Date: 2010-12-22
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Miles today: 0.0

Home. Its where the heart is. My heart will always feel at home on the AT as well. Im settling back into South Jersey life fairly quickly and with ease. It only took me 5 minutes of driving before I got my fist middle finger as I was cut off while trying to merge. On Saturday, Aubreys mom had a holiday party in which all the family and neighbors attended. We live in a townhouse in a golf course community. Pretty much all of our neighbors are transplants from South Philadelphia (all Italian). Not Italian like at the Olive Garden, but Italian like watching the Sopranos (use your imagination). I'm quite sure there may have been one or two mafia transactions taking place by the wine table. Being warm all the time is something I can get used to. As is a comfy bed, cabinets full of food, and a beautiful girlfriend who is so happy. It is pretty surreal when I get in my truck....this is mine? We got home at about 3 in the morning on Friday. After reuniting with Aubrey, I heard Colin (our beagle) running down the stairs after he heard me. He ran over and collapsed into my lap while whimpering for several minutes. He's been around nothing but girls for the last 6 months, so i'm gonna have my hands full trying to "boy him up" a little bit. For example, the dog does not like walking. You take him outside, and after he conducts his buisness drags you right back to the door. This is going to change....quick.I was able to meet by friend Danny's baby for the first time. He was born back in August while I was on the trail, and I wa sorry to miss it. When I went over, he was placed in my arms as I came through the door, and that is where he remained until I left. he's just the cutest little guy who hardly cries or gets fussy. It was also neat seeing his wife Kristina, and how she is aglow in mommy world.I went to my fire departments christmas party last night. I was an active fire fighter for many years, but havent really been involved as much in the last couple of years. But it was nice to see everyone and have a few drinks. Afterwards, we all headed to Atlantic City for some poker in which I came out even. It was nice time out with my buddies.I went up to my hospital to visit my friends and coworker in the ICU. They were all shocked when they saw how much weight I lost, and I recieved many hugs and kisses. As I stood talking to some of them, I saw a heart monitor in a room beeping indicating a heart rate of 45. My nurse instincts kicked in as my heart fluttered, and I instinctively looked around the bedside to see if there was already an amp of Atropine taped to the bed. When we have patients that have recurring bradycardia (slow pulse), often we will keep atroping in the room just in case it gets too slow. My boss was thrilled to see me, and didn't hesitate to remind me that she purposely kept a dayshift postition open for me. She said "please come home John". She assured me to take my time, and if and when I'm ready the postion is mine. It is such a blessing to be liked and loved at at a job that I loved. I was also overwhelmed with just how many of them had been following my journey all along, and how they told me it was the topic of many conversations in the ICU. Why didn't ya'll sign the guest book more??Well, i'm off to the mall and dinner. I am updating my pics a little bit at a time so please chech them out. Will update plenty moreChurchill