Hope Everyone Had A Great Christmas

Well, I learned to appreciate Christmas for a whole new reason this year. Dotty and I spent time shopping for friends and family members. But, neither one of us could think of anything to tell the other one for ourselves. So, we agreed that we'd wait until we saw something that we really wanted for Christmas. After all, we each felt like we already had the most important gift in each other. It really was true. We enjoyed a quiet Christmas at home watching movies. Dotty cooked a delicious feast of ham(turkey based) and baked chicken. She also made brussels sprouts au gratin and baked beans. Angel, this was one of the best Christmases I've ever had. Thank you!!

Prior to Christmas day, we had two other celebrations. Friday night, we drove over to Robin's house for a gift exchange and pizza party. On Saturday, we drove over to the apartment of my Dad's fiance, Ruth for a meal and gift exchange. So, we also had the opportunity to spend time with our friends and family. On Christmas morning, Dot's mom IM'd us from Malaysia so that she could take part in our festivities. I'm really looking forward to meeting her. We've had so many nice chats online that I already feel like I know her. It'll be nice though, to actually see her in person.

Today, Dotty went out and took part in the after-Christmas sales. She brought home a slow cooker that I'd been wanting for a while. I told her that could be my Christmas present. I wanted to go shopping with her, but, I wasn't feeling well. Tomorrow, I go to work again so everything is going to start getting more hectic. I'll try to keep everyone updated through my blogs as much as possible.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

It's Been A Great Year!!

If you look over at my main profile picture, you'll see me standing with a very beautiful lady at my side. For those of you that don't know her already, her name is Dot. She is the love of my life. Today, we've been together for one year. I'm hoping for many more years together.

Dot has brought so much happiness into my life starting in a year that I thought my happy life was over. I'd lost my Mom just seven months before I'd met Dot and I was on the verge of becomming a very miserable person just going through the motions of life. This wonderful lady has changed all that and I'm happy to say that I'm alive and happy again.

I could probably write all day about her, but, I do have other things to get done. So, I'll close by saying the simplest thing I can say. Dot, I love you with all my heart.

The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned From Mom

The holidays are a time to be with family. Since I lost my Mom in March of 2005, I decided that the best way to spend time with her was to remember her lessons. The one I'm writing about is one that I've tried to live up to everyday. I thought I'd share it with all my readers.

When I was growing up, I learned many valuable lessons from my Mom. I feel like the most important one was the fact that respect from other people must be earned by someone. In other words, respect is never automatically due someone just because of age, familial relationship, position in business/society, etc. This doesn't mean that you don't show politeness. Being polite to other people is one of the most important ways someone earns respect. What are some other ways?

When you're talking to someone, don't insult that person's friends or family. I don't care who you are. People have a right not to hear bad stuff about the people they love.

If you don't agree with someone's viewpoint, you can be honest. But, you can also show people that you value their opinion by listening attentively and not taking an argumentative tone. This one seems to be most violated when people start talking about politics.

You can also earn respect from others on the road. Obey the posted speed limit signs and remember that those are the safe speeds for perfect driving conditions. If it's dark and/or wet, you should be driving slower. For some reason, cars seem to be more impatient as it gets colder. Unfortunately, this is when it's also icy.

Ok. I'm done with examples. Like I said, I work hard on a daily basis to earn the respect of other people. For my readers, I'd just tell you to remember that you don't have to respect anyone who doesn't treat you the way you should be treated. It doesn't matter who they are. Your respect is a valuable asset and should be used wisely. Your politeness is free and can be used much more liberally.

Back To Paychecks!! :D

Things have gotten really busy recently. We decided to open one of the offices early this year in order to offer advance loans to our clients. So, I've been working since mid-November for a tax preparation company. I never thought that would happen. It's been great though. It's nice to make someone's holidays just a little brighter. My commute can be a trick sometimes. I'm driving one hour to and from work so I can continue to spend as much time with Dot as possible before she has to go back to Malaysia for two years.

Gotta go for now. I'll try to update things as much as I can between now and mid-April. Talk to everyone later.

