(not so) monthly update

from my website, copied here for your convenience:
11/19/2003

The past month or so has been very encouraging for us. We made not just one, but TWO roadtrips, and they happen to have been to the same location: Lexington, Kentucky. If you haven't been keeping up, you may not be aware that simply going on one roadtrip is a big step for us. For over a year Michelle's health has not been up for traveling much. So while 5 hours each way may not seem like much, it was a big blessing for us. Why Lexington? The first visit was for a Fibromyalgia seminar, at which we were able to meet Ms. Claudia Marek, who literaly wrote the book on Fibromyalgia treatment. She took time to evaluate Michelle's progress with the treatment program, and proclaimed that she is doing quite well and "about to turn the corner." We were thrilled to hear this news, as the program is a long and hard road and we've been quite discouraged at times. The best part is: she was right! Also on this trip we were able to meet other folks who are dealing with this disease, which was very encouraging, especially to travel with and get to know Joy, who is a "fibro buddy" from here in town.


A few weeks later we returned to Lexington to have early Thanksgiving with my (Bob) family. We're all going different places for "real" thanksgiving, so we decided to get together early. My sister lives near Lexington and my folks made the drive from NC. So it was good to have early holiday times with the fam. Pictures coming soonish.


Katie update: according to the vet, Katie's bald spots are reactions to her puppy and yearly shots. Plus she also has an unknown allergy. So it's good that she doesnt have something more dangerous, but it seems as if she's stuck with a bit of discomfort, as the allergy treatment is prohibitively expensive. She's still as happy as ever and loves to hop around the yard and yap after the squirrels (of which there is an abundance these days). She even climbs up to the top of the woodpile against the fence to get a better view of the squirrels in the neighbor's yard. Quite entertaining. Unless you're a tree rat. Actually they seem to get a kick out of her too.


I had the honor of attending a birthday party to celebrate the 5th year of life for Bennett Sunder. As his Sunday School teacher, I even made it to the top of the guest list. I find it somewhat odd, because I'm usually doing my best to get him off his favorite subject (superheros), but it's touching that he'd demand my presence at his party. I didn't disappoint, making him a card featuring him as Batman (using a little PhotoShop magic). The look on his face was priceless. We've got some of the best kids in our church.


Now we're gearing up for the holidays. The cabin-maties are coming for Thanksgiving (there will be 9 of us total!), and thankfully the Petersons have opened their house for lodging. We're looking forward to the usual mellow good times. And Christmas has come a little early, due to the fact that Michelle will be gone for about half of December, and I'll be following her to PA a little later. (And our little dog too!) So to enjoy our allotted month of Christmas cheer at home, we went ahead and bought a (fake) tree. We're both surprised at how realistic it looks, and at only twice the price of a real tree, a worthwhile buy (not to mention lack of sap, needles, watering, and tree-stand battles). Thanks for the early Christmas present mom!


We're in the midst of making everyone's Christmas presents. That's right folks! Read below and you'll see that money is tight this year, so homemade presents all around. We hope you like the stuff as much as we've enjoyed making it. No more hints.


Thanks for your continued prayers. Michelle's health has indeed improved significantly, and we hope it stays that way through the holidays. We look forward to next year, as February marks year one of the Fibromyalgia treatment.


Latests:

Movie (theater): Matrix Revolutions - We should've seen Elf instead. The orginal film was cool. Parts 2 and 3 are lame. Cool in parts, but overall: lame.

Movie (rental): Finding Nemo - saw it with the fam in Lexington. Another classic from Pixar.

Book (Bob): Mosquito Coast - saw the movie years ago. in the middle of the book. good stuff so far.

Book (Michelle): Peace Like a River

TV: Alias - gotta love the spy/thriller/techno soap opera. We get together weekly with friends to watch. And Matt has Season 1 on DVD: no commercials!

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I recently worked up a promotion for saving 10% off your coffee purchases there. After you order from your account, you can send-a-friend a 10% discount, and when they order, you'll get 10% off your next order. So check it out.

there's hope for us yet

After years of being blissfully unaware of what was on TV, I was particularly un-blissed to learn that Fox was doing a drama involving a family in the porn industry. Add to that the guilt that I felt because we just finished doing the website of our local Fox station, which of course promotes the show.

Thankfully, the people have spoken. We don't want to see a crappy romeo-and-juliet ripoff that revolves around porn. Cancelled after 3 episodes. And stay out.