Polish Black Oak Whiskey

It's nice to be alone sometimes, to sit in the quietness of the night only to hear the sound of the wind outside--cold chilly wind--grateful for the warmth inside, typing pleasantly in front of the toasty heater, reminiscing days gone by.

My mind has so much to say when I am completely relaxed. Yet total relaxation for me only comes after everything is in place--at the end of a hard weeks work, sleeping children, a satisfied wife, a third cup of coffee, a man's movie, and a few shots of Polish black oak whiskey. 

I can't believe that I've reached a point in my life that months will fly by and I'll be living but not being totally conscious of every second of it. 

The Results of Passing Time

  Monday's through Friday's my days consist of 8-10 hour work shifts. I arrive home some time between 6 and 9p.m. I play with the kids when I can. Then I take a shower and eat while watching a TV series with my wife, usually a crime investigation series. Randomly I fall asleep.

  My alarm wakes me at 6:30a.m. I stumble downstairs and set the coffee maker. I study Japanese and look at the news for 30 minutes until my wife and kids wake up.

  Then we eat breakfast together, while looking at the time to make sure the kids are ready to leave to school by 7:30. A neighbor's daughter will pound on our front door to tell my kids to hurry up. When that doesn't work she'll open the door and start yelling until one of us has to tell her to shut up. Strong personality, but seems to be Deryk's best friend.

  The week flies by. And by the time the weekend comes both days are planned and booked. Those days are filled with bustle activity as well, revolving around kids events, flea markets, and visiting friends.

  Before we know it, two years have gone by since moving here and we're up to signing the next two year contract for our house. Our lives have become routine, but really fun! Finally for the first time in my life I have caught my breath and can make realistic plans for my and my family's future.
  My hopes and dreams are crystal clear, and I know a little bit about how life may proceed from here. As opposed to not having the slightest idea, which is not conducive to productivity.

  Finally, to top it off, I glance at a photo of my best friend and me. Nostalgia flutters in and consumes a minute of my precious time. All in a moment I reminisce on my teen years of mischief and unacceptable behavior, shared with this person that I have called "best friend." Ten years have gone by.