Christmas and Flying.

First comes the apology. I have fallen into the very thing that bugs me about people and their blogs--not blogging. Therefore, I apologize to all who have patiently awaited my next entry and also apologize to myself for becoming my own pet peeve.

Now that that's done, let me tell ya about Christmas. Our Christmas started Friday, December 15th with my Parents and brother coming to visit. We went to Applebee's for dinner after picking up Kristine from work and then headed back to our apartment to exchange gifts. We enjoyed the gifts we all received, but I must say the best was the time we got to spend with family. However, Kristine and I did receive the video camera we both requested as well as a stroller/car seat combo. Frawesome. That Saturday, we headed to Prescott and had our extended family Christmas at my grandmother's house. It was great to see everyone again, and the excitement of spending time with one another far exceeded our anticipation to open gifts. In fact, everyone seemed to be more interested in watching a movie than opening presents. Sunday afternoon we had lunch at my Aunt Karen's house and had the Woodring Christmas exchange. Sunday night presented us with a Christmas play at White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, which included my two cousins. All in all, it was a great weekend.

The following Friday, Christmas picked back up with a flight to Louisville, Kentucky. Upon arrival, Kristine's parents and brother were there ready to take us back to Bloomfield. We arrived at their house at about 1:40 a.m. (By the way, Kristine and I flew for the first time and must say we loved it. It's much preferred over driving for 10 hours.) We had the Gregg family Christmas on Saturday evening and, though there seemed to be quite a few family members absent, we had fun seeing everyone that was there. Sunday, we attended Hebron Baptist Church. David Gregg, Kristine's brother, preached the morning service and I preached that evening. We spent lunch with both sets of Kristine's grandparents, sharing stories and talking about jam. That evening after services we had Christmas with Kristine's family. It went well, but yet again the best part was spending time with people we love. I guess I'm growing up. On our way back, Kristine and I got to see the tops of clouds, which are awesome. It was a lot of fun. Thank you to all who spent time with us this Christmas. You made it a great holiday season.

As the holiday season concludes, our baby season continues, as does Kristine's belly expansion. Here's a couple of recent photos of the baby bubble (12/28/2006).

Well, that's it for now. We hope everyone had a great Christmas, and Happy New Year. Stay tuned.

Procrastination.

I am simply blogging to apologize for the gap between posts. It is primarily due to the fact that I am a procrastinator. I know this must come as a shock to many of you, but alas, it is true. Therefore, there may not be another update in my blog until after next week, which is the last week of school. Between now and then I have multiple papers and commentaries to complete as well as finals to study for. I appreciate your patience and I promise there'll be more to come...you'll just have to stay tuned.

Indiana's a trip.

Introduction
This blog will consist of an account of Jonathan and Kristine's visit in Indiana. It will therefore be quite lengthy, so proceed with caution. It is not for the faint of heart. Some of the material may cause tears, laughter, or other possible results. This blog is not responsible for any of them. Also, pictures will be provided for your viewing pleasure. The pictures posted will also be able to be viewed in the near future on the website along with many others. And now, without further ado, the blog.

Thanksgiving (11/23/2006)
Kristine and I arrived at her parents house Wednesday night at about 8:30 pm. Her parents and brother had not yet returned home, so the two of us took the time to kick our feet up and relax after the long drive. Her parents arrived soon after, and following a bit of reacquainting, we started off for bed. But not before Grandparent Greggs got a chance to feel Niah moving. The following morning, Kristine's Dad and brother took me with them to check traps they had set the previous day. We set out on the lake and returned with eight muskrats and a racoon. It was definitely a memorable experience. Upon reaching the fifth trap or so, Mike (Kristine's dad) had a fun time trying to kill a muskrat that had happened to survive the night caught in a leg trap. After shooting it once and beating it profusely, he handed the rat to me as he tried to reset the trap. As I held the thing halfway in the water by the tail, I felt a slight wiggle. The muskrat he had so desperately tried to kill had refused to die. As I looked in awe I told him the mangy thing was still alive. After asking if I would like to give it back I said, "well, won't it just drown with me holding it in the water like this?" In response he stated, "maybe, or it might try to run its way up your arm." Upon hearing that, I handed it back to him without hesitation.
After returning back to the house, The three of us cleaned up and went with Shawn (Kristine's mom) to Thanksgiving Dinner at Kristi's grandparents'. She had left early to help out with things. The meal was delightful, as was the time with family. We were able to see people we hadn't seen in over a year. That alone made the trip quite worth it.

