The "Garden"

The Moors thought that if you lived in a garden, you would never die. If that were true, I may not have many years left after looking at my backyard. Okay, it's not that bad, but sometimes I feel like it is. I recently rented a Bobcat for improvement, which I operated myself for about one hour. After having a little fun driving around, I found this piece of equipment wasn't quite suited to do the hard work I was planning it to do. So, I figured I would cut my losses and bring it around to the front. Well, I proceeded to get the machine wedged between a hill/mountain (whatever) in yard and the neighbors fence. It wasn't pretty. After more than two hours of manually digging (ironic huh?) the Bobcat out of it's hole, I was able to straighten it out and drive it down the hill and around the house. $200 later, I created nothing except destruction. I paid for this? Someday that yard will be a nice oasis for my dog and all to see. How will I get there? Persistence. That I have

Update on Life

Okay, it's been a while since I've posted so I'll run through a few thoughts in my head. First of all, the weather is great and I love spring. It's my favorite time of the year bar none. I'll be outside as much as I can working in the yard or playing golf or sitting by my folks pool. Sweet. Speaking of working outside, I'm just getting over my third case of poison ivy/oak this year. Not so sweet, but I guess I'm only to blame.

Secondly, my workout routine is shot to hell. I'm not exercising near what I should be and now the beach weekend is right around the corner. My parents are quick to say, "fat and happy"....yes, sometimes. I'll continue to bitch and complain about my love handles to my wife. That's the way it works.

Third and most important, my wife and I are still trying to get pregnant and we've taken the next step which was somewhat eye opening. We're seeing a specialist and for some reason that made it all the more real for me. Geez, we're really trying to do this kid thing! I still haven't thought that far in the future about how this could change our lives. Of course the first step is getting pregnant and that by no means is a given. Sounds like we got a chance, but one step at a time..."baby steps," as Bill Murray would say.

To tell or Not to tell, that is the question...

How long is it acceptable to keep a secret from your family? Maybe it depends on the type of family. At the moment, we have a secret and we are still debating on when we should share it. The secret isn't bad news. It's not anything that would cause too much concern. In short, it's not too big of a deal.

We're seeing a fertility doctor. It's one that my husband's family knows well because one of his sisters was a patient 6 years ago. They love the doctor and as a result of seeing him we are godparent's to their five year old son. Based on our limited time with the doctor we love him as well. Very smart, makes you feel comfortable, and most importantly doesn't make you feel like you are broken.

It's too early to tell what our prognosis is. We've done some tests, have some more lined up and then we'll meet with the doctor to determine what our plan of action is. I think that once we know the plan, then we'll say something to the family. We're really not trying to shut them out. It's just why share the unknown and then have everyone asking you how it's going when you don't know? It's already a sensitive topic. Everyone has their opinions on it and to be honest, I don't want to hear them. The only opinion I want to hear is from the doctor. So until the man tells us what is going on, we'll keep our mouths shut. Besides, who wants to have people look at you and feel sorry for you? Definitely not me!

-ASS

Last Day to be a Twenty Something

These are my last hours to be grouped as a twenty something. Tomorrow I'll be thirty and I'm not sure I'll feel any different. I'm hoping the only noticeable difference will be the new age box I'll have to select on medical forms. Who knows, maybe I'll wake up tomorrow, be 20 pounds heavier and have more than just the usual stress wrinkles. It's doubtful but I guess anything is possible. And if anything is possible, I hope that I inherit all of the wisdom that comes with aging. I would like to believe that I'm more wise now then I was at 25. I would also like to believe that I look the same. I'll defer to my husband because sometimes you can't tell how you've changed. Sometimes it takes someone else saying something to notice. So honey, if I've gained weight, look wrinkly and do not seem more wise, please tell me. Just don't tell me tomorrow. I don't want it to ruin my birthday!

