Will there be snow?

I grew up near Chicago. Winter there is often described using phrases like "bitter cold" and "sub-zero temperatures". Never a dull winter with a daily wind-chill factor nipping at your nose. Since my mom's family lived here in Portland, we'd make the long 9 hour trip from Northern Illinois about every other year for Christmas. I remember how badly I wanted to get away from the cold and the snow and the ice and enjoy a warmer Christmas. I suppose I hated the snow because it was my brother and I that were drafted every year (often many, many times) to shovel the driveway and sidewalk (where, by the way, no one would ever walk -- it was 12 degrees below zero outside for cryin' out loud!). Huffing and puffing we'd clear it off only to be back out there sooner than later because a fresh blanket of the white stuff had just fallen teasing us as if to say we'd never win that fight. But even with all that, snow meant Christmas was here and Santa was on his way. Yes, I loved and hated the winter wonderland my childhood home became every year...

As I grew older, I didn't mind as much...mainly because I got to enjoy winter in a different way soaking up the sentiments of the season. By the time I reached college age and moved to the south (Arkansas to be exact) for 4 years, I actually found myself wanting at least a little snow - which sometimes we would get. And I'd long to go home for Christmas to see that beautiful snow on the ground (the drive and sidewalk now cleared by my dad who now owned -- you guessed it -- a snowblower). Now, almost 10 years later, here in my home of Portland, with my 3 kids, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...nothing more or less mind you. Just enough to bring out the beauty of winter for Christmas; to have a snowball fight or two with the family; maybe make a snowman and have a good reason to stay home in front of a warm fire. So, the question is...will there be snow for Christmas? If not, I guess I can always go buy it in a can -- just to have something to shovel...

Merry Christmas!

Movies Worth Seeing

In case I've never said it (and even if I have)...I'm a HUGE movie buff. I'm the kind of person who gets a slight high from sitting in a dark movie theater, surround sound at deafening levels, the smell of freshly popped popcorn and just soaking in the cinematic experience. To me, it can be one of the most awesome forms of escapism from our often routine lives -- especially if it's done just right. Now, I realize that not everyone enjoys the same types of films that I enjoy..but lately I've seen some great films that if you have time over the holiday, warm up the TV, turn down the lights, pop some popcorn and watch away...I promise, you won't be disappointed. Here's a list of films and short reviews to check out...

Robots

OK, OK...I know this one's a little past due, but took the kids to see it when it came out in the theater and even bought it off pay-per-view recently. The animation is very good but the voice talent is terrific. Ewen McGregor, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Amanda Bynes, and the ever comedic Mel Brooks. It's a story about fulfilling dreams. Whether you've managed to live out yours or left it on the table, this story reminds us all of the importance of learning to pursue our passions to make the world a better place. The kind of dreams that are born from a desire to serve others, and not yourself. Good family film...and the kids love it!


The Polar Express

This one's out on DVD now (and I think they re-released it into the IMAX theaters too). It was a bit of a sleeper hit last Christmas season due to the simultaneous release of The Incredibles (also good!). It got off to a slow start when it was initially release around Thanksgiving, but by Christmas had gained some real steam (no pun intended). It's another animated film, but different than the traditional animation -- this one is done fully on computer (aka - CGI). Tom Hanks stars in this one (not surprisingly) and voices 5 or 6 different characters (see if you can catch them all). Based on the very popular children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, this movie is primed to become a new Christmas family classic.


King Kong

OK...not even released yet -- but will be in a week and I'm there! But let's face it, these days, anything that Peter Jackson touches is bound to be pretty good. Check back in a month to see if I've been and what I think...will it be worth the $8???


