Weekend Away

I had a lovely time out camping this weekend with some dear friends. We drove down to Battle Ground Lake Park for a few days, but wish we could have stayed longer.

BELOW ARE PHOTOS POSTED FROM THE WOODS VIA MY MOBIL PHONE

On the road!

Dinner time!

S'more fun! I had mine with Reese's and a Crunch bar.

Playing Yahtzee!

People are strange; let's celebrate!

PEOPLE ARE STRANGE (REMI GAILLARD)
by nqtv

Music to my ears.

Yesterday, I stopped by the library to see if they might have the soundtrack to Momma Mia available. Before I went searching the soundtracks I went through the section marked SACRED. I like to browse this section every so often, just to check in. I pulled out two albums that I had never heard of before. Usually when I do this, I end up with semi interesting albums, but hardly ever end up with something I absolutely adore. I hit the jackpot this time! Both CDs I grabbed, are fantastic. Actually, they are so much more.





The first one I picked up was Ralph Stanley's SHINE ON. The song titles on the back included "I'll Fly Away" and "This Little Light of Mine" so I thought, why not? I had no idea what kind of music would come out of my stereo when I played this disc and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a beautifully heartfelt bluegrass album that brought me back to a simpler time. It made me want to hitch up my overalls and go running through a corn field. There's something grand about an old man singing about his Jesus. I dare you not to dance.




The second artist I hadn't heard of is a phenomenally talented young man, Jimmy Needham. His voice is reminiscent of Jason Mraz and Micheal Bublé. His songs are wonderfully honest. In "Lost at sea" he speaks of following Christ though the way is unknown. He wonders at how this Holy King could see him for who he is and not want to "discontinue [him] for all eternity and then some." He has an obvious heart for the Lord and for the Lost as made known in "Dearly Loved". His voice is of a man crying out to his people to rise up and realize their true potential and calling. The album's title song "Speak" is inspired by Romans 10:14. He ends the album with a profoundly read Benediction that will touch you.



I urge you to give this whole album a chance if you are able. Let it convict and inspire you.

The Fear Factor

You know those days when you get a decent amount done, and you feel great afterward? As if you've just made serious progress in some quest you're on. Maybe that feeling is saved for us "list nerds" that find it bliss to check off the final item on that overbearing Things I Can't Afford to Pay Someone Else To Do list. I've had a comforter that's needed to visit a dry cleaner for about four months. After 'clearing' the garage, I made a pile of items to get rid of. That was about two months ago. How hard is it to load the boxes in my car and drive over to Salvation Army?

If it's such a grand emotion, why is it so difficult to get started? You know in the end you'll feel like King Kong, and yet procrastination ensues. WHY? The only answer I can grasp at is fear. Fear of something. Please don't ask me WHAT. I haven't gotten that far. Plus, I'm certain it's different for all of us.

Fear is a powerful human emotion and we usual allow it to incapacitate us negatively, and cause us to act unwittingly. Fear of ugliness can cause us to spend outrageous amounts of Benjamins on make-up, clothing, hair cuts, and even surgery. Fear of failure can let that pretty girl walk out the door before we talk to her. Fear of loss can keep us from taking a risk and keep us from truly living. Advertisers and Marketers have figured this out a long time ago and have been using our fears against us for years. Next time you're watching the boob tube, just ask yourself what fear is being presented in the next commercial you see. "Have it your way!" -BK

I think at times we find ourselves so comfortable with this type of living, that to step away from it sounds like more work than we think it's worth. Ironic isn't it? The fear of not walking in fear, keeps us trapped in our personal pit of despair. Life being sucked out of us, one lift of the lever at a time.

Perhaps these are just my own personal fears and no one else has any clue what I'm talking about, but I doubt it. Humanity is a whole. We all laugh, we all cry, we all bleed, and we all fear. I had only wanted to write a useless blog about "what I ought to get done today but won't." Turned out quite differently I think.

I'm not sure it's possible to live a life completely devoid of fear, but we can turn the tables and use fear to our advantage. A fear of being poor has driven many a men to become thieves, but it has also created hard working men as well. The choice is ours.

So, if you're going to let fear drive you today, let the fear of ugliness persuade you to put on a smile and create smiles on those around you. Let the fear of failure drive you to success for the Kingdom. And let the fear of loss urge you to linger a little longer with friends and to not hesitate to say 'I love you.'

-----------------
I think I will have to do a little study on 1 Jn 4:18. Perhaps a fearless life is possible....

Is this for real?!

Sometimes when I read the paper, I feel like I ought to be reading fiction. Reports like this just shouldn't be real.

A group of golfers complain that the group ahead of them are playing too slowly. Next thing you know, there's a golfer being rushed to the hospital because he hit another man's golf club with his head.

Shouldn't the story have gone more like this?:

"Hey there Larry, it seems that our group here is going at a bit more rushed pace than your guys. Would it be a problem if we played ahead of you?"

"George! Of course not! We're enjoying our leisurely pace, and wouldn't mind waiting while you gentleman play ahead of us."

And the beat goes on.

Elizabeth!

If this photo doesn't make your day, I don't know what will.

S & S

I've been recently engrossed in Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. I have found a quote from the 1995 version of the film that describes my desires for a husband perfectly.

MRS DASHWOOD
You require so much!

MARIANNE
I do not! I require only what any young woman of taste should - a man who sings well, dances admirably, rides bravely, reads with passion and whose tastes agree in every point with my own.

Isn't this what we all want?