Back To Karaoke

Well, after some busy weeks of studying and preparing for Raya, Dot and I were able to get back to doing some karaoke this week. Our first attempt on Monday night was a failure. We drove over to Terre Haute from Bloomington to go to Jigg's and they weren't doing karaoke because of Monday Night Football. So, we drove back home kind of frustrated. Though, the trip wasn't a total loss. We went to a grocery store that isn't available in Bloomington and got some things we might not have found someplace else.

Thursday night, we went to see Flicka at 6:40 and to karaoke at Bear's here in Bloomington. The main difference between karaoke in Bloomington versus Terre Haute is the college crowd. The group in Bloomington really gets into it. I haven't been there that often, but, I've developed quite a fan base already. I may go back more.

Last night, we drove back over to Terre Haute and sang at Imperial Lanes. This is the first place I ever sang karaoke and remains my favorite venue. The accoustics are fantastic. The wireless mics allow us to go anywhere in the room so it's really easy to find a spot where you can hear yourself. Yesterday also marked the eleventh month since Dot and I officially became a couple. I made sure I sang "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley to make the night extra special.

Please Don't Raise My Taxes!

Well, the American electorate has done something that they've been smart enough not to do since President Clinton was first elected to office in 1992. Both houses of Congress have been handed to the Democrats. There are stances each side takes that I like, but, my wallet comes first. Don't get me wrong. I'm not wealthy and trying to protect some huge stash. I'm in the lowest tax bracket. These past 14 years though have been better for me because they've been better for the people who earn more than I do. Why? It's a simple economic principal. If the wealthier individuals/corporations have more disposable income, so do I. First, they can afford to hire me. Second, they can afford to give me bigger raises.

Most people don't want to hurt small businesses either. They just want the wealthy individuals to pay more. Well, most small businesses are filed with a personal return using a Schedule C and income is taxed at the personal rate. There is not a separate tax structure for an independent business when it's not incorporated.

So, I ask this new Congress to please not screw up the progress of the last 14 years. I ask the American people to correct this travesty in 2008.

Guys Are Parents Too!!!

My best friend wrote a blog today that really got me thinking. There was one thing she brought up that's a sore point with me too. That's all the guys out there who aren't willing to step up to the plate and be parents. Those are the guys who give someone like me a bad name before I've even got a chance to let a girl get to know me. I'm nice to a girl. Oh my God, that means I've got some kind of hidden agenda. I'm sick of it. I want to be allowed to be nice to all my female friends without having them worry that I'm up to something.

I also want to have children and be made to feel like I'm not being a man if I decide to raise my children the way my Mom decided to raise me. When she was raising me, it was the height of the feminist movement so she was put down by all the other women around her for her choice. She was supposed to be working or watching all of the other neighborhood children for free to help her "sisters" who wanted careers. I know that would happen to me from the guys if I decided to make the same choice. Guys are supposed to work and women want to work and where does that leave our children? Babysitters, day care, or other family members have to do the raising for us.

That's not good enough for my child. I want my child to be raised by a full-time parent. I don't care which parent. It could be me, my wife, or a combination of the two if we happened to work different shifts. The point is that quality time is not good enough for children in and of itself. They also need quantity of time. As a student and teacher, I saw kids who were raised by outsiders not care about their studies or their behavior. They had issues with anger and didn't know how to relate to those around them. On the other hand, children of involved parents wanted to succeed and were very friendly to be around. Ok. I'm done ranting for now.

To my fellow guys out there, shape up your acts!!! To the women, you have my utmost respect.

Busy, Busy, Busy

It's that time of year again. As a tax preparer, this is the time of year that I have to refresh myself on tax laws and learn the new ones. It's also the time that I study parts of the tax code that I hadn't looked at before so that my ability to do more complex returns improves. This will be my fifth year as an income tax preparer and I'm really looking forward to it. I love my job!!! Perhaps the most interesting and rewarding part of it is seeing the look on someone's face who came in scared thinking they were going to owe money and I find that one deduction they weren't aware of and get them a refund. Those smiles are always so nice to see.

Then, there's also my office leader. During the off season, she is my best friend and we hang out together. She even came on vacation with my girlfriend and I this past summer. What's really nice is the way that our friendship doesn't interfere with our roles at work. At the office, I don't expect any favors from her. I can easily divide her role as my manager and my best friend. They are two separate roles and I know when she needs to step out of the friend role for a while. Actually, it was the way she led the office that told me I wanted her as a friend. She's warm, tender, compassionate, and she really cares about people. She's not profit driven like some managers can be.

