Family Day

Now that I have a family some things have become more important - specifically spending time with my wife and daughter in a non distracting environment.  I say non distracting, because it would seem that in the world that I'm raising my daughter in is not lacking in distractions.  If it's not concerns with work and what immediately lies ahead on the daily agenda, then it's technology.  Interestingly, those who know me would be confused at this point.  Technology?  Really?  The self described technophile is concerned that technology is a distraction?  Well c'mon, I'm not naive!  As much as I enjoy working with and learning about and using current tech trends I'm also equivocally vigilant about how much of my life is spent basking in the warm, inviting glow of my phone, tablet, or laptop.  (As an aside, I make every effort not to abuse tech, however that's a discussion for a later time.)

I'm finding myself increasingly aware of the fact that it would be the best thing for my family if I'm not constantly checking social media, reading the news, drafting a new blog post, catching up on the latest research in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), or just aimlessly browsing until I land somewhere interesting.  After a lot of reflection on every pro and con and measuring how much time I really spend using such frivolous things as social media I've come to a simple conclusion:  It's time to set aside an entire day where I don't engage with tech - at very least keep it to a practical minimum.  Of course, in practice this can be complicated.  Look around you and it cannot be more clear: technology is used every day by every person.  This is why being practical about tech is just that much more imperative.  So, just like every goal I've ever set (I'll admit some goals I've set are more practical than others) I have to establish the ground rules, so as the Joker is quoted as saying in Batman: The Dark Knight: "So, here we go..."

1. No checking social media!  That witty response, meme, or group chat?  That can probably wait until the next day.  If it's the family group chat, that's allowed, because... it's family day.
2. The computer stays off!  My internet browser, while good at showing my email, agenda, and to-do list is also a temptation to sit for a while and stare at my social media feed (if I have nothing else to do).  That time spent staring and gawking at society's "epic fails" or shortcomings could actually be spent with family.
3. Phone calls and text messages are allowed, because it could be my boss trying to get a hold of me due to an emergency at work, or maybe a friend needs something urgent.

As I made clear the idea is to minimize my engagement with tech by taking one day out of the week and shifting my focus to something else.  I foresee actually being able to eventually sit down and a couple books that I haven't picked up in a while (books that I'd really like to dive back into!).  I could also see the time spent with family turn into breaking out a board game or even going for a walk (spring is coming soon... I hope!).  The end goal is to make a purposeful effort to give my family the time it very much deserves.  As far as what day that is?  Well, that's easy:  Sunday!

What I'd like to do is also encourage you to try the same.  (No, your family day doesn't need to be on Sunday, that's just what I've chosen.)  Don't try to just give up technology, as that would actually be impractical, and typically those who completely cut the cord with tech usually come off as conspiracy theorists who have a unfounded paranoid opinion linking the government and "Big Tech" as somehow trying to enslave the human race, or some other garbage.

What I'm encouraging here is a chance to take one day a week and do something fun that doesn't have to include technology.  All the advancements in technology are great and totally worth while, and often times extremely helpful, but we have to remember that just like a hammer, a car, or a pocket knife these are merely tools.  Sometimes, even your favorite tool is also allowed to have a day to rest from use.

Noravirus & Job Hunting

So I've been a bit "under the weather" this week.  I managed to make it half way through my shift on Monday only to leave work.  After returning home and immediately falling asleep I woke up later with the usual symptoms now in full flare: fever, cephalgia (headache), and of course making my "offering to the porcelain god."  So that wasn't fun.  Fortunately - I'm not sure how - I somehow survived this short round of noravirus, commonly known as the stomach flu.  My dear wife was there to keep the Gatorade and a bucket at my side to avoid dehydration with much success.

Unlike the last time I had the stomach flu I'm not being wiped out for a few weeks.  The 2017 noravirus was essentially a week long taste of death, without actually dying, and recovery lasting a few weeks after the symptoms went away.  And some folk out there think the man cold and man flu is just a myth.  Ha!  I beg to differ!

Of course as life would have it, the day I'm better and can return to work, the roads are covered in ~1/4 inch of ice making travel impossible (can't stop at an intersection if you're on ice).

