It's New Years Eve day. 2012 is just around the corner. I'm sitting at my computer reading FaceBook and working on my lesson on the first 31 chapters of the book of Job for church tomorrow... well, now I'm also blogging (blogging = procrastinating).
As I'm reading FaceBook, I'm saddened to see that so many of my friends and family had a crappy 2011. As I'm reading Job, I'm encouraged in 2 ways.
First, no matter how bad your or my 2011 was, it is almost impossible to be as bad as just one day was for Job. Job was a very blessed man. He had fame and fortune. He had a good family, a successful business, and good friends who could and would see him through tough times. He had iPads, iPhones, HD TVs (plasma, LCD, and LED - just so he could really be sure which one was the best), and all the other latest tech toys. He drove a BMW 5 series on the odd days and a Hummer H2 on the even days. His garage also housed several Mercedes ragtops, a '69 Mustang GT, 3 different Harleys, and a '59 Studabaker that was currently being restored. His bank account was larger than Bill Gates' and his 401K was so large that they referred to it as a 4010000000K. Then in one day, in fact, in one half hour period it was all taken away from him. His vehicles were all stolen and taken to a chop shop. The government issued bail out that completely devalued the dollar and sent the market into a downward spiral. His children and their families were wiped out by a tornado. His tech devices were all fried by unexpected solar flares that caused high levels of destructive electromagnetic radiation. His banker funneled all his money into his own off shore account. In short, he was ruined. And if that wasn't enough, his body was soon to break out with the most painful and disgusting looking boils ever imagined.
Second, no matter how bad it gets, the proper response is to praise God for His goodness. I know. That doesn't seem to make sense. But the reality of it is that no matter how bad you or I have had it, it could be worse. Even in Job's case, it could've been worse; his wife could've died, he could've become blind of deaf, the list goes on. As in Job's case, it is normal and OK to question God as to why all this has happened. It is even normal and OK to tell God that you feel like it isn't fair. But, like Job, we must also give glory and honor to God for the blessings that you do still have and for having had the time and opportunities with those you have lost.
So with all that in mind, I figured that I'd list my top 3 Good, Bad and Ugly thoughts from 2011.
Good:
1. We all have our health.
2. The Steelers made it to the Superbowl.
3. We had a great vacation to Disney this year.
The Bad:
1. Had to go to 2 funerals this year (2 funerals too many).
2. The Steelers lost the Superbowl.
3. Didn't spend enough time with family and friends.
The Ugly:
1. My step-brother, Amon died in November.
Thankfully, my Ugly list is limited to 1.
And finally we also have a Beautiful list to counter the Ugly list:
1. Tammie and I have a new dream that we are actively pursuing. More to come on this later.
My prayer for you this day is that you can look back on 2011 and still give glory and honor to God for all of his goodness and that your 2012 is more like the end of Job's life. In case you haven't read the story, Job ends up more blessed and more prosperous than ever. To God be the glory!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
It Has Been a While
It has been a busy summer of getting almost nothing done; including blogging. The last couple of weeks have included trips to Virginia and Washington, DC, attending the Washington County Fair (almost every night), working on my resume, interviewing for new jobs (both inside DSG and outside... no good leads yet), teaching Jake how to shoot guns, helping friends move and potentially preparing to adopt (can't really say much more about this yet).
I'm behind on yard work. We're behind on getting our house ready for sale next year. I'm behind on continuing a conversation with a friend about buying property from him. I'm behind on getting into better shape. And we haven't been in the pool in weeks.
But we serve an awesome God. We have been wrestling through several things this summer and have been trying to determine God's will for us in many areas. The coolest part is that we are more open to anything than we have ever been in the past and that has helped us to sense God's blessing in new and different ways.
I think the next few weeks and months are shaping up to be an amazing ride for our family. My only prayer is, "Have Your way, Jesus. Have your way in our lives.."
I'm behind on yard work. We're behind on getting our house ready for sale next year. I'm behind on continuing a conversation with a friend about buying property from him. I'm behind on getting into better shape. And we haven't been in the pool in weeks.
But we serve an awesome God. We have been wrestling through several things this summer and have been trying to determine God's will for us in many areas. The coolest part is that we are more open to anything than we have ever been in the past and that has helped us to sense God's blessing in new and different ways.
I think the next few weeks and months are shaping up to be an amazing ride for our family. My only prayer is, "Have Your way, Jesus. Have your way in our lives.."
Friday, July 29, 2011
Life Is Messy
Life is messy. So is Muckfest. I, however, don't like to be messy. "What is Muckfest?" you ask. It's only the most fun you can have with slime, paint, water, mud and almost 200 teenagers.
Every year our church puts on an multi-day event called Teen Madness. The apex of the the event is Muckfest. Muckfest involves the teens painting themselves, sloshing in kiddy pools filled with slime, sliding on slip-n-slides covered in slime, sliding down a hill into a slime pit and wallowing in mud -- all contained in a giant mud pit that is being showered by local firefighters. When all is said and done, the kids gather in the parking lot and are showered off by more firefighters. The teens absolutely love it.
This is the 3rd year that I've helped out with Teen Madness. Until this year I have never gotten messy at Muckfest. I usually stand on the sidelines and escort teens to first aid when they have too much slop in their eyes.
This year started out in much the same fashion. Then the students started coming to me all slimed up and asking for hugs. I know they didn't really want hugs. They really wanted to get me all slimed up too. So I gave in and handed out hugs.
So now I'm reflecting on the events of the night. Here's my takeaway...
Life is messy. The people around us live messy lives. The way I figure it, we have 2 choices. We can stand on the sidelines and watch them wallow in the mud and slime. Or, we can get messy with them and give them hugs.
Jesus chose to get messy. He got right there into people's messy lives. Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Jesus got messy by hanging out with the messy people of his day. He was often hanging out with tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and other outcasts. He comforted. He healed. He rebuked. He encouraged. And most importantly he died on the cross for their sins and ours. Jesus got messy for them. Jesus got messy for you and me. Jesus got messy to make us clean.
Now, Jesus wants us to get messy to share his love with others. I think next year, I might have to step up my messiness.
Who wants a hug?
This is the 3rd year that I've helped out with Teen Madness. Until this year I have never gotten messy at Muckfest. I usually stand on the sidelines and escort teens to first aid when they have too much slop in their eyes.
So now I'm reflecting on the events of the night. Here's my takeaway...
Life is messy. The people around us live messy lives. The way I figure it, we have 2 choices. We can stand on the sidelines and watch them wallow in the mud and slime. Or, we can get messy with them and give them hugs.
Jesus chose to get messy. He got right there into people's messy lives. Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Jesus got messy by hanging out with the messy people of his day. He was often hanging out with tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and other outcasts. He comforted. He healed. He rebuked. He encouraged. And most importantly he died on the cross for their sins and ours. Jesus got messy for them. Jesus got messy for you and me. Jesus got messy to make us clean.
Now, Jesus wants us to get messy to share his love with others. I think next year, I might have to step up my messiness.
Who wants a hug?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
4 Letter Words
I've had this post bouncing around in my head for a few weeks. I even had a debate with my wife about it.
Warning: this post may make me seem a bit more liberal than I really am. The views expressed here may not actually represent the views of the writer. I'm just throwing thoughts out there.
Why are cuss words bad? First, let me say that I don't cuss. We try to shelter our kids from such language. One time our daughter came to us and told us that she heard the "s" word on TV. When we asked her what the "s" word was, she responded, "stupid." We knew that we were doing our job.
Recently our kids were at a Pokemon tournament at the local library. After the fact, we found out that the event was not chaperoned adequately. Our kids (ages 13, 11 and 9) told us that they heard the "f" word from a few teenagers at the tournament. Well this time they really did hear the "f" word. Thankfully they knew it was bad, even though they didn't know what it was slang for.
Forget that I don't know why kids that age were using that word at a public library. Why do people need to use that word at all? I know people who use it every 3rd or 4th word. Does it really add to the conversation that much?
But here is the question that I'm really wondering... what makes some words worse than others, even though they mean the same thing? Why is sh-- worse than poop... pi-- worse than pee... da-- worse than darn. One word in each of these sets is acceptable; one isn't. Why?
I know parents who would never let their kids use the "f" word. But these same kids use "fudge" or "freaking" in the same context in a sentence. What's the difference? When I hear the word "fudge" or "freaking" used in those contexts, I think of the other word, so why not just use the other word?
I also know a few good kids who post "WTF" on their FaceBook posts. And some who will even say "what the f" in conversation. Why is that acceptable? Why can you allude to the word, so long as you don't actually say it... even though your hearers think and even in one sense "hear" it?
2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "[W]e take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Words are spoken thoughts. Can you use 4 letter words and take every thought captive?
Warning: this post may make me seem a bit more liberal than I really am. The views expressed here may not actually represent the views of the writer. I'm just throwing thoughts out there.
Why are cuss words bad? First, let me say that I don't cuss. We try to shelter our kids from such language. One time our daughter came to us and told us that she heard the "s" word on TV. When we asked her what the "s" word was, she responded, "stupid." We knew that we were doing our job.
Recently our kids were at a Pokemon tournament at the local library. After the fact, we found out that the event was not chaperoned adequately. Our kids (ages 13, 11 and 9) told us that they heard the "f" word from a few teenagers at the tournament. Well this time they really did hear the "f" word. Thankfully they knew it was bad, even though they didn't know what it was slang for.
Forget that I don't know why kids that age were using that word at a public library. Why do people need to use that word at all? I know people who use it every 3rd or 4th word. Does it really add to the conversation that much?
But here is the question that I'm really wondering... what makes some words worse than others, even though they mean the same thing? Why is sh-- worse than poop... pi-- worse than pee... da-- worse than darn. One word in each of these sets is acceptable; one isn't. Why?
I know parents who would never let their kids use the "f" word. But these same kids use "fudge" or "freaking" in the same context in a sentence. What's the difference? When I hear the word "fudge" or "freaking" used in those contexts, I think of the other word, so why not just use the other word?
I also know a few good kids who post "WTF" on their FaceBook posts. And some who will even say "what the f" in conversation. Why is that acceptable? Why can you allude to the word, so long as you don't actually say it... even though your hearers think and even in one sense "hear" it?
2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "[W]e take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Words are spoken thoughts. Can you use 4 letter words and take every thought captive?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Honda
A couple of years ago, I picked out an used 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan for my wife. It had low miles and was at a good price. Tammie had been wanting to get back into a van. So I got her one.
I picked the Grand Caravan because, in my mind, they invented the minivan and none had surpassed them yet. But I was wrong... they were no longer the king of the hill. They had been surpassed by the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna and maybe even a few others.
She has hated that thing. It wasn't too bad for the first year or so. But over the last 2 years, it has been in the shop for one thing after the other. The crazy thing... with all the trips to the shop, we tried 3 or 4 different garages... and EVERY time (I kid you not) when they found out what was wrong, they told us, "Yes, these vans are known for this." I think the only those vans were not known for was being reliable.