Spiders, Starring, and Tacos

The lovely Jami and her new 'do' and I went for a bike ride this evening. I brought a helmet that I hadn't used in a while and had to clean it of spiders. Ick. I was a bit paranoid that I missed a spider and it was going to get me once I put the helmet on. Thankfully, it was only a nightmare and never a reality. We took a break on the grass on the side of the road where we apparently were the talk of the town as deducted from the blatant stares we received. On the way back to the house, Jami was almost blown up by a firework lit by a rather polite hoodlum. I guess she's just explosive! We then went off to dine at Taco Time. Yum! Thanks for the fun day Jame!

One month.

Well. It's been a month since I started my fitness challenge. To let you all know, I did adjust the program a bit to fit my goals better. However, I did some major slacking with the nutrition side of things. Yes, this photo was taken this morning. Notice that it looks identical to the first photo I post. This is not encouraging. However, I am still determined and encouraged that I am improving my overall health. Perhaps the next four weeks will bring more visible results. Go me!

The boys

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY BOYS!
(geeks.)

A Severe Mercy

There are bothersome things that come with finishing a good book, they are a bother to me at least. For one, there is a strong desire to re-experience the story all over again right away. Unfortunately, it's a difficult task considering the medium. There's a want so strong to get to the end of the book to find out what conclusions will be made, but at the end of a good story, you want nothing more than to go backwards, and never quite finish the book after all. There's also the sudden heavy weight of knowing that you are responsible for acting upon this newly gained knowledge. A good book affects you, it stirs within you passions once fiery and dreams once touchable. So then lies the question of what sort of doing must now be done.

I just finished reading this memoir by Sheldon Vanauken and have so many thoughts spinning that it's as if they are not really spinning, but are rather at a stand still. Frozen, and unable to separate. I will attempt to attack them gently with a pickaxe.

*The previous text was written a week earlier than the following:

I ought to have set aside all distraction and explored my thoughts more immediately, rather than waiting a week. I fear some of those thoughts will now stay hidden away for another day. Hopefully to arise as a pleasant surprise on some idle Tuesday.

In the final chapter of the book, Vanauken quotes C.S. Lewis,

'if a man diligently followed this desire [for joy], pursuing the false objects until their falsity appeared and then resolutely abandoning them, he must come out at last into the clear knowledge that the human soul was made to enjoy some object that is never fully given - nay, cannot even be imagined as given - in our present mode of subjective and spatio-temporal experience.'

Huh? Lewis refers to the deepest longing of the human soul. The way your heart seems to long for something far beyond reach, yet we search and search for it. What we are seeking is joy, and we will chase after whatever it is that we believe we will find it in. Whether that be in painting, in sailing, in motherhood, in sports, or some other endeavor that we find ourselves enamored with. It is in the failing to find that highest of all joys that we must come to realize it is in something so much bigger than we could ever begin to fathom. We cannot deny that we all long for this joy.

Thus, we can only conclude that we were made to enjoy this something that so lures our souls. What we are seeking is God. Though we may not recognize it, he is the ultimate satisfaction that our heart aches to taste. Vanauken claims this idea as the heart of his and C.S. Lewis' writings.

Vanuaken's tale is one that journeys through his and his wife's quest for this joy and how they discover Christ. He is beautifully honest with his words and takes the time to tell the whole story. During the years the book is set, the author meets and corresponds with C.S. Lewis, asking him tough questions about Christianity at first, and continuing on as dear friends, praying for one another, as the years pass.

I will end now, for I feel I cannot ever capture all that this book speaks. What I've shared is only a tiny portion of this filling meal that leaves it's reader ready for dessert. Enjoy!

Airlines being offered new 'shock bracelet' to help deter terrorists.

Airlines being offered new 'shock bracelet' to help deter terrorists.

Karen De Coster writing on LRC had the following to say about this enslavement bracelet.

This bracelet will replace the need for a ticket and contain all necessary information about the person, and as a bonus, it can allow the passenger to be tracked through the terminal. Crew members would be empowered with radio frequency transmitters to subdue "hijackers." The technology will override a person’s central nervous system and zap them down quicker than you can say "Homeland Security." The company assures us that being dragged through the bracelet process is a "small inconvenience in order to assure your safe arrival." In fact, its studies show that most people would "happily opt" for wearing the bracelet to "insure their own security."

Alright. Who's the joker who came up with this? April fool's right?

Let us not become bitter & tainted by the world. May we keep our bright eyes and youthful hope.

a random study

Seeking to hear from God is like trying to decipher a combination lock. As if the right combo of worship, bible reading, purity, and joy will open the door to the King's throne. Or perhaps it's a mixture of a completely different set of Christian virtues. There's an impossible amount of possibilities to this lock. I remind God that I am nothing and he is the Brilliant One. He may have the know how to figure it out, but I certainly don't. Though I try. If only I could figure it out, then I'd be set. I wonder if God enjoys watching us lose sleep over such longings. My heart aches for his voice, for his direction and guidance. Why does he not email me directions? Even Google does that! Why does the Lord seem so unaccessible? Decoding that lock is a daunting task. My biggest fear is that I may find the combination, release the lock, and open the door only to find another lock.

So I turn elsewhere. There are truths at my finger tips that are not under lock and key. I will search the scriptures. I will scour the love letter of the Beautiful One. I will stand on these truths and continue to carry Hope in my God.

I begin here: Psalm 48:14 "This God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death." While it's not exactly known after which victory this song was penned, we are certain that there was a victory. The writer praises Jerusalem, the City of God, and in so doing he praises the God of Jerusalem. Enemies fear it, friends delight in it, God takes care of it, he provides safety for it; it is praised for what God has done, does, and will do for it. The Psalmist sees the glory of the Creator in the creation and so ends by declaring loyalty to God. He is not saying that God will lead him, but that he will follow this great and wonderful King.

