With the calendar changing to 2007, we are that much closer to a much needed vacation. Shelly and I will be heading back to the Caribbean (this will be our 9th time in 4 1/2 years of marriage) for a cruise in April. Now I love my son Zach, but this is a trip we are taking without him - you know, for us to remember what dating was like? Thanks to my in-laws for being so awesome, and who will watch Zach while we are away! Just getting excited about the trip, so I thought I’d share some pictures from previous cruises…

Doesn’t Mexico have the most beautiful water? Crystal clear, blue as can be, and just cool to look at…

My favorite pastime. Tanning on the pool deck while sailing in the Caribbean. Oh, and of course with a Pina Colada in hand…

Key West has some really cool little shops. We usually get off and go shopping for a few hours when we are there…

Are you dizzy yet? I hate heights, but lucky for me I was standing on glass when I took this. Aren’t cruise ships cool?

Ever wonder what Hell looks like? Well here you go. Welcome to the wonderful (and hot) location of Hell, Grand Cayman…

Just a quick post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!!

Santa brought lots of presents this year, and there is still more to come. Very cool pictures coming soon…

Over the past few days, I have insanely been listening to one of my new favorite songs called The Riddle by Five for Fighting. I don’t know about you, but music speaks to me quite often, that is when I take the time to actually let it happen. For me, music is so expressive, and combines two of my favorite aspects of art - writing with melody.

As some of you know, my son Zach was in the hospital for four day earlier this week, and during that time, I watched him go through way too much pain. I felt it as well, and maybe felt the pain more deeply than he possibly did. Something happened to me throughout the course of his stay, and it has stuck with me ever since then.

I met life.

In fact, life met me. I will confess that over the past ten years of my life, I have spent a majority of my time spinning my wheels. You know, the wheels of chasing happiness, and I would seek that in ways that in time always failed. And they will again and again.

But in the past few days, I have replaced the idolatrous things that have continually let me down. Things that mean so little in the big picture. Things that will one day go back in the box.

I dare you to shed the superficial things that weigh you down. Remove the busyness, the appeal to look good, the strive for perfection, the will to make more money and to be successful.

Embrace life.

Embrace those who you love. Embrace the fact that life will not go on forever, and that your chance to be truly happy is limited. And if you’re looking for the answer…

Here’s a riddle for you
Find the Answer
There’s a reason for the world
You and I…

Just wanted to say that I have officially let go of the Vertigo Theme on this website. The past few days have been mind-boggling (designwise) and I’ve finally made the switch.

Now granted, please read the tagline below my name in the header, which states that this is a live reboot. What does this mean? That my visitors shall extend me the deepest amount of grace while I clean up this mess called Blue Zinfandel theme, add some bells and whistles and get things rolling.

The forthcoming posts will have some meat to them, not just me gabbing about my site. I promise.

Gotta design some more. Peace out.

I am in the middle of implementing my new theme, so if the site looks a bit goofy, this is why. By sometime tomorrow, the site should be ready for flawless viewing. Yeah right. At least most of the coding should be done.

Thanks for your understanding.

P.S. We are home from the hospital and Zach is doing better. I guess it must have been a really bad virus, because all of the tests they took came back normal. The joys of parenting…