The last time the van was in the shop, Tammie asked the guy which types of cars he saw the least. His first answer was Mercedes Benz. Well, we're not getting one of those. His second answer was Hondas and Nissans. Tammie soon fell in love with the Odyssey. So today, on a whim, we stopped into South Hills Honda and looked up Ron Paree.
Now, I have to tell you, we didn't think that we would be able to work a out a deal today. We figured that between what we still owed on the Caravan and what it was worth, given all the problems we've had with it, that we'd be too negative such that it would be cost prohibitive.
Two things happened today that shocked me. 1. Tammie said that she didn't want a minivan. I think she's tired of the soccer mom stigma that comes from driving a minivan. 2. South Hills Honda came through. We picked out a 2008 Honda CR-V all wheel drive with 27K miles. I don't know how they worked out the numbers, but they were able to hit our payment and the price even included a 5 year 75K miles 100% warranty with no deductible (we didn't want to get nickle and dimed to death like the Caravan was doing to us).
So we are now a 2 Honda driving family. If you're looking for a Honda, head over to South Hills Honda, look up Ron Paree and tell him that I sent you. Tell him if he doesn't give you a good deal then Tammie will stop making cheesecakes for them.
Now, I have to tell you, we didn't think that we would be able to work a out a deal today. We figured that between what we still owed on the Caravan and what it was worth, given all the problems we've had with it, that we'd be too negative such that it would be cost prohibitive.
Two things happened today that shocked me. 1. Tammie said that she didn't want a minivan. I think she's tired of the soccer mom stigma that comes from driving a minivan. 2. South Hills Honda came through. We picked out a 2008 Honda CR-V all wheel drive with 27K miles. I don't know how they worked out the numbers, but they were able to hit our payment and the price even included a 5 year 75K miles 100% warranty with no deductible (we didn't want to get nickle and dimed to death like the Caravan was doing to us).
So we are now a 2 Honda driving family. If you're looking for a Honda, head over to South Hills Honda, look up Ron Paree and tell him that I sent you. Tell him if he doesn't give you a good deal then Tammie will stop making cheesecakes for them.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Losing Me
I used to love Major League Baseball... even way back in the 80s when the Pirates were bad. When I was in college I would jump on a bus to downtown Pittsburgh and take in a game by myself. I watched every game on TV that I could.
Once, I even wrote a letter to the owners of the Cleveland Indians (David and Richard Jacobs) and told them to hire me as the team's manager. At that time, the Indians were one of the worst teams in baseball year after year. My main selling point was that they couldn't do any worse. I never heard from them.
But then 1994 happened. 1994 is the year that they played almost all of the regular season and then went on strike; ending the season and canceling the playoffs. It was the year without a World Series. It was also the last year I ever watched Major League Baseball. It was at least 10 years before I ever went to another game. Since then I have been to less than 10 games... and I haven paid to go to a single one. Every game that I have seen was because I was given free tickets. I haven't bought a single MLB licensed product. Major League Baseball absolutely lost a fan in 1994. And who knows... my kids aren't baseball fans now. Maybe they would be if I still was.
Now there's the National Football League. My current favorite sport. I will spend the entire day on Sundays watching games. Now they're on strike. Strike/lockout I don't care what you call it. It's a bunch of millionaires arguing with billionaires over how much they should get paid to play a game.
Keep it up NFL. You're losing me.
Once, I even wrote a letter to the owners of the Cleveland Indians (David and Richard Jacobs) and told them to hire me as the team's manager. At that time, the Indians were one of the worst teams in baseball year after year. My main selling point was that they couldn't do any worse. I never heard from them.
But then 1994 happened. 1994 is the year that they played almost all of the regular season and then went on strike; ending the season and canceling the playoffs. It was the year without a World Series. It was also the last year I ever watched Major League Baseball. It was at least 10 years before I ever went to another game. Since then I have been to less than 10 games... and I haven paid to go to a single one. Every game that I have seen was because I was given free tickets. I haven't bought a single MLB licensed product. Major League Baseball absolutely lost a fan in 1994. And who knows... my kids aren't baseball fans now. Maybe they would be if I still was.
Now there's the National Football League. My current favorite sport. I will spend the entire day on Sundays watching games. Now they're on strike. Strike/lockout I don't care what you call it. It's a bunch of millionaires arguing with billionaires over how much they should get paid to play a game.
Keep it up NFL. You're losing me.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Summer Is Upon Us
Today is the second day of summer. Summer is, by far, my absolute favorite season of the year. I want to say that it is the busiest time of the year, but it isn't entirely true. Sure, there's grass cutting (which I haven't done in almost 2 weeks) and other things to take up all the time. But my busy summer seems to be taking the theme of spending entire afternoons and evenings in the pool - yay!
Problem is... spending so much time in the pool leads to not getting much done. As already mentioned, I'm behind on the grass cutting, though I plan to cut it tomorrow night. But it has taken me away from spending time on the computer (not a bad thing) and blogging (again, not a bad thing). Chilling in the pool also has me behind a bit some of the outside tasks that need to get done to get the house ready for sale next year. And finally, just hanging in the pool isn't quite the exercise that I need to be getting to continue to my goal of losing 10 pounds. Guess I need to spend more time throwing Paige and Nate across the pool to get my exercise in.
Maybe the exercise that I really need is throwing Jacob across the pool... ya, that doesn't go so well.
Problem is... spending so much time in the pool leads to not getting much done. As already mentioned, I'm behind on the grass cutting, though I plan to cut it tomorrow night. But it has taken me away from spending time on the computer (not a bad thing) and blogging (again, not a bad thing). Chilling in the pool also has me behind a bit some of the outside tasks that need to get done to get the house ready for sale next year. And finally, just hanging in the pool isn't quite the exercise that I need to be getting to continue to my goal of losing 10 pounds. Guess I need to spend more time throwing Paige and Nate across the pool to get my exercise in.
Maybe the exercise that I really need is throwing Jacob across the pool... ya, that doesn't go so well.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Different...
Today is the day that we celebrate our 17th anniversary. There were a bunch of different things that we did in our ceremony that I don't think I've seen anything like them in any other ceremony. I thought I'd list a few of them out.
As I already mentioned in my previous post, we responded with "Yes" when others normally respond "I do."
Unity Candle - We had a unity candle. But we did something neat with it. I took my candle and Tammie took her candle. Together we lit the unity candle at the same time. But then, after we blew out our individual candles, I gave mine to her mom and dad and Tammie gave hers to my mom and dad.
Vows - We wrote our own vows, but we used a passage from Ruth 1:16-17 to write them. Here's the inspiration for our vows, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."
Rings - We copied a scene from the movie, The Scarlet Pimpernel, for our ring ceremony. Too much to explain, you'll just have to rent the movie.
I Will Be Here - My brother, Pete, played my 12 string guitar and sang this song by Steven Curtis Chapman in our wedding.
One other interesting fact - It was a sunny, hot and humid day. It did not rain at all that day... except for about 10 minutes during the ceremony. It was just perfect enough to ease the humidity. And honestly, if someone didn't tell me that it rained, we never would have known. It was sunny otherwise.
As I already mentioned in my previous post, we responded with "Yes" when others normally respond "I do."
Unity Candle - We had a unity candle. But we did something neat with it. I took my candle and Tammie took her candle. Together we lit the unity candle at the same time. But then, after we blew out our individual candles, I gave mine to her mom and dad and Tammie gave hers to my mom and dad.
Vows - We wrote our own vows, but we used a passage from Ruth 1:16-17 to write them. Here's the inspiration for our vows, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."
Rings - We copied a scene from the movie, The Scarlet Pimpernel, for our ring ceremony. Too much to explain, you'll just have to rent the movie.
I Will Be Here - My brother, Pete, played my 12 string guitar and sang this song by Steven Curtis Chapman in our wedding.
Reception - I refused to kiss on demand when people clanged their spoons on their glasses. In fact, at one spot when the clanging was especially loud, I excused myself to the restroom. Oh, and there was my friend, Will, who clanged so loudly/hard that he broke his glass.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A Drop in the Bucket
Over 18 years ago, I struck it rich; not in money. Somehow, I convinced Tammie that it would be a good thing for her if she agreed to marry me. And 17 years ago this Saturday, June 11, I convinced her that saying "Yes" was the right thing to do. Apparently I was a much better liar or a budding used car salesman back then ;)
An interesting fact about our wedding: we didn't use the phrase, "I do." Instead, when prompted by the pastor with the question, we gave the response, "Yes." We took the Biblical passage in Matthew 5:37 literally.
Matthew 5:37 New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
17 years is something to be proud of these days. But it is just a drop in the bucket for what we've committed to. We committed to 'until death do we part' and we mean that. I got the better end of the deal on that one. Tammie is by far and away easier to live with than me.
When it comes to our marriage, I like to think of it in terms of a football analogy. I often tell others that I out kicked my coverage on this one. For some reason she has chosen to run slow enough for me to stay in the game. I love her for that, among many other reasons.
Happy anniversary, Babe!
An interesting fact about our wedding: we didn't use the phrase, "I do." Instead, when prompted by the pastor with the question, we gave the response, "Yes." We took the Biblical passage in Matthew 5:37 literally.
Matthew 5:37 New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
17 years is something to be proud of these days. But it is just a drop in the bucket for what we've committed to. We committed to 'until death do we part' and we mean that. I got the better end of the deal on that one. Tammie is by far and away easier to live with than me.
When it comes to our marriage, I like to think of it in terms of a football analogy. I often tell others that I out kicked my coverage on this one. For some reason she has chosen to run slow enough for me to stay in the game. I love her for that, among many other reasons.
Happy anniversary, Babe!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Pool
When I was young, I always wanted a pool. We lived in the middle of nowhere. We had 2 neighbors and one house down the road a bit. Of the 4 houses we were the only ones without a pool. I felt so deprived. Truth is I grew up very, very spoiled. A pool was pretty much the only thing that I wanted that I didn't get.
That memory drove me. I was pretty sure that I would have a pool as an adult. 1. I wanted to satisfy that desire and 2. because I wanted to spoil my kids. Two summers ago we finally bought one. It was a surprise for the kids. We bought the pool during the week that they were all away at summer camp. They loved the pool. For the rest of that summer we could hardly keep them out of the pool.
Last year was a different story. For what ever the reason, I had to threaten or bribe the kids to get them into the pool. I think the primary complaint was that they hated having to put waterproof sunscreen on before getting in. I also think they got bored in the pool with just the 5 of us, or some subset variation. It got so bad that for the last month or so of the season, I had trouble keeping the pool from turning green. The water was too stagnant; not enough water churn.
This year, I hope to have better usage of the pool. We need to make a better effort to have friends over to swim with us. If you read this and are our friends, you ARE invited. Feel free to call if you want to come over.
Hopefully the pool will be open in a few days. I plan on putting everything together, filling with water and adding the opening chemicals tomorrow night.
That memory drove me. I was pretty sure that I would have a pool as an adult. 1. I wanted to satisfy that desire and 2. because I wanted to spoil my kids. Two summers ago we finally bought one. It was a surprise for the kids. We bought the pool during the week that they were all away at summer camp. They loved the pool. For the rest of that summer we could hardly keep them out of the pool.
