end of year.....

Well here we are on New Years Eve. Can't believe 2007 has come and gone. I remember all the "hype" about 2000, and now we are approaching 8 year later. Where does the time go.

For us, the move to San Diego would dominate the "year in review", and 3 1/2 months into our adventure out here, it has been good. I miss my friends back east, but because they are my friends, we keep in contact and they will always remain friends. But otherwise, I am happy being out here in SD. We had some bumps (OK, maybe a few potholes), but Morgan and I discussed and worked through them, and I can say that on an "overall" this is the happiest I have ever been in my life.

The other big news from 2007 was Morgan's weight loss. It is over 100 pounds, and she says she still has some more to go. All I know is that she looks amazing, and I am very proud of her. I don't think I could have done what she has in this past year.

For Cassie, it was a typical "kid's year". She is a good kid, and a wonderful daughter, and we are blessed to have her as our daughter.

For my extended family, my mom's battle with BC was the worst news that we had all year, but she is battling it like a trooper, and doing very well. My brother's divorce was "good" news, in that it freed him from a bad marriage, and in the end he is much happier, and ready to move on with his life.

I don't really do resolutions, but I do know some things I am looking forward to and hoping will happen in the coming year.

I am anxious, but excited about this coming tax season. Coming off my most productive year, and then moving 3000 miles away, will not make it easy, but I have faith in my abilities, and that a large majority of my clients enjoy and appreciate working with me. Plus, I have a whole new area of people to try and bring into the practice.

I look forward to Morgan taking the "next step" in her career, and getting her voiceover rolling along. It will be hard work, and along with her on-air job, will take up some more of her time, but in the end, it will be worth it. She is extremely talented, and has a friend who is very successful at it for many years helping her along. I know she will be very good and successful as well.

We have Cassie's 10th birthday coming up this year. I just look forward to her growth spiritually, and as a person. As I have said, she is a great kid, and I love her very much.

The other person I love very much is my wife Morgan. I hope we can just add to what we have in our relationship. I can't imagine my life without her. I also can't wait to see what else is coming for us in 2008.

I hope that 2008 brings me closer to God. I am trying, and I know I am a slow "learner" at this, but I am happy with how I am going about this journey. I just need to remember patience.

2008 will bring the first child to my friend Casey and his wife. They will make great parents, and I can't wait to hear his baby stories. I also hope and pray that 2008 will be the year he finally gets a hold of his Crohn's. So far on the new meds, so good.

I look for my mom's health to be good, and for her treatments to result in her cancer being gone, again. Once is enough, but twice for her is too much.

As for the rest of you, I hope and pray that 2008 is the best and healthiest year for you and your family.

Until the next time.....

sounds of silence.....

We have been attending a different church the past few weeks, and did so again last night. After the normal opening music (with a husband and wife as guest singers), and offering, it was time for the Pastor to speak.

Tonight it was Pastor Ken, instead of Pastor Harry, and we had the most interesting sermon. Pastor Ken never said a word. Instead, on the video monitors, it said, "Silence, this is the House of The Lord". The monitor then went on to spell out that this was the sign that hung in his church where he grew up. He explained that he did not believe that we needed to be silent in church, but for tonight, there would not be a word spoken. The message was relayed up on the board, and the point of the message is that through all of our noise (work, finances, frustration, etc.) that we needed to be silent in order to hear what God is telling us.

It was a completely different take on a message that we have all heard before, but the way it was presented was unique, and really struck home. On top of the message, it was also the weekend for communion, and we also did that by instruction on the board, and in complete silence. Morgan, Cassie and I were very impressed, and moved by the "sermon". We think we are going to like attending this church.

Our friend, Steve (Kellie's husband), has been under the weather the past few days, so we are praying for him and wishing him well. It's no fun to be ill around the holidays.

Before leaving for church, I got to see my Hurricanes get beat up in Columus, and lose to the Blue Jackets 4-1. Injuries, and just poor play, have me wondering if this team is really going to have staying power this year. Also, because of their up and down play, both Tampa Bay and Atlanta are right behind us in the division standings. Ugh!

I think Morgan and Cassie are setting aside time on Tuesday to take down the Christmas decorations. That means lugging out plastic bins, and then trying to fit them back in the closet "just right".

