Hayden405

This is Test

2009-11-13T19:39:00.001-05:00

This is a test to see if I still remember how to post a blog...and also to see if by chance some poor soul still checks it from time to time. Give me a shout-out if so!

God is bigger!

Jason

Um, Seriously?

2008-11-13T18:22:00.003-05:00

This could be among the worst Christmas decorations I've ever seen! So terrible, I thought it was a bad joke...it's for real though. Some of you that read this blog may have seen the same ad. The ad reads"

Let Your "Light" Shine For Christ This Christmas Season!

"Looking for an effective way to express your Christian faith this Christmas season to honor our Lord Jesus? Now you can.... with the "Original Christmas Cross" yard decoration.

Light up your front yard, porch, patio, driveway, business, organization or church this holiday season with a stunning Christmas cross."

Maybe the idea looked good on paper but in real life?? I'm thinking this is not the most effective way to let your light shine for Jesus! You won't see this cross "burning" outside my apartment this Christmas! ;-P

I'm not the only one thinking this decoration is a bad idea. The website has a "rate this product" section. Below is a paste of a rating I wanted to share...

Product Rating: (2.60) # of Ratings: 5 (Only registered customers can rate)

Zach on 11/13/2008, said: "This is not an effective way to share the message of Christmas! Several of my friends have commented on how this cross is reminiscent of the KKK since it has the appearance of being on fire when lit. I would suggest a nativity scene instead. As always, the best display of Christ during the Christmas season is our love for one another and our care for those in need. Want to portray Christ this Christmas? Give of your time and money to someone in need (sick, elderly, homeless, etc.) I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. God bless."

btw...Sams Club is playing their Christmas music already, though it's still a little early for me!

Take Two! But Not Twenty Six Point Two!

2008-11-10T22:09:00.005-05:00

I've signed up for the Indy 500 mini marathon, for the second time in the past several years. The first year I ended up having to work the day of the race, but was able to sell my registration to someone else. I'm trying it again! They are projecting over 40,000 runners to take part that day. I'm on the list now to get the newsletter. Um, woot? I've copied and pasted below. Seriously though, I'm fired up! Who else is in?

10/31/08

Jason Hayden

Thank you for registering for the 2009 500 Festival Races (Mini-Marathon, 5K, Training Series, and Team Challenge) Entry. Your Registration is confirmed, and you may use this email as your Registration Confirmation.

The Mini-Marathon Field Over 60% Full! Online registration for the 2009 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Finish Line 500 Festival 5K has been open since May 3 and the field is already over 60% full. Over 21,000 people from 47 states and 8 countries have registered. The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the nation’s largest half-marathon, is scheduled for May 2, 2009.

Triple to a Quintuple

2008-10-27T19:50:00.008-04:00

Make your heart bypass a triple to a quintuple for FREE!

I got this email (shown below) earlier this afternoon and the above is what first came to my mind.

For a limited time, Skyline Chili will turn your 3-Way into a 5-Way at no
extra charge!

Hurry into your neighborhood Skyline today and get freshly chopped onions
and tender red beans added to your 3-Way to make it a 5-Way! All for the
price of a 3-Way.

C’mon, it’s Skyline Time.

The Interview

2008-10-19T15:32:00.004-04:00

Oh yes, guess I could post a Smoothie King related item from time to time! I get the opportunity to work with Purdue students on various projects throughout the semester. This interview was for a small group in an entrepreneur class. Oprah, if you're watching...I'm way funnier is real life and only a few short hours from Chicago! Just say the word if you'd like to have a Smoothie King day on your show! ;-) Enjoy!

Oh and btw...yes the camera adds 10lbs.!

Smarter than a Fifth Grader?

2008-10-18T16:42:00.005-04:00

Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader started its new season last night. One of the contestants was the Georgia State School Superintendent. She said she'd donate her winnings to the school system, which I thought was very nice of her. Click the link below to watch the video and see how it turned out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z83Q5JOtVjg

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When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best!

2008-10-17T14:37:00.005-04:00

Hallmark...you don't have a card photo any better than this! This is a picture of my niece and her second cousin...and it just "gets me right here"...every time I look at it. My niece turns 3 in just a few short days (after my brother and his wife, I was the first family member to see her in existence which is cool...what's cooler yet - God knew her before the world began). My prayer for both of these children is that they would grow up with the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Not wanting to grow them up too quickly however...so while visiting my brother and his family, I'm game for playing horse, kicking the ball, eating fruit snacks, and a hug from time to time.

Taken last July while on a extended family, vacation.

5K Results

2008-10-13T16:05:00.007-04:00

The Louisville 2008 Race for the Cure 5K is over and I finished! Thanks everyone, um, I mean you 4 for your donations. In all seriousness, I was humbled by your financial generosity and for those not able to give, I'm sure you would have if you were able! Overall, I was able to gather $415.00. The foundation suggested we have total donations goals of $175.00 per runner, but I knew I could do better due to the caliber of friends and family with which God has blessed me...as well has how God has blessed each of us.

I thought I was just signing up to 1) Raise donations and 2) Run in a 5K. But it became so much more than that. When I registered for the 5K I just knew one person who was fighting Breast Cancer and by the end of the event I knew two. First and foremost it's beatable, they had hundreds (a whole parade) of surviviors at the event...surviviors from 30+ of the diagonis! But it's also hard, it's nasty, and often it hurts, surely more than I currently know. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have and are fighting Breast Cancer. In particular Tammy and Pam and your family and friends that are walking along side you as you currently in this trial.

As you may recall and be reminded of Paul's writtings daily, hourly, or even by the minute...

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Regarding me and my mad runnin skillz...this is what I learned on Saturday...

1) If I think you've tested myself and found myself to be above average...I need to increase my sample size because...I'm likely be more average than I thought! There were about 9000 people taking part in the race...and for 24 minutes 50 sec. (my race time) I was constantly passing others...and I was constantly being passed.

2) I will attain more if I have set goals. I know, I know this isn't earth shattering or new info. but it was reinforced Saturday. At home, on a treadmill...my best training time was right at 30 min but I had nothing really pushing me nor a real goal in front of me. However in a race situation, I always had the next person in front of me to beat and that pushed me to set my goals and be able to pass them one by one.

3) Lastly (to lighten the tone) I learned that some people puke upon the conclusion of a 5K. I was not one of them but I saw a poor teenage girl loose it right after crossing the finish line. She collapsed into her fathers arms and out came what looked like orange juice ;-P

Support my Race for the Cure! Please Donate if you can!

2008-09-27T19:45:00.001-04:00

On October 10th I plan on being the in the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure here in Louisville. Please Click here to support me for the race!

Football Games and Cancer

2008-09-05T11:54:00.006-04:00

This year, at least for now, our booths at the football games will be one helper short and replaced with a jar labeled "donations" to go towards helping those with and finding a cure for, breast cancer. One of our best friends who has worked with us at the booths since we've started, won't start the season with us, as she was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her husband and two little girls.

I have been doing some research and found myself on the Susan G. Komen's for a cure website. Sure I've seen donation buckets around and banners etc. but until now it's just been another place with their hand out asking for money. Take a few minutes and read her story as told by Susan's little sister.

Susan G. Komen's Story

Growing up, Suzy and I were just about as close as two sisters can get. Suzy was the perfect older sister.

She was beautiful and kind and loving, not only to me but to everyone. She was the star of our hometown of Peoria, Illinois - the high school homecoming queen, the college beauty queen.

I, on the other hand, was bigger, heavier and taller than most of my friends and her friends. I developed my own way of getting attention. I was a tomboy and a mischief-maker and delighted in nothing more than spending hours galloping around on horseback. Suzy tried desperately to teach me about the pretty things in life: how to fix my hair, apply makeup, and coordinate my wardrobe. None of it seemed to work. I was still a big, sort of clumsy girl with two left feet. The boys didn't know I was alive, except that I was Susan Goodman's younger sister.

Suzy came back to Peoria when she graduated from college and got a job modeling locally. Eventually, she married her college sweetheart, Stan Komen.

College, for me, was the first time I felt I belonged anywhere. I was active in many school projects and finally began to have confidence in myself. I felt independent and responsible and ready to take on the world. After graduating, I packed up my bags and moved to Dallas, Texas, home of my father's older sister.

Although we were separated by distance, Suzy and I spoke every day by phone in the late afternoon.

As if it were yesterday, I can remember the phone call I received from Suzy one Tuesday afternoon. Her doctor had found a lump in her breast that was not a cyst. He recommended a biopsy. A biopsy is the surgical removal and microscopic examination of tissue to see if cancer cells are present.

I decided to fly home to Peoria.

When I got off the plane, my father was waiting there alone with an expression on his face I will never forget. He didn't have to say a word. At the age of 33, Suzy had breast cancer.

What happened from this point on is still difficult for me to talk about because I am so much more knowledgeable on the subject today. If I had only known then what I know now.

The truth of the matter is that growing up in the small town of Peoria, our family had been treated our whole lives by one doctor. Suzy trusted him with her cancer the same way she did with her measles. Mistake number one.

None of us knew enough to inquire about seeking information from a major cancer center or from a group of physicians associated with one in Peoria. He was our doctor. Period.

The most difficult concept to grasp about cancer, I think, is the fact that when it is first detected the patient usually feels just fine. There is rarely any pain associated with breast cancer in its early stages. So when you are told you've got a life-threatening disease, and the treatment sounds more heinous than the thought of a little lump in the breast, it is understandable that a woman uneducated about cancer might opt for no treatment at all.

Such was the case with Suzy. My sister was terrified, naturally, but adamant against having a mastectomy.

Our family doctor called in a surgeon to review Suzy's case. It is important, if you are to learn from our mistakes, that I tell you a little bit about this surgeon. He was very handsome, very suave and seemed very self-confident. According to Suzy, this surgeon told Suzy he could cure her. Even the most respected cancer experts in the country (which he was certainly not) do not talk about recovery in terms of surviving cancer or remission. They refrain from using the word cure because cancer can recur.

But that, of course, is exactly what Suzy wanted to hear, and who could blame her? Like many women, and for that matter men, too, Suzy was of the frame of mind that the doctor was always right.

This surgeon suggested performing a subcutaneous mastectomy, a procedure in which the outside of the breast is left intact, but an incision is made and the breast tissue is removed. He would then do an implant ten days later. Suzy would be left with a small scar but no more cancer. She felt it was her best option.

