Much to be Thankful for

It's my first thanksgiving as a freed man and an adult. I spent it with my family eating a traditional meal of turkey, mashed potato, sweet potato, stuffing and pumpkin pie. My grandfather used to cook for the family on thanksgiving when I was a kid. Now my Dad is the cook. Being able to sit at the table with family to enjoy a variety of home cooked food is heavenly. After dinner, I was able to sit in a hot tub accompanied by the crystal clear moon and twinkle stars. Can life get any better than that?

I'm grateful for the support of my family and friends over the years to enable me to experience so many first encounters in life. I'm thankful to have your presence in my life.

Happy new month

It's the first day of November. That's means we're two months away from 2008. Time flies as usual.

My blogging is still sporadic. I still need to set up my wireless at home so I can get online. Sometimes I miss being able to write my blogs daily and send them to Jeanne so she can post them for me.

I went to my first professional football game last Sunday. It's the 49ers vs. the New Orlean Saints. The game wasn't too exciting because the Saints destroyed the Niners. However, after watching football games all my life on a tv screen, I didn't care about the outcome of the game. One of the best part of being in the game was being with old friends.

My work as a street outreach worker puts me in contact with many API youth. Last Friday, when I was able to conduct a conflict mediation between about 80 Chinese youth successfully, I felt my work was validated. I couldn't help but reflect on the times that I'd done conflict mediation when I was in prison successfully. I utilized the same technique to resolved a potentially violent situation. Then I was able to provide part time job for a couple of the youth as well as developed relationships with them. I love my job.

In the next two months I will be experiencing many firsts. My mind and heart are opened.