On the other side of things, because of changes happening at work, such as the threat of reducing payable hours, I'm putting myself back on the job market for something decent.  As I look back on my now "on again off again" work relationship with Walmart I see that the company has always been there when I've needed a a job.  In fact I emphatically support anyone who wants to work there!  For someone starting out on the job market, or going to school, or is in need of something, it does the trick.  The problem frequently arises when you're trying to take care of a family (whether married or a single parent) and perhaps other financial responsibilities (student debt, rent/mortgage, car payments, etc.) that the wages don't really cover.  This of course leaves the employee with a couple of options:

1. Get a second job and hope that work schedules don't conflict, or
2. Take your chances on the job market

Option 2 seems the best option in most cases.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm looking primarily for a job that utilizes my computer, analytical, and technical skills.  Unfortunately, where I live there's a lot of manufacturing jobs and it's semi rural.  A lot of people don't think tech is really all that important.  There's much more emphasis on a job sometimes requiring 12 hour days, boots on your feet, and the type of work that a trained monkey could do in its sleep.  In a sense, finding a job within my skill set is like finding a needle in a haystack.  Sometimes I really perceive that I'm really "not from 'round 'ere."

I press on, because there has to be a job out there that I can retire from, and can support my family with.  The good news is that I did here about a potential job that would likely utilize AND develop my skills which apparently has a place not too far from me, so I'm definitely going to apply to that!

I've Created A Monster

So, I'd say I've created a monster.  Let me start with a history lesson, of sorts, to aid in our understanding.

My dear wife, Jessica was merrily putting our daughter down for a nap when the tablet she was holding (containing a game she enjoyed playing) slipped from her grasp, descended through the atmosphere, and crashed on the tray of Isabelle's high chair.  The screen now hilariously dysfunctional and gone to meet it's eternal reward, left my wife with nothing else to do with her free time.  She had become exhausted of the parade of Netflix personalities and wanted a new hobby.

I come home from work and she asks me to help her create a blog.  Of course I'm always happy to help my family and friends with their web presence, so I didn't realize what I was doing.  I created a monster.

To place humor and superfluous parlance aside, it is a good blog.  My wonderful wife really knows how to write and weave a tapestry of words.

You can find her blog at Crafty Adventures in Motherhood.

Leaps, Bounds, Milestones, and Other Thoughts, Oh My!

So, I've just realized that I haven't posted an update on my daughter in a long time, not since she began crawling.  Visiting relatives over Christmas, a crazy work life balance, and a hundred other distractions have gotten in the way.  Looking at the photos on my phone I realized just how much my daughter has grown in the last couple of months.

For starters Isabelle had her first taste of a snow storm on January 12th when we received 15.5 inches (39.37 cm) of snow accumulation over the course of 36 hours.  My little daughter thought the snow was just absolutely the BEST thing ever, like a new toy, but cold, and magical as it turns to water in your hand.  As I began the couple hour long process of moving the snow off of the cars and drive way my wife Jessica brought our daughter outside to see the snow.

On Thursday of this past week Jessica and I looked up and found Isabelle grabbing the table with one hand and standing more steady than she has.  Her legs are getting stronger and I'm sure at this rate she'll be walking very soon!  So far it would seem that at only 9 months she's a little ahead of the game on milestones.

Some days it seems like I can't quite keep up with how fast she's growing and developing.  Sometimes, I'm sure, people might think I'm crazy and wonder how I plan to give time to my family and to my hobbies.  Sometimes, I think I am crazy taking on a lot.  However, I would not trade it for anything else in the world.  I do miss my "old life" as it had a lot of great memories and I still keep in contact with my friends, but I've learned that this life is exciting too, and I know I have the support of my old life.  But I really don't consider it my old life.

In retrospect I consider the adventure of getting married and starting a family as just another chapter in the book of my life.  It's something that I've noticed some people think is an "end of your life" moment, however I think that assertion is very short sighted.  I still have just as active and fulfilling of a life now as when I was in college or even when I spent a short time as a Catholic seminarian.  As I look to the year ahead, I'm excited to see how my family will grow and develop, and to see what friends I can run into.

Work-Life Balance Not Exactly Ideal

Image source

So the balancing act between my work and life probably could not be any worse.  At the moment my goal of waking up early just isn't going to happen because my biorhythm is not well supported by my work schedule.  Due to short staffing and payroll cut backs I can't be full time.  Being part time has immense drawbacks since I get left with all the hours that no one else wants.  Essentially I work afternoon and evenings half the week followed immediately by morning and daytime shifts.  This pretty much leaves me exhausted and unable to function day to day by the end of the week.  Every precious minute I get to sleep, is welcomed with no protest!

