New Blog!

Check out my new blog !

Deleting the Adjectives

True (trōō)(adj.) : being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something

"This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."
Hamlet, William Shakespeare

I am not being true to myself. In fact tonight I am going to a meeting where I fully intend to lie about how I think a marriage should work to the pastor who is presiding over my wedding. Then at my wedding I plan on lying in church about my marital intent. Does this miss I am having second thoughts? No. What is means is the invitations have already gone out and therefore I am going to suck it up, lie in church and willingly say out loud that the relationship I have with Guy is one of submission when in reality, its not. We are equal partners and companions. That will never change. We respect each other as equals not as leader and follower. I don't need someone to lord over me. I need someone who is going to be there to tough out the bad times and enjoy the good times. I don't need guidance, I need love and friendship. The funny thing about all of this is the fact that getting married in the church has essentially induced in me a crisis of beliefs and has pushed me away from the idea of organized religion altogether. If Jesus really felt about women the way the church preaches then I want nothing to do with Christianity. The most amusing (and possibly the only amusing thing) about this who ridiculous and emotionally detrimental situations is that it could have been avoided. Had I stood my ground and opted to have a really small self funded wedding, most likely a barbecue, outside . Instead we are having a huge, let me repeat huge, wedding inside a church (which makes no sense because neither of us are all that religious) followed by a reception at a beach side resort. I sold out for something I never wanted to begin with and it definitely wasn't worth it. Who would have thought following ignoring Hamlet's advice would get me in this much trouble?

Gem (jěm)(n.) :Something that is valued for its beauty or perfection

The best thing about San Diego is the multitude of independent business. When it came time for Guy and me to pick out a place to have our rehearsal dinner everyone had something to say about it but no one trusted the local restaurants to know how to handle a party of thirty people. Guy's parents really pushed for Cheesecake Factory but we insisted that if people were coming from all over the world to our beloved San Diego they should get a taste of what our locals had to offer, not something they could get in any medium sized plus city in the US. Guy and I decided that the very best place to showcase our local cuisine would be the Parkhouse Eatery, which also happens to be out very favorite restaurant.

We found Parkhouse completely by accident. In an attempt to widen our perceptions of our fair city on a multiple levels we decided the best place was to start with one of the biological needs, edible sustenance. Guy bought me a ton of random gift certificates for Christmas, one of which just happened to be this cute quirky homey place on Park Boulevard, from which you can see our church. We went, I had blackberry pancakes, he had a lamb burger and we've been going back ever since. We recommend everything. And now we get to share our favorite place with our very closest family and friends.

Our Rehearsal Invitation

Do (dōō)(v.) :to accomplish; finish; complete

Things to Do Before I Go:
Part Two
Numbers Eleven through Twenty.
Part One

• Eleven: Stay in the Ice Hotel
• Twelve: Visit all 50 states
• Thirteen: Plant a garden
• Fourteen: Make bread from scratch
• Fifteen: See the Nile river
• Sixteen: Visit all 7 continents
• Seventeen: Learn to surf
• Eighteen: Go on an overnight backpacking trip
• Nineteen: See the Cubs play at Wrigley Field (again)
• Twenty: Go scuba diving
  

Friday :the sixth day of the week, following Thursday.

Happy Friday! These are some of my favorite Friday songs!

Song (sŏŏng)(n.) :a short metrical composition intended or adapted for singing

More wedding music!


1234 By The Plain White T's


Today by Joshua Radin which I discovered thanks to Ellen and Portia's wedding video which is the one posted directly below this one. Aren't they just the cutest couple? Portia's dress was simply amazing.

College (kŏl'ĭj)(n.):an institution of higher learning

Being on the cusp of twenty-two years of age and college graduation, I am still trying to figure out who I am. Or maybe its just that I have too many. I want to do everything, see everything, experience everything, be everything. I have come to terms with the fact that there are some things I will never be. I will never be six feet tall. I will never be a mathematician. I will never be a cat person. (Don't get me wrong, I like cats even though they make my eyes itch, burn and swell closed, but as much as I like all fur covered, four footed things, I just prefer the undying loyalty and adoration that only a dog can give). I have a much harder time coming to terms with that fact there are things I want to do that I might not have the chance to do. There are many uncertainties and questions that are beginning to arise. There are also I whole lot of things that begin with "I want to..." that are coming to mind.

One thing I do know (or at least know that I don't know) is after four years of college I still have no idea what I want to do with my life, so I'm going to graduate school to give myself more time. Now of course I must decide where I want to go and what I want to do. Is it worth the money? Will I ever graduate with my master's degree? Am I motivated enough to finish. Am I smart enough to get in?

