Disney at Night

Date night at Disney. As much as I complain about living down here I know Kate and I will have great memories. This has been a season of growth for us. It has been difficult in more ways than just academically. We've had to resolve issues and challenges without family, friends and old comforts.

I love my wife. Someone said to me: "Graduate school can destroy your marriage." Yes, it can, but it can also make your marriage so much stronger. For the last three years Katie has made my lunches, ironed my clothes, accepted my late nights in the anatomy lab, listened to my complaints, put up with my selfishness and supported me even though she knew I was wrong.
The last couple weeks have been relaxing. Amongst the boxes marked with their selected destination and bare walls, Katie and I have found time to enjoy each other and make the most of our final days here in California.

Trader Jose's as we call it down here, provided us with a wonderful meal. A paper bag holding our sandwhiches, our season passes, and a table by the ducks is all we needed for a great evening. One ride was all we managed to do but it was Katie and I enjoying time together with only one thing on our mind.....

BEATING THE CRAP OUT OF THE OTHER ONE ON THE WORLD'S BEST RIDE!


Buzz Light year is the neatest ride. 4D with competition. She grabs my shirt as if to kiss me and says in all seriousness, "You know, I'm going to destroy you."
Tonight, tonight my friends, I have the last laugh. Yes, the last round consisted of a string of accuracy like none other and Alpha Male Master Scott pulling off the upset.
As I sit here and watch my dog destroy her recently purchased toy, I ponder what it means to give and not receive. She seems so ungrateful. I just bought that and all you want to do is chew it and destroy it. She looks up at me and just knows. She says, "thanks for the training, thanks for the walks and the trips to the dog park, thanks for giving me a bath when I had flees, thanks for giving me a bed and warm house and food to eat at night." Even if I don't feel loved by her, she is a lesson of love. Sounds crazy and if you don't have a dog you really think i'm nuts. That's ok. Leila is teaching me to love unconditionally. She says, " I was a stray and you gave me a good life... I love you." To my family and friends: Is there anything better than that?!
People watching...
A poor man's made rich when his favorite breakfast beverage is orange juice. We have the sweetest fruit this year. Katie, once again blessing me, makes fresh squeezed orange juice for the week.
Below is a video of Leila at play. She is a great joy and a wonderful prelude to our first child.

I'm finding pleasure in the simple things. With no cable to waste my time and no money to spend on anything but bills, moving, and a distant trip to the other side of the country I find myself learning more than I learned in the last three years.