Overflowing

I have far too many thoughts running through my head right now to condense them into one post.  I've had a notebook with me almost constantly the past week just to get some of them onto paper.  I think the best way to share this story is to do it in small parts. 

For now, here is a song that I've been playing on repeat.  So powerful, the bridge brings tears to my eyes.

Telling the Truth

Dear Heidi (and anyone else who still reads my blog even though this is only my second update in 6 months),

I am about to start blogging a lot more frequently.  I have a lot to say because in recent weeks I have learned a LOT.  About a lot of things.

One of my goals for this blog from the beginning was to be totally transparent - to share my joys and my sorrows, my triumphs and my failures.  There have been more failures and sorrows than triumphs and joys lately.  I want to share them completely, but unfortunately I can't.

But I am going to share some, probably more than some people want me to.  Here's the thing though - I'm tired of lying and covering my own faults to protect the greater faults of others.  If I am ever going to get my life back together I need to be open and honest. 

I need to tell the truth, to myself and to others.  I'm not lying anymore or covering things up just to help others avoid the consequences of their own choices. 

I'm telling the truth, for my own sake.  Otherwise I'll never be set free.

Stay tuned....

Laura Bush

The wedding was over a month ago and I still haven't posted.  After promising to take pictures and post immediately, my camera never left my suitcase.  I was having way too much fun to even worry about a camera.  The good news is that I have some beautiful memories and wonderful stories from a weekend with dear, dear friends (and, of course, got to witness the beginning of what I am sure will be a beautiful marriage).  The bad news is that it will be almost impossible to share with you all the joy we experienced in those few days.

These pictures have all been stolen (via facebook) from Laura's sisters and from the photographer (who, by the way, is AMAZING).  All formal shots were taken before the wedding and they didn't take super long.  And, during the reception, she got some beautiful shots without turning the whole reception into a photo op.  I barely noticed she was there, which, in my opinion, makes her even better.

Just Sayin'

Mark Twain offers some insight into what is currently my greatest annoyance.

"In the first place God made idiots. This was for practice. Then he made School Boards."
- Following the Equator; Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

Never Taking Off Work Again

I wish I had pictures of the inside of my office as it appeared Monday morning upon my return from St. Louis.  Randy, Joey, and Mat turned everything -- and I really mean everything -- in my office upside down while I was gone.  They also took apart my desk chair and put an alarm clock in the celing.

Alas, the only picture I have is this one that they sent to my phone Friday afternoon with a note that said they missed me...and I should probably get to work early Monday to clean up the mess.

As difficult as some aspects of this job have been, I love my coworkers and am so thankful for them.  These three are like older brothers to me.  They also remind me of Larry, Darrell and his other brother Darrell.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch this video.