White Christmas

When Irving Berlin penned this song in the warmth of a California summer, little did he know what lay in store for this now-classic tune. Many renditions of the song have been recorded and published over the years, but none as famous as the one crooned by Bing Crosby. But in 1954, Paramount produced and released a movie of the same name starring (you guessed it) Bing Crosby and, one of my other very favorite actors, Danny Kaye. Basically a story of faith, love and hope in the magic of Christmas and the Christmas season, White Christmas is truly a timeless classic. For me, you can't beat it for quality of music (I mean, come on...it's Irving Berlin!), quality of acting, and a great story that pulls you in and somehow, with very little effort, manages to get you to invest in these characters as they show that one of the greatest gifts we can give is hope and love. It's on DVD now so you can rent or buy...


Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Val and I went to see this when it opened in theaters a few weeks back. Although I'm not a reader of the books, I have kept up with the movies and liked them all. Although we didn't have Harry Potter growing up, we had other books and forms of fiction like it and perhaps that's why I enjoy the movies so much. I'd read the books but I just don't have time anymore. This is the 4th of the Harry Potter movies (and books) and I must say, this is by far the best one yet. It's a little more mature than the previous 3 (it's received a PG-13 while the others received only a PG) but rightly so. Harry and his friends are older and are experiencing the ups and downs with growing up. And being teenagers they face new challenges and learn that standing up for what is right can result in terrible suffering, even loss of life depending upon the force you are facing. It's a hard lesson to learn, but it is fact. This is a worthwhile movie-going experience -- but don't feel the need to rush out to the theaters either. It'll be out on DVD by spring I'm sure.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by. Check back around Christmas as I'll be trying to post various updates and articles over the next several weeks to commemorate the 2005 Christmas season! Merry Christmas!!!!

Re-living My Childhood

So there I am in Target browsing and thumbing through the DVD section looking for anything that caught my eye. I'm such a movie buff that I love to add to my growing collection of DVDs. I've gotten more and more picky however as time has gone. When I first started, I'd buy just about anything...but I'm a little more, well, deliberate so that I get what I truly want versus just filling up the DVD cabinet.

Any-hoo, back to Target. So there I am...looking, searching, trying to make up my mind about a possible next purchase...and then it jumped off the shelf at me! He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. At first I thought I was imagining what I was seeing, but no, it was real enough all right. He-Man was the best cartoon memory from my childhood that I had -- and still do. I was religious in watching the show. After school. Everyday. Without fail for 130 episodes. Now, I don't pretend to actually have seen them all, but I must have come close. Me and most of the friends I had at the time. Not only that, but the toys too. Oh, the toys! In fact, I still have most of the ones we (my brother and I) had and now my boys are playing with them. Castle Grayskull. The Wind Raider. Skeletor. Battle Cat! I grabbed the DVD set and read furiously to see what the details of my soon future purchase were. I was a little disappointed as it was only 10 episodes from the 130 -- but it was supposed to be the 10 best, and it is a very good cross-section of all the shows that aired. But surely they would be releasing all the episodes on DVD soon enough, right? You betcha. In fact, in just a few short weeks, the first volume will grace store shelves and once again, He-Man and the MOTU will grace TVs all over the country and 30 year old "boys" will relive that amazing time in their childhood that made us all feel like "the most powerful man in the universe!"

There have also been a few other TV series sets that have been released on DVD and I'm working hard to collect. The other two of my top 3 are Superfriends and Thundercats. Superfriends went through many variations and changes in the years it was on TV so it may be hard for those responsible for putting it on DVD to accurately do so in some sort of exhaustive manner, but I'm sure they will try. Thundercats only ran for 2 to 3 seasons and so that should be pretty easy to get completely on DVD within a short amount of time even.

I'm such a nostalgia junkie that I hope they keep releasing this kind of stuff on DVD not just for me to watch and re-live, but so that I can share it with my kids and pass it onto them as a source of enjoyment. Better than what they might be exposed to today.

Does Life Get Any Better?