Pacers vs. Cavs (11/24/2006)

Friday morning Mike, Dave, and I went to check traps again while Kristine and her mom went shopping with Shawn's sisters. Sadly, the previous day's catch was not to be repeated. We left with but one muskrat. We then returned to the house and had a bit of fun riding around on Mike's Rhino™, which is basically a mini tank. I then packed up a majority of Kristine's and my belongings and headed off to Anderson to see my parents and meet David Story for the ever-anticipated basketball game. I arrived at about 4:00 pm and spent some quality time with Mom and Dad. We talked about various things, like Thanksgiving and school. Then at about 5:20, David Story rang the doorbell. He came in and we chatted for a few minutes, and then the two of us headed to Conseco Fieldhouse to watch the Indiana Pacers battle it out with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
We got there about an hour and 45 minutes early and went as quickly as possible to find our seats. We were on the middle level, club seats with catering. It's the best seating I've ever had at a professional game. We watched the warmups in awe as LeBron James threw down a couple of pre-game dunks. We then watched in even more awe as he sped down the court on a fast break and flew through the air to slam down a ferocious double pump. Amazing. After a lazy first half by the Pacers, Sarunas Jasikivicius and Jermaine O'Neal seemed to jump start a huge run with some defensive help from Darrel Armstrong. They held the Cavs to just 9 points in the third. They followed it up with a strong fourth quarter finish, causing the Cavs to start fouling in desperation. As a result, James fouled out of the game, but not before dishing out 30 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists. Jermaine finished with 29 points and 6 rebounds as he led the Pacers to a 10 point victory, 97-87. David and I celebrated on the ride home by recapping the game and praising the Pacers for their second half efforts. Afterwards, we stopped by Steak n' Shake for a couple of delicious milkshakes.

Baby Showers of blessing (11/25/2006)
Saturday started off with waking up early and making another trip back to Bloomfield for the baby shower. My mom drove me and my brother the two hours where she then attended the shower while my brother and I kept Josh Allen, Dave Gregg, and my brother-in-law Andy company (my sister, Amanda, was also at the shower). I can't say much concerning the shower since I wasn't there, but I'm told it was a lot of fun. Kristine did tell me about a couple of games they played that seemed rather interesting. There were 17 that showed, which was more than was expected. I must say, it does look like it was fun. Thanks to all who participated and graciously gave. We love you all.

My mom's van was then packed with all the gifts we had been given. Following the shower and some casual conversation, Kristine, Timothy, Mom, and I all headed back to Anderson. The trip was fun with the exception of some disgusting beef jerky. I think it was still alive. Anywho, we arrived in Anderson at about 5:30 and took the rest of the evening spending time with my family.

Family Ties (11/26/2006)
Sunday my family got up (some of us a bit late) to get ready for church. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but my brother, dad, and I all managed to coordinate our clothes. We were men in black....with ties. Sunday morning went well, and Sunday School turned out to be quite interesting. We talked about the various names of God. The services were also good, and Dad preached a great message on the blessings God gives us, whether as the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. After services, Mom, Dad, and Kristine returned home to prepare for lunch while Timothy and I went to pick up his girlfriend, Morgan. When the three of us got home we were greeted with, "Don't change, Mom wants pictures." So, here they are.
After lunch, Dad offered me the opportunity to preach Sunday night. I graciously accepted and got to work. It was nice to be in front of some familiar faces, and afterward everyone commented on how well I had done and how much I've improved. We then went home and watched some of the Colts game. They overcame Philadelphia 45-21, much thanks to Joseph Addai. He had four touchdowns on the night and Manning threw 14/20 for 183 yards, breaking 3,000 yards in his career and doing it faster than anyone else in league history.

