I'm back from Israel, complete with unending jet-lag and a blog to chronicle the details. The blog about Israel is here.
I have a confession to make. I'm liking the wordpress.com vibe. Am I nuts? I'm going to have to choose.
Anyway, quick story about Israel. I was in the city of Tiberias which is on the Sea of Galilee, and an old guy is playing an accordian down by the sea (lake, actually). I walk up to listen to him, and then tell him, "Very nice," after which I place a dollar in his hat. He is very excited that I am an American, and tells me, "We want only America here." I told him that I wanted only Israel, too, because that seemed like an appropriate response.
He is so happy that he proceeds to play me our national anthem on the accordian. He began...
(Hum the words in "accordian" sound to get the full picture)
"Happy Birthday to You..."
"Happy Birthday to You..."
...
I saluted him as he was playing. I think he was pleased.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Israel Trip
I'm in Israel. I'm posting about it here.
Up 'till just this morning (6:15 AM local time, 12:15 AM CST [7 hours behind]), I am reminded of a story from a former State Youth Director at our youth camp.
He asked a young boy at the end of the week how the camp had been. "Great!" the boys said, "Still have the same underwear on I came with!"
Up 'till just this morning (6:15 AM local time, 12:15 AM CST [7 hours behind]), I am reminded of a story from a former State Youth Director at our youth camp.
He asked a young boy at the end of the week how the camp had been. "Great!" the boys said, "Still have the same underwear on I came with!"
Friday, March 14, 2008
From the Side of I-40
For clarification, I am not actually on the side of Interstate 40 East, but...
Sitting on a grassy knoll for 2 hours next to large trucks passing by dangerously close at 75+ mph can make one reflective. Well, it at least makes for an unnerving break in the chaos of life.
Let me back up.
Leaving at 3:30 in the afternoon which turned into 4:00 was the start of the quick jaunt to Crossville. The mission was to take three teenage boys to meet with a girlfriend's mother, who would travel the rest of the way for a weekend youth event in Knoxville. Understanding on the way that the boys had not brought the money they were supposed to have because clearly they thought I would pay for it and they could just pay me back brought about a wonderful conversation to pass the time. For punishment, I put in a Christmas musical CD and I believe my point was made.
Have you ever had a moment when you thought about something just before it happened? Well, I was thinking how driving down the interstate would be a bad place to have a flat, especially considering that my spare tire had a nail it in that I had neglected to fix beforehand. No matter, I could take care of that when I got home.
Reflecting on that irony as well as many others while sitting on the side of the interstate brought not anger, but a gentle smile across my face. It truly was an impressive display of "hole" in the tire. I'm not quite sure what had caused it, but that was only to focus on the past, which I am not a man who is want to do. Luckily, when all of the snacks the boys had brought had been consumed by me at a couple of hours later, a football was found and as the sun was setting at around 7:00 PM, no one found themselves bored.
It was at that time that the State Trooper pulled up to see why we were on the side of the road. I informed him that I had called Verizon and they were supposed to send someone, but that was some time ago. He nodded, and drove off. Thankful that not only he, but the other policemen who had passed by without stopping in the time before would be so dedicated to their job of driving the interstates in search of the true ticket quota solutions, I took my spot back on the knoll. Another call to Verizon informed me that the tow truck was 1 mile away, and I walked back closer to the vehicle.
Ten minutes later a car stopped to see if we needed assistance. I informed him of the tow truck being virtually upon us and we discussed the problem with being stuck on the side of the road. Some time later, the tow truck arrived and went through the process of hooking us up. Room was found for the three boys in the cab with the driver, and a discussion was had about the place I wanted to take my car. The driver eventually learned that I did not know where I was, or where a proper tire place was located, and proceeded to drive five miles in the direction I was heading in order to turn around and go twelve miles in the other direction to the tire shop of choice.
Riding in the car on the top of a tow truck gives one time to think. One of the things I thought of was my gratefulness of the fact that I do not suffer from seizures, because the blinking lights that were now at front windshield level would have put a lesser man into such a state. I felt bad for those who have seizures. I also reflected on the physics of wind and resistance, along with the "push" of side wind that comes from semi-trucks. The marvels of the modern truck amazes me.
I in a short time that tire places are closed at 8:00 PM, and that the tow rate after the 10 miles that Verizon will cover comes to around $3 a mile. Interesting. Having remembered that Wal-Mart could be a solution, I requested a trip to one I had noticed from my lofty position a mile or so before. The auto department was closing, as we found out from the drivers cell phone conversation, but I could purchase a tire and put it on myself. This was good news, however I thought of a flaw in the plan. Disappointed the tow driver was when he learned that I had no means to take a tire off of the existing rim, much less put a new tire on said rim. He hadn't thought of this because he buys all of his tires at a junkyard with the rim already on. What to do... what to do?