Last year was a different story. For what ever the reason, I had to threaten or bribe the kids to get them into the pool. I think the primary complaint was that they hated having to put waterproof sunscreen on before getting in. I also think they got bored in the pool with just the 5 of us, or some subset variation. It got so bad that for the last month or so of the season, I had trouble keeping the pool from turning green. The water was too stagnant; not enough water churn.
This year, I hope to have better usage of the pool. We need to make a better effort to have friends over to swim with us. If you read this and are our friends, you ARE invited. Feel free to call if you want to come over.
Hopefully the pool will be open in a few days. I plan on putting everything together, filling with water and adding the opening chemicals tomorrow night.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Camping
We're going camping. I love to camp. I hate to camp.
When everything is going right, camping is one of the purest forms of enjoyment that there is. Two years ago we went camping over Memorial Day weekend. Just about everything went perfect. The weather was great. Cook Forest State Park was beautiful. We all caught some trout and cooked it up. We met some camping neighbors who were a lot of fun and who have kids the same ages as ours. It was the absolute best camping experience that we have had as a family.
The previous camping trip was almost the complete opposite. We arrived at the camp grounds in Tionesta on Friday night. We unpacked the truck and set up the tent. Then it started to rain. It rained non-stop until Sunday morning... just in time to take down the tent and pack up to head home. The showers and restrooms were absolutely disgusting. The only saving grace for that trip was that we spent most of the day Saturday at Tammie's aunt and uncle's house in town. Their whole family was home for the holiday so we had some great company.
The time before that, we went to Coopers Rock State Park with some friends. The first day there was pretty nice... until the niece of our friends (who was on the trip) was discovered to have lice. The second day there was a decent day until it started to rain that night. It rained so hard that night that our tent sprang a leak and we (and our stuff) were getting wet. One of our kids was very young at this point and she cried all night long. We woke up early on Sunday and packed up in the rain and headed home soaked and wet. This was the absolute worst experience that we've had as a family (camping or not).
So what will this trip be like? It almost depends on the hour that you check the weather. One report says sunny and hot (near 90) all weekend. One says 20 - 30% chance of rain all weekend, but sunny otherwise. One predicts scattered thunderstorms over the weekend. And one even predicts 40 - 60% chance of rain every day of the weekend. So what will we get?
One thing, those friends that we met 2 years ago will be there this weekend and we'll be camping next to them again. We have cots this year' my back will be very happy. I have a shade canopy that is large enough to cover our tent, so if it rains we should be able to stay dry. I have packed my huge tarp, which I now always bring to hang between trees over the tent in case it rains hard. So we should be comfortable if it rains. I'm just hoping that it doesn't.
I love to camp. I'm just not sure that camping loves me.
When everything is going right, camping is one of the purest forms of enjoyment that there is. Two years ago we went camping over Memorial Day weekend. Just about everything went perfect. The weather was great. Cook Forest State Park was beautiful. We all caught some trout and cooked it up. We met some camping neighbors who were a lot of fun and who have kids the same ages as ours. It was the absolute best camping experience that we have had as a family.
The previous camping trip was almost the complete opposite. We arrived at the camp grounds in Tionesta on Friday night. We unpacked the truck and set up the tent. Then it started to rain. It rained non-stop until Sunday morning... just in time to take down the tent and pack up to head home. The showers and restrooms were absolutely disgusting. The only saving grace for that trip was that we spent most of the day Saturday at Tammie's aunt and uncle's house in town. Their whole family was home for the holiday so we had some great company.
The time before that, we went to Coopers Rock State Park with some friends. The first day there was pretty nice... until the niece of our friends (who was on the trip) was discovered to have lice. The second day there was a decent day until it started to rain that night. It rained so hard that night that our tent sprang a leak and we (and our stuff) were getting wet. One of our kids was very young at this point and she cried all night long. We woke up early on Sunday and packed up in the rain and headed home soaked and wet. This was the absolute worst experience that we've had as a family (camping or not).
So what will this trip be like? It almost depends on the hour that you check the weather. One report says sunny and hot (near 90) all weekend. One says 20 - 30% chance of rain all weekend, but sunny otherwise. One predicts scattered thunderstorms over the weekend. And one even predicts 40 - 60% chance of rain every day of the weekend. So what will we get?
One thing, those friends that we met 2 years ago will be there this weekend and we'll be camping next to them again. We have cots this year' my back will be very happy. I have a shade canopy that is large enough to cover our tent, so if it rains we should be able to stay dry. I have packed my huge tarp, which I now always bring to hang between trees over the tent in case it rains hard. So we should be comfortable if it rains. I'm just hoping that it doesn't.
I love to camp. I'm just not sure that camping loves me.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Headaches...
I am working hard at getting healthier. I've been running, playing basketball and playing racquetball. Probably some time soon, I'll be adding some weight training. I'm also working at giving up caffeine and artificial sweeteners. Finally the last thing that I am working on is lowering my triglycerides.
In the past, I have had high cholesterol issues. Last week at a health fair at work, I had my lipid profile tested. The numbers were closer to being normal than they've been in a long time. Basically if I can get my triglycerides in check, the other numbers will be in the normal range. That's exciting to me.
But I'm having a problem with headaches. Usually that would be normal for someone giving up caffeine. Except that I made it through the whole weekend with no caffeine and no headaches. The last 2 times that I had horrible headaches have come directly after playing basketball or racquetball. I can tell that the source of these headaches is in my neck and shoulder muscles. As soon as I can get them to relax, the headaches go away.
Visiting the chiropractor helps because he twists my neck and puts electric stimulation therapy on the muscles that makes the muscles relax. But I want to work my way away from the chiropractor. I need to figure out what I do while playing sports that causes the tightness. And I need to figure out how relax those muscles on my own.
Any ideas?
In the past, I have had high cholesterol issues. Last week at a health fair at work, I had my lipid profile tested. The numbers were closer to being normal than they've been in a long time. Basically if I can get my triglycerides in check, the other numbers will be in the normal range. That's exciting to me.
But I'm having a problem with headaches. Usually that would be normal for someone giving up caffeine. Except that I made it through the whole weekend with no caffeine and no headaches. The last 2 times that I had horrible headaches have come directly after playing basketball or racquetball. I can tell that the source of these headaches is in my neck and shoulder muscles. As soon as I can get them to relax, the headaches go away.
Visiting the chiropractor helps because he twists my neck and puts electric stimulation therapy on the muscles that makes the muscles relax. But I want to work my way away from the chiropractor. I need to figure out what I do while playing sports that causes the tightness. And I need to figure out how relax those muscles on my own.
Any ideas?
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Men Who Stare at Goats
Wow! Could they actually make a dumber movie? Answer -- I don't think so.
A few years ago we watched "Don't Mess with the Zohan". Both of these movies are of a genre that we don't usually watch. But every once in a while, we'll watch one of them. The Zohan movie, though a bit crass, was actually funny. But "Men Who Stare at Goats"... not quite.
3 words... Don't Watch It!!!!!
A few years ago we watched "Don't Mess with the Zohan". Both of these movies are of a genre that we don't usually watch. But every once in a while, we'll watch one of them. The Zohan movie, though a bit crass, was actually funny. But "Men Who Stare at Goats"... not quite.
3 words... Don't Watch It!!!!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Behind in Schedule
A few weeks ago, I set a goal to lose 10 pounds before my next wedding anniversary. Basically I've gained 10 pounds since I've started working at Dick's Sporting Goods, 3.5 years ago. But I haven't been faithfully working at losing the weight. I am down 2 pounds, but I'm also about half way to the target date. I need to get working at it. To get to my goal, I'm going to have to get really serious with diet and exercise.
Well tonight I did a good thing. We took the kids to a birthday party at Krispy Kreme. They had free donuts. I spent the entire hour and a half there and didn't have a bite, even though I was extremely hungry. Not only that, but I came home had a small dinner and then did 2 miles on the treadmill. I realize that 2 miles on the treadmill isn't very difficult, but remember that I hate running. It is good on my part that I am actually working on my goal.
24 days and 8 pounds to go. I can do it.
Well tonight I did a good thing. We took the kids to a birthday party at Krispy Kreme. They had free donuts. I spent the entire hour and a half there and didn't have a bite, even though I was extremely hungry. Not only that, but I came home had a small dinner and then did 2 miles on the treadmill. I realize that 2 miles on the treadmill isn't very difficult, but remember that I hate running. It is good on my part that I am actually working on my goal.
24 days and 8 pounds to go. I can do it.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
BBQ
Well, we grilled out again tonight. Paige actually asked me to put my homemade BBQ sauce on her burger. So I decided to try to mix a batch of it again.
In my first go round of it, I applied the ingredients to the meat individually every time I flipped the meat. Tonight, I actually mixed all the ingredients together in a bowl. It turned out quite tasty.
The first time around, I sprinkled minced onion spice and garlic salt on the meat. Then I squirted and brushed on some Heinz ketchup. But I still felt like something was missing. I told Paige that every BBQ sauce needs one thing... something sweet. Since Jacob had just made snicker-doodle cookies the day before, we just happened to have a mix of cinnamon and sugar sitting in a bowl on the kitchen counter. It was the perfect final ingredient to the sauce. I know, there is probably a real BBQ recipe out there that this resembles. But the point is that I haven't read any of them, so this creation was all my own. It was good enough for me and tasty enough for my picky kids. Paige especially loved it.
So tonight, I made a sauce. I put some ketchup in a bowl and sprinkled in some minced onion and garlic salt. Then I added cinnamon (more than you might think to overtake the ketchup flavor) and sugar. Stirred it all up and gave it a taste. Yum! But I wasn't finished yet. I needed Paige's thumbs up. I got 2 of them. She loved her burger with Dad's BBQ sauce.
Next time I should probably take measurements for the ingredients.
In my first go round of it, I applied the ingredients to the meat individually every time I flipped the meat. Tonight, I actually mixed all the ingredients together in a bowl. It turned out quite tasty.
The first time around, I sprinkled minced onion spice and garlic salt on the meat. Then I squirted and brushed on some Heinz ketchup. But I still felt like something was missing. I told Paige that every BBQ sauce needs one thing... something sweet. Since Jacob had just made snicker-doodle cookies the day before, we just happened to have a mix of cinnamon and sugar sitting in a bowl on the kitchen counter. It was the perfect final ingredient to the sauce. I know, there is probably a real BBQ recipe out there that this resembles. But the point is that I haven't read any of them, so this creation was all my own. It was good enough for me and tasty enough for my picky kids. Paige especially loved it.
So tonight, I made a sauce. I put some ketchup in a bowl and sprinkled in some minced onion and garlic salt. Then I added cinnamon (more than you might think to overtake the ketchup flavor) and sugar. Stirred it all up and gave it a taste. Yum! But I wasn't finished yet. I needed Paige's thumbs up. I got 2 of them. She loved her burger with Dad's BBQ sauce.
Next time I should probably take measurements for the ingredients.
Friday, May 13, 2011
A Tale of Two Dealerships
First things first... if you're in the market for a vehicle and Chevrolet is your brand, check out Washington Chevy and look up my friend Wil Barkey (http://www.washingtonchevy.com/). Unfortunately for me, I don't like GM vehicles and will probably never buy one again.