I'm sure glad I chose to read and study this whole Psalm. What a difference it makes! It's not about getting emails from God that tell me what to do. It's about recognizing that following God leads to success in life, and I must seek him where he's at in order to follow. I must not wait for him to come to me and my dreams. A challenging victory indeed!

I had planned to just list off some verses that mention leading and guidance and let them simmer for a while. This study turned out better than I had expected.

Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

Niner Zero Six Delta Golf

Here's Amy in front of the plane! We got up pretty early to catch our flight! We stopped for breakfast and a fill up and were able to catch Nathan's hot dog eating contest final. Who wants to eat 59 hot dogs in a year, much less in ten minutes?

Happy Independence Day America!

I won't be around this weekend, I'll be enjoying the sun! I urge you to do the same :)

Happy 4th!

Out with Erin and the kids.

This is Erin on a log overhanging the river.

What a sad day ...

While out sailing last night, I was taking some fun photos with my Polaroid camera. My friends informed me that they heard Polaroid was going to stop production on their cameras and film. I couldn't believe ears! I assumed that perhaps the rumor was only partly true and that the standard 600 film I was using would of course continue to be produced. I searched the web today to find that Polaroid made the announcement this past February! I'm honestly very sad now. I'm going to have to stock up on the film before it's all gone! As much as one can stock up I suppose - since film eventually expires :(

There are still arguments back and forth on whether or not this is actually going to happen. There is a plethora of instant film fanatics who are protesting such devastating news. There are those who are asking Fujifilm (and other companies) to take over the market that Polaroid wants to leave behind. There are tons of sites dedicated to the 'art' of the instant photo.

I was going to write some thoughts on what the classic polaroid photos mean to me, but I came across this site that simply says it all. SAVEPOLAROID. Take a gander down memory lane and let these folks express in their words, what a polaroid can mean to each of us.

Here's a fake polaroid of me sailing. This just can't compare to the real thing!

Sailing away!

In the Harbor! I sent this image from my phone and planned to blog more about the trip when I got home. However, Jami did such a lovely job of documenting it, I'll just send you to read her account.

Remember my search for soccer players?

So this morning I played soccer with a great group of people. LCC had started some pick-up soccer a while back and Adrian always told me to come. I had posted an ad on craigslist for anyone else interested and got three replies. Two of them showed up today! It was great! I love meeting new people, don't you?

It was not easy to play in the 80 degree heat though. I definitely need more water before hand next time. We played some four on four and everyone played really nicely together! If you're interested in joining us, please do!!

Here's to humor!

Thomas Jefferson once said, 'We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.' And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.
- Ronald Reagan

inspiration

I made myself a new desktop wallpaper for inspiration. What do ya think?

End of the season...

Remember the end of high school? You were relieved the work was done, but you also had that instant feeling of something missing? At the end of every season, that's how I feel. A sigh of relief. And then a frown because you'll miss being a part of something. You'll miss the fun, and you'll miss the friends.

This time is a little sadder for me. Some of these kids have been on my team for two and three seasons. Next year they'll move up a division because of their ages. If Adrian and I decide to just continue to coach the same division at the YMCA, we won't get to keep working with those kids, and that makes me sad. I get attached to certain players. The ones who have such extraordinary potential to be great. Not just in the sport, but in life. I want to see how they grow up and who they become. I've grown to believe in them. I want to watch my belief be proved right. Does this make sense? Sometimes clarity is not my greatest strength.

My first thought is to wonder how I will be able to 'let go' of my own children when it isn't easy to let go of another's. Then it occurs to me that I will never have to let go of my kids this way. I'll never have to see them off wondering if I'll ever hear from them again. Granted, things like being sent to war may warrant such a question, but I mean in the sense that they won't be strangers. I will be able to follow their lives. I will see their success, and their failures. All the while believing in them. In fact, I actually look forward to sending them off into the world, mighty warriors they will be. I have such vision for my family. We will have great times together during 'practice' but the whole reason for practice is to be ready for the game. It's always exciting to me to watch my team go out and put to use all the lessons they've learned. I love it when one of them shows off some fancy footwork! It's the greatest when they score a goal after trying so hard and then they turn and look at the side lines for approval, "Did you see me Coach? I did it!" Priceless.

I've learned much this season and I've got some great memories to go with those lessons. Below is a photo of the prestigious plaque the Icebreakers presented me with. A lovely thank you and the signature of each spirited player. It will serve as a reminder of this spring. The photo above is the necklace Adrian and I gave to each player. Of course, we each have our own, too! I hope it will bring back wonderful memories to each kid for years to come. I know it will do that for me. One of my favorite pieces of neck wear is a simple basketball bead on a ball chain necklace that I got during 8th grade basketball. As I wonder what exactly it is I like about it so much, I fail to recall any real specific details about the season, but I know it affected me. My coach influenced me to believe in myself. He made it clear, that if we didn't believe in ourselves, we would never find success. The only one who can bring me down - is me.

I seem to have rambled a bit and just sorta regurgitated various thoughts without much order, but I wanted to share. All I have left to say, is that if you ever get the chance or opportunity to coach or mentor young people in any facet, please, PLEASE do it. If not for their sake, for your own.

Sounders!

