update (yes, a boring title)

It's been awhile, folks, so let's just jump right in with a few things that I remember about what's happened to me since we last visited.

Since Kyle told me not to say anything, I just have to tell you guys this (sorry, Krob, but those are the rules, right?). My best friend (that would be Kyle) came down to visit me on Monday. He had a day off. I had a day off. Judith had to work. Elizabeth had to work. He hadn't seen my place down here in Alexandria. All good reasons to visit. Well, here's the real reason -- NCAA '07 for the PS2. It came out the week before, and since Kyle and I (along with Binni -- when are you coming to visit?) have made it a yearly tradition to play in a dynasty together, a tradition torn apart by my move down "south", we had to play. And I kicked his butt! Plastered him five out of six games, baby! Yeah, that was a lot of fun! Oh, yeah, it was great seeing you, too, buddy. But it was even more fun wiping the floor with you in PS2!

The boss is out of the office on vacation this week. So I'm in charge of the day-to-day operations in the Metro department this week. Fun times. Not that I'm not capable, I just prefer the assistant position right now. There's no doubt I eventually want to run a department (preferably sports), and times like this week show me that a) I'm capable, but b) I'm not ready yet. Anyway, just like last time Sean was out on vacation, his boss (our managing editor) also took a couple of days off. So we're even more short-handed. And Jules, the other assistant, is off on Fridays. So that leaves me ... and ... umm ... me ... tomorrow. Just what I like! So my night shift has turned into a day shift -- and hopefully not a day and night shift.

Been playing some ball lately up at church. Played Monday night, and my team (4-on-4, halfcourt) won every single game. We played the first one and won. Then we won again. And again and again and again. Literally about 15 straight games. And my team wasn't stacked, either. But we were good. Myself, Jeremy (the youth minister, who, like me, is 24) and two rising freshmen in high school -- Landon and Sisko, both of whom play ball at school. I've really bonded with about 10 or so of the kids through ball (and more outside of ball). For some strange reason, they think I'm cool. Who woulda thought that? That's one of the great things about moving -- you get a chance for a fresh start. These kids look up to me (could be the fact I'm 24 and they're in high school), and I find that both thrilling and scary. My actions mean something to someone other than myself and my wife. Interesting.

Speaking of church, sometime in the near future, Elizabeth and I will begin teaching a co-ed middle school L.I.F.E. group (otherwise known as a Sunday School class). I've had a chance to sit in on a couple of classes in the past few weeks, and I'm very excited to get in and start teaching and making a difference. I'm very happy I've been embraced by my church and the youth group, and I'm glad that I have a chance to make a difference in someone's life.

Bonding with family -- the Grangers had two visitors this week. Caleb, their eldest grandbaby, who turned 2 last month. And Nicole, an 11-year-old niece from Tennessee, who is more than a handful. I had a blast playing with her, but her energy level never ceases. It really is amazing. Elizabeth and I spent a few nights over at the Grangers hanging out with Caleb and Nicole. Now they've gone home, but coming tomorrow is Thomas, the Grangers' other grandbaby, who also turned 2 last month. Fun times. But also sad times. Makes me lament the time I don't get to spend with Connor, my other nephew, the son of my brother, Heath. Connor is in Dallas, where my family (mom, stepdad, brother) lives. I haven't been able to make it to Dallas since I moved to Alex, but hopefully that will change soon!

So much has happened on the sports scene that I don't know where to begin. All I will say is I'm looking forward to football season -- both college and prep. I've got a couple of stories I'm working on for our prep tab that will come out in August. That makes me happy, although I don't really have time for the extra workload right now. Like I said, busy week.

Anyway, it's time for me to end this thing. Hopefully, it won't be quite as long next time between entries.