With my beat up guitar...

I am going to see the Hooters! Yes, that sometimes-remembered band from the 80's and early 90's! Ryan and I bought tickets for the show in Philly, and I am anxious to go. We've both been wanting to see them live for, like, ever, and even though I caught half of their set a few years ago, this will feel like the first time for me. Add to that Ryan, who got me listening to them in the first place, way back in junior high...we're finally going! Cross one more item off your list, buddy! Sadly, we have to wait until the middle of June, but I guess I can make it that far. This is so awesome.

My latest happenings

I've just started my second year at RACC, with many more classes yet to be taken, but doing well. I have a 4.0 for the first time in my life, which is pretty damn cool, I must say. I'm still getting used to the concept. I made the President's List, and in May I'll be inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. If only I'd had this much drive in high school and at Millersville, then who knows? I simply never had the focus I do now...I was too easily distracted back then. It's amazing what nearly 15 years of working in retail will do to your drive to succeed in something else.

Work is still the same as ever, which is to say not very exciting. As for home life, well, one of my housemates, Felicia, has spent the past 2 weeks at St. Joe's getting some problems with her heart treated. She was moved to Hershey Medical on Friday, which was a much better step for her than being at St. Joe's, by far. Signs are pointing to her being able to come home well before Easter, and I think that has eased Randy's, her husband, my partner in crime, frustration with her prior treatment and with not having her home. Get back soon, Leech...I miss hearing you bitch.

My nephew Richie turned 6 on Saturday, and this week he started T-ball practice. I hope to see as many of his games as my school schedule will allow. My nephew Jake will be 3 in July. He's a brat, but I love 'im for it. Dad's going to stay with the fire department for another few years...the retirement package gets better with each year he stays, so he's going to stick it out for a while, although I know he's ready to get out. Mom's got knee problems that are causing her pain but not keeping her from working at the Berks Welfare offices. Somewhere down the line she may need to have her knee replaced, but hopefully it won't come to that step. My sister Steph is still working at Americold Logistics in Leesport, while taking care of her "3" kids.

I got to see Dream Theater on their 20th anniversary tour in Chicago, of all places. I was visiting Alice and Ken in Indiana and they offered to go to the show with me, so off we went. It was standing room only, and the most lively crowd I've ever seen at a DT show. I doubt I'll get to see many shows this year, with school and having to pay for it, but I at least want to see Queensryche when they come around again, performing Operation Mindcrime II, which I just finished listening to for the first time. We'll see how it goes.

For a wonderful man...

I dedicate this post to Casper Plish, my friend Alice's grandfather, who passed away Monday night. I did not know him well, but the handful of times I spent at his house were pleasant and enjoyable. He was a generous man, and I enjoyed the conversations we had together. Good travels in the next life...