From another point of view I wonder what the chaotic schedule is doing to the relationship I have with my wife and daughter.  I'm away from home at odd times and there's no consistency.  At times I'm unable to remember the last time I had a chance to actually have a good conversation with my wife that didn't revolve around finances, benefits, or how much my next pay check is going to be.  At the same time my work schedule and every day agenda at work is also partially dictated by whatever mood my boss happens to be in.  Such inconsistency causes great mental stress and anxiety about even going into work.

To summarize: I need a new job.

I have been out on the job market actually since March of last year, and so far with no success.  My wonderful wife has helped my compile a list of applications when I've been at work and I've received tips of who's looking to hire.  (As an added bonus: jobs that would give me the work/life balance I desperately need!)  Unfortunately, the story is the same after every interview.  I've got potential, but this other person has more experience.  Sure I make it into the final batch of qualified candidates, however, this does not help my need to provide, support, and be there for my family.

To say it's been rough would be a great understatement!

But this has got me thinking about where I want to go in life and what I need.  I don't need another job.  And even a retail job that's full time won't cut it.  I need a job that I can retire from in 30 years.  A job that utilizes my natural talents, nourishes and expands my potential, and develops my existing skill set.  Such a job - I realize - would likely be related to computer science or IT.  It's almost ecstasy to think that I could find a job where my day to day forced interaction with the general public would be drastically reduced or very limited.  I think that's what I really want though.  I'm just done with only retailers willing to hire me, and then force me into a position where I can't grow in my job.

Life Goals, Rhinosinusitis, & Looking Forward to Christmas

So I would've been at work today, but instead evolutionary responses to pathogens decided to manifest themselves beginning yesterday evening and at the moment continue to prevent my otherwise optimal biological functions.  Postnasal discharge, irritation of the pharynx, minor inflammation of the larynx, cephalgia, and generalized ache and fatigue are the symptoms that point to rhinosinusitis - commonly said as the common cold.  It's fascinating how when we look at the medical terminology it makes things seem a lot worse than it is.  Of course, so far I'm not bad off.  I'm faring better than my daughter fared this past week.  I don't have any excessive phlegm, fever, or respiratory inflammation that has been characterized by some who've been so fortunate as to already been afflicted with this round of cold.

The symptoms of course are easily mitigated by AleveⓇ, green tea with honey, and rest. Vitamin C is also a good thing to add, just because the body needs it (or so I've been consistently told).  Vicks Vaporub™ of course is a gift from God if congestion and respiratory inflammation become exasperated.  But so far, unlike most men of my condition, I'm not in critical condition.

Today I finished one of the three books I was reading.  The book "Personality Hacker: Harness the Power of Your Personality Type to Transform Your Work, Relationships, and Life" was written by Joel Mark Witt and Antonia Dodge and is a fantastic read if you're interested in personality theory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).  I first heard of their book by listening to the Personality Hacker Podcast which I heard about via their YouTube channel which I definitely recommend taking a look at.  You can read my review of their book here.

Aside from having the imposition of a malaise I've been making some positive progress toward my goal of waking up early.  Alternatively I'm not waking up at 5:30 every morning like the video says, but reasonably around 7:30.  This of course has not been without challenge.  My work schedule constantly fluctuates so going to bed at the same time every evening has been difficult.  My goal has been to be ready to sleep by 11 pm, and this is done well most nights.  Of course with the responsibilities and joys that come with parenting I must see this is as an attainable, if at times impractical, goal - especially while my daughter was ill with rhinosinusitis and my wife and I found ourselves up late at night making sure she was as comfortable as possible.

I'm looking forward to the next few days off of work to spend with the family and visiting with relatives.  Christmas, at least per my perception, is a much bigger deal than Thanksgiving.  Both are filled with food, but there's just a more relaxed ambiance that comes with Christmas.  There's less rushing around to do, all is quiet.

I want to take this opportunity to wish every one who somehow chances to fall upon my blog a very Merry Christmas!

My Daughter Is Crawling Successfully

Took a few weeks of trying, but finally got a video of my beautiful baby girl crawling forward.  Typically, as infants learn to crawl they figure out how to move backwards before they move forward.  At seven months my daughter figured out how to crawl forward, and since then has wanted to do nothing less!

Every day I anticipate with excitement and joy what developmental milestones she will reach next.  Guess the next milestone will be walking and adding a few more words to her vocabulary.  In addition to "dad" and "hi" she's added "momma," "hungry," (very important!) and "hey."  Little by little she grows and it amazes me that we all start out with just a couple of words and working out how to move around.

My Daughter's First Taste of "Food"

This was my daughter's first taste of "food."  I deliberately use quotes because, as her face will say, it's not exactly creme brulee!