After Suzy's surgery, my parents, Stan and I were all at the hospital anxiously awaiting the results. The surgeon walked confidently in the room and said, "You can relax, we got it all. I believe she's cured." My heart sank because I knew enough to know that cure is a very difficult word to use in reference to cancer. If it is used at all, it is more likely to be spoken after a five-year period has passed without a recurrence.

For the next five months or so, Suzy felt pretty good. She was convinced she was cured. When I suggested she secure a second opinion just to be sure, she became very sensitive. After all, her doctor had told her she was fine.

But before six months had gone by, our worst nightmare became a reality. Suzy found another lump. This time it was under her arm. Despite everyone's optimism her cancer had spread.

Suzy went next to the Mayo Clinic, where we learned that her cancer had metastasized (spread) to her lung and under her arm. There was a tumor the size of a quarter in the upper part of her right lung and suspicious shadows elsewhere. Their recommendation was 30 days of radiation and then to "watch it."

Well, I, for one, was tired of "watching." I wanted to see some results.

Terror, rage, sadness and above all, a feeling of complete and utter helplessness invaded me. Why was this happening to Suzy, of all people? What had she ever done to deserve to be so sick and so frightened? Although no one said anything aloud, we all knew my sister was now fighting for her life. And it all happened so quickly. She tried to keep up a brave front and would often talk of plans for the future.

A major turning point in Suzy's struggle for survival came from a surprising source, Mrs. Betty Ford.

The year was 1978, and while serving as First Lady, Mrs. Ford had finished a successful bout with breast cancer. The whole country was shocked and saddened with the news of her breast cancer and mastectomy. Her bravery touched a place inside of Suzy that none of us could possibly understand because we hadn't gone through it ourselves.Â In Betty Ford, my sister found new strength.

"Nan," she said, "if Mrs. Ford can admit she has breast cancer and tell the whole world she intends to fight it, well then so can I."

The doctors at Mayo suggested Suzy have radiation therapy, which is a treatment using high-energy rays to damage (burn) cancer cells and stop them from growing. She did have the radiation but it was not successful in slowing her disease. The cancer was out of control, and there wasn't a thing we could do about it. But we had to try.

Suzy decided to seek treatment at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. When she arrived, she was a Stage IV cancer patient. This means that the disease had spread to other organs in her body and was still growing. It was a very critical situation. But, for the first time, Suzy was part of a team:Â Her new doctor and his associates made Suzy a partner in every decision. They were completely and totally honest with her and all of us about her condition. Suzy was not only allowed to ask questions, she was encouraged to do so.

Suzy's doctor's approach to the disease was an aggressive one. Thus began the saga of intense chemotherapy. The problem with chemotherapy is that it doesn't know the difference between the good guys and the bad guys, so a lot of important healthy cells are killed in the process, including the cells of the stomach lining and hair roots.

Chemotherapy is often accompanied by nausea, mouth sores, hair thinning, and sometimes total hair loss, depending on the type used. Suzy experienced all of that and more. Everyone given chemotherapy is warned that a side effect is hair loss, but nothing can prepare a woman for the shock and embarrassment of baldness. She bore up under the strain with all the dignity and grace she could manage, although I know she was devastated. Little did I know that even then, my sister was teaching me.

The stress and tension put on a family involved in a serious illness is unimaginable. You know you must stick together on the crucial matters, so often the tension released is by arguing about the little things. My father had a terrible time. He could not bear the sight of his precious daughter being so ill. As a result, it was our dear mother who bore the brunt of much of the burden.

It was especially difficult for her because during this time lumps kept appearing in my breasts. I had my left breast biopsied three different times during Suzy's ordeal. Once, she had to leave Suzy's side in Houston in order to be with me in Dallas.Â All three of my tumors were benign (noncancerous). I hated to worry my mother, but the truth is, I was scared. Every time I felt the slightest little abnormality, my heart began to race. I had learned that women whose mothers or sisters have had breast cancer have as much as three times the usual risk of developing the disease.

Whenever we felt as if we couldn't go on, that the load was just too heavy, it was Suzy's grace and humor that got us through the day. She was able to find something to smile about with every turn of the road, and her infectious, warm concern was felt throughout the hospital.

The one thing Suzy never found humor in, however, was the aesthetic conditions of the waiting rooms. The walls were empty, the chairs uncomfortable, and sometimes a patient would have to sit there waiting six or more hours for a scheduled appointment. Suzy was horrified and so was I. She was more concerned with the treatment of the patients while my concern was the treatment of her disease. I was outraged that more hadn't been learned to help my sister.

"Nan," she said, "as soon as I get better, let's do something about this. You can find a way to speed up the research.Â I know you can. And I want to fix up this waiting room and make it pretty for the women who have to be here. This isn't right."

For about fifteen months, the Houston doctors were successful in slowing down Suzy's breast cancer. But then, for reasons known only to God, the disease started to rage inside her once again.

Fully aware of her condition, but never willing to give up or talk about it, Suzy began a perilous and painful downhill battle. There was more surgery and more chemotherapy, but by now her body had built up a resistance to the drugs. Her cancer had gotten so out of control that it broke through the skin, resulting in grotesque sores all over her chest.Â She began to spend more time feeling awful and we spent more time feeling helpless.

None of us knew what to do anymore. Up until this point, we had always spoken enthusiastically about our future together. It was becoming more obvious with each new day that this was our future with Suzy.

One day, during the time when Suzy stayed in Houston, we were lying together by the pool at the hotel. She loved to sunbathe as often as possible, because she felt that having color on her face was the only thing that made her look healthy. As I watched her lying there reading, I took note of her thin, frail body and strained breathing. Fortunately, Suzy was into her book and paid no attention to me. Had she looked over, she would have seen my tears and known immediately what I was thinking.

Our time together was drawing to a close. In a flood of beautiful memories, I began to look back on the sacred relationship I shared with my sister. Frantically, I wrote my memories down, fearing somehow I might forget one later. I didn't realize then that memories so special are never forgotten. I also didn't realize that what I was writing that sunny afternoon was my sister's eulogy.

It was time to begin saying our good-byes. Our family had always been totally honest with each other, and breaking that trust at this point would hurt Suzy much more than help her.

After my sister was released from M.D. Anderson, I tried to come home every other week for a visit. One particular Sunday afternoon on the way back to the airport, Suzy spoke to me again about doing something to help the sick women in the hospital. This practically tore my heart out because here she was, hardly able to manage a whisper, and she was worrying about other people. I couldn't bear it.

When my father pulled up to the curb, I quickly kissed them both good-bye and jumped out of the car.Â I was just about inside when I heard a funny sound that sounded like my name.Â I stopped in my tracks and turned around. There was Suzy, standing up outside the car on wobbly knees, wig slightly askew.

With her arms outstretched, she said gently, "Good-bye, Nanny, I love you." I hugged her so hard I was afraid she might crumble. And then I ran to catch my plane.

I never saw my sister alive again. After nine operations, three courses of chemotherapy and radiation, she had lost her three-year war. By the time I flew back to her side it was too late. She was gone.

The months after Suzy's funeral were the saddest in my life. I wanted to stay near my parents because I knew they needed me (the truth is, we needed each other), but I had a son and a home that had been without any attention for a long time. It was time to get on with it, to pick myself up and start living again. Some things are easier said than done.

I spent a lot of time thinking about Suzy. There is no way to accurately describe the void her absence left in my life. I also spent a great deal of time questioning my faith and wondering why such a good person was taken from a family that needed her so desperately. I often wonder, as many people do when they've lost a loved one, what really happens to a soul when a person dies. Was Suzy watching me? Did she hear me when I called her name out loud? After much thought I came to the conclusion that I would never know until I died myself, but I sure didn't want to die in order to find out.Â Just in case, I wanted to do something to let her know how special she would always be in my heart. I was haunted by our last conversation and lay awake sometimes all night wondering what I could do to help other women with breast cancer.

Could one person really make a difference?

My Mom, By Jason Hayden

2008-07-12T10:40:00.002-04:00

A couple weeks ago I was blessed with the chance to vacation to sunny Charleston, SC along with my mom. It was great to spend time with her as well as enjoy the Atlantic!

Perfect timing!

2008-07-04T13:21:00.004-04:00

I've been taking my camera with while house searching. It's good to take pictures of all the points of interest and various things I want to recall later. All the houses seem to blend together over time so it's good to have a record. This picture of the back deck came out better than than I thought it would...

Let's take a closer look shall we? The lady in the pic is my realtor...a wonderful lady but deathly afraid of the locust! I suppose if your realtor makes a face like this upon inspection of a home one would be best served to keep looking.

Click on the image to get even closer...

Starbucks!

2008-07-01T19:17:00.003-04:00

Starbucks to close 600 locations! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aeRM5wL1gkfQ&refer=home

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Everyone Gets their 10 minutes

2008-07-01T08:41:00.003-04:00

Though this was more like 2.5 minutes...It was cool to help Mike Prangley do the 6:15 weather down at the Taste of Tippecanoe!

Instant Blog Material

2008-06-18T22:27:00.003-04:00

I'll be in (hopefully) sunny Charleston, SC. 06.22 - 06.29! Let me know if you want a post card! I did make a purchase for the big trip...a brand new shiny red full size suitcase. Go TJ Maxx! At home, I was going thru my new purchase, you know the usual locating of bells and whistles...found a FREE BONUS offer inside! A flyer offering FREE custom engraved identification plates (just have to pay Postage and Handling)Woot! A $25.00 value it said! Just go to this website to get started:

http://www.globalengravingo.com/

The Onion: Blockbuster Offers Glimpse Of Movie Renting Past

2008-06-03T13:07:00.001-04:00

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw this. As some of you may know I actually life right across the street form one of these museums.

I Really Think...

2008-05-19T22:48:00.002-04:00

I really think that Facebook is going to take over Blogging and social email. We're likely to have have business Facebook in the future to share files and such...in which case email, even Microsoft Outlook is going to be gone.

Deep thoughts by Jason Hayden

I didn't get to go this year but it was right across town!

2008-05-04T13:44:00.001-04:00

Likely most of you have seen this but since the Kentucky Derby was right across town from, I thought I'd share. I'd love to go next year. Come and vist that weekend!

I'm Still Not Going To Buy One But, I Love this Commercial!