Tripped up (11/27/2006)

On Monday, Kristine and I woke up early to say our goodbyes to my mom and dad, and after getting a couple more hours sleep, got back up to pack our things for the drive home. The car was already tightly packed with baby gifts, but we somehow managed to get our other belongings in. As we drove down Jeffrey Drive we met Timothy coming back from class. We stopped long enough to say goodbye and headed off. Before taking the long trip to Little Rock, Kristine and I made our customary stop at the Allen household. Erin and Camrynne were there to greet us. We talked for a while and then, upon Josh's return from work, we all went to Penn Station for lunch. Ah, Penn Station. Naturally, I ordered a Philly Cheesesteak and Kristine got the Chicken Terriyaki. We left from there, and headed for Arkansas. The trip was nothing more than exhausting, with the exception of our car not starting after we had stopped for a rest. We gave it a bit of time and it started right up. The trip itself, as I've already stated, was exhausting. We almost instantly began to miss people, but were glad when we arrived back at our dinky little apartment.

Well, that's it for my Indiana trip blog. We do miss those whom we've just recently left. You're always in our hearts. With that, I should think this should do my reader's for a good week or so. As always, stay tuned.

Blogs.

I have noticed (not just recently, but nevertheless) that there are many people, most who are my links, who have little interest in blogging. My brother, Timothy, blogs very occasionally and usually pretty simplistic. My dad just recently blogged a couple of times for the first time since June. David Story's last post was even titled "Blogged Out", talking about his disinterest in blogging anymore. My sister Amanda and her husband Andy usually do pretty well keeping up, but many times are too busy to blog consistently.

This isn't a complaint, really. It's just an observation. A few people I know have stated why they don't have a blog. They wouldn't have time to keep up with it, or they don't feel their lives are interesting enough to keep a blog. Well, my life isn't any more interesting than theirs. I guess I've just gained an interest in journaling/writing. I think it started with an English comp class, which struck an interest in writing. I like to think I'm good at it. I enjoy trying to paint a picture verbally, something that can get someones imagination rolling. I like to try to make my life seem interesting, even when it's not. And I like reading others' blogs. Many times they're thought provoking. Take my dad's last blog. It's refreshing and encouraging to read. It speaks of thanking God for the things we take for granted every day. My sister's usually reads of love and thankfulness for family. None of them are "I'm going to be a Hollywood star", or "I just won the lottery". They're more real than that. So many times, the world misses those things. We need to be reminded what's real. Sometimes it's as simple (and sad) as missing someone, or as wonderful as seeing how God's blessed someone.

With all that said, my next blog will probably not come until Kristine and I return from the homeland. But you better believe when I do blog again it'll be a long one. I'm sure it will consist of all that happens on the trip: Thanksgiving, basketball games, seeing friends and family. For now, though, I'll be taking a short break from blogging. Thanks to all who read. Until next time, stay tuned.

Gesta-what?

Well, I'm glad I won't have to be learning anything about gestational diabetes. At Kristine's rather lengthy appointment yesterday she was informed she did not have gestational diabetes. The little I know about it is now more than I need to know. Hana Niah is doing fine, and Kristine is doing better than ever. We've gotten in the habit of talking to her, mostly at night, and it's been quite an experience. I know it may seem mundaine to most people, but being able to feel (and sometimes see) her react when she hears her mom or dad is exciting to me. It makes me long all the more for her to be here.

