.....hey folks!
The week has become much busier tonight, for a sad reason.
The oldest member of our congregation passed away tonight at age 96. So, there will be much to do at radio work and church work the next 72 hours.
Still have much to tell you about, ESPECIALLY the Patrick Henry/Deep Run football game last Friday night...
...plus why I couldn't, and why it was in my best interest, to not get to Mama's graveside last Friday morning for her birthday.
------------------------------------------------------
October's winning numbers: 2, 9, 11 and 17.
:)
Monday, October 31, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
And to close tonight, a Flintstones moment!
Remember "Rock Roll"?
Ate that do-do egg thing and lost his voice, so Fred had to lip-sync the following:
(William Hanna / Joseph Barbera)
Rock Roll, the famous (what else?) rock 'n' roll star, performs this song in a parody of (what else?) the twist. From the well-known episode "The Twitch".
Intro:
cow belly, pot of beans
tie a rope around your jeans
tell your mama not to wait
you ain't getting home till late
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
we're gonna Twitch!
verse 1:
Theres a town I know where the hipsters go they call it Bedrock
Twitch! Twitch!
And when you get an itch to do the Twitch in Bedrock
it's a twitchin' town so I'll see you down in Bedrock
Twitch! Twitch!
verse 2:
Well, we'll twitch around the clock tonight in Bedrock
Twitch! Twitch!
And Rock is gonna roll with all his might in Bedrock
Twitch! Twitch!
It's a twtichin town, so I'll seee ya down in Bedrock
Twitch! Twitch!
Yeah the twitchin's fine, have yourself a time in Bedrock
Twitch! Twitch!
Now, you know where to go when ya gotta twitch!
Friend of Louis?
You know, Farrakhan.
Funny, if I hadn't checked out Michele Malkin's blog, I wouldn't have known about this.
I'm sorry the guy was ever associated with the Pack!
Hmmmm.....wonder why this hasn't been plastered all over "Countdown", now known as "Watergate 2005/CIA/Rove/Cheney/Whatever We Can Get On Bush-down"?
Keith? Anyone? Care to let the white population know there was a call to exterminate them on C-SPAN?
That giant silent sound you heard was the MSM pretending this story didn't exist.
Funny, if I hadn't checked out Michele Malkin's blog, I wouldn't have known about this.
I'm sorry the guy was ever associated with the Pack!
Hmmmm.....wonder why this hasn't been plastered all over "Countdown", now known as "Watergate 2005/CIA/Rove/Cheney/Whatever We Can Get On Bush-down"?
Keith? Anyone? Care to let the white population know there was a call to exterminate them on C-SPAN?
That giant silent sound you heard was the MSM pretending this story didn't exist.
| Your Personality Profile |
 You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming! |
Decompression.....
Well.....several points and notes this evening:
First, let's go back to Friday night's PH/Douglas Freeman game....
Patrick Henry was 6-0 going into the game, but their wins were against teams with a combined record of 5-22 and none had a winning record when they took the field to play PH.
So, their #2 ranking in the area Top 10 was considered tenuous by some, undeserved by others. Here was their chance to prove they were for real, against a school that had their number the past three seasons in three wild games.
PH let them hang around in the first half, and tried to shake them early in the third quarter. It was 21-7 at the half, 28-7 quickly into the third quarter, but 28-14 a few minutes later.
Then, DF tries a surprise onside kick, and this proves to be the play of the game. The "big play" isn't always the long pass or the interception return for a TD (each of which we had in this game). This time, it was PH having no sure "hands" players on the front line of the special teams unit as the onside kick comes straight towards a backup lineman, big #77.
Not only did he catch it, he held onto it after taking some hits while being tackled. That was a HUGE play. On the next play, PH scored from 52 yards, and the rout was on.
48-14 is the final, and PH proves they just may belong. The other unbeaten team in the district, Deep Run, lost, so, they come to PH Friday night a game behind, in need of a win. PH wins on their homecoming night, and they're 2 away from a perfect regular season and the district title.
This Friday night should be LOTS of fun.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ironically enough, I've been VERY groggy the past couple of days. We're trying to figure out why. I have dreamed, ALOT, in recent nights, very, very vividly. That should be a good sign, actually.
Another school of thought would be less stress now that my announcement has been made has caused my body to "come down" (a nice term for "crash"), but I just don't know.
I'm going to bed early again tonight, just to be on the safe side.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, Mama would have turned 67. Usually I would make my annual sunrise trek to her gravesite in Louisa, and hope to do so again this time. The problem will be it is on, well, a Friday, which is a very busy day. But I need those moments with her on that day, so I suspect it'll prevail.
I've always figured if anyone ever wanted to knock me off, there's the perfect chance. Hillcrest Cemetery, Louisa....Route 33 just west of town, 'round sunrise on October 28th. I'm the one sitting on a bleacher pad crying near the back in the center.
Mama's only one reason for doing this, but that's another story...
-------------------------------------------------------------------
And, finally, as for decompression, I'm working on getting ready for "life after pastorate". The stuff I'll miss will become more apparent over the long-term, as some of the things I definitely won't miss inevitably arrive at the surface first.
I'm on board 'til 12/26, unless otherwise notified, and I think I've already got a sermon idea for Sunday. Anything I do from now 'til whenever the tenure ends will be targeted with nothing but "forward-thinking" in mind.
The era which God used me is 'bout done. So, the vision needs to be placed in the future God is preparing. Just pray with me the hearts of all the people are willing to be "forward-thinking", too. Yes, their hearts. One can process stuff in the brain all day, but if one doesn't believe in their heart that God can do great things in the future, or, worse yet, refuse to want to adhere to or even listen to God's future plans, then that person is, unfortunately, the loser.
And, no matter how any relationships have ever gone with anyone there over the past almost-decade, I want everyone moving forward with God. It's the only way to go.
Plus, God would kick my tired, overweight rear if I felt otherwise. :)
First, let's go back to Friday night's PH/Douglas Freeman game....
Patrick Henry was 6-0 going into the game, but their wins were against teams with a combined record of 5-22 and none had a winning record when they took the field to play PH.
So, their #2 ranking in the area Top 10 was considered tenuous by some, undeserved by others. Here was their chance to prove they were for real, against a school that had their number the past three seasons in three wild games.
PH let them hang around in the first half, and tried to shake them early in the third quarter. It was 21-7 at the half, 28-7 quickly into the third quarter, but 28-14 a few minutes later.
Then, DF tries a surprise onside kick, and this proves to be the play of the game. The "big play" isn't always the long pass or the interception return for a TD (each of which we had in this game). This time, it was PH having no sure "hands" players on the front line of the special teams unit as the onside kick comes straight towards a backup lineman, big #77.
