Day 213 | Friday, July 31 | 2009

Last Day of July...

I woke at 4:30 this morning to go out for a walk and listen to vocabulary.  I have a system worked out that I have recorded about 1,000 vocabulary words and catalogued them on my iPod.  That way, I can study while I go out on a walk.  I simply put on my headphones and listen to the various lists I have created.  It's that easy!  It's really enjoyable actually and I am beginning to wonder why I have never done this before.  I think I would like to expand my vocabulary even after the GRE stuff is over and I could also incorporate this method into learning vocabulary and grammatical structures en Español.

This is the walking/running path near my parents house and it was the perfect place to see the sun eclipse the morning as I was out walking.  Even though there are the pangs of getting out of bed early in the morning, the sunrise is sweet and worth the pain -- there is a certain warmness that wells inside from these early morning moments that I cannot describe well enough here an now.

Day 212 | Thursday, July 30 | 2009

Another late night...

9 hours of work.

Things have become like clockwork now.  I am actually growing quite fond of it.  I feel efficient, focused, albeit tired.  I am hoping this will all pay off (and not completely backfire on me).

Day 211 | Wednesday, July 29 | 2009

Dad...

10 hours of work.  Not a lot of breaks.

Here is my dad at 11:00 PM. 

It is nice to have Caitlin here though I have not really done anything today except studying.

Day 210 | Tuesday, July 28 | 2009

Nearby Farm...

There is not too much to say about today other than I got up really early to get to Cincinnati to study.  I studied about 12 hours today.  My biggest area that I need to improve upon is Reading Comprehension and Sentence Completion.  Other than that, things are smooth sailing.

It's hard for me not to think about what this all means.  I would rather just look at Spanish programs all day and figure out what school might be the best fit for me but it would be foolish to do so being that I haven't even taken the GRE test yet.  I suppose I will just have to wait.

Day 209 | Monday, July 27 | 2009

Dominoes...

Another mad day getting ready for the GRE.  Went to class tonight in Columbus and then back to the wonderful Kraus Haus for some tea, dominoes and sleep.

I think Robin beat me and Caitlin pretty handily this time.  

Day 208 | Sunday, July 26 | 2009

Straw Bales...

Another busy day of studying.  Tomorrow I have my class in Columbus.  I am feeling better about everything but I am still concerned about me being too anxious about it all.  After everything, it is just a test and I shouldn't take things too seriously.  It is important that I just relax, breathe, and simply do the best I can.

Here's a photo of a farm that is near the sub-division in which my parents live.  I wish I would have planned this photo out better.  The sky, in reality, was a mesmerizing blue -- one of those majestic blues that only happen on a clear summer sunset.  Because I was shooting into the sun, the sky came out as white and the capture was lost.  Still, though, the field was (is) beautiful and I am surprised at how lovely this area can be (when one is not around all of the exurban sprawl.)

Day 207 | Saturday, July 25 | 2009

Early Morning Storm...

Today I woke up early and then took this photo later at about 6:30.  It is the street that runs by my parent's house here in the exurbs of Liberty Township.  

I went to Macy's today to buy a suit.  This was in fact my first suit that I have bought.  The other suits I have worn were my first communion suit (bought by my parents and a three-piece suit that used to belong to my brother).  It felt nice buying a suit.

Day 206 | Friday, July 24 | 2009

Mom and Dad...

Here is a cute photo of my mom and dad.  We went out for a really nice dinner and then saw the movie Up together.  Up probably my favorite movie of 2009 and it is a really poignant film.  If you haven't seen it, I whole-heartedly recommend going out tonight (or as soon as you can) and go see it.

This picture is really great

Day 205 | Thursday, July 23 | 2009

Old Baseball Park...

It is so strange to see things come and go.  This park used to be thriving and well-maintained.  I never played baseball there but I remember always seeing it as I drove by -- filled with kids in vibrant uniforms scrambling around the well-trimmed diamond.  If there ever was a pristine place to play baseball in West Chester, this place used to be it.  

Now it is overgrown with weeds and the stops are all tangled and distended.  It is as if this place couldn't survive anymore.

Day 204 | Wednesday, July 22 | 2009

Watching TV...

My mom and my dad watching The Golden Girls.  It's been another long day.  I did some more book work and I took another practice test in the book.  I scored pretty well and I am getting excited in the possible fact that I am improving.

