St Patricks Day Update

Surprise, I didn't take this one... but I did think it was worth sharing.  Sidenote: I have the most "planned" time in Italy of all the countries in my upcoming trip.

I try to pray before every dinner.  I say my thanks for health, and everything good in my life both past and present.  I pray for everyone, friends and family with quite a few specifically named.  No simple quick get it over with prayer for me...  If I could pray more often I'm sure it would make me a better person...  But it's no easy task.  Sometimes I even forget to pray at dinner. 

I took part in lent this year, which has been educational.  I doubt I will do it every year, but if it presents itself as it did this year I will definitely do it.  Bryan had an interesting post and I was approached by two friends of mine regarding all similar topics and the final straw was when someone I respect said it was time for Lent.  I asked him what that was and thought, heck I'll join you.  It turned out to be a great experience.

This picture pretty much hits the nail on the head as to what I'm feeling.  I rolled (jiu jitsu) with some monsters (big guys) from the local gym and bit off more than I could chew.  The result?  I couldn't turn my neck to the left for a couple days and then my ribs started hurting real bad.  If I ever had something wrong with my lungs I thought I did now, it hurt to breath but only on my right side.  I've been resting, in that recovery process.  Pushed it a bit last night playing basketball, it was a great night of basketball, good group of guys; with the result of moderate pain this morning especially when putting on my socks.  Doc assured me it was probably just a small tear or pull, recommending aspirin for anti-inflammatory after I declined muscle relaxors, I said thanks with no intention of taking it.  I'm anticipating a few weeks more of recovery and hoping  that I can hit it hard before I leave for Europe, last thing I want is to be out of shape on my trip...  Hopefully I can feel at top shape, and endure the beating my health is going to take from improper food, rest, and lack of exercise while on vacation.

I recently took the PMP class and test, and really enjoyed the experience.  It was a pleasure meeting the fellow classmates and learning an organized systematical approach to managing projects standardized through best practices across the board.  It was a privilege getting to know the instructor and facilitator Ben W., who I appreciate very much.  Being able to attend his promotion and hearing what he and his family have done, was inspiring.  Keep up the good work Ben!

I am now a very humbly excited PMP!  This is one cert of many I'll need in the future.  Very happy to have been able to accomplish this in my spare time.

And finally, oh how I miss thee...  One of* my favorite holidays.  While I wasn't sure about posting a picture with a beer in it on the same Blog as the Pope, I figured at least I have my priorities straight and the Pope is at the top of the article.  Enjoy your spring break and St Patties day everybody!