What I learned on Spring Break

Well it's not been since 1995 that I have had a Spring Break and had no work to deal with. So what have I learned this year compared to 1995. In 1995 people would turn on their TV's to see the latest on OJ Simpson's murder trial. Now we tune in to see who has murdered the economy and Wall Street today. So in essence not too much has changed as someone is dieing one way or another.

I have learned that while looking for a job it's best to see if the company has taken any federal bailout money because I will need to seriously re-consider their ad that says "Salary + Bonus". I would hate to have Becky and I join some program to protect our safety because I took a bonus (or pay an unbelievable tax to the government). I guess it may come to these companies running job ads that say "Salary + Bonus + Money owed to Uncle Sam".

Another thing I have learned on Spring Break is that Hooters is now the family restaurant. It felt strange being there and seeing so many little kids. I kept wondering if I had walked into a McDonald's by mistake. Finally I have learned that no matter how much fun you have on Spring Break their is always a bunch of poop you have to clean up (thanks Haven).

It should be a busy weekend as we will be trying to sell our wares at the church garage sale on Saturday. I hope I can sell everything so that I can finally have room in my garage.

Some Good News!!

Last week proved to be a very difficult and emotional week. I was laid off from work last week ending a 10 year relationship. A product of the economy there is not much that can be done about it. Don't worry about me as my spirits have remained high. It's a new experience for me and it is a welcomed one. Of all the things I could think of that I could go through this one is not that bad. I have already started my job hunt and have heard back from several friends who have some contacts. If you know of anything let me know and I will jump right on it. Till then I will be focusing on my Anatomy and Physiology class. Oh yeah and some hockey!

Friday night turned into a real treat as my parents came up to celebrate their anniversary and have a belated birthday dinner with me. We ended up at Texas de Brazil. If you have never been there it is an all you can eat Brazilian Steakhouse. The waiters walk around with various meats on sabres that they serve to you at the table. My Dad has now classified it as the best lamb he has ever eaten. Becky and I wll agree to the "best of" statement but for us it is the steak. Mom fell in love with the Reisling wine (she can be so simple sometimes).

To top off the weekend I must turn it over to the eye in the sky report from the hockey rink who sums it up this way:

Ice Holes (0-3-1) 0
Grave Diggers (3-1-0) 2

The Holes were a force to be reckoned with for about three minutes, after having nothing to show for it they retreated into their zone depending on Jayson Jones. The returning netminder was up for the challenge, turning away nearly two periods worth of Digger offense. Stephen "Chilly Willy" Janis sinks the Ice Holes' battleship with his period ending goal. The Holes fail to answer the Chilly goal and end up allowing 29 shots on their own net, one more of those finds its way on to the waiting stick of Bob Barr who puts the game out of reach for the Ice Holes.

(I guess the hockey part is paying off I hope the Anatomy and Physiology goes just as good).

Wonder Woman and Birthdays

Well February always proves to be an eventful month as we celebrate Valentine's Day and my Birthday. I will back up a few weeks to Valentine's Day to tell you of all the fun and excitement we had.

For Valentine's Day this year Becky and I really did not want anything (though we did give each other some small trinket gifts to let the other know we had not forgotten). Becky decided that she wanted to give me a really big gift. The hockey rink had no games scheduled on Saturday the 14th to avoid the possible fight it could provide with spouses and girlfriends. Instead of having wasted open ice they allowed teams to be part of an open hockey session. Becky feeling brave and sassy decided that she would participate in this practice session.

So off we go showing up at the rink with our gear in hand. Becky started getting second thoughts when she saw some of the skaters on the ice, but she still went ahead with getting dressed. I figured once I got her to the bench our friend Supergirl would be able to get her on the ice. Unfortunately Becky forgot her jersey so I had to give her my extra one (yes it looked like a dress on her and if it was not for the hockey gloves she would have looked like a ghost with no hands). This left one problem as I did not have my extra black jersey, so she and I would have to be on opposite teams.

When we got to the bench Becky decided to sit and watch and try to figure out what she got herself into. It was at this time that Supergirl swooped in and joined her on the bench. After some coaching Becky took the jump. This led to her transformation from the sweet Becky we know to Wonder Woman. That's right she quickly became a force to recon with on the ice as she collected a pass from Supergirl and then skated with it until she passed it off to Chim Chim (the monkey from Speed Racer, aka Coach of the Grave Diggers). It made for a super play as I sat proudly on the bench cheering her on.

After her debut it has many people asking what's next for Wonder Woman? Does she go back to her normal life, venture into crime fighting, or secretly wait planning her next hockey moment? Stay tuned to find out.

Becky in pink gloves next to Supergirl.

As for my birthday I spent a wonderful day of relaxation followed by spending some time with Charles, Melody, Mel, and Becky. It was such a wonderful evening as we went to Twin Peaks for dinner. The next day I was treated to special seats at the Stars game (too bad they lost, but the up close action was wonderful) and a wonderful game with the Grave Diggers.

The Grave Diggers played against my other team The Silverwings. I played center for the Grave Diggers and enjoyed a wonderful game. I started off strong and then found my weakness, my stamina (yeah go ahead with the old age jokes). I was glad to see this as it gives me something to strive for to improve before my next game. So if you see me working out extra hard this weak its because yes I am trying to turn back time and bring my youth back (or bring sexy back either way I win).

Thanks to everyone for the gifts and gestures for my birthday. I appreciate all that you have done for me and I look forward to returning the same someday.

