Thanks

People, organizations and companies I should give more thanks to:

• My wife and kids
• They put up with my long hours, constant inconvenient interruptions and the aggravated mood I end up bringing home more than any of us care for.  I can only thank them for being as patient as they have while I work toward finding a more reasonable environment.
• Mom and Dad
•  They put up with a lot with me.  Nice to see how great I turned out though :)

• Joaquin M, Tim R and their families.
• Friends who are lights to the world and I wish I could keep in better touch with.
• Larry and Mari 
• Miss y'all a bunch; hope that Jesus keeps you and your family close.  Lots of wonderful times at the bible studies which seem so long ago now.
• My Grandpa Brown
• For being a wonderful role model for Christian faith &strength and just a great Grandfather in general. 
• Gregg J, Mark K, Clint, Jeff K and other college friends and their families
• Many fond memories; wishing it was easier to keep in touch
• Ray and Al from back home
• So many good laughs and unforgettable times; wish it was easier to keep in touch with you as well. 
• Friends I have worked with such as; Rick B, James S, Michael W (x2) and others from CA along with folks from the VCCS such as Violet M, Monica H, Kathy H, Andy C, Jamie W and others. These folks made me laugh, think differently and/or supported me in many ways.   
• Hanover County Police and EMS
•  Recently a pretty severe car accident occurred within a stones throw of where I was walking.  As sad as the circumstances were, it was obvious that these folks are awesome at what they do and are a huge benefit to our community.  These folks deserve more thanks than they likely receive and have my respect.  Thanks for being there!

Here are some local businesses which I am thankful for.  In a world where the $ takes precedence over almost everything else these places have not lost sight of their customers.  They have provided us wonderful service and in some cases have almost felt like family at times.

• Mexico Restaurant - Short Pump
• http://mexico-restaurant.com/pages/locations.html
• Great food and wonderful staff.  We go there fairly often and they have watched our kids growing up and it is always a pleasure to be there. 
• Extra Billy's BBQ - Midlothian
• http://www.extrabillys.com/ExtraBillysBarBQ2.htm
• More great food and wonderful staff.  This is another place we have had many family meals at and swapped stories with the staff. 
• Greek Islands Restaurant - West Broad St
• http://www.greekislandsva.com/
• Wonderful people working there.  Feel like part of the family.  My son LOVES their pasta.  The food is great and you get a pretty good sized portion for a very reasonable cost.  Highly recommend stopping by if you get the chance. 
• UPDATE: Jan 2015; Sadly the owners have decided to retire and closed down.  We will sorely miss both the restaurant and the couple running it.  I do wish them a wonderful retirement though!
• Chick-fil-A - West Broad St & Short Pump
• These folks go above and beyond on a regular basis.  Great food, friendly & fast service.  This is the best chick-fil-A I have been to.
• Applebees - Short Pump
• Extremely friendly staff, excellent service and food.  They have grown to remember us along with our normal meal choices.   
• McGeorge Toyota
• Very courteous and efficient!   They made us, as customers, feel important and they try very hard to meet our needs.  Thanks!
• Delta Temp
• http://www.deltatempinc.com/
• These guys sorted out our messed up geothermal heat pump installation from another company and were more than generous in what they charged.  I wish I had started with them from the beginning.
• Virginia Urology / Dr. Kramolowsky
• http://www.uro.com/physicians/eugene-kramolowsky/
• Couldn't have found a nicer doctor to help me through some kidney stones
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