I also want to recognize my beautiful girlfriend. This will be the second tax season since we've been together. She also has to take on a real understanding role. During parts of the season, the hours can get late. Near the end of January through mid-February, there are all the clients who race in to get their refund as soon as possible. They have their W-2's and they don't have to worry about any other paperwork. During this time of year, we stay open as late as 10pm. Later yet if we have clients. Then, there's mid-April. This is when all the procrastinators come in and need to file before the deadline. More later hours. The last day of the season can be one of the latest. Through all of this, Dot has been very understanding and doesn't complain if I can't make it to see her at the time I planned on.

That's probably enough rambling for now. I just wanted to update everyone.

Sometimes Fun Doesn't Have To Be Either Mature Or Immature

Recently, I've been hearing different people talk about things being "immature". I can understand this in a professional setting, but, in personal relationships it makes no sense to me. Things that are fun between friends and/or lovers shouldn't be classified in this manner. Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about.

This morning, my financial advisor heard my voice mail greeting. His first response was "How old are you?" The other day my Dad heard it and said it was kind of long. People, it's my personal phone. It's not a business phone.

My next example involves my best friend. She has playfully squirted part of her drink at me through her straw just like my girlfriend does. Her, then boyfriend, accused them both of being "immature". This wasn't even aimed at him. It was aimed at me and I was having a blast. Neither of these ladies were doing this to truly torment me. We were all just having fun together. I was getting them back with looks or shaking a finger in their faces.

Other things have happened lately also. These are either things I've witnessed, been told, or heard about. To everyone who's caught up in the maturity/immaturity world and doesn't know how to just have fun with friends and loved ones, I just have one thing to say. GROW UP!!!!!!!!

October Is Here

Well, it's October. This month has always been special to me because I love the holidays coming up starting with Halloween and all the way through New Year's Day. This year, the month is even more special to me. My wonderful Dotty will have been in my life for one year this October 30th. During that year, some things have not changed at all and some things have definitely changed.

What hasn't changed? I continue to have a crush on this girl. Everyday, I learn or discover something new about her that makes me look at her and say "Wow!". I get that familiar tingly feeling of new interest all over again. I have to remind myself sometimes that she's already my girlfriend. LOL

The best change is that I've fallen completely in love with the person she is. Her thoughts, ideas, interests, etc. are so important to me. I'm even beginning to share some of these as the time goes by. I've found a new love for Law and Order watching it through her eyes. I've found a new importance for a new religion through knowing her. I haven't abandoned my own likes in this process. I've just added to them.

I also know that she returns this because she has become interested in new things through knowing me. This past weekend she sang karaoke by herself for the first time. She did so well at it also. It was so special to hear her serenade me for a change. I think I finally know what it was she must have felt the first time I sang to her.

I love you, Angel. Thank you for adding so much to my life and for giving yet one more reason to love October. Well, it's October.

A Place Err... Page Of Her Own

Those of you who read my blog regularly surely know about my wonderful girlfriend, Dotty. Well, due to the scrolling nature of blogs and the way new posts make the old ones fade from view, I decided to do something very special. I have had a web page of my own for a little over a year now hosted on Yahoo geocities. Today, I added a page about Dotty. I've included a link to that page in this blog entry. Please go and take a look. Now, she has a permanent spot on my website to go with the permanent place she has in my heart. I love you, Angel.

Click here to visit Dotty's Page.

What Is Perfection?

When someone thinks of the word perfection, it usually brings to mind something without a flaw. Since human beings are flawed by design or definition, this has led to the belief that no one is perfect. I intend to challenge this notion with this blog entry.

Consider the animal shows that judge various breeds against each other by comparing the animal presented to a breed standard. An animal who meets every standard is considered to be a "perfect" specimen. Since humans are members of the animal kingdom, why can't we attach this same standard to ourselves? Since one of our breed standards is to be flawed, we must be capable of making mistakes in order to be a perfect specimen. Thus, readers may wonder how to find out if someone they know (perhaps themselves) could be deemed perfect. I'll present that now.