This time around I was shopping around for 40 MPG. Just about nothing else mattered, besides it not being a GM (or a Prius). I had done some shopping around on the web and pretty much settled on a Honda Civic since the 2012 models boast an impressive 39 MPG. For the record, a little over 3 weeks into owning the Civic and it is averaging 35.6 MPG, combined city and highway (mostly highway). I'm pretty happy with that, especially when you consider that I was getting 16.5 in my truck.
So when I was looking at the Civics, I went to Washington Honda (http://www.washingtonpahonda.com/). Before you go any further, my recommendation is... ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BUY THERE. First off the salesman flat out lied to me. I asked him about the other nearest Honda dealership so that I could find a specific color; I like black cars and they only had silver or blue. Also, the model he was trying to put me in had leather interior. The guy told me about the closest Honda dealership... one that was about 40 miles away. I knew that there was one about 15 miles, or less, away. So I asked him about South Hills Honda (http://southhillshonda.com/). He told me that it was an Acura dealership. I didn't call him out on it.
Then I stayed while they looked at my truck and worked up the numbers. When it all came out, Washington Honda was $100 a month more than I wanted to pay. I told the man thanks. He said, "That's it? We can't find middle ground somewhere?" I told him that we were $100 off and that there wasn't a middle ground that made me happy. So he let me walk out the door. I was off to South Hills Honda.
When I got to South Hills Honda, I asked where the new Civics were. They pointed me in the right direction. I walked out to them and saw a black one that didn't have leather interior (had all the other major bells and whistles, though). I walked back to the sales room. When a salesman approached me and asked if he could help me, I handed him all my papers (owners card, payoff statement drivers license, etc.) and told him to work me up numbers on a trade, my Titan for the black Civic. He was a bit flabbergasted that I didn't want to take it for a ride.
So I told him about my experience at the other dealership and that, in my opinion, Honda had a black eye. I also told him that they had 1 shot to hit it out of the park or I'd never own a Honda. He was appalled about what had happened and said he'd do everything he could to make it right. He had me tell the sales manager the story, who was shocked as well. When the numbers came in they were only about $20, not $100, away from my target payment (the difference in leather and non-leather interior is only $1000 which is only about a $20 a month payment difference). I told them that they were close and we'd have a deal if they could meet me in the middle... $10 a month difference. They did. The experience at South Hills Honda was very pleasant. And... they have free inspections (for all of my vehicles) as long as I own my Honda... a pretty nice perk.
So if you're in the market for a Chevy, help out my friend Wil. If you're in the market for a Honda, check out South Hills Honda and Ron Paree. In either case, tell them that I sent you.
This time around I was shopping around for 40 MPG. Just about nothing else mattered, besides it not being a GM (or a Prius). I had done some shopping around on the web and pretty much settled on a Honda Civic since the 2012 models boast an impressive 39 MPG. For the record, a little over 3 weeks into owning the Civic and it is averaging 35.6 MPG, combined city and highway (mostly highway). I'm pretty happy with that, especially when you consider that I was getting 16.5 in my truck.
So when I was looking at the Civics, I went to Washington Honda (http://www.washingtonpahonda.com/). Before you go any further, my recommendation is... ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BUY THERE. First off the salesman flat out lied to me. I asked him about the other nearest Honda dealership so that I could find a specific color; I like black cars and they only had silver or blue. Also, the model he was trying to put me in had leather interior. The guy told me about the closest Honda dealership... one that was about 40 miles away. I knew that there was one about 15 miles, or less, away. So I asked him about South Hills Honda (http://southhillshonda.com/). He told me that it was an Acura dealership. I didn't call him out on it.
Then I stayed while they looked at my truck and worked up the numbers. When it all came out, Washington Honda was $100 a month more than I wanted to pay. I told the man thanks. He said, "That's it? We can't find middle ground somewhere?" I told him that we were $100 off and that there wasn't a middle ground that made me happy. So he let me walk out the door. I was off to South Hills Honda.
When I got to South Hills Honda, I asked where the new Civics were. They pointed me in the right direction. I walked out to them and saw a black one that didn't have leather interior (had all the other major bells and whistles, though). I walked back to the sales room. When a salesman approached me and asked if he could help me, I handed him all my papers (owners card, payoff statement drivers license, etc.) and told him to work me up numbers on a trade, my Titan for the black Civic. He was a bit flabbergasted that I didn't want to take it for a ride.
So I told him about my experience at the other dealership and that, in my opinion, Honda had a black eye. I also told him that they had 1 shot to hit it out of the park or I'd never own a Honda. He was appalled about what had happened and said he'd do everything he could to make it right. He had me tell the sales manager the story, who was shocked as well. When the numbers came in they were only about $20, not $100, away from my target payment (the difference in leather and non-leather interior is only $1000 which is only about a $20 a month payment difference). I told them that they were close and we'd have a deal if they could meet me in the middle... $10 a month difference. They did. The experience at South Hills Honda was very pleasant. And... they have free inspections (for all of my vehicles) as long as I own my Honda... a pretty nice perk.
So if you're in the market for a Chevy, help out my friend Wil. If you're in the market for a Honda, check out South Hills Honda and Ron Paree. In either case, tell them that I sent you.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
To Be or Not To Be...
A few years ago, my sister-in-law told me that I was weird. True that may be. Actually she didn't tell me that I was weird. She told me that I talk weird.
It might be a Pittsburgh thing. It may be a Pennsylvania thing. Maybe it is even more common than that. She corrected me for dropping the phrase, "to be" from sentences.
I would say things like, "The grass needs cut." When I really should be saying, "The grass needs to be cut." I didn't even realize that I was doing this.
But now, I try to make sure that I say "to be" when appropriate. But that's not where it ends. Now it drives me nuts when I hear other people leave out those 2 little words. It's like nails on a chalk board to me... and everybody does it!
Phew! I got that off of my chest. This blog needs posted.
It might be a Pittsburgh thing. It may be a Pennsylvania thing. Maybe it is even more common than that. She corrected me for dropping the phrase, "to be" from sentences.
I would say things like, "The grass needs cut." When I really should be saying, "The grass needs to be cut." I didn't even realize that I was doing this.
But now, I try to make sure that I say "to be" when appropriate. But that's not where it ends. Now it drives me nuts when I hear other people leave out those 2 little words. It's like nails on a chalk board to me... and everybody does it!
Phew! I got that off of my chest. This blog needs posted.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I forgot to mention...
Back in my blog post about OBL, I forgot one thing.
I am extremely thankful for the work of the Navy SEALs and ALL of our military, past, present and future. I forgot to mention that in my previous post. It was not intentional. I have several friends and family members who either have served or are currently serving in the greatest military ever. I cannot express my thankfulness for their service enough. I live a great life. My family lives a great life. We are free to worship an awesome God. All because of the men and women who heeded the call.
Proud to be an American... Land of the Free, Because of the Brave!
I am extremely thankful for the work of the Navy SEALs and ALL of our military, past, present and future. I forgot to mention that in my previous post. It was not intentional. I have several friends and family members who either have served or are currently serving in the greatest military ever. I cannot express my thankfulness for their service enough. I live a great life. My family lives a great life. We are free to worship an awesome God. All because of the men and women who heeded the call.
Proud to be an American... Land of the Free, Because of the Brave!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mothers' Day
Epilogue: The [Mother] of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
New International Version 1984, ©1984 (NIV1984)
I'm so blessed to have a Proverbs 31 wife! My kids are so blessed to have a Proverbs 31 mother!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Just Call Me Angel
I love that car commercial (I think it is for the Toyota Highlander) where the parents were singing "Just call me Angel of the morning, Angel..." That song is stuck in my head all the time. Sometimes, I look for opportunities to just belt it out at the top of my lungs.
Last week, Jacob had a robotics class at Carnegie Mellon University. While Nathan I were walking around the campus getting snacks for Jake and the rest of us, we were goofing around, joking around and saying silly stuff to passers by (mostly me). At one point, I was a few steps ahead of Nate and as I walked passed a campus police woman, I said to her, "I think someone's following me." She got a good chuckle out of it. Nathan was pretty embarrassed by it.
Since he knew where we were and where we needed to go to get back to everyone else, he started walking ahead of me. So I just kept saying and singing strange, punny things. One guy heard our dialog (mostly a monologue with Nathan replying "Dad!!!!...") The guy kept looking back and laughing. Finally the 3 of us got to our building at about the same time. Just before the guy entered the door, I started singing, "Just call me angel, of the morning." At this point the man was completely in the building with the doors closed and we were still outside. The man turned around, opened the door and sang with me, "Angel..." Tammie and Paige saw it all happen. We all got a good chuckle out of it.
Tonight the whole family went grocery shopping at Giant Eagle. I was walking through in my usual manner singing along to the music that was playing on the store music system. Paige was utterly embarrassed. She was begging me to stop. Finally Angel of the Morning came to mind so I started singing it. Paige was really embarrassed. So I took it one step higher. I changed the words a bit. Instead of:
Just call me angel of the morning ANGEL
just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby.
I was singing:
Just call me angel of the morning ANGEL
just brush my teeth before you leave me, baby.
or:
Just call me angel of the morning ANGEL
just floss my teeth before you leave me, baby.
Paige loved it and for the rest of the shopping trip joined me in singing it.
My kids complain that when I'm goofing around I embarrass them. I think it's my job as a dad :)
Last week, Jacob had a robotics class at Carnegie Mellon University. While Nathan I were walking around the campus getting snacks for Jake and the rest of us, we were goofing around, joking around and saying silly stuff to passers by (mostly me). At one point, I was a few steps ahead of Nate and as I walked passed a campus police woman, I said to her, "I think someone's following me." She got a good chuckle out of it. Nathan was pretty embarrassed by it.
Since he knew where we were and where we needed to go to get back to everyone else, he started walking ahead of me. So I just kept saying and singing strange, punny things. One guy heard our dialog (mostly a monologue with Nathan replying "Dad!!!!...") The guy kept looking back and laughing. Finally the 3 of us got to our building at about the same time. Just before the guy entered the door, I started singing, "Just call me angel, of the morning." At this point the man was completely in the building with the doors closed and we were still outside. The man turned around, opened the door and sang with me, "Angel..." Tammie and Paige saw it all happen. We all got a good chuckle out of it.
Tonight the whole family went grocery shopping at Giant Eagle. I was walking through in my usual manner singing along to the music that was playing on the store music system. Paige was utterly embarrassed. She was begging me to stop. Finally Angel of the Morning came to mind so I started singing it. Paige was really embarrassed. So I took it one step higher. I changed the words a bit. Instead of:
Just call me angel of the morning ANGEL
just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby.
I was singing:
Just call me angel of the morning ANGEL
just brush my teeth before you leave me, baby.
or:
Just call me angel of the morning ANGEL
just floss my teeth before you leave me, baby.
Paige loved it and for the rest of the shopping trip joined me in singing it.