Not sure when they will be doing that, but I will be up early because the NHL is having an outdoor hockey game up in Buffalo (Penguins vs. Sabres), and I don't want to miss a second of it. Love hockey, but these special outdoor games are just great. I hope the weather is not too bad, but right now they are expecting 30 mile gusts. Well, that's Buffalo in winter.

Until the next time.....

2500 mile checkup.....

I can not remember the last time we spent a week doing nothing as a family besides hanging out, and it has been great. We always seemed to "have to" do something when we were in NC, while this week we have just gone with whatever is happening. It is nice, and we still have entertained ourselves without having to try real hard. We have always done things as the "3 of us", but with Cassie getting older it is easier for us to just "be", and enjoy ourselves. Also if Cassie gets "tired of her parents", we don't feel like we have to change directions just for her. Instead Morgan and I can keeping doing what we were doing, or if we want, can change course.

BTW, I have a Rock Band addict as a wife. :-) We have been playing as a three or just two person band since Christmas night. There have been three nights playing to almost 1am. Another week of this, then back to normal work schedules. :-(

Took the bike in for its 2500 mile oil change and service. It actually has only 2350 miles, but when I was there yesterday to set an appointment for a few weeks from now, they told me they had a 9am opening. Can't believe I have already done so many miles since Memorial Day. Really July 1st, because I was still very nervous that first month. Then add the move, and being apprehensive about riding in a busier city, and I am happy with how much I have gotten to ride.

Otherwise, that has been it. Will be going to church services this evening at the newer church we have been visiting, then it will be home for relaxing. Will watch the Patriot / Giant game to see if an undefeated season will occur, then I am sure it will be more Rock Band.

My Hurricanes got a 4-3 win last night at home against the Boston Bruins. Bret Hedican got injured last night to add to the list of players not playing. With Justin Williams gone for the season, Matt Cullen with a broken nose, and the other injuries that guys are playing through, or just recovering from, I hope they have enough duct tape to keep the team together. They play in Columbus tonight. The Blue Jacket team has really played well this season, and are real stingy with their defense. Hopefully the boys can get a winning streak started.

Until the next time.....

an old friend.....

Today we had lunch with an old friend of Morgan and myself. Morgan knew Yvette through working together at a radio station in Riverhead, New York (located on east end of Long Island). It had been over 13 years since we saw each other. Funny thing was that even though it had been so long, we fell back into conversation so easily, it was like we had been in constant contact with each other. But now, the single, party girl is married, to a nice guy named Konrad, and was in town because his family lives in east San Diego.

With all the Christmas Day activities, I forgot to mention the great Christmas Eve service that we attended. It was called "Rock the Crib", and it was Christmas music from the 1930's until now performed on stage. It was an absolutely great time, and afterwards Pastor Harry spoke more about the true meaning of Christmas. We went to the 2pm service, and loved it so much, we actually were thinking about going back again to a later service.

Wednesday was my mom's last chemo treatment. She said it went well, and after a break she will start radiation for a few months. I would guess by late spring all the treatments should be completed.

Otherwise, it is quiet out here. Hope all of you are enjoying your time off (if you have some) this Christmas week.

Until the next time.....

Disney pictures.....

Here are some pictures from Disneyland. It was a nice time there, but way too crowded for me. Spending the Friday and part of Saturday there was more than enough for us. Got on some rides, and got to walk around Disney. That works for me.

Enjoy.

Until the next time.....

family Christmas.....

A Merry Christmas to all. Hope you had a wonderful holiday, and were able to enjoy it in the way you wanted. As you can see, Cassie enjoyed her morning, as did Morgan and myself. We also really enjoyed the rest of our day. To tell the truth, even though it was only the three of us, it may have been the best Christmas Day ever.

It started with some presents. As I stated in an earlier post, Morgan and I made it a smaller than usual Christmas in the way of physical presents, and I think it worked wonderfully. Cassie got what she wanted in a small sum, and really enjoyed all of it. My family still went a little overboard, but even that was not as much as usual. Hopefully, next year, we can get them to go along with the "smaller" plan.

After the gifts, we had a very nice breakfast together, then went for a walk as a family. It of course helps that it was close to 70 degrees here in San Diego. After that Morgan went for a drive in her car, and Cassie and I played a bit outside with the basketball.

