Well, I just had to put into words what I was feeling.  These last 5 weeks have been some of the most satisfying I've had in years.  I attended blackjack dealing school in Council Bluffs, Iowa for for weeks.  We auditioned and tested and lo and behold, I had a job!  It's amazing.  I didn't know that a job that you like, love really, could do wonders for a sad heart.  It's been an eye-opening experience.  Isn't crazy to look forward for that seven o'clock start time everyday?  Who would've thought? 
Life on the homefront is going really well too.  Jose has been wonderful with the kids, and while the routine change has been challenging, we are managing to make it work.
Speaking of Jose, we are fast-approaching our tenth anniversary on May 28.  When we got married, it was of course with the thought of always in mind, but everyday issues, big and small have sometimes interrupted our natural flow.  And whenever I get the question, "How long have you been married?," it still amazes me that we're doing it.  Congratulations baby, we've come a long way!  Salud, mi vida!
We just celebrated my Cassie's seventh birthday today, and  I can't tell you how excited I am about it.  My girl is growing up, shit, all of my kids are growing up.  And while I watch them grow, I realize that I'm getting up there in age.  I am heading towards that 30 year mark.  Most people would say that they've gotten much better with age.  I'll let their words speak for me but make the allowance that some of these life lessons have aged me a little too much!  And I never quiet liked wine much anyways!
Well, to everybody's future, I wish you love, happiness and much success! 

Well, my new baby has arrived, and I can't tell you how happy I am that he has joined our family.  John came out to visit and again, that made me happy! Saw Mount Rushmore, happy, happy.  I just feel really blessed to be alive.  I have realized that I have everything in my reach to be truly happy with my life.  I'm married to a great guy who cares about his family, takes care of his responsibilities, and spoils me rotten.  My kids are great.  They are wonderful albeit a handful, don't you think Uncle John?   And I am eternally blessed to have a brother who is as considerate and caring as John.  Thanks for EVERYTHING bro!  For always helping, and always being here for me.  I can't say that about many people, but I am really, really glad that I can include you in that limited number of people that I call friend.  And what's really great is that you're also my brother! 

So, the future is looking bright, and I am excited to finish the year with a bigger family, a little less room in the Hummer, and a feeling of optimism and hope that has been lacking in years past.  There's nothing like looking forward to the start of a new day, sitting with my Dunkin' Donuts coffee (your fault John, I'm hooked!), and enjoying every minute that follows.  So, with that thought in mind, I will get the hell off this computer and go sit with the kids outside, while I sit chatting over a margarita with a hell of a good friend, as well as my favorite brother!  SALUD!