My kids complain that when I'm goofing around I embarrass them. I think it's my job as a dad :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sad About Osama
Now, before you get all up in arms over the title of this post, just give me a moment to explain what I mean. The events of September 11th, 2001 infuriate me, enrage me, sadden me and disgust me. I am rejoicing that Osama bin Laden will never plot or cause such evil to occur ever again. And, as an American and a patriotic individual, I want badly to rejoice that he has been killed and that 'justice has been served'.
But as a Christian, I am sad and I think I should be. If I am to live my faith out seriously and be consistent in my thinking, then I can never rejoice over any person who will spend eternity in Hell, separated from the Living God. Scripture is clear that we all are created in the image of God and as such, we have intrinsic value. Scripture is also clear that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; we have tarnished that image-of-God-ness. From God's perspective, we all deserve the same fate. I am reminded that there, but for the grace of God, go I.
A friend of a friend shared these verses on Facebook. They are verses that I can't ignore when they're inconvenient.
“Do not gloat when your enemies fall; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.” – Proverbs 24:17
“As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” Ezekiel 33:11
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Jesus, in Matthew 5:44
I am decidedly pro-life. Yet, I am also pro-death penalty. In my mind, I don't have trouble harmonizing these two seemingly opposing positions. I don't think I can defend it adequately to convince anyone, but I'll give you a couple of my thoughts on it.
First, as I have already stated, we are all created in the image of God and therefore have value. Second, if God didn't value life, then Jesus' life, or loss thereof, wouldn't mean anything for us. Third, I believe that there is a line of depravity and disregard for human life such that when an individual crosses that line he/she forfeits his/her right to their own life (see Romans 13). But even still, I am saddened by the prospect of another person spending eternity separated from God.
Another friend shared this link on Facebook today. It is a better read than this blog and well worth the time.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/mayweb-only/osama-celebration.html
But as a Christian, I am sad and I think I should be. If I am to live my faith out seriously and be consistent in my thinking, then I can never rejoice over any person who will spend eternity in Hell, separated from the Living God. Scripture is clear that we all are created in the image of God and as such, we have intrinsic value. Scripture is also clear that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; we have tarnished that image-of-God-ness. From God's perspective, we all deserve the same fate. I am reminded that there, but for the grace of God, go I.
A friend of a friend shared these verses on Facebook. They are verses that I can't ignore when they're inconvenient.
“Do not gloat when your enemies fall; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.” – Proverbs 24:17
“As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” Ezekiel 33:11
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Jesus, in Matthew 5:44
I am decidedly pro-life. Yet, I am also pro-death penalty. In my mind, I don't have trouble harmonizing these two seemingly opposing positions. I don't think I can defend it adequately to convince anyone, but I'll give you a couple of my thoughts on it.
First, as I have already stated, we are all created in the image of God and therefore have value. Second, if God didn't value life, then Jesus' life, or loss thereof, wouldn't mean anything for us. Third, I believe that there is a line of depravity and disregard for human life such that when an individual crosses that line he/she forfeits his/her right to their own life (see Romans 13). But even still, I am saddened by the prospect of another person spending eternity separated from God.
Another friend shared this link on Facebook today. It is a better read than this blog and well worth the time.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/mayweb-only/osama-celebration.html
Saturday, April 30, 2011
It's a Bit Drafty
One of my favorite things to do is watch the NFL draft. I can't really explain why. I started watching it about 15 years ago and have tired to watch as much of it as possible every year since then. Part of it is that it often happens on the same weekend that I celebrate my birthday so it makes for a good excuse to just veg out that weekend.
In recent years they changed the format. It used to be an all day Saturday and all day Sunday event. Now it starts with Round 1 on Thursday, Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and then finishes up with Rounds 4 - 7 on Saturday. I hate the new format... 1. because it takes away my lazy weekend and 2. because I don't like the day wait between Round 1 and Rounds 2 and 3. It kills the excitement when you have to wait a day to keep it going.
This year I made a major mistake. I scheduled myself to work in a DSG store on the 3 days during the draft. The most exciting round is certainly Round 1 on Thursday. This year I started working at 4:00 AM on Thursday. So when it came time for the Steelers to draft their 1st Round pick, I couldn't keep my eyes open... I MISSED IT! However, the one good part of working in a DSG store is that while I was there, they had the draft on the TVs at the store. So, even though I was working, I was able to catch a lot of the draft.
Next year, maybe I'll take the Thursday and Friday off and veg out Thursday through Saturday... if I'm not moving or farming :)
In recent years they changed the format. It used to be an all day Saturday and all day Sunday event. Now it starts with Round 1 on Thursday, Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and then finishes up with Rounds 4 - 7 on Saturday. I hate the new format... 1. because it takes away my lazy weekend and 2. because I don't like the day wait between Round 1 and Rounds 2 and 3. It kills the excitement when you have to wait a day to keep it going.
This year I made a major mistake. I scheduled myself to work in a DSG store on the 3 days during the draft. The most exciting round is certainly Round 1 on Thursday. This year I started working at 4:00 AM on Thursday. So when it came time for the Steelers to draft their 1st Round pick, I couldn't keep my eyes open... I MISSED IT! However, the one good part of working in a DSG store is that while I was there, they had the draft on the TVs at the store. So, even though I was working, I was able to catch a lot of the draft.
Next year, maybe I'll take the Thursday and Friday off and veg out Thursday through Saturday... if I'm not moving or farming :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
$4.00 a Gallon
I drive a truck. It's kind of big. It is a full size, 4 door Nissan Titan. I love it. It may have converted me to a life-long Nissan owner. If other Nissan vehicles are anything like this, I could easily see buying another Nissan the next time we need a vehicle.
But my truck only gets 16 - 18 mpg. Surprisingly, that's better than the Chevy Trailblazer that I traded in to get it. At $4.00 a gallon (here in Pittsburgh, we're not quite there yet) it costs $100.00 to fill it up. I fill up about every 8 - 10 days. That's $300 - $400 a month. Yikes!
Tonight I had a sad realization. There was a commercial for a car (can't remember what kind) that advertised 35 mpg. At $4.00 a gallon, I could easily trade in the truck on one of those new cars and, even if our monthly payment went up, save money on my total monthly transportation bill.
That makes me sad because I really (and I mean really) love my truck.
But my truck only gets 16 - 18 mpg. Surprisingly, that's better than the Chevy Trailblazer that I traded in to get it. At $4.00 a gallon (here in Pittsburgh, we're not quite there yet) it costs $100.00 to fill it up. I fill up about every 8 - 10 days. That's $300 - $400 a month. Yikes!
Tonight I had a sad realization. There was a commercial for a car (can't remember what kind) that advertised 35 mpg. At $4.00 a gallon, I could easily trade in the truck on one of those new cars and, even if our monthly payment went up, save money on my total monthly transportation bill.
That makes me sad because I really (and I mean really) love my truck.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Down on the Farm
So, we've decided to prepare to buy a farm; most likely a small one. Our plan, currently, is to spend the next 10 - 12 months getting our current house ready to go on the market. There isn't a lot to do. We mainly have to touch up a few spots with a little spackle, revisit our landscaping (we have a hillside in our back yard that won't grow grass) and paint just about every room (since we put a lot of color on the walls in just about all rooms). We also plan to use that time to save some more money for our down payment.
But we need to get to work. For the outside work, I'm waiting until the weather breaks a little. A couple of warm days without rain sure would be nice. For the inside work, we might buy our first gallons of paint this week. One thing for sure, we need to start putting together a plan/schedule so that we don't get to January next year and not have any of the work done.
We are having a lot of fun searching the real estate websites for what is out there and in our price range. We've even done a drive by of one house (one that we aren't really interested in). There are some gems out there and there are some losers too. The old adage holds true. When considering what house to buy the 3 most important things are location, location and location. Most of the farms that we've seen online are in areas that are either on the edge or outside of our desired location circle.
My wife and I have both had this dream for at least 4 or 5 years. And recently, both of us have had strong urges that it is time. There is one thing that we're doing differently this time compared to other major decisions that we've made. We are taking our time. We could probably hurry up and get our house on the market and make it happen this year. But it would be a rush and a struggle. We'd have to spend just bout every free moment for the next month working on our tasks. Then we'd put the house on the market. If we got an offer quickly, we'd be in a bind because we would have no place to move. That's because we'd have no time to find the right farm, because we've been working on this house and not looking at others. So we'll plan and wait until next year.
Some things I know for sure... we'll have to be disciplined and the Lord will have to bless the efforts.
Then to figure out what we'll farm... maybe just a big garden.
But we need to get to work. For the outside work, I'm waiting until the weather breaks a little. A couple of warm days without rain sure would be nice. For the inside work, we might buy our first gallons of paint this week. One thing for sure, we need to start putting together a plan/schedule so that we don't get to January next year and not have any of the work done.
We are having a lot of fun searching the real estate websites for what is out there and in our price range. We've even done a drive by of one house (one that we aren't really interested in). There are some gems out there and there are some losers too. The old adage holds true. When considering what house to buy the 3 most important things are location, location and location. Most of the farms that we've seen online are in areas that are either on the edge or outside of our desired location circle.
My wife and I have both had this dream for at least 4 or 5 years. And recently, both of us have had strong urges that it is time. There is one thing that we're doing differently this time compared to other major decisions that we've made. We are taking our time. We could probably hurry up and get our house on the market and make it happen this year. But it would be a rush and a struggle. We'd have to spend just bout every free moment for the next month working on our tasks. Then we'd put the house on the market. If we got an offer quickly, we'd be in a bind because we would have no place to move. That's because we'd have no time to find the right farm, because we've been working on this house and not looking at others. So we'll plan and wait until next year.
Some things I know for sure... we'll have to be disciplined and the Lord will have to bless the efforts.
Then to figure out what we'll farm... maybe just a big garden.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
You Say It's Your Birthday
It's my birthday too--yeah.
Today is my 41st birthday. Thankfully, I don't feel that old.
I share this special day with several people. Probably the most famous April 23rd birthday is William Shakespeare, who, strangely enough, also died on April 23rd. My favorite co-423er is Max Planck, German physicist (especially since my degree is in Physics).
I have also had 2 pastors who share this day as their birthday. I have 2 friends from church who are also celebrating today (Melissa and Scrappy -- happy birthday, ladies).
For all the rest of you... a very merry unbirthday to you!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
In the Hunt
Jacob, my 13 year old, wants to learn to hunt. I'm scared. I used to hunt when I was younger. I quit when I got to a point where I just felt that it was too unsafe to do. Now, I've got to take it up again.
I guess first things first. I need to teach Jacob gun safety and then get him shooting. This should be fun. Hopefully, I'll be able to hook up with my brothers and use their shotguns until I get one of my own.
That should be interesting. As long as we've been married, my wife has never wanted to have guns in the house. But she finally shot her first pistol (a .22) last year. Maybe the gun safety lessons should be a whole family lesson.
I'll feel so much better about this if we buy a 20 acre farm like we are planning to next spring. Maybe we'll just hunt that this year.
I guess first things first. I need to teach Jacob gun safety and then get him shooting. This should be fun. Hopefully, I'll be able to hook up with my brothers and use their shotguns until I get one of my own.
