Well, it seems that my busy life has kept me from my sacred duty of updating this journal. Please forgive me for my negligence.
We finally got into our house. It was a long, painful process but worth it. I could not believe how badly the paper shufflers screwed things up. We finally got in on Wednesday Nov 10th 2004, about two weeks ago. I am still in a state of shock about the whole thing. It's hard to believe that I own my home. What pleases me the most is relaxing in my living room with the heat turned up, the wind and the weather howling outside, and a nice cup of tea in my hands. It is the simple pleasures that give me the most happiness.
Still, a lot of work needs to be done on the house. Mostly redecorating, but some structural work is in the plans. I am confident that it is all stuff that I can do. Especially now that my loving wife has bought me a table saw. I imagine that the bulk of the projects will start next Spring.
My schoolwork is going well. Financial aid and the college cleared me to go another semester. Even though I really don't need the credits. My reason was that I want to raise my GPA. I am taking more ceramics classes, namely advanced ceramics and sculpture. I'm hoping to land a job as the person who mixes the glazes for the class. I hear that the current person is moving on. Anyway, my plan is to continue to go to school(my classes are mostly in the afternoon) and start making progress on the business.
Speaking of the business, I understand that I might have some competition. A friend of a friend is allegedly opening a gamestore in town. I'm told that he plans on selling computer games but will be offering some role playing games. I don't think I'm being told the whole story. Anyway, it bugs me a bit, but I am still pressing forward with my plans. I've came too far and worked too hard to give up now.
I spoke to Tess for quite some time on the phone last night. I enjoy talking to her. She is always good for a laugh. Especially since her brother was sitting in the room with me the whole time. Anyways, I was a bit alarmed that she is talking about moving back again. I hope it isn't just another whispery dream.
I've been somewhat concerned this past week about my mother-in-law(can you believe that?) . She is all alone in Florida and barely scraping by. I think she is in a dark and lonely place. She has called everyday for the past week and a half. Sadly, I think living in the retirement community around old Jewish people has made her think she is old. In fact, she is still a young lady. Also, the death of her mother and the terminal illness of her brother is not doing much for her spirits. I wish she would just pack up and come here to be a grandmother to her grandchildren. I think the worst part of this "modern" age is the erosion and breakup of the family. Despite what the cellphone commercials might say, a phonecall is not enough to maintain familial bonds.
Did I ever mention that I hate Walmart and everything it stands for? Please pardon the editorial.
My ole buddy Emmrick and his whole family came over this past weekend to visit. Man, it was so good to see him. I had forgotten how much I missed his friendship. We went out with Bubba and did some shooting. Manly kind of stuff. Anyway, I could tell that Emmrick just ate up the day. It had been so long since he hung out with the guys and felt like he was a part of something. I watched him bask in the glory of the high desert on the side of the mountain that both love. I felt sad for him because he had to go back to Mordor while I stay and live in the place I consider to be paradise. I hope God finds it in his mercy to allow Emmrick and his family to move back here someday. I think he will.
I hung up our icons in our house the other day. I felt intense joy and satisfaction at seeing the vigil lamp burn in my darkend living room. I think my Faith has been renewed.
