Not Much Going On

Not much to say here. It has been pretty busy. We didn't do much over the weekend. I guess worked out and relaxed a little. It was great though.
We made a great BBQ pizza. We used the pilsbury pizza dough, which I find every pilsbury dough tastes about the same. That's neither here nor there. Anyways, we then used canned chicken, mixed in some BBQ and some diced jalepenos, and put it on the pizza. We sauted some onions and put them on next. Finally, we some chedder cheese on top. It was really good.

Paige finally got her Asics Nimbus VII, she has been wanting them for about 4 months. I think she really likes them. They were expensive, but if anyone could justify spending the money it would be her, she is a excerciseaholic. She also got some new perfume and a haircut. An expensive weekend for her. I on the otherhand bought my self a masonic ring. So, that wasn't nearlly as much as her shopping spree.

That's it here, have a good one.
Nick

Hello????????

Brooke,

Hello, Your uncle misses you. I hear that you are all growns up. I hope to see you soon. Love Uncle Nick and "Aunt in Training" Paige

The News:

For those of you that I have not talked to. I recieved my Master Mason's Degree on Wednesday. I truly will remember it for the rest of my life. Many of the Brethern travelled from far just to be there. Uncle Dick and Dell Crosky were planning on coming down to be part of the degree. It did not work, but it was a very nice gesture. I am very excited to start attending the meetings and become involved.

The house has almost all of the framing up. We stopped by today and took some pictures, so take a look. Here is the link: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nickmhr/my_photos

I had my first 6 month job assesment. I got a good grade by my boss and a 4 percent raise. It's not a ton , but I would be happy without it also, so icing on the cake.
Also found out that Paige's brother is going to have a little girl. She is real excited. Glad to see Kristen and Brooke on the blog.
That's it for now.
Nick

Post request

I am stealing this idea from Nick and frankly it could be a totally new blog in it's own rite. But, Uncle Pete (and whomever else with knowledge to share), would you consider writing a post with some wine advice and suggestions.
Topics that I would be interested in:
-how to know when it is time to open a good bottle?
-cheaper great wines?
-what bottles should be saved?
-does sunlight effect bottle?
-how to train your pallate
-best accessories

That type of stuff. Nothing can replace real wisdom through experience and I would love to learn from others'. Just a thought Uncle Pete. If you decide to start a wine blog, let us know.

Last Minute Changes

Well, my trip to NYC was cut short for both this week and next. I am returning tonight rather than Wednesday. Next week's trip has been shortened from 3 to 2 days. So, I will be packing up soon to leave for the airport.

For those who didn't know. I have been having pain in my left hip when
I run. This has been happening for almost 2 months. Inspite of my efforts to stretch and rest, the pain remains. I made an appointment to visit an Orthopaedic Dr. next week. I am really hoping that he will be able to figure out what is causing the irritation. It will be sooo nice to run again.

In other fitness news. I plan to participate in at least 2 bike tours this summer. One will be the ADA's Tour de Cure and the other will probably be the MS Bike Tour. I appreciate the donations made towards my first 25 mile bike ride. My hope would be that rather than Donate, some other people will choose to participate. If you are interested,click on either of the links for more info. Also, I am not limited to these options. If, you know of other active events please share the info.

Examination

I was planning on recieving my 3rd degree on the Feb 27. I got a call Sunday at 8pm asking if I could do it on the 20. I said alright, but I haven't practiced all week. Anyways, I got examined last night at our lodge. I will get my third degree tomorrow at the Scottish Rite temple. A team from a different lodge will put on the ceremony. It should be interesting to say the least. One I recieve my degree, I can officially participate in all the events. So I am happy about that.

Not much else going on here. Kristan,sorry to hear about poor Junkyard, A.K.A "Diesel".

Other news

In other news, I am supposed to go to New York this Tuesday and Wednesday. I am also supposed to be there Mon-Weds the following week. Plans always change but that was the agenda as of Friday when I left the building.

The Arnold Classic is also fast approaching. It's a good time. I plan to call Dad today to see if him and mom can make it this year. It would be a good early birthday present for her. Let's hope she has that weekend off.