That should be interesting. As long as we've been married, my wife has never wanted to have guns in the house. But she finally shot her first pistol (a .22) last year. Maybe the gun safety lessons should be a whole family lesson.
I'll feel so much better about this if we buy a 20 acre farm like we are planning to next spring. Maybe we'll just hunt that this year.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Eat at Moe's
This Saturday will be my 41st birthday. I remember when 41 was WAY old... ancient, even. Not so much any more, even though my kids remind me that it is often.
Today, Tammie asked me what I wanted to do or eat for my birthday. I don't really want anything. So, I think we'll go to Moe's for dinner.
I've only eaten at Moe's once before, and the food was very good. They had a bunch of menu items that I wanted to try. The people who work at Moe's make the experience fun, too. "Welcome to Moe's," they yell as you walk in the door. Then they all yell out a big thank you if you give a tip when you pay. It's the kind of environment that just makes you want to go back.
What do you recommend that I order?
Today, Tammie asked me what I wanted to do or eat for my birthday. I don't really want anything. So, I think we'll go to Moe's for dinner.
I've only eaten at Moe's once before, and the food was very good. They had a bunch of menu items that I wanted to try. The people who work at Moe's make the experience fun, too. "Welcome to Moe's," they yell as you walk in the door. Then they all yell out a big thank you if you give a tip when you pay. It's the kind of environment that just makes you want to go back.
What do you recommend that I order?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Passion Week
This week, the week before Easter, is known as Passion Week. It refers to the passion of Christ and everything that he went through leading up to his crucifixion and the passion that he has for you and me -- that we would put our faith in him and come to him for the salvation of our souls. It blows me away to think about the depth of the love that the God of the universe has for me. I'm not even sure that I completely grasp it.
I'm taking this opportunity to think about what I'm passionate about. What would I do just about anything for? What would I die for? As any good parent would answer... my kids; I would certainly die for them. My wife... without a doubt. But what else? I'd love to be able to honestly answer that I am passionate about Jesus. I fear that my devotional life, my prayer life and the way I treat (some) others contradict such a claim. I think that is the one area of my life that I want to change the most this year.
How about you? What are you passionate about?
I'm taking this opportunity to think about what I'm passionate about. What would I do just about anything for? What would I die for? As any good parent would answer... my kids; I would certainly die for them. My wife... without a doubt. But what else? I'd love to be able to honestly answer that I am passionate about Jesus. I fear that my devotional life, my prayer life and the way I treat (some) others contradict such a claim. I think that is the one area of my life that I want to change the most this year.
How about you? What are you passionate about?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Mum is not the Word
Or is it? A few weeks ago I said that I had some secrets. Well, the cats are out of the bags. First secret was that a friend was leaving work for a new job. Congratulations K-dog!
The second was that I had an interview with Disney. It went very well and they offered to fly me to Orlando for the next phase interview. As great as it sounds, I turned them down... for a number of reasons. Going into it, I did not think I would, but it was the right decision.
I'm glad it's over.
But now I have another secret. This one I'm really excited about. :-D
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wipeout
I just love that show. The 2 hosts are hilarious. Sometimes, though, I feel bad about how hard I laugh when the contestants get hurt.
Today's show featured two 41 year old men contestants. With my 41st birthday right around the corner, should I apply to be on Wipeout? I'd probably consider it a little more if my back wasn't so messed up.
There is a show on TV that I had to stop watching because every time I watched it, I wanted to train for it and then try out. That show... Toughman. I don't know what it is. But I really wish I was in better shape and had kept up with the martial arts. I see those mostly untrained guys beating the snot out of each other and I think... I want to do that!
I think I'll keep myself in one piece and watch from home.
Today's show featured two 41 year old men contestants. With my 41st birthday right around the corner, should I apply to be on Wipeout? I'd probably consider it a little more if my back wasn't so messed up.
There is a show on TV that I had to stop watching because every time I watched it, I wanted to train for it and then try out. That show... Toughman. I don't know what it is. But I really wish I was in better shape and had kept up with the martial arts. I see those mostly untrained guys beating the snot out of each other and I think... I want to do that!
I think I'll keep myself in one piece and watch from home.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Reviews
Tomorrow is my annual review at work. I hope for a good result. I expect a good result. I think I'll take this opportunity to review my other activities.
I fear the results aren't favorable.
Husband: C+ if I'm lucky.
Dad: Solid C.
Brother: C-.
Friend: D-.
Christ-follower: F...orgiven.
How about you?
I fear the results aren't favorable.
Husband: C+ if I'm lucky.
Dad: Solid C.
Brother: C-.
Friend: D-.
Christ-follower: F...orgiven.
How about you?
Monday, April 11, 2011
This
Country singer, Darius Rucker has a song called "This." At least I think that's the name of the song. It's about looking back at the "bad" things that happened to us and getting perspective. The story goes something like this (because we all know that country music tells a story)... if that girl that I really liked didn't drop me like a rock... if that college didn't deny my application... if all that other crappy stuff didn't happen... well, then my life wouldn't be as incredibly awesome as it is. Then I wouldn't have ALL "this."
I must say that I can relate. In fact, I'm sure that we all can relate at some level. I can't help but wonder if I'm smack dab in the middle of one of those times right now. How do you pray when you think you're in the middle of one of those times? Do you pray that things get better and work out like you want? Or, do you pray that things don't work out because "this" is waiting on the other side?
I guess I'll just pray that I sense God's peace and joy and that He leads and provides as He sees fit. He always does.
I must say that I can relate. In fact, I'm sure that we all can relate at some level. I can't help but wonder if I'm smack dab in the middle of one of those times right now. How do you pray when you think you're in the middle of one of those times? Do you pray that things get better and work out like you want? Or, do you pray that things don't work out because "this" is waiting on the other side?
I guess I'll just pray that I sense God's peace and joy and that He leads and provides as He sees fit. He always does.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Bring on Summer
The weather today was almost perfect: 82 degrees and sunny... a little windy, but otherwise perfect. I wish we lived somewhere that had more days like today. I spent most of my afternoon just sitting on the bench and soaking in the sun while Tam and the kids cleaned her van. Then the kids had a super soaker battle. To finish the day out, we had ice cream for dinner. It was an all around great day.
I know, I keep saying that I want to move south. But I wonder... if I lived somewhere that had more days like this, would I enjoy them as much? Would I be as thankful for them as I am now, after all the cold, wet, snow, ice, etc. of winter? The one thing that I do know: given the choice between hot weather and cold weather, I'll pick the hot every time.
I can't wait until we string a few more days like today together. Bring on summer!
I know, I keep saying that I want to move south. But I wonder... if I lived somewhere that had more days like this, would I enjoy them as much? Would I be as thankful for them as I am now, after all the cold, wet, snow, ice, etc. of winter? The one thing that I do know: given the choice between hot weather and cold weather, I'll pick the hot every time.
I can't wait until we string a few more days like today together. Bring on summer!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Entrepreneurial Bone
I have a genetic flaw. You see, I am surrounded by folks who have an entrepreneurial bone. But I don't have one. I have a sister and brother in-law who renovate and rent houses, along with 3 co-workers who do the same. I had a mom who had her own cleaning business and a niece who does the same. I have parent in-laws who own their sewing business (www.alterationscorner.com). My brother is starting a knife and scissors sharpening business (contact me, if you have some knives that you need to have sharpened). And I have a wife who wants desperately to start her own business. She has considered a baking business, primarily a cheesecake baking business.
But I am stuck. Every time I have an idea to start a business or to support my wife's business, I think things like, "ya, that will never work." The reality is that they probably will work... in fact, I'd put my wife's cheesecakes against the ones at The Cheesecake Factory any day. I once started the process of creating a PC repair and tech support business. I had everything in place... the business name, the business was registered and all the other stuff that you need to do to start a business. But I never opened for business.
I tinker with website design. I'm not great at it, but I have fun doing it. Currently, I manage the site for my in-laws sewing business and the site for our Homeschool Co-op (www.wchscoop.org). And I plan to host a site for my brother's sharpening service (I will be signing up after I post this blog, but I'm thinking www.parkinssharpeningservice.com if it is available). I maintain these sites free of charge. Maybe I should get serious about it and start that as my business. Sure these sites that I manage aren't spectacular sites, but I've created them while teaching myself some fundamentals of new (new to me) technologies like PHP, VBScript and Javascript. My mother in-law gets compliments on her website all the time.
Maybe I should throw more support behind my wife's entrepreneurial ideas. Why am I so risk averse? Am I afraid of failing? I know well that the only sure way to not succeed is to not try.
Maybe I need a bone transplant.
But I am stuck. Every time I have an idea to start a business or to support my wife's business, I think things like, "ya, that will never work." The reality is that they probably will work... in fact, I'd put my wife's cheesecakes against the ones at The Cheesecake Factory any day. I once started the process of creating a PC repair and tech support business. I had everything in place... the business name, the business was registered and all the other stuff that you need to do to start a business. But I never opened for business.
I tinker with website design. I'm not great at it, but I have fun doing it. Currently, I manage the site for my in-laws sewing business and the site for our Homeschool Co-op (www.wchscoop.org). And I plan to host a site for my brother's sharpening service (I will be signing up after I post this blog, but I'm thinking www.parkinssharpeningservice.com if it is available). I maintain these sites free of charge. Maybe I should get serious about it and start that as my business. Sure these sites that I manage aren't spectacular sites, but I've created them while teaching myself some fundamentals of new (new to me) technologies like PHP, VBScript and Javascript. My mother in-law gets compliments on her website all the time.
Maybe I should throw more support behind my wife's entrepreneurial ideas. Why am I so risk averse? Am I afraid of failing? I know well that the only sure way to not succeed is to not try.
Maybe I need a bone transplant.
Friday, April 8, 2011
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Well, not quite in that order. First, the bad: I have a sinus infection. The good: I'm on antibiotics - Bactrim. The ugly: it makes me gassy. -- Look I told you up front that this blog was going to be about what ever was on my mind... and trust me... today, gas is on my mind.
Is it considered an allergic reaction if the Marcellus Shale scientists are following you around taking readings? A friend from work asked me today, "Is there really a difference between when something MAKES you gassy and normal?" Point well taken, K-Dog. All I know for sure is that this time, it does literally stink to be sick.
Hey... pull my finger.
Is it considered an allergic reaction if the Marcellus Shale scientists are following you around taking readings? A friend from work asked me today, "Is there really a difference between when something MAKES you gassy and normal?" Point well taken, K-Dog. All I know for sure is that this time, it does literally stink to be sick.
Hey... pull my finger.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Home Sweet asdf jkl;
What you might not be able to see is that not only are the letters worn off, but there are grooves and ridges worn into the keys from pressing them so much (click the picture to see). The crazy part is that she has gone through several other keyboards; some that she had just worn out. They simply wouldn't type any more. I'm pretty sure I saw one of them emitting smoke after she was done with one of her shifts.
So what's the point of this post, you ask. I love my wife!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Secrets
I have a secret. I'm itching to tell. But, for now, I need to keep it. Today, a friend told me another secret. I need to keep that one too... and I will... even though, you could argue that perhaps I shouldn't.