My 3rd year anniversary at work rolled around and that means my vacation time renewed. I get 2 weeks every year -- which will roll over if I don't use it. To date, I've always used my vacation for some reason or another...mostly a day here, a day there. The only longer stretches I've used in my time with the company has been in 2003 when I took several days for a family vacation and earlier this year when I used nearly all my two weeks for Hannah's birth. Now that I have more time, I decided to kick out of the office for a couple of days and relax. We decided a few weeks back to take some time and go to Val's folks over in East Tennessee for a weekend. It's her dad's birthday this weekend so we decided it would be a good time to go. It's been Easter since we were there and I hate the fact that we don't get to go more often so it was time -- past time really. So, I took two days off (Friday and Monday) and even though we will only be at her folks' place until tomorrow (Sunday), life doesn't really get any better. We get to relax, have some great food (her mom is a phenomenal cook!), the kids get to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma, the scenery is awesome and, well, no work. God's blessings are overflowing!

The Progression of Time

Precious. Lost. Wasted. It's amazing how we describe time. Next Monday, Joshua starts Kindergarten -- his first, full day of school. As Val and I look at him, it's hard to believe that there was a time he was small enough to fit in the cradle of our arms. He's grown so much...of course, that's a good thing because he's suppose to grow. But where did the time go? Today it's Kindergarten. Tomorrow, I'll be hugging him goodbye as he leaves for college to pursue his life interests. And then it will be Caleb...and then Hannah. Someone once said that time is like a fire that consumes us. I think it's better to look at time as a friend that we journey with and along the way, there are good times and bad times, but regardless, we're better for the journey because of what time teaches us. So, you say, what have I learned so far? Don't waste the time you have...make it count. I don't always do that, I'll admit. Often times we don't say or do what we intend at the moments we intend and then we find ourselves regretting or wishing we had done it. I hope, as I reflect on this milestone in the life of our family, that I do better in the next 5 years than I have in the last 5. Can I be a better father? husband? person? Sure...we all can. No one's perfect after all. But what remains is...will I be? I hope so. I sure do hope so.

The City of Angels

This week I'm in Los Angeles visiting our facility here to do some maintenance, clean up and upgrading to the network. It's been a year since I've been here so it's in desperate need of some TLC (that's tender loving care, not a channel on TV). There's a part of me that likes LA; the weather is beautiful (it's been in the high 70's to low 80's this week with not a sliver of humidity), the scenery is pretty cool (I love the ocean -- it's one of God's greatest parts of creation), and I get away from the office for a few days to stretch my tech teeth and still have a little fun too. Could I live here, you say? Never in a million years. When you cram 3 and a half million people into a city (with more in the outskirts), that's just too much! Not to mention there's this "L.A." feel to everything that makes you ask, is it real? It's probably like living anywhere really -- you just have to accept the character of the place and learn to live within that framework if you want to stay sane. Nashville's no different in that respect. Just smaller. But I've been here since Tuesday and working like crazy trying to tie things up that need some attention. I have one more day and evening to accomplish what I need to before flying home on Saturday mid-day. And that is what makes the going away more sweet -- getting to come home to my family. Miss you and love you guys!

Mac-tel PCs

Several weeks ago, it was announced that Apple would begin using Intel CPUs in their Macs starting in 2006. As a PC enthusiast I am thrilled by this announcement. For years, the debate has raged -- which is better, Mac or PC. I think that is one of the stupidest debates and ranks right up there with "which is safer: airplane or car travel" and "how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop"! Two words: WHO CARES! I, like so many others in the Tech industry, learned the basics of computers in the PC/Win-tel world. Back then the only opinion I had was an uninformed one that was one-sided because my knowledge of the world of technology was very, very limited. But now, some 10 years later, you'll find I pretty much have embraced all different system platforms because everyone has its place in the technological world we live in. Linux, Unix, Mac OS, Windows -- these are the big four. And truth be told, you can't simply rank those operating environments from one to four, least to greatest. Why? Because each one serves a purpose.

