Donated blood today. I always feel pretty good when I am able to donate. I remind myself that I'm potentially helping three other people with each donation.

I didn't start donating until right before Mom was diagnosed. Never had the time was my usual excuse. i think the truth is that I'd had enough of needles in my first 12 years of life and wanted a break. I'm going to do everything in my power to donate every 8 weeks until I'm unable to do so. Given my family history, it will likely happen after I'm diagnosed with cancer myself. I've given over a gallon of blood and could only think today about how many opportunities I had to give and didn't. Figure donating 6 times a year, 14 years... Yep, over 10 gallons of blood that could have been donated, but I was too busy, tired of needles.

It was odd today in that the donation site was in the mall. In the past, I'd donated in a mobile collection center (bus) that would come to the prison every 8 weeks. Since I was one of the few donating and the other business they went to in the same town went under, they've not been there. So, I found myself in the mall. Watching the people walk by and wondering why none of them could take 30 - 45 minutes out of their day to potentially save a life. They'd walk by, glance inside, and hurry by. The only ones who came in were the ones determined to donate. I know Amy would like to donate, but that's not always easy with three kids.

Anyway, if you have the opportunity - donate blood. If you are afraid of needles, think of what you'd sacrifice if it was your mother, father, your spouse, or your child that needed that blood to survive. 45 minutes and a tiny prick from a needle? It's worth every second.

Accalia had her third dance recital earlier this evenig. She did a great job (as always). She seems to enjoy being on the stage. Kind of odd as she (like Amy and I) is an introvert. I loved performing. Much more comfortable than putting me in a room full of people I don't know. I like the recitals, but after a couple of years, it becomes SSDD. Only so much that can be done. I am happy that Accalia seems to really enjoy her time at dance. I hope this continues and is a part of her life forever.

Amy's folks and my dad came for part of the day. Dad told me is on a planning committee for Lake Wilson's upcoming 125th "birthday" in 2008. When the 100 yr. came up is when the Lake Wilson Community Players started - Mom was the director of the production put on each summer. i was involved in some way every year - starting as a stage hand, eventually getting some smaller parts and moving into leading roles. It was a lot of fun. While Dad was at the meeting, someone asked about a play being done. The idea was kind of shot down because they don't feel they can get anyone to direct with Mom gone.

Got brave and slapped in a new set of contacts today. So far, so good.

This coming week may suck a bit - not a whole lot going on for me. That usually is when crap happens.

So I'm officially 34 (don't know that the actual birthday always feels like it counts). Have been frustrated lately with a lot of things - mostly related to living in an ultra conservative state. Better be careful what I write or the thought police will lock me up. I think I may end up getting a couple new bumper stickers with my b-day cash.

A little disappointed with my Dad for not calling. He did send a card, so he did acknowledge my birthday. Just no call. Probably a good thing he forgot last year - made it less painful this year. Decided it is going to be his issue.

Have been thinking about writing again. Have gotten back to it in fits and starts. I think I could use my time swimming to plot. would at least like to get the two incomplete novels done. Maybe I'll hire Amy as my agent - at least as my represenative to find me representation.

Had a good time at SDCA this year. Was solo this year, so I did spend more time at the different events. I am planning on being more active with the local chapter this year. Got an invite from a prof. at SDSU to come and talk with his class about counseling in corrections. Shoudl be fun - I'll roll out some of the stories that will curl their toes.

We got a new Mac a few weeks ago. Loving the hell out of having iTunes. SO much better than buying the complete albums - just the songs I want.

Not going to go into the retards running this country or this state. Have to save something for a time when the venom is flowing. I'm too mellow right now to go after them in the way they deserve;.

happy birthday to me...

It's been forever since I wrote in here. A lot has happened. Sounds like the book I contributed a chapter to is going to the publisher. It was a pain the ass to write the chapter, but not necessarily in a bad way.


I was up at my usual time this morning (5 AM) to swim. Did a lap for each year. After that, I came home and bummed around until people starting waking up. Had my special breakfast and opened presents. Got Dodgeball, a book on the Cubs, a $10 iTunes certificate, and a Dr. Mario game for my Gameboy (loved that game when it first came out on the original Ninetendo - it is just as addicting on the small screen). Also got $85 from my Dad, Amy's folks, and Amy's youngest brother and sister-in-law.

Kids decided to take me to Chuck E. Cheese today for my birthday. Had a BLAST! I took a few more tokens than usual and played more of the arcade games - Star Wars and a ski mobile racing game. After that we went to a couple of stores - I got a couple of toys, including a Cubs figure of Aramis Ramirez. I know - I'm 34, I should act my age. Will get right on that.

After that, we went to see "Curious George" at the West Mall 7. We were the only ones in the theater. Our own private screening. It was okay. Kids enjoyed it, but I don't think they liked it as much as they thought they might. Ended the afternoon by hitting Barnes and Noble and Culver's for supper on the way out of town.

I've been wearing my glasses the last 2 days. At Easter, my eyes (esp. the left) were very itchy and watery. I chalked it up to allergies and went about my merry way. I did change the lenses on Easter Sunday, and ended up having to put another fresh one in left eye the next day as I'd lost the first one I'd put in there. Things went okay for about a week. The next Sat., i started having the itchy feeling more in my right eye. i spent that Sunday and part of Monday in glasses, put my contacts in on Monday morning and ended up pulling them by 8 that night. I'm thinking it is a bacterial infection that went from one eye to the next. When I changed my lenses, i didn't change my lense case, so anything on the old lenses was transferred to the new. I'm going to go about a week in glasses. If I'm still itchy and watery (is now down to the right eye), I'm heading in for an exam. Otherwist, it is new lenses and a new case and see how it goes.

Cubs seem to be faltering. Don't know if they'll right the ship with Lee on the DL, but I'm hopeful. Of course I am, I'm a Cubs fan.