Last night was so much fun! Here's a couple pictures of the team on the field with the Sounders! The game itself was very intense, but in the end there was no score on the board. Darn! There was quite a bit of blood though! I'm pretty sure one of the Miami guys broke his nose. What a bunch of drama kings. Every time someone got hurt it was like a death scene from a Shakespeare play. The kids also had tons of fun. During the half-time and at the end of the game, the stadium staff threw out mini-soccer balls and each kid was able to get one. Thank goodness! They were even able to get them signed by the players after the game. Plus, I heard the sweet sounds of little voices repeating lessons they had been taught this season! What? They were listening? One of the parents got a couple shots that I hope he emails to me, which I'll then add to this post.

**And here's those two other photos I mentioned above.**

service provider

I am currently a T-Mobile customer and have been for at least 6 years. For the past two years I've been using the Moto V360. Over the last week, I have been testing out Verizon Wireless and the Moto W755. The following is my review/comparison of each service and phone. *Let me first admit that I am a perfectionist who doesn't welcome change very often.*

T-Mobile Pros:

• I have been with this company since they were Voicestream and have good repoir with them.
• I am on a month to month cycle - meaning I can get out anytime without huge fees.
• They currently are gifting me an extra 50 minutes of airtime for being a loyal customer.
• TM uses SIM cards which means I can switch phones without needing to see a service rep. This is handy if my phone breaks (I can use my backup until I decide on a new phone) or if my battery dies when I really need to make a call (I can either use my backup if it's handy, or find someone with a SIM ready phone and borrow theirs without having to use their minutes).
• I have used this service while in Europe and know it to work great for making calls.
• I love the instant access to my 'minutes used' count and 'current balance' by just dialing #MIN# or #BAL#.
• Easy access to my account online. I can make payments, change my plan, or even upgrade my phone from any internet ready computer.
• I am able to purchase any SIM ready unlocked phone available on the market - I don't have to buy from TM directly. This means I can save money on new phones. In fact, that's how I bought my current phone. I really wanted it and TM had quit selling it.
  

T-Mobile Cons:

• I had outrages bills to my account when I came home from Europe and was slightly jerked around being told different things and had to settle for extra free rollover minutes as a settlement. I would have preferred the charges to have been removed.
• Service coverage. I give it a 7.5 out of 10. There are local areas that are difficult to get reception at.
• I've noticed over the years that TM has slowly pulled plan features from 'standard' plans and turned them into 'extras' that you have to purchase separately. I.e. they used to provide every customer with 50 free text messages with every plan. Disappointing.
  
• [i'm sure i'll think of something else to add later]

Verizon Pros:

• I have lots of family and friends on this network - no airtime usage to call them or for them to call me.
  
• I admit, it probably has better service coverage. BUT I've only had it a week.
• Online account access (though I'm not familiar with it) and phone book storage application.
• I would be on a family plan and save $30 a month (if we don't split the bill three ways).
• Instant access to 'minute count' though not as simple as TM's function. It teeters on being in the 'Cons' list actually.
• Plenty of local service reps if questions arise.

Verizon Cons:

• Verizon appears to be very controlling of what customers can do with their phones. Certain features are 'locked out' to force you to purchase more from them.
  
• They do NOT use SIM technology at all. I have to go to them for any change in phone. If my phone breaks and I can't afford a new one, I'm outta luck!
• I would be on a family plan and no longer have my own account to continue building credit with.
• I would be starting over from scratch building a new relationship with a new company.
• I can't say for certain that it's the service (it may be the phone) but the call audio comes across rather digital sounding. At times it's difficult to hear the caller.
  

the Icebreakers

Ladies and gentlemen! Put your hands together for the ...... icccccccccceeebreakers! So, here are the kids I've been working with over the past 10 weeks or so, minus three. This was the best shot I could get from them. Not exactly what I had imagined, but it works I suppose.

Polka Dots

She asked me if I thought the baby would prefer polka dots or stripes on the blankets. Does she know that this is a health class assignment? How am I supposed to answer that? Even if this was a real baby, it wouldn't know the difference between dots and stripes! I answer anyway.

"Stripes."

"Definitely polka dots."

Why does she even ask? Maybe I should break up with her. Why did I think signing up for this class with her was a good idea? This assignment is a joke. Somehow it's supposed to teach me that I'm not ready to be a parent. At what point did I ever claim that I want to have a child? I'm on their side! I wonder if we can give this doll up for adoption. There's plenty of girls in the class who think they're ready to be a parent who'll take it. Won't that prove that I learned my lesson? Man, I'm brilliant! I can be done with the assignment sooner and get an 'A'!

"Mrs. Brent, Dana & I want to give up our baby for adoption, so it can have a better life."

"WHAT?!" Dana's head whipped around so fast I thought the room actually spun. Maybe I should have told Dana the plan first.

"Charlie! We are NOT giving away our baby to some stranger! Forget it!"

Thankfully, Mrs. Brent wanted to explore the option more. "Now hold on a minute, Dana. I think Charlie should have a chance to make his case."

***********to be continued*******************

------------------------------
Prompts for this week:

1] Use this sentence as non-main character dialog in your story: "That was a good plan."

2] Write a story that takes place in a laundromat in the middle of the day.

3] Write a story with all animal characters - in the second person.

emails from Heaven?

Have you heard about this new service being offered? I read about it at Normal Rockstar's blog. The website describes it's service this way:

We have set up a system to send documents by the email, to the addresses you provide, 6 days after the "Rapture" of the Church. This occurs when 3 of our 5 team members scattered around the U.S fail to log in over a 3 day period. Another 3 days are given to fail safe any false triggering of the system.

