Sometimes, I wish I could join the Army. Or the Air Force. Or perhaps the Marines. Or maybe the Navy.

I know I would look dignified in a uniform.

My love for all things military extends to history, too. I am fascinated by battles and strategies. It is particularly exciting to visit places where some of those battles took place. That is how I managed to find myself here, the site of the Second Battle of Manassas.

I'm planning to spend a little time here soaking in the history of the place. I plan to sign up for one of the tours they offer.

Til then, "At Ease!"

Saying farewell

I've enjoyed my time here at Porky's. I hate to say goodbye but it's time to move on.

They've been calling me "Padre Paco" because I've been leading a Bible study before we open every day. Apparently Pastor Paul has rubbed off on me more than I realized. I'm gonna miss our times of fellowship but I know I'll find more believers to fellowship with as I travel.

Porky gave me this coffee cup as a memento so I wouldn't forget my time here. He says he'll keep reading my blog so he'll know what's going on with me.



I wanted to give him something to remember me by, too, so I rooted around in my luggage and found this mug from home.

Then I shared this scripture with the whole crew before my last shift with them.


2 Corinthians 13:11-14 (New International Version)

11Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints send their greetings.
14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

As always, the crew enjoyed my Bible study. But Porky is worried some of the employees might get a little out of hand with that "holy kiss" part.

Working on my resolutions

I'm working on my resolutions.

I've got a new job.

I've got a new friend-my boss, Porky. Resolution #1-check!

I had today's special for dinner. Turkey is healthy, plus I had salad with it. Now if I can just refrain from hitting the dumpster after work. Resolution #2-check!

Along with my pay, Porky lets me drink all the coffee I want. I feel supercharged! Resolution #3-check!

I'm earning a paycheck again. With as fast as I work with all this coffee on board, I think Porky might even give me a raise. Plus I'm saving money on coffee. Resolution #4-check!

I feel like I'm off to a good start. Four out of five already and I still have lots of time to get in a ride on a Harley this year.

Resolutions

I've been thinking about my New Year's resolutions and decided to share them with you so you can encourage me as I try to keep them.

1. Make more friends
2. Eat healthier
3. Drink more coffee. No, that doesn't contradict #2, I'm quite sure.
4. Earn and save more money
5. Ride a real Harley

I'm open to any suggestions you might have that will help me accomplish these goals. Like if you want to send me Starbucks or Tim Horton's gift cards, it'd really help me reach goal #3. Of course, I'm not really asking you to give me gifts or anything. Pastor Paul taught me to have better manners than that. I'm just sayin'.

Of course, if Ed and Cyndi offer me a chance to ride with them, I wouldn't turn that down either. Then I could check off #5.

What are your resolutions? I love when people leave me comments so how about sharing your goals with me?

My Christmas card to you

Season's Greetings!

Hmm, not quite the sentiment I'm after.

Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree...

Hmm, that sounds like a song.

Lots of presents. Big presents.

Nope, that's not it either.

At last! What Christmas is really all about. The best presence.

May the babe in the manger bring you peace as you celebrate his birth.

Merry Christmas!

They're playin' our song

Pastor Paul and I used to listen to our favorite Christmas songs together in the office sometimes. We liked so many different songs but one song was a particular favorite of both of ours.

I know he's going to be so excited to hear this version I found by a great new artist!

Ahh, back in the sunshine again.

I finally got to go on a motorcycle. Glen and Gidget let me hitch a ride out of Michigan with them. They're feeling a little overdressed now that we've gotten out of the snow and cold.

I was a little afraid to ride without a helmet but it has been great! I have ended up enjoying some gourmet bugs without having to do any rooting around. This is the life, let me tell you. Just kick back in a comfy chair, watch the world go by, and dinner comes flying right into your mouth.

And don't you think Glen's bike is nice? Red is one of my favorite colors.

I'm kinda sad to say goodbye to them but we're headed in different directions now. I hope they can make it back for the Blessing of the Bikes next spring. They told me they'd try.