Wow, it's been a while.  As I grow older, time seems to pass faster.  My trip back to Warsaw was brief to be sure but packed full of wonderfulness as I got to see my most awesome kids, have dinner with them, Mom and Amanda.  Then, to cap the trip, I was treated to a most enjoyable play by the select theatre.  If you missed it, you truly missed a good one!  Also at the play, I was able to renew an old friendship as well as see some other familiar faces and friends as well.

Tim should pass through here tomorrow night on his way to California.  As always, I'm looking forward to seeing him; however brief the visit may be. 

I will be returning to Warsaw for Christi's graduation.  Can't believe it's mere weeks away.  Christi will be journeying south to summer in Texas this year.  She's dropped hints about summering in Japan next year...sorry kiddo, it ain't gonna happen.

Well my ironing is calling to me and there are 100 channels of crap TV that need to be surfed so I shall bid TTFN.

Remember - the flexible man doesn't find himself (or herselft) getting bent out of shape!

I will keep today's post short.  For whatever reason, I find myself to be profoundly sad.  Not depressed nor discouraged, just profoundly sad.  I've seen hard issues come into the lives of some folks I care about.  A friend who suffers a stroke in his mid-30s.  A co-worker whose husband passes away suddenly.  Another with a diagnosis of cancer.  Still others who face daily struggles in relationships.  But, here I sit, so very blessed.  My kids are healthy and I am afforded their love.  I can tell them good night or I love you or cool tattoo or love that dress....such simple things I fear that I have taken for granted.  I can put my arms around them and hug the stuffin out of them.

I wish God was sitting here right now. I'd say thank you.  Thank you for all that I have that is right...then, I would say thank you for all the things I don't have to face.  God...if you read Xanga....thank you.

ttfn

It has been a warm couple of days in the Big D.  Yesterday, when I got home from work...103 degrees.  Today it has cooled down to 100.  We are to be back to normal 80s and 90s later in the week.  I truly hope this is not a sign of the summer ahead!!  Oh well, on a positve note, you don't have to shovel heat.  Just find a shady spot, a good book and a cool drink!

I went to one of the early services on Easter Sunday.  As predicted, the place was packed.  They expanded to 4 services but I doubt all were able to get in.  Chuck's message was tremendous.  It took a little time, but it's nice to be moved by a message again.  The orchestra and choir made the service complete.  I'm really fortunate to have this church.  Will I ever join? I doubt it.  Years of cynical mud are baked on pretty hard and I'm not sure that it'll be shed while in this world.

I am looking forward to seeing Tim and Christi again soon.  I do miss them when we are apart.  I will never take for granted how much they mean to me, the example they are to me and the daily encouragement I receive from them.  They have given me more in their short lives than I will ever be able to repay.  I draw breath today because of the grace of God shown to me in Tim and Christi.  What a blessed man I am.

I'm off to Las Vegas on Saturday and returning on Wednesday.  Not particularly looking forward to it.  I have much work to do here.  It's not a vacation trip; continuing CEU for my CHC certification.  I'll will be taking in a show or two and dinning with some friends around the Triad network as well as others.  All in all, it won't be so bad.  At least I have front seat for Avenue Q! (that was mentioned for Christi's benefit; she and I are fans) if you are unfamiliar with Avenue Q, that's probably a good thing.  If you are overly sensitive or prone to taking offense, I recommend you remain unfamiliar with them.

Well, I've have gone on long enough.  If you have the fortune to cross the path of a U.S. Service man or woman, be sure to say thank you.  Remember, they do unto them before, and to prevent, them (i.e., ragheads) from doing unto us.  TTFN

Wow, I can't believe I haven't updated since February 14th.  So much has happened since then.  The highlight, of course, was my visit from Tim.  He was down for his spring break.  The time, as always, passed by much too quickly.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed his company.  I really needed some time with him.  I can honestly say I am so proud of the man he's become.  We saw several really good movies and one truly awful movie.  If you get the chance to throw away an hour and a half of your life but just aren't sure how to do so, I would highly recommend seeing Ultra-violet.  Not as bad as Star Ship Troopers but not far behind.  We went to the gun range and, yes, I'll admit it, Tim bested me with the handgun.  However, he did give in after only firing about 18 rounds through my .44 mag. 

Next week, my cousin from Florida will visit with me for a few days.  It should be an interesting trip for her.  She rarely gets out of Okeechobee, has never flown and has never been out of the state of Florida.  For her trip, she will fly from Orlando to DFW.  I know she's nervous but I'm confident (fingers crossed) that she'll do alright.  She's going through a rough divorce so we just spend some time talking.  Give her a chance to get away from things and catch her breath.

No long there after, I look forward to visiting with Christi during her spring break.  Not all plans are definite but I'm sure there will be creme brulea at Pappadeaux, hair hands and feet at the spa and (if I can pull it off) a broadway show.  The only show playing that week is Phantom of the Opera.  I'll have to see if Christi has any interest.  Sadly and with much regret, I learned that you have to be 21 to enter the comedy clubs.  Please don't say anything to Christi as I haven't decided how to break it to her.  I sure have a special girl; special in so many ways and I a daughter I'm so proud of. (yes I ended in a preposition, get over it)

Not long there after, I'll be in Las Vegas for about 5 days.  Have mixed feelings about going.  It's going to be crowded and as anyone that knows me will tell you, I'm not fond of crowds.

Well, I've droaned on long enough.  I need to eat some supper and read through a stack of very boring contracts. yeah...whopp...frickin...eeee.

Don't forget, your safer hunting with Dick Chaney than to go driving with Ted Kennedy!