Amazing. Early November and I am already going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. And we are not even to the end of daylight savings time yet.
I am so frustrated already by the oppressive darkness which is punctuated by busy days and busy evenings.
Darkness.
We have lost our access to the light.
I am becoming a meeting warrior it seems. I cannot believe it, but I am spending more hours than I could have imagined in meetings. Ugh.
I am a doer, not a meeting animal.
Meetings can be so unproductive.
And some of the ones I am in are really unproductive.
But it is my battle rhythm.
It is what I do.
Meetings.
My mind was fried last evening when I stumbled home after 7pm. Ugh. I played racquetball at 5:30 am and had no idea at that time I would be strapped to a chair until almost 6:30 pm.
Battle rhythm. It seems as if I have too much battle and not enough rhythm.
--Bob Doan, EElkridge, MD
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tailights in my Eyes
Driving home from dropping Ethan off at Boys of Grace last evening on I-95, I was struck by the ribbons of lights eight lanes wide. Red taillights in front on me, winding over the hills and points of white lights coming at me from the other lanes.
The sunset was dark and almost gone on the horizon. The deep burnt orange glow still visible, but punctuated by the airplane landing lights and the stars coming into view.
It was a beautiful scene in a funny kind of way.
Ethan and I had, a few minutes earlier, just finished mowing the lawn and blowing off the leaves. It might be the last mowing of the year.
November is rapidly moving into winter. The mornings are cold aand frost covers my windshield.
Butfor now, the road was alive with ribbons of white and red lights moving at speeds about 70 mph in opposite directions.
And I was headed home for the second time tonight to enjoy a meal and some wine and relax until the morning called me to start all over again.
Another day and then facing the ribbons of lights again on the road. It seems that the dark times are upon us. Head to work in the dark and come home after sunset. I long for soringtime--and the promise is there.
The sunset was dark and almost gone on the horizon. The deep burnt orange glow still visible, but punctuated by the airplane landing lights and the stars coming into view.
It was a beautiful scene in a funny kind of way.
Ethan and I had, a few minutes earlier, just finished mowing the lawn and blowing off the leaves. It might be the last mowing of the year.
November is rapidly moving into winter. The mornings are cold aand frost covers my windshield.
Butfor now, the road was alive with ribbons of white and red lights moving at speeds about 70 mph in opposite directions.
And I was headed home for the second time tonight to enjoy a meal and some wine and relax until the morning called me to start all over again.
Another day and then facing the ribbons of lights again on the road. It seems that the dark times are upon us. Head to work in the dark and come home after sunset. I long for soringtime--and the promise is there.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Presidential Olympics
Ugh!
The race is begun and it is a marathon. The accusations and the counter accusations and sexual harassment allegations are flying.
Are we electing a saint or a president? Are we electing someone to lead us out of an economic catastrophe or some squeaky clean poster child for special interests? As I see it, a business man who has been out there with a proven track record is going to have been involved in the natural side effects of conducting business in America today--and that is people who are not willing to accept responsibility for their own actions or failures. Result? Allegations and accusations against him.
I don't know the or the facts, but I know that we have had many men with moral defects occupy the office of the President. One recent former President could likely get reelected if he ran again and he was the center of a huge scandal with interns. Why could he get elected again? Because he was a leader and people resonated with his messageand he deivered on his promises.
Let the cards fall as they may--but, let's not become so myopically focused upon one issue that we fail to elect the man or woman who can take this nation's reigns of leadership and lead us from the edge of economic ruin and back to the status of the only surviving superpower in the world. OK, maybe that was a bit over the top but you get the idea.
Jesus said something to a group of accusers loosly translated which encouraged any of them of who had not sinned was free to throw the first stone. And they all departed. Why? Because we have all sinned. Is one sin greater than another? Not really. Sin is sin. If you are perfect, well, think again. We have all sinned and fallen short of the goal. Daily, I might add. I love the ending to that scene in the Bible where Jesus tells the accused--and neither do I accuse you, go and sin no more. (John 8:1-11)
Let's not look for perfection during this presidential sweepstakes season, let us look for a leader with vision.
Personally, I'm looking for a Ronald Reagan type of leader who, btw, was divorced, was an actor, and still got elected when we were in a similar economic mess--double digit inflation and seemingly without hope. Why did we elect him? Because he helped us see what we could be. He instilled a sense of patriotism and gave us a common vision of the future. Oh yeah, and then he delivered.
I am looking for a leader who make me believe something like:
And then, let's make it happen, together.
- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
The race is begun and it is a marathon. The accusations and the counter accusations and sexual harassment allegations are flying.
Are we electing a saint or a president? Are we electing someone to lead us out of an economic catastrophe or some squeaky clean poster child for special interests? As I see it, a business man who has been out there with a proven track record is going to have been involved in the natural side effects of conducting business in America today--and that is people who are not willing to accept responsibility for their own actions or failures. Result? Allegations and accusations against him.
I don't know the or the facts, but I know that we have had many men with moral defects occupy the office of the President. One recent former President could likely get reelected if he ran again and he was the center of a huge scandal with interns. Why could he get elected again? Because he was a leader and people resonated with his messageand he deivered on his promises.