Not much else to say.  I have been studying for about 8 hours each day and I need to get back to it.

Day 203 | Tuesday, July 21 | 2009

Union Township Public Library...

Things are starting to turn around.  This might be the moment.  I am feeling a little better about the prospects of this test.  I am flying through the material but making a couple errors still.  I just need to get back to fundamentals and smooth things out from there.

Back in West Chester.  Driving around, it is uneasy to see how much of this place has changed.  In no way am I saying that I miss living here, but it is hard to see some things go.  McGinnis Park, the place that my soccer teams had games and the place of many memories has totally disappeared.  Now, shopping strips and a hospital stand where the park used to be.

Day 202 | Monday, July 20 | 2009

At Work...

Pictured is Caitlin making door-tags for her future residents this year.  Today has been another long day of studying.  Better get back to it.

Not a very enticing entry.

Day 201 | Sunday, July 19 | 2009

Happy Birthday...

Today was Caitlin's 21st birthday!  I am so happy for her and glad to celebrate her life.  We all went out to celebrate at Abuelo's -- a really good Mexican restaurant.  Pictured is me and Caitlin and her family.  From left to right (Me, Caitlin, Susan, Robin, and Mark).  

Caitlin had a margarita for dinner and was very responsible about it.  I remember my 21st birthday -- it was just me and my Dad and we went to the Star of India.  I had probably just two small glasses of wine.

Day 200 | Saturday, July 18 | 2009

Howl...

Today marks the 200th day of the year; the 200th entry of Beans With Garlic.  So what better way to signify this occasion than to have this elegant mug howling into the summer air in celebration.  

This is Penny Kraus, the loving and quirky family dog of the Kraus family.  I will not go into too much vivid detail, but Penny has quite the 'personality' of her own.  She is one of the rare dogs of the Earth that can talk and her voice, too, is unique.  Pinging in your ears, her voice resonates with discordant shrill tones.  She also has this obsession that she is my girlfriend.  I don't know what life would be like for me, though, without Penny.   She is truly one of a kind.

Day 199 | Friday, July 17 | 2009

Butterfly...

Here is a picture of some table ornamentations at the Kraus' house.  I spent a lot of time studying today and went to class too.  I am worn out.

It is good to see Caitlin again.  I love this girl!

Day 198 | Thursday, July 16 | 2009

Fountain...

What else to say about today except the fact that I studied all day?   Not much.  I was at the library finishing some book work I had to do.

I saw Brian and that reminded me that I need to keep practicing my Spanish.  Professor Porter lent me several books that I have been skimming this summer.

Tomorrow I go to Columbus for more class and to see Caitlin and her family.

I am slowly but steadily working on this test.

Day 197 | Wednesday, July 15 | 2009

Donkey Coffee and Espresso...

Tonight I sat outside the Donkey with my good friend Ryan.  Ryan went to Ecuador this Spring and tonight was the first time that I had seen him in over a month.  It was nice to catch up and just relax for once.

Busy day studying and not much else to say.

Day 196 | Tuesday, July 14 | 2009

Self-Portrait...

I got back tonight and it feels alright.  I spent the day studying and organizing my apartment.  There is so much to do...

I don't feel like writing much today.

Here is a picture I took of myself in my apartment.  I hate pictures of myself but my vanity drove me to take this one.  

Day 195 | Monday, July 13 | 2009

High Street...

Just a photo taken while going to the Kraus' home from class.  Today was my Uncle Jim's 49th birthday.  Happy birthday uncle Jim.

Not much to say except that I need to study.

Day 194 | Sunday, July 12 | 2009

Columbus...

Today I went for a Math Boot Camp training for the GRE.  It was three hours and strangely fun.  In high school, I was a member (and almost president) of the Math honors society called Mu Alpha Theta.  I was shamefully kicked out of the club, though, my senior year because of the fact that I wasn't enrolled in a math course.  At the time, I had no desire to take AP Calculus.

I am feeling discouraged in general still about the test but I am hoping and realizing that things will get slightly better.

Caitlin has been helping me with words of encouragement and I have also been relying upon the constant support of the Kraus family and my family too.

Day 193 | Saturday, July 11 | 2009

Nick and Andrea...

They seem like a happy couple and I was glad to be a witness to their wedding.  Equally fantastic, I was thrilled that I got a chance to dance with Caitlin, Leslie, Dale, and the whole Albanese family.  