It was then that I informed him of the reason for requesting Wal-Mart. There is a tire plug kit for around $6 in Wal-Mart that could give a solution to the spare with the nail. Off we go, pulling out onto the road from the parking lot of the closed tire shop and in search of the plug kit. From my position in the car above the tow truck, I sensed a problem while sitting at a traffic light. It had turned green, but we were not moving. Alas, this is what happens to all vehicles when all of the fuel has been expired.
Apparently, tow trucks have a "back tank" where after a few more moments in the middle of the road can be accessed for emergency fuel. Off we were to the Wal-Mart gas station again, which was only a long walk from the actual store itself. Having gotten there, a request was made for the use of my cell phone, as the driver of the tow truck had left his in the road during the time of gas-less-ness. A supervisor shows up, and the driver leaves to retrieve his phone. This was a foolish mission, it seems, because the phone had been run over by passing vehicles several times, including one as the driver was standing by waiting to go into the road to retrieve his phone.
I learned that a tow truck driver, or supervisor, will not take a check card. I also learned that they will not lower a car from the back of a tow truck without payment. With this information came also the knowledge that Verizon had in fact made a mistake with their direction of the event, but the extra tow miles were probably not reimbursable by them. They also hoped I would have a better day. This is the reason I stay with Verizon, their commitment to the integrity of their policy and beliefs.
I learned then, however, that a solution could be for me to put $12 worth of diesel into another tow truck that the supervisor was driving and all could be worked out. This could be done on my check card at the pump, so I obliged. After getting $12.01 worth of fuel for his truck the driver was satisfied. I felt sorry for the man, however, because I believe that he has a hearing problem, seeing that he did not give me the penny in return even after I had asked for it.
Three hours after the initial call I thanked the gentlemen from Express Towing Company for their efficiency and innovative solutions to the financial dilemmas that we had faced.
Finding a plug kit after a walk to the Wal-Mart brought joy and expectancy into the moment. Work was done while the parent and girlfriend, who had traveled to our location at the Wal-Mart, watched in awe. It was like grace in motion, teenage boys changing a tire. Showing them the 3 minute procedure of plugging a tire was a moment for learning, which is something I always try to work into times like these. Air was placed into the tire by one of the boys, and then released from twice the pressure than was necessary. Again, a learning moment for a young lad.
The $200 dollars that I had in my possession went directly into the hands of the boys to pay the bill of the trip. Not to worry, I will get it back I was assured. Two of them would currently like to get jobs. Knowing that I, in fact, owned a money tree was assuring to them and caused them not to even worry about how the bill for the event would be paid.
Pulling out of Wal-Mart at 9:43 PM was highlighted by a Taco Bell across the street. This was providential, because I was both hungry and had to survey the area to determine exactly the direction and distance of the interstate from my present location. With full stomach, I ventured back home.
My wife was in bed at 11:30, and as I got under the covers she told me that she was happy that I was home.
I missed her on the side of I-40.
Sitting on a grassy knoll for 2 hours next to large trucks passing by dangerously close at 75+ mph can make one reflective. Well, it at least makes for an unnerving break in the chaos of life.
Let me back up.
Leaving at 3:30 in the afternoon which turned into 4:00 was the start of the quick jaunt to Crossville. The mission was to take three teenage boys to meet with a girlfriend's mother, who would travel the rest of the way for a weekend youth event in Knoxville. Understanding on the way that the boys had not brought the money they were supposed to have because clearly they thought I would pay for it and they could just pay me back brought about a wonderful conversation to pass the time. For punishment, I put in a Christmas musical CD and I believe my point was made.
Have you ever had a moment when you thought about something just before it happened? Well, I was thinking how driving down the interstate would be a bad place to have a flat, especially considering that my spare tire had a nail it in that I had neglected to fix beforehand. No matter, I could take care of that when I got home.
Reflecting on that irony as well as many others while sitting on the side of the interstate brought not anger, but a gentle smile across my face. It truly was an impressive display of "hole" in the tire. I'm not quite sure what had caused it, but that was only to focus on the past, which I am not a man who is want to do. Luckily, when all of the snacks the boys had brought had been consumed by me at a couple of hours later, a football was found and as the sun was setting at around 7:00 PM, no one found themselves bored.