Not only did he catch it, he held onto it after taking some hits while being tackled. That was a HUGE play. On the next play, PH scored from 52 yards, and the rout was on.
48-14 is the final, and PH proves they just may belong. The other unbeaten team in the district, Deep Run, lost, so, they come to PH Friday night a game behind, in need of a win. PH wins on their homecoming night, and they're 2 away from a perfect regular season and the district title.
This Friday night should be LOTS of fun.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ironically enough, I've been VERY groggy the past couple of days. We're trying to figure out why. I have dreamed, ALOT, in recent nights, very, very vividly. That should be a good sign, actually.
Another school of thought would be less stress now that my announcement has been made has caused my body to "come down" (a nice term for "crash"), but I just don't know.
I'm going to bed early again tonight, just to be on the safe side.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, Mama would have turned 67. Usually I would make my annual sunrise trek to her gravesite in Louisa, and hope to do so again this time. The problem will be it is on, well, a Friday, which is a very busy day. But I need those moments with her on that day, so I suspect it'll prevail.
I've always figured if anyone ever wanted to knock me off, there's the perfect chance. Hillcrest Cemetery, Louisa....Route 33 just west of town, 'round sunrise on October 28th. I'm the one sitting on a bleacher pad crying near the back in the center.
Mama's only one reason for doing this, but that's another story...
-------------------------------------------------------------------
And, finally, as for decompression, I'm working on getting ready for "life after pastorate". The stuff I'll miss will become more apparent over the long-term, as some of the things I definitely won't miss inevitably arrive at the surface first.
I'm on board 'til 12/26, unless otherwise notified, and I think I've already got a sermon idea for Sunday. Anything I do from now 'til whenever the tenure ends will be targeted with nothing but "forward-thinking" in mind.
The era which God used me is 'bout done. So, the vision needs to be placed in the future God is preparing. Just pray with me the hearts of all the people are willing to be "forward-thinking", too. Yes, their hearts. One can process stuff in the brain all day, but if one doesn't believe in their heart that God can do great things in the future, or, worse yet, refuse to want to adhere to or even listen to God's future plans, then that person is, unfortunately, the loser.
And, no matter how any relationships have ever gone with anyone there over the past almost-decade, I want everyone moving forward with God. It's the only way to go.
Plus, God would kick my tired, overweight rear if I felt otherwise. :)
Monday, October 24, 2005
ALa, just don't change my link name!
In breaking news, I announced my resignation as Pastor yesterday.
Many reasons, which I'll share some here shortly....
...but the day yesterday took so much out of me I almost didn't make it to work today; so I'm turning in early to make sure I have no repeat of that.
Pete and repeat were in a boat....
Many reasons, which I'll share some here shortly....
...but the day yesterday took so much out of me I almost didn't make it to work today; so I'm turning in early to make sure I have no repeat of that.
Pete and repeat were in a boat....
Saturday, October 22, 2005
A meaningful win....
Patrick Henry went into tonight's game with "unproven" written all over them.
They came out more "proven".
More blogging on the game, and many, many other hot topics and breaking news over the next 48 hours.
Stay tuned.
They came out more "proven".
More blogging on the game, and many, many other hot topics and breaking news over the next 48 hours.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Governor Boredom
We have a gubernatorial election this year in Virginia (we and New Jersey are the only ones blessed with the madness...)
This year's candidates are:
Jerry Kilgore--former Republican Attorney General.
Tim Kaine--current Lt. Governor, former Mayor of Richmond; Democratic nominee.
Russell Potts--Former Republican member of General Assembly; sort of a maverick of sorts. (and I can't find a website for the campaign....)
Who do I support?
--Well, the only ads I've seen for Potts consist of people banging on pots yelling, "We want Potts". So, I guess he's winning the war on grime.
--Tim Kaine was once Mayor of Richmond. With Richmond's record, there's no way I'd want him close to the Governor's Mansion.
--Jerry Kilgore is as boring as watching paint dry. There's no real passion, and I can't get fired up about him and his platform.
Kilgore's campaign has done the best job with commercials (probably because they hired a better ad agency); tonight Kaine had an ad calling on Kilgore to "say he's sorry". Can't they meet at the see-saw's at recess and settle this??
It makes me long for the days of:
Henry Howell....(what a voice!)
John Dalton....struck down before his time...
Doug Wilder:....winner of the wildest Governor's race in Virginia modern history in 1989, becoming the first elected African-American Governor in U.S. history....
Howard Carwile....I only added him because he had the most annoying voice in American political history, but look! He actually DID run for Governor.
Yawn. Wake me up November 9th.
This year's candidates are:
Jerry Kilgore--former Republican Attorney General.
Tim Kaine--current Lt. Governor, former Mayor of Richmond; Democratic nominee.
Russell Potts--Former Republican member of General Assembly; sort of a maverick of sorts. (and I can't find a website for the campaign....)
Who do I support?
--Well, the only ads I've seen for Potts consist of people banging on pots yelling, "We want Potts". So, I guess he's winning the war on grime.
--Tim Kaine was once Mayor of Richmond. With Richmond's record, there's no way I'd want him close to the Governor's Mansion.
--Jerry Kilgore is as boring as watching paint dry. There's no real passion, and I can't get fired up about him and his platform.
Kilgore's campaign has done the best job with commercials (probably because they hired a better ad agency); tonight Kaine had an ad calling on Kilgore to "say he's sorry". Can't they meet at the see-saw's at recess and settle this??
It makes me long for the days of:
Henry Howell....(what a voice!)
John Dalton....struck down before his time...
Doug Wilder:....winner of the wildest Governor's race in Virginia modern history in 1989, becoming the first elected African-American Governor in U.S. history....
Howard Carwile....I only added him because he had the most annoying voice in American political history, but look! He actually DID run for Governor.
Yawn. Wake me up November 9th.
Monday, October 17, 2005
I didn't know she was a Democrat!!
And that's how a real journalist acts. Their views are irrelevant, it's the facts that should be brought forth (message to KO).
Check out this great profile on E.D. Hill of Fox and Friends. Also, here's the stunning cover of her brand new book.
:)
Peyton Does It Again!!!!!
De Caf!! De Caf!!
Peyton Manning's back saluting the everyday man in another great MasterCard commercial. Saw it for the first time yesterday and it's just as good as the first one (even has a sly reference to Eli at the end...)
Commercials on TV that are actually entertaining?
Priceless.
Peyton Manning's back saluting the everyday man in another great MasterCard commercial. Saw it for the first time yesterday and it's just as good as the first one (even has a sly reference to Eli at the end...)
Commercials on TV that are actually entertaining?
Priceless.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Things That Won't Co-Exist.......