So basically, you can leave a message for the unsaved to be sent after you've left. I think that'd be a little freaky! However, it got me thinking.... what would I want to say to those left behind if I am raptured (meaning, if I'm alive at the rapture)? Or even just after I die? With today's advanced technology, it's possible to send messages from the afterlife.

Since Blogger now allows you to pre-date your posts, I'm going to go ahead and write some messages that will only be posted if I am unable to re-date them to a future time. Meaning, if I die, am raptured, or perhaps am in a coma, I will still be a faithful blogger!

Did you see P.S. I love you? Just because I won't be here, doesn't mean I'll stop loving you all!

DAY ONE

Well, I did it. I started. Dad and I got to the gym about 7am and left at around 8:30am. Picked up a smoothie on the way home and then grabbed some scrambled eggs to finish off breakfast. Was feeling really good at that point in the day. Also was feeling very tired. So I went back to sleep. Got myself up around noon and had some leftovers. Chicken and fried cheese. Not good. But good, if you know what I mean. My goal for today is to eat six times, without worrying too much about what I eat. Once I'm used to that, I can throw in the mental challenge of figuring out what to eat. As of now, I'm at three glasses of water (out of ten) which is more than I general have in a day.

My training today was upper body focused - Back, Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, & Biceps. I ended up over-estimating some of the starting weights for a few of the exercises, and I actually under-estimated for the others. I think it was better to be under though. I ended up missing a couple exercises, but it wasn't too much of a big deal. I only needed to to 12 reps on each of them. I'd tell you what I can bench right now, but I'm not sure what the bar weighs..... :) It was sorta sad because I know I've been able to bench with weights in the past. No worries, just gives me something to look forward to. While waiting for dad to finish his workout, I walked the track and then shot some hoops. My arms were beginning to feel like jelly, so it felt a bit weird.

While working on my triceps, I overheard a couple of teenaged boys talking about dinosaurs and the bible. When they were resting between reps, I said hello and told them I overheard them. I offered them a set of Dr. Hovind's Creation Science Seminar DVDs. I told them how wonderful they were and they would answer the dinosaur question and so many more with hard science. I really didn't want to talk to those boys. But I felt like I should. One of them seemed to be trying to pursuade the other that 'just because dinosaurs aren't in the bible, doesn't mean God doesn't exist.' I thought he would be excited that someone would be on his side and give him a way to prove what he was saying. Of course, dinosaurs ARE in the bible, but I didn't want to come across like a know-it-all or something. They seemed to think I was offering them drugs or something, "Naw, I'm good" is what one of them said when I offered the DVDs. Maybe they thought I was hitting on them.....

I'm feeling stronger already! Grrrr!

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing.
Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action."
- Frank Tibolt

Happy Father's Day!

Well here he is, the man himself: my father. He's a simple guy. Loves to laugh. Loves to make other people laugh. He smiles like a child - full of joy. We are much alike, him and I. We both like to start things, and then 'put them away for another day'. We both like our gadgets. We think too much. We really love our naps. We even look alike.

The most important thing he could have ever done in my life as my father, was to introduce me to the Father. My dad taught me about God. He showed me the truth, and he has given me freedom. He has set an example for me, by always making time for the Lord. My dad makes mistakes, and messes up like the rest of us. He didn't mess up here though. He has stood strong. I am thankful for my dad.

My dad's the smartest guy,

And my dad's the bravest guy,

Andy my dad's the neatest guy,

It's positively so.

Maybe I'll introduce you,

Then you'll know that it's the truth,

That my dad,

My dad's the greatest guy you know!!

(Janeen Brady, My Dad)

Something's fishy.

I read this fish tale today and at the end, it struck me in the gut. Some Charleston, OR hooligans stole an 8ft wooden carving of Charlie the Tuna that was an icon of the community. After fearing capture, they decided to attempt to chop the statue into pieces and get rid of it. Long story, short, they were caught and apologized. Seems like a sad story. What really got to me what this:

The town of Charleston will celebrate Charlie’s life with a 1/8th km “creep and crawl” led by the Wild Women of Charleston at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, followed by his wake.

"Followed by his wake." Are they serious!? It almost makes me fuming mad. Every day, EVERY day thousands of unborn children are chopped into pieces in the name of choice. Why is there not a march held for each and every individual who is so brutally murdered this way? No one holds a wake for these little ones. How many of these "Wild Women" who will be leading this ridiculous march, are believers in 'choice' when it comes to abortion? How many of them will mourn the lost of a giant piece of wood and yet care nothing for a tiny human life who has suffered the same fate. What ugly hypocrisy. What a terrible grief my heart has felt. How much longer with this evil persist?

One more for the day.

Okay, you absolutely HAVE to read this blog entry from More Than Cake.

Fitness Update

I just wanted to let you all know, that you still have time to join me in the actually Challenge if you want. I'll be officially starting this coming Monday. You don't have to compete with others if you don't want to, you could just compete with yourself. In fact, that's pretty much what I'm doing. The Rules state that you must use at least one EAS supplement product during your 12-weeks to qualify for a prize. Well, at this point I can't exactly afford any of those products. Gaining my health back is the best prize anyway!

Tuesday Tales

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! In an attempt to improve our writing skills, Jami and I have decided to challenge one another to a weekly write off! We will each post 3 or so writing prompts on our blogs for the other to select from. Then we have one week to write a piece, no matter how long or short, and post it as the opener for the following weeks prompts. The only prize involved is the satisfaction of a completed piece (which is of course the prize most writers have learned to be satisfied with). We welcome any other interested parties to join in the fun and post a link to your finished piece in that weeks comments.

