Big news people. I hope you're sitting down. But you are using the computer, so there's a good chance you already are sitting. I had to tell you just in case, because this...is...big...
I have decided to start my own business. I have quit my job as an engineer. I'm thinking about starting small. Maybe just a small town market, on the southwest side of Indianapolis. I think it would be best to find an old building and try to focus on sales of groceries, produce, plants, and fruit baskets. I'm told its a good idea to have a propane exchange, to make sure to bring in the grilling crowd. I have already rented out the site and put up the sign, and will kick things off on a high note with a special on Colby cheese for $2.99/lb... Who wants a T-Shirt?
Actually, I'm not the only who has quit their job and started a new career. Jill is no longer a teacher. She has left IPS to open a downtown bar called Jillians - a place to "Eat, Drink, and Play". Sounds like a nice place. As you can see below - she has already opened her business as well. Her sign is nicer than mine. It lights up.
This spirit of entrepreneurship most likely came from my mom's side of the family. Back in 1934 they left South Bend with only $300 in a Conestoga wagon and headed South to open the Greenwood Park Mall. You may have guessed before that this mall was named after the city of Greenwood. It's not.
Not be left out in the furry cold, the dog may have had the grandest ambitions of all. He has decided, not surprisingly, to open his own bank. It's called Chase Bank (how creative). Since we first brought him home from Martinsville, you could see that little twinkle in his eye. He's always been interested in money, I wish I could count the times I've come home early only to find him sifting through my wallet. We also have a sneaking suspicion that he's running a late-night poker game with other neighborhood dogs, why else would he have to go outside 45 times a night? Now he has a place to put all his cash. Good dog.
In a surprising move, Jill's Dad has decided to move down to Indianapolis. We originally thought it was to be closer to Randi and Jill and the kids, but apparently there were grander ambitions involved. He bought a local carwash chain, and will run it with the new motto - "Car Washes so Fast You'll Freeze". That's just the winter slogan.
There can be some contentious times at B.C. Welding up in Granger. In an unprecedented partnership, Dad and Randy have decided to move down to Indianapolis to focus on their working relationship. How better to come together than over piles of man-hair? This is next door to Chase's grooming place. Check the shears for fur.
The Gormongs, not wanting to be left out in the cold, have decided to come to Indy to join in the fun. Joe is known for his skill behind the coals, and Randi is quite the pool shark, so it only seemed the natural combination when they decided to open Joe's Grille, a pool hall with a great selection of Terre Haute's finest grilled meats.
In perhaps the most interesting of entrepreneurial moves, Roberta has also come to Indianapolis start her own dentistry practice. Here in Indy, every dentist's office has to have the doctor's name, followed by "Vote DDS", of course signifying their support of Article 342 of the Indiana State Code (the right to bear air-drills). Unfortunately though, "Roberta" was already taken for a dentistry practice name, so she had to settle for "RobertB", in order to be next in the phone book listings. Check out her office below.
I have had the pleasure of having two days off of school thanks to the snow, ice and wind that hit Indy late Monday night. Chuck was home yesterday with us, but had to go into work today. Normally snow isn't this exciting, but to give you an idea, this is the largest snow fall (9 inches) in one day that we have had since 1919 (4 inches).
Chuck had to shovel out a spot for Chase to "do his business". He stands there and then jumps on top of the snow and does it. We never said he was the smartest dog ever!
Maddie and Chase have been playing together a lot more. He is really good with her; even when she pulls his tongue or fur. Too cute!
Maddie is all dressed for her first Valentine's Day. She got some new bath toys from Mommy and Daddy for the big day!
The city did a good job of decorating the dome and elsewhere. Every one of the big buildings downtown was adorned with the Colts horseshoe, Super Bowl Champs, or other gear. 
It is about time for Maddie to start learning how to use a sippy cup. We tried it the other day and she proved to not quite be ready for it. She did okay for a sip and then wanted to just play with it. We will keep trying!
