An Update of Sorts

Well, a lot of things have changed in the year and 9 months since I posted last. I no longer live in Maryland. I've worked in 2 hospitals (one in Virginia, one in Iraq), and become a trainer for the Department of Defense on the TMIP program. I've gotten my own place in Northern Virginia, and I also bought a new truck (2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 QuadCab pickup).

I've learned a lot about myself in the last several months, and I think going to Iraq for 3 months gave me a lot more perspective than I had before. It gave me the opportunity to see what kind of person I was, and to learn what I was capable of. It also gave me the chance to make some really good friends, ones I'll not soon forget.
Since my return, I've been working in Falls Church, Virginia, about 3 miles west of the Pentagon. I can see the Washington Monument from my office.

My mother has stayed in my apartment; it was her first time staying overnight in the home of one of her children. My brothers have visited and stayed the night. My pseudo-step-sister has gotten married and had a beautiful baby girl (not necessarily in that order). My father has bought some property, and is building a new house on it as I write this.

I've become a better friend than I ever was, and also been closer to most of my family than ever before. Going to Iraq brought me that.

I've learned that my patience has its limits. I've also learned how to manage my money properly. I've brought my credit score up over 150 points in the last year and a half. I've been offered more credit cards in the last 2 months than my entire life combined.

I discovered that I made the dean's list in my last semester in college. It took me until last weekend to finally pick up the transcripts.

I'm slowly working on getting my apartment and my office decorated nicely. I've got some touches done, and have a pretty good idea how to finish the job.

I dress better now than I ever did before, and I'm much more confident than I ever was. I know who I am, and I'm not afraid of it anymore.

To my family: I love you all. You've played an integral part in making me who I am today, and I want to thank you for that.

To my friends: keep your heads up. Without you, I would have given up years ago. You've given me the strength to persevere, and I wouldn't have made it without your help.

To my future wife: I hope you're ready. I've got more love that you'll know what to do with.

To my future children: daddy will be here for you forever. I will love you with every ounce of my being (or at least whatever's left after your mother takes a lot of it), no matter what. A father's love is unconditional.

To everybody else: make love, not war. We as a species need to come together, learn tolerance and love, and stop with the petty bickering over land and religion. We're all here together; let's make the best of it, ok?