Happy Birthday!

At 6:10 yesterday evening, Reuben Blythe Armstrong--the firstborn child of the illustrious Aaron and Carleen Armstrong--was brought officially into the world. Congratulations to the proud and loving parents (and especially to Carleen who, let's be honest, had the more difficult half in this endeavor; love you). I think I can go on the record with many others as anticipating "great things" (in many possible senses) for this trio. If you would like to see some snapshots of the strapping young lad, hop on over to the Xanga dimension and pay Aunt Jane a visit.

Long time, I know, since my unsightly mug was seen in these parts (I am, of course, being metaphorical; try to keep up, you in the back there), but, honestly, if I wasn't going to post for this, when would I?
Though actually, I have a few half finished drafts floating around, but once they sit in the open for a little while, they tend to go stale. In the interests of brevity (for me, I mean. my delicate little fingers tend to cramp), allow me to summarize:

In the second most important event of this last trading period, the whole family went down to South Carolina a few weeks back, to attend John's graduation from Basic Training. My guess is that many of you have already heard about said event from my Mom, who is attempting to steal all of my friends by actually...you know...communicating and stuff. John was a little bit tanner, a little bit balder, a little buffer, a little more hoarse, and a lot happier than when I saw him last. Not that he was excessively morose before he joined up, but he definitely seems to have made a place for himself there, and he enjoys it. Pictures to come soon.
As we bopped around that weekend, it seemed we couldn't go two steps without running into someone from John's company (D company, the "Delta Dogs") or his platoon (the "War Dogs"...ask to see my commemorative t-shirt) telling us that John helped them make it through, that he was the most motivated soldier in the company, how he was always keeping everyone going. One guy said they needed to make a plaque for him, and even one of the drill sergeant, in a more relaxed moment, said that John was the reason he came into work in the morning. To all of them, John will forever be "The Motivator", as he was fondly dubbed. (also "Robin", but that's another story)
He's now in AIT for advanced aviation mechanics training (15 more weeks or so), and, like Joseph, seems to be making a name for himself wherever he goes. Anyone surprised? Didn't think so...

Summarize. Summarize summarize.

In the "Hell freezes over" department, I bought a car. Officially, the H.M.A. Winston Churchill, but you can call him Winston. At a later date, I will post pictures and tell the story of how we met. Awwww. (that was Chelle saying "Awwww" in my head, but you all couldn't hear it.)

Work continues to...be work. Many shires and villages of the IT department have been placed under my patronage in the last month, since they let go of the previous IT manager. They tell me I'm doing well. Had my first review last week; got a raise. First solo trip to the Detroit plant yesterday. Now if only I could get past 10 and 11 hour days...

I think I've decided (since this is the part where I veer off into the random and rambling) to never read "theology" books with the words "Hidden" or "Secret" in the title. Unless they're about catacombs. Or buried treasure, I suppose, but since theologies of piracy are hard to come by (a project, Katrina?), I think I am safe.

I am going to be in "Much Ado About Nothing" this summer. Smaller, "due paying" role: a watchman. The "second watchman", actually. It's a more slapstick role, which is something I've never done before; could be fun.

I'm also doing a scene from Richard III for Willows at Cornerstone this year. April 25th, for those of you in the neighborhood; probably my last chance to play my beloved crippled, hunchbacked, manipulative deceiver king. *sniff*

Right. That's probably enough out of me, until I get the hang of this again...probably gonna wake up sore in the morning....*grumble mumble*