Fall, Christmas, stars in the sky, and "that smell"

We've arrived at my favorite team of the year. I despise being hot -- and I get hot very easily. In fact, as a child I recall sitting on the floor of our family room coloring with crayons and sweating like I had been running a marathon. When Fall arrives and the temperatures drop I absolutely love it. Crisp breezes, colorful foliage, that smell of a wood-burning fireplace, and the thoughts of the holidays ahead -- I love it all. This evening I took a walk through our neighborhood and for the first time in quite a while the air was so clear and fresh I could see the stars. In front of our house I saw the brightest dozens, but as I neared the lake and the street lights didn't interfere my eyes adjusted and I saw thousands. What an amazing sight! I could stare at them for hours.

It's at this time that I begin the anticipation of the holidays ahead, Christmas in particular. It's no longer the "gifts, gifts" anticipation of a child, but the joy of watching children open their gifts, decorating the house, giving and giving, donating, and remembering why we celebrate Christmas. Though I try to be thankful to God throughout the year, it's this time that I slow down and take the time I should always take to thank Him for everything. What a wonderful time of the year! So what if stores are stocking the shelves in October! Fantastic! I can't wait to put out the few outdoor decorations and lights that I put up each year -- it's one of my favorite things to do.

Finally, I want to take an opportunity to remember my grandmother, "Babi." It's this time of year that I miss her the most -- probably because it was this time of year that I got to spend the most time with her. Earlier this week I was walking through our house, and once at work in my office, and there was "the smell". This smell instantly sends my mind to Babi's house. It was the unmistakable smell of her house -- not a bad smell at all, but one that snaps my mind back to that place of comfort, love, and wonderful food! I still have no idea what caused me to smell it as I could never locate the source and as quickly as it came, it left. But, it will return, and then, so will the memories.

4 years, but who's counting?

Two posts in one day? Yeah, I need to thank people as I celebrate my 4th anniversary (I know I'll leave someone out, I'm sorry, I don't mean to. So, THANK YOU, too!)

THANK YOU...

• God, for opening my eyes, for the best doctors, medicine (though they can use a little more work) -- something with that Dimetapp grapey goodness would be great -- and for Your love.
• Stephanie -- for never leaving my side, for your tireless care, attention and love. I love you.
• Mom and Dad -- for always being there, for loaning me the brown leather couch in the bonus room with the brown blanket for hours of sleep, for the countless calls at all hours, for helping Stephanie. You guys are the best.
• Michael -- for your countless prayers and endless brotherly love. Sarah's getting a great one.
• My grandparents, Pa, Granny, and Babi -- for your prayers, love, and comforting words of encouragement.
• Chris -- you've been my best friend for half my life. Now that's either because you couldn't find anyone else to put up with you, or you're actually a good guy. :) Thanks for the hundreds of Pez.
  
• Doctor's Shipley, Guha, Conner, and Roberts -- for your care and your devotion to your work, which you do so incredibly well
• Oncology nurses of Tennessee Oncology -- angels on earth. Every single one of you. Thank you.
• ICU Nurses at Centennial -- for your limitless attention to patient needs, comfort, and well-being. You're amazing individuals.
• To countless friends, extended family, and complete strangers for all of your prayers and wonderful words of encouragement.

/JB

2007: A Year in Review

On New Year's Eve I like to take a moment to look back on the year that is soon coming to an end. This year Stephanie and I welcome new children into our extended families:

• Jacob Pawlowski - our nephew, joined the family in January
• Maya Grace Clay - a cousin born to Paige Lemons and Jordan Clay in August
• Molly Jewel Biggs - a cousin born to Duane and Beth Biggs in October

Our new[er] Acura TL, which we joyously acquired this year, was able to stretch it's legs on the road with travels to Asheville, North Carolina, to see the Biltmore Estate, multiple trips to Cincinnati to visit family and participate in the year's Heartwalk, and to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In Florida we attended the wedding of Stephanie's brother Greg to his new wife, Laura. Her daughter Lauren also joins our ever-growing family.

This fall Stephanie began a new job with HCA as a Primary Therapist and I was appointed Director of Information Technology at Vanderbilt University Law School.

Overall, our entire family was blessed this year with good health and wellness. Steph and I celebrated a wonderful 3.5 years of my being cancer free!

I'm looking forward to a wonderful 2008, which as of now, we know will bring the marriage of my brother to his fiance, Sarah Miller, as well as more family additions as Andy & Stephanie Biggs grow their family one more time. Thank you all for being a part of our lives this year, whether we see you daily, weekly, ocassionally, or just via this blog.

Jason Bradley KIA

Jason Bradley KIA

My brother being the genius he is decided to give me a nerf LongShot (read: sniper rifle) for Christmas. The gun splits into two weapons. Epic battles were fought between Michael and I on Christmas Eve night... some were won, others were lost (shown here). Yes, I "died" while changing the clip.

James Andrew Hutzel

This weekend's trip to Cincinnati for an early Thanksgiving gathering turned tragic. Stephanie's grandfather, Mr. James A. Hutzel, passed away Saturday morning due to declining health. He was 87. We obviously didn't live close to Steph's grandparents, but I did have the pleasure of meeting them and spending time with them nearly a dozen times. Grandpa Hutzel was a man with a good sense of humor, loved his family dearly, and will truly be missed.

Remembering Babi

She was my grandmother. She was one of my best friends. She was a wonderful Christian woman who respected everyone and earned the respect of all who met her. She was "Babi".

As her two grandchildren, she taught Michael and I a great many things. She showed everyone how to be a better person and we would all do well to remember, refine and exemplify those lessons in our own lives.

It was two years ago today that Babi passed away. She has been missed by all. This world is a lesser place without her in it. She is with God and the angels, and even Heaven itself is enriched by her being there.

We miss you, Babi.

Family Fun

The Gallatin bowling alley has $1 games every Thursday. So, stuffed with turkey, ham, stuffing, mac n cheese, potatoes, beans, apples, pies, cakes, puddings... oh the humanity... I went bowling with three of my cousins (Duane, Andy, and Tim). Some things were learned:

• Jason can take out the 9 pin or 9/10 combo blindfolded, one hand behind my back, in the dark.
• Men (read: Jason and Andy) cannot bowl in socked feet. I hurt my butt and my ego.
• Don't bowl with a 10 year old in the lane next to you. They will show you up (see: hurt ego).
• Time spent with family is priceless.

Thanks, guy, had a blast!