.....The "Insert Amount of Money Here" Pyramid is one of my three favorite all-time game shows. It made you think....quickly, and sensibly.
There are times when complex and "outside the box" are great. With this, though, logic ruled the day (and a mind filled with color pictures that connected clues didn't hurt either....). Most game shows were luck (roll the dice, spin the wheel, buy a vowel, whatever....), but Pyramid stood out.
The following thoughts would fall under my category of "Things That Cannot Co-Exist":
--Hatfields and McCoys
--Dogs and Cats
--Oil and Water
--Yankee Fans and Red Sox Fans
--Cowboys Fans and Redskins Fans
and, a new one I realized today...
--assumption and communication
Talking with Bonnie about today's sermon (she was doing children's church in the back), it occurred to me that when one assumes, it can only be based on one perspective. If I actually went out and sought the thoughts/opinions/facts from others, I then could not assume. I could deny reality or try to explain it away, but I couldn't assume.
Nothing earth-shattering here that changed my life today....just an interesting brain-shower God gave me. It works in marriages, between parents and kids, neighbors, co-workers, churchgoers.....
....if you want an issue settled, it's best to get all sides of the story, rather than assume the actions or motives of other parties. Yep. You won't want to approach them in investigating this, and he/she/they may not honestly answer your questions, but you're the better for trying.
Oh, and the more transparent you are, the less assumption will be made about you by others....unless they just want to murmur and gossip.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next couple of weeks are filled with "stuff", important events, and other surprises. I promise to be more faithful to my blog, so all three of you will be updated as time goes on.
Oh, my other two favorite game shows of all time?
--Whew!
--and my all-time favorite, Split Second.
Remember it?
There are times when complex and "outside the box" are great. With this, though, logic ruled the day (and a mind filled with color pictures that connected clues didn't hurt either....). Most game shows were luck (roll the dice, spin the wheel, buy a vowel, whatever....), but Pyramid stood out.
The following thoughts would fall under my category of "Things That Cannot Co-Exist":
--Hatfields and McCoys
--Dogs and Cats
--Oil and Water
--Yankee Fans and Red Sox Fans
--Cowboys Fans and Redskins Fans
and, a new one I realized today...
--assumption and communication
Talking with Bonnie about today's sermon (she was doing children's church in the back), it occurred to me that when one assumes, it can only be based on one perspective. If I actually went out and sought the thoughts/opinions/facts from others, I then could not assume. I could deny reality or try to explain it away, but I couldn't assume.
Nothing earth-shattering here that changed my life today....just an interesting brain-shower God gave me. It works in marriages, between parents and kids, neighbors, co-workers, churchgoers.....
....if you want an issue settled, it's best to get all sides of the story, rather than assume the actions or motives of other parties. Yep. You won't want to approach them in investigating this, and he/she/they may not honestly answer your questions, but you're the better for trying.
Oh, and the more transparent you are, the less assumption will be made about you by others....unless they just want to murmur and gossip.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next couple of weeks are filled with "stuff", important events, and other surprises. I promise to be more faithful to my blog, so all three of you will be updated as time goes on.
Oh, my other two favorite game shows of all time?
--Whew!
--and my all-time favorite, Split Second.
Remember it?
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Thoughts, notes, and the 30 yard-line.......
Some thinking before my brain shuts down for the evening:
--Coach Ray Long wins #200 last night as Patrick Henry shuts down John Marshall 54-12. JM scored a touchdown on the final play that most people didn't see because everyone was staring at the sideline as the cheerleaders unfurled banners hailing the accomplishment and Coach got the "Gatorade dunk".
Through the magic of portability, and cell phones, Stubby and I were able to take the equipment onto the field during the post-game show and interview Coach Long at about the 30-yard line. Stubby did the honors, and as Coach was reflecting back on the past 24 seasons, I could see a tear develop in his eye and I was moved. Because I came to Patrick Henry that same year he came to be the head coach.
Hard to believe it's been that long; I looked through my sophomore yearbook when I got home for more trips down memory lane. So, we signed off the broadcast on the field at about the 15 yard line, then hustled back to the press box to pack and leave, since the P.A. announcer had to wait for us to leave in order to lock up. I appreciate his patience!
Deep Run beats Douglas Freeman to remain tied atop the District w/PH at 3-0. Freeman comes to Ashland Friday night, holding a three-game winning streak against Patrick Henry. PH has got to make sure it doesn't go to four. Then, if all holds, it's Deep Run/Patrick Henry in Ashland on Mama's birthday, possibly for the District title, but only possibly, since there are two more games to play after that, including a war with an upset Hermitage squad who everyone expected to easily win the title, and now they're in 3rd place.
High school football----gotta love it! OH, and I had a great conversation with my 11th grade English and 12th grade Advance Novel teacher, Nick Liberante, which I really enjoyed. He's on the sidelines every Friday night with camera in town for the school. He hasn't aged in 20 years, either. I'm jealous, like I was two weeks ago at the reunion!!! :)
-----------------------------------
--Reggie Bush won the Heisman today. The winning play for USC over Notre Dame? See it? I saw the highlight. Leinart doesn't make it.....unless Bush pushes him in. So, for everyone who couldn't decide which guy should strike the pose in December should USC run the table again, the issue is settled.
Well, except a guy named Vince Young way down south has a few words to say, too....
-----------------------------------
Pumpkin Patch here we come! It's the annual visit to Ashland Berry Farm not far from my hometown, for the hayride, the searching, the selecting, the return hayride, and the adventure to see if Mom can carry all the picked pumpkins and walk three steps with them in order to pay the $20 flat rate fee.
Mom was successful.
Dad?!?! Why didn't YOU DO IT?
Confusicous say----Man with bum shoulder should not carry idol of Linus' worship.
----------------------------------
Oh, and I fell trying to get off the ground (I sat while the crew picked; I'm really not the pumpkin-type. No one wants to support my desire. I think a trip to the turnip patch would be wonderful....but I seem to be in the minority.
Finally, prayers to the family of Jason Collier, the Atlanta Hawk who died of a heart attack last night at just 28 years old. Remember his wife, Katie, and children as they must face an unthinkable challenge.
This reminds all of us, just like when we lost a 27 year-old neighbor 10 years ago early one morning, leaving behind her husband and very young daughter, just how precious and fleeting life is.
If you're blessed with tomorrow.....let's try to make the most of it.
And, if you've read this blog any, you know the preceding statement is meant to me first, and then to the world at large.
PS----Linda Hamilton on Larry King last night discussing Bi-Polar. I want to read the transcript and provide thoughts a bit later....
--Coach Ray Long wins #200 last night as Patrick Henry shuts down John Marshall 54-12. JM scored a touchdown on the final play that most people didn't see because everyone was staring at the sideline as the cheerleaders unfurled banners hailing the accomplishment and Coach got the "Gatorade dunk".