Some possible answers....
+San Diego State University has an amazing children's literature program where I would get to spend most of my days delving into the beauty and complexity of children's literature.

Pros: 1:Wouldn't have to move to some far away place where I don't know anyone and my family is still close b. 2:In state tuition. 3:Guy can stay at his current job which he loves more than he thought he could ever love a job.

Cons: 1:If I do decide I want to get a PhD it looks better if you go to a different school. 2:I really want to move away from San Diego. 3:I have no job lined up here 4:We both feel it may be one of our only realistic opportunities to move out of California.

+ SJSU Library Science Program online
Pros: 1: Online so I would be able to work full time while getting my degree 2:I love my job at the library now and could see myself making a career out of it. 3:Wouldn't have to move and Guy could keep his job

Cons: 1:Much more expensive than actually attending SDSU. 2:The degree does not offer up teaching potential like the children's literature program would 3:I worry that without the in class interaction I will not be motivated

+Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Photography
Pros: 1:I have always wanted pursue photography professionally 2:The program is online and thus I would be able to work while obtaining my career 3:I already own most of the required equipment

Cons: 1:Out of state tuition 2:Its a longer program, another four years 3:Not really a graduate program 4:Has nothing to do with my current degree

+A two year vet tech program at the local community college
Pros: 1:I have always wanted to work with animals 2:Job ready right out of school 3:Possibly cheaper vet care for the pups.

Cons: 1:Yet another program that has nothing to do with my current degree 2:Makes my current degree one epic waste of time

Velveteen (věl'vĭ-tēn') (n.):A cotton pile fabric resembling velvet.

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but Really loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get all loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
Excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Rome (rōm)(n.) :a city in and the capital of Italy

My best friend, who is very possibly thee best friend of all best friends is sending Guy and I on a ten day tour of Europe, with one of our stops being Rome. Guy has always wanted to go to Rome. His father is somewhat of an aficionado as far as their history is concerned and that interest has rubbed off on Guy over the past twenty-one years. I can't even imagine how cool it is going to be to see all the sights, eat authentic pasta, drink some exceptional wine on the roof of our hotel overlooking Rome and spend time with my newly assigned husband. We just booked our hotel for Rome at Hotel Forty-Seven and I am so excited about it that I wanted to post some pictures.







To see in Rome:

• The Colosseum
  
• The Forum
• The Spanish Steps
• The Trevi Fountain

For those of you who have been to Rome, what cannot we absolutely not miss?

Go (gō)(v.) : to die

Things to Do Before I Go:
Part One
Numbers One through Ten.
Inspired By Mighty Girl!

Picture courtesy of Rolf Hicker

• One: Own a home
• Two: Get Married
• Three: Have or adopt at least one child
• Four: See Orcas in the wild
• Five: Be a foster pet parent
• Six: Learn to drive
• Seven: Have a job where I can take my dog to work with me
• Eight: Have a dog well-behaved enough to take to my job where I can take my dog with me
• Nine: Take a photography class
• Ten: Get a tattoo

Phenomenal (fĭ-nŏm'ə-nəl) (adj).: highly extraordinary or prodigious

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Progress (prŏg'rěs')(n.) : a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage

100 days from now I will be preparing to officially make the plunge, getting married. In celebration of this milestone I have decided that a progress post is in order.

Us:
Rachel and Guy



Cooper&Scout

Rachel and Guy
Establish 02.16.2005
Engaged 02.17.2007
Adopted Cooper on 06.21.2007
Adopted Scout on 09.22.2008
Making it official 06.13.2009

Wedding Website:
RachelAndGuy.com

The Save the Date:

Thanks Vista Print!

The Church:

Grace Lutheran Chuch

The Reception Venue:

Bahia Resort and Hotel
Mission Bay, San Diego

The Dress:
Link to Picture
(Just in case Guy reads)

The Garter:
Link to Picture
I only purchased the smaller one. It has since been customized.

The Chucks:





These are obviously screen shots of my shoes. I designed them on Converse.com and had them shipped to my friends house because we were having trouble with our mail. If you click on the pictures it will bring up a larger image so you can see the images better. The heel stripe reads 13june2009.