2008-05-03T19:22:00.001-04:00

This is light I know, but if my TVs on and I hear this commercial...I'll actually run back to watch. Two things - 1) The arm motions of the squirrel and 2) The look of the guys face throughout but in particular, after the wolf swallows the bird.

Wow...this 9 Year Old has some serious skills!

2008-04-27T23:48:00.001-04:00

You don't have to watch the whole thing, of course, if you don't want. It only took me about the first minute to be amazed. MKata...I expect to see this level of ability in your garage next time.

Happy Bidding! or Let's Watch!

2008-04-18T20:07:00.002-04:00

With 5 days 16 hours and counting down (as of this post) and at $50,100, Let's watch how much the Ortiz "Curse Jersey" once buried under the new Yankee Stadium ends up selling for on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120248650648&tr=y&auid=3582588

Bid with confidence!!

Let This Old Life Crumble

2008-04-18T08:54:00.003-04:00

I was awoke this morning by a rumble (like most of you I'm sure)! I thought I'd share parts of this song as they seemed really relevant and Jeremy is from Lafayette...

Let It Fade - Artist(Band):Jeremy Camp

Have you been walking on a surface that's uncertain?
Have you helped yourself to everything that's empty? yeah!
You can't live this way too long.
There's more than this, more than this.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
You can rest, you will find rest.
You can rest, you will find rest.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

(insert second verse) then...

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Glad to hear everyone is okay and thanks for your calls and txts messages! Love you guys! God is good!

Work Retreat in New Orleans

2008-04-17T21:51:00.003-04:00

April 23rd - 25th I'll be in New Orleans, LA with work on a Service Retreat! We (about 45 of us from all over the United States) arrive on Wednesday before 1 PM (actually I'll be arriving on Tuesday night because of a work conflict), we'll do supper that night then all day Thursday we'll be working on a Habitat for Humanity project as a team, then on Friday afternoon we'll all fly home. All this to say that as an ice breaker for our group they've asked us to find and upload a childhood picture of ourselves. If you'd like to see mine I have put them on my Facebook.

I ran across this picture while searching for my childhood photo and decided I had to share! What's up with the guy in the background? I've never realized how creepy it was until now...needless to say this pic was taken some time ago. Your thoughts?

Couch - The Rest of the Story!

2008-04-12T23:44:00.002-04:00

Well after many many hours, miles of searching over 2 states, and a Blog survey I am finely in possession of a couch and small chair for my new apartment home. I'll have to get pics. up sometime soon. Thanks everyone for your input and especially to my dad and brother who were gracious enough with their Saturday to bring them to me from Indianapolis.

Photo's of My New Apartment

2008-04-08T18:53:00.003-04:00

Please view my album on www.facebook.com to see photo's of my new apartment in Louisville, KY.!

Couch Update

2008-04-04T12:35:00.002-04:00

The next time you are in the need for new couch...do everything you can to figure out a better solution. Picking out a couch in your price range that you like is very, very difficult. I've not found one yet that I like (well I did but it's in Indy and I'm in Louisville). I'll keep you posted.

Otherwise things are well in the new city. I went to Ninth and O last Sunday and Highview Fegenbush on Wednesday PM to check them out. I'll keep you posted on the church search.

I'll be home this weekend as it's Jeannie's Birthday!!! She and I are going to run a 5K tomorrow AM as part of her birthday fun. Wish her a Happy Birthday when you get a chance! Happy Birthday Jeannie!

Please Vote for Which Couch I Should Get!!!

2008-03-17T14:57:00.007-04:00

I will be moving in a couple weeks and am in need of a couch. The couches below I like but would like to get your input. Please vote below, by taking the survey, as to which one!

Note: Pictures below may include other cool items and the entire group of furniture. We're just voting on the couch itself, my new apartment won't look like the picture!

A. The Equinox - Microfiber-ish - Pillow back (in stock)

B. The Transition Leaf - Also a polyester - Has a good texture to it. (in stock)

C. Sabrina Maze - Kind of a contemporary/retro thing going on - Pillow back - Looks to be a very durable polyester of sorts. (in stock)

D. The Logan Stone Sectional - Has the microfiber / leather mix as you can see. Pillow back - Only sectional in the running right now. (in stock)

E. The Natuzzi Tucson Dark - Higher end - nice leather couch. (not in stock - mid-April)

F. Duraplush Mocha - Microfiber - Each half reclines. (in stock)

What kind of Blog is this?

2008-03-14T09:37:00.004-04:00

I don't really know why this Blog has focused on canines all of a sudden...I'm sure it's just a phase. Thanks anyway, to Mup for the pic below, many if not all of you have seen this but I felt it was my "doody" to get past the previous post(s).

There are some fundamental truths in the caption of this photo, that I tend to forget as I go thru life. Including...I get lazy and/or in a rush and I lose focus of what's important or do careless things (at work, at home, in various relationships) then a mess happens and I act all surprised, as if I didn't have anything to do with it.

Note: Upon further review my legal counsel informs me that I must post this link to stop any further legal actions against this blog, so http://ihasahotdog.com/2008/03/13/funny-dog-pictures-and-i-am-a-dog

Doody Dangler!

2008-03-11T13:25:00.006-04:00

Ok, this should be my last "Doody" post, maybe ever, but I just didn't want you to "Get Caught Holding the Bag!" Plus I thought I could continue with Markus's comic strip theme. You may have to click on the image to enlarge and read.

Doody Dangler eliminates the need to carry the bag of doody. The Doody Dangler simply solves the problem that millions of dog owners encounter every single day. simply attaches to the leash and carries the load, leaving your hands free and clear. It secures tightly on any leash (including retractables) and works every time.The Doody Dangler doesn't annoy the owner or the dog. Works with ALL leashes

Millions????????

A White Crusty what??

2008-03-07T13:12:00.006-05:00

Flying between JFK and Indianapolis yesterday I picked up one of the SkyMall catalogs. From time to time, I want to see what the "highbrow's" are into. This one especially caught my eye.

POOP FREEZE is the first freeze-spray aerosol made for animal waste pick-up.

Poop Freeze is an easy, earth-friendly way to do your "dooty" and clean up after your dog. It chills animal waste to -62°F, creating a white outer "crust" film that solidifies the waste and enables you to quickly place in a bag and dispose. Makes picking up loose stool and diarrhea easier. Effective for all kinds of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, etc. (anything that poops I guess?) Indoor or outdoor use. Safe for humans and pets when used as directed.

A Clean ... Easy ... Quick ... Affordable solution to nasty waste clean-up problems.

Pet waste removal made easy!

Needless to say, I laughed out loud!

Ginger Ale?

2008-02-21T08:45:00.005-05:00

equals

??

What on earth? We've all seen it...you're on a airplane, the Flight Attendant comes down the isle and asks if you'd like anything to drink, right? An all TOO common response, "Ummm, do you have Ginger Ale?" 1) Yes, of course they have Ginger Ale available - because in a airplane seems to be the only place anyone ever dinks it. and 2) Why?

Name the last time you were at a get together and the host had provided, or someone had brought, Ginger Ale? Name the last time you saw Ginger Ale on tap at McD's or BK? Name the last time you walked up to a pop machine and for $1 you could push the button for a Ginger Ale? Name the last time you were really thirsty and thought to yourself..."Wow, a nice Ginger Ale would really hit the spot!"

So if 00.1% of all mankind drinks Ginger Ale off a plane, why does 40% of mankind drink it on a plane?

Ok, I'm done ;-)

Ask Me!

2008-02-16T11:41:00.003-05:00

"Accouta-blogging" is what I'll call it, I want to give it a try. It's a way of having others help me keep accountable for making my goal.

Goal = Be a better steward of my body. As I get older, I have realized, thru personal and family experiences, that the decisions I make today have physical ramifications down the road and that God is more pleased, and glorified, if I take care of myself now. I need a bit of a heart change too, making sure I do so for the right reasons.

So here's where I'm going to start, I want to start simple...Eat according to my manufactures recommendations...eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm not. Hmmm...seems simple doesn't it? We'll see - I'll try to keep you posted and ask me how I'm doing please.

18-1

2008-02-07T16:37:00.001-05:00

This is clearly for all of the Giants fans or non-Pats fans (like myself).

Classic!

Okay for those of you who are sports challenged, this may help. Here is the logo for the New York Giants who beat the, now 18-1 New England Patriots.

And see...a record of 14-6 can be better than 18-1

2008-02-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

15 MPG!

2008-01-22T13:12:00.000-05:00

Had a good week last week and I must share! I was in Louisville for most of it (Mon. - Thurs.) working. Monday started out with a trip to AVIS where I was hooked up very nicely with a 2007 HUMMER w/ heated leather seat, XM, etc. That was awesome, especially since I didn't have to pay for gas. According to my calculations it got approx. 15 MPG. which is actually better than I had anticipated and better than my last vehicle...a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Ext. Cab Long Bed 2WD...my advice is to stay away from Dodge pick-ups! I would get a H3 if gas was cheaper! Anyhow...I was a little stressed about the week otherwise...had to do a training on a program that I didn't know much about. God came thru and helped my sorry self out. Thanks Jeannie for prayers! Needless to say the training went great and I had a great week.

Got to see Josh and Gretchen while down in Louisville...They are always great fun! I was over at their house and we played a game with some other SBTSers. Funny story...we talked about the last time I saw them...we met at a coffee shop near their church...I couldn't remember the name. I asked Gretchen..."What was the name of the coffee shop where we all met? All that comes to mind is Butt Brother's, and I'm pretty sure that isn't it." She points to her kitchen counter where she had a mug from the shop setting...on the mug was their logo...proudly reading, "Heinie Brothers Coffee" We had a good laugh!

Needle Exchange Program???

2007-12-27T19:58:00.000-05:00

I suppose most of you have heard this from SRN News by now but...

A state government can fund their own Needle Exchange Program. To help prevent AIDS they are giving drug dealers/users nice clean needles in exchange for their used drug needles.

So, I guess, the exchange program only works if the druggies first buy their own clean stash of needles?

My mom pays for needles for her daily insulin shots...can diabetics exchange their needles too or is it only for those who break the law in that way?

(((Tap))) (((Tap))) (((Tap))) Are you there? What do you think?

What are some other, similar, missed opportunities?

Government funded...

1) Lipitor in exchange for your empty McDonald's bag?

2) Ohhh ohhh...here's one...FREE Crystal Meth in exchange for a promise that you won't endanger yourself or others by trying to make it yourself.