Okay, Jami. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to start a story with one of the following:

#1 - I stood starring through the train as it clicked past the platform and I thought to myself, "What in the world am I doing?"

#2 - "Three, two, one ..... hey!"

#3 - As I turned and walked away from him for the last time, he said, "Every ending is only the start of another beginning." He was right.

I took the Challenge...

...will you?

I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. Recently, I have be pondering the condition of my health. Getting back to the gym is a must. This afternoon, I decided to look up some info about getting into shape. It seems there's plenty of plans out there for folks looking to lose weight, which is wonderful for them! I found it more difficult to find workout strategies for someone like me, who's looking to actually gain weight - with the exception of those workouts meant for Bodybuilders. However, freakishly large arms isn't my goal. So what are my goals?

These are the areas I would like to improve:

• Strength.
• Endurance.
• Energy.
• Posture.
• Attitude.
• Mental alertness.

As I Googled away, I remembered a book I read when I worked at a smoothie bar. Body-for-LIFE by Bill Phillips was a great read. It was simple, made sense, and inspired. The book outlines a program that will fit anyone's goals. Whether losing weight, building muscle, or getting toned, it works for everyone. At the time, I didn't act on what I read because I didn't feel I needed to. I was also exposed to great information from the many health conscious patrons that I served. I asked questions of the ones who frequented the store and obviously were on a workout program. One of the customers had even scored well in a bodybuilding competition.

Naturally, I looked up the corresponding website and found information on the annual Challenge they offer people to participate in. The Challenge is a 12-week workout regimen that includes strength training, cardio training, and nutrition training. So I took it. I downloaded the information packet and record keeping forms, snapped a couple 'before' photos, and now I'm challenging YOU. I'm gonna need a LOT of hassling from my loving friends in order to make it through. I will need the most help with eating right and getting myself to the gym. I'm asking you, not to join me (though I'd love it if you did!), but to encourage me and push me. Call me and ask me how I'm doing, send me uplifting text messages or emails, send me goofy photos of bodybuilders with my head pasted on! Share healthy recipes that even I could make. Anything that you think will help motivate me. So there it is. Will you take my challenge?

Those of you who know me best, know that I'm a dreamer and can be totally psyched about something one day and then two days later I couldn't care less about it. Please help me stick to this! I actually don't WANT to post this entry because I know I will then be accountable. How many times have I stated my action plan for something and then failed to follow through? Way more than I'd like to admit.

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
~Zachary Scott

On a more inspiring note....

Go straight to the source on this one.

Just for laughs.

Click here for original publication.

Indian school names monkey god as its chairman

By BISWAJEET BANERJEE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

LUCKNOW, India -- He's a revered Hindu monkey god. And now, he's the chairman of an Indian business school.

Hanuman, the popular god known for his strength and valor, has been named official chairman of the recently opened Sardar Bhagat Singh College of Technology and Management in northern India, a school official said Saturday.

The position comes with an incense-filled office, a desk and a laptop computer. Four chairs will be placed facing the empty seat reserved for the chairman and all visitors must enter the office barefoot, said Vivek Kangdi, the school's vice chairman.

"It is our belief that any job that has the blessings of Lord Hanuman is bound to be a success," said Kangdi.

All Hindus know that Hanuman can lift mountains and leap oceans, but ancient texts make no mention of his business acumen.

"When we were looking for a chairman for our institution, we scanned many big names in the field of technology and management. Ultimately, we settled for Lord Hanuman, as none was bigger than him," Kangdi said.

Hanuman is one of the most popular gods in the crowded pantheon of Hindu deities. His most famous feat, as described in the Hindu epic the Ramayana, was leading a monkey army to fight the demon King Ravana and rescue a kidnapped princess.

The Sardar Bhagat Singh College in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, awards bachelor's degrees in engineering and management. The school opened last year.

Seattle Sounders

Adrian and I thought it would be pretty cool to take our youth soccer team to a Sounders game before our season ended. The June 20th match against Miami is the one we picked. Neither of us have even been to a match before, so we thought it'd be pretty exciting to begin with. However, it turns out that we are apparently so cool a team that they want us to escort the Sounders onto the field before the game begins! Talk about a first time experience! Each kid will be matched with a player and they'll walk out onto the field together. I'm so thrilled! Anyway, I just wanted to share the fun news! Ta ta!

Thanks for pulling everything together Adrian!

Two Months

Well, it's June. I have successfully lived two months with no job. And by successfully, I mean, I have no debt. I've yet to generate any income over the past two months, unless you some how want to count my economic stimulus check. I recently posted an ad for photography services on Craig's List and am organizing somethings for a yard sale. I'm no where near an empty bank account, but obviously, I don't want to wait until I am to start making some deposits. SMRT.

Over the past 60 days I have considered different options for my future. Joining the circus was not one of them. Ultimately friends, I want to be a wife and then a mother. Seeing how this isn't a dream I can chase on my own, I am finding myself having to seek other options until this dream is closer to a reality. Unfortunately, it's like having to choose your second choice. Who wants that? Besides, I don't even know what my second choice is. That's the main frustration. Or maybe I do know what my second choice is, but I don't see how to chase it, so I ignore it. Either way, I seem to have a lack of direction.

If I don't figure it out soon though, perhaps one day you'll get a call from me with an offer for free tickets to see my performance at the circus when it's in town.

Prince Caspian

Slight let down for Prince Caspian but still a great movie!

First thoughts on the new Indiana Jones movie...

National Treasure meets the X-Files.

Triple J

You blow me away sista friend!

If you don't already read her blog, you should!