The Rings:

1/2 carat round cut diamonds in a prong settings

14K white gold

The Fake Rings (For Europe):

His&Hers

The Food:
Appetizers:

• Blackened Shrimp with Garlic cream cheese on Asiago Crostini
• Scallop and Tiger Shrimp Brochette
• Crab Cakes with Lime and Ginger
• Artichoke Hearts with Boursin Cheese and Toasted Pecans

Salad:

• Baby Spinach Salad with Sun Dried Cranberries and Almonds in a Raspberry Vinaigrette

Dinner:

• Baked Breast of Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze
• Filet Mignon with Cabernet Sauce
• Whipped Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Vegetables

Dessert:

• White Chocolate Vanilla Ice Cream Truffle with Raspberry Sauce

The Cake:
Our cake is still up in the air, sort of. Its ordered but up until 10 days before we can change it however we want. Right now its a three tier white cake with whipped cream frosting. We were planning on adorning it with flowers and a ribbon at the base of each tier but while browsing the internet we found a cake that we both think is amazing. We are going to go to our bakery, a lovely local place called Flour Power and talk to them about how much more it would cost to do our dream cake.
The flavors will remain the same.

• The First Tier: pudding chiffon-yellow cake-with peach slices drifting throughout & peach mousse.
• The Middle Tier: white cake infused with coconut and tied together with a coconut cream.
• The Bottom Tier: The Works- white cake with our light Bavarian cream, one thin layer of raspberry & one thin layer of lemon jam.

• Guy's grooms cake (which will most likely be frozen and kept for the first anniversary) is Chocolate Peanut Butter: Chocolate peanut butter cake with peanut butter folded into the mousse, and a layer of fudge to top it off.

The Flowers:

We are using all white flowers so imagine these in white. Half the centerpieces will be tulips. The other half will be something like this except only the calla lilies which will be bowed out more, much like the tulips.




The Invitations:


Ours are not in these colors. The Pocket is teal, the insert is white and the ribbon is royal blue. Ordered from AlaunByDesign.com . We just finalized the proofs today and hope to get them in about 3 weeks.

The Limo:

Chrysler 300 Stretch Limo
Seats up to 10.

Cake Cutting Set:

Vera Wang "With Love"
My mother is getting them engraved as a gift for us.

Other Stuff that has been completed:

• The DJ
• The Month of Coordinator
• The Officiant
• Passports
• The Photographer
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Website invitation inserts
• Hotel for Rome
• Ring Bowl
• Chair Covers
• Unity Candle
• Linens
• Library Cards
• Library Pockets
• Get rings sized
• Favor Tags
• Pre-marriage Couseling
• Perfume
• Send Invitations
• Registries
• Champagne Flutes
• Make Boarding Appointment for Dogs
• Marriage license
• Menus

What's Left to Do:

• Book Hair and Makeup
• Guestbook
• Escort Cards
• Place Cards
• Table Names
• Table Signs
  
• Signs

-candy bar
-guestbook

• Candy Buffet Stuff (IP)
• OOT Baskets
• Gifts (IP)
  
• Guy's Clothes (IP)
• Figure out the ceremony
• Music for the reception
• Share your photo cards
• 
  
• Kids packets (IP)
  
• Programs
• Bouquet charms (IP)
  
• Undergarments
• Dress fittings (IP)
  
• 
  
• Card Box (IP)
• Letters for Candy Buffet (IP)
• 
  

hi⋅jack (hī'jāk')(v.):To seize control of

This blog has officially been hijacked by love, to be more specific my wedding. This is fair warning that from here on out a whole lot of the posts are going to be about my upcoming nuptials in some way. Its going to be venting, ranting, tears, and a whole lot of mushy love stuff. This is the only apology I will make. We are at the 100 day mark!

Bicycle (bī'sĭk'əl)(n): a vehicle with two wheels,propelled by pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain,and having handlebars for steering

Wedding wise we are at crunch time and this past weekend we started looking at readings. Even though we are having a church wedding we are planning on having at least one reading that's not from the bible. During our search we found this and I thought it was really cute.


Marriage Made for Two:

"A successful marriage can learn a lot from bicycle riding.You should promise each other that you will not be fair weather riders, but venture out together in the wind and the rain. Only by braving the storms as a team will you reap the rewards when the sunshine arrives.Look after each other. A well oiled bike will run smoothly and change gear easily.Marriage is like a tandem…keep pedaling or the one at the front shouts at you!You should promise each other to not only enjoy new adventures and explorations, but appreciate the same old routes you know and love.Marriage is a promise to each other to endure the climbs so that you may chase the swoops and swerves of perfect single track.The journey may be long and may have hills ahead, but if you climb together with love and passion, you will be able to achieve everything you both desire!"