Let the cards fall as they may--but, let's not become so myopically focused upon one issue that we fail to elect the man or woman who can take this nation's reigns of leadership and lead us from the edge of economic ruin and back to the status of the only surviving superpower in the world. OK, maybe that was a bit over the top but you get the idea.
Jesus said something to a group of accusers loosly translated which encouraged any of them of who had not sinned was free to throw the first stone. And they all departed. Why? Because we have all sinned. Is one sin greater than another? Not really. Sin is sin. If you are perfect, well, think again. We have all sinned and fallen short of the goal. Daily, I might add. I love the ending to that scene in the Bible where Jesus tells the accused--and neither do I accuse you, go and sin no more. (John 8:1-11)
Let's not look for perfection during this presidential sweepstakes season, let us look for a leader with vision.
Personally, I'm looking for a Ronald Reagan type of leader who, btw, was divorced, was an actor, and still got elected when we were in a similar economic mess--double digit inflation and seemingly without hope. Why did we elect him? Because he helped us see what we could be. He instilled a sense of patriotism and gave us a common vision of the future. Oh yeah, and then he delivered.
I am looking for a leader who make me believe something like:
- If you're afraid of the future, then get out of the way, stand aside. The people of this country are ready to move again. Ronald Reagan
And then, let's make it happen, together.
- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
November Dawns
Amazingly, October is over and it is now the most wonderful time of the year.
Yes, it is the Thanksgiving season!
One of my favorite holidays just because it is about giving thanks to our creator, God, for all of the blessings we have received during the past year.
A moment, a day, to pause and think about the things we've been given that we really don't deserve. That really is the essence of grace, isn't it?
Yeah--there are a few days till Thanksgiving--but with the too soon passing of October the spiral down toward the end of the year really begins to pick up speed. Veteran's Day, then Thanksgiving and into December with the horrific rush of activity and parties until we crash into Christmas and then dance our way into the New Year. I'm exhausted thinking about it.
Halloween was fun, but it is over. Makayla played her part well and putup with the little costume we make her wear every year. She is cute with the little pointed hat and dress we make her wear.
Well, good morning November and the Thanksgiving season and good-bye to October and Halloween.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment while I bring on the turkeys.
Remember, if you can't soar with eagles, you can run with the turkeys.
Yes, it is the Thanksgiving season!
One of my favorite holidays just because it is about giving thanks to our creator, God, for all of the blessings we have received during the past year.
A moment, a day, to pause and think about the things we've been given that we really don't deserve. That really is the essence of grace, isn't it?
Yeah--there are a few days till Thanksgiving--but with the too soon passing of October the spiral down toward the end of the year really begins to pick up speed. Veteran's Day, then Thanksgiving and into December with the horrific rush of activity and parties until we crash into Christmas and then dance our way into the New Year. I'm exhausted thinking about it.
Halloween was fun, but it is over. Makayla played her part well and putup with the little costume we make her wear every year. She is cute with the little pointed hat and dress we make her wear.
Well, good morning November and the Thanksgiving season and good-bye to October and Halloween.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment while I bring on the turkeys.
Remember, if you can't soar with eagles, you can run with the turkeys.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday Musings - October 31, 2011
1. Just for the record--Happy Halloween and it is 28 degrees outside my house this morning as I write this. Whatever you are planning for today and tonight--be safe and warm.
2. The Boys of Summer concluded play last week with a thrilling World Series which saw the St Louis Cardinals defeat the Texas Rangers four games to three. I was lucky enough to have seen both teams play the Orioles this past season. Unfortunately, the Orioles lost.
3. The current cold snap caught me by surprise, I thought it was still autumn, but it appears winter is eager to get control of the weather.
4. I am convinced that the weekend would last longer if it was three vice two days long, or, alternatively, would I just be more tired when I went back to work?
5. I saw a good movie this weekend, Real Steel. It is much better that the trailers because it is a story about people, not robots.
6. I notice more and more than time passes so swiftly when I am doing things that I enjoy, and yet is drags along at a snail's pace when I am watching the clock waiting for an eventto end.
7. I wish I could find joy in everything that I do--but some things just aren't fun!
8. “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
2. The Boys of Summer concluded play last week with a thrilling World Series which saw the St Louis Cardinals defeat the Texas Rangers four games to three. I was lucky enough to have seen both teams play the Orioles this past season. Unfortunately, the Orioles lost.
3. The current cold snap caught me by surprise, I thought it was still autumn, but it appears winter is eager to get control of the weather.
4. I am convinced that the weekend would last longer if it was three vice two days long, or, alternatively, would I just be more tired when I went back to work?
5. I saw a good movie this weekend, Real Steel. It is much better that the trailers because it is a story about people, not robots.
6. I notice more and more than time passes so swiftly when I am doing things that I enjoy, and yet is drags along at a snail's pace when I am watching the clock waiting for an eventto end.