First, ask yourself if you're willing to help someone who needs help whether you know the person or not. This is an act of selflessness. By several guidelines, people should be selfless. Thus, selflessness could be considered another breed standard for the human species. It can be easily observed that not everyone possesses this trait so it is a valid measuring stick.

Another general rule for humans is that when we do make mistakes we should learn from them. Again, this is a valid measurement device because not everyone does this. So, we have another breed standard for our species. This leads into and is part of the last breed standard I'll present. Humans should try to better themselves. This could be demonstrated in various ways ranging from academic preparation for a better job or career to taking on physical exercise to improve your overall health. You don't have to do everything at the same time or in the same time frame either. As long as you are doing one thing to better yourself, you are meeting the standard.

So three breed standards:

1. Do you help people including those you don't know?

2. Do you learn from the mistakes you do make?

3. Do you participate in activities for self-improvement?

If you answered yes to all three questions, pat yourself on the back and consider yourself a perfect specimen of the human species.

Completeness

I have felt, before, like my life was complete. I never really knew what complete felt like though until I met my wonderful Dotty. When I am with her, I don't need anyone else around. She makes me laugh, fills me with happiness, listens to me, and all of the other things that people should do for each other.

There are other friends, naturally, that are very special to me. And, there are several of these people that I don't get to see as much as I'd like. These include Curt, Mark, Rob, Nikki, Hildey, and Abby to name just a few. The point is that when Dot's around I don't miss any of these people. It doesn't stop the feelings of friendship I have for anyone. She just gives me this feeling of contentment and fulfillment. I don't know how or why. No one has ever done this for me before.

So, to all my other friends I just want to say that I'm sorry I don't have more time for you. I'm not purposely ignoring you nor am I forgetting you. I'm just happy with a wonderful girlfriend.

A Night Apart

Friday night, I had to spend a night apart from my wonderful girlfriend due to business reasons. I work 57 miles away from where we live and there was a training class being held Saturday that started at 9:00 am. Originally, Dot and I were supposed to go together. I had the hotel room reserved for us and we were planning on going to karaoke. I love serenading her and dancing with her.

Unfortunately, she took ill. She didn't feel like making the trip and she definitely didn't feel like having to drive herself back home so that she could go to work while I was in class. After discussing the situation, we decided that the best thing was for me to go on over as planned. First, the room was going to be charged to us anyway. Second, it seemed to make more sense than my trying to leave here early enough Saturday morning to insure making it to class on time.

I had the hardest time falling asleep that night though. Naturally, I missed the warmth of having my girlfriend next to me. I was also worried about her. Was she getting worse? Was she the same? Was she getting better? These were things I wouldn't know until I could get back home to her. We stayed in close contact while we weren't asleep via text messages and phone calls. She really made it just about as easy as it possibly could be. I love you, Dotty. You're my Angel and one of my very dearest and closest friends.

One Step Closer To A Lifetime Of Happiness

Wednesday morning, my wonderful girlfriend of just a little more than nine months gave me the news I've been wanting to hear. She wants to marry me. We're not engaged yet, but, this was just her way of letting me know she was ready to commit to me totally and completely. I don't know when I've ever been happier. This wonderful lady has taken me into her life complete with all my quirks and moods. I love her so much and I haven't been able to picture my life without her since the day we became boyfriend and girlfriend. Now, I feel like I will never have to go through that.

Dotty, my love, you make me happier just to be near you even if it's not necessarily showing at the moment. Believe me, I'd be worse yet if you weren't around. I don't want to spend another day without you by my side. Written words don't come easy to me and I'm always afraid that I'll leave something out. So, this may seem like useless rambling to most readers, but, I don't care. I want the world to know how special my Dotty is to me. I want the galaxy to know how much I love this woman. I want the universe to know that I'm devoted to making the rest of her life the most pleasurable days she'll ever have.

Angel, the other night, I gave you my class ring and I am making a promise to you here and now that token meant forever in my heart. Someday, in the near future, you will be my fiance. I love you and I don't ever want to leave your side.

Vacation Is Finally Here!!