It was really nice to hang out with Dale but I was sad to know that he was leaving for Taipei on Monday and wouldn't return for about two more years.  That means that I will have to find a way to visit him.  He could probably be an adroit interpreter now but in two years, he will be a master and I won't have to worry about trying to learn Mandarin.

It was nice to see some old friends that I hadn't seen in a while.  I saw Austin who had recently been in a serious car accident.  I am glad that he is okay now and recovering but by the sounds of it, it was a harrowing and a possibly near-death experience.  Seeing him reminded me of how life can change very quickly and how I should be grateful for the things I take for granted -- especially some of my physical abilities like walking.

Anyway, the wedding was lovely and I am glad I was there.

Day 192 | Friday, July 10 | 2009

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band...

These are Beatles figurines that Caitlin has in her room.  She has lots of neat little toys on her dresser and I think they are wondrous.

Back in Columbus for the old stay-at-the-Kraus'-over-the-weekend-to-be-here-on-monday-for-my-class-and-hope-that-I-am-not-wearing-out-my-welcome routine.  I do greatly enjoy being at the Kraus' house, though.  I especially love talking with Susan or Mark when I am here.  It's given me the chance to get to know them better and I am happier for it.  Susan is such a great person and loving mother.  She is always giving of herself and serving others, I can tell, is one thing that makes her happy.  I am so grateful to be here and to know her.  I love spending time with Mark, too.  He's really knowledgeable about so many things and I love his idiosyncratic sense of humor.  I remember this time when we were riding in the car and he was talking about a parable of the tiller, the lawn-mower, and the shed.  The story was essentially about the process of trading and e-bartering items and what made it funny was that it was fraught with complications.  Perhaps what was funnier, was the fact that this parable was driving Caitlin crazy.  But anyway,... what I am trying to say is that (what was I trying to say??)  ... yes... what I was trying to say was that I feel at home here and it's good to be back.

Today was the rehearsal dinner.  It was good to see Nick.  It had been some time.  And it was good to see Dale too!  I finally met his girlfriend, Fifi and it was so nice.  We went through the wedding drills and then ate some delectable Italian food (okay...maybe I am exaggerating)...but the overall experience was nice.

Day 191 | Thursday, July 9 | 2009

Down by the river...

I took a walk by the river today.  It was a nice break.  I've actually gotten a considerable amount of studying today done.  I made about 110 flash cards for vocabulary words.  More to follow...

Tomorrow I go to Columbus for Nick Bowsher's wedding rehearsal.  He gets married on Saturday.  In the wedding, I am playing a song called "I Have and I Always Will" by Dave Barnes.  This selection was at the request of Nick's bride.  Honestly, I think the song is banal and underdeveloped.  There is literally a part in the song in which the speaker is professing his undying love for his bride and justifies his love by the line "I guess it's because I just do".  Nevertheless, I will play the song so everyone will have a happy time.

Day 190 | Wednesday, July 8 | 2009

A picture taken yet again outside my window...

Ups and downs today.  I have felt so torpid today.  I wish that I could muster up some inspiration.  I feel so overwhelmed in terms of studying for this test.  I will take the GRE next month and it is inciting waves of inadequacy through my brain.

I feel that I have a lot of intellect but my ability to take standardized tests is just average.  I am not good with managing my time and pacing and that is the thing I need to improve upon the most.  

I didn't get a whole lot of studying done today but I am feeling a little better about some things.

Day 189 | Tuesday, July 7 | 2009

Table...

Today I was starting to feel like as if I were getting a grip on things.  I spent a couple hours studying and getting sundry things done around the house.

I don't have a whole lot of time to talk.  

Here is a photo of my kitchen table.

Day 188 | Monday, July 6 | 2009

Dow Lake...

Went on a walk today.  It was good to get out and think about things.  Sometimes we get so cloistered in our own homes and routines that it is detrimental to the inspiring reality that beautiful nature is all around us.  

Today was a chastening day for me.  Realizations for self-improvement came about -- I am going to start to slowly and steadily get better.  Some of my shortcomings and faults make me sad but I am so lucky (and grateful) to have a wonderful person like Caitlin in my life.  She helps me when I am in need until the very end.  For that, I love her.

Day 187 | Sunday, July 5 | 2009

Dinner at Home...

I came back home today after a very nice weekend.  

This week we don't have class so I'll hopefully be able to catch up.

