fun playing with Tatum too.

Although once you start catching her in the air - she doesn't want you to stop.

Once Greg tuckered out, it was up to Aunt K.

I put the dog out and the weather was gorgeous - by the time I got Tatum in the stroller and ready to stroll - it had started raining. Our walk lasted all of a few minutes, so when she didn't want to come out of the stroller, I figured, why not let her hang out there. Plus after 5 hours of entertaining a 19 month baby - a few stolen moments of quiet is golden.

Aunt K and Uncle Geg had a great time babysitting and looking forward to the next time Tim and Jenel need our services.

On Sunday Tim and Jenel picked up a web cam - Tatum was not sure how to take it at first - but it didn't take long till she started smiling and having fun. I know soon she will be putting on some shows as entertaining as the Eagney Girls web shows. Well, maybe not as entertaining - those three girls go nuts for the webcam.

I Heart NY

Working 10+ hours for a week could be worse - the week was in NY and at the end there was a kick ass party. I have been busting my hump for work for the past couple days and its not going to get much better and I don't have any party to look forward to. Well, that is not entirely true - my cousin Sharen is coming to visit and she just turned 21 and I have my roll as the family enabler to maintain so there will be some drinkin after all. Butt the NY Opening party will be hard to beat.

After the show - employees, guests and performers all mingle. For a circus groupie like myself, its awesome. Add the fact that it was the Red Unit and I got to hang out with my girl Christy, and you know I had some fun. I paid a bit for it the next day but I still have a job and my liver is still in tact - so it's all good, Tiger Woods.

Here is some evidence - um, I mean photos of the soiree.
Christy, Andrea, Ellen and me with the comic dare devil Bello, and the handsome devil, and ringmaster, Ty McFarlan.

So cute - two pictures of Ty are required.

So cute - three pictures of Christy are required - here we are with Jen and Taba the tiger trainer. Azucar!

The NY office, this time we finally were able to get JP in the shot. Ellen and I spent so much time in the office that week we were invited in the shot.

JP is a busy man - but he wasn't too busy to open his home to an out-of-towner who was a little homesick. I had a wonderful night with the Basiles - Sophie is one of my favorite people to share a bottle of wine with and their kids are unbelievably cute. Here is Scarlet and me - Scarlet turned 1 that night and I nearly broke a heel running to catch the train so JP could spend some time with her on her birthday. Totally worth it.

I don't have a picture of Florence but put a full head of blonde curls on Scarlet and you get a good idea.
Andrea hooked me up with a bunch of her pictures since I was having EMP issues that week and I had to include this shot of Andrea with John - two S's, one L - Stossel because 1. she looks adorable and B. The girl has some kahones and asked for a picture when he really was not in a picture taking mood.

The Elephants Go Walking One By One, Hurrah, Hurrah

I was trying not to give JP too much grief about uploading the pictures I took in NY with his camera - especially since the NY Team was busy doing record breaking numbers in MSG - but even as hectic as it has been - he didn't forget about me. So here are the much anticipated pictures from the Animal Walk.

I have been to a few walks during my tenure with Feld - this was my third NY walk - and I have to say this was by far the best one ever. The weather was beautiful, which always helps, but the people in NY were so excited to see us. The police estimated between 5-10 thousand people came out to cheer us on. Seeing how the walk began at 12:30am! that was pretty cool. I only saw one protester and he was being jeered by the people around him which gave me great pleasure. People actually made signs welcoming RBBB to NY.

Walking that close to the animals is pretty surreal - the elephants are so beautiful and graceful and you have to bust your butt to walk fast enough just to keep up with their strides. The horses are gorgeous as well - but I am partial to my girls. It's so difficult to capture an elephant in a photo - I think its cause their eyes just don't translate well into pictures. But I got some good shots.





Bello is with the 137th so he made a special appearance at the walk, adding to the excitement. Before the walk began he worked the press, mingled with the people and goofed around a bit with the Salvation Army cantina - so of course Dan and Amanda got into the action.

Never the shy one, Andrea Suponcic organized a photo op with Bello and all of us 'red jackets'.

It's hard to tell as the picture is so dark but our photo op with Bello cause a bit of a stir with the photographers - we had our own paparazzi experience.

Here's a shot of the NY team - Ruthie and I were honorary members for the week.

Shot of Bello working the crowd.

WalkAmerica - Where Thousands Cheer

My sis-in-law Jenel is taking part in WalkAmerica on April 29th. It’s a cause near and dear to her heart as the March of Dimes funds research to prevent premature births. Why is this so important to her? Three words – Tatum Kane Beck.

Granted, not all babies saved will be as cute as the Tot – but even ugly baby’s need love. If you would like to contribute – click here for Jenel’s site – she is on her way to reaching her goal of $5,000. Last I checked, there is yet to be a fundraiser to SitOnYourArse, so proceeds that would have been earmarked for my efforts can be redirected to Jenel.

Take Another Look

I did a little zoom to show everyone the label on that favorite hot sauce of Karen's to show you why that was...click the pic to see what I'm talkin bout...Psych---ooooo!

I C U

Turns out our little love Jadyn couldn't see too well and needed glasses. Jocelyn took Jadyn to get some specks and just look how cute.

She looks so much like her daddy now. Luckily Jadyn's mom is hip enough to get her some cool glasses - unlike the Estelle Getty plastic pieces of crap I was stuck with growing up. Gawd I hated those things.

Puppy Power

Sunday Greg and I spent Easter with Bobbie, Dr. Dick and my new puppy-in-law KiKi. I know I am bias - but this is a cute dog!

Here KiKi is modeling the newest fashion in winter wear.

For as cute as she is, you can see in her eyes she can be a bit bad - butt - she is still a puppy so hopefully (if Bobbie and Dick can work together) she will be a good dog in record time. I started laying the ground work for her to roll over. We will see how far she gets with Bobbie when we visit in May for Sophie's birthday.

We had a wonderful lunch at Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis. They have a make your own Bloody Mary Bar. I was all revved up for it, but just look at how much liquor they put in these bad boys - needless to say, after two I was pretty toasted.

This photo also shows my beautiful new necklace that Bobbie and Dick got me for my birthday. They sure to know what I like!

Here is all the fixins for the Bloody Marys - my favorite hot sauce was the Psycho Bitch - it claims its PMS in a bottle. Greg was very afraid.

Greg was trying to test his mother's camera so he asked me to pose. Here I am doing my Paigey Pose.

For all Greg's special IT powers - the picture still turned out a bit dark. My picture of Greg and his mom is MUCH better. It is a very nice picture.

Thanks again Bobbie and Dick for my awesome present - youse two rock!

Click here for LOTS more pics of KiKi