Just getting settled in my new apartment, and overall it’s looking good. Though there are still things that need to be done, like unpacking boxes and organizing them. The cable and internet get installed tomorrow, so I can further put off unpacking boxes and organizing them, Whoo-Hoo! I am so looking forward to vegging out on the recliner, but this two weeks with no “real” TV has been good. I was able to spend some quality time with my mom, walk, hike, go through some things that needed to be thrown away, and introduce this website. It has really opened my mind to how much time I probably waste in front of the idiot box, and though part of me is looking forward to doing that again, I will definitely make more time for the other passions in my life.

This apartment complex has a lot to offer. The location is great. There are plenty of things to do within walking distance, and you don’t ever feel like you’re gonna get mugged. Bonus! The people here are extremely friendly. I met Karl and Sophia, my neighbors, and have had numerous conversations with others in the complex. Some minor disappointments include some slightly warped cabinet doors and the bedroom ceiling fan makes noise. I love to sleep with the ceiling fan on, and still do, just would prefer not to have the noise along with it. I may switch to the ceiling fan’s more calm and soothing brother: the stationary fan. The grounds here are like a bird sanctuary, especially in the morning. I don’t mind that at all though. I’m an early riser and love to listen to and appreciate God’s creations. (Though on a morning where I may be hung over, I may not appreciate it as much LOL.) Also, they have been watering the shit out of the grass here lately. Maybe it’s because they’ve just planted winter grass, but man, those sprinklers must come on like 5 times a day! They’ve also got a “free” table in the laundry room where people “donate” unwanted items to other residents. Both my mom and I put stuff on the table that vanished the same day. It feels good to give to others.

Speaking of giving to others, lately I’ve been on this helping the homeless kick. There are SO many of them here in Arizona, and I feel my heart has softened on them quite a bit. I, like many, used to think that I didn’t have enough for myself, much less to give to any homeless guy/girl who may just use my hard-earned money on drugs or alcohol. My new perspective is to give what I can, when I can, and not to worry about the “toxic thinking” that may go through one’s mind. I asked a homeless man last week what he needed. “I don’t have a lot of money,” I said. He said, “Well, I suppose I could use a shirt.” So I literally gave him the one off my back and drove the rest of the way home half-naked. LOL Tomorrow I will be bringing shoes to another man I see everyday. I had previously gave him a sandwich, a Powerade, and a lottery ticket. LOL

I share these stories with you, not to boast, but to tell you the extreme joy I felt when seeing the smiles on their faces. “God Bless,” they’d say. God has blessed us INDEED. The aliveness I have been feeling with some of the actions I have taken in my life recently has been incredible! I want to leave you with this one piece of advice: Do NOT let your mind get in the way of your HEART! Take it from someone who has been living it the other way for a LONG time.

And THAT’S what I’m talkin aBOOT!