Today involved a lot of very slowly-paced studying. 

not much else to say.

Day 186 | Saturday, July 4 | 2009

Caitlin and Ola...

Happy fourth of July!  

Woke up this morning and ran with Caitlin around the neighborhood.  We alternated walking and running because sometimes it is very difficult for Caitlin to breathe because of her asthma.  

In the afternoon, the Kraus family and I went to the birthday party of Ola and Camille -- two fraternal twin girls (whose birthday was July 3).  The girls turned one today (yesterday) and the ceremony was lovely.  

It was also really nice to see some of Caitlin's family -- most of whom I had not seen since December.  I enjoyed seeing Jim and Patty (Caitlin's Aunt and Uncle), Jim and Susan (Caitlin's aunt and uncle too), and Dick and Nancy (more aunts and uncles of Caitlin).  It was nice too seeing Jeff and Robin (Caitlin's cousins) who are the proud parents of the birthday twins.

Pictured above is Caitlin with one of the twin girls Ola.  Ola is just beginning to walk and Caitlin is helping her out.

Day 185 | Friday, July 3 | 2009

Kraus Haus...

Today was really great yet hectic as usual.  My parents, Caitlin, and I spent the greater half of the day moving stuff and settling into my apartment.  My dad and I finally finished moving stuff out of 3 Ring Street and we donated some of our furniture that was in storage.  This made me a little sad again to say goodbye to things I have had for a long while.  The most prized possession was a kitchen table that my family has had in one way or another for my entire life.  I know that it will go to a good person or family or group of people who will hopefully use it well and take care of it though.

Caitlin and I left Athens for Columbus at about six (we had thought we would leave earlier -- maybe 4:30 or 5:00) and we were running behind.  I think there was a problem in communication with telling Mark and Susan the wrong time that we would arrive which resulted in a minor conflict.  It was mostly our fault (Caitlin and I) for not telling Mr. and Mrs. Kraus the right time when we would be there and I believe they ended up waiting for us for a considerable amount of time.  I am sorry Mark and Susan!  I will make sure to communicate better in the future.

When we got to Columbus it was a little nice to just relax and not think so much about moving stuff.  Caitlin and I made a little pasta and salad and then went for a long walk down to Jeffery (sp?) mansion.  It was interesting and relaxing to hear Caitlin tell me stories about her childhood and what each piece of the neighborhood means or has meant to her.  

For the next two nights I am staying at the Kraus'.  I like to call their house (pictured above) the Kraus Haus -- simultaneously using a cute rhyming couplet and referencing Mr. Kraus' German heritage.  I am not sure if Mrs. Kraus is German or not (I think she might be) ... I know that Caitlin has told me that her mom's side has Irish ancestry (I think).  Anyways, it is really nice to be here.  Susan once told me to think of it as my "home away from home ... away from home."  Thinking about that makes me smile.  I feel so loved and accepted here and the Kraus family is such a genuine, kind-hearted, and loving family.  I really love them!

Day 184 | Thursday, July 2 | 2009

Cloudy Weather...

Today has been nice and relaxing.  Got up this morning and went running with Caitlin, came back and cooked breakfast, showered and then later spent a lot of time studying.  It's been nice.  I am still waiting on some of the maintenance things to be finished in my apartment and it is a little frustrating.  Yesterday, the maintenance guy fixed the missing light fixture in the bathroom by adding a completely new fixture altogether.  He made a big mistake though when he left the light fixture turned on (without realizing that he didn't leave a way for the fixture to be turned off).  I came back home and the light was on and I couldn't figure out a way how to turn it off.  I called my landlord and told them the problem and they sent the maintenance guy back over.  He seemed baffled that he would forget about the whole thing on account of him thinking the fan switch was rigged up to control the lights.

Either way, it reminded me yet again of how scary-looking the maintenance guy is.  He has a bunch of tattoos scrawled on his arms and neck and today I realized he had an empty tear drop tattooed just below his right eye.  

I looked it up on the Internet today as to figure out what this might mean (I had previously heard that it meant that the person tattooed has killed someone in prison if he or she has a tattoo of a tear drop on their face) and the directory online told me that the person with an empty tear drop means that a loved one of theirs has been killed in the past or it means that the wearer has unsuccessfully murdered someone.  

I'm really hoping for the loved one killed.

Day 183 | Wednesday, July 1 | 2009

Pup...