One of the games Cassie received from Santa was The Game of Life: Twists and Turns. We seem to collect these Life games as we have the original, a SpongeBob edition, a Pirates of the Caribbean edition, and now this new one. But, let me tell you, this may be the best edition yet. It has been updated, and all records are kept in the "spinner". You put in a "credit card" on your turn, hit some buttons, and everything is kept for you. Even though it is 9 and older, I think it is a game kids that like games could play at even seven years.

We also played a few more games of Scene It. It is a game that many people have played on their DVD player, but now it is for the XBOX 360. The version available right now is movies, but I am sure there will be television, sports and music editions in the future. Morgan is such a movie watcher, that she is really doing well in the games, and Cassie, even though she has not seen many of the movies, is also doing well.

Morgan roasted a Prime Rib for dinner, and was it good. It was good perfectly. The piece was so large, that we will have dinner off it for a few more days. She also made a creamed spinach and a cauliflower dish that I really love.

We thought we were done with our day, so Cassie and I were going to play some Rock Band. Morgan came in and asked if she could join us. She had never taken an interest in the game, and has been "making fun" of my guitar playing on the air, and Cassie and I playing since we got it. She took the other guitar to play bass. That was 7:30pm. Next thing you know it is 12:30am, and she still wants to play. Cassie was exhausted, and my fingers were hurting from 5 hours of "strumming", but she wanted to keep going. We decided to quit for the night, but get back to playing ASAP. Morgan also got into making her own "rock character" for the screen including white hair, and tattoos. It was an absolute great time for all of us.

Between the new Life game, and Scene It game and Rock Band for the XBOX, I think we will be spending a lot more time playing together, and I think it is great. Now you know why I call it the best Christmas Day I can remember.

I spoke with my family during the day, and Morgan with hers. No incidents to report, for a change, so that also helped make the day go well. The only "grump", was my brother Chris, but that was because Christmas Day was his 40th birthday.

Casey and I sent text messages to one another most of the day. He had a nice time with his wife and family. Next year it all changes, as they will have a 10 month old around to celebrate Christmas with. I told him that next year will be fun, but wait until 2009, with an almost 2 year old. Those times are a blast.

I did not get to speak with Kellie, but I did talk with her daughter. When I got off the phone, I commented to Morgan, that she has always been polite and proper, but she was so mature in her conversation with me. She told me that she and her brother had a wonderful day.

We also received a call and email from Yvette, an old friend of Morgan's. They knew each other back around 1989 when Morgan worked at a rock station on Long Island. I used to go into the city where Yvette lived, and take care of her business books and taxes. Well, it comes to be that her husband is from San Diego, and they are in town for the holiday, so we will be have lunch on Thursday afternoon. Morgan has not seen her since we left NY in 1993, and I have not seen her since 1995. It should be fun.

Tonight, Morgan and Cassie are seeing the stage production of High School Musical. I am sure that they will have a great time, and Cassie will sing the lyrics to every song.

I am going to post some Disney pictures in a separate post to keep them all in one place and away from this Christmas post.

Until the next time.....

hey, who changed the ride?????

Had a real nice time at Disneyland. Got there about 2pm on Friday and stayed until 1pm on Saturday. The park was decorated, as you would expect Disney to do it, and they even have Cinderella's castle to look like it is snowing on it. Morgan, Cassie and I went on quite a few different rides, including the "redone" Space Mountain. I am not a roller coaster person, but I have done SM many times at Disney World in Florida. This is a completely different (faster, more turns and dips) ride. I was not 100% after it. Because we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, we got to go into the park at 7am on Saturday. Morgan and Cassie went on SM two more times, while I stayed behind. The picture (from my phone) shows their "happy" faces as going down the large drop.

I have about 80 more pictures from the camera to go through and edit. I hope to have some of the best ones up in the next few days.

Off to the neighbors for a dessert party. It will be a challenge to be near all that sweet, and behave myself. Morgan and I are just hoping that we meet some nice people.

If I don't get on tomorrow, please have a Merry Christmas!!!

Until the next time.....

sleep tight.....

So Morgan and Cassie went out to dinner with Morgan's girlfriend and son to exchange Christmas gifts. Then I get a text message that they are stopping at Mervyn's (a So Cal clothes store), so I then think "oh, no", as this has become one of Morgan's favorite places to shop. They get home, and after some rustling around, my daughter comes into the room ready for bed, wearing her new pajamas. I think the sleep mask is to keep the bright colors out of her eyes. She is one of a kind, and her fashions are definitely her own style.