Now...having said that, allow me to step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Truth is, if it weren't for Unix and Mac, Windows wouldn't even exist. Windows, the brainchild of Microsoft founder and chief janitor, Bill Gates, has permeated the global community because Uncle Bill didn't just know software development, he knew marketing. He knew how to sell. Steve Jobs got caught up trying to create some euphoric digital universe with Apple and, while he had a superior product, failed miserably to sell it to the masses. Well, not miserably, but not "Microsoft" successfully. The development of the OS world has been fascinating if you've watched how it's unfolded in the past 20 years. DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME (all those who bought a copy when it came out take one step forward -- anyone? anyone?), Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003, and soon to come -- Windows Vista (I hate that name -- sounds like I ought to be checking my e-mail while slightly high and sitting on a beach somewhere). Apple, Mac, OS7, OS8, OS9, and now OS X. (That list seems shorter...wonder why?) OK, so, what's the point. Point is, Mac is making one of the smartest moves it's ever made. Truth be told, back in the late 90's and early 2000's Mac claimed to be faster -- but it really wasn't...well, at least not always. But you put that same OS on an Intel chip/platform -- now you've got a fast OS. Mac has always been more stable than Windows primarily because it's based off a Unix kernel -- Unix is the MACDaddy of OS's! With minor exceptions, you can turn a Linux or Unix machine on and leave it and might never have to reboot it ever again -- the stability is staggering and one of the reasons why Mac fans (as well as Linux and Unix fans) for years have claimed superiority over Windows. And from that standpoint, it's true. But Linux, Unix, and Mac fail in one area -- the law of universality. Microsoft, love 'em or hate 'em, was driven by the concept that it would not only be user friendly, but it would be easy to obtain and, eventually, they would make every piece of software you would ever need! Just look at 'em -- server software, OS software, database software, browser software, e-mail software, anti-spyware software, office/productivity software, multimedia software and -- coming soon -- anti-virus software. But this granddaddy of decisions by Apple just makes me excited. We haven't really seen anything new come to the table in quite a few years from anyone. Oh, sure, there have been some spikes in the trends, but the last real change the world experienced in the bits and bytes race was probably the release of Windows 95.

So what does the future hold? Who knows...but stick around; I think it's about to get really, really interesting!

Speaking of Office Space...

We're having a yard sale this weekend. I feel sorry for Val as she's been working like a dog to keep this thing going for the last two days. My sister and her husband live right next door and we've all been attempting to get rid of a lot of the stuff we've accumulated in our married years (and some items beyond that point). We're selling clothes, toys, furniture, computer parts, and just general odds and ends. Heck, someone even offered to buy my old "beater" car and I didn't even have it out for sale officially -- but I'd sell it since I don't really use it much.

Any-hoo...one of the things we decided to sell was the computer desk I've been using for about the past year. I bought it a year ago when we moved into the house here but it was a cheap Wal-mart special and eventually it really didn't serve my purposes like I'd hoped. Plus Val didn't really like it all that much in the end so... We decided to go last weekend to Office Depot and buy a nice new desk. It was delivered Thursday. Unassembled. You want to know the 3 most hated words in the life of a Dad -- "Some Assembly Required". Most of the time it applies to toys or bikes or generally anything you buy your kids at Christmas-time that's bigger than a Hot Wheels toy car. This time, it's my toy. I got the Workcenter and Hutch on sale and it's really, really cool. My wife actually picked it out and she has a good eye for this kind of stuff. I mean she looks at the ad and then goes to the store and looks it up one side and down the other. Me? Most of the time I'd look at the ad and say, "can we just phone the order in and pick it up" without ever really seeing it. Then I'd get it home and hate it! But we went to see it after we saw the ad and I love it! Pretty much a guarantee that I'll have this thing for about 10 years. It's not solid wood, but it's solidly constructed.