This is a bag that Caitlin bought at the library...or maybe it was a bookstore.  Anyway, it is adorable and I wanted to take a picture of it.

Today was a nice day.  I met with Michael after lunch.  Before that, Caitlin and I ate with Evan at Casa. It was fantastic.

I studied a lot today and caught up on some of the LOST episodes I was short on.  It has really turned into such a complex show.

Day 182 | Tuesday, June 30 | 2009

There's No Place Like Home...

Caitlin and I came back to Athens today to relax for a few days (although I will still be studying every day).  Here is a picture of Caitlin's cute little feet and red slippers.  Today we went out for dinner and a movie.  We went out for dinner at China Panda and then later we saw the new Pixar animated film Up.  Tonight was such a good night -- one that I had been waiting for during the whole Ecuador trip -- because I could just finally relax and hold Caitlin and not have to worry about anything.  

Tomorrow will be sort of the same pace -- relaxing and studying.  I might catch up with some friends too.

Day 181 | Monday, June 29 | 2009

Caitlin...

Here is Caitlin with her stuffed-wolf, Grey Brother.  It is nice to be staying with the Kraus' every Monday when I have my class. 

Class was good and it was also nice to drive up to Columbus with Jeff.  Jeff showed me some great music on the way up.

Day 180 | Sunday, June 28 | 2009

More Moving...

When I got back from the library tonight, my parents left the place in a really nice order.  I felt really happy about having them this weekend and they made life a lot easier for me.  Here is a little picture of my apartment again.

Tomorrow I will go to Columbus for class and to stay with the Kraus family.  I love them so much.  I can't wait to see my baby too.

Day 179 | Saturday, June 27 | 2009

Not too far from where I live...

What to say about today?  We moved a lot of things from place to place.  At least it was not too humid.

My parents are being a huge help.  I am so glad they're here.  

Day 178 | Friday, June 26 | 2009

Moving...

I ran a mile yesterday to see how fast I could go.  My time was 6:25.  This is pretty good but it is a lot slower than I used to be able to go.  I think I am going to start a running blog to use this summer -- for motivation and for the purposes of being smart about training.

Mom and Dad will be coming later today to help me with the moving process.  I am doing pretty good but I wish I could just get more done.  I blew up the air mattress for them to stay on and I am looking forward to their help and company.

Day 177 | Thursday, June 25 | 2009

Mr. Rob Powell...

Rob played open mic tonight at Donkey.  I kind of hid away in the corner and I don't think he knew I was there until after he played.  He played so wonderfully and I am glad that I could hear and see him.  Whenever he plays his song Mr. I, I become transfixed.  Rob and I need to catch up big time.

Today was just another busy day of moving.  I gave away the couch and chair I have had since my family moved to Cincinnati.  It is hard letting go of things like this.  Larry made a good point today, though, that these things are merely things and that another person or persons would enjoy these things afterwards.

Day 176 | Wednesday, June 24 | 2009

Welcome to Athens...

Took this shot walking around Athens this evening.  I am starting to realize how much I miss Ecuador about right now.  

I ran into Mike and Shannon Elliott tonight on college green.  It was nice to talk to them.  I am also excited to listen to the rest of Mike's most recent musical recording The Whiskey Ballads.

Day 175 | Tuesday, June 23 | 2009

Evan...

Evan is a really nice guy.  He is helping me move tomorrow and we'll see how that goes.  Evan works at Donkey Coffee and here he is about to serve me a shot of espresso.  (It was strong!)  Today I drove back to Athens, had an eye appointment and did a smattering of things involving moving.

Day 174 | Monday, June 22 | 2009

Cheap Motel...

Not much to say.  Moving around is a lot of work.  I was driving around Athens today and decided to take this picture.  

There is a band called the Wailin' Elroys that used to be together (I am not sure if they are together or not now because I saw they are playing a show soon???) and this motel was the backdrop for one of their albums called Cheap Motel.

I wish this post, again, was more interesting.

Day 173 | Sunday, June 21 | 2009

New Place...

Here is the apartment I am moving into.  My friend Ali used to live here a couple of years ago and I remembered it being pretty cool...so that's what lead me to finding out there was a vacancy for this year so I snagged it.  It is a great place but when I arrived today, there were a lot of problems -- broken window, pet odor, missing light, and the old tenant left some furniture for me to move for them.  

Overall, I am excited about the new place and the days ahead.