3) Paid government officials appointed, in each county, to buy alcohol for those under-age...to prevent those over 21, that would have bought it for them, from braking the law by doing so.

4) Make all illegal immigrants legal, since we can't do anything else about it...[in the famous words of the Sturm-inator]...oh wait.

5) In all public schools and state colleges...The posting of the answers to exam questions, prior to the exam, so those taking the exam won't have to cheat off the guy next to them in the room.

6)...

I'm Sorry if you are SAD but...

2007-12-20T10:59:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry if you are SAD but...are you kidding me? I got a news letter in the mail today from my companies health care provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield. How appropriate that a company who has "Blue" in it's name would have an article about something SAD. Here is the first part of the actual article...

"Do you feel like a gray winter day? Do you feel this way only in late fall and winter? You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression.

SAD may be caused by having less daylight this time of year. Symptoms include sadness, irritability, low energy and loss of interest in normal activities. Besides mood changes in winter, you may also oversleep and crave carbohydrates."

End quote. I'm stopping there because I think that's pretty much ridiculous. Sounds like something a fortune teller would say or something you may see in a horoscope. Can you get any more general. Sounds like a regular ol sinful person to me...including ME. I suggest getting to bed earlier (instead of 11 PM or later), eating a more balanced diet and getting some exercise(instead of sitting on the couch and eating fast food all the time), and working at growing in your relationship with Christ.

I don't suppose a mega pharmaceutical company could make much money with my suggestions...so I suppose they'll continue to push the pills and therapy sessions.

Jason - Steps down from soap box.

No More Snickers for Me!

2007-12-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to announce that my roommate has hit the big time. All I ask Markus, is that you don't forget the little people in your life that you met while spending your time here at Purdue. In all seriousness though...Congratulations!

http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2007b/071210FerraroHospital.html

Are You Unreal

2007-12-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

They are runing these on MTV. There are ten (the Ten Comandments) of these that Need Him are running as an outreach and I think it's great!

Jank of the Jank

2007-12-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

I can't take it anymore and I must know if anyone else feels like I do. Some places need to get their act together and this post could be used in a positive way if some of these places would use the constructive criticism.

So here is my first Jank Poll 2007. For those who don't know what Jank is...

jank - Poor quality, in relation to consumer products. "That nosehair trimmer is jank. You should have bought a Braun instead of that piece of junk."

In the comments section below, feel free to write in your own I may have missed

Early 2's

2007-11-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday Jeannie and I had the blessing of sub-ing as helpers with the Early 2's Sunday School class. Jeannie has some great pics./video I'm sure. We played with toys, read some stories, had a snack, and my favorite...sang some songs...And though the precious 2 yr. olds are not good or fast spellers just yet, this one was still in my personal top picks for the morning...

I am a C

I am a C-H

I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N

And I have C-H-R-I-S-T In my H-E-A-R-T

And I will L-I-V-E E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y

I love the L

I love the L-O

I love the L-O-R-D J-E-S-U-S

And I am L-I-V-I-N-G By His W-O-R-D

And I will N-E-V-E-R R-E-G-R-E-T I-T

Repeat the song a few times, getting faster and faster each time...

I know you're thinking...Jason works with the Journey (Jr. High) not Early 2's...we'll it's about the same...in Journey we just don't have nap time. jk

Creation Museum seeks to expand, citing large crowds

2007-11-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

The Associated Press

PETERSBURG, Ky. --Northern Kentucky's Creation Museum is evolving into a larger facility.
The museum will add 663 parking spaces, outdoor canopies and a maintenance building and will move its main entrance as part of a $500,000 upgrade. But the work won't begin until Answers in Genesis, the ministry that runs the museum, raises the funds, said Mike Zovath, vice president of museum operations.

The museum, which uses literal interpretations of the Bible to tell the earth's history, welcomed its 250,000th visitor five months after its opening on Memorial Day. The ministry had expected to get 250,000 visitors its entire first year. The larger-than-expected crowds left the facility with an overflowing parking lot, forcing staff to park miles away.

The Boone County Planning Commission approved Answers in Genesis' plans last week by an 11-1 vote. Commissioner Patrick Reynolds, the lone dissenter, said he was concerned that the new entrance would not meet the county's sight-distance requirements.
Zovath said he was satisfied with the commission's decision and hopeful that the Boone County Fiscal Court will follow the recommendation.

The museum's plans also include a retention lake and gated entrance for emergency and maintenance vehicles. Bill Moore, who lives near the museum's proposed gated entrance, is concerned about delivery trucks driving down his street as well as noise coming from outdoor activities at the museum. "I just don't want to see tractor-trailers coming in ..." Moore said.
The county also voted to limit the sound coming from the museum. The commission said sound for activities under the canopies cannot exceed 70 decibels, banned amplified sound under the canopies and said the canopy areas can be used for lectures but cannot be used as a stage or amphitheater.

Moore hopes the traffic changes will mean less disruption at his home next to the museum.
Now, 40 to 50 cars a day turn around in his driveway looking for the museum.
"It's a traffic nightmare trying to get out of your driveway," he said.

Information from: The Kentucky Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com/

Thanks Mark for the heads up!

What would this look like?

2007-10-24T11:24:00.000-04:00

"People aren't confused by the gospel, they're confused by us.
Jesus is the only way to God but we are not the only way to Jesus.
This world doesn't need my tie, my hoodie, my denomination, or my translation of the bible, they just need Jesus.
We can be passionate about what we believe but we can't strap ourselves to the gospel cause we're slowing it down.
Jesus is going to save the world, but maybe, the best thing we can do is just get out of the way." - Casting Crowns

From track 1 of their new album this caught my attention. I've been trying to wrap my pea brain around it for a few weeks, trying to figure out what this would look like in my life - Getting out of the way of the gospel.

Revelation 22; 18 - 19 comes to mind; ...if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Your thoughts?

Alone

2007-10-17T21:55:00.000-04:00

God doesn't need my money,
He wants my sacrifice - alone. - Luke 21:1-4
God doesn't need my time,
He wants my heart - alone. - Eph 6:6
God doesn't need my song,
He wants my mind - alone. - Mk. 12:30
God doesn't need my worry,
He wants my faith - alone. - Matt 18:26
I have been saved by faith alone,- Eph.2:8
Thru Christ alone, - Jn. 14:6
By Grace alone, - Eph. 2:8
From God alone. - Pslm. 62:1

It's Okay!

2007-10-01T09:13:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has been so long since posting. My new job has me very busy. I have been in Dallas for a week and Raleigh N.C. for two weeks, as well as worked the Smoothie King Booth on three Saturdays. Never a dull moment. Praise the Lord...all is well and He continues to provide what I need.

I just wanted too to remind myself that...

It's okay to think. It's okay to stop and think. It's okay to stop for a few minutes, be still, quite, and think.

Think about where I am and what God is trying to teach me from this (what ever it may be). Think about how God can be glorified from this situation and where I think He wants me to go from here.

I don't have to be running my trap all the time. I don't have to be listening to the radio or TV. I don't have to be driving to and from.

It's okay to think.

One Scarred Hand to the Other

2007-08-22T13:02:00.001-04:00

I was driving down the road one day and listening to a song on the radio. And yes, even singing along...when I knew the words. Then the music stopped and, being caught off guard, I heard myself still singing. Oh man, it didn't sound very good. In fact...I'm going to call it "painful". "But I sounded so good while the song was on, how could there be such a stark contrast. I was fooled! Not by the radio station or the artest but by myself of course. I fooled myself, by association, singing back up to a professional in this case, that I was better than I really was. But once I was out there on my own I was stinky. DING! Life lesson for Jason...

Reminded that many other areas of life are like this...Watch a movie, and by association, think I'm smart and handsome like Harrison Ford. Watch ESPN, think I'm athletic like Peyton Manning, Go to church and think I'm working as hard as Pastor V. or Mr. Blake at letting God use me to give glory to Him. All of which is not true as realized when I look into the mirror.

2) God sees me as I am, as I really am...stinky, stupid, and sinful. And yet He loves me. He wanted to be my heavenly Father. He wanted me to spend eternity with Him. I don't know why...If I were God, I'd have done away with me a long time ago because I mess up a lot.

Went to a Casting Crowns concert at the Indiana State Fair. It was great! They sang this song as a sample of their new album. Mark Hall wrote this song, but, if I were talented enough to string the words together, I could have written this song about me.

Needs More Love (and Cow Bell)

2007-08-06T22:47:00.000-04:00

I realize this post (though short in length) is also short on love and heavy on the truth. I just need a slap in the face from time to time to help me snap out of it. And...I am the chief amongst sinners in this regard so I am writing this to myself as much as anyone else. If, however, you think this is being written to you........................................................................................then it is.

Comparison kills contentment - so it's not okay and just stop!

Don't take my word...take God's. Here are some verses, just for starters....

Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

New New Job

2007-07-16T23:06:00.000-04:00

Most everyone, who knows me, knows I have a new, new job. I have had this new job since May 29th. As with any job offer, accepting this new job would have it's pros and it's cons. A good friend of mine, Brother Moore had some solid biblical advice to help me make the decision. And yes, it's only been 4 months since I accepted my last job. I wasn't out searching for a new job...this one just came up and I decided to apply. Everyone at some point will need the same advice I got from Brother Moore (including me again) so I'll list it, and my application, below.

1) Ask if the job is requiring you to sin. Probably a no but it's a question you have to ask.

My application - This job did not require me to sin. Check.

2) Make a list of pros and cons (right Bee?) and you can't list money as a pro or con...throw the money thing out the window...an increase in money will only satisfy you for a short time, then you'll be left with the remaining pros and cons so take it out of picture from the start.

My application -

Pros: high profile position, a well respected company, get to travel around the United States, known for good management, growing field, and advancement opportunities.

Cons: Will require me to move away from Lafayette, my church, friends, and family.

3) Then ask yourself how you can best serve God in either position / what ministry opportunities will there be if you take the new job. What opportunities will there be with the new church you'll attend, the type of people you'll work with or the customers you'll have?

My application - I have been at Faith for six years and have learned more in the past six years than the previous 25. This being said, by God's grace, I have knowledge and leadership skills that may be need at another church.

4) Seek godly counsel...tell a spiritual leader what you're options are have them walk thru the decision. Ask the leader to pray with and for you, that God would be glorified and that His will, will be sought and done.

