Christmas Pictures

It was Jackson's first Christmas and he got lots of gifts.

Personally, I think he liked the tucan the best!

1 Year Ago...

At this time, on this day I was sitting in the emergency room at the hospital after undergoing an MRI which revealed a mass pressing against my spine that was causing me all sorts of problems (numbness, pain and walking problems). After the rest of my family arrived, eating a piece of pizza and seeing one "specialist", I finally saw the doctor who I was originally sent to see. She told me that she wanted to do a biopsy on the mass. After another MRI (this time with contrast - why don't they just automatically do them with constrast?), I was admitted to the hospital with surgery scheduled for the next day.

In essence, December 28, 2006 was the day that changed my whole life (and 2007) for the better.

Here I am today, alive, healthy and well. The four months of treatment and eight months of recovery were hard but in the grand scheme of things weren't so bad. If the end result was only to allow Natalie a chance to admit how she feels about me, it was worth it. But, there is so much more that I learn as the days go by from the past year. I think that is where the real tragedy lies - why something like this had to happen before I started realizing who I am, what I'm lacking and how blessed I am.

Merry Christmas!

From me to you, Merry Christmas! Enjoy the holiday.

Next Year

Keep your eyes and ears pointed here for news on the birth of my niece!

Weekend Update

What a weekend!

I'm exhausted. Being the best man in a wedding isn't all it is cracked up to be. As great an honor as it is, it is expensive and leaves you wishing you could actually enjoy the wedding.

Add to it a couple of other things like a poorly played basketball game, poorly played football game and a newly engaged couple and you've got the recipie for a tired weekend.

Thankfully this is the last week the university is open this year. I have all next week off then it becomes time to welcome Matt and Sharon to town.

People Can Be/Are Dumb

This is the most absurd thing I've ever read.

Lesson Learned

Last night my brother demonstrated something to me that I didn't think was possible.

He showed me how to be gentle but firm when dealing with our parents.

I know I would have immediately blown up instead of handling it in the calm manner he did. I know I am supposed to learn from what I saw and I certainly saw plenty. I hope in the future I can control my temper and "be slow to anger, quick to forgive" as my girlfriend has asked me to be countless times.

I guess when your heart is really starting to soften to the needs of others over your own, you see these things in a different light. Thankfully, that was the case last night.