Last night, I went over to Marshall, IL to pick up my best friend, Robin. She is joining Dot and I on our trip to Seattle, WA and the San Francisco Bay Area. We couldn't be happier. We have so much fun when she's around.

One of our first stops will be the Children's Hospital in Chicago, IL so that Robin can visit her little cousin, Dakota. He is still fighting off pneumonia so thoughts and prayers for him are still appreciated. I'll try to keep the blog updated as much as possible and let all my readers know where we've been each day.

See ya later, gators!!!

Some Of My Favorite Photos

| View | Add Favorite

Take One Girlfriend And Add A Best Friend

I'm the happiest guy in the world right now. I've got a loving girlfriend who says that no guy has ever treated her better. I know that I couldn't ask for anymore from her. She's absolutely awesome!! I want to spend the rest of my life with her by my side. And, I want to make her happy forever. By the end of this week, we'll be taking off on an 11-day road trip with our best friend, Robin. I can't wait.

Robin's been my best friend for over a year now and every minute I spend with her makes me even happier to have found her. She and I have gotten so much closer this summer. When Dot's not around, Robin is the one other person who can truly make my troubles and sorrows disappear. Whether she takes them away with a chat or a simple hug, she manages it every time.

Our trip is going to be awesome, ladies!!! I love you both so much and I'm sorry for anything I've done in the past that may have upset either of you. I'm especially sorry because neither of you has ever caused me to feel any anger or upsetness.

Part Heartbreak, Part Happiness!!

My regular blog readers should know well about my best friend, Robin. I mention her alot. This past weekend she came to stay with Dot and I. Dot and I had three of the best days of our lives with her here. Not only, do we both love Robin for the way she energizes everything and everyone she's around; she also brought Dot and I closer than we've ever been before.

For the past few weeks, we've gotten spoiled. Robin had broken up with my other friend, Adam, and she was single again. That gave her more time to spend with us. Last night, they got together again. I'm happy for both of them. I'm especially happy for Robin. She deserves all the happiness in the world. I will, however, miss having her around Dot and I with as much frequency. But, that's just me being selfish. As she told me this past weekend, I have to learn to share her.

Last night, Robin also made me remember (like I'd really forget - LOL) why she is so special to me. The three of us (Robin, Adam, and I) were at Jigg's, one of our regular karaoke spots, when someone collapsed to the floor requiring the EMT's to be called and a gurney to be brought in. Even while she was busy rekindling her relationship with Adam, she noticed I wasn't my normal self. She asked me if I was crying. I wasn't, but, I was concerned for the patron plus remembering the last time I saw a gurney come into a building. It was when my Mom was wheeled out of the house for the last time. She dropped everything she was doing and put her full attention on me. She quickly turned her chair to face me and engaged me in a little game to distract me. It worked as I was quickly able to move on to my next song in a much lighter mood.

That type of insight into my feelings is why she is my sister even though we're not linked by DNA. She keeps a very important part of my Mom alive for me. I don't think I even knew what it was exactly until just now. My Mom could also just know when I needed some extra support. I miss her, but, Robin fills a very empty void for me. She assured me last night that nothing would change for us and we'd continue to have time to ourselves in the future.

So, I'm heartbroken that I won't have as much time with Robin. I won't lie about that. But, I'm very happy for her and Adam. I'm also, most importantly, very happy to be with Dot. And, I'm happy to have the full meaning of JDAR back!! Will the circle be unbroken, guy and gals!! Hmm... Sounds like a song cue if I ever heard one.

Farewell To A Friend

Today, I learned that the one constant companion I had in the home has found a new place to live. Next to losing my Mom, this is probably one of the saddest days of my life. And, that takes alot because I'm usually very cheerful. I don't even like to write sad blogs, but, this one couldn't be helped. Nick, I know I moved out of the house. That doesn't stop the fact that I love you and I hope you find your way back home to me some day.

I also need to ask all of my blog readers for another favor. My best friend's little cousin is in really bad shape in a hospital in Chicago. He needs all the thoughts and prayers available right now. At last word, he is on life support diagnosed with pneumonia.

Thanks everyone. Hopefully, I won't have to do this again.