My application - I did, thru Brother Moore, PW, Gknee, I was able to arrive at a solution I was confident in.

Next stop - Louisville KY. (my new home) and I have my first two clients already...one in Dallas, TX and the other in Seattle, WA. Please be praying that we can find a new owner soon for the Smoothie King, that Gknee and I will seek to serve one another during this time of change and in the future, and that I would do well at my new career.

Our God is an Awesome God!

2007-07-12T13:56:00.000-04:00

This is a tear jerker but it's too good not to share. I have been impacted by the story and there are so many lessons to be learned. Click the link below and learn about a new hero!

Sorry if you get the 30 sec. commercial before the actual video starts - and I guess every once in awhile CNN can come up with some good stuff ;-)

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2007/07/06/cnn.heroes.scott.southworth.cnn

May God bless Scott Southworth for having the faith to take action.

As a follow up...sounds like God has blessed Scott Southworth...watch this next short clip...

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2007/07/06/cnn.heroes.scott.southworth.two.cnn

Have a blessed day!

Back and Forth

2007-06-18T13:44:00.000-04:00

I'm back from Chicago but now I'm going back again. While I was there last time however I did have my Starbucks for breakfast every morning...a Venti Mocha Frappuccino Light (only 250 cal.) and a Reduced-fat cinnamon swirl coffee cake for $6.51, which is the best deal of the day.

I also ate a Panda Express for the first time ever. Not too bad...I'd go again...kind of pricey though...I got the combo plate #2 and chose the Orange chicken, Beef and broccoli, Mixed vegetables, and a small drink for like $9? It was good food but not for that price. Clean store though.

The next day I was able to run to Chipotle. I go the Steak bowl, which is like a burrito without the tortilla. If you're on a low-sodium diet this is off the menu of options for you...as is everything else at Chipotle, Moe's, and Qdoba...okay...any place you ever eat out basically. It was slightly above average (Qdoba is still my fav and they have the punch card system) I was out of Chipotle for $7.65 and like a side of punch card system.

As previous stated I was also able to put a few hundred miles on a 2007 Eclipse...Nice looking car and pretty quick but there was more engine noise than I like. I'd take it for a couple years but I'm thinking it's not going to hold it's value and would start to fall apart after a few years.

Lastly, I was able to visit Grand Station Pizza (voted best thin crust of Chicago). It was good but not record breaking [$10.51 for a small (12") single topping - feeds three is my guess]...I think the contest must have been political. I of course had Giordano's while I was there. [$14.61 for a single topping small - feeds 4] AWESOME as usual! (though you really can't put Giordano's pan pizza into a real pizza category...it's kind of in it's own food group. I'm going to look for a Gino's Pizza as I hear it's to be just as good if not better.

I'm back in Chi-town tomorrow night until Friday so I'll try to keep tabs (pun intended) on anything / place I see that is of note.

Going to Chicago!

2007-06-11T14:43:00.000-04:00

For those that wish to break into my house, I'll be in Chicago this evening thru Wednesday night. Well...My two roommates will be there still so you'll have to get past them but if you can sneak past them I won't be around to contend you taking my printer / personal laptop etc. I'm driving there...and the cool people at AVIS car rental hooked me up with a smoking car...my actual rental is black with chrome trim but it's the the same style as cars pictured here. I'll be traveling more and more so I plan on posting restaurant reviews / car reports / and airline experiences as time permits...1) So I can log for my own personal use in the future and 2) So others can learn from my mistakes.

There Are Real People Working at Wal-mart

2007-05-13T20:12:00.000-04:00

a.k.a Little Red Wagon - Part 3 of 4

I would really like to get past this whole mud flap ordeal but apparently that is harder than it seems. So when the Wal-mart TLE finished changing the oil on my car they called my name over the P.A. system. Except for the nice lady doing the announcement stopped in the middle of her P.A. address when while speaking into the phone, turned around and saw me there looking right at her. I have to admit I enjoyed that. Anyway, she says "That will be $12.21 please." I grab for my wallet and it's not there...It's not in my car either. I did have a check book but w/ no ID so they wouldn't take that. They already changed my oil so what are we to do? They let me go and said come back tomorrow! I couldn't believe it...the Wal-mart people had a heart...they trusted me, no stings attached, to come back the next day and pay for my oil change. I'm not sure what your experiences have been recently with the Wal-mart robot-like employees but mine have been positive and I'm starting to think that some of them may possess higher communication skills and compassion than I have thought for years.

Little Red Wagon Update 1

2007-05-11T00:05:00.000-04:00

Funny story to update everyone on my little red wagon getting pummeled by the semi mud-flap...Last Saturday (after going to Wal-mart to purchase oil change supplies the night before) I went there to have my oil changed. Apparently Saturday is a busy time for TLE (as it turns out that's what Wal-mart employees call their car shop [e.i. Tire and Lube Express]) so busy that they have the parking lot area around TLE roped off so you have to go past the guy to get "checked in", kind of like at a Mike's Car Wash. I wait in line and finally get up to talk to the kid and the first thing he says is..."Sir, did you know that a piece of the front end of your car is missing?" (I'll just let that sink in for sec.)

So then I laugh and say "Yes, I know." And I'm thinking...why would he feel he has to tell me this? Is he going to offer to fix it as a part of getting my oil change...like he's going to "up-sale" me to the auto-body repair option! Anyway, I have more to share...the story is not over yet but it will have to wait...

What Wal-Mart Doesn't Sell

2007-05-05T00:37:00.000-04:00

So (Isn't it amazing how easy it is to start a story with "so") so I was at Wal-mart last night. It was one of those Super-mega-take-over-the-world Wal-mart's where they have their own car dealership, Wal-mart bank, sell gas, a nice park area with a water slide for picnics and summer fun, and get your oil changed Wal-mart's. Well actually some of that is not true...but it's just a matter of time until they do. The oil change part IS true. And as you may know I'm driving a ton now (i.e. 3000 mi. per month) and it's been almost 2 months since I've had time to get my oil changed which brings me to Wal-mart to buy oil change supplies and check out their Oil and Lube Dept. hours of operation (hoping they're open until really late or open early). And while I'm there I'm thinking to myself...what else do I need while I'm here...I'm at Wal-mart...they have everything...If I can think of it, I can get it here. OH! I said to myself...I know what I need...where can I find more time (not thyme as in the spice) but time. I looked they don't sell it! I could use just a little, like a couple hours even. How much does two hours cost? It doesn't matter because you can't buy it...not even at Wal-mart.

I'll Have to Get a Picture...

2007-04-30T23:50:00.000-04:00

As some of you may know I am driving alot right now...currently it's around 3000 miles per month...Back and forth to Indy 5 days. Don't get me wrong I'm very thankful for the opportunity and the ability to do so...it's just that I wish sometimes that I didn't have to exercise that ability. None-the-less, the story is that the other day I was on my way back to Lafayette, talking on the cell, and then I noticed that the mud flap on the Semi in front me was going to fly off at anytime. I'm thinking to myself...self you better back off and switch lanes before I eat this guys mud flap...Well the plan should have worked except I was unable to change lanes due to traffic and yes I ate the mud flap at mile marker 153 N. bound on I65. $500+ later my new car (less than 12K miles at the time) will be fixed. Apparently, those semi mud flaps are bigger and heavier than they look, especially when traveling at 65 mph+ I'm am very thankful to God however that I no one got hurt and insurance is picking up every penny of the damage cost!

By the way...Gknee and I are officially dating...I'm sure I'm have some pics. and fun stories soon!

I Can Dance...

2007-04-10T00:02:00.000-04:00

I know it's late but I want to blog while the thoughts and emotions are still fresh...

God used a situation, a small trail if you will, at a good friends house to point out some areas in which He would like for me to grow. For which I'm trying to consider it pure joy...at least it is my goal.

Please let me share so that I may be more open and transparent, for I want to live in such a way to hide nothing and to be blameless.

1) Though my heart was in the right place and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I knew what to do...I failed to communicate effectively my thoughts and plans...and then when I realized that the situation was slipping out of control...I failed to act right away due to my own pride. It was like when I see a stranded vehicle on the roadside and instead of stopping and offering assistance I just fly right by, changing lanes if possible to give them more room (or is it to justify my actions by putting distance between me and the situation - Look they're way over there someone else will surly help them) Story sound familiar?

2) When I get nervous I start to stutter a bit and ramble, in that I have a hard time being direct and confrontational. Sometimes I need to be direct and not dance around an issue (I go to a baptist church and I still dance...around issues).

I try to do and act upon the right things...I just mess up sometimes. With trials brings persistence. [the only time you really fail is if you stop trying] I'm going to try to do better at communicating and putting my pride to death.

Here are some more pictures from Flordia...

2007-03-26T23:46:00.000-04:00

Riding the Harley Davidson Sreamin Eagle V-Rod some one of my highlights...

In the Interest of time...

2007-03-26T23:39:00.000-04:00

Sorry the presentation isn't that cool...but these are some of my pics. from Flordia. I wanted to do something cool like a slide show but I've not the time to put something together...

New Post Coming Soon!

2007-03-17T15:01:00.000-04:00

So I turned in the disposable camera today at Sam's Club...it will be at least Tuesday evening when I get the return on the pictures. How did I ever survive the old style 35mm system of taking pics. and then actually waiting 2 - 5 days to see my pictures? I still remember though, how excited I was to get my new 126 and then 110 cameras back in elementary school. It's just a matter of short time before film cameras are totally obsolete and put into the category of audio cassettes and 3.5 inch floppy disks...remember the old 5.25 inch floppy disks that were actually "floppy"? Anywho...I hope to have some cool pics to share mid-week of my Florida trip...maybe I can get madmup or meteomatt to help me put one of those cool slide shows together.

In Florida...

2007-03-07T08:31:00.000-05:00

I'm in Daytona Beach, Florida for the week (78 and sunny today). Sorry, I've nothing too great to post, I'm too busy riding my motorcycle down Hwy 1 along the Atlantic ocean. I am taking some pics but they're on a actual 35mm so it will be a few days before they get converted to digital. Hope to talk to or see you soon!

Here Goes

2007-02-28T23:31:00.000-05:00

Okay...here goes...I've got to just come right out and say it...