-ASS

Sick and Tired - At least at a good time

Being sick sucks. I'm not really feeling too bad but just enough to annoy the hell out of me. I've had a sore throat for the last two days and now I have a headache and I feel weak - just as I was hitting my stride on getting in shape. To tell the truth, my body really needed a break. I never thought I would exercise so many days in a row. Like I told my wife, I would like to take credit for this new found energy, but I can't. It's my competitive nature about not letting someone else get ahead of me. You run fast, but I can run faster. You ride hard, but I can ride just as hard. At least that's what I tell myself. I'm a little older now, but I feel my body responding and it's a good feeling. I was pretty worried when I first started - my entire body ached and I was sore in parts I didn't know existed. Hopefully, I'll feel better tomorrow. The guys went out riding tonight without me, so I'll have to catch up tomorrow. The weather is going to be nice the rest of the week (of course you can't trust the weather this winter) and I need to take advantage of it.

I'd also like to thank my wife for getting me a new phone. She finally got tired of me complaining about the POS that I had. She got me an iPhone and just like when she got me my the iPod touch, I can't put it down. I really should have gotten this thing sooner, but that's just the way I am. So, I have my phone to play with while I'm under the weather. Maybe one more day of clouds before I head out into the sun again. Got to keep the MO!

JS

A Fairy Godmother

I should be in bed. Really. I should be asleep in bed because I have to wake up bright and early tomorrow morning. Tomorrow my goddaughter is going to be baptized and I need to be at the church bright and early. If nothing else, I HAVE to be on time.

And even though I know I need to be in bed, I can't help but sit up and think. Think if I will ever have a child. Who would I choose as godparents? What name would the child have?

I'm being silly. I don't have a child. I have a dog.

And as much as I love my black, three and half legged dog, I may never have that same experience of choosing a godparent. Trust me. I'm not one of those crazies that treat their dog like a child. Okay, maybe Lady has special treats but she is not treated like a baby. For instance, she doesn't have a car seat!

And although we don't have a car seat, we do have an empty room. It's the room that no one talks about but assumes will be the baby room. But what if there is no baby? Then what will it be?

I may never be a parent. I may never fill the empty room in my house. But I will be there for my goddaughter. I will be on time for her baptism. And hopefully, if she is ever in need of help, or in a tight spot, she will be comfortable enough to call me. Because I will help her in every way possible. I may not be a fairy godmother, but I can be a godmother. ( With a little pixie dust for special effects!)

-ASS

Playing Catch with Snowballs

We live in the South. Atlanta to be more precise. Living here has several perks, one of which is having mild winters where temperatures typically stay in the 50 - 60's. Not this year. This year we have worn our winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. And to be honest, it's kind of nice getting to use all those winter accessories that we inevitably get as Christmas gifts each year. (Don't ask me why we get them. I'm sure it's because they are closest to the check out register during the Holiday season). Those sweet Christmas gifts have finally gotten their use as the temperatures have been in the 20's and 30's. We even had a few days in the teens.

A non perk of living here is that when it does get cold, no matter how much you bundle up, you aren't quite prepared for the early morning and late night temperatures that you have to endure while taking the dog out so she can do her "business". It is not enjoyable. However, once in a blue moon, it snows. And although our friends in the north may think that it makes taking the dog out even worse, it does the opposite for us. It makes it better. We forget how beautiful the trees are when the branches are covered in snow. We forget how pretty the ground looks when it's covered by a white blanket of powder. And we forget how much fun it is to play catch with snowballs. It makes it all better, at least until it melts.

-ASS

Gotta love February!

I love February. I mean really, really love February. I think it's one of the greatest months of the year. However, I may be biased. Here are some of the reasons I love it:

1. It's a short but sweet month. It never feels like it drags on like some of the other months.
2. I'm finally used to writing the current year by this time.
3. Valentines Day! It may be cheesy but giving a Valentine is just as much fun as receiving it. Okay, maybe not as much fun but I still remember how great it was to give/receive Valentines in school. I still try to send Valentines cards to friends and family.
4. It's my Anniversary Month, need I say more?
5. It's my birthday month and for some crazy reason the weather is always amazing on my birthday. I can't explain it, it just is.

Okay, I am biased. But you would be too if you were me!

-ASS