Jason and I will be leaving on March 10 for Austin to attend South by Southwest. It should be a good time and a nice way to market jason's page and Jason's newest project, Woopsie. My personal blog, Tulip will be there and hopefully running too.

We attended a 'How To' clinic at Lowe's yesterday. The topic was Laminate floor installation. Although the process seems relatively straightforward, we left with the decision to hire an installer. Unfortunately that was about the only decision we made. We liked lots of different colors and brands. We also liked a few different tile choices. When you do something that will alter the value of your home, I want to LOVE it. So, I guess I lied. We did make another decision. We will get professional decorating help. (Dad offered to be our designer, I am not sure about that yet)

Date Night

Jason and I went with Dad and Kristyn to dinner lastnight. We have been wanting to go for a few months. So, it was nice that the plans finally clicked for everyone. My original thought was to pick between: Handke's, J.Gilberts or Mitchell's. The winner was, our current favorite, Mitchell's.
Dinner was awesome.
Jason
Kansas City Bone-in Filet (this cut is sooo delicious) it was extra big lastnight too.
Spinach salad: green apple sliced, smoked sharp chedder, bacon and vinaigrette
Me
Twin Lobster Tails: like butter with no butter on them, delicious
Dad
Twin Tenderloins: looked very petite and cute, didn't hear any complaints.
Wedge salad: ?
Tomato salad:?
Side Dishes
scalloped jalepeno potatoes
green beens almondine
asparagus with hollandaise
Dessert
Creme Brulee: topped with fresh whipped cream, awesome!
Wine
Penfold's Bin 128 Shiraz 2002- I love this bottle and bin. I'd like to find a 2000.
Stag's Leap Petite Syrah 2002- Delicious, this bottle was over twice as much as the Penfold's it was worth it.

So, we had a gluttonous good evening.

Hopefully, we actually follow through with going to the gym today. We certainly need to after lastnight.

Weekend Update

Paige got accepted into Duke's doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) program, and is on the waitlist for UNC. Not sure if she will go to Duke or Ohio State. I'm pretty sure it will be Duke, they are number 3 in the country for her program and she will be closer to me. I played a trick on Mom and told her that Paige didn't get in to Duke or UNC. I guess it is sick humor, it's really not funny. Anyways.

My 1099 DIV form from Milfab has finally been recieved today (2/18). The amount on the form is not jibing with my recollection or my bank deposit slips. I will have to call Aunt Miche. later to find out about this. Anybody remember what the dividend was, I know it might be different for some, (I'm not sure if I have a whole share etc.).

Besides that Paige and I did some running around today. We checked on the house, returned some clothes, went to the wine store, and got some steaks for tonight. We are celebrating Valentines day with a nice dinner and some wine.

The Menu:
20oz New York Strip
10oz Tenderloine fillet
Homemade steak fries (baked not fried)
Salad: (Rasberry vinigrate, with rasberries, walnuts, feta, figs and dry cherries)
Desert: Not sure.

Wine bought today at the store.
Farallon-2004- Pinot Noir $12.99 (Ang said they liked this so we bought it)
Tenuta Di Trecciano- 2004- Chianti - $10.99
Muscato Di Asti - $7.99

Hope all is well. Nick

In to the heart of the storm again..

Today I will venture forth into containment of unit 1. I will be doing exactly the same as before (verifying weld integrity on piping). I am not looking forward to a day full of crawling, climbing and examining.

On lighter news, Paige had her 2 interviews one at UNC Chapel Hill, and the other at Duke. It was very stressful on her, and she won't find out until this weekend if she got accepted. I guess just being invited to iterview at those schools is an honor. A 50K a year honor, but one none the less. Anyways, that was our big weekend so far.

This weekend we plan on going to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, that are in Charlotte, and out to dinner.

Hope all is well.

Nick

The weekend update

No big news here. Most of the weekend was spent looking for interview clothes for Paige. We finally found some very nice garments. I think Duke and UNC will be impressed. The tour/interviews are this Saturday and Monday. It will be interesting for me, since I don't have any pressures.