Also exciting to me is the fact that in exactly one week Kristine and I will be making the trip up to Indiana. Some of our plans include spending Thanksgiving with family, shopping, a Pacers/Cavs basketball game, a baby shower, some basketball playing time, and people gloating over Kristine when they see her, possibly making her slightly uncomfortable by approaching her and touching her belly. I am definitely looking forward to it. I'm avoiding the fact that we will have to be leaving the following Monday. I'm too excited about going and seeing people to let it bring me down. That will have to wait until our return trip.

As far as news from New Testament, I have talked to the pastor. He informed me that the church has not yet made any definite decision apart from wanting to hear a couple or so more guys for the position. I guess that means I'm still in consideration, but there's the possibility they'll choose someone else. As a result, Kristine and I are kind of moving on. We haven't given up on it, but we realize that it's in God's hands and we're just praying for His will for us. It's as much His choice who ends up at that church as it is theirs. I guess what I'm saying is I want what's best for them and me. If I'm not what's best for them, then I know God will work that out.

Just keep praying for the three of us and stay tuned.

Curiosity killed the cat....

....but patience is killin' the person. I've yet to hear back from New Testament Baptist Church in Lonoke AR, the church I went to as a candidate for youth pastorship. I was told I would receive a call sometime this week, and the week has but a day left in it. The suspense is killin' me! I'm anxious to know what their decision is concerning me.

Also, Kristine goes to her next doctor's appointment Tuesday. I don't think I'll be attending this one, but there are a few things that make me want to go. I want to know how the baby's doing, how the pregnancy is progressing, and what Kristine needs as it progresses. She'll be tested for gestational diabetes this go-around, and I'm curious to know what the results will be (though I am optimistic about it). I'm sure everything will be fine, but I really am getting impatient with having to wait for Niah to get here.

Last in my list of impatientness, I'm ready to see some cornfields, or at least what remains of them. Our trip to Indiana is 11 days away, and I'll be more than ready when it arrives. I could use the break. School is going well, but I'm starting to feel a bit burnt out. I need to continue working on some papers that will be due in the not to distant future. Right now, though, I feel seeing the familiar faces of those in the Northland is just what I need to rejuvenate and get me through the rest of the semester.

I know that patience is a virtue, but sometimes it's a pain to be virtuous. It seems that so much is happening at once and not at all at the same time. I guess God's just trying to teach me something. I'll just have to trust Him and go from there. As always, stay tuned.

Home sick and sick of home.

The other day Kristine and I were invited to go out to eat with a church family. We declined, seeing that we would be the only couple that didn't share a last name, current or former. On the way home from church, I noticed a very quiet, solemn Kristine. When I asked what was wrong, she broke down (it doesn't help that she's pregnant) and simply said she was homesick. We then talked about what it was that we both missed, and what we were looking forward to when we return to Hoosierland for Thanksgiving. I then started thinking about all the things I disliked about being in Little Rock. Our apartment seems to small for three. The "big city" doesn't seem to have much to do. Close friends and family aren't around to share wonderful experiences, say, while Kristine's pregnant. People that we've known for years that are special to us aren't around to see her stomach expanding, or feel when Niah rolls or kicks. I think not being able to share this experience is what makes us the most homesick.

I'm not really complaining about Arkansas, or at least I don't mean to. I just miss the place where I grew up as a teenager. The place where I went to high school and started college, where I got my first job. I also miss what my brother talked about in his latest blog, laughing and joking with him and my sister. Arkansas isn't evil, though. I do enjoy the changing leaves and the natural beauty. I enjoy seeing mountainous hills covered in trees and the curves of the land. Plus you can enjoy it all without three massive cornfields obscuring the view. I guess I just wish we could take those dearest to us wherever we go and enjoy it all with them. We both need the time in Indiana, though, and can't wait to get there. To those who'll be expecting us, see you soon. It'll be refreshing to be in your presence. Until then, stay tuned.

List two.

Here by popular demand, Kristine Michelle Woodring's Christmas wish list. Happy reading! Stay tuned.

