I am my spiritual annual performance review...

Of ashes to ashes...
It's that time of the year again...yes, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the 40 days before Easter, although it is actually 40 plus SEVEN days, not 40, he he he. I wonder if I write about this every year...I'll have to look back and check. Anyway, went to Ash Wednesday mass at lunch and the priest was different from the previous years, and provided a very clear-cut message to the congregation; that we give up something we love because we are trying to mimmick even in the absolute smallest way, the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us. So in our own sacrifice, we can try to be like Him, and be a better person in turn. But he also challenged everyone to do more than just that, to actually be HOLIER, whether it's by saying an extra prayer, going to mass more often, etc. But also in forgiving others, and praying for those that you might not want to pray for. It really stirred me; moreso than the usual Ash Wednesday homily, because they're generally all the same, but maybe it's just hitting me at the right time. I only resolved to give up Ketchup at first, but have since chosen to give up all noodles as well; so that's the sacrificial portion. Spiritually, planning on Reading my bible at least once a week during lunch and also attending an extra mass every week. If I really wanna do it, I'll do it...so here's to not being spiritually LAZY. That's my challenge this year...so here's to you and your challenges as well!

of Wedding bells and updates...
Mailed out the invitations to our wedding a few weeks ago....boy those things were quite some work! If you have the budget, I would say to have them done...otherwise, be prepared to do a lot. Well, after quite a while, we finally finished the last ones to go out, which will go out shortly. I can't believe it's only 66 days away...what a whirlwind it's been so far. Can't wait for the big day...would write more, butI just realized how exhausted my mind is....til next time I guess....

I am the middle of the rope...

Of following through...
I listen to a lot of sports radio, because I watch a lot of sports, because I love sports; so I keep up with a lot of what's going on in the sports world. The other day, BYU(Bringham Young University) suspended one of their top players, Brandon Davies, for the rest of the season for violating the BYU honor code by having "sexual relations" with his girlfriend. Now everyone has their opinion about it and has taken their stand and talked about the issue ad nauseum on various radio talk shows all over the nation and it baffles me. I don't have a radio talk show, so this would be my segment on it. I find it amusing that so many people have a problem with this honor code being enforced; that a school actually stood by its convictions and followed through with what they said they would do. When I grow up as a dad(if I am blessed with that gift), one of the lessons I will teach my kids is, "Do what you say, and say what you do." BYU exemplified that lesson in a way that shows us all exactly how to follow through. When it's inconvenient...the team probably just dramatically weakened their hopes at winning the national championship. When it is difficult to do so, they did. That's what makes this action even more admirable, because they are standing for what they believe in, regardless of what everyone else says, or thinks. Every kid coming into BYU knows the honor code, it is BLACK and WHITE; so breaking the rule reaps the consequences. So you make your bed, you lie in it. Kudos to to you BYU - and to all who stay true to their convictions.

I am my raised glass in memory...

A facebook message...and to think, this facebook profile will never be updated, or posted from again. It's a strange thought, but it's real. A facebook message...this is the last contact that I had with Mr. Herman Atienza, before he passed from complications stemming from Pancreatic Cancer last night. You truly never know how tomorrow will pan out. One of my biggest pieces of advice to others right now is: Don't put things off, especially when it comes to visiting or spending time with those you love, because no matter how many times we hear it, we still TOO often take time for granted, and more often than not, we put it off until it's too late. I thought I was gonna get to see Herman, and at some level, was hoping for a cure even though this form of cancer is the most aggressive and has probably one of the highest mortality rates, but I just put off seeing him and now I'll never get the chance. I was never as close to Herman as many of my friends are, but I will still miss him. I remember that when I met him the first few times, we got off on the wrong foot and I had a negative first impression; but that just goes to show that first impressions aren't always everything. The guy loved sports, and had a brightening infectious smile, and smiled until the end, as evidenced in recent pictures I've seen him on.

So rest in peace Herman, I know God is with you, and that you're not suffering any more...until we meet again my friend....