Welcome to Autumn

Autumn Has Arrived

Autumn in Missouri is off to a good start!  The weather has been typical of the Midwest roller coaster that's experienced every year.  The few crisp mornings we've had make me miss my time living near Chicago with all the lake fronts.  From looking at forecast models, it would seem that autumn has made a consistent appearence up north.  Here in Missouri the weather couldn't be more, as the locals say, "bipolar."  80s one day 60s the next.

Job Hunt & Work Woes

Since it's been made known to me that I'm likely stuck in my current position at work without any future considerations I've been looking around for other work.  So I've been giving my resume out and filling out job applications, and so far to no success.  Much of the time the feedback I've been receiving is that I'm just not experienced enough for this or that position.

Things on the job couldn't be more chaotic.  Unfortunately the schedule has been tossed around and I've been getting scheduled a lot of six day weeks!  This of course has been abandoning me adrift in stress and exhaustion.  After a six day stretch all I want is to be alone.  Without people.  Often after working 6 days I forget what day it is (thank God for Google!).

Baby's First Word!

Isabelle's first word is "hi."  As the days have gone by she has begun to build her vocabulary.  She's added "dad" to her words, and at least once has said "hi dad" when I've arrived home from work.  Some days I wonder what she'll say next.  Not long from now she will be crawling and so far has been working very well at developing her arm muscles and coordination to at least support herself.

My Daughter's First Cardinals Game

This past Sunday my wife and I took a trip with Isabelle to see the Cardinals play at Busch Stadium.  It was great to get out and visit Ballpark Village and experience the exciting atmosphere as the Cardinals won 9-2 over the Giants - sweeping the series.

As an added plus, the tickets we bought months ago came with a bonus: an opportunity to actually walk on the field!  It was awesome to be able to walk by the players as they were getting ready to play the game.  Definitely an opportunity I won't forget!

It was also Isabelle's very first Cardinals game!  She made it through the game pretty well cheering on the Cardinals and taking a couple naps.  Overall I think she handled the crowd well for a baby!

This was my second Cardinals game at Busch.  Being a Cardinals fan growing up in Illinois made most of my Cardinals games being seen at Wrigley Field in Chicago.  Not bad to note that so far the Cardinals have only lost one game that I've witnessed in a stadium.

We began the day with Mass at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, an absolute must for us every visit to St. Louis!

My Daughter Is 3 Months Old & Other Updates

My Baby Girl

How time flies!  It seems like yesterday she was born.

I'm impressed every day at how she's growing and developing.  Already she is sitting up (with assistance), grabbing and lifting toward her mouth, and babbling.  Speaking of babbling; her babbles sound more and more like language than just little coos.  Could she be an early talker?

Parenting - at least for the moment - is relatively easy.  Sometimes I get caught up thinking that my child is just the most perfect person to ever walk the Earth (of courseI'm sure every parent thinks this).  To an extent though it does seem at times that my little girl is becoming an overachiever like her dad.

But enough about her - I could go on about child development theory and what milestones she's getting close to, and how quickly she's achieving them.

Work v. Life Balance

Still working as an Optician, however it has become apparent to me that those above my boss won't open up my position to be full time.  While I have enough hours it's unfortunate that it's just enough.  In a manner of speaking I've come to a crossroad.  I can try to move elsewhere within a company I've worked at prior (in college) and apply my previous experience as a cashier and negotiate a full time position as a supervisor.  The other option I have is to keep looking around and applying for jobs, many of which are either in the medical field or in manufacturing.

Most of the opportunities for work that relate to my experience and tenure of my resume unfortunately don't pay very well, and leaping into another field of work inevitably means facing the unknown and risking not knowing anything about a job.  Most who know me well know that I prefer to expand within my academic goals and experience.  With most of my experience in typical white collar jobs it would be quite a transition to accept a blue collar position.

Plans To Continue My Education?

Since I left the Chicago suburbs - due to financial aid difficulties and inability to fund my own education - I've discovered through colleagues and others that there's a very slim job market for Meteorologists.  This of course I've taken into account, and after a couple years of thought and reflection on my academic career I've decided to make a slight adjustment to my academic plans.

During my time studying in the suburbs of Chicago I thought very seriously about a double major in Computer Science, given my enjoyment of computer programming and ability to work with computers on more than a basic level.  As I've discussed my interests and knowledge with my wife and friends it's apparent to me that perhaps I should consider well pursuing a career in IT.  The more I look into it the more I see a promising job market.  So this is definitely an option I'm greatly considering!

