Wow! What a crazy few weeks I have had.  I am now back to normal for a few days before working the evening newscasts next Monday and Tuesday.

I took off a week ago Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to work on my patio project.  It is almost done and it looks marvelous.  I can't believe how great it looks.  I have spent hours on this project since breaking ground in late April..now I understand why labor costs are so high on these projects.  My father-in-law, Chris, arrived from Jacksonville on Thursday and stayed with us until Tuesday morning.  He helped me with measuring the blocks and then I cut...every block was perfect...he has a fine eye for detail like myself.  He actually praised my work and credited my dad and grandpa for my handy skills.  I completely agree, except they were also great mechanics, I can change oil and filter...oh boy.

I spent 5 straight days working on the patio...I was so sore and got very tan.  Up to that point I was lucky to have cool weather, but the heat turned up a notch, there was light wind and the sun was intense...we put up an umbrella at times to work in the shade.  I was a little bummed last Sunday that the project was not done after 5 days of working but it ended up being a lot bigger project than I expected.  It does not help that I am so picky and leveled each block...but I wanted it done perfectly and it looks so good.  Tina made fun of me, but she knows how I am.  I want this project to be completed because I will be honest, I am starting to get a little burned out on the project (I have been planning it for more than a year now) and I have had a busy summer with other smaller projects.  I am projected-out and need to relax and enjoy the rest of my summer on the hammock with a frosty adult beverage.  I love projects but I am done...for now.  There is always something to do.

I went to bed a week ago Sunday stressed out.  Not only had I not finished my big project, but I had a busy week ahead of me.  Lots of it was fun, but it made a hectic week exhausting.  I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity's Build Week.  I had the honor of framing up the 400th Habitat House in Milwaukee..it was also the 25th Anniversary house.  I worked with a great group of men and women and I had a blast, but it was hot and humid.  It was the hottest in two years and the humidity was like Florida.  There was no wind and the sun was intense...I have never sweat so much.  We took a lot of water breaks and they even had popsicles..delicious...and despite the heat the house was framed and sided by Friday.  Now over the next few months the interior will be finished.  I worked so well with the group that they have recruited me for their crew that meets a few times each month.  I had to leave by 1pm everyday and rush home to take a shower before coming to work and doing the afternoon shows.  I was wiped out and exhausted...I think a few days I came into work with a little heat fatigue and then had to be all chipper on TV...but it was so worth it.  I love Habitat and leave the job site each day looking at what our hard work accomplished.  It is a great feeling.

Monday night was quiet and I came home to work on my project.  Tuesday night and Wednesday night I rushed to get to Brewer games...I was so tired and these were the first games I had been to in a few weeks..it just happened to fall on my already busy week.  I went with my aunt Tuesday night and it was so humid and hot that I was miserable..especially after two days in the heat.  I fell asleep on the ride home.   Wednesday night was date night with Tina at the ballpark..without Ali for a change.  It was hot, but it was a great time.  When we got  home, I fell right to sleep.  Thursday was another busy day, rush to work and then we had tickets to Bon Jovi at Summerfest.  What a a great night with our neighbors Jamie and Michelle and I fell asleep on the way home again.  Party Gotter ran out of steam.  Friday night was relaxing at Jamie and Michelle's along with Matt and Sara...what a beautiful evening as we sat out on the deck..where was that weather all week when we were building?

What a week and it just seemed like everything came together to make it the craziest week I have had in a long time.  Today was quiet and normal at work..in fact no noon show thanks to Wimbledon...it feels nice to be easy going and getting stuff done.