Coachella Annie-versary!

While my dad and the rest of the fam were out participating in the run/walk for donors, Annie and I were off to Indio, CA for Coachella. After a two year hiatus, Annie and I were returning and celebrating our 1 year Anniversary (April 29) at the same time.
Since Coachella is always held on the last weekend of April, it looks like we'll be celebrating our anniversary at Coachella for years to come.

Highlights for me during the three day fest were Arcade Fire, Rodrigo y Gabriella, LCD soundsystem, the Rapture, and Travis. There were countless other great moments from other bands new and old, but these seem to stand out.

I can't believe a year has flown by and I have yet to find out what it takes to be the perfect husband. Friends and family say it takes a while to find our groove, but continuing to love each other is one way to find it. I love Annie so much and I thank her for being patient, yet again, while I try to finish grad school. Although our lives are busy beyond belief, I want Annie to know I'm never too busy to think about her and love her.

We so were busy this whole weekend running around from stage to stage and from tent to tent, that little time was left to celebrate us. We ended our anniversary on Monday with a nice romantic lunch in Palm Springs and it gave me time to stare at Annie and see how beautiful she is and how special she is to have as a wife. I pray this next year as husband and wife to be filled with many blessings. Maybe a new home? Maybe a family? I can't wait! I love you Annie.

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My celebrity Dad

Thousands gather for donors event
Record crowd at 5th annual Donate Life Walk made up of many individuals touched by organ transplantation.

By ERIC CARPENTER
The Orange County Register

FULLERTON - About 5,000 runners and walkers formed a massive crowd at the starting line to the 5th annual Donate Life Walk on Saturday at Cal State Fullerton – by far the largest attendance in the event's history.
They came for a common cause – to spread the word about the dire need for more organ and tissue donors.
But among the crowd were countless personal stories of participants who had their own reasons for coming.
Some wore T-shirts with the image of a loved one who had died, but also gave life to others through organ donation. Others were organ recipients who wanted to show off their health and celebrate a second chance at life.
"This wouldn't have been possible for me a year ago, I couldn't have walked a few feet," said Henry Valtier, 56, who received a heart transplant last July. He walked with about 20 friends and family members, carrying a small Tin Man like the character that travels to the Wizard of Oz in search of a heart.
"I've been given another chance," Valtier said, "and I want others to see what's possible."
The event began in 2003 with several hundred people. This year, council members representing 11 Orange County cities participated. And it has also become a more regional event with about 60 percent of its participants from outside the county.

On a side note, Annie and I were trying to think of a gift for my dad when he got out of the hospital. While walking around Citywalk the idea hit Annie. A Tin Man from Wizard of Oz! It was perfect. He wanted a heart, my dad wanted a heart. He finally got a heart, my dad finally got a heart! Good times!

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