I hate secrets. I hate having to keep them. I'd much rather just be myself and not worry about what I can say and to whom I can say it.
I tend to be a straight shooter. Secrets cramp my style. I can't wait until the subjects of these secrets have reached a point that they're out in the open and I don't have to feel like I'm doing something wrong.
Until then, don't tell anyone.
I hate secrets. I hate having to keep them. I'd much rather just be myself and not worry about what I can say and to whom I can say it.
I tend to be a straight shooter. Secrets cramp my style. I can't wait until the subjects of these secrets have reached a point that they're out in the open and I don't have to feel like I'm doing something wrong.
Until then, don't tell anyone.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Quality Thoughts
I've been involved in software quality assurance since 1998. You could make the argument that I accidentally ended up here; though I must give the credit to God for providing in amazing ways. But I'm good at it and I love doing it.
I've never really studied software quality assurance principles or methodology. It just comes to me naturally. You might say that I'm made to do this. I think this way. I live this way. Those things that make me quirky to live with also make me good at my profession.
Recently, I've begun reading books and websites on software development life cycle, software development, testing and other related technological themes. The more I read, the more I feel like saying, "just do it." I just want to test. I just want to do what I'm good at.
So the question that I'm wrestling with is: do I need to know the principles and methodology academic details and be able to speak on a theoretical level to be good and to be considered an expert? Or is it enough to let the results speak for themselves? Results and leadership have served me well to this point. Can I continue to progress in my career and excel on skill and experience alone? Or do I need to continue reading and studying to take it to the next level?
I'm not against studying about software quality. I'm just not finding it to be helpful for me yet.
I've never really studied software quality assurance principles or methodology. It just comes to me naturally. You might say that I'm made to do this. I think this way. I live this way. Those things that make me quirky to live with also make me good at my profession.
Recently, I've begun reading books and websites on software development life cycle, software development, testing and other related technological themes. The more I read, the more I feel like saying, "just do it." I just want to test. I just want to do what I'm good at.
So the question that I'm wrestling with is: do I need to know the principles and methodology academic details and be able to speak on a theoretical level to be good and to be considered an expert? Or is it enough to let the results speak for themselves? Results and leadership have served me well to this point. Can I continue to progress in my career and excel on skill and experience alone? Or do I need to continue reading and studying to take it to the next level?
I'm not against studying about software quality. I'm just not finding it to be helpful for me yet.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Messed Up
I'm messed up. But, guess what. You're messed up too. We're ALL messed up. Tonight was a stark reminder of that fact.
We've had a GREAT weekend at Destination Unknown. The worship has been incredible. The teaching has been spot on and challenging. The food... well, let me assure you that I'm a bit behind in losing those 10 pounds. The kids have had a blast. And no injuries to report. We serve an awesome God.
Then tonight I had a talk with a great kid. I'm trying to be careful, here, to only share appropriately, so forgive me if this seems sketchy. He's having some trouble getting along with one of the other kids here and he asked to talk with me. I guess he doesn't realize that I have the relationship skills of a slug in a salt shaker. I couldn't help hearing Moses say 'Lord, you should probably send my brother, Aaron.'
I'm messed up. But we've already established that. I struggle to maintain friendships. It isn't much of a stretch to say that I have no REALLY good friends.
So I found myself giving advice to myself while this kid listened (and hopefully learned something). Because I was counseling this student to do something that I'm not real good at doing.
I gave me, I mean him, this advice:
Romans 12:18 NIV84
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Lord, help us both to follow it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Droidazon (Droid and Amazon)
I used to have an iPhone 3G. I loved it, but I hated AT&T's coverage. In November, we switched to Verizon and bought Droids. I absolutely love my Droid X.
One of my only complaints about the Droid / Android / Google is that I haven't found a good method of syncing apps and music. This was painfully revealed to me when the SD card in my DX died. Instead of just replacing the SD card, VZW flashed my DX and then when that didn't fix the problem (as I told them it would not) they replaced the SD card. Even though Google keeps record of your apps, I lost a few apps that were no longer available on the Android market. And I had to recreate my music library on my phone.
Well there may be hope. Recently (today, as far as I am aware) Amazon, stepped up their activity in the Android world. They introduced an Android market of their own, with an app to browse the market and install apps to your phone. The cool thing is that, at least for now, they're giving away a new free app each day... some as costly as $5. Then they also launched the Amazon Cloud Drive, where you can store music and files (up to 5 GB) for free. Once you put your music there, you can stream it to your phone through the Amazon MP3 app. If you buy your MP3s from Amazon, they go to your Cloud Drive automagically AND they don't count against your drive quota.
Pretty cool. Well done, Amazon.
One of my only complaints about the Droid / Android / Google is that I haven't found a good method of syncing apps and music. This was painfully revealed to me when the SD card in my DX died. Instead of just replacing the SD card, VZW flashed my DX and then when that didn't fix the problem (as I told them it would not) they replaced the SD card. Even though Google keeps record of your apps, I lost a few apps that were no longer available on the Android market. And I had to recreate my music library on my phone.
Well there may be hope. Recently (today, as far as I am aware) Amazon, stepped up their activity in the Android world. They introduced an Android market of their own, with an app to browse the market and install apps to your phone. The cool thing is that, at least for now, they're giving away a new free app each day... some as costly as $5. Then they also launched the Amazon Cloud Drive, where you can store music and files (up to 5 GB) for free. Once you put your music there, you can stream it to your phone through the Amazon MP3 app. If you buy your MP3s from Amazon, they go to your Cloud Drive automagically AND they don't count against your drive quota.
Pretty cool. Well done, Amazon.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Memory Upgrade
I've never been a fan of memorization. I'm not convinced that memorization works; at least not long term. Sure, memorization is a great tool to pass that history test tomorrow. But it adds little value for long-term, down-the-road memory.
Rather, I prefer to find ways to internalize the information... a deeper learning... an upgrade to memorization. The challenge is to actually find ways to internalize the information. Right now, for work, I'm reading SDLC 3.0. For now, the information is just that... information. If I'm really going to learn and absorb it, I'm probably going to need to read the book a second time and interact with the information, by taking notes, looking up related information on the internet, etc.
Now, let's think about Bible memorization. We talked about it tonight at youth group. Memorizing scripture is a familiar activity among many Christians. We looked at Matthew 4, where Jesus quoted scripture to respond to the 3 temptations from Satan. I'm thinking that Jesus didn't quote scripture because he had it memorized. He quoted it because it was part of his fabric; who he was... after all John refers to him as The Word.
Don't get me wrong. There is probably a place for memorizing scripture. Being able to quote a verse when a friend is struggling and having a verse come to mind when you're faced with temptation are a few reasons that come to mind. But the challenge for Christians really is to internalize the information... make the word of God part of our fabric. How do we do this? Like in my SDLC 3.0 example, it probably involves reading it twice (or more) and then interacting with it by taking notes, looking up related information on the internet, etc. I think that's what Psalm 119:11 is talking about.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Rather, I prefer to find ways to internalize the information... a deeper learning... an upgrade to memorization. The challenge is to actually find ways to internalize the information. Right now, for work, I'm reading SDLC 3.0. For now, the information is just that... information. If I'm really going to learn and absorb it, I'm probably going to need to read the book a second time and interact with the information, by taking notes, looking up related information on the internet, etc.
Now, let's think about Bible memorization. We talked about it tonight at youth group. Memorizing scripture is a familiar activity among many Christians. We looked at Matthew 4, where Jesus quoted scripture to respond to the 3 temptations from Satan. I'm thinking that Jesus didn't quote scripture because he had it memorized. He quoted it because it was part of his fabric; who he was... after all John refers to him as The Word.
Don't get me wrong. There is probably a place for memorizing scripture. Being able to quote a verse when a friend is struggling and having a verse come to mind when you're faced with temptation are a few reasons that come to mind. But the challenge for Christians really is to internalize the information... make the word of God part of our fabric. How do we do this? Like in my SDLC 3.0 example, it probably involves reading it twice (or more) and then interacting with it by taking notes, looking up related information on the internet, etc. I think that's what Psalm 119:11 is talking about.
Psalm 119:11 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Destination Unknown
So in 3 days 15 crazy adults and I will be heading off to some place fun with 54 junior high students. The intention is that the students don't know where we're going. Unfortunately, some do. I hope they don't spoil the fun for those who don't know the destination.
So my question is: "How can we pull this off next year without the students finding out?" We do a pretty good job of keeping the secret. But eventually we have to hold a parents' meeting and tell them where we're going. We ask them not to tell their kids, but some do... and they tell 2 friends... and so on... and so on.
Would you like me to tell you where we're going? OK. I'll tell you the same thing I've been telling the students. I'm taking all their money and going to Hawaii, while they camp out in my back yard.
We leave April 1. Maybe the 16 leaders are the April fools... fools for Jesus!
So my question is: "How can we pull this off next year without the students finding out?" We do a pretty good job of keeping the secret. But eventually we have to hold a parents' meeting and tell them where we're going. We ask them not to tell their kids, but some do... and they tell 2 friends... and so on... and so on.
Would you like me to tell you where we're going? OK. I'll tell you the same thing I've been telling the students. I'm taking all their money and going to Hawaii, while they camp out in my back yard.
We leave April 1. Maybe the 16 leaders are the April fools... fools for Jesus!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
O I A
Tonight, we started doing a new family Bible study together. I'm teaching them the O I A method of Bible study; Observe, Interpret, Apply.
Observe - for this, we read a passage and write down the things that the passage clearly says. We only write it down if it is there in the text. Nothing else gets written down.
Interpret - for this, we talk about what we observed and what it could mean. Some of our interpretations can be wrong... we're supposed to be talking about what the observations "could" mean. Then we pare down that list and write down the things that seem like our observations do mean.
Application - for this, we look at our interpretations and ask, "What could this mean for me?" or "How can I apply this in my life?"
We practiced this method tonight on the passage John 1:1-18. It made for a very good lesson for us all and it was a very good passage to learn and practice the O I A Bible study method.
TIA (That Is All)
Observe - for this, we read a passage and write down the things that the passage clearly says. We only write it down if it is there in the text. Nothing else gets written down.
Interpret - for this, we talk about what we observed and what it could mean. Some of our interpretations can be wrong... we're supposed to be talking about what the observations "could" mean. Then we pare down that list and write down the things that seem like our observations do mean.
Application - for this, we look at our interpretations and ask, "What could this mean for me?" or "How can I apply this in my life?"
We practiced this method tonight on the passage John 1:1-18. It made for a very good lesson for us all and it was a very good passage to learn and practice the O I A Bible study method.
TIA (That Is All)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Slum Lord Millionairre
I know several people who own rental properties. Last year, I watched one friend buy his first property and rent it out in what seemed like an effortless endeavor. I've wanted to get into rental incomes, but have been reluctant because I don't really want the overhead property management / repair duties. Two guys that I work with own rentals (one guy is the one who started last year). Both guys seem to be able to have and rent these properties without the overhead being as much as I fear. (by the way, nobody I know is a slum lord, nor would I be).
