It's Tuesday morning. I haven't been to work all week and I won't be going back in until this weekend. Amy has graciously called Lynn and Greg several times and worked it all out for me. I'm in no shape to talk on the phone because my throat is “en fuego.” I can hardly speak as it is. I'm still dizzy and have yet to get all of my strength back. My mom is up here helping to take care of me while Amy's at work. I never get sick, but the one year I fail to get a flu shot… ugh. It is utterly dreadful.

I hate I'm not working this week. I'd much rather do that instead of sitting around here feeling miserable. But, I've dropped 13 lbs. since Saturday! Yeah, not the best way to lose it… I just hope Lynn gets back in touch with me soon about my new schedule for the TV station. I sincerely hope she's moving me to Friday and Saturday. I hate working on Sundays. Enough for now… I'm drained…

I have the flu. The man who never gets sick has the flu. I hate you, new strain…

It's the 26th, and Amy and I are back safely at home. She had to work today, and I had to work last night. We had a good week of Christmas cheer. As I previously mentioned, we went to my mom's house last weekend and had a great time. Mom gave us a new Thomas Kinkade picture. We also got various articles of clothing and the like. We gave her a vacuum cleaner along with my cousin. We also gave her a cookbook, the picture of me and Mike Shula, and other odds and ends.

Tuesday night, we went to my mother-in-law's house. We got there about 1:30 a.m. Christmas Eve. She lives an hour north of Columbus, GA, which is where we lived for three years. Driving in, we tuned into the radio station where I used to work, Q1073. I have to admit… it stunk. That station is completely in the toilet. The music was some of the worst I've ever heard. Anywho… we had a great visit with Amy's mom. We left there Christmas Eve afternoon to visit my dad up the road. It was his 70th birthday and we had a party for him. I gave him the picture of me and Coach Shula, an empty football display case, and then an autographed football of the coach. I hope he likes it.

We then went back to LaGrange and met up with the siblings. Walker, Melanie, Matt, and Sara had finally gotten there by the time we got back. We stayed up late and played dominos before getting just a few hours of sleep. Christmas morning was great. We all opened our gifts and took pictures. We all got a bunch of clothes, books, and gift certificates. I always look forward to getting the Best Buy gift card from my mother-in-law every year. She knows that's my favorite store. Justin and I will be going to Best Buy Tuesday, so it'll be spent before you know it.

Amy couldn't breathe well last night. After I got back from the radio station, I went searching for some Vick's VaporRub. Almost every drug store was closed, but Rite Aid came through like a champ. I got home and put some on her chest and throat. She opened up within a few seconds and could breathe normally. That stuff is magic. I haven't felt too well today, but I'm okay. We're going to see “The Lord of the Rings” tomorrow morning. Third time for me, but I can't get enough of it! Amy wants to see it just to complete the trilogy. She probably couldn't care otherwise. It's really not her type of movie, but she sat through the first two for me. We're doing Christmas tomorrow night with Shawn and Jennifer. That should be fun. I've been playing Rainbow Six on my Xbox all day (thanks for the RS addiction, Shawn!).

That should just about do it. I'm waiting on Justin to call so I can help him unload his new recliner. See you later!

Well, this should be the last entry until after Christmas! I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Amy and I opened gifts last night (12/22) because we're headed to her mom's place later tonight (12/23). I'm kind of annoyed that we had to open our presents extremely early for the second year in a row, though. Last year, Amy's sister Melanie and her now-husband stayed with us on the night of the 23rd, which prompted us to open our gifts on the 22nd. Now, we've had to do so again because we're going out-of-town for a couple of days. I don't mind the reasons of why we opened them early, but just the fact we did annoys me. It kind of takes away from the gift-giving aspect of the holiday (and certainly the least important reason for the day). But since we live three hours away from each side of the family, what can you do? We even had Christmas with my mom this past weekend. It's the first time I've not been with my mom on Christmas Eve or Day in my life. But, I'm trying to be extremely understanding since my father-in-law died almost a year ago. I know it's hard on Amy's mom. That's why I'm taking this holiday shuffle with a grain of salt. I can't wait until we have a house, though. We've had to go and visit family for the last five years, and I think I'm warming up to them coming to visit us for a change. But… Tis' the Season! Remember that Jesus Christ is the reason we have the day in the first place. Amy and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

One movie to rule them all… I just got in from the midnight premiere of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” I'm am tired, but oh… my… gosh… (not in “Valley Girl” lingo). If this movie doesn't win a plethora of awards at the Oscars, someone's got a screw loose… I know of two more scheduled times to see this (one with Justin and one with my wife), and I may not stop there. There are really no words to describe how great this movie, or this whole trilogy, is. “Back to the Future” remains my all-time favorite trilogy, but “Star Wars” may have just taken a back seat for the number two spot. Peter Jackson, thank you and your crew for having the vision and patience to pull this off. My hat is off to you, sir…