Where does the time go?

Not sure how two months have practically passed by and we haven't posted. I think about it at least once or twice a week while at work but I forget by the time I get home. Tonight was the exception. Let me try to remember what's been going on around here. I've started singing at church every 2nd and 4th Saturdays. It's been really good and I plan to start practice up at church too. For labor day weekend we went to New York and met up with Ben, Celi, and Jason. We we went to the Alabama alumni spot in NY to watch the first game. I actually saw someone I knew---which is funny because he doesn't live in NY so it was all by chance. It was cool to catch up. We also got to try Korean food for the first time. This time we took the Bolt Bus up and back. It was fairly nice. The first time up, the air wasn't working very well and on the way back, the electricity was out. Bolt bus are supposed to be these really nice buses with electrical outlets and internet. The internet was a little slower than we anticipated, but overall it was nice. Leather seats on the way back.

A couple three weekends back we went to Astu and Rishi's apartment. The made us some authentic Indian food that was absolutely delish! I'm not going to even begin to name the dishes because I know I will butcher them but it was soooo good. I've got a couple of the recipes and one weekend I'll get brave and try to make it. After dinner we played some mariokart for a little while. All around, a fun night. I really can't wait to try the recipes out!

My Grandpa has been in and out of the hospital for the last month or so. The found a couple of tumors in his bladder and removed them. They did prove to be cancerous. They also discovered that the left kidney wasn't functioning very well and that the duct from the bladder to the left kidney was blocked. The doctors tried to break through but couldn't. Not sure what this blockage is and they are monitoring how much the kidney is outputing. He recently had a bladder infection that put him in the hospital for at least 10 days and is still recovering from that currently. They haven't started chemo yet, but it is in the plans. He has to get over this infection first. This chemo should be entered directly into the bladder causing less side effects than other forms of chemo could create. Thank you to all of you who have been keeping Grandpa and my family in your prayers. Please continue to do so!

Mom and Dad left today to head back to Florence. We had a great visit with them and enjoyed our time with them. They got here on Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday we took them to Hershey and Lancaster, PA. There we went to Hershey Gardens, Chocolate World, and drove through Amish country. We took lots of time to smell the roses and found some we really liked. The country side was beautiful and very peaceful. On Friday, we took a slow morning and then headed out to Mt. Vernon. Wow! I was so surprised at what there was to do. It was a pretty interesting place and much more than we anticipated to do. We didn't even get to all of it. Saturday morning, I took Mom to Sam's and to Leesburg Outlets. We think we found a Coach purse for her. I'm gonna keep my eyes peeled in case something else comes out that she might like better. After that we headed out to Old Dominion in DC to watch the Alabama game. I think Mom and Dad really liked the atmosphere. It was a good game. Sunday, we went to church and came home for lunch. Later that afternoon we went to Great Falls Park to see the falls, the old canals, and walk around. It was such a pleasant day. Then finally, Mom and Dad left this morning. They drove down party of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and from what I can gather, thought the scenery was pretty. However, they said at some of the high points the temp was 44. Yikes, that's cold!

Speaking of cold, it's supposed to be a high of 56 on Wednesday. This Saturday, I will be flying home for a quick trip. Samantha's birthday is on Saturday and I'm looking forward to going to it. I'll also get to see Chloe which I'm looking forward too. I'm hoping to help Mom and Dad around the house as well as Grandma and Grandpa. Amber and I have some plans in the works for me to have lunch with her at SJS or dinner at her house that night. I'm looking forward to the quick trip. My return flight is on Tuesday. I might be able to work out getting an eye appointment on Tuesday.

Congrats to Brian and Cindy who got married this past Thursday! Best wishes to you both and we are so very excited for you! Maw-maw we are glad to hear that your test results were good. She had an arteriogram (sp chk?). And we are looking forward to the family Gatlinburg trip in November! I know we are both very excited to be getting to spend some time with the family. The other piece of news to share is that Tier has asked me to become a private contractor with them that will hold me there at least to March with the possibility of bringing me on permanently then. I'll have to do a little research into how the tax situation works out as a private contractor but overall, I'm very happy about this opportunity! I've already worked with Tier for 5 months which seems unbelievable to me already. Anyways, I guess this is it for now. I need to get a shower and go to bed. My eyeballs are tired! Love to you all!