Through the magic of portability, and cell phones, Stubby and I were able to take the equipment onto the field during the post-game show and interview Coach Long at about the 30-yard line. Stubby did the honors, and as Coach was reflecting back on the past 24 seasons, I could see a tear develop in his eye and I was moved. Because I came to Patrick Henry that same year he came to be the head coach.
Hard to believe it's been that long; I looked through my sophomore yearbook when I got home for more trips down memory lane. So, we signed off the broadcast on the field at about the 15 yard line, then hustled back to the press box to pack and leave, since the P.A. announcer had to wait for us to leave in order to lock up. I appreciate his patience!
Deep Run beats Douglas Freeman to remain tied atop the District w/PH at 3-0. Freeman comes to Ashland Friday night, holding a three-game winning streak against Patrick Henry. PH has got to make sure it doesn't go to four. Then, if all holds, it's Deep Run/Patrick Henry in Ashland on Mama's birthday, possibly for the District title, but only possibly, since there are two more games to play after that, including a war with an upset Hermitage squad who everyone expected to easily win the title, and now they're in 3rd place.
High school football----gotta love it! OH, and I had a great conversation with my 11th grade English and 12th grade Advance Novel teacher, Nick Liberante, which I really enjoyed. He's on the sidelines every Friday night with camera in town for the school. He hasn't aged in 20 years, either. I'm jealous, like I was two weeks ago at the reunion!!! :)
-----------------------------------
--Reggie Bush won the Heisman today. The winning play for USC over Notre Dame? See it? I saw the highlight. Leinart doesn't make it.....unless Bush pushes him in. So, for everyone who couldn't decide which guy should strike the pose in December should USC run the table again, the issue is settled.
Well, except a guy named Vince Young way down south has a few words to say, too....
-----------------------------------
Pumpkin Patch here we come! It's the annual visit to Ashland Berry Farm not far from my hometown, for the hayride, the searching, the selecting, the return hayride, and the adventure to see if Mom can carry all the picked pumpkins and walk three steps with them in order to pay the $20 flat rate fee.
Mom was successful.
Dad?!?! Why didn't YOU DO IT?
Confusicous say----Man with bum shoulder should not carry idol of Linus' worship.
----------------------------------
Oh, and I fell trying to get off the ground (I sat while the crew picked; I'm really not the pumpkin-type. No one wants to support my desire. I think a trip to the turnip patch would be wonderful....but I seem to be in the minority.
Finally, prayers to the family of Jason Collier, the Atlanta Hawk who died of a heart attack last night at just 28 years old. Remember his wife, Katie, and children as they must face an unthinkable challenge.
This reminds all of us, just like when we lost a 27 year-old neighbor 10 years ago early one morning, leaving behind her husband and very young daughter, just how precious and fleeting life is.
If you're blessed with tomorrow.....let's try to make the most of it.
And, if you've read this blog any, you know the preceding statement is meant to me first, and then to the world at large.
PS----Linda Hamilton on Larry King last night discussing Bi-Polar. I want to read the transcript and provide thoughts a bit later....
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
We've been floored!
And carpeted!
For the first time since moving into our home October 31, 1992....the original carpet and laminate is completely gone.
First up, a new kitchen floors a couple of years back, thanks to a leak in the dishwasher.
We've held off for some time on new carpet; putting off the expense as long as we could. When Bonnie had, well, an accident several weeks back, it provided the perfect opportunity to make the move.
She was home sick one Sunday and turned the water on in the bathroom adjacent to our room to wash her hands, thought of something (remember, she was on heavy meds) and left to do it. Afterwards, she went to her recliner and fell asleep.
Somehow, a towel was draped over the top of the "hole" you have in a sink which prevents overflow....
...and when I and the kids got home from church and I went to change clothes, I found water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.
So, the laminate needed replacing, the wood needed drying, 1/3 of our bedroom carpet was, well, soppy.
So, what better time to upgrade?? :)
So, the new carpet came in yesterday, and we opted for hardwood floor in the foyer and hallway (reminds me of my childhood home). That went in today, along with new bathroom laminate.
So, we've totally, officially been "floored".
Now, to return all the junk we found to its original location......:)
------------------------------------------------
OTHER THOUGHTS:
--Patrick Henry made up their Friday rainout last night, with a 48-0 washout of Thomas Jefferson. TJ didn't make an offensive first down until the next to last play of the game. Wasn't pretty.
--We are so thankful for the rain! Now, we find ourselves praying in the opposite direction, asking God to call it off up in the northeast.....
--The Incredibles on Ice. Mediocre at best. I almost fell asleep during the 2nd half, but it was because I'm always sleepy, so let's not be quick to blame the show.
--Patrick Henry's top rival was upset last night, so if PH runs the table, they win the District and go to the playoffs. Oh, and did I mention in their last five games, FOUR of them are home? The one away game is against a very inferior opponent.
--Keith Olbermann's ego strikes again! MSM Lefties are praising him for raising "healthy skepticism" over the terror alert situation for Big Apple Subways the past several days. What's this guy gonna do when he waxes skeptically one too many times and the warning, sadly, becomes true? What does he say to victims and their families? How can he continue being an "anchor" (not that he is one now, anyway...)
Look, skepticism in the press is fine when done in proper context (i.e.--looking for the facts). Keith drew his own conclusion, then went on to "skeptically investigate" the possibility the Bush Administration only sends out alerts to get bad news off page one. Had there been irrefutable evidence against this "conspiracy theory", would he admit it? No way.
Do I have a gripe with him? Nope. It's just that he seems to push, not the right buttons with me, but the stupid buttons that just vault him into the limelight on my media radar.
--I go to bed Sunday afternoon and the Braves/Astros game is like, in the sixth. I wander back into the great room around 615pm, receive permission from the queen to change the channel to football, then proceed to see on the Fox Ticker (or whatever they call it this year...) that the above said game is now in the 16th inning....
16th???
I turn over to ESPN, and, while flipping back and forth w/football, watch the rest of the game, until the Astros win in the bottom of the 18th.
It reminded me of an incredible 1986 NLCS game when the Mets clinched the pennant in Houston, but it took them 16 innings to do it. I think the game started when I was on the air in the afternoon, and it didn't end until I was off the air and at the Y playing ball with guys from campus.
The whole 1986 baseball playoffs were unbelievable, but that's for another blog.
It's 10pm, and I made a promise that I'd go night-night at 10pm tonight. So, until later----good night and buy bonds!
For the first time since moving into our home October 31, 1992....the original carpet and laminate is completely gone.
First up, a new kitchen floors a couple of years back, thanks to a leak in the dishwasher.
