No whine, just cheese...

Where have I been? RIGHT HERE! Doing nothing worth writing about really, but I'll try.

I was going to write a blog complaining about stuff, but I do that too often. Thanks to notepad, I highlighted and deleted it all. In it's place will be pleasant thoughts, because I am very grateful for too many things. Complaints can see the door for this post.

1. My wife. Nearly 3 years into marriage including big changes, personal adjustments, rough times, and some humbling moments I can honestly say that I have never been happier with our relationship than I am today. The lack of underatnding between us use to be a huge issue, now we both accept we will never understand the opposite sex and we have fun with it. She makes me laugh in some form everyday and I can't imagine being without that.

2. My family. My family asks nothing of me, and would give anything in return. I grew up in a pretty laid back, relaxed environment for the most part and seeing other families as an adult now makes me appreciate the kind of upbringing I had so much more. My father has worked his butt off for us every day of his life that I've known him. The only thing he asked for in return was enough money to put food in our mouths, and a decent vacation for the family. To this day he is still a hard worker and it's one of things I wish I could have inherited from him. Instead I got his sense of humor. =) My mother is me, but older, wiser, a female (obviously) and a bit more reserved-probably due to the "wise" part. For instance, we both love Family Guy, she just insists on shaking her head at fart jokes eventhough she's holding back laughter. We can string together a whole conversation of nothign but smart-ass comments. My sister use to beat me up. That sucked. I got bigger than her. That was nice, but by that time I was mature enough to not kill her for her prior acts. I'm glad I didn't. She is one of my best friends now and always has high spirits (unless she's biting someone on the basketball court. True story)

3. My job. Primarily because of the support of the people who love me I was able to pull my head out of my ass at a relatively younger age than most, finish college at 21 and get this great job right after graduation. It has allowed me to be self sufficient and become independant. Weird. I bought a house before I turned 23, own two cars, have nearly completed my pilots licence, and have even managed to NOT kill my credit score in the process! (go me)

(Are these too steriotypical yet?)

4. Realistic common sense. "Common sense isn't so common anymore". No kidding. I have a healthy dose of it though. Sometimes TOO much for my wife to deal with. =) In life I try my best to consider if what I'm doing is important. I prioritize things based on necessity. Sometimes this creates conflict - the dishes in the sink don't NEED to be done until it causes an odor or we need a plate (good lord, that one happens often) but in a greater sense it helps me keep grounded. Being able to filter out all the crap throughout the day which doesn't matter is a wonderful releif. My mother use to say if it won't affect you in 5 years, who cares? I think I simplify that a bit, but it's true. Life goes on. Every time in my life that I've thought the pain or a problem wouldn't end...it did. Common sense has allowed me to learn that when issues come, you deal with it, and move on - eventually it will just be a memory and you will be a better person, and much wiser, having dealt with it. Gain knowledge from everything you do in life.

5. Iced lattes. Just had one. Good stuff.

I have more, but I'm done writing these for now.

I am considering going back to college soon for some type of an aviation degree. More info to come soon on that. Also, November 25th is the projected release date for the 0901 OTS board. Early Christmas present for Brian? Wish me luck, pray for me, send cash, etc...

=)