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David,

We met once, a few summers back. We hung out, drank a beer together, played pool together. Beyond that, I didn’t know you, nor do I now, really. I do know, however, my cousin, Laura, loved you very much and will continue to do so forever, as far as I’m concerned. You treated her well, and made her a very happy woman. You two hold a beautiful story, you know. A great love story. You will be forever missed by those who love and care about you, and we know that you are in a place where the pain of cancer can no longer touch you. You and I will meet again. You’d better be ready for an ass-whippin’ in pool, though, kiddo. God Bless.

In loving memory of David Crew, 1977-2006

*Photo taken from one of David’s friends’ site

I got to thinking about this over dinner last night. I’m not sure how the topic came up actually, but - oh yeah. My friend’s ex-boyfriend’s cat was hit by a car, and the people didn’t even stop to see if it was okay. Anyway.

I read this story (via Nic) regarding a dog that was thrown from a moving vehicle, and it just makes me livid. For some reason, there’s been this influx of stories in the news regarding animal abuse, which a.) makes me think that there’s just nothing else in the human world to report on which, in turn, b.) makes me think that this is actually a really common thing and goes on moreso than we think, but hey, they’re animals. Animals aren’t people, and c.) we really aren’t doing enough to punish the folks that do these horrible things.

Abuse is abuse. You abuse a kid, you go away for a number of years. You abuse an animal, however, and it seems you walk away with either a slap on the risk or community service. Perhaps a fine. And if you’re really really bad, well, then you may get six months. Abusing an animal is also a warning sign for things to come. You abuse and pick on an anima that is defenseless, my guess is you’d eventually want to take on something bigger. Either way, I feel like our laws right now don’t really punish the people that commit this crime. I did a little digging, and found this site that talks about laws regarding animal abuse in the state of Oregon. (You can look up any state, by the way.) All I read is misdemeanor, misdemeanor, misdemeanor.

But I’m sure some people walk around with this attitude of, “It’s my dog. I own him, so I can do whatever I want.” Right. Do you say that about your kids? Well, maybe, but it’s not viewed in the same light by the court, and I want to know why.

My head is a sea of pale flesh coloured files, numbers, LTV’s, DTI’s, names, social security numbers, and anything else mortgage-related.

What day is today again?

Matt and I spent the weekend down in Eugene, with my sister, brother-in-law, and of course, my Bean. This weekend included watching a little tube, hanging outside by the fire in the evenings, antique hunting, I found the town I want to spend the rest of my life in, and one of the coolest things - Bean’s first haircut. He wasn’t impressed by the rubber bands placed in his hair to save the long curly locks that were going byebye. After we got through that part, though, everything was okay.

What did you do this weekend?

I find it kind of funny that The Davinci Code movie wound up sucking. What’s even more perplexing (and sad to me) is how many people want to find so much truth in these “new discoveries.” When Tom Hanks was questioned his opinion regarding the church’s outrage on this movie, he said the movie wasn’t a documentary. The whole thing is fiction. Yet I know so many people who are reeled in by all this, as if it could possibly be true. It’s a movie, folks!

Been awhile, hasn’t it? I’ve been doing some thinking about some things that need to change in my life, particularly the line of work I’m in. I’m not happy where I’m at. I think I need a career change. I use that term very lightly. I’ve never been a career-oriented woman. A job is just a job to me; something to allow me to live the lifestyle I want to. The trouble is, it’s become something a lot more. I feel it’s taken over my personal life, and then some. I don’t feel appreciated where I’m at, nor do I feel like any sort of valuable asset to anyone. So, I’ve decided to enlist myself with a head hunter, and change job paths altogether. I’m not sure what I’m going to be doing, but I do know it has to be something I enjoy. It makes me feel good that I’ve decided to take this proactive step and just do something else completely. So, wish me luck on my new venture. Thanks, Alex, for writing your latest post. You inspired me to get off my ass and do something.

It’s amazing what lilacs, some photos from home, and a walk on your lunch break will do for a work day.

In forty-two minutes, it will officially be Monday, May 8th. And in what seems like an even shorter time, the majority of us will be at our jobs that we do five days a week and then some, to support ourselves.

The above picture is one of my favourites, because I like the details in the clouds over the Pacific Ocean. I ran across it in my thousands of photos I’ve taken over the last couple of years, and forgot it even existed. So, that’s where I’d rather be, instead of at work. What about you? Where would you rather be at 8:30 a.m. on a work day?

Matt,

Three years. How bout it, yo? It sure doesn’t seem that long. I still remember the days I used to daydream about meeting you. How I would react; what I’d wear; the things I’d say. I remember a time when I used to sit at work and think about what it would be like to take a walk with you in a park, holding your hand. The simplist of stuff like that is what I thought of, really, probably because I never thought we’d be at the point we are now. And here we are, engaged, going to be married in six months. To be honest with you, you’re the only person I could ever imagine spending my life with, for numerous reasons. For one, you’re the only person I know who could consume mexican food in mass quantity. Secondly, you can handle my gas. When the whole silent-but-deadly mother of all that is Holy is ripped under the blanket/cuddle/lift blanket suddenly trick doesn’t work anymore? That’s true love, baby.

Truth is, you get me. You accept me. You love me for who and what I am. That’s a gift that few people ever really get to experience in this life. Thank you. You’ve brought me so much happiness already; I look forward to much more. Happy three years! I love you!

Jenn

(edit: I wrote this a bit early, May 4th. My employer has taken away most of my internet access aside from e-mail in attempts to increase production company-wide, so I have to post this now. Tomorrow, is our offically anniversary. Cinqo de Mayo!)