We've held off for some time on new carpet; putting off the expense as long as we could. When Bonnie had, well, an accident several weeks back, it provided the perfect opportunity to make the move.
She was home sick one Sunday and turned the water on in the bathroom adjacent to our room to wash her hands, thought of something (remember, she was on heavy meds) and left to do it. Afterwards, she went to her recliner and fell asleep.
Somehow, a towel was draped over the top of the "hole" you have in a sink which prevents overflow....
...and when I and the kids got home from church and I went to change clothes, I found water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.
So, the laminate needed replacing, the wood needed drying, 1/3 of our bedroom carpet was, well, soppy.
So, what better time to upgrade?? :)
So, the new carpet came in yesterday, and we opted for hardwood floor in the foyer and hallway (reminds me of my childhood home). That went in today, along with new bathroom laminate.
So, we've totally, officially been "floored".
Now, to return all the junk we found to its original location......:)
------------------------------------------------
OTHER THOUGHTS:
--Patrick Henry made up their Friday rainout last night, with a 48-0 washout of Thomas Jefferson. TJ didn't make an offensive first down until the next to last play of the game. Wasn't pretty.
--We are so thankful for the rain! Now, we find ourselves praying in the opposite direction, asking God to call it off up in the northeast.....
--The Incredibles on Ice. Mediocre at best. I almost fell asleep during the 2nd half, but it was because I'm always sleepy, so let's not be quick to blame the show.
--Patrick Henry's top rival was upset last night, so if PH runs the table, they win the District and go to the playoffs. Oh, and did I mention in their last five games, FOUR of them are home? The one away game is against a very inferior opponent.
--Keith Olbermann's ego strikes again! MSM Lefties are praising him for raising "healthy skepticism" over the terror alert situation for Big Apple Subways the past several days. What's this guy gonna do when he waxes skeptically one too many times and the warning, sadly, becomes true? What does he say to victims and their families? How can he continue being an "anchor" (not that he is one now, anyway...)
Look, skepticism in the press is fine when done in proper context (i.e.--looking for the facts). Keith drew his own conclusion, then went on to "skeptically investigate" the possibility the Bush Administration only sends out alerts to get bad news off page one. Had there been irrefutable evidence against this "conspiracy theory", would he admit it? No way.
Do I have a gripe with him? Nope. It's just that he seems to push, not the right buttons with me, but the stupid buttons that just vault him into the limelight on my media radar.
--I go to bed Sunday afternoon and the Braves/Astros game is like, in the sixth. I wander back into the great room around 615pm, receive permission from the queen to change the channel to football, then proceed to see on the Fox Ticker (or whatever they call it this year...) that the above said game is now in the 16th inning....
16th???
I turn over to ESPN, and, while flipping back and forth w/football, watch the rest of the game, until the Astros win in the bottom of the 18th.
It reminded me of an incredible 1986 NLCS game when the Mets clinched the pennant in Houston, but it took them 16 innings to do it. I think the game started when I was on the air in the afternoon, and it didn't end until I was off the air and at the Y playing ball with guys from campus.
The whole 1986 baseball playoffs were unbelievable, but that's for another blog.
It's 10pm, and I made a promise that I'd go night-night at 10pm tonight. So, until later----good night and buy bonds!
Friday, October 07, 2005
And it rained!!!!!!!
Woo hoo!
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch on October 4th:
With a total of only 0.08 inches of rain, last month was the driest September in Richmond's weather record, the Wakefield office said.
The previous driest September here was 1884's, with 0.15 inches of rain.
So, that's why we are shouting glory today as the rain falls, and falls, and falls, and falls....
....it caused my high school football game to be postponed to Monday night, so we'll be on the air with games twice next week. I took advantage of the "off" time by, what else....WORKING!!!
This weekend?
Saturday: The Incredibles on Ice. Plus plan sermon and work on work stuff from, ah, well, you know....work.
Sunday: Church and a trip to work to drop off stuff before....
Monday: Off from work and watching the house kinda be torn to shreds. New carpet comes Monday, nearly 13 years after moving into Witham World Headquarters. The original has served well, but the hallway and selected other areas have taken a beating over the years. The hallway is going wood!! That's Tuesday.
And Tuesday, I'll be at.....
....you get the idea.
:)
Coming up....since I'm so far behind, I'll give you a synopsis of Patrick Henry's football season so far, take a look at my fantasy football teams, offer opinions on some important things and other things which mean absolutely nothing....
....which is basically what this blog has always been about. :)
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch on October 4th:
With a total of only 0.08 inches of rain, last month was the driest September in Richmond's weather record, the Wakefield office said.
The previous driest September here was 1884's, with 0.15 inches of rain.
So, that's why we are shouting glory today as the rain falls, and falls, and falls, and falls....
....it caused my high school football game to be postponed to Monday night, so we'll be on the air with games twice next week. I took advantage of the "off" time by, what else....WORKING!!!
This weekend?
Saturday: The Incredibles on Ice. Plus plan sermon and work on work stuff from, ah, well, you know....work.
Sunday: Church and a trip to work to drop off stuff before....
Monday: Off from work and watching the house kinda be torn to shreds. New carpet comes Monday, nearly 13 years after moving into Witham World Headquarters. The original has served well, but the hallway and selected other areas have taken a beating over the years. The hallway is going wood!! That's Tuesday.
And Tuesday, I'll be at.....
....you get the idea.
:)
Coming up....since I'm so far behind, I'll give you a synopsis of Patrick Henry's football season so far, take a look at my fantasy football teams, offer opinions on some important things and other things which mean absolutely nothing....
....which is basically what this blog has always been about. :)
Thursday, October 06, 2005
September's Winning Numbers!
I keep forgetting to give you the winners!
3, 12, 20, and 27.
Happy October!
:)
3, 12, 20, and 27.
Happy October!
:)
While saddened, there are others.....
If you've followed news this past week or so, especially Greta on Fox News, you no doubt have heard of VCU freshman Taylor Behl, missing since Labor Day.
Sadly, a body was found yesterday in a shallow grave in Matthews County, some two hours from Richmond, and it was identified as her today. Certainly this is not the closure anyone would want.
I'm truly saddened for the family, and want officials to get the perpetrator, try, convict, then execute them. (She's not able to live, why should he/she??)
BUT.......
There are also other missing kids.
For example, go here for more on another Richmond teen missing since September 18th.
Yes, this may be a "skip town to meet someone met on line" deal, and maybe not.
My point is....look at her description.
Now, I'm NOT the first person to cry bigotry, have no respect for the "Jesse & Sharpton" wing of the African-American community, and strongly believe conservatism is the political way to truly empower all people, no matter from what background, to work hard, be rewarded, and either get out of poverty or simply do better than what your parents did, so your children are poised to do the same.
