Every so often, the lyrics of a song really hit me and stop me for a moment to really let them turn over in my mind.
I have been hearing a song by JJ Heller lately titled "Love Me." I have linked in the lyrics so that you can read them--but I also urge you to listen to the song.
The song presents three very different people struggling to find, accept, and receive love--unconditional love. The chorus is as follows:
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Intersections
I got thinking about how seemingly unconnected things come together at just the right time.
Sometimes the "just the right time" is good--sometimes it is bad. But these things just happen--circumstance? I think not. I hope not. There are just too many of them and when you consider the astronomical odds--could they really happen that way even if we planned them?
I was thinking back a few years ago, when Patrick rolled his Honda into a tree on New Year's morning a couple of years ago. And there just happened to be a medical professional following him who saw the accident and was on the scene almost before Patrick could extricate himself from the car. The tree impacted just behind the driver in the passenger area--but for three feet, the car could have been crushed onto Patrick. I remember how many times I looked at where that car was crushed as it sat in my driveway for almost a year before being towed away, and I though how lucky Patrick had been. But it was an intersection--the tree and the car and the medical person all together on the scene, and Patrick was OK and checked out.
And there are so many other intersections--I don't really see them all every day, but I suspect they are there.
Tuesday evening for instance. Traffic was awful as I was coming home from the gym. I-95 was snarled and the on ramp I usually use was backed up almost a mile. Suffice it to say--it was ugly. So I chose to go the alternate route--US 1. I guess everyone forgot about US 1 because it was clear and 50 mph all the way home. What was the intersection? As I had just lost an ugly racquetball match and felt crummy, the idea of sitting in traffic really didn't appeal to me--so the whole traffic back up forced me to an alternate route that significantly improved my mood because it was such a pleasant drive.
The intersection of the traffic, with racquetball, with US 1 completely changed my mood.
I had another one yesterday afternoon. I was planning to be with Ethan after school and I had a report at work that wasn't going to get out because my boss wasn't going to have time to review it before I had to leave. So I got an extension on the report. But then, Nicole called and Jax was sick so "E-day," as I call it, was cancelled. Because of the intersection of Jax being sick (a bad thing) and cancelling E-day with the report deadline--I didn't need the extension.
I know this seems a bit fuzzy--but I haven't been thinking about this for very long. I'm going to look hard at the intersections--where seemingly dissimilar paths cross to provide a result.
Sometimes the "just the right time" is good--sometimes it is bad. But these things just happen--circumstance? I think not. I hope not. There are just too many of them and when you consider the astronomical odds--could they really happen that way even if we planned them?
I was thinking back a few years ago, when Patrick rolled his Honda into a tree on New Year's morning a couple of years ago. And there just happened to be a medical professional following him who saw the accident and was on the scene almost before Patrick could extricate himself from the car. The tree impacted just behind the driver in the passenger area--but for three feet, the car could have been crushed onto Patrick. I remember how many times I looked at where that car was crushed as it sat in my driveway for almost a year before being towed away, and I though how lucky Patrick had been. But it was an intersection--the tree and the car and the medical person all together on the scene, and Patrick was OK and checked out.
And there are so many other intersections--I don't really see them all every day, but I suspect they are there.
Tuesday evening for instance. Traffic was awful as I was coming home from the gym. I-95 was snarled and the on ramp I usually use was backed up almost a mile. Suffice it to say--it was ugly. So I chose to go the alternate route--US 1. I guess everyone forgot about US 1 because it was clear and 50 mph all the way home. What was the intersection? As I had just lost an ugly racquetball match and felt crummy, the idea of sitting in traffic really didn't appeal to me--so the whole traffic back up forced me to an alternate route that significantly improved my mood because it was such a pleasant drive.
The intersection of the traffic, with racquetball, with US 1 completely changed my mood.