It was at that time that the State Trooper pulled up to see why we were on the side of the road. I informed him that I had called Verizon and they were supposed to send someone, but that was some time ago. He nodded, and drove off. Thankful that not only he, but the other policemen who had passed by without stopping in the time before would be so dedicated to their job of driving the interstates in search of the true ticket quota solutions, I took my spot back on the knoll. Another call to Verizon informed me that the tow truck was 1 mile away, and I walked back closer to the vehicle.
Ten minutes later a car stopped to see if we needed assistance. I informed him of the tow truck being virtually upon us and we discussed the problem with being stuck on the side of the road. Some time later, the tow truck arrived and went through the process of hooking us up. Room was found for the three boys in the cab with the driver, and a discussion was had about the place I wanted to take my car. The driver eventually learned that I did not know where I was, or where a proper tire place was located, and proceeded to drive five miles in the direction I was heading in order to turn around and go twelve miles in the other direction to the tire shop of choice.
Riding in the car on the top of a tow truck gives one time to think. One of the things I thought of was my gratefulness of the fact that I do not suffer from seizures, because the blinking lights that were now at front windshield level would have put a lesser man into such a state. I felt bad for those who have seizures. I also reflected on the physics of wind and resistance, along with the "push" of side wind that comes from semi-trucks. The marvels of the modern truck amazes me.
I in a short time that tire places are closed at 8:00 PM, and that the tow rate after the 10 miles that Verizon will cover comes to around $3 a mile. Interesting. Having remembered that Wal-Mart could be a solution, I requested a trip to one I had noticed from my lofty position a mile or so before. The auto department was closing, as we found out from the drivers cell phone conversation, but I could purchase a tire and put it on myself. This was good news, however I thought of a flaw in the plan. Disappointed the tow driver was when he learned that I had no means to take a tire off of the existing rim, much less put a new tire on said rim. He hadn't thought of this because he buys all of his tires at a junkyard with the rim already on. What to do... what to do?
It was then that I informed him of the reason for requesting Wal-Mart. There is a tire plug kit for around $6 in Wal-Mart that could give a solution to the spare with the nail. Off we go, pulling out onto the road from the parking lot of the closed tire shop and in search of the plug kit. From my position in the car above the tow truck, I sensed a problem while sitting at a traffic light. It had turned green, but we were not moving. Alas, this is what happens to all vehicles when all of the fuel has been expired.
Apparently, tow trucks have a "back tank" where after a few more moments in the middle of the road can be accessed for emergency fuel. Off we were to the Wal-Mart gas station again, which was only a long walk from the actual store itself. Having gotten there, a request was made for the use of my cell phone, as the driver of the tow truck had left his in the road during the time of gas-less-ness. A supervisor shows up, and the driver leaves to retrieve his phone. This was a foolish mission, it seems, because the phone had been run over by passing vehicles several times, including one as the driver was standing by waiting to go into the road to retrieve his phone.
I learned that a tow truck driver, or supervisor, will not take a check card. I also learned that they will not lower a car from the back of a tow truck without payment. With this information came also the knowledge that Verizon had in fact made a mistake with their direction of the event, but the extra tow miles were probably not reimbursable by them. They also hoped I would have a better day. This is the reason I stay with Verizon, their commitment to the integrity of their policy and beliefs.
I learned then, however, that a solution could be for me to put $12 worth of diesel into another tow truck that the supervisor was driving and all could be worked out. This could be done on my check card at the pump, so I obliged. After getting $12.01 worth of fuel for his truck the driver was satisfied. I felt sorry for the man, however, because I believe that he has a hearing problem, seeing that he did not give me the penny in return even after I had asked for it.
Three hours after the initial call I thanked the gentlemen from Express Towing Company for their efficiency and innovative solutions to the financial dilemmas that we had faced.
Finding a plug kit after a walk to the Wal-Mart brought joy and expectancy into the moment. Work was done while the parent and girlfriend, who had traveled to our location at the Wal-Mart, watched in awe. It was like grace in motion, teenage boys changing a tire. Showing them the 3 minute procedure of plugging a tire was a moment for learning, which is something I always try to work into times like these. Air was placed into the tire by one of the boys, and then released from twice the pressure than was necessary. Again, a learning moment for a young lad.
The $200 dollars that I had in my possession went directly into the hands of the boys to pay the bill of the trip. Not to worry, I will get it back I was assured. Two of them would currently like to get jobs. Knowing that I, in fact, owned a money tree was assuring to them and caused them not to even worry about how the bill for the event would be paid.
Pulling out of Wal-Mart at 9:43 PM was highlighted by a Taco Bell across the street. This was providential, because I was both hungry and had to survey the area to determine exactly the direction and distance of the interstate from my present location. With full stomach, I ventured back home.
