We've got the committment on the mortgage from the bank...now we just need a closing date! I'm hoping to find out the date tomorrow from our lawyer. Hopefully it will be soon! Then just a few small things to take care of (like getting homeowner's insurance). We might actually be homeowners within a month!

The BIG BLACKOUT of 2003 went over ok at the homestead...it was "Crisis Central" here, with about 15 family members coming over for a cookout and failed attempt at a bonfire. Wet wood just won't burn!

#1 had a birthday last week...he's a big 6 years old now! He made out pretty well, but I feel a little guilty for not having a big birthday bash for him. We're gonna have to have a nice party with his school pals once we get moved into the house (hopefully soon!).

I've lost track of beer and cig lately. A few of each each night lately - chalk it up to stress!

Oy, I've been reticent...

So the house thing is going ok...I still don't know if we're gonna get it but I figure our odds are pretty good. I hope it all comes together soon.

Wrote a letter today for a friend in jail. She's looking at somewhere between 2 - 23 year for murder. On the one hand I know she should pay something for the crime; on the other, if her story is true her husband deserved something. Dunno if a bullet in the brain was it or not.

A friend/collegue's cousin killed someone yesterday driving drunk. I feel for his family, but even moreso for the family of the man he killed. How do you live losing a father/husband/friend? How do you live knowing you are responsible for another person losing their life?

I feel no one is innocent, yet no one is beyond redemption. There's hope for all of us. Yet I sometimes wonder, am I blessed with a positive outlook, or do I just have the outlook because I've never been there? I hope never to have to learn the truth.

Acquainted with killers, sinners, freaks and geeks and whores...

Oh for the record, 5 beers, 7 cigarettes and counting...

The tat is looking good.