I had another one yesterday afternoon. I was planning to be with Ethan after school and I had a report at work that wasn't going to get out because my boss wasn't going to have time to review it before I had to leave. So I got an extension on the report. But then, Nicole called and Jax was sick so "E-day," as I call it, was cancelled. Because of the intersection of Jax being sick (a bad thing) and cancelling E-day with the report deadline--I didn't need the extension.
I know this seems a bit fuzzy--but I haven't been thinking about this for very long. I'm going to look hard at the intersections--where seemingly dissimilar paths cross to provide a result.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
December's Snow
It was blowing across the parking lot yesterday morning as I arrived at the gym at 5:30 AM.
White and powdery I could just make out the fine snow as it glistened in the headlights of my truck
Blowing in the wind but not really accumulating, ensuring I was aware that the cold December wind
Was bringing the snow which was falling on my windshield as I navigated the mostly deserted car park.
I reflected for a moment on how it was kind of pretty, like dust, or sand on the beach
But then I remembered how cold it was outside my warm, fully heated vehicle, twenty-something anyway
And the wind was whipping across the open areas--I could feel it slam into the truck on the overpasses
As I made my way to my appointed racquetball time at the gym and to start the day.
It was dark outside, but the stars peaked through the broken clouds and cast their cold light on the scene
I thought for a moment of a couple traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem some centuries ago
How cold it was, and how they huddled together for warmth and to protect their unborn child from the wind
I wondered if it snowed and if there was a warm fire outside their tent as they stopped for the night.
The wind whipped through my hair as I stepped out from the warmth and made my way to the building
I was shocked by how cold it was, this morning, but the stars in the sky were beaming down at me then
As they did on a night--so many years before, when the promise made to man by a loving God was fulfilled
When the birth of a small child, in a barn, off the beaten path of the world, changed everything for all time.
White and powdery I could just make out the fine snow as it glistened in the headlights of my truck
Blowing in the wind but not really accumulating, ensuring I was aware that the cold December wind
Was bringing the snow which was falling on my windshield as I navigated the mostly deserted car park.
I reflected for a moment on how it was kind of pretty, like dust, or sand on the beach
But then I remembered how cold it was outside my warm, fully heated vehicle, twenty-something anyway
And the wind was whipping across the open areas--I could feel it slam into the truck on the overpasses
As I made my way to my appointed racquetball time at the gym and to start the day.
It was dark outside, but the stars peaked through the broken clouds and cast their cold light on the scene
I thought for a moment of a couple traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem some centuries ago
How cold it was, and how they huddled together for warmth and to protect their unborn child from the wind
I wondered if it snowed and if there was a warm fire outside their tent as they stopped for the night.
The wind whipped through my hair as I stepped out from the warmth and made my way to the building
I was shocked by how cold it was, this morning, but the stars in the sky were beaming down at me then
As they did on a night--so many years before, when the promise made to man by a loving God was fulfilled
When the birth of a small child, in a barn, off the beaten path of the world, changed everything for all time.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wine Club Dinner: The 2010 Version is a Hit
The Wine Club which we belong to conducted its Sixth Annual Dinner on Saturday night. I was amazed that is was six years, but Chris and I have only attended the past three. This has become and annual event that we look forward to, and when our holiday and birthday party schedule cleared up so that we could attend this year's dinner, we were excited. It is always a great night with good friends, great food and superior wines.
I am happy to report that the 2010 version met and exceeded all expectations.
The friends were awesome. The company, the discussion, the laughter, and the celebration. Good friends collecting together over dinner or drinks are always fun--but this evening is truly special. Gary and Pam provided a atmosphere that was perfect--in their wine cellar surrounded by bottles of wine and with the lighting absolutely perfect. Thanks guys. And the table decorations and arrangement by Gerri and Jennifer added to the special nature of the evening in a perfect way. I wish I had taken a picture--but alas, I was having so much fun that I totally forgot.
