It all does happen for a reason.

This week, we got the very unfortunate news that a cousin of ours died – He died of a type of blood cancer that he fought off multiple times, this time… the cancer won. Although I am sad to see him gone, I know that he lived a very wonderful life. Once he retired – he lived his dream: season tickets to the Phillies, teaching at a summer camp and watching his only daughter grow into a woman. Tomorrow we are heading to New Jersey to attend the funeral and I am so glad that I am able to make it – I am putting my personal life ahead of work. The interesting thing was that the family was told by my cousin’s doctors that it was time to make a decision… either give him a few more days or pull the plug (I hate that phrase) – they decided to wait a few more days. My sister made a great point last night; my cousin left this world early so his family would not have to make such a tough decision. He knew it was his time. I really do believe that everything happens for a reason.

Cheap labor?

The gamer and I are buying a house, a step which has taken me almost two years to complete. In October 2009, I made the move back to my parent’s house in anticipation of finding a house with my sister, but as a result of circumstances out of both of our control, we had to put things on hold. A few months later, the Gamer decided that he was going to purchase a home… that with my financial help, we would own and live in it together - but I put the brakes on. I was faced with making a tough decision… Although the idea of living with him excited me, I knew that there was something not right. Whether it was the house itself or our relationship status at the time, I decided to back out. This decision became the route of many fights and regrettable actions, but after all was said and done… The gamer thinks that my decision led to our engagement. It turns out that backing out of that house was the best decision I have ever made.

After the initial excitement of the engagement subsided, we realized VERY quickly that our living situation had to change. After we got engaged, The Gamer moved in with me… at my parent’s house. That’s right; Chad and I have officially made my parent’s basement our humble abode. Luckily, I am extremely close with my parents and sister, so living with everyone has been a delight but, and I agree with my parents, we are not allowed to be living there once we are married. Of course, they would not throw us on the street if we did not find a place, but I don’t think living with Mom and Dad is a healthy way to start a marriage which is why from the beginning they have pushed us to find a place.

We have saved a great amount of money living at home, making it possible to buy a house and now we are getting close to the big settlement date – scheduled for February 25. I can’t tell you how excited, nervous, scarred and tickled I am to be a homeowner. There is so much work involved in buying and maintaining a house – The Gamer and I are not the handiest people, but I think we better learn how to be, quickly.

Anyone up for participating in a painting party? I will supply the pizza and beer in exchange for your cheap labor.

Boy am glad I never got the VIRGO tramp stamp I was considering

I have never been a huge follower of the Zodiac trend – with the exception of my cell phone’s daily application reminding about my love relationships and financial forecasts, I don’t know a whole lot about the theories and history of the astrological signs/horoscopes.

Based on announcements/findings made recently “The star doctors say Earth is currently in a different spot in relation to the Sun, and its equatorial alignment has changed from 3,000 years ago when the study of astrology began -- back when 12 zodiac signs were assigned to 12 different periods of the year.”

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So ladies and gents, based on the above, please take a moment to find you new sign:

Capricorn: Jan. 20 - Feb. 16

Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11

Pisces: March 11- April 18

Aries: April 18- May 13

Taurus: May 13- June 21

Gemini: June 21- July 20

Cancer: July 20- Aug. 10

Leo: Aug. 10- Sept. 16

Virgo: Sept. 16- Oct. 30

Libra: Oct. 30- Nov. 23

Scorpio: Nov. 23- Nov. 29

Ophiuchus: Nov. 29- Dec. 17

Sagittarius: Dec. 17- Jan. 20

Obviously my world is not shaken or ended by my adjustment from VIRGO to LEO, but I think it is interesting that the concept of Zodiac is changing. But don’t worry diehard followers of the stars, according to Astronomer Parke Kunkle, these new sign designations should not affect our daily horoscopes – a tool that some people use to predict/steer their relationships, financial decisions, dating compatibility, and even their general daily outlook.

One more thing… what hell is Ophiuchus?? The new 13th sign! Weird.