Vacation Plans

This past weekend, I got together with Dot and Robin to plan our vacation. The three of us are going on an 11 day road trip. Highlights will include Chicago, Mount Rushmore, Seattle, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and San Jose. We planned our days in Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. We're going to do so much and see so many new things. For me personally, this will be my first time to be in a boat. I've been in tracked boats such as the ones used in Disney's Small World attraction, but, I've never been on an actual free sailing craft.
I'm so excited. I'll be picking Robin up on the 11th and bringing her to Bloomington. Dot will be working until about 5:30 and then we're taking early on the morning of the 12th to try and get to Chicago before noon. My blogs will be my travel journal so keep reading.

My Poor Car!!

Yesterday, my car broke down on me as I was driving home from Terre Haute. I was only 10 miles from my apartment. So, as soon as my laundry's done this morning, I get to find some place that can fix an electrical problem. Most likely, I have loose battery cables or a bad alternator. Either way, it will be fixed because that car has to get my girlfriend, my best friend and I to California and back next month. That will be a much happier blog entry.

Happy Birthday, Robin!!

Last night, Dot and I went over to Terre Haute to celebrate Robin's birthday. That's her in the picture with Mickey Mouse. We picked up Adam and drove over to Marshall. After giving Robin her gifts, we went to a Terre Haute theater and watched Lake House together. We concluded the evening at Denny's where all of us had a dish of Caramel Apple Crisp. The night was really fun!! I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with Robin (mine and hers). She's my best friend forever. Love ya, Robin and Happy Birthday again and again!!

Yay and Yum!!!

The other day, I was very pleased to see one of my favorite places from Terre Haute show up here in Bloomington. I am referring to Square Donuts. This morning, Dot needed me to take her to work early at 6:30am so I stole the opportunity to go get some of these baked delights before the selection got small. I'm happy to report that these little gems are as delicious in Bloomington as they are in Terre Haute. Sorry, Terre Haute. You still don't have our prize gem of Cold Stone Creamery. Oh well, I've got more to do today including a possible trip to the Haute. See ya'll later.

A Week Without My Girl

This week, my girlfriend took off to spend a week and a half in CA with her brother. I have missed her so much everyday. I get her back Wednesday night. This Wednesday, however, my best friend, had me come and get her for a little vacation. Her brother graduated high school this week so she and I went to his baccalaureate service on Wednesday night. Then, she came home with me to Bloomington and stayed with me Wednesday and Thursday nights. Robin was like a breath of fresh air to a very long and tiring two days. I always have a blast when I'm with her. She and I tease each other like brother and sister.

I took her over to Nashville, IN on Thursday. We walked around the town visiting various shops and then ate at The Nashville House. We both tried apple butter for the first time. Our parents had been trying to get us to try it for some time and we'd been reluctant. It's pretty good actually. It reminded me of cinnamon applesauce. We also spent time in the mall here in Bloomington. By the time we got back to my apartment, we were both sore from all of the walking.

On Friday, I took her back home and we attended her brother's graduation ceremony. Marshall High is definitely smaller than my high school. It was still a very nice ceremony though. The band was really good and they had a really neat video production featuring the senior class.

Robin, thank you for making this week a little easier to take. Most importantly, Dot, thank you for being so understanding and trusting both Robin and I enough to be willing to have let us have this time together while you were away. I love you two ladies.

My New Life Gets Another New Chapter

When I moved in with my girlfriend a little over a month ago, neither one of us really knew what to expect. We knew we loved each other and we had spent upto 3 or 4 days together in a row. But, this was going to be 24/7 in the same apartment with shared responsibilities.

The first month was like a new blissful stage. Except for her class schedule, we were inseperable. Now, we've started to take back a little bit of our private lives. The beautiful part is that our love for each other is even greater. We are still number one in each other's hearts no matter what we're doing.

We'll continue to go out together frequently and spend alot of quiet time together most definitely. We are also going to start making more room in our new lives for our old friends. This is true happiness. Someone to love and friends to hang out with. I love you Dot!!!

