Happy Memorial Day

To all of our veterans,

Just a quick note of thanks. Your work, past and present, has kept us safe and free. The whole country owes you many thanks. I hope you are enjoying the day the best you can.

Last Night

Natalie and I went to the Albuquerque Little Theatre to see one of her favorites, Guys and Dolls. I had never seen the musical so I was very curious to see what it was about.

Let's just say I'm glad I went. It was very entertaining and had lots of humorous parts. I can't wait to watch the movie version so I can see the parts that don't make the stage version.

Also, check out my pictures. I uploaded a new one of Natalie and I - our first picture as a dating couple (and only the second picture taken of me since finishing treatment).

I love you Natalie!

Update: Click on the pictures on the left hand side to view all of the pictures I have uploaded.

My Girlfriend

***WARNING - MUSHY CONTENT FOLLOWS***

I don't know if it is possible to be more in love than I am right now. I have been dealing with difficult challenges all year and in the past, that would mean I would be fighting them pretty much alone (occassionally a roommate would help carry my burden with me). That isn't the case this year, thanks to the blessing that is Natalie. I was telling her last night, after talking about my most recent obstacle, that when I dreamt of having a girlfriend I wanted her to be as supportive as she has been for me this year. See, Natalie does more than just support me. She really wants the best for me and isn't afraid to tell me. Right now, she wants to make sure that I avoid the mess she put herself in while in Savannah. I absolutely adore her for it. I dont' know how many of you readers have experienced that but I'm excited and encouraged that God has blessed me with someone who has that type of character and loves me enough to make sure that I am doing my best to be righteous day-in, day-out. It is also nice to know that our relationship is based on more than just emotions and the depth of it grows daily.

When I think of the future, she is the type of person I want to be by my side. If I'm so lucky to spend the rest of my life with her, I can say I will be happy.

Natalie, I love you! I am truly a lucky man to have you as my girlfriend but also as my best friend.

***END MUSHY CONTENT***

Softball

You did read the title correctly. I played in a softball game tonight for the first time since last summer. It was supposed to be a one inning deal - just to see how I would do but since my brother's team was short players, I had to play the whole game. I fielded fine and moved fine as the catcher but hitting was a different story. As you can imagine, since I'm still having problems with my legs, I hit two ground balls (one for a double play). I still can't run but I can't get out of the box immediately - something that still needs to come back before I consider myself completely healed. Good thing I have PT tomorrow. I can tell the therapist what happened and she can start adjusting my program to help improve it.

Thank you Jeremy for asking me to play!

A Good Day

I got to see Michelle, Maureen, Katie and Mohan today. The last time I saw all of them was for Michelle and Mohan's reception here in ABQ. This time they came to town because Maureen is going to move to Las Cruces and Michelle wanted to see her friends.

I'm glad I got to see them - especially Michelle, who is several months pregnant with her first child (a boy). Considering all I've been through this year, I was really happy to see her. There is something about the relationships you've built that make you feel good, especially when you don't know if you will ever see them again. What was better was having so much fun with them after dinner. We all took our turn at Nintendo Wii bowling. Great times indeed.

I also helped Natalie move into her apartment. I'm so proud of her. She was reluctant to ask for help moving. Fortunately she has a loving boyfriend that was willing to volunteer to help move her stuff from the various places around town where it was stored. Thank you Sweetie for allowing me to help! I love you! :-D

5 Month Warning

As I sit at work this week I'm glad that the decision to make me go through treatment for cancer was made because if it hadn't, I probably wouldn't be looking forward to my birthday in 5 short months.

So, what is it you want John? Great question! My house could use a new roof, a fresh coat of paint and some landscaping. I'm always up for getting money. A new laptop with an HD DVD player. How about a new HD television (at least 32")?

Are you starting to get some ideas? Good! I look forward to your gifts this year.

Bonus points if you get my girlfriend something for my birthday too! I love you Sweetie!

Back to Work

Wow! Has it really been since 2006 since I've been at work?

Today, I returned to work as a full-time employee. The response by my co-workers has been phenomenal. As a surprise, I ironed a shirt and dress pants and actually wore a tie on my first day back so I could once again make a good first impression.

Very quickly, life is returning to normal.

Oh, in case you have forgotten - I love my girlfriend! Have a great day Sweetie!

Trip to Texas

Yes, that is right. I took a trip to Texas. Of course, if you have been keeping up with me this year you will know that my mother's co-workers gave my family a trip to Arlington, TX to see the Yankees play the Rangers this past week. The Yankees swept the series but that wasn't the highlight of the trip. We arrived at the ballpark on Wednesday and were given a tour of the stadium, tickets behind home plate (which we couldn't use because the game was rained out) and allowed on the field during batting practice (way cool!). That was the highlight of the trip.

The lowlights included:
Six Flags being open only on weekends
My brothers and their lowsy driving
Being crammed into a van that was far too small for 6 adults and a 4 month old baby
The state of Texas
Missing batting practice the second day because the mall was more important
Gaining weight
Leaving my computer at home (didn't have the space in the van for it)

In other news, I'm back at my house and I hope I will be able to return to work on the 14th.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo a todos!