My uncle was recently diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. He had to retire early from the Sheriff's department here in Milwaukee because of it. I think the symptoms were beginning to affect his ability to safely do his job. It was a shame since he really loved being a deputy.

Work is going well. I'm not as anxious as I was in the beginning. I have my ups and downs like everyone on the job. Its a great learning environment and its really interesting since no project is the same. The only con of the job is that sometimes the older workers have a sense of entitlement and lack patience with new or younger workers. They tend to be the ones to yell and use verbal abuse a lot on the project site. I suppose that is what caused me the most anxiety in the beginning - now I realize not to take it so personally. One of the cool aspects of the job is how food trucks come to us. We don't even have to pack lunches if we don't want to. I usually do in order to save money, but most of the guys buy from the various trucks. The food is great usually.

My dad put LED lights on our deck - cool idea! The deck was also wired with outside sound. My parents do a lot of entertaining outside during the summer, so the deck is getting plenty of use.

I got back from the Color Shock Music and Arts Festival held in Chicago this weekend. It was fantastic! This year’s music lineup had around 100 artists and featured 3 full days of great variety. I intentionally took off work Friday in order to see The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Petty who are two of my favorite musical artists. They also had enormous tents for dancing in. It was really an awesome time! I met so many cool new friends. Adam had to take the Amtrak back last night, but I met two really cool guys who let me stay with them. I got a picture of the three of us together. I was so exhausted, but had a great time!


You should definitely go to one of these festivals if you get a chance. You are never really alone at those festivals - so many people! And lots of fun!

Here are some extra photos from the Festival (mostly of me...I know, narcissistic much? :-P) No more shirtless though, I promise.




Fun times!