Good Friends Over A Drink

This past weekend was good, even though I had to spend it working. I had great patients to work with at work, which made the weekend go so much smoother. I actually got to say "I enjoyed working this weekend!" To add to this, I got a call from my good friend, Zack (one of our ushers in our wedding), who informed me a friend of ours was going to be up visiting this weekend. I hadn't seen Mike since 2003. He was unable to make it to our wedding because he was over in Iraq, and during his tour over there, he ended up in a near explosion of their base. During this incident he actually ended up injured and has required multiple surgeries on his arm and hand. Things are better now, of course, but it has been a long road for him and will still require a couple more surgeries here in the near future.

Anyways, Saturday night I got to the boys! It was great. I walked from our house down to the Anchor Bar and grill, about two miles from our house. Upon my arrival to the bar Zack, Abe (his younger brother), and Mike were there. You know that feeling you get when you're excited to see someone and then you finally see them? Elated? Excited? Nervous? Everything! It was great. I got a huge hug and we talked, had a beer and ate great burgers. (Even though they were a little tipsie, it was still worth while.) The only thing that would have made this better would have been having Amy there with us. Then it really would have been just like old times!*Memories* After finishing our burgers, Joe and I headed home, and the three of them worked there way down Tower Ave to Frankies for a bloody mary. Great memories. Seriously! I wish I could have gone with them, but it is more important to earn money these days, oh, and being able to work not hung over is a bonus!

Other than this past weekend, this coming weekend will be filled with learned and a relaxing. I get to attend a Vestibular Rehabiliation course down in St. Paul. During this venture, I also get to see my sister for a few hours. Maybe a couple of other friends too, we'll have to see how much time we have. The fun thing for Joe is he'll be able to attend the 5th Annual Miller Bowl. A bunch of his friends have been getting together for the past couple of years and play flag/touch football and drink. Unfortunately, I have never been able to attend, but at least this year he'll be able to be a part of the game. After that, we have plans to go to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, and well, cheesecake!! I can't wait! Sometimes breaking the diet for a good piece of cake is worth it. Rules are meant to be broken, right?!

Enlightened Perspective

This was an email I got from my mom and mother-in-law. After reading it, I wanted to share it with all of you. It's nothing special but makes you think of things and remember each other. Please enjoy!

Thoughts written by Andy Rooney , a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words.

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.