A lot has happened this past week.

The new leadership of Iraq was handed the keys to the country from the US government, two days ahead of plans. This early release was most likely the plan, but was kept a secret. Announcing a change on the 30th to the world made even me concerned for security. I was worried for the new leadership (considering two future leaders had already been assassinated), and for Americans all over the world (considering many factions are very anti-American.) It came as a great relief that no major strikes were made on, or immediately prior to the changeover.

Still, hostages are being taken randomly in efforts to keep troops out, and I think that activity might be slowing down a bit, now that fewer countries are paying attention to the demands of terrorists.

Sadaam Hussein has been handed over to the new Iraqi government, and is facing some serious charges (although they're still figuring out the details of the charges), but they will include the killings and cleansings of hundreds of thousands of people in his reign of terror. I think Americans were reluctant to turn over Sadaam without first ensuring a secure government, because obviously, we want to see him brought to justice, and most definitely, the last thing we want is for him to slip through some cracks and make his way back onto the throne.

On the homefront, our nation celebrated another birthday. July 4th is a terrific time for our country's families to gather and celebrate our freedom. I hope everyone reading this had a good 4th and took a second to appreciate the troops who are out there sacrificing quite a bit to ensure the freedom of America and other countries across the planet.

Marlon Brando kicked the bucket over this week. I'm impressed that he made it to 80 years old, considering his weight. He was a talented actor in the Godfather. Still, it's pretty impressive how am American sex symbol collided into a spiral of tragedy as Brando did. I can't speak much on it, since I never talked to the man, but I'm sure much of the downfall had to do with being famous. It seems almost like being famous is more of a curse than a blessing. (maybe I'm thinking this way because I just watched Notting Hill. I won't discount that!)

Anyhow, things with me are going pretty well... I'm working on finalizing California plans, as well as another event a few days later. I spent about 4 hours on Saturday working on homework for the week, and I'll have a LOT more work to do in California, unfortunately. The last thing I want to do is come home early to work on homework in a hotel room, but I really have no choice.

The cool news is that I only have one more course to get through after this before I get into classes related to my major. I've been muddling through the core cirriculum courses, which are important for managers to know, but some of them delve too deeply into stuff I could care less about.

On Saturday, I picked up Jeff and Olivia to attend the Hollomon wedding @ Newport News, Va. [pics here] On the way, I must have picked up a nail or a screw, because one of my brand new tires popped out on us. I got off to the side, and within 10 minutes, Jeff and I had the spare on. We were back on the road pretty quickly, and had enough time before the wedding to hunt in town for a replacement tire.

As luck would have it, we found a COSTCO, which had furnished me with four new tires not more than two weeks ago. The mechanic on site was able to replace my tire, free of charge, in about 10-15 minutes. Jeff and I got that one back on it, and went into the wedding. It was like it never happened.

The wedding was really nice. Chris and Karen wanted a beach wedding, so the ceremony was held outside of the James River country club, on the beach. There was a nice reception in the club, and I think everyone had fun. I think Mike hit the nail on the head when he told the audience that we now see Chris in a different mood than he used to be in.... he's the same old Chris, but he's pretty much happy all the time now. Karen's a great match, and hopefully he won't scare her away! ;)

It was a terrific night.

When I return in late July, I'll have just enough time to ramp up my running before the first race of the "season". Although, until then, I'm going to continue my break. I'm hoping my knees will figure themselves out soon so I can get back on, ahem, track.

I'll write from California. Talk to ya then. ;)