Next, we have to go and get a new Entertainment Unit as we're selling that in the yard sale too. We've had a couple of bites on it the past two days, but no one's committed to buying it just yet. I'm hoping tomorrow, othewise I won't know what to do with it. Probably place an ad in the paper. We've thought about having a follow up Saturday only yard sale in late August or early Septemeber depending on what's left after this weekend. But we might just give it to goodwill or E-bay some of it...I don't know.

Most of this new furniture we're looking at is corner units of some sort. My new desk is and I really like how it fills the space. Val and I both hate wasted space -- but we both hate cluttered space too (when we can avoid it). The new entertainment unit will be a corner unit to because of where it needs to go...this old house doesn't have the greatest use of wall space I've ever seen. It was built in 1960 so, you know, old design. People weren't as obsessed with furniture beyond beds and sofas and tables as we are now.

Well, the new desk and hutch is up. Next stop is likely Lowes where Val saw a entertainment unit she thought she saw and liked...maybe tomorrow after the yard sale is over; who knows, we'll see.

Office Space

Bob: "Looks like you've been missing a lot of work lately."
Peter: "Well, I wouldn't exactly say I've been missing it, Bob."

That quote goes out to all those who work for those who care more about the bottom line than the employees who help them succeed.

Checking Out the Dean's List

My brother, Jason, recently published his own blog. J -- you started off great with the stuff on baseball and Ryno. I'm not as big a sports fan as Jason, but I'll never forget the '84 Cubs. I'm still convinced that's one of the best teams ever assembled in baseball history. I think I'll go home and admire my Ryne Sandberg baseball cards!

I'm going to put a link to Jason's blog below permanently when I have a few more minutes.

Also, next week, I'm going to be in California at our Los Angeles facility doing some work so I'll likely make several posts while I'm there to make up for my utter lack of postings lately (my work is getting ahead of my life -- ICK!). Later...

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Been unbelievably busy with, well, stuff. Kids, work, kids, honey-do list, blah, blah, blah. It's amazing how fast time can get away from you. Perhaps the biggest news in the past week is the addition of our church website to the internet and our evangelistic outreach. Obviously I'm a tech geek and any chance I get to flex my geek muscles I do. My experience with web development is somewhat limited, but effective enough that I felt it high time to set up a website for the congregation. We plan to be up and fully functional by August 1 -- which means my time is running short. Hope I make it. If not, I'm sure I'll be forgiven. Check it out if you get the chance at:

http://www.rockbridgechurchofchrist.org

Nothing...But a Blessing!

I seem to have developed a slight case of writer's block -- I'm not surprised either. The last several days have been pretty intense at work and my mind has been preoccupied with wrapping my brain around stuff going on there. Perhaps the weekend's rest will help me to refresh. Plus, I'd rather take what little time I do have this weekend and focus on God's blessings...

R & R

Is it just me or have we just about gone over the ever-lovin' edge in this country? Again...lemme 'splain. We are in dire need of a dose of R & R here in America...and I'm not talking rest and relaxation. I'm talking Rights AND Responsibilities! The founding fathers of these United States have a firm belief that rights are God-given and that we all have those. Somewhere along the lines we began to believe that the government, not God, gave us our inalienable human rights. WRONG! The government is here (by God's design, I might add) to protect the rights we already have...BUT (and you just knew it was coming), we seem to have taken the whole misguided notion of rights even further down this path. At some point, we decided that responsibility was no longer necessary as well! The Apostle Paul wrote a great statement in his letter to the Corinthians that "all things were permissible, but not everything was beneficial" or helpful. AMEN! When are the politicians, the press and anybody else out there waving a "it's my right" sign going to realize that just because you can doesn't always mean you should?!?!

Here are few recent news stories that sparked this rant -- do you see what I'm saying?

Ky. Student Dies in 'Car Surfing' Stunt -- note the father's response at the very end of the article...

Allstate fires manager for Christian beliefs concerning homosexuality -- so much for diversity and tolerance!

Chuck Shepherd's News of the Weird -- check out the LEAD STORY...that's pushing the whole "inner child" thing a bit too far.