Why so Quiet

Well I have spent the last two weeks now fighting bronchitis. This is all do in part to our neighbor's kid sharing this with me. Sharing of this variety I definitely do not need. I am almost back to full capacity. I still have a cough, congestion, and worse part of all a terrible sore throat. If you need a Hall's throat lozenger I have bought 3 bags since this has started. Good news is my asthma has not bothered me as of late so I should be back playing hockey this weekend. Last weekend was the opening weekend of the new season. I ended up helping to coach the Silverwings to a shootout loss. This weekend I hope to be on the ice with both the Grave Diggers and Silverwings.

If you have some free time this weekend and want something to do come on down to the ice rink in Euless. The first game is at 5:30pm and my last game of the night is at 9:15pm. Please see below for the schedule for this season.

Becky has returned back to full duty from her surgery. She will be testing her recovery this Friday when she goes rock climbing with the youth group from the church. Ahhh the luxury of being a nurse that you can help out a youth group while enjoying the time as well.

Well must be off, hope you are doing well and we hope to see everyone soon.

What a week

Well this past week was actioned packed. Let me back up and give you some background information. About 4 weeks ago Becky started experiencing pains in her lower abdomen. Once they continued for longer than a week she went to the Doctor to see what was going on. After some tests and review by a specialist it was determined that a cyst had developed on her ovary and was the cause of her problems. This cyst had grown to a size of 4cm and was causing her to be uncomfortable. Unfortunately with the cyst she had it will only grow and get worse and cannot be treated any other way than with surgery to remove it. So off we went last Tuesday to get it removed.

Becky was gracious enough to pose for this wonderful picture previous to her surgery.

After everything was all said and done she came through with flying colors. Though this after picture clearly shows the effect that pain medicine and anaesthesia have on you.
Keeping smiling Becky it's about time that I finally got some payback for the pictures you took of me.

I hope these pictures made you chuckle. I also hope this posting finds you doing well. May God bless you as we move into this new year.

All Over

Well this weekend came to signify how everything is all over (or soon will be).  To back up a few weeks, the end of Becky's time in school came to a close when she graduated on Dec. 11th.  She can now add the initials of BSN after her name (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).  She is elated to finally be done with school and to be one of the few people in her family with a Bachelor's degree.  So an end has come for her in part of her education (unless she decides to pursue a higher degree).

Next came the announcement of my end of playing hockey for the Komets.  After 2 years and multiple seasons I am taking a step away from my first true hockey team to help players at a lower level and to improve some minor aspects of my game as I prepare myself to play in a higher league. Don't fret my fellow Saturday night warriors I will still be playing for the Grave Diggers and the Silverwings.  My last Komets game will be Jan. 3rd.

Finally came the end of the frantic holiday shopping season this year.  Becky and I are happy to finally be over with Christmas as this year proved hard in finding gifts for everyone.  I also learned this year no matter what I ask for Becky will go to any length to get it, even if it is vague.  When Becky asked me what I wanted for Christmas I replied "Mike Ribeiro" (one of the top players on the Dallas Stars hockey team).  To my amazement she was able to get a framed autograph picture of Mike Ribeiro with a patch from one of his hockey uniforms.  I have now proclaimed that one of my Fanch art pieces will be replaced with this collectors item.

This weekend came the end of the Cowboys season.  This will leave my Dad disappointed as the team seamed to dissolve one stupid play after another this past weekend.  Maybe it is a good thing as now my Dad can find better things to do with his Sundays instead of watching the Cowboys waste perfectly good opportunities.

The next and final end to come is this year.  With all of the major ups and downs it is good to finally start a new year.  I just hope that next year will build upon all of the good things from this year and change the bad things to make them better.  If I don't see you soon then "Happy New Year".  Becky and I will be celebrating at the Stars game (our annual tradition). 

Back on the Tricycle

Well after 3 1/2 weeks of rehab I have received clearance to play hockey this weekend.  I do have a lengthy list of things I must do in order to play.  Everything from warm-up exercises to wraps and balms that must be used.  It should make for an interesting game.  I will only be playing one game as I do not want to push it too hard.

This weekend will be the one year anniversary of Johnathon's passing.  Becky and I will be going to the cemetery at 5pm on Saturday to pay our respects and to watch the sunset.  When Johnathon passed both of us commented how beautiful the sunset was in his room that night.  we feel that taking the time one day out of the year to watch the sunset is a great way to pay respect.  A question I have for you is how often do you ever watch the sunset?  If you want to participate with us you don't necessarily need to be there.  Just take 10 minutes and watch the colors that explode across the sky.  The golds, oranges, and yellows are some of the richest colors you will ever see in your life.  The peacefulness that you will get from viewing this will make you reflect on so many things in your life.

After this we will be at the Dr. Pepper Starcenter in Euless for the 7pm hockey game (Ice Bats vs. Komets).  We would love for everyone to attend the game and to share some good laughs on my part (my hockey team can be real comedians sometimes depending how we are playing). After the game we plan to spend some time with our friends and family members.  I hope to see you there.

Next week will be a very special week for Becky as she will be graduating from UTA with a Bachelors in Nursing.  I know that over the last couple years I have been so proud of her in taking charge of her education and working so hard to get her degree.  No amount of words will ever symbolize how proud I am of her and how I cannot wait to see her walk across that stage and receive her degree.  Her official graduation date will be December 11th.  If you have not already sent her an email, post your congratulations on this website.

On a final note I would like to thank my workout partners for being so tolerant of my physical limitations that last few weeks.  You all have been so great and supportive of me.  I hope that I have kept the workouts strong and you have not felt cheated by my limited abilities.  In the upcoming days as I become able to handle more activities I hope to be able to step and do with the group. 

See you at the hockey game.