Day 172 | Saturday, June 20 | 2009

Rest Stop...

I took Caitlin back to Columbus today.  Here is a rest stop on the way back to Cincinnati.  I need to work on the boringness of posts like these.

Day 171 | Friday, June 19 | 2009

At the Ball Game...

My dad had tickets he got from his work to go see the Cincinnati Reds play the Chicago White Sox today at the Great American Ballpark.  It was such an enjoyable experience.  The Reds ended up winning 3-2 as well.  I went to Columbus today to pick up Caitlin so that it was me, Caitlin, my dad, and aunt Patty that went to the game.  We all had a great time at the game but it was very humid.  

After the game, Caitlin and I hung out with Nick Bascom and Ryan O'Grady -- two old friends that I hadn't seen in a while.  It was nice to spend time with them and nice to introduce them to Caitlin.  They took us to Arnold's bar, located in downtown Cincinnati.  Arnold's is the oldest bar in Cincinnati -- if I remember right it was built in 1867.  I could be wrong though.

Day 170 | Thursday, June 18 | 2009

Dichos...

Here are two plaques that my family has hung in our kitchen in my parent's house in Cincinnati.  The sayings are "Barriga llena, corazón contento" which translates into -- "Full belly, content heart."  The other saying is "Dios bendiga cada rincón de esta casa" which translates into "God bless every corner of this home."  

The plaques have been in our homes ever since my parents travelled to Spain back in 1994 (where they bought them).  I think they are lovely but I find the two sayings to be pretty unrelated to one another.

Day 169 | Wednesday, June 17 | 2009

Toyota Celica...

I spent all day packing to get back to Athens and cleaning / cleaning out my car (pictured above).  It is actually my brother's car that he gave to me back in 2005.  

Day 168 | Tuesday, June 16 | 2009

Aunt Ninfa...

All I remember about today was spending time around West Chester and Liberty Township.  It was really nice to be around family.  I wish that I would have posted a picture of my godmother and godfather (Ceci and Hector respectively).  It was such a joy to see them.  Pictured above is my Aunt Ninfa (my grandfather's sister).  

I believe today was also the day that my Aunt Ninfa and Uncle Jim left on their way back to New Mexico.  

Day 167 | Monday, June 15 | 2009

Uncle Jim & Aunt Patty...

Today we went on a nice riverboat cruise on the Ohio river.  Many years ago, I vaguely remember doing this boat trip or something like it.  I ended up taking a nap in the cabin of the boat today while my relatives road up on top.  I still enjoyed the tour immensely, however, and everyone else did too.  Here is a picture of my uncle Jim and aunt Patty.

Day 166 | Sunday, June 14 | 2009

Mom's bringing the popcorn...

We are back in Cincinnati and the family is still here -- Aunt Ninfa, Grandma, Hector and Ceci, Uncle Jim, Aunt Patty, Mom and Dad, and me.  

My godfather Hector, Uncle Jim and I went to go see that movie Drag Me to Hell tonight.  It was okay.  There were moments of it that were pretty scary.

When we came back everyone was watching Cold Mountain and eating popcorn.  

Day 165 | Saturday, June 13 | 2009

Just Married...

Today we attended a wonderful after-wedding reception at the Steinmiller's house.  After staying up the night before until 4:30 AM with my Uncle Jim, Dale and Leslie, I was too tired to stay awake during this party.  I stole away and took a nap in Gretchen's room for a little over an hour.  When I woke up, pretty much everyone was gone.

I forgot to say yesterday that I got to see Dale and Leslie at the wedding and they ended up staying in the hotel with us.  It was so nice to see Dale (I hadn't seen him for almost two years) and seeing Leslie was so great too.  They are two of my closest friends and I am lucky to be in the company of such good people.

Day 164 | Friday, June 12 | 2009

Wedding...

Here is a picture of Dustin and Gretchen while they are sitting on the altar of their wedding ceremony.

I cannot put into words how proud and happy I am for them.  Later tonight I played Stand by Me for them at their reception and I couldn't help but cry.  Something just hit me -- waves of joy and an overwhelming amount of sadness, realizing that my brother was getting married and that everything has gotten so much different from our childhood.  

Standing there playing my guitar, visions of me and my brother's childhood flashed in my brain and I instantly realized we had grown up so much.

The wedding, reception, and everything was very beautifully done.  I am so happy that I could be here and witness the wedding.