"But what of Meteorology?  Chasing storms?  Aren't you throwing all your learning and work away?"

Goodness no!  The weather will always be an interest, and I'd never carelessly throw away a piece of information on a whim.  I'll continue my interest as precisely that, an interest.  I'll still make observations and give reports via social networks to the National Weather Service.  It's just that I've decided to step back from a childhood dream and pursue something different, that's still an interest I've had since childhood.

So for now I've decided to teach myself the Python programming language.  After that probably Java as it seems knowing C and Java are good starting points and Python is a good bonus.  There's also certification sequences I can learn that can give me a start in IT related work.

So... long update!  There's been a lot on my mind and I've been itching to write and get my thoughts out, so... yeah.  You should probably know I can be long winded anyway 😜.

Surprise Birthday Weekend!

My wife had been planning something for a few weeks - and it totally surprised me!

I had planned to take the family to Illinois to visit my parents over my birthday weekend (turned 34... I think...) and that, of course, became the main focal point of the trip.  It was great to give Isabelle time to spend with her grandparents and her uncles, aunts, and cousins who came to join in the fun.  After all, family is important, and it's good to make sure children are exposed to their family members - no matter how odd they may be.

That turned out to not be the only fun that happened, as my dear wife invited my best friends - a few who I haven't seen since the wedding - into town to surprise me with their presence.  I had a fantastic time catching up with everyone, and I was incredibly honored by the event.

So, to all my friends, and especially my dearest wife: Thank you!

16 Days Into Fatherhood

Yep, you could say that reality is starting to sink in. This is my life now. A life of caring for more than just me. It's about the family now. By now most parents I've encountered would be exhausted and probably ready to give up. Nope, not me! I've come to realize that sometimes in those moments when the baby is asleep, when suddenly it seems like equilibrium has been restored are those very moments when taking a quick nap or seizing the opportunity to take care of a chore or two.

I finally said to Jessica this morning, "I think our days of sleeping in a little are over." She gave me an exhausted, emotionally drained look, of course, as if to say, well, duh, you think? Overall I think we are getting the hang of things.

Amidst it all Isabelle continues to amaze me! She's already trying to get her arms and legs into motion to crawl, although the mechanics need to get worked out some. In some ways it seems like she's taking after her dad in being an overachiever. This has got me thinking what will I do if she becomes an overachiever or starts to get ahead of other kids her age? And I think that I'm just going to encourage her. I can't wait to see how her personality and natural talents will develop over the course of her life.

New Baby Has Arrived!

A little late on this update, but understandably I've been busy!

On April 25th (just a week and a half ago!) at 6:15 pm Jessica and I welcomed our baby girl to the family naming her Isabelle Claire. Weight at birth was just under 6 lbs, but don't let her small size fool you. She passed her tests with flying colors and so far, at home, has made an attempt to try learning how to crawl, so she just may yet be an overachiever like her dad!

All the excitement at everything she does comes at the very small price of being just a little fatigued. But that is okay! What is interesting is that I was advised by some parents during Jessica's pregnancy "Oh, that first week is so hard. Watch out!" The first week with Isabelle home was probably anything but as hard, or terrible as some say. That is not to say that my experience with fatherhood is the exception--or even the rule--but rather I count myself fortunate and blessed that my wife and I have somehow narrowly escaped the drastic changes Isabelle has no doubt brought to our family life.

Jessica and I thank everyone for the continued support and prayers on our behalf as we get settled in what is now our new reality. And you know something? It just isn't that bad.

Baby Countdown

In case any of you have been completely out of the loop in the last several months: Jessica and I will are expecting the birth of our first child by approximately the end of the month or the first part of May. It's an exciting time filled with getting the crib ready, making sure we have enough diapers (at this point we have the equivalent of a Wal-Mart distribution center!), and packing the hospital bag that we'll be taking with us.

I think that, as much as we can be, we are ready. Now we wait!

I've Left The Nest!

Ten days ago was arguably the best day of my life.  I married my best friend.  My lovely wife, whom I proposed to last August was escorted down the aisle and the Rite of Marriage began.  I'm unable to recall the last time I was more absorbed by the moment.  At the moment my wife Jessica and I spoke our vows to each other we became married.

From the Catholic perspective, the Rite of Marriage is performed by the couple being married.  The Priest acts as the legal witness in the name of the Church and our Maid of Honor and Best Man act as the legal witness to the state.  Both certify in no uncertain terms that, yes, these two are married and have chosen to do so freely and with full knowledge of the responsibility they are undertaking.

