Exciting times....

Hello to everyone. I hope and pray that all of you are doing well. Things on this end have been going very well lately. Things at work are chuggin right along at a good pace. Staying somewhat busy although the slow down of the economy is somewhat concerning to me. However, FedEx does a superior job at being proactive rather than reactive to things like this. We've been in spending cutbacks for several months now.

I am on vacation this week. The plan was to come to Texarkana to see the folks for a day or two and then head down to Austin. However, my brother in law and nephew had to come up this way for a funeral of a family friend, so I at least go to see them. I wasn't really looking forward to driving another 450 miles after having driven almost 500 to get here. Tall guy...cramped car...trust me...doesn't work out too well LOL So basically I have been in Texarkana all week. I got to see some friends, and of course have enjoyed my time with the family. It's always great to see family. I had an absolute blast with Brett, my 3 year old nephew. We wrestled and played cars and watched movies. It melted me when he gave me a big hug and kiss then told me he loves me. He told me I need to come to his house to play more often. I asked him when, and he said "Next week!!" :-) Kids! So sweet! It is hard at times, living so far from them but hey...God has me in Tuscaloosa for a reason.

Speaking of that..within the next couple of months, I am actually going to be looking to buy a house. I have no plans to leave Tuscaloosa within the next couple of years. I am getting tired of shelling out good money for a roof over my head and at the end of the month, having nothing to show for it. I want something that I can own. Some liquidity if you will. I've already got one guy who wants to room with me and if I can get one more (will be looking for 3 bedroom house naturally), they will make my mortgage payment for me. I am choosing a 3 bedroom for several reasons. First, I can probably find at least one guy to room with and help me make the payments. If I only find one, I can make the 3rd bedroom either a guest bedroom or an exercise room. Second, if I do decide to transfer, or get transfered, then FedEx will buy the house from me. Naturally, they have restrictions and conditions, but I can get help with that. My boss has done the whole thing a couple of times now. Who knows though? I may even keep it as a rental house, depending on how far I transfer if that ever happens. Plus it ultimately leads to this: most people looking to buy a house are going to look for a 3 bedroom because of marriage and kids and all. I will admit, that is in the back of my mind too. If I get married, the extra rooms will probably be beneficial. Especially if kiddos come along.

I can honestly say that at this time, I am the happiest I have been in a long while. Life is great! The church group that I am involved with is awesome! These are some of the most inspirational and loving people I have ever met. The congregation as a whole and the group that I study with on Sunday nights are awesome. I have grown so much as a Christian since moving to Tuscaloosa, that it will be hard to leave, if I ever do. Over the past few years, I may have become more of a 'rock' with my emotions, and much more difficult to read, but trust me, I am so happy right now and am excited to see what chapter is next in my life.

I leave you with this quote that I heard not so long ago. It can be applied to everything you do in life, and it is something that I am getting better at myself:
"Never let the odds prevent you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do."

~God Bless~