New camera.

So, last night I learned that you can NOT photograph yourself with a Polaroid camera and still be in focus. The only exception would be if photographing yourself through a mirror.

This was the fourth photo produced with my new camera. I've always loved Polaroids so I decided it was about time to get one of my own! Who doesn't love instant pictures?

Also, feel free to donate to my habit as it is rather expensive, comparatively.

Gathering Players

I thought it would be fun to try to get some local adult soccer players together for some pick up games. I posted ads on Facebook, MySpace, and Craig's List.

Perhaps something will come of it. Perhaps not.

Writing writers.

I've always thought about writing a letter to a writer. After finishing Dave Bidini's 'For Those About to Write' I felt highly compelled to send a letter. So I did. It wasn't long. Just a quick something to say what I thought of the book. All positive.

I think I just may start writing more letters like that. Perhaps to the writers of my favorite shows. I'm curious how much fan mail they actually get.....

Grrr...

I'm rather frustrated with this template! I guess I ought to sleep on it!

"Good night Neverland!"

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

As you can see, my blog is changing - again. However, since I'm feeling clouded in the head (aka ill) it may be a few days before I get around to fixing the kinks. Thank you for your patience in this matter. LOL. I crack myself up!

Library

Yesterday, the folks and I went to the library for a little while. Landscaping the backyard is the new project of the week. We were sorting through books looking for good ideas and information. I came home with a book by Dr. Michael Breus entitled Good Night. It's all about why a good night's sleep is so important to our health and quality of life. He has a 4 week program to get you on the right track. I've figured it out in the first chapter. His plan is to write such boring information that you fall asleep reading it!

Only kidding. It wasn't THAT boring. I hadn't thought of many of the results of poor sleeping. One of the most interesting thoughts in the book so far, is that scientifically, we have not yet discovered WHY we sleep. I thought this was kinda silly.

So, readers, why do you think we need sleep?

DO HARD THINGS

I went blog surfing today. On accident, I found this post. It broke my heart. I want to do something about it. I'm starting with awareness.

Here is a perfect opportunity to care for children who need it
desperately....

About a week ago I received information about an single American woman in her twenties who is caring for triplets from Uganda and after living with them for a few years in the US went back to Uganda and is helping to run an orphanage for babies. What follows is her first newsletter and then a list of opportunities to help. I'd appreciate anyone forwarding this info. on to folks who might be able to help.

Annie and Moses

Annie and her girls

Newsletter February 2008
Hi Friends and Family, I often find myself wondering how someone is doing and wanting to send an email, but I’ve lost touch with so many of you that I didn’t know where to start. So in order to play catch-up, here’s an explanation of why I now call a messed-up East African country home.

I frequently get asked by visiting foreigners why I’m here and doing what I do. I find it difficult to answer, largely due to the fact that I never really ‘decided’ to do any of this. Rather, the last 5 years of my life has taken shape by just taking the next most logical step. I guess really that’s what happens to most people in their 20’s. They graduate with a degree in the field they studied, and so of course will look for a job in that area. They’re in love with a great person and so they marry them. They have a couple kids, so they get a bigger house and vehicle.

For me, the next most logical steps just took me on a road less traveled. I left college when I realized my get-me-through-college job was something I loved. Working with preemie multiples (twins, triplets, etc) gave me travel opportunities, freedom in my schedule, good income, and most of all was something I loved doing. A few years later, with good savings in the bank, a short jaunt to volunteer in an African orphanage seemed to make sense. When faced with dying twins who would only survive if I took them home with me, of course I did just that. When their medical and care added up to over $50,000 my only option was to keep them in the US while trying to pay it off. Four years later when they could no longer legally stay in the US, we got on a plane back to Africa. When bound to Africa by beurocracy and red tape, the logical thing was to accept one of the first jobs offered to me.

And that’s the short version of how I’ve ended up living in Uganda looking after 3 little girls and 83 abandoned infants. I’ve been here for well over a year now and most days I still wonder what the heck happened to my semi-normal life. While most days are ridiculously exhausting and frustrating, I’m thrilled to be on this ride. Boring it never is! I opened the orphanage for abandoned infants on Jan 15 and after getting 7 the first week, arrivals were slow and steady giving us about 30 babies by last summer. Must be something about 9 months after drunken Christmas parties, but the babies started pouring in August and haven’t stopped since. I reset the original capacity of 60 to 75, but recent newborn arrivals Katie, Daisy, Charlie, Jack, Anthony, Emmanuel, and twins Ethan and Ellie didn’t seem to care that we were full. My babies are left in third world hospitals or found in dumpsters, pit latrines, cemeteries, on the side of the road, and in buckets of water. They come in as 2 lb preemies, barely breathing newborns with untied umbilical cords, malnourished 8 month olds, and terrified 18 month twins. They struggle with cerebral palsy, hydrocephaly, club feet, burns, hernias, and broken bones. A rare one is healthy and happy and we wonder what caused someone to abandon an obviously well looked after baby. Sometimes babies come to us when it is too late and while we do everything we can, they don’t make it. Others succumb to third world diseases with third world medical care. Our local drive through coffin shop has had our business more than I’d like. However, when they are faced with life as an African orphan with AIDS, I’m sometimes happy to see an early end to their struggle and take comfort in the fact that they died warm, fed, clean, and very much loved.

Anyway, I’ll probably be sending random updates now that I’ve given a little background to my crazy life. Let me know if you have no clue who I am, or don’t want to receive emails for any reason and I’ll remove you from my list. Thanks so much to those of you who have supported me with emails, prayers, and financial support and I’m so sorry I rarely have the time to tell you what a difference it makes! Better close now, just got a phone call that newborn baby 84 is waiting to be picked up. The fun never ends.