So do I do it? Do we jump in? Are there better ways to invest for our future? What's the best way to go about this? I think I'll start at the beginning. We'll spend this year working on getting our finances in really good shape so that we can take next year's tax return and bonus and make our investment. Then we'll spend the time between now and then praying for guidance on what investment we should make. Maybe we'll invest in rental properties. Maybe something else... like a cheesecake making business.
Anyone got a few grand they want to give us?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Fallen Timber
Fallen Timber is the name of the company of my first real job. I was a dishwasher in the kitchen in the clubhouse of a local golf course. That golf course is now called Quicksilver.
My first job is not really the subject of this blog post. You know the old question, "If a tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound?" Well, that's sort of what I'm wondering with this blog. If a guy writes a blog that nobody reads, does it make a difference?
I may never know the answer to that question. But, for now, I'm going to keep on writing. Maybe some day, someone will stumble across this blog and read a post that makes them laugh just when they needed to laugh. Maybe I'll write something serious that helps someone through a tough time. Maybe, if i keep writing, I'll find my blogging niche and springboard into world wide acclaim as blogger extraordinaire. Or maybe not.
I'm having fun writing my random thoughts. As long as I continue to have fun, I'll continue to write. Even if some days I don't know what to say... like today.
Like mother used to say, "If you don't know what to say, write a blog."
My first job is not really the subject of this blog post. You know the old question, "If a tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound?" Well, that's sort of what I'm wondering with this blog. If a guy writes a blog that nobody reads, does it make a difference?
I may never know the answer to that question. But, for now, I'm going to keep on writing. Maybe some day, someone will stumble across this blog and read a post that makes them laugh just when they needed to laugh. Maybe I'll write something serious that helps someone through a tough time. Maybe, if i keep writing, I'll find my blogging niche and springboard into world wide acclaim as blogger extraordinaire. Or maybe not.
I'm having fun writing my random thoughts. As long as I continue to have fun, I'll continue to write. Even if some days I don't know what to say... like today.
Like mother used to say, "If you don't know what to say, write a blog."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I'm Two Tired... or Four
The one thing that I like least about vehicles is buying tires. Why do they have to be so stinking expensive... and you can't buy just one? And don't get me started about all the add-on fees.
Well my inspection is due next month and I am sure that I must replace at least 2 of the tires. The rear tires on my truck won't pass inspection. The front tires have some life in them yet. What should I do? Do I buy 2 tires. If I only buy 2, do I match the brand/tire for the other 2? Do I put them on the front and move the older ones to the rear or do I put the new ones on the rear? Or do I buy an entire set of 4 new tires?
I sure wish I understood tire science. Thankfully, my boss's husband's family owns a tire store/garage. Looks like I need to start planning a trip out to Smiley's Tires in Aliquippa.
Anyone got an extra grand sitting around?
Don't tread on me.
Well my inspection is due next month and I am sure that I must replace at least 2 of the tires. The rear tires on my truck won't pass inspection. The front tires have some life in them yet. What should I do? Do I buy 2 tires. If I only buy 2, do I match the brand/tire for the other 2? Do I put them on the front and move the older ones to the rear or do I put the new ones on the rear? Or do I buy an entire set of 4 new tires?
I sure wish I understood tire science. Thankfully, my boss's husband's family owns a tire store/garage. Looks like I need to start planning a trip out to Smiley's Tires in Aliquippa.
Anyone got an extra grand sitting around?
Don't tread on me.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Am I Making Any Sense
Ever wonder why there is Braille on the buttons at the drive up ATM?
Ever wonder why McDonald's had to pay millions and write on their coffee cups that the contents are hot, when if it wasn't hot, you'd be demanding either a new one or your money back?
Ever wonder why it's called common sense, when so few people have it?
If you asked me, I'd have to say it is more like common non-sense. I mean seriously... car commercials have to tell you that their drivers are professional drivers. Beer commercials have to tell you to drink responsibly. Bear Grylls has to tell you not to try this at home. Are you serious? Isn't all of that common sense? Nonsense, I tell you, nonsense!
When did people get so dumb? When did nonsense become common? What part of 4 years of college, 2-4 years of Law School, years of practicing law and presiding over legal cases causes the brains of judges to turn to mush?
It seems to me that laws used to be made to stop others from hurting you. But now... laws are made to stop you from hurting you. Duh!... dummy... STOP HURTING YOURSELF! Oh, that would be common sense.
Penned by my imaginary friend.
Ever wonder why McDonald's had to pay millions and write on their coffee cups that the contents are hot, when if it wasn't hot, you'd be demanding either a new one or your money back?
Ever wonder why it's called common sense, when so few people have it?
If you asked me, I'd have to say it is more like common non-sense. I mean seriously... car commercials have to tell you that their drivers are professional drivers. Beer commercials have to tell you to drink responsibly. Bear Grylls has to tell you not to try this at home. Are you serious? Isn't all of that common sense? Nonsense, I tell you, nonsense!
When did people get so dumb? When did nonsense become common? What part of 4 years of college, 2-4 years of Law School, years of practicing law and presiding over legal cases causes the brains of judges to turn to mush?
It seems to me that laws used to be made to stop others from hurting you. But now... laws are made to stop you from hurting you. Duh!... dummy... STOP HURTING YOURSELF! Oh, that would be common sense.
Penned by my imaginary friend.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
In the PITTs
I've been a PITT basketball fan since the early to mid 1980s. They disappoint every year. Over rated. Enough said.
Friday, March 18, 2011
I'm a Grumpy Old Troll
Who lives under a bridge... well, I should be moving there soon.
I can't stand bullies. Just hearing the word makes my blood boil. I wasn't bullied badly when I was younger, but I was bullied. It is those memories that get me all fired up. I'm passed all that pain in my life. But the memories make me extra sensitive to others who are being bullied... especially when it's my own kids.
Nathan, our 11 year old, seems to get bullied, or at least picked on (there might be a fine line difference) more than most kids. I don't know what it is. Maybe there something about his sensitive, tender, caring personality that other boys see as a weakness. Maybe his sense of humor and quick wit creates environments where the picking-on is retaliation. Maybe both, maybe neither.
Recently, our family was out with a large group of people. Nathan and some other boys mentioned several times that one older and bigger boy (I'll call him Joey) had been bullying them. At one point we were in a store and Nathan came (moving quickly) towards me and screamed. He did not know that I was there and when he saw me he immediately stopped. I corrected him to calm down. But I also noticed that Joey was close on his tail and he immediately turned and walked the other direction when he saw me.
I took an opportunity a little later to say something to Joey, in front of his mother. I wanted to say, "Look, if I catch you bullying Nathan, I'm going to knock you out." But I didn't. Instead, I carefully worded my comments so that I could address the issue without being offensive. So what I really said was, "Look, Nathan is interpreting what you're doing as bullying. So, next time you have the inclination to do something, just move along." That was it. End of conversation.
Now Joey's mom is mad at me for accusing her son without asking him what he did. I did not accuse Joey. I simply told him that his actions were being received as bullying. My hope was to make him realize that he should consider his actions and how they affect others... and make adjustments, if necessary.
To Bridge-ville I go.
I can't stand bullies. Just hearing the word makes my blood boil. I wasn't bullied badly when I was younger, but I was bullied. It is those memories that get me all fired up. I'm passed all that pain in my life. But the memories make me extra sensitive to others who are being bullied... especially when it's my own kids.
Nathan, our 11 year old, seems to get bullied, or at least picked on (there might be a fine line difference) more than most kids. I don't know what it is. Maybe there something about his sensitive, tender, caring personality that other boys see as a weakness. Maybe his sense of humor and quick wit creates environments where the picking-on is retaliation. Maybe both, maybe neither.
Recently, our family was out with a large group of people. Nathan and some other boys mentioned several times that one older and bigger boy (I'll call him Joey) had been bullying them. At one point we were in a store and Nathan came (moving quickly) towards me and screamed. He did not know that I was there and when he saw me he immediately stopped. I corrected him to calm down. But I also noticed that Joey was close on his tail and he immediately turned and walked the other direction when he saw me.
I took an opportunity a little later to say something to Joey, in front of his mother. I wanted to say, "Look, if I catch you bullying Nathan, I'm going to knock you out." But I didn't. Instead, I carefully worded my comments so that I could address the issue without being offensive. So what I really said was, "Look, Nathan is interpreting what you're doing as bullying. So, next time you have the inclination to do something, just move along." That was it. End of conversation.
Now Joey's mom is mad at me for accusing her son without asking him what he did. I did not accuse Joey. I simply told him that his actions were being received as bullying. My hope was to make him realize that he should consider his actions and how they affect others... and make adjustments, if necessary.
To Bridge-ville I go.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Waist is a Terrible Thing to Mind and Other Musings About Getting Old
Getting old(er) stinks. But it beats the alternative. I'm not out of shape, but I'm not in shape either. I've been playing basketball 2 - 3 times a week with the guys at work. And now I have shin splints. Sometimes they hurt so bad that I consider cutting my legs off. Today, I ran 2 miles on the treadmill after work. My shin splints were killing me. But it felt so good to run. I would have actually run a little more, but I had to make my appointment with the chiropractor.
I have decided to lose 10 pounds before our anniversary on June 11th. I'm just not happy with how I feel or look. I had already been down to my goal weight a few years ago and I felt really good there. But it is a tough weight for me to maintain.
And then there's my niece and her daughter... recently, at a family event they were laughing at how grey my hair has become. It doesn't matter that I started going grey when I was 24 years old. What matters is that I'm very grey now. Now I refuse to color my hair, so that leaves me with 2 options... 1. go with the grey or 2. cut it all off. Well, for now, I've opted for option 2. I didn't shave it off, but I did give myself a buzz cut. I think i'll just let it grow back in and go with option 1.
Oh, Amy and Bailey... you're out of my will... and I'm old, so that might be important soon.
I have decided to lose 10 pounds before our anniversary on June 11th. I'm just not happy with how I feel or look. I had already been down to my goal weight a few years ago and I felt really good there. But it is a tough weight for me to maintain.
And then there's my niece and her daughter... recently, at a family event they were laughing at how grey my hair has become. It doesn't matter that I started going grey when I was 24 years old. What matters is that I'm very grey now. Now I refuse to color my hair, so that leaves me with 2 options... 1. go with the grey or 2. cut it all off. Well, for now, I've opted for option 2. I didn't shave it off, but I did give myself a buzz cut. I think i'll just let it grow back in and go with option 1.
Oh, Amy and Bailey... you're out of my will... and I'm old, so that might be important soon.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
No Harm, No Foul
No children or animals were harmed in the making of this blog.
I've been wanting to blog for some time now, but never feel like I have anything to say. But there's always something on my mind, so here is where I'll share it.
This time, I'm inspired by my wife who has started her own blog. Hopefully that inspiration will keep me blogging often.
Hopefully this blog will contain humor, serious topics, random nonsense and 'keep away from the crazy guy' rants... what ever happens to be on my mind at the time.
Peace out for now. ...oh, the word of the day is "butter". Spread the word.
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