Patience, Young Skywalker

Oh how I need patience! I've been struggling for 5 or 6 months now to look for work elsewhere and I've come up empty-handed just about every time. This is probably the hardest it's ever been for me to find a job. All of my previous jobs, including my current job, have come pretty stress- and struggle-free. But now, nothing is happening -- absolutely nothing! I've probably sent a couple dozen resumes to different places and have received only one interview and, therefore, only one bite. But that was 3 or 4 months ago. I pray God grant me the patience I need so that I don't explode. It's times like these when you really begin to question your abilities, career choices, qualities, and whether or not you really have staying power or whether you're just a flash in the pan that's already burned out. But I know, God has a purpose for this waiting and I'm having a hard time waiting to see what it may be! God, grant me patience!

This is a Test...This is Only a Test!

I'm testing using a blogger tool called Bloggar to post. Let's see if this works.

We All Need A Laugh...

Need a good laugh? Then you must check out Bill Amend's comic strip, Foxtrot. My brother, Jason, turned me onto it right before Star Wars EP3 was released into theaters and it has brought me much joy and laughter in the days that have followed. But the mystery of why I like it may not be that deep -- Amend's comic favs are Calvin and Hobbes, Bloom County and The Far Side -- all personal favs of mine too. This guy is a "comic strip lover's comic strip artist". Each day on his website front page is the strip for that day and you can sign up to get them through websites like Yahoo's "My Yahoo" personal pages or UComics.com -- plus a 2 week archive. I'll always have a soft spot for a good comic strip. By the way, from now on, you'll notice a little icon in the lower left hand portion of my blog linking to Foxtrot.com. See ya in the funnies!

Have I Been Spared?

Well, the doctor gave me an evaluation that had two probable outcomes: either I have a kidney stone, or I have a seriously inflammed muscle. He couldn't say for sure simply because of the kind of pain I seemed to be having, the intensity, and the location of it. Right now, I'm just uncomfortable -- which, if memory serves, did happen first at least one time when I was attempting to pass my stone last time. Well, I'm not too concerned yet, but I'm not ruling anything out -- and neither is the doctor. He gave me 3 prescriptions: one for everyday use that helps with the pain, an anti-inflammatory for bedtime, and some general pain pills just in case I do have a stone and it begins to move and cause problems over the next week. I seriously pray that this all goes away because I do not want to go through that again. Check back with me next week to see how this is progressing.

Please Let It Be Over Soon!

Eight years. That's how long it's been since the last time I had kidney stones. I have a baaaaaad feeling that they're back. Yesterday morning I started to get that twinge that I hoped to never, ever, ever, ever get again. At first, I thought maybe I'd just pass them without any further pain, but no luck. By this afternoon the pain had become increasingly intense and I knew that a Dr.'s appointment was in order. So it's off to find out what's wrong with me. What is it about being 30 that your body somehow seems to begin acting all crazy as if it can't stand for you to be well? I've been sicker in the past year than I think I have in my entire life -- of course it could just be a freakish coincidence. And who knows, maybe it's something else entirely, but I'm in pain and I've got to get it fixed. Thank God for medicine!

One Pleasant Aspect of My Job

For the most part, you'll rarely, if ever, see me talk about the specifics of my job. Even more specifically, you'll never see me talk about my employer. Nothing to do with fear of getting fired or anything, it just seems tacky to get online to the world and talk about someone in that way. Privately disagreeing is one thing, public smearing is out of line. But I digress...

I work in technology. Every day I manipulate ones and zeros to do my bidding (although once in a while it feels like the other way around). There are two sides to my role -- technical and managerial. Although I have always enjoyed the technological side of my career, it is the other side I rarely find fulfilling. But the one, perhaps, redeeming quality of the "other side" is working with people. My background is ministry. I worked as a full-time minister for about 6 years while pursuing a technological education of sorts. For the most part, I love working with people. I mean, it's not free of blemishes, but you have to be willing to accept that when working with people in any capacity. If there's one aspect to full time ministry I miss, it's the "people" aspect. If there's one aspect of my job that brings a silver lining to the cloud, it's the "people" aspect. I've got some good people around me; and for the most part, the clients we meet are good people too just looking for someone to fill a service for them. While there are some bad apples in the barrel, it's the good ones that keep you going.