An imagination run wild.

I have a vast imagination, always have for as long as I can remember. Just ask my family. My sister would gladly tell you of a time when I would pretend to be a lion or a tiger, imagining myself to be so ferocious that I would have to be caged by the sturdy, impenetrable walls of a laundry basket.

My imagination has since been diluted due to age and a good dose of reality. Nevertheless, I find myself more engrossed in a vivid world of imagination than most at my age. In today's case, my imagination took me five months from now.

In my mind's eye, I imagined what the apartment would look like, specifically in the corner of the living room where the wall with the window and the wall with the front door intersect. There, where the Christmas tree presently stands, stood instead a pack n' play. I saw myself hovering over it, looking done at a very young baby girl, stretching her little wiry arms and legs in awkward directions. As baby Hana Niah woke up I slightly bent over, reaching one hand to gently place under her head and another just under her tiny body. She curled slightly in my arms as I brought her close to me, possibly due to my cold hands. I held her close, her head gently resting on my shoulder, not yet able to hold it up on her own. My mind then seemed to repeat the action of me laying her gently back down and picking her up in the same way I had before. It was the most precious thought I have yet had about our little girl. My thoughts then drifted, and I realized how much more precious it will be when I can actually pick my daughter up in my arms. I'm so ready to be able to hold her, to no longer have to imagine. I'm ready to see the expression of everyone that's anticipating her birth when she finally is born.

For now, I simply enjoy getting to feel her occasional kicking, or seeing her kick from inside her mommy, making a little bulge for a short instant. I thank God every day for her. Now I just pray that He gives me the patience I need to wait for her arrival.

Stay tuned.

Thankful for Christmas.

Announcements: As you all know, Christmas is just around the corner. Being such I have decided to link my wish list from my blog. You can access it by clicking here. If there are any additions to the list (I doubt there will be) I will add a renewed link in a later blog. Also, Kristine's wish list will soon be posted as well. Lastly, feel free to see some of the (subtle) changes on JKWoodring.com. Now on to better things.

Kristine has taken the liberty to skip the tradition of putting up the Christmas tree the weekend after thanksgiving by going ahead and erecting it now. She's very much in the Christmas spirit (much more so than me) and is excited already for Christmas to get here. I think a lot of the anticipation is due to the pregnancy. By Christmas she will be about seven months along in the pregnancy, and it seems that when a momentous occasion spurs the thought of how much closer it will be to when the baby's born she gets more excited for that occasion to arrive. What I find so funny is that she skips right over Thanksgiving, the time when we go to visit our families in Indiana. By that time she should be showing quite a bit more than she is now, and I know everyone is anxious to see her. I can't wait. It seems like it's been so long since we've seen everyone. Anywho, we're both very excited, and hopefully we'll have some visual record of that on some upcoming blogs. Until then, stay tuned.

A Memorable Experience.

I would first like to state that this is the first blog on my newly received laptop. Yea.

Now for the good stuff. Yesterday, Kristine and I went to Lonoke, Arkansas to visit New Testament Missionary Baptist Church as a candidate for youth pastor. It was an awesome experience. The people there were very welcoming and extremely hospitable. The pastor and his wife opened their home to us and we got a chance to get to know each other a little more. They seem to be wonderful people, and despite what happens, I'm glad to have met them all. The experience alone was worth it. I could definitely see Kristine and myself working well with them, but for now it's in God's hands. Now we just have to be patient and see what his plan is. We ask that you keep praying for us and, until next time, stay tuned.

Thank God.

Yes, it's Friday, and the only day that could possibly be better right now is Saturday. Friday introduces the weekend, and I'm thrilled to know that it's upon us. I had a rough day yesterday, going from a good day to a bad day to a worse day. However, things worked out and God allowed me a good night's sleep. God really is good, every bit of good He says He is.

