First off, I really want to thank Corey for setting up this site and getting this blog functionality working. I really do appreciate it. In the past we've let Corey know what's been going on and he's updated the site accordingly, but with his busy schedule we always felt bad about that. This blog system will take a load off both our shoulders. Thanks Corey!!! 
Well, since it's been awhile, let me sum up where everything's at. Cancer-wise, yes, I still have it. It hasn't been active thankfully and the CT scans I've been getting every 3 months still don't show any new growth. Lately I've been feeling anxious and angry a bit, which seems to be a pre-cursor to (or indication of) growth, so I'm nervous what the next scan will show. My next scan is scheduled for July 1st, so here's to crossing our fingers! Otherwise, I've been trying to get my strength up and I've got a pair of 5 lb weights that I keep on my computer desk that I can fiddle with while I wait for load screens and whatnot. I've also been trying to go on daily walks with Brianne around the block, which out here in the country equates to about 3.5 miles when you count all the farms and property we have to go around. I remember how much fun I had back when I was 17 with jogging, so I tried to push myself a week or so back and jogged little spurts while walking... well, that wasn't a bright idea. My knees have really been killing me since then. They feel like they're all bruised up and I hobble when I walk up stairs - I look like an old man, lol.
Yesterday, Brianne's grandparents had a bunch of family come over to help tear down an old trailer they had on their property to clean up the yard. It felt good to go over there and help out, even if I did just pull out a few nails 
.
So that's about where things are at here physically. Mentally, I'm getting tired and frustrated living here at Brianne's parents' house. They/we live out in White Cloud, Michigan, which is about an hour north of Grand Rapids. Living out here in the country is nice to a degree, with all the parks nearby and new wildlife to see every day. I've sat in the yard and watched gophers roam around and eat up all the dandelions. There's rarely a day I don't see a deer somewhere. The breeze and sunshine are nice. Playing frisbee with the dogs and just relaxing can't be beat. On the down side, the only options for the internet are "slow" and "painfully-slow". We've got satellite internet, which is better than dial-up in some respects, but there's a constant 5 to 30 second delay to do ANYTHING at all. That means it takes an hour to check email, and that's just reading it, not responding too. That also means no online games and man, do I REALLY miss playing World of Warcraft 
. I wish we could get something faster, but that is the downside of being in the 'country'.
Also, Brianne's brother CJ and his family are still living in the house and it's a frustrating situation. We have the bulk of our old household crammed in between the bedroom we stay in and out in the garage (where we have to worry about it getting wet and mice/bugs getting into everything). Her brother takes up the majority of the basement (which is about the equivalent of 4-5 of our bedroom's space) and they still leave the whole house a mess. Juice stains, sticky floors, dirty socks, pop bottles, papers, cords, cards, boxes, dirty dishes, on and on... Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a neat freak, but there's a point where any sane person just can't take it any more. We've had 'discussions' about their stuff being everywhere, but apparently it fell on deaf ears. They've made a minimal attempt to pick up, which seems to please everyone else in the house - after all, they're doing 'something' - but I still get upset because the house is still constantly trashed. All that and her brother acts like a spoiled teenager even though he's an adult, making up stories and lying to anyone and everyone that'll listen. They were supposed to move out months ago, but since he's not even looking for work, that probably won't happen any time soon. At this point, Brianne and I are looking for somewhere else to live. Our finances are really limited and I really don't want to move again, but I can't stand being here any more. So much for the tranquility of living in the country!! 
Let's see, what's coming up? We had told Brianne's parents about the trip we had made with my mom down to the Creation museum in Kentucky last year and they're up for going, so we'll probably go there in the next month or two as well. Other than that, that's it for now. Thank you to anyone who felt like reading this and thank you God for all you've done for us. I thank you for this life you've given me and for bringing me and Brianne together. My heart and soul thanks you Lord. You died for our sins and rose, like the ashes of the Phoenix, and that strength of purpose and dignity you held while physically on Earth keeps me going strong always. Thank you.
Love to all and God bless,
Rich
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