I seriously can't get enough Cookie Dough Ice Cream and Cookie Dough related products. I don't understand why. I just can't.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that, growing up, every time we went over to my dear old Grandma's house we made Chocolate Chip cookies from scratch and then we got to lick the mixer deals clean? I don't know, but what ever it is, is the urge strong for that Cookie Dough taste and texture...it's cold, hard (but not crunchy), sweet, salty, and yet smooth all at the same time.

Now that I think about it...If fat and calories were not an issue...I could live on Bacon Cheeseburgers, Cookie Dough ice cream...and French Fries. BUT THEY ARE...SO I DON'T.

Why The Pink Blog Theme?

2007-02-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

I've heard it more than once..."Why the pink blog theme?"

Is it...

1) That I really like feminine colors such as pink?

2) I'm color blind and all this time I thought is was navy blue?

3) Because I publish blogs from my cell phone and the tiny screen makes pink look red?

4) Because the title of the blog is Smoothie King and the most popular smoothie at Smoothie King is the Angle Food (ie. Strawberry / Banana) and the smoothie comes out pink?

Cue Final Jeapordy 30 sec. jingle...

Urgent Male Public Service Announcement!

2007-02-13T14:21:00.000-05:00

I wish I would have known this years ago...so I just had to share this with everyone...someone should have told me / us a long time ago.

Have you ever heard a girl say..."I don't want you to fix it...I just want you to listen"? Sure, all of us guys have heard this before...but we still didn't really know how to handle the conversation. We, as guys have been trained to filter through the emotions while a girl is talking to us and try to get to the problem and then subsequently solve said problem. [Girls - every manly man does this, so don't think we're jerks. It's such an issue that there has been a book written about it.]

So here's the deal fellow men...Here's what we should do...as a girl is talking...filter out the problem and set it aside (for now) and just listen to the emotions. Apparently, often times girls want us to listen to the emotions first and at a later time sit down together and talk about a solution. So, that being said, here's how we're (the guy) should often respond..."Wow, I'm sorry, that must have been really disappointing for you."

This is huge! How was I supposed to know this?

To all the girls, who I've had close relationships with in the past, and one in particular...I'm sorry. I promise, I had no idea.

I am not an expert on this by any stretch of the imagination (just ask the one in particular) and I'm sure I've still a lot to learn. I heard about this on Focus on the Family today, check it for yourself http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000204.cfm

If you're a guy and you somehow, either by special revelation from God or otherwise, you knew this information already...Why didn't you tell the rest of us?

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Part 2

2007-02-10T21:57:00.000-05:00

This post brought to you in part by...

Inquiring minds want to know: Part 2 - Kitchen Stuff...

1) OJ and its PULP level: If-I-find-it-in-my-OJ-what-so-ever-I'll-hurt-you pulp / so-so pulp/ So-much-I-want-to-use-a-fork pulp?

2a) Microwave: Microwaved a House Fly or any other formerly living thing - Yes / No?

2b) Microwave: Not afraid to stand in front of while in use / Run far, far away while is in use to avoid "waves"?

3) Maple Syrup: In the fridge as soon as open / Always out in pantry after open / or Use Madmup Wood Wick for added sweetness to pancakes etc.?

4) Milk: Right-from-the-utter Whole / I-love-to-be-average 2% / I-won't-make-a-stand - 1% / I'm-the-only-guy 1/2 % / or Skim (a.k.a. white water) / or I'm-afraid-of-cows Soy

5) Most unused kitchen appliance: My-Grandmothers-takes-so-long-to-get-hot, Toaster oven / I-had-such-big-plans bread maker / It-looked-cool-in-the-store paste maker / You-never-have-time-in-the-morning / don't-want-to-make-a-mess-IHOP-is-faster, waffle iron?

Downside to the Falls

2007-02-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

Go to Niagara Falls anytime you have the opportunity. However, to practice "truth in advertising" there are some downside's to visiting Niagara Falls the last week of January...

1) There is a great place you can take hot air balloon rides...not in the winter as they are closed. [editorial comment: Okay, I can understand this]

2) There is a cool aquarium to see, sea life...no wait it closes at 4 PM... [editorial comment: what on earth, do the fish have some place to go in evening?]

3) Oh! They have helicopter rides though...no wait...not this time of your. [editorial comment: Maybe, I can give them this one too but man it would be way cool to do right now]

4) Here also, is an aerospace museum...as long as you're out of there by 4 PM because that's when they close. [editorial comment: Give me a break...it's a museum...the pieces just sit inside the building...I guess they just want the old retired folk that drive only during the daytime to see the old retired air craft]

There is more action on the Canadian side but still...I think they would shut off the falls themselves in the winter if they could [editorial comment: man-kind can shut down stores / museums / and fish tanks but no one can shut down God's power and glory!]

The upside...you basically have the falls to yourself (just you and God's awesome creation) and you don't have to fight the thousands of other tourists that would be here in the summer time.

More on Niagara Falls

2007-01-31T18:39:00.000-05:00

I don't want to "Niagara-Falls-you-out" but these two pictures I took last night after my arrival. I know they're not the greatest but at least I took them. What the pictures do not show is how cold it is once you get down there closer to the falls and the huge raging water sound from the rapids and falls themselves. Way neat! God is great in every way...My cab driver said that an ice age about a trillion years ago made the falls...but, to God be the glory, I know better :-) My digital camera isn't that great...if you have any recommendations for a new camera please let me know.

Altogether, I think everyone should come here at least once in their life (here and Washington D.C.) Here is my advice though...come in the summer time and stay on the Canadian side...it's a lot nicer than the U.S. side. (bring your birth certificate or passport though to get back and forth with less hassle).

Who Wants a Post Card Mailed?

2007-01-30T16:55:00.000-05:00

Want an actual post card from Niagara Falls, N.Y.?

Traveling for my new job and I'm in Niagara Falls until Friday (02.02.07). Give me a call or let me know somehow and I'll send you one...

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Part 1

2007-01-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Inquiring minds want to know: Part 1 - Bathroom Etiquette...

1) Replace toothbrush...Every month / every 3 months / once a year / once when you were a child?

2) Bath towel...one dry and wash / 2-3 dries and wash / everyday for a week then wash / doesn't matter - use roommates towel

3) Shower...Entrance from the back / from the front / I'm a bath person

4a) TP...prefer to dispense from underneath the roll / from over the top of roll / back of toilet on tank?

4b) "Sheets" pulled per use...1 square / 3-5 / 6-10 / doesn't matter can't reach

4c) Tare from any point / tare only at perforations

Divorce

2007-01-23T20:39:00.000-05:00

So I was driving down the road a few days ago and, being a retail guy, looking at all the advertisements along the way...watching for new ideas and what the competition may be up to etc. I saw this one and my heart dropped to my stomach and I instantly felt sick. For those that have gone thru the devastation of a divorce...I'm not judging and I understand there are biblical grounds for divorce...Otherwise, if either you were the wrong-er or the one being wronged...hind-sight is 20/20 and I'm sure there are moments in time you wish you could have back and do over again...None of use can go back in time, however, thru the Holy Spirit we can all grow, and make better choices in the future.

This road-side advertisement remains among my least favorite ever...your thoughts?

Wait Christmas...Come back!

2007-01-10T21:51:00.000-05:00

Before Christmas gets too far away I wanted to post this for fun. Elf is my favorite Christmas movie and yes I have the movie on DVD if you ever want to borrow it. Anyhow, I was at the mall the other day and had my sister-in-law take this picture. I'm the one on the escalator in case you're wondering. If you have seen this movie you will understand the humor in the photo...If you've not seen the movie...See the movie ;-P

Holidays Change of Plans

2007-01-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Thursday AM I went down to Indy to be with my Dad during his heart catheterization. A few hours later they were admitting him to the hospital and preparing to do open heart surgery. Wow! What a turn of events...On Wednesday he went to work and did his thing and on Thursday the doctors say it's too risky for him to go anywhere...he could have a heart attack. See what you don't know CAN hurt you! ;-P He had his Surgery on Friday, which actually was a blessing because the next option was to have to wait (in the hospital) until Tuesday because of New Years weekend. The doctor did a total of 4 by-passes or ( ). It's really an amazing process and it again proves that our body is NOT simply a random collection cells that just happened to come together one day...There as a designer and creator and that was God!

And though the operation has been around for 50 years and the doctor that did dad's surgery had done about 4000 of them in his 23 years of experience...It's still a BIG deal when it's happening to you or a loved one! We've spent a ton of time in the hospital the past several days...not because it's fun or because you like the cafeteria food...it's a labor of love...it's just what you do when these things come up in life. And though there's no good time to have your breast bone broken, your heart paralyzed, your body depending on a heart / lung machine to keep it alive, your breast bone wired back together with stainless steel, your heart restarted (if all goes according to plan), and then not being able to drive or lift more then 10lbs. for six weeks...The fact that it happened while my step-mom is on break from school teaching and that Smoothie King is closed the week between Christmas and New Years worked out really well.

The time between when dad went into surgery and when we got to see him again was about 5 hrs. The hospital we were at was St. Vincent and there was a volunteer Nun that walked families thru the process out near the waiting room. She had direct access to the doctors / nurses actually doing dad's surgery via a special hospital cell phone. There were a few milestones during the surgery that they always let the family know about. 1) When they are ready to open them up...it's takes an hour or two before hand "harvesting" good artery's and veins (one's that aren't all clogged up) from other places in the body...this is the material they use to "by-pass" the bad areas of the heart. 2) When he goes on the pump (a.k.a. heart / lung machine). This means they have stopped the heart to do the work and that his is totally dependent on the machine to keep him alive...we all know (or should know) that it always has been and will be God that allows us to be alive, but you get my point in this example. and 3) When they are closing him up. This Nun was great and she is absolutely PERFECT for that job. She doesn't pull any punches and tells you exactly how it is. She is VERY funny and a HUGH Indianapolis Colts fan. Her little scooter that she goes around on is all decked out in blue and white. She won a Today Show contest as the nations best sports fan. Her prize was a trip to last years super bowl in Detroit...No lie. When she been Ben Rothlesburger (sp) she said he was all smiles when she told him she was cheering for the Steelers to win. She then told them that she was don't so because they, the Steelers, had beat the best team, the Colts. He then stopped smiling...She said she really enjoy telling him that. There is a picture of her and my step-mom below.