Getting ready for our little trip up to Disneyland. I am looking forward to seeing how the place is decorated for Christmas. We were up there prior to Halloween, and the whole place is "done over" for that occasion, and in typical Disney style, done very well. It is going to be quite crowded Friday night and Saturday morning, so we probably won't get in too many rides, but I'm sure my two daredevils will get to the few they really want.

Was able to get out on the bike and do a little running around. I always feel better after a ride, even a short one.

All presents are wrapped and under the tree waiting for Christmas morning. Monday afternoon or early evening, we will be attending the new church and listening to their "Rock the Crib, the Celebration of the Birth of Jesus." I am looking forward to it. They actualy do 5 "shows" of it, so we will see when is best for us to attend.

Until the next time.....

should have called first.....

I made Kellie feel bad with my post yesterday. I did not mean to, but I also knew she didn't want me calling her at 11pm to explain first before I started writing, so I sent her an e-mail "warning" her of the post. We were able to speak today, and got it all "OK". I felt bad for making her feel bad, but she knew what I was talking about and understood.

Then we spent 20 minutes discussing front loading washing machines. Woo Hoo! Are we interesting people, or what? :-)

Morgan and I told Cassie that we are running up to Disneyland Friday afternoon. We will be back Saturday night, so it is only a short visit. The main reason we are going is because none of us have been there when it is decorated for Christmas, so we are going to see all the lights and festivities. This time, I am bringing my good camera.

Morgan and I have been trying to decide what to do about Christmas Day. It is only the three of us, so we don't want it to be a "regular" day after all the morning activities. We decided to either try visiting the mountains, or the beach, and let Cassie decide. She said, "beach", so it is there for our new Christmas Day destination.

Being on our own for the holidays is one of the drawbacks of being in a new place and so far away from everyone we know. We have not established any new friendships yet, but as Morgan and I discussed, we never made friends easily. In fact, we really did not have any couple friends until about three years ago.

We could try traveling, but I am really not ready to take a cross country trip. Plus, we are still trying to get our feet underneath us out here, and make a life out here that we are comfortable with, so for at least this year, I would rather it just be the three of us enjoying a Southern California Christmas with a walk on the beach.

Casey finally received his medicine. He had to give himself 4 injections this afternoon. He said the needles did not bother him, but the medicine stung a bit. He was a little light headed, but was doing fine. He has to do two more shots in 2 weeks, then I think it is one shot every other week. Should be about four weeks that he will start seeing and feeling the results. Here is hoping that this is finally the right med for him.

Until the next time.....

Share? Umm, not yet.....

My friend, Kellie, has helped me get started with Bible reading. I had never really done it (a few passages when I was a child), and was completely lost, so I went to her for guidance. As always, she was gracious to me, and has been a huge help. Well, in yesterday's comments, she asked me to share what I have been reading and learning. I froze. It is hard enough for me to get the reading and understanding, sharing right now might be difficult.

As I have stated in earlier posts, religion has been a slow process with me, and I still don't feel I have my "feet under me" just yet. I might ask her questions, but I don't think I am ready to open up about what I am feeling while reading at this point. Maybe later on, but not now. So, "thank you", Kellie, but we might have to wait for that "talk".

Casey is still waiting on his medicine. I would be going nuts waiting like this. I am sure he is, but he seemed pretty calm about it. Of course I really could not tell his mood, as we usually don't talk, but text each other like teenage girls. :-)

He did say that his wife was doing fine. They will be first time parents in 2 months. His blog, with a "birth blog", is linked from here down the right hand side of this page.

Finished sending out my Christmas cards to clients and friends. Because we took a family Christmas picture this year, I also sent out Christmas & Holiday well wishes to all my clients, in an easy e-mail. Technology is great when trying to reach 300 people.

Got home in time to see the Hurricanes come back from 2-0 down with less than two minutes to go, to tie, and then beat in overtime, the Toronto Maple Leafs. I felt sorry for Coach Maurice of the Leafs, because I really liked him when he coached the Canes. But, oh well, I would rather have a Canes win, than a happy Leafs Coach.

Umm, I just remembered that I was supposed to do some wrapping, while Morgan and Cassie were out at dinner.

Until the next time.....