Independence Weekend

Hope everyone had a great Independence Weekend! My family and I had a good one. It started Friday with me and boys going to see Madagascar -- a great animated film for the family. It wasn't the best I've ever seen, but fun, and the boys enjoyed it! Saturday my dad and I put down a stepping stone walk in front my house so that we would keep from walking through the yard and dirt (especially when it rains) and then tracking stuff into the house. My brother came into town for the weekend as well. He works for Freed-Hardeman University, a great 4-year Christian university! He and I have a lot of similar interests and he's just a great guy to hang around -- would do anything for anybody. On Sunday we had all the family over to our house for lunch and celebrated Mom's birthday with cake and a digital camera from us kids. Sunday night after church we had a fireworks show over at the church where Mom and Dad attend, Fountain Head Church of Christ. Food was good as well as the show. On Monday we pretty much slept in late, did nothing all day, and I shot off fireworks with my brother that night (and as Joshua said, they were "wicked dude!"). We finally sunk into bed around 12:30AM and I deprived myself of enough sleep for work on Tuesday to be worthless. Overall, a stellar weekend! Hope you had a good one too!

It's Really Not Political

Since the war on terror began, so many have been divided -- are you for the war or against it? It's unfortunate that the recent war has become pegged as simply a political device with no redeeming qualities at all. That's not to say that war is just bright and cheerful and pleasant, but there's so much negativity surrounding it that any positives, any progress is clouded and, at times, never known. War isn't what anyone ever wants (or shouldn't) but let's face the fact that we're there. And our men and women of service are pouring their hearts into what they are doing. Regardless of what political angles may be playing out in this war, many, if not most, of these young men and women do believe in the cause of freedom for which they are engaged. My question is are we willing to support them? Forget the war for a moment, they need support. The question of the hour is, do you support the troops? There they are, thousands of miles from home; tired; longing for a home cooked meal I'm sure -- would you want to hear that you're doing a terrible thing and completely unsupported by your own country? Absolutely not. So, what can we do? Write; email; here's a good website to look at to find a way to get involved:

www.americasupportsyou.mil

Take the time this Independence day weekend to let them know that you support them and appreciate them and their service. They deserve it!

Seeing It Again For The First Time

Our children are the greatest joy in my and my wife's life. We have three: a 5 year old boy -- Joshua; a 3 year old boy -- Caleb; and a baby daughter (5 months) -- Hannah. As they grow up I'm reminded of what it's like to be a kid again, experiencing life and all it has to offer. I remember those long summer days, hot summer nights -- catching lightning bugs was about the coolest thing that summer brought, well, except for the fireworks on the 4th of July! And it was non-stop from 9am to 9pm. And now I'm watching my boys just live it up not caring one lick that it's 90+ degrees outside. Me? I work in an air-conditioned office all day and I dread the thought of stepping outside for 15 minutes to go grab a bite to eat at lunchtime. But not Josh and Caleb. If they don't have to be inside, they aren't. Climbing trees, swinging on the swingset, running, jumping, hitting rocks with sticks, playing with the dog and cat -- stop for a drink of water -- and off again! Their biggest concern? Exactly how many bites of chicken casserole do I have to eat so Mom and Dad will let me go back outside and play before it gets too dark? Childhood is such a sweet gift from God. God knows how we get as adults and gives us a few brief years to romp around and -- as Thoreau so aptly put it -- "suck out all the marrow of life" before, unfortunately we allow life to suck the marrow out of us. So this Independence Day weekend, stop and be a kid again. Take a cue from the kids -- run and jump and play and enjoy the simple and blessed gift of life all given to us by God.

