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TV Update

admin January 15, 2012 Entertainment Comments Off on TV Update

So what’s going to be tonight with my football game?  Remember I was recently talking about the possible cancellation of some of my favorite Harrisburg TV stations, most notably the football ones? Well, there is an update.  And tonight is the game.  And I’m not exactly happy.  There won’t be a game screened on my channel due to a financial tiff!  Verizon FiOS and CBS-affiliated stations are going at it and the situation is not looking pretty. And it’s certainly not looking good for me and other Harrisburg football fans counting on a nice night in watching the game and eating hot dogs.

But it seems like I’m not the only one who is going to be disappointed tonight.  A staggering 30,000 people are subscribed to FiOS and they will all be losing out.  It’s already WHP-TV and a couple of other channels that we’ve not been able to watch since Friday.  Well, this camper is NOT happy about that.  I hope something changes soon, they get over their financial disagreements and bring back my football TV.

My TV Stations

admin January 10, 2012 Entertainment Comments Off on My TV Stations

I was a bit disappointed to discover yesterday that two of my favorite Harrisburg TV stations might be slashed from Verizon’s FiOS network by the end of this week!  Apparently they need to renegotiate their re-transmission agreement by then, or they’re out.  This certainly does not make me happy as if it goes ahead, it will mean I won’t be able to watch my NFL playoff game over the weekend.  Given that this weekend the kids are with Joanne, it will just be one more thing to add to my misery.  I really do hope FiOS makes the right move and a renegotiation happens.

There are other shows on these stations such as “The Mentalist” and “The Vampire Diaries” that a lot of my coworkers watch but I’m not so interested in.  It’s the football that I need – I have been looking forward to my playoff games between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots ever since last Sunday!

Still, there is a chance I’ll be going out with Marjorie again over the weekend.  It’s going okay; she just has to see if she can get a babysitter for her two girls.

Dating in Harrisburg

admin January 4, 2012 Entertainment Comments Off on Dating in Harrisburg

I have a date tonight.  I’m meeting up with the young lady I met at the New Year’s Eve bash I courageously went to.  Well, not young lady, I’ve been told; these days in the dating world you’re meant to say “the woman.”

I first considered taking her to Muncheese but then decided that was a bit “too cheesy” excuse the pun. After reading a few reviews, I finally decided on Squires Restaurant, which received a 5 star rating along with some great feedback.  It is very popular for business meetings (that’s how I know about it as a colleague of mine had been there from work) and is said to be very nicely laid out, with good service and excellent food.

As well, when I looked at the reviews, one of them specifically said that it was a good place to take someone special.  So I hesitated a little, because it is a first date and I didn’t want to go over-the-top and come across as creepy.  But then I decided to go for it.  I’m always hesitating and not taking the plunge and my therapist and I have discussed the fact that it is very important for me to exude more confidence when meeting new people. As well, when I learned about the fireplace at the restaurant, I figured if I was having problem showing warmth and getting the conversation going, maybe that would be a bit of a help.

So here’s hoping the date goes well and the food and atmosphere provide a good setting for it!

Long, Lonely Weekends

admin December 29, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Long, Lonely Weekends

It’s back to work for me on Tuesday.  To be honest, I’m quite happy about that.  Indeed, I think I wouldn’t mind going back a bit earlier and ignore the whole New Years’ Eve thing.  But it seems no-one can avoid that and I’m going to have to work something out or I’ll end up feeling even worse.  Joanne has the kids and I don’t know what her plans are.  I’ll have to see what’s going on in my area, that I’m less likely to end up feeling completely out of place.

The Wellsville Fire Company looks okay.  I never like the idea of something that’s called an “experience” though; to me that sounds like it’s going to be loud.  Still, there is a comedy show being put on and that is certainly what I need on a night I don’t think I will feel very much like laughing.  I’ll probably do that and try and remain anonymous all night.  Dinner looks good there – well, to me anything that has fried chicken and mashed potatoes on the menu has to be delicious.  I figure that if the comedy starts at 9pm then I can stay for all that, say Happy New Year at midnight and be home before 12 30 without having to feel completely  pathetic but also not have to feel sad that this year I’m alone for New Year’s.

Munching on Muncheese

admin December 27, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Munching on Muncheese

 

What a great name for a restaurant, especially if you’re a cheese lover like me – Muncheese!  New in town, I decided to take myself along there this afternoon as the kids left this morning, I am still on vacation from work, and I really didn’t welcome the idea of being alone the rest of the day.

Located on Second Street, Muncheese specializes in everything grilled-cheese.  You can have grilled cheese on all different types of bread (from pretzel rolls to white bread) and then choose your cheese (pepperjack, provolone and more). So it’s pretty cool; you start off by choosing your cheese, then your bread and then add finally some meats!  I took cheddar cheese on rye and added turkey bacon and boy was it good!

 

Next time – if I ever get a date – I may bring someone here and share the grilled cheese for two. That looks really delicious!


A Treat for the Kids

admin December 26, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on A Treat for the Kids

There was so much I wanted to do with the kids over the holiday season.  I really wanted to make it special for them.  So I was particularly happy that I found out about the Popcorn Hat Players Children’s Theatre performing at Harrisburg’s Gamut Classic Theatre.  I knew they would all love it, so off we went.