My wife was in bed at 11:30, and as I got under the covers she told me that she was happy that I was home.
I missed her on the side of I-40.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What's In Your Garbage?
Sounds like a crummy game show, doesn't it? Or maybe a great one... who knows?!?
The more specific question is actually, "What is in your office garbage?" I don't care about shredding documents or such, but I think the garbage in your office might reflect your day.
Mine was full to the top (and almost overflowing) with McDonald's cups and Dr. Pepper cans.
Just wondering...
The more specific question is actually, "What is in your office garbage?" I don't care about shredding documents or such, but I think the garbage in your office might reflect your day.
Mine was full to the top (and almost overflowing) with McDonald's cups and Dr. Pepper cans.
Just wondering...
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
My Wife is a Genius
Now, I realize that all should think this about their significant others, but I really am impressed with my wife. The reasons are many, but the one that immediately comes to mind is her ability to pull desserts out of thin air.
I remember when I knew we didn't have ANY food in our home, and Hol goes into the kitchen and 15 minutes or so later she comes out with peanut butter cookies. Now we add chocolate chips to the mix and it is the best cookie ever!
My youngest son is allergic to everything, but she mixes a bunch of stuff up and whoop-de-ding-dong-dang... Isaac Surprise Cookies! He asked if she could make more, and her response was, "I don't know. I really don't know how I made them."
Last night moved her into a new realm of dessert goodieness. The kids are in bed and we are watching TV. I get up to go into the kitchen for some reason and notice wrappers for both a Hershey's Dark Chocolate bar and a Little Debbie brownie. I question the availability of more. Alas, they were old wrappers that had escaped the trash a short time before. However, she then asks if I want a snack.
Introducing:
I remember when I knew we didn't have ANY food in our home, and Hol goes into the kitchen and 15 minutes or so later she comes out with peanut butter cookies. Now we add chocolate chips to the mix and it is the best cookie ever!
My youngest son is allergic to everything, but she mixes a bunch of stuff up and whoop-de-ding-dong-dang... Isaac Surprise Cookies! He asked if she could make more, and her response was, "I don't know. I really don't know how I made them."
Last night moved her into a new realm of dessert goodieness. The kids are in bed and we are watching TV. I get up to go into the kitchen for some reason and notice wrappers for both a Hershey's Dark Chocolate bar and a Little Debbie brownie. I question the availability of more. Alas, they were old wrappers that had escaped the trash a short time before. However, she then asks if I want a snack.
"Do you want something salty or sweet?" she asks.She goes into the kitchen again, and begins to look into cabinets. Again, a little later a plate was brought out with a "this will probably not be good" look on her face. I tasted it.
"Holly, how long have we been married?" I respond.
Introducing:
Marshmerrios
Yes, marshmerrios.
She asked for improvements. I said, "Hol, whatever you've done... you did it."
The ingredients:
Marshmallows, Sugar, Butter, Remnant chocolate chips, Possibly something else, & Cheerios
There needs to be some type of cooking show on Food Network that is about pulling desserts out of nothing. Hol would win it.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Royal Flush(ed) Out
For starters, I am beginning a new phase of my blogging life that includes being a little more clever with my titles. I hope that you understand. It's not you... it's me.
That said, I begin with my phrase of a few weeks ago:
It seems that word had leaked out about Prince Harry of Great Britain (3rd in line to the throne) and his service in Afghanistan. He had been serving since December, and the knowledge of that fact was kept in secrecy for obvious reasons. Well, now that I mention it, perhaps they weren't so obvious. If word had gotten out that he was serving in a certain area, then both he and his unit would have been targeted in a greater measure than in normal warfare scenarios. There are other reason, but this is the main one.
The word had begun to leak, but leave it to the "news" organizations of the American press to totally open the faucet. Now, because our press has run with the story, he is being sent away from his unit and back home.
Does the press have NO sense whatsoever????? Geraldo gives away troop locations. News anchors follow limited movements to report atrocities and believe they are giving the big picture. Now, the press has no idea of what the word "secret" means.
The life and security of Harry trumps their choice to report... or it should. He had put himself in harms way for a cause, but it was his choice. His choice was to save the life of others. The press attempted to put the life of another in greater jeopardy to exercise their "choice" of free speech.
I cannot falsely scream "Fire!" in a crowed room because it would endanger the lives of the people in that room. In the name of reporting, the press screamed "fire." They put lives in jeopardy for a scoop, not a story.
What a stupid choice.
That said, I begin with my phrase of a few weeks ago:
Life trumps Choice... every time.