But Monica is short, overweight....and African-American.
And I'm sorry, but something's just not quite right. So, the next time news breaks about someone missing, tell me if it fits the profile of young Caucasian woman. Then check the police web site of that locality to see if others are reported missing.
In my supermarket each morning, I pass a "missing" sign for both of these children. Taylor's fate is now known. Monica's is not. And, also, Monica's case should be known by the community as well as Taylor's was. Go to Yahoo! and search Monica's name under news, and the most updated article about her was September 23rd.
Am I claiming conspiracy? Absolutely not. Profiling? Doubt it very, very seriously. But in our saturated 24-hour news society, the basic need is no longer "inform the public", it's "fill the time and get ratings". Pretty young women suddenly disappearing can make for good stories. But why didn't Monica's?
Do I say all this to cheapen the Taylor Behls and Natalee Holloways of the world??
NO!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm just looking for all of God's people to be looked upon equally, whether white, black, Hispanic, male, female, straight, gay, tall, short, fat (like me), skinny, physically or mentally challenged....
....and it takes individuals thinking rather than using subconscious filters to do so successfully.
God bless Taylor's family, and I pray Monica comes home soon.
Sadly, a body was found yesterday in a shallow grave in Matthews County, some two hours from Richmond, and it was identified as her today. Certainly this is not the closure anyone would want.
I'm truly saddened for the family, and want officials to get the perpetrator, try, convict, then execute them. (She's not able to live, why should he/she??)
BUT.......
There are also other missing kids.
For example, go here for more on another Richmond teen missing since September 18th.
Yes, this may be a "skip town to meet someone met on line" deal, and maybe not.
My point is....look at her description.
Now, I'm NOT the first person to cry bigotry, have no respect for the "Jesse & Sharpton" wing of the African-American community, and strongly believe conservatism is the political way to truly empower all people, no matter from what background, to work hard, be rewarded, and either get out of poverty or simply do better than what your parents did, so your children are poised to do the same.
But Monica is short, overweight....and African-American.
And I'm sorry, but something's just not quite right. So, the next time news breaks about someone missing, tell me if it fits the profile of young Caucasian woman. Then check the police web site of that locality to see if others are reported missing.
In my supermarket each morning, I pass a "missing" sign for both of these children. Taylor's fate is now known. Monica's is not. And, also, Monica's case should be known by the community as well as Taylor's was. Go to Yahoo! and search Monica's name under news, and the most updated article about her was September 23rd.
Am I claiming conspiracy? Absolutely not. Profiling? Doubt it very, very seriously. But in our saturated 24-hour news society, the basic need is no longer "inform the public", it's "fill the time and get ratings". Pretty young women suddenly disappearing can make for good stories. But why didn't Monica's?
Do I say all this to cheapen the Taylor Behls and Natalee Holloways of the world??
NO!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm just looking for all of God's people to be looked upon equally, whether white, black, Hispanic, male, female, straight, gay, tall, short, fat (like me), skinny, physically or mentally challenged....
....and it takes individuals thinking rather than using subconscious filters to do so successfully.
God bless Taylor's family, and I pray Monica comes home soon.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
RIP, Mr. Poem....
...a game show fan as big as me, especially in the 1970's, mourns today.
Nipsey Russell is gone. I pray he's gone to the winners circle.....:)
Nipsey Russell is gone. I pray he's gone to the winners circle.....:)
For one night....welcome back to 1985....
...and I didn't even need a DeLorean.....
Arguably the most planned and anticipated event of the year took place Saturday night. The class of 1985 from Patrick Henry High School (well, about 20 percent of us...) came together for one night to compare looks, jobs, hairlines, tummies, or whatever else one comes to a reunion for.
I had already made my explanation regarding the obvious change in me....my weight gain. I was a 132 pound stick in 1985 (and in 1988 when I got married, actually), but I'm not near that now.
But, much to my surprise, it wasn't the gut.....it was all about the hair!!!
I have naturally curly hair. Not the "pretty" kind, mind you, the kind that drives you nuts. So, there are two choices to deal with it:
1) In junior high and high school, I got perms. Yep, perms. So, I had a "curly bush" of sorts (insert Three Stooges/President George W combo-joke here....)
2) You get a "number one all the way" at Great Clips and call it a day. That's been my mantra since 2001.
So, incredibly, person after person would look at my name tag, which proudly sported my senior year photo, then to me, and would exclaim, "WHERE'S THE HAIR??!!??"
So, that caught me by, well, pleasant surprise. :)
Highlights of the evening:
1) The ABC License: Yes, the minister applied for the ABC License. And as of Friday afternoon, we still didn't have it. Thankfully, it was in SATURDAY'S mail. So, upon arriving at the Center, I was immediately barraged by committee members with the only question that mattered to them at the moment----"DO YOU HAVE THE LICENSE??"
2) Settin' up: I didn't get to go help set up on Friday thanks to continual avalanches of work at, well, ah, work, so I just helped do a few little things before the event began.
3) Door, please?: Committee members were going to take turns minding the door, handing out stuff, etc. Bonnie and I ended up doing it all. We wanted to. Bonnie had every instruction memorized to a "T", and voraciously announced them to incoming guests (what did she care---she didn't graduate with us!!), while I checked the list and took last second payments. Why is this "good"? You see everybody as they arrive!!
4) People.....after all, it's what the reunion is all about. And since several attendees weren't at the 10 year reunion, it made the night all the more anticipated.
I'll only use first names, since I don't have "permission" to give you all the details on someone.....
--Sharon: One of the two people I most looked forward to seeing, because I last saw her on Graduation Night, 1985. Now engaged and a program director at a day care center armed with a Masters Degree and owner of two wonderful cats. She was (and is) one of the sweetest, most level-headed people I've ever known, and made a profound statement during a conversation we had that I needed to hear.
In discussing how she does NOT like to get on the phone alot at night after work (and I second that emotion), she noted how real friends "don't worry about how much they talk to each other; if they know someone likes to have private time, they respect it because, well, they're a friend! Amen! Friendship is quality, not quantity. She looked wonderful, by the way!
--Kim: Long-time friend of Sharon's (and me!) who came with her beau; I knew she was coming when she called the house this summer inquiring about the event (my wife talked to her). She's one of the ladies who fell into the category of "she looks the same as she did in 1985". Time has been extremely kind.