It really was incredible.  We all very much got into the Christmas holiday spirit with this very humorous, entertaining show.  There was a real sense of Christmas in it but it was also modernized which made it even more enjoyable.  My little one got such a kick out of Santa Claus himself showing up, right in the middle; a surprise to us all, but especially fun for him.

It was probably the first time the two little ones ever went to a theatre before. That’s what’s so amazing about this group – it really makes the theatre accessible to the whole family.  We’ll definitely be coming again.  In fact, the little one kept asking as we left when we’d be coming back again!

Harrisburg JCC Performance

admin December 20, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Harrisburg JCC Performance

I was pretty proud of my middle kid this last Sunday.  He was one of the performers at our local JCC. I was so glad he was able to do this, especially given the flood damage the center encountered over the summer.  But I guess that’s partly why the whole thing happened anyway.  It was meant as a performance-cum-fundraiser.  That’s what I love about this city – a bunch of us just grouped together to try and help with some of the center’s losses; after all, it is OUR community center.

Anyway Zach featured in the “Kids Care” musical showcase which raised money toward refurbishing the flood-damaged JCC. I thought this was great since it enabled him to perform, but also showed him the importance of doing something for an important cause.  Even if you are not able to give money, you can show your support in other ways, I felt was the lesson.

The kids sang songs from popular musicals including “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Wicked.”  It was really nice to see so many people – especially the kids – banding together to save the JCC, giving their time and talents.  And we heard later that over $11,000 was raised from the evening!

Getting in Some True Irish Entertainment

admin December 19, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Getting in Some True Irish Entertainment

When I relocated to Harrisburg a few months ago after the divorce, the last thing I could ever imagine doing was ever going out again, especially in an evening, to a pub or something else resembling entertainment.  I just couldn’t picture myself being happy again I guess.  I figured I’d just be one of those sad middle-aged men who sat at home with a microwave meal for one and see out the end of my days.

Thankfully it’s really true what they say about time healing.  Over the last month or so I’ve really changed my tune.  Now I’m always looking for something to do – with or without the kids.  And so I was absolutely thrilled when I recently discovered McGrath’s – the coolest Irish pub ever – right here in Harrisburg.  It really is great and it’s the city’s first ever real McDeal – true, authentic Irish pub.

The pub has been around for a while too; it opened nearly 10 years ago.  But I just hadn’t heard about it.  Now though, since the divorce is no longer so raw, after a long day at the office, especially when I’m alone (which is most nights; the kids just visit every other weekend and some Tuesdays), I love unwinding there.  It’s very friendly and pretty green too; so it just gives you an all-round feeling of feel good.  The brews are great and the food isn’t bad either, but truthfully I go for the mellow, relaxation element that you always get in a good Irish pub; no-one is judging me; everyone is there to chill out and unwind.  What more could one ask for? Perfect.

Harrisburg Kids’ Activities

admin December 18, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Harrisburg Kids’ Activities

I had a few ideas for this weekend for the kids, but in the end none of them seemed appropriate since the kids seemed particularly tired and asked if they could just chill out at home.  I was pretty happy about that actually because it showed that they are really getting comfortable in my home – something I was initially concerned about.  So we had a nice, relaxing time and I started looking into stuff for the next time they can.

My middle kid loves music so I was thrilled when I found out about the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show, which is inviting kids to show off their musical talents after the New Year.  It really is kids from 8-18, but I think my youngest – being pretty tall – can pass for an 8-year old, providing they’re not so stringent on the age-thing. It’s set to take place at Harrisburg’s Expo Center.

I’m really proud of him actually.  He’s a good kid and it seems the divorce hasn’t affected him so much. I’m so glad he has his brothers – that for sure helps them all – but the fact that he’s always trying to do well and achieve something new, is really great and I’m glad the problems me and my ex had don’t seem to be affecting him too badly.

So that was my weekend; quiet but way nicer with the kids than being alone.

Harrisburg Weekend Activities for Lonely Single Dads

admin December 9, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Harrisburg Weekend Activities for Lonely Single Dads

I always start getting a little sad as the day draws in on a Thursday if the kids aren’t coming to stay for the weekend.  But, at the same time, in order to prevent myself from spiraling down into a depressive state, I start checking out what is going on locally. Unless of course I have a date, which, these days isn’t so often – I guess I’m hitting what they call in the dating world, a “dry spell.” Now that I’m back on “the scene” as it were, I’m learning lots of new phrases that I wish I didn’t have to become educated on.  But, alas, I must move on and resume some positive thinking.

I could join up with my group.  I recently discovered the Amici group which meets up near Harrisburg.  It was set up to help people develop interpersonal skills and relationships.  According to the ex, Joanne, I sure need some help in that area. And my therapist Michelle – although she doesn’t say it outright – seems to be in agreement with her.  So what I like most about the group is that it is non-judgmental and is a real way of getting out the house when I am stuck for something to do; it seems to give me that extra push that I need.  Everyone comes from a different place – and Amici seems to be the real equalizer for us.   I must check the schedule as they may have one of their dinners coming up over the weekend which is always a fun and relaxing way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. For those few hours I really don’t feel alone.

I also feel a sense of belonging at Amici.  There are some great people who go and everyone is just nice.  Yeah, I think I need a bit of that energy injection this weekend.  And then hopefully that will give me the strength to go optimistically into next week so that I can be all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for when the kids come.

Hope you have a good one too! Best, Alex.