Not the best update...

For the past week my mom has been in the hospital for tests. She's smoked for some 30 odd years, and it caught up to her. At this point the doctors say she has non-small cell stage IIIA lung cancer, which is of course, "[When the] cancer has spread to lymph nodes on the same side of the chest as the tumor (ref)."

Tomorrow, Monday, we will receive results of both the initial histopathologic biopsy, as well as the second round of exploratory surgery the doctors performed this past Thursday. She most likely will have to go through chemo-radiotherapy. Basically the good news is that there are four stages of lung cancer.

So that's the deal. For all those praying as of now, I ask that we petition for a physical as well as a spiritual recovery. As my mother is becoming the centerpiece of familial anxiety, I realize all the more the impact that her salvation would have on so many loved ones. Thanks guys...

I drew this for 45 minutes at work.

Thumbs Up in My Neck

I was driving today and saw a man jaywalking that reminded me of a hitchhiker I picked up one time. I was a sophomore at Southeastern, driving home in the rain, and picked up this dude who was drenched. Dirty jeans, ragged shirt, unkempt dreads and crazy eyes, this guy. We drove into Youngsville I think it was, and he began telling me he was a martial arts expert, with extensive training on pressure points around the neck area. With a rain soaked finger he prodded my neck, explaining that if he poked me hard enough I would pass out. He didn't, so I didn't, and after that test we had an interesting conversation about spiritual things. Oh, memories.

Rethinking Richmond: Part 3

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Headed back up to Richmond this past weekend - this time with Rachel's sister. What can I say, it was great to have some company in the car. We arrived around 7 p.m., and went out to eat at Nacho Mama's. CaryTown once again impressed me. After the meal we went to the $2 movie, "Made of Honor." Probably one of the corniest, most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen. The Grey's Anatomy guy was in it with that girl from MI3. So bad. Sooo bad. Sorry if you liked it, but, man that was a bad movie.

Saturday we graced Carytown again, scoping out shops and such. Found an American Apparel store, bought some shirts. Then to Short Pump Mall. Oh my. I was very tired of shopping at this point. After that we ate some chicken alfredo at Rachel's and went to a minor league soccer game. The Richmond Kickers (great name), played some Pittsburgh team and beat them. Lots of yellow cards and one red one. That was the funniest part of the night. After some failed corner kick, the ball was cleared and as the other 20 players headed down the field, one guy just clobbered another guy. The ref wasn't looking, but the line judge was. Caught 'em. I think I was one of five people to see it. The guy got kicked out of the stadium and had to sit in front of the team bus. Everyone was laughing at him.

Sunday, Redemption Hill again. This time an assistant pastor spoke on Jonah, Luke, and sovereignty. Ate at Sticky Rice, took a nap, watched Rachel's ultimate team almost win, and headed home.

Also, listen to Jim Gaffigan. Rita and I were cracking up listening to him on the way home.

Eno

Time to support the environment! Everyone's doing it right? I remember 5 years ago when people laughed at me for buying a Civic. Ahead of my time.

The Festival for the Eno is a yearly event where earth lovers frequent some park in Durham for a heat-filled day of craft glancing, folk and African music, and global eateries. You'll feel just like a nonconformist consumed by wanderlust. Rachel and I had a good time - eating pupusas, which, if you've never eaten a pupusa, shame. Look it up, it's not gross - we watched a Bohemian parade, walked down to the river but didn't swim, crafted bowls and German Shepherds out of clay, and finally, received glorious farmers' tans. At least I did. She got more of a spaghetti strapers' tan.

All that to say, it is a great experience; especially if you enjoy the outdoors, culture, and people watching.

No pics here; if you want to see some you can go to Rachel's facebook...

Best Colbert Quotes

List of memorable quotes from the Colbert Report

ˈpoŏ sh ˌəp

Chip and Lauren have started this new workout called one hundred push ups. See their blog for their progress. Sounds hard, but the workout lasts only 6 weeks and is doable. Really doable. Only 30 minutes a week. I started today. The best part is, if you complete the workout, you can put a shiny electronic orange completion badge on your blog. Or print it out and wear it on your chest, continually.