The food--well where to begin. When I looked at the menu and saw all of the talented cooks who were involved, I was sure that the food was going to be a scrumptious as it was. Everything was perfect. I particularly enjoyed the baked brie with cranberries--and many of you who know me, know that I never met a brie that I didn't like! The mixed lettuce, pear, and goat cheese salad was awesome. (Sorry Fran, I like goat cheese!) The entree was perfect for the evening. Braised beef short ribs over garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and parsnips with rosemary. The ribs were cooked to perfection and the flavors blended perfectly. And the dessert. Where to begin--except to say, Mark you can make a chocolate-raspberry torte for me anytime. What is not to like. It was melt in your mouth good. So to all of the cooks: Pam, Gary, Steve, Gerri and Mark--awesome. You should consider opening a restaurant someday and I am already looking forward to the 2011 version of the Wine Club Dinner.
If the food was so good, how can there be any level above that--but the wine selections by Gary perfectly complimented the courses.
The highlight was the M. Chapoutier Banyuls Vin Doux Naturel 2007 and how it so perfectly complimented the torte. It was truly one of those pairings that brings out the best in both--the wine, followed by a piece of torte, and then some more wine. It makes me smile as I write this as to how food it was.
The sparkling wine with the appetizer was awesome as usual--especially with the ginger liqueur. It was the Domaine Chandon Extra Dry Riche from California. A beautiful finish which fully complimented the brie and cranberries.
One of my personal finds of the evening was the Roots Run Deep Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Educated Guess 2007 from Napa Valley. Although I do believe it could use another year in the bottle--it matched up well with the entree and I will definitely be seeking it out to add to my personal collection. This wine was not a fruit bomb and had good complexity and tannins to meet the meat right where it was at. I really enjoyed this wine.
And then there was the sherry. It was the Emilio Lustau Jerez-Xeres Sherry Capataz Andes Deluxe Cream Solera Reserva from Spain. So smooth and luscious. It was so good that many of the guests started doing shots of it--just for the pure fun and enjoyment of the after dinner sherry.
So to all of you who prepared and attended the dinner--thanks. It was a lot of work, but I think the results speak for themselves--a superior dinner and gathering of friends around the table to celebrate the victories of the year and to cement the friendships for the years ahead.
I am happy to report that the 2010 version met and exceeded all expectations.
The friends were awesome. The company, the discussion, the laughter, and the celebration. Good friends collecting together over dinner or drinks are always fun--but this evening is truly special. Gary and Pam provided a atmosphere that was perfect--in their wine cellar surrounded by bottles of wine and with the lighting absolutely perfect. Thanks guys. And the table decorations and arrangement by Gerri and Jennifer added to the special nature of the evening in a perfect way. I wish I had taken a picture--but alas, I was having so much fun that I totally forgot.
The food--well where to begin. When I looked at the menu and saw all of the talented cooks who were involved, I was sure that the food was going to be a scrumptious as it was. Everything was perfect. I particularly enjoyed the baked brie with cranberries--and many of you who know me, know that I never met a brie that I didn't like! The mixed lettuce, pear, and goat cheese salad was awesome. (Sorry Fran, I like goat cheese!) The entree was perfect for the evening. Braised beef short ribs over garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and parsnips with rosemary. The ribs were cooked to perfection and the flavors blended perfectly. And the dessert. Where to begin--except to say, Mark you can make a chocolate-raspberry torte for me anytime. What is not to like. It was melt in your mouth good. So to all of the cooks: Pam, Gary, Steve, Gerri and Mark--awesome. You should consider opening a restaurant someday and I am already looking forward to the 2011 version of the Wine Club Dinner.
If the food was so good, how can there be any level above that--but the wine selections by Gary perfectly complimented the courses.
The highlight was the M. Chapoutier Banyuls Vin Doux Naturel 2007 and how it so perfectly complimented the torte. It was truly one of those pairings that brings out the best in both--the wine, followed by a piece of torte, and then some more wine. It makes me smile as I write this as to how food it was.