It seems that word had leaked out about Prince Harry of Great Britain (3rd in line to the throne) and his service in Afghanistan. He had been serving since December, and the knowledge of that fact was kept in secrecy for obvious reasons. Well, now that I mention it, perhaps they weren't so obvious. If word had gotten out that he was serving in a certain area, then both he and his unit would have been targeted in a greater measure than in normal warfare scenarios. There are other reason, but this is the main one.
The word had begun to leak, but leave it to the "news" organizations of the American press to totally open the faucet. Now, because our press has run with the story, he is being sent away from his unit and back home.
Does the press have NO sense whatsoever????? Geraldo gives away troop locations. News anchors follow limited movements to report atrocities and believe they are giving the big picture. Now, the press has no idea of what the word "secret" means.
The life and security of Harry trumps their choice to report... or it should. He had put himself in harms way for a cause, but it was his choice. His choice was to save the life of others. The press attempted to put the life of another in greater jeopardy to exercise their "choice" of free speech.
I cannot falsely scream "Fire!" in a crowed room because it would endanger the lives of the people in that room. In the name of reporting, the press screamed "fire." They put lives in jeopardy for a scoop, not a story.
What a stupid choice.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Fixing my thoughts...
A few weeks ago, I was sitting at my favorite mexican restaurant in Shelbyville (and we have a few) and the topic of a certain movie came up. It doesn't really matter what the movie was, so it will go nameless. One of the men stated that he had finally gotten to see this movie, and as he spoke he mentioned that it was not a movie that he would recommend. His disappointment was not in the quality of the filmaking or acting, but in some of the content that he wasn't pleased with. A young kid (teenager) had seen this movie as well, and began to go on and on about the greatness of this movie.
I was impressed in the character of the man in that he didn't scold the boy, but simply stated in a low key manner that he wished he had not seen the film. He didn't wish to embarrass the boy because young boys are, well, young boys; and it wasn't the time for a discussion of the reasons not to see the film. Taking his cue, I quickly distracted all by a totally irrelevant, but captivating topic that we could then move to.
I have found that each heart and spirit is a little different. We have a way of making others feel less by chiding them for what they cannot watch. I do not say that they cannot because of rule or regulations, but for other reasons. For some, the reason might be that they have made a commitment to themselves and their God that they will not view certain things. If this is done because they are made to by an organization, then it is fruitless. If it is a personal decision that is guiding only by their honor, then it will in fact reap benefits. For others, the reason they cannot view certain things is that they know their minds.
For instance, a totally harmless show can be on tv and my youngest son will cover his eyes when the "scary music" is heard. Others have problems dealing with gore, or sex, or other things and know that if they witness it then it will stay in and on their minds. We judge on both sides of the issue. Those that have no problem with viewing the film Saw (not the subject of the earlier conversation) riducule those who do not wish to view it. Those who choose not to see the film instantly judge the heart of those who do. So, what is the answer?
In the book of Philippians, chapter 4, Paul writes in the Word of God that there is a procedure for what we think about:
This has always helped me. Does what I am watching fit into these criteria? If so they will be good for me. If they don't, then I am probably setting myself up for thoughts that will take a while to get out of my head.
I was impressed in the character of the man in that he didn't scold the boy, but simply stated in a low key manner that he wished he had not seen the film. He didn't wish to embarrass the boy because young boys are, well, young boys; and it wasn't the time for a discussion of the reasons not to see the film. Taking his cue, I quickly distracted all by a totally irrelevant, but captivating topic that we could then move to.
I have found that each heart and spirit is a little different. We have a way of making others feel less by chiding them for what they cannot watch. I do not say that they cannot because of rule or regulations, but for other reasons. For some, the reason might be that they have made a commitment to themselves and their God that they will not view certain things. If this is done because they are made to by an organization, then it is fruitless. If it is a personal decision that is guiding only by their honor, then it will in fact reap benefits. For others, the reason they cannot view certain things is that they know their minds.
For instance, a totally harmless show can be on tv and my youngest son will cover his eyes when the "scary music" is heard. Others have problems dealing with gore, or sex, or other things and know that if they witness it then it will stay in and on their minds. We judge on both sides of the issue. Those that have no problem with viewing the film Saw (not the subject of the earlier conversation) riducule those who do not wish to view it. Those who choose not to see the film instantly judge the heart of those who do. So, what is the answer?
In the book of Philippians, chapter 4, Paul writes in the Word of God that there is a procedure for what we think about:
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what
is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think
about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
This has always helped me. Does what I am watching fit into these criteria? If so they will be good for me. If they don't, then I am probably setting myself up for thoughts that will take a while to get out of my head.
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