7. I wish I could find joy in everything that I do--but some things just aren't fun!
8. “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Halloween Weekend
Those who know me know that I am not a huge fan of Halloween. This year, because Halloween is on a Monday, it seems that the celebration has become a weekend-long event. Even I was at a local mall yesterday, escaping the rain and the cold, to watch the young children in their costumes dragging their parents behins as they paraded around to the various shops and stores to partake in the annual tradition of Trick or Treating. In a safe and warm environment.
I posted some images of our youngest grandchild, Lucas, dressed in his lion costume and apparently oblivious to everythiing happening around him but having a great time out with his mom and dad and two of his grandparents. I had fun watching him as we wound our way around the mall with the hundreds of other young Trick or Treaters.
So I found a few hours of enjoyment on an otherwise washout of a day.
And I saw lots of families together enjoying the season. The costumes ranged from cartoon characters to animals--and there really were no ghosts or goblins or any of the darkness associated with the annual celebration.
I guess I just need to lighten up bit and enjoy the family oriented activity. I had a good time wandering aroud visiting the shops and chatting with the family.
Being together as families, that is the most important part of the activity.
I posted some images of our youngest grandchild, Lucas, dressed in his lion costume and apparently oblivious to everythiing happening around him but having a great time out with his mom and dad and two of his grandparents. I had fun watching him as we wound our way around the mall with the hundreds of other young Trick or Treaters.
So I found a few hours of enjoyment on an otherwise washout of a day.
And I saw lots of families together enjoying the season. The costumes ranged from cartoon characters to animals--and there really were no ghosts or goblins or any of the darkness associated with the annual celebration.
I guess I just need to lighten up bit and enjoy the family oriented activity. I had a good time wandering aroud visiting the shops and chatting with the family.
Being together as families, that is the most important part of the activity.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
October Snow
I heard it said on the news--"We'll have more on our October snow in a minute." So nonchalant. Almost with a hint of joy in the announcer's voice as she was discussing the Nor'easter forming off the Hatteras coast.
The weekend is going to be another washout, or maybe whiteout would be a better phrase.
No blue skies in sight as the gray, wet morning dawns.
And the snow forecast is not trivial for our area--2-5 inches. Of snow! In October.
It is clear that autumn has lost its grip even before the trees have finished disrobing. It should make for some really interesting pictures though. Snow on the golden and red leaves.
For now though, rain and 35 degrees cold. The remaining leaves are falling off the trees as fast as they can to cover the ground with their protective blanket from the oncoming assault.
And so, I will be hunkering down again. Maybe some crown moulding work in the kitchen to fill my time. And some images of snow on the pumpkins--a juxtaposition of seasons.
Just a couple of weeks ago I was lounging on a beach in 80 degree October sunshine--and now there is no sunshine, only gray impending snow showers.
The weekend is going to be another washout, or maybe whiteout would be a better phrase.
No blue skies in sight as the gray, wet morning dawns.
And the snow forecast is not trivial for our area--2-5 inches. Of snow! In October.
It is clear that autumn has lost its grip even before the trees have finished disrobing. It should make for some really interesting pictures though. Snow on the golden and red leaves.
For now though, rain and 35 degrees cold. The remaining leaves are falling off the trees as fast as they can to cover the ground with their protective blanket from the oncoming assault.
And so, I will be hunkering down again. Maybe some crown moulding work in the kitchen to fill my time. And some images of snow on the pumpkins--a juxtaposition of seasons.
Just a couple of weeks ago I was lounging on a beach in 80 degree October sunshine--and now there is no sunshine, only gray impending snow showers.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Hunker Down
Cold weather and rain or snow. Last evening we hunkered down for the first time of the coming season.
Suffering from developing a head cold, I had to bring in the plants to save them from the expected frost and it was raining. In the process I scared the ferral cat which has taken up residence in our pool area--probably because Chris is feeding it daily. Chris has named the cat "Hope" while I have named it "No Way."
We sat around continuing to learn the wonders of the Apple iCloud and watching some of the funniest TV of the week--specifically Big Bang Theory.
But Friday is upon us and with it the promise of the weekend.
There are sure to be many more nights where we just hunker down and enjoy the light and life of the house to offset the cold and dark of the late-autumn and winter evenings.
The dog kept walking to the windows and looking out into the dark--I am sure she too was wondering why we were all just hunkering down, it ws so unlike us.
But we needed the evening.
Suffering from developing a head cold, I had to bring in the plants to save them from the expected frost and it was raining. In the process I scared the ferral cat which has taken up residence in our pool area--probably because Chris is feeding it daily. Chris has named the cat "Hope" while I have named it "No Way."
We sat around continuing to learn the wonders of the Apple iCloud and watching some of the funniest TV of the week--specifically Big Bang Theory.
But Friday is upon us and with it the promise of the weekend.
There are sure to be many more nights where we just hunker down and enjoy the light and life of the house to offset the cold and dark of the late-autumn and winter evenings.
The dog kept walking to the windows and looking out into the dark--I am sure she too was wondering why we were all just hunkering down, it ws so unlike us.
But we needed the evening.
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