Importance of JDAR

I am beginning to realize just how important "JDAR" is in my life. I really treasure every minute I spend with these three special people and every night I wish that it could be longer. I am around Dot practically 24/7 as she is my girlfriend. If I wasn't around her this much, I'd surely be lost. The other parts of the equation are the ones I never can seem to see enough. My best friend, Robin, has been there for me through the roughest time in my life with losing my Mom and she continues to be supportive in this issue. Most times, she'll say something to me without my ever having to ask because she just knows that something could be troubling me. Adam's wit is razor sharp and about the only match to my Mom's I've ever found. It is also fun to sing with him. His voice is excellent and having it along side mine is always a treat. Our ladies really like it when we sing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". Here's hoping the JDAR circle is never broken. I love you guys.

Dot's Birthday

May 7 was Dot's birthday. Being that this was Sunday, the day actually started in Terre Haute with Adam and Robin as we were singing karaoke at Imperial. When the chance came after midnight, we each (Robin, Adam and I) took a microphone and sang Happy Birthday to Dot. We had a cake there for her and gave her her birthday present.

During the day on Sunday, we spent part of our day with the Malaysian Student Association at their picnic. Dot earned a certificate for being the group's web master or, as she calls it, web mistress. When we left, we brought another family back to our apartment building as well. Shortly afterward, Dot and I took off again.

I took Dot up to Indianapolis to the Hard Rock Cafe for her birthday dinner. I'd never been there before and I was looking at my idols. Jimmy Page's guitar was just feet from me. God, did I ever want to just pick the thing up and launch into the lead solo from "Stairway To Heaven"!! I fought the urge so we wouldn't get thrown out. Dot was nice enough to take my picture with the guitar.

I love you, Dot!! I hope your birthday lived up to everything that you could have hoped or wanted.

The "JDAR" Chronicles Continue

For those of you who are not into acronyms, JDAR stands for John, Dot, Adam, and Robin. Our friendships are continuing to get tighter and tighter. Last night, Dot and I picked up Adam on our way to the H and R Block banquet. This was a chance for the entire Terre Haute district to get together and celebrate the end of tax season as well as receive awards. We had a good meal, played bingo, and just relaxed. After that, the four of us went to Imperial for karaoke. The evening was fun, but, unfortunately had to end a little earlier than usual. We'll make up for that next week. Looks like the next outing may come as early as Monday night. Jigg's does karaoke that night. I'm just glad that moving to Bloomington hasn't resulted in being cut off from my favorite activities and, more importantly, my two best friends!!

Just When I Thought Things Couldn't Get Better

Last night my two best friends from Terre Haute shared their first private date. Up until now, they had only seen each other when I was also around. Things went very well. I'm so excited for Robin and Adam. Tomorrow, they are going to come over here to Bloomington for karaoke. This will be their first trip to my new town. It'll be great to see them again, but, it'll also be nice to show them around. I'd brought them both to Bloomington before, but, this was before they knew each other. As an IU grad, Bloomington will always be "the" college town. For me, Bloomington also holds a special place in my heart because my Mom grew up here. In fact, she attended school on the IU campus at University School from her 7th grade year until she graduated.

I really appreciate the effort that Robin and Adam are putting into continuing their friendship with me while they are building their own relationship. It means so much to me. Dot has also become friends with them so she enjoys their company as well. I'm really looking forward to introducing another club to Adam's magical voice. I wonder if they'll still consider me to be a singing sensation after tomorrow night. Well, time will have to tell the story on that one. To be continued...

Best of Friends

I found out last night just how truly incredible my girlfriend is. My best friend, Robin, had asked me if I could come over to Terre Haute again to join her and Adam at Jigg's for karaoke. My initial thought was that I couldn't because Dot, my girlfriend, would not be able to make it. She had a paper due the next day that she needed to finish. When she came home and I mentioned this to her, she told me that she would like me to stay with her. She also said she wanted me to go especially since Robin wanted me there. I made sure that she was comfortable with the idea and made the drive to TH. Adam, Robin and I had a blast singing karaoke and then going to Denny's for a late meal. When I got home, I was welcomed by those same loving arms I've grown accustomed to. She wasn't mad at all and she wasn't testing me. She said exactly what she meant. How many women will do that, guys? I've got a true treasure. Robin, thanks for the invite and we'll keep coming back. Dot, thank you for being the best girlfriend a guy could want. I'm soooo blessed to have both of you in my life.