Life continuing in other ways too!

I am happy to report that pending finger print and background checks I expect to start a new job as early as next week. I think I have found the perfect mix between going back to work and having more time to work at my new role as a single and primary parent. I have been fortunate for much of the boys lives, I have pursued great careers, been a director at a global level -- traveling much, doing great things and earning enough money to keep Trish mostly at home. This allowed her to fulfill her best role ever as a great Mom and family cook.

I am hoping the new job will allow me to be half the Dad that she was a Mom to the boys.

My new job will be in the IT department at Broward Community College (BCC -- http://www.broward.edu). Assuming all works out with the backgrouund check the plan is that I will start next Monday and than the following week I will get a week paid vacation courtesy of the college's Spring Break. Since this may be our only chance for a vacation, as any other days I earn will probably be used with Andy's departure for college and Matt's Lacrosse Camp, The boys and I will take a quick trip up to Orlando and do the parks and stuff. Next year, we will do what Trish asked of us and take a European vacation in her honor.

That's all the news for now.
Take care,
Chip

Say it is great to be a FLO-RID-A GATOR....

Andy is in! He's a GATOR! Mom would be proud!

Unhappy Anniversary

Hello all. Today (Feb 9) is the anniversary of our visit with Dr. Fu, where we found out that we would be headed back to Johns Hopkins for more chemo and a transplant. As we headed back it was clear that Trish was more scared than she was the first time. I was more scared the first time, but as we headed back last year I was more driven to survive the process and less focused on the negative possibilities than I was when we first headed up to Baltimore in October of 2005. Maybe, it was just to be strong for Trish. Either way, I guess it is just history now.

A brief birthday Update

Hi to all of you who keep checking in on us (which I do appreciate).... This weekend was more than the super bowl it was Andy's 18th birthday (pictures below). Andy went to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino with friends Saturday night, he wanted to exercise his new found right to gamble. He played it smart and while he was up $50 at one point cashed out up $4, so at least he didn't lose anything -- at least that's what he told me. We had family over Sunday to celebrate and I spent most of Friday and Saturday preparing.

It's funny, Matt said I shouldn't complain about all the work - -Mom always did it...I reminded him that Mom and I tag teamed -- She didn't ever have to pressure clean the patio and prepare a meal at the same time..... I made pulled pork, per Andy's request after he chose his favorite of the three recipes Trish had on hand. Cole slaw, beans, fries. Luckily Andy's cake of choice is a Carvel ice cream cake and I didn't have to figure out how to make that. I also made home made hamburger buns -- this took the longest time of actual kitchen work. In the end Andy appreciated the efforts. I'm trying my best and missing my love at every turn.



My first interview is scheduled for Feb 12th. I have mixed feelings. I know I need to get back to normal and work and yet I have so much more to do around the house... One day at a time.