God answered virtually all of our prayers through this trail in a way that totally blows me away. I think the only pray er that didn't come to be was when I asked God that there be no blockage at all when dad when into the heart cath. lab...It would have been a complete miracle...I knew it was a long shot but it could have happened with God and I didn't want to be blamed for not asking ;-)

There is much more that happened this weekend but I'll stop for now. Please thank God that everything went as well as it did. Sometimes things turn out how we like for them to and we have to praise God for this. Sometimes things turn out mostly bad and they're not fun at all and we have to praise God for this too! That is the mighty God we get to worship for ever, and ever, for ever!! And of course I have to throw some pics. of my niece because she's the best ever.

Former Jr. Higher Killed in Iraq

2006-12-27T17:58:00.000-05:00

I got word today that one of my former Jr. High wrestlers was killed in Iraq. Joey Strong was his name. I remember coaching him and watching him grow into a fine young wrestler. He was a hard worker and he had God given athletic ability. Please be praying for his family during this trial!

I hear virtually everyday of American Soldiers being killed in the war, odd how I've come to expect it, even more odd...no sinful really, of how hardened to the death of someone's husband / son / brother / friend, I realize now I've become. Now, for the first time since March of 2003, the start of the war, the death has hit closer to home than I'm used to, and my eyes have been opened. My heart and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Please be lifting them up in your prayers as well. I'm unsure of their or his spiritual condition(s), which for me actually makes it a little harder, not knowing...but God knows.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God sent His son!

2006-12-16T09:08:00.000-05:00

I awoke this morning with these words in my head. This is a very busy time of year for all of us and if by chance you had time to read this blog I wanted to encourage you with them, as I was encouraged this AM. And though I am not a scrooge by any stretch, by now I've had my fill of the radio "holiday" songs...they started them even earlier this year, before Thanksgiving as I recall. It doesn't help that I can't find my Christmas CD's, as I have recently moved and they're surely in of box somewhere. These words below bring to mind a simpler time. I hear my grandmother singing them, in her sweet old grandmother voice, as she plays the piano in her living room. Merry Christmas!

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives.

But greater still the calm assurance, This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain.

And then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone!

Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives!

~ William and Gloria Gaither ~

Post to move on...

2006-11-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

Thank you all so much for your sympathy regarding my previous injury! Your thoughts and prayers were very encouraging during that time. I'm good now! ;-P

Like you all as well, I've been crazy busy these past few weeks...I have been helping my brother move...and this wasn't a little move with a few pick-up trucks, this was a whole house move and included a six-car garage full of stuff. Then I moved...this was a lot smaller move...the few pick-up trucks kind of move...now I'm all settled into my new place...the only thing left to do really is to find out how we can get high-speed Internet...(easier said than down) we're kind of in the country now...

I also picked up a part-time job...That's right, I'm a UPS man now...well not a UPS man that comes to your door but I will be getting a paycheck from them as I work part-time in the AM loading and unloading between 800 and 7500 boxes (depending on what job they put me on) M - F... It's funny to see what people ship and how they package it...I've only been actually working on the floor two days and already...trust me...I'll never package or ship a box the same way again...I'm much wiser now and know what a package goes through...It's amazing...I'll have to blog sometime about the crazy objects I've seen go by on the line...

Life is good though...I'm the kind of guy that...the more I have to do the better I do things...I'm better at time management and stay on task more...does that make sense? Hope to hear from or see you soon! I've got a huge "party" basement now so come on over anytime ;-P you just have leave by 7:30 PM if it's a week night...I have to be at UPS in the morning about 4:15 AM. HaHaHa!

You Be The Doctor!

2006-10-26T18:17:00.000-04:00

I think I may have broken my toe yesterday morning but I need you to be the judge. I've never, to my knowledge, had a broken bone so it's hard for me to tell what exactly is going on. Have you seen on TV recently the commercials for WebMD? I went to them to do a self diagnosis. Though "they" recommend that one gets an X-ray...I think I'll pass for now. However, here are the symptoms of a broken toe according to WebMD...

Symptoms of a broken toe may include:
- A snap or pop at the time of the injury.
- Pain, swelling, and bruising.
- Possible deformity (not just swelling), such as a toe pointing in the wrong direction. A dislocated toe can also look deformed.
- Decreased movement or movement that causes pain.

(me again)...So it's a yes, yes, no, and yes to those symptoms (3 of 4). I really don't think its broke in two...but something is for sure wrong.

I don't need a cast and I understand (according to WebMD) that what I really need to do is "use the buddy system" and tape the toe in question up with a good toe with some padding between them. But my main concern right now is that nothing touch that area of my foot as it very tender. Get well cards and gifts can be sent to my home address ;-P Maybe I need some of that AFLAC insurance...I'll have to ask my employer about it (hahaha!) I really think I need a second opinion...If you would like to take a look for yourself I took a picture with my phone (scroll down to see). What do you think?

A Series of Conscious Decisions

2006-10-13T09:41:00.000-04:00

This blog was inspired by Gretchen Reads 24/7 in which she blogged: An Series of Unfortunate Events. Which I hope everything went well and the whole event was a huge success! Can I say that about an unfortunate event? Hold on, my head is starting to spin...I have to stop thinking about it. Anyway...

A Series of Conscious Decisions - In other words, I do what I do, because I want what I want. And more often than I would like to admit...A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people...but most times I bring bad things on myself. Besides...Good People, in them selves, don't even exist (myself included) Rom. 3:10 -12 as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even on; There is none who understand, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, Together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one." and Isaiah 64:6 states that All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away (my comment: Isaiah passage is especially good to use when your evangelising during Fall)

My decisions come from my heart...

Matthew 15:18-19 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

Luke 6:44-46 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?

When I do or think things that are displeasing to God and outside of His will for my life, I miss out of the blessing in which my Heavenly Father wishes to give to me. The above is a stark contrast to what is here below. Thru God's gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit. I don't have to be so much like the guy above. Though, for me, it's often still a struggle. I want a life of conscious decisions glorifying God. I want to be known as a man of love.

1 Corinthians 13:3-13 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Why?

2006-10-06T09:25:00.000-04:00

Why do I find dogs riding in cars so GREAT! I saw this picture on-line and immediately thought of posting it. I have a greeting card in my office, hanging on the wall, with an image of a dog riding in a car with the wind blowing in it's face. The card isn't even from anyone...I just purchased it for the picture on the front. I just don't get why I find these things so amusing??? Nonetheless...I'll take it as a blessing from God and enjoy it for what it is! Got dogs in cars pics? Send them my way...

This looks like a movie worth viewing!

2006-10-05T11:04:00.000-04:00

They don't come around very often (quality movies) but this movie looks good...Let me know what you think!

http://www.foxfaithmovies.com/lovesabidingjoy/

How Much Wood Could A Woodchuck...

2006-10-03T22:34:00.000-04:00

The Answer We've Long Awaited: In a feature on a website a man provides the following in-depth response to that popular question: How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

You have posed an unanswerable question. It’s unanswerable not because the chucking capacity of a woodchuck is one of the great cosmic mysteries. I would be happy to answer your question if you would qualify it in ways that make an answer possible. First, what is the time frame? Are you interested in how much wood a woodchuck could chuck in ten minutes? An hour? A day? A standard woodchuck lifetime? Second, please define what you mean by the word chuck. Do you mean “to toss, to throw with a quick motion?” I hope you do not mean “to vomit,” because this raises in the mind the disgusting image of a spewing woodchuck. Finally, by the use of the word if in your question, you suggest that in reality woodchucks cannot chuck wood, that your question is entirely and hopelessly hypothetical. But to pose your question from such a philosophical position suggests that woodchucks are frauds, that they choose to be called by a name to which they cannot live up. Personally, I have never met a woodchuck who was anything but straightforward and honorable, so I am quite sure that they can indeed chuck wood, and I think you should apologize for implying otherwise.

NBC, Madonna Set To Mock The Crucifixion of Christ

2006-09-29T22:52:00.000-04:00

Check out this site. Sign up for their action alerts, I find them very informative.

http://www.afa.net/

Check post below as well / first picture post?

2006-09-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

Janet Jackson Loves Smoothie King

2006-09-28T19:02:00.000-04:00

This is great! Check out the link below, watch the first minute or so of the clip and then go to Smoothie King to get your strawberry smoothie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2vfC-7gjaY

Duck, Dodge, and Dive

2006-09-24T16:53:00.000-04:00

I saw gas today for $2.01! Man...They're giving it away...I don't see how they can stay in business...NOT!!! It's still high and they're still making a killing!! There now that I got that off my chest...

I was in a great wedding this weekend...I was the best man even...It was a great wedding for sure but it had nothing to do with me...It was all God! To see a wedding / marriage centered on God and having a relationship following the parameters set by God, in the bible, is a beautiful thing. Needless to say it was a heart warming experience and I hope and pray that I may glorify God in such a way thru a marriage He gives to me.

Football game line update...Unfortunately we didn't have the same problem this weekend...Nonetheless, God is control that that even...I am asking that business will increase for the remaining 3 games...10.21 / 10.28 / and 11.18. Thank you for your prayers as well.

Off to mow my grass and dodge raindrops...

The line was too long...

2006-09-13T20:35:00.000-04:00

I got an email today from the guy we work thru over at the stadium...you see Smoothie King has a booth over next to the stadium on home games...There were some other items in the email but here's the part I want to share...

Also, the smoothie vendor set up at the corner of ____ and ____ has been creating a major traffic jam. Would it be possible to have the stand facing south instead of east. The problem, the line is going all the way out onto _____, creating a problem for JPC shuttle carts to get through. Let me know.

What a blessing from God to have a line so long that it creates a traffic jam! I am really thankful. Rest assured we plan on fixing the problem...

correction...

2006-09-11T08:52:00.000-04:00

NO NO! I'm sorry it was $2.32(9) NOT $3.32(9)...see post below...

Gas for the mower...

2006-09-11T08:47:00.000-04:00

While doing yard work this past weekend I was thinking, as you often have some quality thinking time when doing such, I got to thinking about gas prices. I paid $3.32(9) this weekend by the way and saw it at another station for $2.28(9) [It's been as high as $3.18 or so] You may know where this is going...My question to self was...What gas milage does my mower get? and How do you find out? Any creative ideas as to how one could find out?

I am so sorry...

2006-09-07T09:57:00.000-04:00

I've had some technical difficulties over the last couple months...I forgot my "blogger" login information...What a powerless situation just being able to read and never write...I think there is a lesson to be learned there...I still don't know how to post pics or hotlinks...anyhow...

