is this thing on?

April 28, 2011: It's nut-so week at work and I ended up staying late and if I'd had my way I would've taken a picture of the sunset but I didn't have a camera and by the time I got home it was set. SO, I was going through some recent pictures and thought we could reminisce on my 30th birthday.

April 27, 2011: No comments today.

April 26, 2011: This is me. This is me watching Young Indiana Jones episodes. This is me watching Young Indiana Jones episodes whilst thinking, "Damn, the early 90's were good to Sean Patrick Flannery".

April 25, 2011: I don't remember where this book came from but I've had it forever and use it quite a bit. However, it was published in 1945 and it appears that in 1945 there was not an occasion for quotes on frustration. I was looking for frustration because I went for another run; I couldn't manage to run as long as I'd hoped and I was looking for comfort. There is, however, an occasion for quotes on murder, mules, mousetraps, sailors, and sun dial mottoes.

April 24, 2011: He is Risen! I hope you all had a great Easter. My mom is awesome and created a scavenger hunt for each of us to find our cards (I won! But Janson did help me with the first two clues...I'll still take the title though).

April 23, 2011: HOLD THE PHONE. I went for a run.

April 22, 2011: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

April 21, 2011: I got home from lunch to find a gigantic box on my front porch. Inside I found a giant Peace Lily plant that my work sent to show their sympathy for Nana's passing. Such a wonderfully kind gesture.

April 20, 2011: We happened to be in PA when my great aunt Carol had her retirement party and she was gracious enough to let us crash it. It was at Arcaro & Genell's in Old Forge, PA which I've been told is THE place to get pizza and it did not disappoint.

April 19, 2011: I haven't been in the mood to take new pictures this week but it was neat to be able to visit the church my mom grew up going to and got married in.

April 18, 2011: This is Stella's "Welcome to the Family" gift from my parents. Now I feel like the wicked witch in the wizard of oz when she stole Toto in her bike basket.

April 11-17, 2011: Spent last week in Scranton/Dunmore, PA for Nana's funeral. This is the first grandparent I've lost in my adult years and it was far more painful than I had anticipated; having watched Nana lose her quality of life for the last 5 years and having watched her deteriorate into her 90's and basically live 'on-call', waiting for the phone call to let me know it was 'time'. Despite knowing it was coming, the reality of it all completely hit me more deeply than I had ever anticipated. The flooding of memories, the flooding of deep gratitude that she was not suffering anymore, the feeling of deep pain at not being able to see her for the rest of this life... The morning she passed I was waiting for the shower to be free and randomly got out my ipod and clicked on the Mumford & Sons song "Sigh No More" (lyrics below) and I quickly put it on repeat and bawled my eyes out. I began praying for God to set her free to be the woman he crea...

I'm taking a sabbatical, I miss my Nana. Ruth Edwina Dean Washer Keene, February 3, 1920 - April 9, 2011 http://strauchfuneralhomes. com/obituaries_old.php

April 7, 2011: Someone doesn't seem to hate cameras anymore. Who's a happy dog? Is this the face of a dog who would bark all day?

April 6, 2011: Boooooooooo! Here's what I hate about this note: A). Obviously we don't know what she does when we're gone. We aren't there. B). This dog is the least barky dog I've ever encountered in my life so I find it hard to believe. C). The neighbor on the other side is complaining?! His dog barks ALL. THE. TIME. Pull the plank out of your own eye before pointing out my speck, dude. D). I get really defensive and sick to my stomach when I get "in trouble" and I hate that feeling. Thanks for ruining my week. E). We set up a video camera when we left today and it recorded over an hour and not one peep from Stella could be found. Pretty sure "non-stop" was a little bit of an exaggeration. F). Brian went over to find out more so we can end this mysterious barking and no one would answer the door, even though the lights were on and we could hear them. Way to complain and run away.

April 5, 2011: Growing up my parents bought a record (yes, like a real record) of a personalized birthday song that they would play the morning of my birthday. My parents actually found out they still make these and got me a CD of the song and it goes something like this: This is Space Command to Zoom All systems are go for your message to Jaime! Hey, Jaime! It's your birthday! I'm in charge of the stars and I'm here to say, Hey, Jaime! You're the big star today! My name is Zoom and I live on the moon But I came down to earth Just to sing you this tune ‘cause Jaime, it's your birthday today! A present for you I wanted to find, an outerspace creature, a one of a kind! A wild whop or a kukelchoo, an apple drop or a buzzardstew Or maybe a 3-eyed tickleshay for your birthday. Did you ask: "uh, what's a kukelchoo?" Well, up on the moon it's nothing new but that won't do for you. On your birthday! I searched behind the clouds and stars I even zoome...

April 4, 2011: I love finding little treasures like this.

April 3, 2011: At least the dog has brought the cats closer. They haven't cuddled like this since they were kittens.

April 2, 2011: Progress.

April 1, 2011: Well, after 7 years I finally have a job that will allow me to have my nose pierced so it's back!