What a great day!!!! It seems like everything just came through all at once today. First my wife got a bunch of Dark Eldar minis that she ordered on Ebay. Then, I got my disability check along with a note saying I don't have to send in periodic statements. I guess my doctor told them it would be a few months before I can return to work. I am so relieved, now I don't have to worry about money and can concentrate on getting well.

Also today we went to the city, paid our car payment and did some clothes shopping. It was nice because we've been a bit needy lately. My son got the best deal with 4 outfits including a Spiderman motif.

When we got home I had a big fat package on my doorstep with my Iron Warriors inside. I have so much painting to do it's pathetic. But, I'm that much closer to being done. That's good because I am really itching to play a game. When everything is done I'll have a huge Chaos army composed of close combat troops(Khorne berzerkers) and long rainge/siege warfare specialists(Iron Warriors).

We went and saw Spiderman the movie tonight. Not bad... It was pretty good. I was afraid they would overdo it with the computer graphics, but they didn't. The movie had a human element to it with fairly decent acting. I think Tobey McGwire was perfect for the role of Peter Parker. Also, it was good to see Willem Dafoe as the bad guy. I've always hated him since he starred in the "Last Temptation of Christ" It was satifying to see him get his butt kicked. Of course, I don't want to give away too much of the movie.

Lastly, I got an email today from Zouave. He said he's been off the computer for several weeks. It was a relief to me to finally hear from him, it was the topping to a perfect day. He says he still wants to head up my internet sales operation, which is good because I know he's the right man for the job.

Well my daughter played her first real softball game of the season tonight. I am so very proud of her. Her team won 14 to 4 with my daughter scoring two runs herself. She played right field for two innings and then first base for three. One of the highights of the game was when she tried to steal second base and got hit in the head with the ball. She was hurt, but ended up playing through with a mark on her cheek. Later, while playing first, she caught a pop fly ending the fourth inning. She was a credit to her team and came away feeling very proud and sure of herself. For that, I thank God.

I admit that despite what I said earlier I am a bit hard on her about paying attention and doing a good job. But, in many ways she needs the attention to succeed. Whenever she does something on the field she looks to me for approval, and I am always quick to praise her. She is a good girl and I am very proud of her. I believe that I am living vicariously through her. Some may say that is bad but I think for her... it is good. She sees a side of me that I've never showed before, and she is being rewarded for positive behavior. I believe by the end of the year, with God's help, she will be a star player. We will see.

In other news, my wife and I went to look at a storefront in town today. It is the second floor of the old train depot in town. I like the spot and I think it has potential. It would almost exclude the possibility of in-store gaming. But, I think we can still encourage tournament play if we rent the local community center once a month for a game. The landlady likes our business concept, and she's willing to work with us. The space comes up for rent in June. Lets just hope our funding comes through by then.

Some say that life is a comedy. Nothing proves that more than the Worker's Compensation system. Today I got a letter from them setting the date they plan make a decision on my case... April 29th 2003. A whole year from now!!!!! I just can't believe it. What other organization would have the right to put somones claim for damages off this long. If I was negligent and someone got hurt I'd have to pay through the nose right away. I just don't get it. My bills are piling up and I can't even go find a job because of these jerks.

Today the weather cleared some and my daughter in pee wee softball was able to play her first game. She did good though she had a problem with paying attention. Tommorow my older daughter plays her first competative game.

Last night we watched Cast Away on DVD. I've seen the movie before but this time I was able to empathise more with the main character because of my own situation. It's funny how I used to take for granted so many things in my life. How I would act like I was invulnerable to everything. How I treated my kids like they would never grow up. How I put things off. But, now it's like I see things through my own mortality. I see children who are getting bigger and becoming more independant. How they need me. Perhaps one would call it a mid life crisis. I call it an epiphany. Each day, each experience is very important to them and me. The only way I can fail in life is if I don't take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in 6 tiny lives. My own father was never there for me, and I'm often left to wonder if I was ever worth his time. To my kids, all my time is for them.

Hopefully, I have everything squared with State Disability. I took a paper to my Doctor so he can update them on my current condition. He says I'm still not cleared for work so it should fix everything. I'll know in a few days.

I got my helm from UPS today. WOW!!!! What an awesome hunk of metal! It fits me like a glove, and I have a great field of vision. I had thought because it is a full-faced helm it would restrict my sight some but it doesn't at all. In fact, it allows me to see farther to the side. Despite the fact that I spent money we don't have, I think I got a great deal. Combined with my chain mail shirt I'll be a shiny terror on the field. That is of course, if my shoulder ever gets better.

Speaking of my shoulder... I left Physical Therapy today feeling beat up. I really don't do that much in the way of exercise. But, I lift weights that concentrates my shoulder and it bothers me. I know it will get easier and I'll feel better in time. However, I've never been known for my patience.

Despite the crappy weather, we had a great weekend. As I said before Jerkous came to visit. It was nice to see him again. We played some pool at the local pub and sat around and BS'd all weekend. On Sunday we journeyed back to Ney springs for a brisk hike. However, this time we took the whole family. We went to the falls and to the springs where we had a picnic lunch. Fortunately, the rain held up until we were leaving so we didn't get wet. Though at one point I thought Jerkous was gonna fall into the water at the base of the falls.

Today I go to the County Seat to take care of some business. I have to get a note from my Doctor and reapply for disability. Lets hope things work out.