Annie

Preemie Baby Daisy

Several of the children on the lawn at the orphanage

Email from February 21, 2008

Ok so my last email was the story behind why I'm here. Now comes the
reality...:)

Reality is that I now have 88 infants I'm responsible for.
Reality is that at least 6 of those should be admitted in a neonatal or pediatric ICU.
Reality is that we have a staff of 70ish that come with more problems than the babies and have to be handled like 5 year olds.
Reality is that two of my babies just had surgery and both came home with double casts on their legs.
Reality is that my car is in the shop and I'm walking everywhere.
Reality is that there was a baby snake in the laundry and I'm wondering where the mother is.
Reality is that I wonder daily if there is any hope for these people.
Reality is that we do 372 laundry loads, 12,648 bottle feeds, and 16,368 diaper changes per month Reality is that both my laptops have crashed.
Reality is that I've been asked by the government and the organization I work for to open two more baby orphanages.
Reality is that I'm really tired, really stressed, and really overwhelmed.

I lost a little friend this morning. He was born one month and 7 days ago, a preemie. His mother is dying of HIV and is admitted in the hospital. He was fed only when she was strong enough and felt like feeding him, about once every 24 hours. We found this out after about two weeks when he had lost almost half of his body weight. When we could spare a nanny or when my friend Nicola or I had the time, we would go and feed him. He never had any diapers and would be laying in a filthy stinky incubator. He LOVED a bath and lotion massage and being wrapped in clean blankets and clothes. His incubator didn't work and his body temp was usually 32C (88F) so we would fill gloves with warm water and lay them next to him. He had meningitis that required once daily IV drugs. The nurses would only give him this every 2-3 days when we put pressure on them. He was so stiff from the meningitis and so skinny from starvation that he developed bedsores on his hips. The doctors notes yesterday said 'Baby looks stable. PLEASE GIVE THE IV DRUGS'. Last night I meant to go check on him, but was too tired. I arrived at the hospital to bathe and feed him this morning, 1 hour after his body was moved from his incubator to 'the bucket'. His death certificate said he died from meningitis. It should have said he died from lack of drugs, warmth, food, and love. He didn't have a name.

Reality is I feel guilty.

Annie

Annie's Little Friend

Annie's List of Ways You Can Help….

1) You can send a one time financial donation to the babies home. This is best sent to Watoto’s office in the country you live in. I have a list of needed items/projects that are outside of what sponsorship covers or are items that cannot be purchased in Uganda. This is currently being updated, but I can send it through if anyone is interested as soon as I’m finished. Then you can pick an item off the list or if you tell me a dollar amount, I can tell you our biggest need at the time. People tend to like this option because they know exactly what their money went to. If you do this, please let me know, so I can be in touch with the country office to tell them whether to send the money (if it is an item that can be bought here) or to keep it at their office if it is an item I need to purchase there and have sent.
2) You can sponsor the babies home at http://www.watoto.com/ and send support monthly.
3) You can send a physical donation to the babies home. I also have a list of physical items we use and need here that you can purchase and send, or send if you already have them. If you contact the local office for your country (http://www.watoto.com/) they can tell you an address of someone coming over here in the near future and you can ship them items, rather than shipping them to Uganda (expensive and unreliable).

4) You can support me and my girls. I am employed by Watoto to direct the babies home which means I receive a fair local salary. Initially this was sufficient to cover our very basic needs, however I couldn’t afford to send the girls to school or hire a quality teacher/nanny, let alone any extra activities, car repairs, etc. Thanks to a corrupt new tax law put in place in September, I now loose over half my salary to this lovely government. This means that I’m actually going into more and more debt every month I stay and am having to reconsider my future here. We are moving into a cheaper flat and cutting corners where we can, but still struggling. So I could pretty desperately use any help in this area. This can be sent to my parents at:
Annie Duguid
6416 Latta Springs Circle
Huntersville NC 28078

5) You can send an ‘anything’ donation to my parents at the above address and I can designate it where appropriate. I’m surrounded by great and genuine need. Often I encounter a situation that doesn’t fit our organization and have really appreciated having a bit on hand to help out. For example, I’ll be told that there are preemie triplets in the hospital, but they have a mother who wants them, so we can’t take them. However this mother will have been abandoned by the husband/boyfriend and will have no money for food, which means she has no breast milk to feed her babies. I’ll buy her some meals in the hospital, so she can feed her babies and take them back to the village.
I used to and still do, REALLY struggle with asking for financial help. Growing up, I often heard missionary types asking for money and thought ‘They are off doing the fun stuff and they want us to work our boring jobs and support them???’ However, I’ve learned a couple important things in the last couple years.
1)Most of it is NOT fun stuff.
2)Even the stuff I find enjoyable, most other people don’t. I’ve finally realized that there are people who want to help, but actually don’t want to be stuck in Africa. If you are one of those, I’m happy to be the hands doing the work if you want to be the fuel behind them!

Thanks so much…!!

Self Portrait

Places gone.

This is my most favorite photo. It was taken in the summer of 2005. This is a scan of the negative. I'm not sure exactly why I really like it, but I do. :)

Pioneer Park!

You never know what you'll see when you look through the lens...

[click the photo for more pictures]

Engagement photos!

Yesterday, I went to Seattle to take engagement photos of Sarah and Aaron. It was great fun! Here's a scrap page I made for them! Congratulations!

You can see more pictures on my web album.