As the days progress so does my anticipation in receiving something I've been needing for a long time.... a working computer. Hopefully it's on its way, and if that's the case, I should be getting it either this weekend or early next week. Having a computer again means being able to stay caught up with schoolwork. It also means more potential blogging.

Speaking of this weekend, this Sunday is my venture to the New Testament Baptist Church in Lonoke, AR. I'll be going as a prospective Youth Pastor, so I'm definitely nervous, but also very excited at the possibility to finally have an opportunity to jump in to what I already know God has called me to do. Patience has worked to my benifit, and now I'm just praying that God shows me what He has in store. I've not lost sight of the possibility that this may not be in His will for me. Kristine and I are both praying for His guidance in the situation. Thanks to all who are doing the same.

As far as Kristine and Niah, they're both doing rather well. We're still trying to move up the scale in weight (pun intended), but everything seems to be going well. Both are healthy and kicking (Niah moreso than Kristine on the kicking). I'm getting more anxious every day to hold our daughter in my arms. It seems that since we found out she was a girl I've become more impatient, wanting her to arrive right now. I guess reading to her and singing to her while she swims around in her temperary abode will have to do for now.

Well, that's all for now. I know it's a lot more than usual, but there's a lot going on right now. Stay tuned for more.

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Well, our doctor's appointment went very well. We went directly to ultrasound, seeing the baby's head and face, abdomen, legs, feet, and hands. At last, the tech told us... it's a little girl! So, without further ado, here she is: Baby Hana Niah Woodring at 21 weeks and 4 days.

(Click on the pictures to enlarge them)

Stay tuned.

Three days away.

Kristine and I are three days away from finding out whether the baby is a "rico" or a "rica" (no, we're not going to actually give it one of those names). We're both extremely excited, and are quite frankly getting impatient. We will be calling many to let them know the gender, but hopefully will also be posting it here for those whom we forget or neglect to call.

In other news, we went to a pumpkin patch today with some neighborly friends, or friendly neighbors if you prefer. It was tiring, but everyone seemed to end up having fun. We got three pumpkins, one for each of us. One of our neighbors decided to be more ambitious and bought a large, 70 lbs. pumpkin.

Apart from that, we don't really have anything else going on apart from the norm. With that said, stay tuned.

"Blog, you freak!"

Upon the request of my beautiful and understanding wife, I will be blogging. The title, as some of you may realize, is a direct quote from said wife. Anywho, much has happened since I last blogged. I would have blogged before now, but the lack of a computer has halted me yet again.

Friday started out as a tired day at school for me and a minor car accident for Kristine, at no fault of her own. Upon hearing about this, I immediately left school (with the very appreciated help of my friend Ben Hightower) to make sure she was okay. She and the baby were and are both okay, and the car's not bad either. We're still waiting to hear from our insurance company to know if they'll cover any potential expenses.

Saturday held very little worth blogging about, just some sitting around, a quick run to Target, and back home to sit around some more. Sunday had much more to offer. After church Sunday morning, Kristine and I went to Mammaw Liz's house to eat and help set up her Christmas Village. Actually, She, Kristine, and my aunt Debbie unloaded the village stuff while I watched the Colts narrowly pull out a win over the Tennessee Titans. Then, I jumped in to put my half hour's worth.

Today, I've received multiple phone calls, including a call into work. Kristine did her usual routine of going into work as well. As far as my phone calls, I recently received a call from a church wanting me to come in "view of a call" as a youth pastor. I go on October 29, and this coming Sunday I've been asked to preach at Faith.

Now, for some more exciting news: Kristine has the baby bulge, or as I like to call it, a baby bubble.
Also, the baby's decided to get active. Last night, upon waking up from a not so deep sleep, Kristine felt a consecutive 20 kicks from baby "rico". Speaking of "rico", we'll hopefully get to stop calling it that and start calling it by it's name. Well, that's it for now, so until next time, stay tuned.

No Excuses.

