Update.........

Well, I have been very busy, but very much enjoying myself. Not even sure where to start...I guess I will start with the newest news which comes from work.

I found out today that I won the Health and Wellness Division Asset Protection Manager of the Year for 2008. This is the same award that I won last year (I'm starting to feel like the Steelers with back-to-back accomplishments). I have to be honest, I was kind of expecting the award last year, but was not this year. So, this was a real surprise for me and I am a little "high on my horse" right now. It always feels great to be recognized for your accomplishments, especially when you work so hard and aren't sure you are making a difference. I finally feel like I am doing a job and a role that I was meant for. I only wish I had taken this step earlier in my career. But, hindsight is always 20/20.

I will be traveling to Lake Mary, FL next week for 3 days (March 4-6). I have to complete the Asset Protection Review for that facility and address a few problems that have come up. There is a real chance that one person in particular there will be exploring their employment opportunities based on my findings. It is never fun to term someone, but it is far easier when they are dishonest or unethical.

My personal life has been going very well. I have been hanging out with the oriental couple (Anthony and Meriel) that I met at the Cigar Shop. They invited me (and I went) to a Wii (Nintendo Gaming System) party. It was a BLAST... Basically, a bunch of people get together, drink, eat and play video games. Now tell me...Is that not right up my alley.... We played Mario Cart, Bowling and (my favorite) Rock Band. For you who don't know, Rock Band is a game where you can either sing, play guitar (and yes the controller for this looks and functions like a real guitar without the strings) or play drums. We had the most fun that night when we played this game. I was the Lead Guitar (of course), Anthony played the Bass Guitar, Meriel played drums (and she is really good at it) and Meriel's friend (who I might add is Asian, 30's, hot and single :) ) played as Lead Singer. Now, she can't actually sing but she was drunk. This, of course, allowed her to think she could and not know the difference. She got all into it...even high kicking her leg during our weak interpretation of Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer. Actually we all got into it way too much. You would have thought we were actually on stage performing...well, except for all the other people in the room laughing. It truly was the most fun I have had in one night for a while. Also, the party was at the apartment of a guy who works with Meriel at JCPennies. The apartment building was downtown (and I mean DOWNTOWN). He has his own parking garage under the building that is gate and fence controlled. He lives on the 17th floor and has an impressive view of downtown and their salt water pool. It was a VERY metro-urban apartment and it was VERY nice.

My diet has gone really well...although I miss hamburgers. When I decided to start I was back to 213 lbs. which is about 20-25 lbs to much for me. I am currently playing around 195-198. My goal was to get to 185-189, so I have 10 more pounds. After I get there, I then want to add 10 lbs of lean muscle. Now, since I am inherently lazy this will be difficult for me. But, I think I have found a solution. This Saturday, I am going with Anthony and Meriel to rock climb. Ahhh, indoors.... There is a facility here that caters to indoor rock climbing. Nothing else. This works well with my plans as I want to focus on upper body strength. And it is fun. If I like it (which I think I will), I plan to go every week. We will see.

Also I have been hanging with a new friend named Jaxie (it is short for Jacqueline). We watched the scariest movie I have seen in a while last night. I think it was called something like Quarantine. It was shot like the Blair Witch Project...first person camera. Creepy. Jax has only lived here for a few months. She is also deaf. Well, mostly deaf. She lost her hearing when she was young. She can speak and I can understand her 95% of the time the first time around. She is REALLY good with reading lips, which is good because I suck at signing. It's kind of cool when we are in the car, I have to keep the map light on and tilt my head a little to the right so she can see and read my lips. That's the only way we can have a conversation in the car. And for all of you who are wondering, we are only friends...at this point. :)

I also have been chatting with my neighbor (who owns the Pet Hotel and has a pack of dogs) Amy as much as humanly possible :). Very nice girl and is really interesting to chat with.

Well, I have rambled enough…Miss you all and love you all. Take Care, Mark.

Update...

Well, things are going well. I took Taco to the vet on Wednesday. I had them do the K9 dental cleaning. As you know, they put them asleep for this. Daddy was REALLY worried all day. But, like the Trooper he is...he did just fine. Apparently, he was already missing 4 teeth. I guess that isn't unusual for small dogs to not get all their teeth. He did, however, have to get a tooth pulled on the top back left. I have to give him antibiotics for 10 days. Thank God it is in liquid form. He was a little lethargic on Friday so I went back to get some pain meds. Poor little guy... He is doing great today.

Just trying to relax today. I went out with Taylor last night to Sneaky Pete's to see that cover band. It really is amazing how good the are. They cover everything from CCR to Michael Jackson. And all VERY well sung. They pull a very diverse crowd...19 to 70 plus. Great time.

I'm going over to the Smoke shop. Anthony will be there, but his GF is in CA. Her uncle is in the hospital. I hope he is doing well, say a prayer for him. I think we might play a little Playstation tonight. We will see.

Work has been great, but very busy. I have another large theft case. It has required some '' stake out'' surveillance...I'm such like a secret agent...lol. Having a blast with it...

I would tell you all how ridiculously nice the weather is today, but nobody in the north (you yankies...) would find it amusing ...lol.

Miss and love you all...

Pictures...

As promised...pictures of the new apartment...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157613242156914/

Also, please enjoy these pictures of Jerry Jones' Monument to the football gods. They are suppose to have the 2011 Super Bowl there...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157613207137135/

Later...