Also, we saw Underworld II. I would wait for this one to come to DVD. Not to impressed with it, more dissapointed. Besides that, we went to the YMCA on Sunday and I am sore as hell. The gym that we have at the apartment doesn't have benches, and heavy weights.

Nick

Recap of the first week

Well, the success of the blogging method of communication remains to be seen. At the moment,members from one branch of the Milicia family Tree have posted to the blog. Considering that many people are not familiar with blogs or blogging, I feel that the first week's level of participaiton is promising.

I would like to invite more members of our extended family to become members of the blog. Please forward family email addresses to my gmail account or attach them in the comments.

Special note to family's with the last names: Milicia, Roberts, Szeman, Taylor, Transky, Dispenza, Millonzi...( you get the idea). Your family's information is NOT being shared!!! I repeat, we are NOT being informed when you are: sick, engaged, married, pregnant, moving... A NEW method of communication needs to be put in place! The "phone chain" of old does NOT exsist. If you have been counting on Angelo and Loraine to spread the word, DON'T. This passive method of getting your news out is not effective or fair to the messengers. We need to be smarter and proactive.

Key Reasons to be Become a Member of the "Milicia family blog"

1. You are related or married to a decendent of a Milicia or Millonzi.
2. You choose what to share about you and your family.
3. You share info when its convenient for you.
4. Find out what is happening with family members at your convenience.
   
5. No paper, no stamps, no long distance charges
   
6. Because the days of only catching up at weddings and funerals are over. We have better resources.

Alright, that is my sales pitch. I sincerely hope that you will give posting here a try if you haven't already. Let the family know that we have a web pressence.

House Construction

Ground has been broken on the construction of the new house. We had the preconstruction meeting today. However, it really wasn't preconstruction since they already started the foundation. More importantly, Paige has her two interviews at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke for their Doctorate of physical therapy programs next weekend. Also, she passed her ACSM health/ fitness instructor certification (just a little bit of info for those of you who are out of shape :) She will gladly take any of your calls about fitness, and will also waive her usual fees. Hope all is well.

N & P.

Another Good Week In Columbus

Nothing crazy happened here at the Laskodi household this week.

We are looking forward to the Superbowl. Our bets are on the Seahawks winning. Sounds like it is going to be a fun game.

This Saturday, I am participating in an event to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It is called, "Climb for a Cure" and involves climbing the stairs in one of the buildings downtown. Last year was my first time climbing. It was such a good time. I am very excited for it.

In extended family news, Jason's cousin's Jeff & Nasreen Starner are expecting. Jeff called us with the good new yesterday! This will be their first child. Very exciting!

Also in baby news, Grandma and Grandpa Mohr's labrador had 11 puppies this week. If you know anyone interested....

On top of the world

I am glad to see that mom has made her first post. Yesterday, I had the task with my other collegue to inspect welds in the reactor cotainment. The containment being the building that has concrete a thickness of around 3 feet or more followed by about 6 feet gap (where piping and duct work are, then a steel shell that is around 4 + inches thick surrounding the actual nuclear reactor. It was a grueling day, but I did get to climb (by way of fixed ladders) to the very top of the annulus. The top platform being about 870 feet. I only picked up 4.5 mrem of dose, which is very small considering how close I was to the reactor. In comparison, you definately get that much on a plane ride and probably more for an xray. It was pretty cool, I have some pictures of me on top. Not allowed to publish on the internet, for security reasons, I'm guessing.

Only downside, I was stuck in the hot room for about 45 minutes for picking up contamination. By the time waiting was letting the Radon to decay out of our hair or skin. More likely, it was the dirt that I got on myself from crawling under piping and ductwork. Even though nuclear plants are extremely clean. I believe the contamination was Radon gas, which is in everyone's home, and if you took your air filter for your A/C and held it next to a detector, you would be surprised at the level of radiation. However, this is just Radon decaying, and its decay products are not harmful in everyday doses.

Tell Mario I hope he gets better soon.


Nick

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We have a very smart family. Also, a family built on computing (Gramp). So, POST!!!