First off, a word of explanation.  Actually, lots of words of explanation, because if there is one thing I like more than the sound of my own voice, it's the....sound....of my written words.  You need to know that.  The title of this blog, Separate Checks, does NOT come from my job (I'm a waiter at Bottega Cafe), but rather from the "season" of life that I and my friends find myself in.  There's no hiding it-we're single.  On Friday night, we went out for a friend's birthday.  12 people (5 ladies, 6 gentleman, and one guy from Georgia) sat around the table.  A nice looking bunch, if I do say so myself.  The waitress approached and asked in that awesomely hopeful voice all of us servers use when approaching a large party, "Will this all be on one check?"  No, we replied.  It would not be.  It would be on 12 SEPARATE CHECKS.  The blog, and the eventual book and movie title, was born! So, for those of you who don't know, I'm 28, live in Birmingham, I'm a waiter, and I'm single.  That seems to be the four questions that everyone wants to know about everyone that they meet, so I figure I'll let you know all of it up front.  Fortunately, that does not define me.  I happen to be all of those things right NOW, but I will ALWAYS be a follower of Jesus Christ.  I'm writing this blog because it just seems like there is NO ONE writing about dating and singleness from a Christian perspective right now!  Actually, I'm writing this blog because I said I would start a blog, and, even though I was kidding, I think it's a good idea to always do the things that you said you would do.  If nothing else, it will teach you to keep your mouth shut.  In all seriousness, I guess I just want to write about where I am right now, what I am thinking about, and what I am going through.  Maybe I will encourage some folks; maybe I will provide a few laughs, but I hope that, above all, I show everyone of you how great my God is.  He has, is, and always will provide everything I need in this life.  If I can show you Him, then this blog is a success.