Healthy (hěl'thē)(adj.) :possessing or enjoying good health or a sound and vigorous mentality

I need to lose some weight for my wedding and for my health. As of this morning I weighed 149.4 pounds and that just doesn't sit right with me. I have gained ten pounds in the last year. I was to be healthier which means I need to learn to eat right and exercise regularly. Starting Monday I start my new schedule which will include, updating Sparkpeople with exercise and food information every day. I hope to lose 30 pounds by the time I get married in June. Losing that amount of weight would put me smack dab in the middle of my healthy weight range. Can I do it? The answer to that question is yes, I can. Will I? Well, I hope so. My healthy eating plan allows for one cheat meal a week and the rest of the time I strive to eat 1200 calories a day, no more. Frozen yogurt once a week. Starbucks once a week, skinny lattes only.




Stats:
Age: 21
Height: 5'4
Weight 149.4lbs
BMI: 25.7

Exercise Schedule:
Monday: 90 minutes cardio
Tuesday: 30 minutes strength training, walk the dogs
Wednesday:90 minutes cardio, walk the dogs
Thursday: 90 minutes cardio, walk the dogs
Friday: 30 minutes strength

Joker (jō'kər)(n.) :An insolent person who seeks to make a show of cleverness.

"Oh, you. You just couldn't let me go, could you? This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. You are truly incorruptible, aren't you? Huh? You won't kill me out of some misplaced sense of self-righteousness. And I won't kill you because you're just too much fun. I think you and I are destined to do this forever."-The Joker, The Dark Knight

Every year my family throws a party for the Oscars, to celebrate that which is the the beauty of film, live action and animated a like. This year was just a little different with Spencer being in the hospital but we improvised and threw a shindig at the hospital. The nurses filled out ballots and we had prizes to hand out with. I think it just proves the point that no matter where Spencer is he brings the party with him.

Probably the most justified moment for me, as a lifelong Batman fan, was Heath Ledger's Best Supporting Actor win for his portrayal as the Joker. While, to see The Dark Knight recognized at an award ceremony of this caliber was amazing, it was also a bittersweet moment to see that Heath Ledger was in fact not there to accept the award that he had so genuinely earned. He managed to encompass the Joker to an extent no actor has ever reached before.

Another avid Batman fan, my brother Spencer, posted about it on his blog as well. Check it out here.

Love (lŭv)(n.) : a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

"I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all. No... not the artful postures of love, not playful and poetical games of love for the amusement of an evening, but love that... over-throws life. Unbiddable, ungovernable - like a riot in the heart, and nothing to be done, come ruin or rapture. Love - like there has never been in a play."- Viola, Shakespeare in Love

Yesterday. Guy and I celebrated our four year anniversary. I had work in the morning at Starbucks but Guy had the day off so we got a pizza from Costco and stayed in safe from the rain. We watched Shakespeare in Love and took a nap with the dogs. All in all, I have no complaints. We have spent the better half of day together, just lounging about, until I had to go to work at seven. It wasn't very eventful, as it usually is, but we are saving for our grand honeymoon and all. After I get my passport we might take a trip to Mexico for a romantic weekend.

And just because its embarrassing. Guy and I in June of 2005.

Tune (tōōn)(n.):a succession of musical sounds forming an air or melody

Today, I am hope from work today; playing hookey actually. A good friend of mine arrived home from Iraq early Saturday morning and we had him and his wife over for dinner. Afterwards, we ended up playing a board game which led us into the wee hours of the morning. I had Guy call work this morning and tell them I was sick. I have never done such a thing at any job I have ever had. I think Starbucks brings out the worst in me. And while I am home from work I should be doing homework or cleaning or maybe just sleeping but alas I am in wedding panic mode. One thing we haven't nailed down to any extent is our music. With the exception of my father daughter dance to jive to with my dad we are sort of clueless. Here are some ideas I have come up with while wasting my time today.

Father Daughter Dance: Cheek to Cheek by Fred Astaire. My dad used to sing that to me all the time when I was a kid and every time I hear it I think about what it was like dancing on my dad's toes.



First Dance: The Luckiest By Ben Folds. I love this love, love it unto the ends of the earth and would love to have it be our first dance, despite the fact that its really long but I haven't passed it by Guy yet.

Behind (bĭ-hīnd')(adv.) : not keeping up with, later than

Once again I feel like we are falling behind with all the wedding stuff. The cake is ordered but now we changed our mind and want a round cake and we still have to pick out our ribbon so that's not really done. My dress is ordered and on its way. It should be in by April 20th and then the fittings begin. We still have yet to order our invitations which should have been done weeks ago. The rehearsal dinner has not been even spoken about although Guy and I think we know where we would like it to be held. Our on site coordinator for the reception hasn't returned my calls or emailed me back in over a week. She only works three days a week and every time I email her I get an auto response that she is not in that particular day. Its very frustrating.