I LOVE FALL!!! By far my most favorite season...The sound of dry leaves crackling beneath your feet as you walk down the sidewalk...The smell of grilling burgers, brats, and hotdogs...The sights of FOOTBALL!!...And so much more! I refuse to let my current occupation continue to take those joys away from me...I'm taking back God's blessings of Fall! Thank you God for the different seasons...Both of this earth and of our lives!

How Old Are You?

2006-07-20T21:19:00.000-04:00

Seems to be the time of year to start blogging again. I have learned over the past few weeks / months that is not as "cool" to blog as it is to facebook or myspace. I'm over 30...If you need me I'll be here.

Thoughtful Insight

2006-05-06T21:33:00.000-04:00

I was driving down the street last night (past Don Pablo's) and a saw a girl get out of a car in Don's parking lot...Clearly they were going inside for a meal. Anyhow...She got out of the car, shut the door, and pulled up her pants. Now I'm thinking she's thinking...I can eat anything I want in here and as much of it as I want...Since my pants are loose and all. HERE'S THE DEEP THOUGHT - Just because your pants are too loose doesn't mean you're skinny...Just because your pants are too tight doesn't mean you're too fat...Either means your pants are just the wrong size.

Would you like a lemon in your water?

2006-04-19T23:51:00.000-04:00

So I'm sitting down at my PC after a hard days work, getting ready to download my AVG FREE anti-virous software when my cell phone buzzes (I still had it on pager mode from when I went to church that night)...The caller ID says Smoothie King (a.k.a. work) so I answer. The voice on the other end says..."we have a major problem." Not exactly what you want to hear. "We have no water / water pressure." Now here is he rest of the story 1) I get the water co. number from her 2) I call the water co. and for like a minute there are computer voice prompts asking me if I want spanish words and the computer voice even takes a moment to explain about how there new automated system is so easy to use...all the while my business suffers because we can't make smoothies without water...3) I finally get a real person and they tell me that "they" are doing the spring hydrent flush and we will be without water for 15 - 30 min. The water co. guys says that I should have known that they were going to do this because the water co. posts the schedule "maybe in the newspaper" he said. Do you know the hydrant flushing schedule in you area...OF COURSE YOU DON'T - NO ONE DOES! 4) I call the store and tell one employee to call the Subway that is behind us to see if they have water and tell the other to take some petty cash down the block to fetch a pale of water from the kwik-e-mart. She calls me back and says that the kwik-e-mart doesn't have any water 5) Anyway...I jump into the truck and race over to buy some water at the Payless...I pull into my parking space and suddenly realize that I don't have my wallet. See I didn't put it in my pocket because I was just going to go to a youth leader meeting later that is just down the street from my house 5) I scrape up just over $2.50 from out of my truck and front pants pocket. 6) I buy 3 gallons of water and run to the store. While on the way to the store I call the store back to see if their had been any changes and as I explain that I'm on my way with water she asks why I'm bringing water...she had got some at the kwik-e-mart - they had water to buy as we discussed but not water in their pipes...I had not taken it that way. 7) I get to the store and find out that kwik-e-mart water is about .50 cents more per gallon than Payless water. Anyway this story takes place at night so by this time Smoothie King is like 15 min. from closing and we're limping along on the jugs of water. 8) I call the water co. back to see what's up and now they say they have an unconfirmed main break somewhere and that it will be 6 - 8 hrs. What's great about the situation is that the main broke about 1.5 hours before we close which gives them their 6-8 hrs. to fix the problem while we are closed at night instead of the break 1.5 hrs. before we open in the AM and then the hrs. would take a huge chunk of our next days sales. If you are still reading this, Sorry I've bored you with all the details but it just goes to show how you can go from just sitting there doing nothing to an emergancy in like 5 sec. God is in control (and I'm very thankful for this) and I won't worry (to much) about what I'll find at Smoothie King in the AM. Next up...pics of my niece at Easter if I can figure out how to post them and a maybe some Passion Play pics. Good day!

2006-04-08T11:13:00.000-04:00

So I'm Grizzly-Adams-like right now because I am acting in the Lafayette Passion Play. I know it is against Smoothie King policy to have facial hair but since I'm in charge at this Smoothie King and the eternity of peoples' souls are at stake...having the beard for 6 weeks is a risk I'm willing to take. Smoothie King is an avenue in which I can spread the good news of Jesus Christ...that life has a purpose...that there is a heaven to be won and a hell to be shunned after we die. And if Christ doesn't come first we will all die. My grandmother has a saying...She says, "Ain't none of us going to out of this world alive." More to come later...I've got to go...

My Old Car

2006-03-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

So I'm at Smoothie King one morning...working, because that's what I tend to do there...make smoothies, office work, customer service etc. and BAM there it was...my old car being driven down the street. It was passing right by the store front windows. It was my actual old car not a car like mine, with the lady who bought it from me driving it. She looked happy and was getting to where she needed to go. I was proud of my old car for holding up for her...

String Cheese

2006-03-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

This blog is dedicated to my one and only friend in Muncie, Indiana...Beth!

String Cheese...It's SO good! Though I noticed something today. I don't string it anymore. For me it's more like cheese on a stick now. Sure, I remember as a child actually thinking that by pulling at the top of the cheese cylinder and attempting to make sting cheese was the ONLY way to eat it permitted by law. Now I'm so in a hurry and such that I just take bites from my "string" cheese. Then I thought to myself...if I bite all my cheese snacks...what is the difference between string cheese and cheese blocked or cubed? None really. Then it dawned on me what a great marketing ploy by the cheese marketing guys. BRILLIANT!! I wonder how string cheese melts compared to Velveta?

One Liner...

2006-03-14T17:43:00.000-05:00

A guy came into Smoothie King and asked for Jr. Banana Split for $.99...no lie! I sold him a mango kids kup for $2.11 instead.

Keep Reading

2006-03-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

You know if you keep looking there is humor in EVERYTHING.

So I have a friend that is looking at jewelry online...And though I'm not looking to make a jewelry purchase I do like to surf the web looking for a great deal (don't we all want to be a shopping hero really?) and when you're looking for anything online you always find yourself at ebay.com at one point. Anyway, I got inspired to look too and attached to an item I was looking at had this disclaimer with it...in regards to the return policy. Keep in mind 1) Keep reading [I know it's long] 2) It's regarding a piece of jewelry 3) This is real. ENJOY!

REFUNDS/EXCHANGES:All sales are final. Refunds/exchanges will be made ONLY in the event that the item is not as represented in the auction. If such a misrepresentation is claimed, you must contact us within 5 days of receipt of item. Additionally, the return must be accompanied by written appraisal from a professional jeweler confirming the discrepancy claimed. UNACCEPTABLE reasons for refund/exchange include: A) "I changed my mind." B) "I know what I bid, but I don't feel like paying that much." C) "I didn't read the entire description until after I won the item." D) "I had a fight with my significant other and won't be giving the item to him/her after all." E) "I found another one somewhere else." F) "Item was severely damaged when I dropped it into the kitchen garbage disposal." G) "My astrologer says if I wear this item I will suffer really bad karma and be reborn as a carrot cake on Bill Gates's dinner table." H) "The Air Force is suing me because the glare from the bling was so bright it caused a fighter pilot to go blind and crash, and they want fifty trillion dollars to replace the super secret experimental antimatter jet he was flying." I) "My dog ate it." J) "I didn't buy it from YOU, but it's similar to something you sell, so give me a refund anyway." K) "Space aliens placed the bid telepathically through my eBay account, so it's not MY bid." Seriously folks, we're not unreasonable -- but we do take your bid as a legally binding contract (as per eBay's policy), and we request that you do the same.

OUCH!!

2006-02-27T13:42:00.000-05:00

Word to the wise...

So I was in my office today and thought to myself...Self, I should use some Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer on my hands...and since I have a tiny bottle up on a shelf in my office I did just that. The instructions on the side of the bottle say to put a "thumbnail size drop" as serving size...I thought that may be a little excessive (have you seen my thumbnail?). So needless to say, I put less than that on and started rubbing my hands together briskly as instructed. AND THAT IS WHEN IT HIT ME! OUCH! The fact that I had paper-cut myself just a few hours prior opening mail. WOW! Word to the Wise...DON'T USE hand sanitizer with any open wounds on you hands - It REALLY burns!! Deep thoughts by Smoothie King.

24

2006-02-24T09:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the help on my last post, you guys are great!

The shredder is doing fine...things have been calm for it the past few days. Feel free to mail me any really sensitive papers that you don't want anyone else to get a hold of and no one else to EVER see...Identity theft is huge these days. I'll shred them faster than you can say "I'll have a Peach Slice Plus please"

24 Days until my Birthday! Somehow I scored 4 tickets to a Salah concert on the 31st other than that I don't have any plans for celebration. Any ideas?

Quick Blog (a.k.a. QB)

2006-02-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

You know what I would do? Well, actually lots of things but right now...I would blog more if I knew how to post pictures. Pictures are worth a THOUSAND words...how can I compete with that? It can't be that hard...clearly there are less intelligent bloggers than I, that post pictures on a regular basis (please don't make me name names). I am a man however and it goes against my natural grain to read directions...please don't make me look it up.

Party!

2006-02-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

Quick shredder story...I was shredding the other day when all of a sudden the top popped off and it stopped working! Apparently that is what happens when it gets too full! Some sort of new-fangled "safety" feature I guess! Don't worry, the problem is fixed now...I emptied it out...Though there are lessons to be learned from this as well. 1) Keep an eye on the fill level gauge on the side of shredder so you're not surprised if (who am I kidding...when) the top pops off again. 2) It's not as easy as it sounds NOT to make a giant mess trasferring the worlds smallest paper shred's from the shredder can into a real trash can...It's kind of like a mix of being at one of the World Series Champion parades when all the ticker-tape is flying around and at a New Year's Eve party when all the streamers and confetti are thrown around (all together and in slow motion)...Good times...

8 HRS. until Winter Camp 2006

Too Good Not to Post...

2006-02-03T09:35:00.000-05:00

I heard what follows, last night on the radio and it really hit home for me. Regardless of where you are, we all can grow in this area as we pursue getting closer to God.

"Worship is NOT just something to enjoy as a receiver, It's something you DO as a PARTICIPANT."

"Those who worship publicly - worship privately"

Thank you God for allowing us to worship you and please let us become the people you want us to be.

P.S. Shredder story coming soon!