I Reject Your Reality...

I suppose I'll never understand the whole idea behind lying in the moment to gain a temporary victory. Lemme 'splain. Would you lie to your future wife or husband just to get them to marry you only to have them find out about the lie and it permanently damage your relationship? Now, if this scenario seems totally "workable" to you, then you're not going to get where I'm going with this. If however, you're sitting there saying, "Yeah, that's just stupid", stick with me.

So why am I bringing this up??? Because I see first hand that philosophy in motion on an almost daily basis. Except in my case, it's in the business world. Lie, lie, lie your face off to get the business and then worry about correcting the lies after the customer is in the door. HUH? When did we decide that people are so incredibly dumb that when they find out that we are lying to them they will just say, "Well, I'm here. I might as well stay!" I wouldn't stay with any company that lied to get my business; I wouldn't find it flattering; I would look at it as cheap and underhanded; why would I want to do business with someone who couldn't even tell me the truth up front, even if it meant that I might not choose to do business with them!

There's a scripture that says the..."wages of sin is death." Simply put, you play with fire, you're going to get burned...up. When will people learn that if you want longevity out of life, love, and even work and school then honesty will always be the best policy. You don't have to keep track of the lie trail you've told; you don't have to worry about being seen as two-faced; you don't have to come up with elaborate ways to prevent people from finding out the truth. Frankly, lying is just too exhausting and I've got better things to do with my time. I'm sure there will be more to come on this topic in the future so stay tuned...

The Voice of the Civil War

If you are as big a buff of Civil War history as I am, then you are just as saddened at the news that Shelby Foote passed away. Foote was the first literary historian that I felt like really brought the Civil War to life in a way no one else had. I was introduced to him through Ken Burns' series; I really felt he was the highlight of the show in so many ways. I know Civil War buffs everywhere are bowing their heads for a moment of silence...

He Just Won't Die

King Kong is back again...this time in the form of Peter Jackson's vision due to release in December of this year. Last night the trailer aired on TV; I didn't see it then but caught it this morning on the web. It looks pretty decent -- decent enough to make me want to see it. I'm sure follow up trailers will entice even more as Jackson has become a master at making the fantastic appear real. It's amazing how far the movies have come. In 1933, when the original was released by RKO pictures, they used 18-inch models utilizing a technique called stop-motion animation to make KK appear alive. If you've ever seen it, it's cheesy by today's standards -- but it was ahead of its time, and still a great movie! When the next major "remake" hit the screens in 1976, it was a guy in a gorilla suit with some snazzy 1970's special effects thrown in for good measure; mankind never should have been burdened with this release (blah!). But now, with computers being a driving force behind many creatures we see on screen these days, a fully realized CGI KK will be the star. Bet that would blow the minds of RKO executives! In case you didn't see it, here's the trailer, enjoy!

I Probably Won't Win for Originality...

I've debated starting a blog for some time. It should have been a no-brainer; I love to write; I love to speak my mind; I love to share stories with people; and frankly, I'm tired of all the half-witted, seriously destructive stuff you and I have to endure every day on TV, in the papers, on the Net, at work, at school, at Wal-mart -- well, pretty much anywhere we are anymore. But I digress a bit. It's not all bad. That's really my intent behind this blog. The journey of life is full of great days and horrible ones; candy and cavities; Dolby surround sound in my living room and running the risk of losing my hearing at an early age because I love to watch movies at volumes so high that the bass from the subwoofer shakes the oak beams in this 40 year old house I live in...that's the wonder we call life. And here, I hope to explore it, ponder it, shape it, absorb it, share it, and treasure it with anyone who's willing to listen...even if it's just me. Used to, people had diaries -- private thoughts for a private book; now, all the world's a stage and I'm the performer. So as I end this first post -- thanks for popping in; enjoy the show.