A couple moments that will always remain in my memory are the moment during which I made my vows to my wife.  The second moment which will always be cherished will be my first dance as a husband.  Such moments you can't just put into words.

A big thank you to the Priest who gave us Marriage Instruction, our wedding planner who helped us navigate and plan the big day, and our parents for supporting us.  A big thank you as well to our wedding party as you all have been with us through everything and live up to what it means to be true friends.

Of course, I'd like to thank also our guests.  Those friends and family who've known us through the years at various stages of our lives who eagerly came together on our wedding day to show us love and support.

To everyone, a huge thank you!

My Godfather, Two Years Later

I can't believe I'm finally writing a post about this but, here goes!

Two years ago today, I lost my Godfather to cancer.  It was sudden and shocking and sometimes the events of that 10th day of April two years ago seem to come and go in a flash, and yet so vivid.  There was my Godfather, a man I was hoping to invite to a wedding, a graduation, to the Baptism of whatever children I have in the future.  Gone.  Today though my thoughts are on the good times both him and I shared.  So I guess here is my eulogy and final goodbye, and hope to one day spend some quality time with him.

Earlier in life my Godfather used to skip school.  He'd walk down the street and would wait for my grandmother to leave the house, where he'd spend the day slacking off.  He was always good about leaving the house and locking the door before my grandmother would return home and would return "from school" at the usual time.  One day my grandmother, while reading the paper, asked him why he didn't go to school that day.  My Godfather asked how she knew this to which she replied, "You left the toilet seat up."

As a Marine during the Vietnam War my Godfather sketched scenes from the country.  Later he would turn this into a career as and artist!

When I received my Holy Baptism in the Roman Catholic Church on July 27, 1984 my Godfather was there.  He came dressed in a black pin striped suit.  When people asked him who he was he simply replied, "I'm the Godfather."  His sense of humor and wit would very much rub off on me over the years as I grew.

Ten years later at my brother's wedding, my Godfather and I walked around the reception hall sucking in helium, raising our voices several pitches.  My mother was not thrilled to say the least, but hey like Godfather like Godson right?

Summers were spent at our family's campsite where every now and then I would spend time fishing with him.  My Godfather would show me everything he knew, and even the best places to fish.  Of course there would also be pep talks where he would impart to me his wisdom.

In 2009 a friend and I journeyed to Chicago for the day and found ourselves at this really awesome sushi place on Michigan Avenue.  As I walk in the door I noticed a familiar looking man seated, enjoying his lunch.  It was my Godfather!  Oh what a happy reunion after not visiting him for some years!  Of course I had to brag to my sister and dad that I ran into him.  Think of it... of all the hundreds of thousands of people in Chicago I run into a relative!  So cool.

The next year I was on retreat and took up lodging with my Godfather for the duration of the weekend.  After the events of the retreat were over he and I would sit and he'd crack open his favorite tequila and I would sip scotch (never much of a tequila lover myself) and just like old times he'd impart his wisdom.  I remember fondly the words he spoke to me that weekend.  "It takes real courage at the end of the day to look back and say honestly, 'Yeah I did that.' 'Yeah I should've done that better.' 'No I'm not perfect.'"  Real words I live by every day.

Goodbye Uncle Mike.  While I will miss your words of wisdom, what you have imparted to me I will carry and pass on.  I will miss greatly sitting and talking with you about anything and nothing all the while sipping scotch and you sipping tequila.  While words cannot describe how much you are missed by all, let me at least say thank you.  Thank you for everything.  I hope to make you proud one day by following your example of pursuing my dreams and persevering until all is accomplished.  Take heart however, I'm okay.  I thank God that your battle with cancer is over, and for you there is no more suffering.

Weekend Away From Campus

I will be taking a break from studying this weekend to visit family, and maybe a few friends.  I will be supporting my brother-in-law and sister, both very active in the deaf community, by attending one of their events.  Other things that will be getting done (not homework!) are getting some office supplies for school, oil change for the Honda, and celebrating the birthdays of both of my nieces birthdays.  So happy birthday to my nieces Emily and Hannah!

I will also be able to spend time with my goddaughter, which because I'm away at school I don't have many opportunities to visit.  It'll be good to see how much she's grown in the last year and I'm sure she'll look forward to seeing her godfather.

So this weekend is already turning out to be a relaxing weekend with the family.  Hopefully I'll return to campus rested and ready to tackle the end of the summer term!  It's the home stretch and I'm ready to dominate!