I apologize to all who check my blog to catch up and have found no updates in quite some time (about 3 weeks, I think). Between school and working unsteady hours at the elementary school I worked at last year, I've been quite busy, not to mention not having a computer. Alas, I did make a comment quite a while back about my pet peeve of people who have blogs and do not update them on a consistent basis. Therefore, I can not allow myself any excuses. Now, to update you, I've been busy with school and, oddly, work. Kristine, while working, is still doing well, as is the baby. We're two weeks away from finding out the gender and are getting more excited as each day comes and goes. Well, that's it for now. Stay tuned for more.

In Five Weeks.

Kristine and I just recently returned from a doctor's appointment. The prognosis: Kristine and the baby are both progressing well in the pregnancy. Kristine did lose a bit more weight, but she's been eating consistently, withdrawn from vomiting, and feeling a little bit better every day. The only possible concern is what could be the return of a UTI. We'll find out later today, but otherwise everything looks good. Because of that, our two week schedule has been changed. This time around, we won't have to go back until October 17, which is about five weeks away. At that point, we should be able to find out the gender of our child. I'm already excited! And though five weeks isn't a very long time, it still seems too long. I am glad that "Rico" is doing well, though, as is Kristine. Just continue to keep us in your prayers, and thanks to all who have done so thus far. Until Next time, stay tuned.

26-21.

That was the final score of the Colts/Giants game. The intensity and pressure of all the hype was evident. Both teams suffered some from it. Yet, in the end, the Colts pulled off the win.

Peyton Manning was interviewed afterward and said, "I'm just glad it's over." In reference to how his brother performed he stated, "I'm proud of him....he played his butt off." That's dignity. There was no gloating, no "I'm better than you" type attitude. Nothing but encouragement and relief that the game had ended. And despite the outcome, despite the preconceived notions, Eli did play hard. Hard enough to roll with his brother. Enough to say, "Hey, I belong in this league.Well done, Eli.

Congratulations to the Colts. As far as the Giants go, maybe we will get to see a rematch in the post season. Maybe.

Stay tuned.

Quarrel among brothers.

As many of you probably know, I have a brother. Timothy is three years, one month, and seventeen days younger than me. Growing up, we had our fair share of fights and arguments. Our parents would probably tell you there were more than that. Now, at 22 and 19, Timothy and I get along quite well. We stay in touch, talking almost every day via cell phones. We seize every opportunity we're given to get together and hang out. Yet, somehow there is still a rivalry between us. It is done more in playful competition now, but still, there is that tendency to want to outdo each other.

I often wonder if it is like that with most brothers. I know it is with some. Rivalry between brothers just seems natural. And somehow, it's also intriguing. Which brings me to my next subject: Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Giants. As a Hoosier convert, I'm a big fan of Indiana sports. It helps to know that the best quarterback in the NFL plays for Indy. Tonight's game is a bit different, though. Tonight, a rivalry begins. Tonight, the Colts' Manning will have a quarterback contest with the Giants' Manning. Peyton vs. Eli. What a game.

I am interested to see how tonights game will turn out, and recommend all to watch (especially if you are a Colts or Giants fan). I know it'll be fun to see who comes out on top, and as an Indy fan, I say, "Go Colts!" With all that said, may the best Manning win.

Stay tuned.

A very happy unbirthday to you.

First, I would like to have a moment or two of silence for the ever memorable Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. . .

And now to happier things. To all of you whose birthday is not today, happy unbirthday. But specifically, to Kristine. Since I cannot go back in time one day for obvious reasons, and because I did not have the chance to blog yesterday, I am saying happy birthday yesterday, Kristine. And happy unbirthday today. I hope many gifts come your way, but more than that, love, support, and acknowledgement. I can't express how wonderful it has already been getting to know you these last few years, and am excitedly anticipating many more to come. Ample thanks to God for putting you on this earth 22 years and one day ago. Here's to that and many more to come. I love you, mavourneen.

Stay tuned.