WE'RE DOG OWNERS!!

Ore are we? Well, let me start with the puppy first. Holli and I have been looking for a dog for months. We knew that it would be a challenge to find the one just for us. We differed in opinion over what kind to get, and settled on either a Pug, Chihuahua, or a Boston terrier since we live on the third floor of our complex. However, being that we live off the Greenbelt in Scottsdale, we figured our dog would have all the room in the world to roam when we took her out. Well, we looked online and finally found a cute little puppy called Johnny, who was a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. We were close to getting him, but after hearing the story of a little boy who lost his dog just this month, we were swayed into considering his sister, Katie, who is in the picture (and whose name we will change, so if you have any suggestions - let us know).

However, I realize that this dog may not be the one Holli is ultimately in love with. But she also brought another concern to me today: Is our puppy going to take over our lives, especially when we need to devote so much attention elsewhere?

I guess now is as good of time as any to shed a little light on some of the problems I've been facing. Those who know me, know that I'm a large person in need of some slimming. My weight has perpetually fluctuated for the past ten years, and it's not doing me any good. Unfortunately, this has led to high-blood pressure and high levels of triglycerides that I have to take medication for now.

Unfortunately, it doesn't stop there.

There's also a worry of diabetes, which does run in my family. In November, I battled a cold and sinus infection for a few weeks, and then a bad case of swimmer's ear, then a relapse of a sinus infection and either a case of impetigo or shingles under my nose. And to cap it all off, after Holli and I got back from San Antonio, I ended up in the emergency room because my throat was swelling shut, and my uvula had also swollen and dropped into my throat - which brings us to today, three months later. My immune system is shot.

It almost seems as if I'm adding insult to injury by saying that my doctor and counselor are saying that I'm suffring from depression, as well as inattentive adult ADD - which they are doing research on medication for.

It's been interesting to see how these past few months have unfolded, and I can only say that I need to get my butt in gear and do my part. I had a personal trainer who did well for me for a while, but then slacked off. Maybe I'd just be better doing it on my own? But I know what many of you may be thinking about the depression -- but fear not, my wife and I aren't two sad people moping around 24/7 wishing for an early death. Strangely enough, I've had enough friends who've committed suicide, to know that it's not a solution. My wife and I are very happy, but we have our moments, and our doubts. There are also many of you who will understand, because it affects so many people.

It's kind of hard for me to come to terms with this, because I've always been kind of a "go get 'em" type of person. I set my mind to something, and I do it. I know I'm not perfect, and this is yet another manifestation of that.

I made a goal to read The Book of Mormon once a month this year - yes, a total of twelve times, and I'm off to a good start. I've got 11 pages to read tonight, and I'll have finished it, and I'll start again tomorrow. I've already felt it bring a change into my life, and I hope it helps somewhat in my road to recovery.

Until later...love, peace, and (no more) chicken grease!!