Hello World!!

Larry's Thoughts:::

Ok, ok I know it has been a while since I've written on here. Ok probably a LONG while but those who know me, know that I'm a deep thinker but probably not the deepest communicator. 2011 is a new year and so I thought I'd start off the year with a few thoughts.

For the few of you left on Planet Earth who don't know by now, I popped the question to Bridge a couple of weeks ago. And not the big question of "what do you want for dinner?" but rather if she would be willing to be my wife. Yes ladies and gents, we got engaged. That was a big thing for me because, like most people, I had concerns and questions if this next milestone would change us. One of the finest qualities of the relationship we have is that a good one and, although I know change itself is inevitable, I don't want to change for the worse only for the better. I know people had been wondering about when or if we would take the plunge. It really came down to one thing-- and that was do I want to live my life without Bridge in it? The firm answer was "NO" because I truly believe my life is better with her being in it. I want to take that next step with her by my side because I believe in us, our friendship, and our love. Thankfully, after one "are you joking??", she agreed :-)

2010 was a big year for me for lots of up's and down's...I did lose my beloved Popo in February after him being ill. I loved him dearly and deeply because we had a strong connection. I remember after Bridge and I started dating, I told her that there was "someone else" and she was a little astonished. But after I told her that the "someone else" was my Popo, she understood. I was committed to making his golden years comfortable and happy so no matter what, I always made sure to get him whatever he wanted or needed. Losing him was losing a part of myself and I think I'll grieve in little ways for some time to come. Fortunately Bridge was there to help me weather through it and I'm stronger for it. On a happier note, Bridge and I took a nice vacation in June to Boston and we had a splendid time. The highlight was visiting Fenway Park and seeing my beloved Red Sox play AND getting to meet the players. I also started graduate school in August and that was something I never foresaw me doing because my goal had been to finish my Bachelors degree, which I did 10 years ago. But I knew the time had come to undertake the next academic challenge of my life and I did well having earned two A's. I'm going for a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership at Our Lady of the Lake University. This degree suited me because it is interdisciplinary in nature and applicable to virtually any endeavor I go for in life. 2010 was challenging because both Bridge and I got sick in July. I developed a staph infection in my leg which required surgery to get out. That was particularly concerning since I am a diabetic. But the docs did what they were supposed to and I made it through. Bridge got shingles about this time too and that was difficult for her because it was very uncomfortable. But, in typical fashion, she beat it and became stronger for going through it.

Overall I am curious to see what 2011 has in store. I'm always a believer in the glass being half-full and not half-empty. Attitude can take you far so here's to an exciting journey to us and to you all in the new year.

til next time...