the verdict is in

I have been shut out. 0 frogs out of 5.

the verdict

I must say that I think maybe I did take it somewhat personally for, like, 30 seconds. Oh well. I think I found it easier when a second frog commented on the official comments, which clarified things for me. That helped me digest some of the initial criticism.

My take is that black is probably kind of hard on the eyes, though I like how it works on Russ's blog. My school colors were green and gold, so I might move over to that soon. I don't want y'all going blind on my blog. 'kay?

So, anywho, I am trying hard to shake off a respiratory sickness. Probably just a cold, but you never know. My throat feels like I'm inhaling tiny glass particles. I am coughing with a vengence. But I am lots better than I was two weeks ago.

I had arranged to go see Kina in hospital in Cleveland on Tuesday, since my mother and I are driving up there. She was scheduled about three weeks ago for a tune up, which is when they get cystic fibrosis patients to where they are supposed to be with their lung function and other associated issues. It's just basically planned intensive care, and is scheduled every so often. The thing is, Kina started getting symptoms of bladder trouble and pneumonia that basically coincided with the start of the tune-up, so she has had to linger there for an extra week or so. However, she is perked up now, and going home to suburban Erie tomorrow morning for a week before going back in for what I understand is another tune-up. But, she will get to bond with the husband for a while and go on horseback, which she hadn't done since she was a kid. And I shall listen to Rammstein, which she got me hooked on.

As for me, I am still going to Cleveland with my mother to visit family on my late biological father's side. That'll be nice; I hadn't seen them for a bit. Likely it'll just be my grandparents and an aunt and uncle, and we'll hit some restaurant close to my grandparents'. Hopeflly not Eat 'n Park or Cracker Barrel.

All else is alright. My volunteer job is going fine. I have almost strictly been entering data into a database to record monetary and goods donations from churches and individuals in the North Hills (suburban area nort of the two east-west rivers (don't dare ask me which---could be the Ohio, Allegheny, or Monongahela).

Ahhhh, and I got a neat little patch from Russ for one of his space missions. Y'know. He runs one of those li'l mom and pop NASA-type organzations. So, cool patches are a must.

Go Rapids!

And RIP Mooch. You were too young. :(