--Nancy: She was at the ten-year, but she married since then, so I enjoyed my first conversation with her hubby, as it revolved alot on radio and digital editing. She's a director of music and worship at a Presbyterian church (you know, a denomination not scared of letting a woman do something...) (ooh, did I just type that??), and she, too, looks 18 still. It's just not fair. :) She sneaks up from behind while the DJ played Wham's, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", and asked if it "sounded familiar". Since it was the opening number in our show choir's routine our senior year, the answer was, well, "vaguely, yes." :)
--Angie: ANOTHER non-ager? Yep. Got to meet her oldest daughter for the first time; in fact she spent lots of time talking with Bonnie during the night. She's so level-headed and I was so glad to see her after all these years.
--John: Ah, John. The Tar Heel fan. First I had to confess to stealing his team name for the my fantasy football team. In the 1980's version of "POF", he had a team and it was called "The Shish-Ka-Bobs". They even had a fight song:
"Go Fighting Skewers, march down the line...
We'll be the victors every single time...
We'll beat the worst and we'll beat the best...
and if we don't win the game we'll stab them in the chest..."
So, I used, in the current POF, "The Shish-Ka-Robs". Forgiveness and permission were granted. :)
I met his new wife; he's now in North Carolina (UNC fan who lives a three-pointer away from Duke's campus....HA!) and is a PI. You know, like Magnum. Except minus the moustache....
His wit still as sharp as a tack, and hilarious----Lord, it was good to see him.
--Dee Dee: Now in the banking world (she actually spent a week in training with my wife about 15 years ago at the old Signet Bank), she looked, well, yeah, you know. She looked EIGHTEEN for heaven's sake!! In fact, she won the award for "looking closest to she just took off the cap 'n gown".
--Kim (yep, another Kim!) This is by far the most incredible story of the event. Kim was saved after high school, and is now in the ministry with many years of service with the Salvation Army. She lived in Mandeville, Louisiana. I guess you know what's next by seeing the word "Louisiana"....
Her house was not flooded (she lives north of New Orleans), but four trees tore through her house. The Salvation Army's new store in New Orleans, which provided lots of their needed revenue, was damaged. Their office, incredibly was about spared.
With no more home and no more New Orleans base, she's sent to Atlanta, partially to help re-locatees.
GET THIS: Saturday morning, she woke up. She had earlier decided not to try to get to the reunion because of all that was happening in her life (sounds reasonable to me), but then, at the last minute, thought, "Hey, I paid to go, I want to go, I'm going." So, she came.
Oh, but did I tell you she woke up Saturday morning in ATLANTA???
Her faith and stability while talking to me and showing me photos of everything was absolutely overwhelming, leaving me not to question, but to know without a doubt that I could not have had the same faith, the same peace she experienced and continues to experience, based on where I am right now. I marvel at God's handiwork through her. What a journey.
Other notes:
--The biggest surprise of the night came when a lady approaches me and asks if I remember attending church with her. I was completely clueless. Come to find out I last saw her at Dad's church in Beaverdam 20 years ago when she was, oh, probably around 10 to 13 years old!! I couldn't believe it! We had a wonderful conversation.
--I successfully stayed away from the booze (aren't you proud?!?); but I think only Muriel and I were sober from the committee by midnight. :)
--Don't ask about the DJ; disaster city (when you have to threaten him/her with losing part of their payment for not following instructions...that's not a good thing.)
--Food? Awesome! Wonderful catering.
--How did so many nametags fall off people only to be stepped on and therefore become terribly affixed to the floor? Talk about panicking during clean-up!!
--Did I tell you the ABC license came in Saturday?
--I didn't realize dance moves were basically now simulated sex. I know, some of you, like a co-worker today, thought I was STILL living in 1985. Hey, I don't make it to the club scene like I used to....wait a minute....I never made it to the club scene....so I got a quick eye-opening lesson in dancing circa 2005. Yikes!
I could go on and on, but, I've about covered, I think, the basics. More will still come into the mind, I'm sure.
I'm so glad I went; glad I volunteered, and was overjoyed to see friends again.
I just wish more than 20 percent of the class would have come. Interestingly, the few classmates I've kept up with the best over these two decades weren't there. :(
In closing, where else can you spend the evening hearing:
"Atomic Dog"---Why must I feel like that; Oh, why must I chase the cat....(George Clinton)
"You Dropped A Bomb On Me"---You turned me out, you turned me on; And then you dropped me to the ground...You dropped a bomb on me. (The Gap Band)
"Burn Rubber On Me"---She won’t put the medal to the metal; And burn rubber, burn rubber on me, Charlie, No, no, no, no. (The Gap Band again!)
All we need was Neil Diamond's "America", Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice Theme", "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny and Dolly and "We Are The World" and we'd have been set. :)
Check out this list of the Top Songs of 1985....
Me?
I'll take #4, #14, #33, #34, #35, #39, #41, #45, #60, #64, #65, #67, #70, #75, #84, #92, #97 and #99.
On the other hand, the world would be a better place today without #100.
Alright, Doc----88 mph----let's get back to '05 and count my gray hairs!! Woo hoo!!
Arguably the most planned and anticipated event of the year took place Saturday night. The class of 1985 from Patrick Henry High School (well, about 20 percent of us...) came together for one night to compare looks, jobs, hairlines, tummies, or whatever else one comes to a reunion for.
I had already made my explanation regarding the obvious change in me....my weight gain. I was a 132 pound stick in 1985 (and in 1988 when I got married, actually), but I'm not near that now.
But, much to my surprise, it wasn't the gut.....it was all about the hair!!!
I have naturally curly hair. Not the "pretty" kind, mind you, the kind that drives you nuts. So, there are two choices to deal with it:
1) In junior high and high school, I got perms. Yep, perms. So, I had a "curly bush" of sorts (insert Three Stooges/President George W combo-joke here....)
2) You get a "number one all the way" at Great Clips and call it a day. That's been my mantra since 2001.
So, incredibly, person after person would look at my name tag, which proudly sported my senior year photo, then to me, and would exclaim, "WHERE'S THE HAIR??!!??"
So, that caught me by, well, pleasant surprise. :)
Highlights of the evening:
1) The ABC License: Yes, the minister applied for the ABC License. And as of Friday afternoon, we still didn't have it. Thankfully, it was in SATURDAY'S mail. So, upon arriving at the Center, I was immediately barraged by committee members with the only question that mattered to them at the moment----"DO YOU HAVE THE LICENSE??"
2) Settin' up: I didn't get to go help set up on Friday thanks to continual avalanches of work at, well, ah, work, so I just helped do a few little things before the event began.
3) Door, please?: Committee members were going to take turns minding the door, handing out stuff, etc. Bonnie and I ended up doing it all. We wanted to. Bonnie had every instruction memorized to a "T", and voraciously announced them to incoming guests (what did she care---she didn't graduate with us!!), while I checked the list and took last second payments. Why is this "good"? You see everybody as they arrive!!