The topper on the way behind on wedding stuff cake is that a week after Guy received his passport in the mail I received a letter from the US State Department stating they need me to provide further evidence that I am who I say I am. I am assuming its the fact that I have had probably at least five different addresses in the last three years and four of those are currently in use due to college stuff getting sent to my parents, work stuff getting sent to my place and bank stuff getting sent to Guy's house. I am so worried that we won't get to go on our honeymoon because I have more than one address. I am sending my extra paperwork out tomorrow in hopes that everything will be sorted out quickly. Send positive passport vibes my way!We will both be devastated if for some reason they deny me. I was shocked to get that letter in the mail.

Wedding to Do List for the Week of February Eight:
-Call about the rehearsal dinner
-Get passport paperwork sent out
--anxiously await passport in the mail
-Book Hotel for Italy
-Order Invitations (and menus)
-Work on Bridesmaid's gifts
-Start putting together a wedding playlist
-get rings sized
-email the MOH and the Best Man

Handmade (hānd'mād')(adj.) :made by hand, rather than by machine

Etsy is going to be the end of my financial stability (which has actually already been decimated by both vet and car bills). After discovering etsy a couple of years ago I have found countless treasures.

These are my current temptations:

Modular Messenger in Steel Blue by bayanhippo

Hope Floats by CreateBeautyDaily

Obama 08 shirt by maartenj13

Lil Pearl Freshwater White Pearl Wire Wrapped Ring by artwearbymona

Literature (lĭt'ər-ə-chŏŏr')(n.): writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest

"Do not, under any circumstances, belittle a work of fiction by trying to turn it into a carbon copy of real life; what we search for in fiction is not so much reality but the epiphany of truth." —Azar Nafisi

Yes (yěs)(n.):An affirmative

In honor of our soon to be president, a man who has already inspired a nation full of people that had forgotten the word that is hope, welcome to the White House President Obama.

Update (ŭp-dāt')(v.) : to bring up to date, as by adding new information or making corrections

Wedding update:
What's Done!
The Cake: Its ordered! We went last night for our tasting, loved the cake and put our order in with a lovely little bakery called Flour Power. We went with a three tiered square cake in white with ribbon accents and some fresh flowers. Really simple and elegant which is sort of the theme. We picked the following flavors:
The First Tier: pudding chiffon-yellow cake-with peach slices drifting throughout & peach mousse.
The Middle Tier: white cake infused with coconut and tied together with a coconut cream.
The Bottom Tier: The Works- white cake with our light Bavarian cream, one thin layer of raspberry & one thin layer of lemon jam.
Guy's grooms cake (which will most likely be frozen and kept for the first anniversary) is Chocolate Peanut Butter: Chocolate peanut butter cake with peanut butter folded into the mousse, and a layer of fudge to top it off.

Something similar to this but with teal ribbon and strategically placed peonies or tulips.

The Dinner: Guy and I had our tasting Tuesday to get everything squared away as far as the menu goes. We still need to pick out our appetizers and make a decision as to whether or not we should do a signature drink but other than that we've got it down. What's for dinner? Chicken in a pomegranate glaze and filet mignon with a reduced veal sauce on the side with garlic whipped potatoes, fresh steamed vegetables, a mixed green salad with your choice of dressing, rolls, wine and champagne toast. Plus a white chocolate ice cream truffle with raspberry sauce. Sounds yummy doesn't it?

What's in Progress
The Dress: I went to look at dresses once before and found two I really liked. One for the looks and the other for the price. I have an appointment at two on Saturday,so tomorrow, to go try those two on again and most likely order one. I'm not one of those girls that needs to find the dress and either of these two suits me well so I think I'll be going with one of them.

The Website: Every couple of days we add new info. Just in the last couple of weeks we have added information about the wedding party, food, pictures and accommodations. Check it out at RachelAndGuy.com

The Invitations: They are picked out. Now we are just working on the wording and the fonts. Beyond that we are all set. Hopefully these will be ordered in the next couple of weeks. Preferably next week.

Year (yîr) (n.) :a space of 12 calendar months calculated from any point

What a difference a year makes. I can't imagine how many times that has been uttered through out history and yet there is a real truth that resonates through it; three hundred and sixty-five days can change everything. Last new year's I was basking in the afterglow of Christmas at my parents house enjoying food, family, and friends, surrounded by all the people I cared for most. This year I barely stayed up long enough to welcome 2009 into existence.

Although this year has been rough already I am unwilling to accept that it will be anything but fulfilling and wonderful. I am getting married. I am graduating from college. I am going to Europe. Spencer will finally be done with the treacheries of leukemia. All these things are amazing blessings. And so today, I will do my best to look forward instead of back over my shoulder and welcome what is to come.