Movie's are great

With both Brent and I off for Christmas, we went to see Sweeny Todd early in the day. Neither of us liked it all that much. It was beautifully made. Tim Burton is awesome but there just wasn't much in the story that really pulled you in. It was just nice to look at and they did a pretty good job with the singing.

The best movie came later in the evening. My sis loaned me Once. Another musical but worlds better than what we had seen earlier in the day. It was a sweet story about an Irish musician and a Czech girl he mets. The music was good in a way that made you want to listen to more of it when the film was over. Definitely recommended.

Seven Months Later

Yeah, well I know I suck at keeping up with blog. What are the statute of limitations on non-blogging? I've been eradicated from several friends' links due to inactivity. That's ok I won't cry about it too much. I am just as bad at keeping in touch with distance and at times not so distant friends. I still like to peek in to see how everyone is doing. Life goes on as usual but it's nice to stay updated as to the jobs that have been gained and lost, babies that have been born, houses that have been bought and all the other antics between.

Brent and I have been doing well. Brent still struggles with aches and pains but lives with it while continuing his Masters studies and working. He's come a long way since March and recovery is potentially in sight. I am continuing to progress in ATC training. I am nearing tower certification at KC I'ntl. After that, radar training will begin. I'll save the wretched details but I am enjoying the job. It's gets stressful at times but it is mostly fun. I will be back in OKC at the beginning of Nov for three weeks for the next stage of my training. It will be good to go for the visit but it falls at the same time we are closing on our house. So all the moving and initial settling will have to be done by Brent and company. We are pretty excited about getting a place of our own again and I'm sure my folks are ready to have their house back to themselves as well. We've appreciated all the support over the past several months. It's nice to be here with the immediate family and good friends but I often think of friends in OK and CA. We miss CA a lot and hope to go back for a visit as soon as we can. Until then...see you in another half year.

We Made It, I Think

Lacking time and sleep, this will be short. We made it here safe and sound. Well, I am in OKC and Brent is to join me tomorrow from KC. The packing and traveling were grueling. Brent was incredibly sick the whole time. The axel on the car broke somewhere past cursed Albuquerque. But despite the less than ideal circumstances, there were numerous answered prayers. I thank God for friends and family because I don't know how we could have done this without them. Jason and Patti are hardcore packers and drivers. Kevin and his friend Kenny? (his name is probably Charlie but I call him Kenny) came through to assist with heavy lifting in Cali. Everything got done that needed to: we made the long trek from Cali to OKC, unloaded in OKC, traveled to KC, unloaded the rest, returned the truck, I visited the facility I will be working at, visted with family, got Brent to a specialist (which is why he's not here now), traveled back to OKC and am through the first day of school. There has been little time to rest and recoup but I feel somewhat peaceful and am hopeful that Brent's health is on the mend. I'll try to be back soon to continue. Thank you my friends and family for all the prayers, support and love. The effects have been manifested in more ways than I recognize.
God's peace.

Dangit, Robbie!

So after reading the robot's blog last night. I was compelled to blow a few unsparable (I know it's not a word, but it fits) hours of my life setting up a Virb account. Like Robbie, I like the concept of myspace but the overall execution basically stinks. I also got tired of all the porn "friend requests" and the barrage of singles adds anytime you sign in and out. The amount of people connected to Virb pales in comparison to myspace but I think we can change that. Check it out, even when you don't have a minute to spare.

I posted some pics of Disneyland on Virb. We had a really good time with friends and exploring the "cleanest place on earth." Well at least in California, we were impressed. It was a fun and well deserved Birthday break for Brent.

Back to packing.

'Tis All For Now

So, I have just a few days left of work, I've been trying to get my taxes done and have started doing a little packing. Whether it's true or not, I feel really busy. I'm excited for the upcoming changes but a little sad too. Many things will be missed like family, friends, the beach, and the occasional beautifully clear day like this one last Friday.

On Saturday, I went with some friends to Messob Ethiopian Restaurant in none other than Little Ethiopia. I was disappointed I didn't take a photo of the HUGE platter of food we shared but the restaurant's site explains our experience much better than I could so check it out if your interested. It was really cool to try something different. Everything was really good, the wine, the coffee, the food, the company. Carrie is my official Africa source and I am always intrigued by all her stories of growing up in Kenya.

Though I don't think Brent would have been digging the cuisine, he would have liked the experience and hanging with friends. I think I am as ready as he is for him to be done with school. He is way too stressed. Sometimes I think he might explode. Just a few more weeks.

The onset of Lent last Wednesday has brought about a much needed TV sabbatical. The limit is two hours per week. Last night became a big cheat night though, the Oscars sucked me in. It really wasn't worth it either. The shadow people were the best part.

Snarf, Snarf

I got a call today from the FAA with an Academy start date of March 21. I am excited that the limbo wait is quickly closing. There has been much discussion over what will happen over the next few weeks.

Ultimately, there's not enough time to squeeze in all the Cali adventures we had wanted but we'll do what we can. Brent's been so busy with school that I'll be hard pressed to tear him away until the quarter is over at the end of March. Even the lure of Disneyland is not tempting enough for him but thankfully about everyone we know out here with kids has a pass. That means a big Disney party with or without the study monster. Sorry, Brent.

So, I started spreading the word to a few of my co-workers and vanpoolers that I'll probably quit by the end of the month. I would like as much time as possible to study, pack, have fun, etc. Luckily, Brent's last day of school is Mar 16 and he'll be off for a week before the next quarter begins. This means he'll accompany me on the road trip back to OKC with a few day diversion to KC before class starts. Brent will (in all likelyhood) come back here to complete one more quarter at Fuller. Since there won't be much going on in OKC for him, the best option is to continue with schooling. I'm sure practicality will prove lonely. Two months is a long while.

We're really looking forward to being with KC family and close friends again.

Happy Valentines!

Fires are Calis Tornados

The holidays have come and gone. After being off work for two plus weeks, I was back to the regular routine today. There is some comfort in daily ritual but I feel like I am in a holding pattern (pardon the pun) waiting for the next chapter to begin.

I was happy to spend Christmas here in Cali with our fam. The highlight was going to look at lights on Christmas day at Long Beach on a dingy with Dave and Patti. It was a memorable way to see the lights. The boats and houses in that area were beautiful.

I was then off the Wed after X-Mas to see the immediate family and good friends in KC. Of course there was plenty of good times. I was sad Brent wasn't there to share in the fun. Christie and later Eddie stopped in for a few days. The Ted's was an added bonus even if the cheese sauce didn't last as long as expected. Oh, how I miss Tex Mex. Catie and Robbie set aside lots of time to hang which I was glad for. Oh, how I miss hanging out with our closest of friends. I hope all you guys can make it out here before we're outta here. And of course, seeing how much Emma has changed in just a matter of a few months is amazing. She is increasingly interactive, can walk, is always happy to see you, and has a small vocabulary. I enjoyed being able to spend so much time with her and to help out Laura and Jeremy for a little while.

No new word on ATC status. I was disappointed I wasn't able to contact the tower in KC for a visit while I was there. Maybe I'll have to make a special trip back out there just to do that, hmmm. I was glad to hear that some of the references in my background check had received paperwork from the FAA. I'm glad for the little reminders that things are moving along.

From a recent conversation about things feared comes this story:
New York Subway Hero