4) People.....after all, it's what the reunion is all about. And since several attendees weren't at the 10 year reunion, it made the night all the more anticipated.
I'll only use first names, since I don't have "permission" to give you all the details on someone.....
--Sharon: One of the two people I most looked forward to seeing, because I last saw her on Graduation Night, 1985. Now engaged and a program director at a day care center armed with a Masters Degree and owner of two wonderful cats. She was (and is) one of the sweetest, most level-headed people I've ever known, and made a profound statement during a conversation we had that I needed to hear.
In discussing how she does NOT like to get on the phone alot at night after work (and I second that emotion), she noted how real friends "don't worry about how much they talk to each other; if they know someone likes to have private time, they respect it because, well, they're a friend! Amen! Friendship is quality, not quantity. She looked wonderful, by the way!
--Kim: Long-time friend of Sharon's (and me!) who came with her beau; I knew she was coming when she called the house this summer inquiring about the event (my wife talked to her). She's one of the ladies who fell into the category of "she looks the same as she did in 1985". Time has been extremely kind.
--Nancy: She was at the ten-year, but she married since then, so I enjoyed my first conversation with her hubby, as it revolved alot on radio and digital editing. She's a director of music and worship at a Presbyterian church (you know, a denomination not scared of letting a woman do something...) (ooh, did I just type that??), and she, too, looks 18 still. It's just not fair. :) She sneaks up from behind while the DJ played Wham's, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", and asked if it "sounded familiar". Since it was the opening number in our show choir's routine our senior year, the answer was, well, "vaguely, yes." :)
--Angie: ANOTHER non-ager? Yep. Got to meet her oldest daughter for the first time; in fact she spent lots of time talking with Bonnie during the night. She's so level-headed and I was so glad to see her after all these years.
--John: Ah, John. The Tar Heel fan. First I had to confess to stealing his team name for the my fantasy football team. In the 1980's version of "POF", he had a team and it was called "The Shish-Ka-Bobs". They even had a fight song:
"Go Fighting Skewers, march down the line...
We'll be the victors every single time...
We'll beat the worst and we'll beat the best...
and if we don't win the game we'll stab them in the chest..."
So, I used, in the current POF, "The Shish-Ka-Robs". Forgiveness and permission were granted. :)
I met his new wife; he's now in North Carolina (UNC fan who lives a three-pointer away from Duke's campus....HA!) and is a PI. You know, like Magnum. Except minus the moustache....
His wit still as sharp as a tack, and hilarious----Lord, it was good to see him.
--Dee Dee: Now in the banking world (she actually spent a week in training with my wife about 15 years ago at the old Signet Bank), she looked, well, yeah, you know. She looked EIGHTEEN for heaven's sake!! In fact, she won the award for "looking closest to she just took off the cap 'n gown".
--Kim (yep, another Kim!) This is by far the most incredible story of the event. Kim was saved after high school, and is now in the ministry with many years of service with the Salvation Army. She lived in Mandeville, Louisiana. I guess you know what's next by seeing the word "Louisiana"....
Her house was not flooded (she lives north of New Orleans), but four trees tore through her house. The Salvation Army's new store in New Orleans, which provided lots of their needed revenue, was damaged. Their office, incredibly was about spared.
With no more home and no more New Orleans base, she's sent to Atlanta, partially to help re-locatees.
GET THIS: Saturday morning, she woke up. She had earlier decided not to try to get to the reunion because of all that was happening in her life (sounds reasonable to me), but then, at the last minute, thought, "Hey, I paid to go, I want to go, I'm going." So, she came.
Oh, but did I tell you she woke up Saturday morning in ATLANTA???
Her faith and stability while talking to me and showing me photos of everything was absolutely overwhelming, leaving me not to question, but to know without a doubt that I could not have had the same faith, the same peace she experienced and continues to experience, based on where I am right now. I marvel at God's handiwork through her. What a journey.
Other notes:
--The biggest surprise of the night came when a lady approaches me and asks if I remember attending church with her. I was completely clueless. Come to find out I last saw her at Dad's church in Beaverdam 20 years ago when she was, oh, probably around 10 to 13 years old!! I couldn't believe it! We had a wonderful conversation.
--I successfully stayed away from the booze (aren't you proud?!?); but I think only Muriel and I were sober from the committee by midnight. :)
--Don't ask about the DJ; disaster city (when you have to threaten him/her with losing part of their payment for not following instructions...that's not a good thing.)
--Food? Awesome! Wonderful catering.
--How did so many nametags fall off people only to be stepped on and therefore become terribly affixed to the floor? Talk about panicking during clean-up!!
--Did I tell you the ABC license came in Saturday?
--I didn't realize dance moves were basically now simulated sex. I know, some of you, like a co-worker today, thought I was STILL living in 1985. Hey, I don't make it to the club scene like I used to....wait a minute....I never made it to the club scene....so I got a quick eye-opening lesson in dancing circa 2005. Yikes!
I could go on and on, but, I've about covered, I think, the basics. More will still come into the mind, I'm sure.
I'm so glad I went; glad I volunteered, and was overjoyed to see friends again.
I just wish more than 20 percent of the class would have come. Interestingly, the few classmates I've kept up with the best over these two decades weren't there. :(
In closing, where else can you spend the evening hearing:
"Atomic Dog"---Why must I feel like that; Oh, why must I chase the cat....(George Clinton)
"You Dropped A Bomb On Me"---You turned me out, you turned me on; And then you dropped me to the ground...You dropped a bomb on me. (The Gap Band)
"Burn Rubber On Me"---She won’t put the medal to the metal; And burn rubber, burn rubber on me, Charlie, No, no, no, no. (The Gap Band again!)
All we need was Neil Diamond's "America", Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice Theme", "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny and Dolly and "We Are The World" and we'd have been set. :)
Check out this list of the Top Songs of 1985....
Me?
I'll take #4, #14, #33, #34, #35, #39, #41, #45, #60, #64, #65, #67, #70, #75, #84, #92, #97 and #99.
On the other hand, the world would be a better place today without #100.
Alright, Doc----88 mph----let's get back to '05 and count my gray hairs!! Woo hoo!!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
I'm home!
My 20-year reunion is in the books, and it was successful. :)
I'm going to take some time to debrief you on what it was like to step back in time 20 years, and give some shout outs to long-time friends who I got to see again tonight, and was so glad to do so. :)
And, hey! You young punk blog readers!! Enjoy it now! You'll be pushin' 40 before you know it. :)
I'm going to take some time to debrief you on what it was like to step back in time 20 years, and give some shout outs to long-time friends who I got to see again tonight, and was so glad to do so. :)
And, hey! You young punk blog readers!! Enjoy it now! You'll be pushin' 40 before you know it. :)
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