The sparkling wine with the appetizer was awesome as usual--especially with the ginger liqueur. It was the Domaine Chandon Extra Dry Riche from California. A beautiful finish which fully complimented the brie and cranberries.
One of my personal finds of the evening was the Roots Run Deep Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Educated Guess 2007 from Napa Valley. Although I do believe it could use another year in the bottle--it matched up well with the entree and I will definitely be seeking it out to add to my personal collection. This wine was not a fruit bomb and had good complexity and tannins to meet the meat right where it was at. I really enjoyed this wine.
And then there was the sherry. It was the Emilio Lustau Jerez-Xeres Sherry Capataz Andes Deluxe Cream Solera Reserva from Spain. So smooth and luscious. It was so good that many of the guests started doing shots of it--just for the pure fun and enjoyment of the after dinner sherry.
So to all of you who prepared and attended the dinner--thanks. It was a lot of work, but I think the results speak for themselves--a superior dinner and gathering of friends around the table to celebrate the victories of the year and to cement the friendships for the years ahead.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday Musings - December 13, 2010
1. Less than two weeks to go until Christmas and the panic is rising in the shoppers minds.
2. Holiday parties, friends, family, and new friends. We are very blessed to have so many people to enjoy the season with.
3. We saw our first snow flakes of the season on Friday, it seemed the entire region took a pause to both enjoy their light, fluffy beauty and to remember the hammering we took last winter. We have already been suffering through mid-February like temperatures.
4. Asked to provide one word to describe the holiday season, what would you say?
5. Here is something that bothers me--and I have not yet been able to confirm it--but our Congress is continuing to add pork to the budget bills while at the same time freezing the pay of Federal workers. Wouldn't it make sense to stop the pork as well to bring the deficit under control? One rumor indicated that Nancy Pelosi asked for $5 million for funding renovation of an old military facility for commercial use. If the American public is serious about reducing the deficit, why isn't Congress?
6. This season makes everyone a little more edgy--take a breath before you respond, it will make the conversation easier.
7. Promises. Christmas was the fulfillment of a promise made thousands of years before it happened.
8. With all of the emphasis on football, I wonder if anyone has noticed the Penguins (hockey) have a 12 game winning streak going and Sidney Crosby (their captain) has an 18 game point streak going on as well?
9. Have you looked at where the products you are using are made? I think I may begin boycotting items "Made in China." But I worry that I won't be able to buy anything at all. (That may not be a bad thing)
2. Holiday parties, friends, family, and new friends. We are very blessed to have so many people to enjoy the season with.
3. We saw our first snow flakes of the season on Friday, it seemed the entire region took a pause to both enjoy their light, fluffy beauty and to remember the hammering we took last winter. We have already been suffering through mid-February like temperatures.
4. Asked to provide one word to describe the holiday season, what would you say?
5. Here is something that bothers me--and I have not yet been able to confirm it--but our Congress is continuing to add pork to the budget bills while at the same time freezing the pay of Federal workers. Wouldn't it make sense to stop the pork as well to bring the deficit under control? One rumor indicated that Nancy Pelosi asked for $5 million for funding renovation of an old military facility for commercial use. If the American public is serious about reducing the deficit, why isn't Congress?
6. This season makes everyone a little more edgy--take a breath before you respond, it will make the conversation easier.
7. Promises. Christmas was the fulfillment of a promise made thousands of years before it happened.
8. With all of the emphasis on football, I wonder if anyone has noticed the Penguins (hockey) have a 12 game winning streak going and Sidney Crosby (their captain) has an 18 game point streak going on as well?
9. Have you looked at where the products you are using are made? I think I may begin boycotting items "Made in China." But I worry that I won't be able to buy anything at all. (That may not be a bad thing)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Holiday Party Survivor
What a day it was.
A great day full of family and friends and wine.
We attended three holiday parties during the day, starting with Nicole's Birthday Breakfast at 8AM. The mimosa's were flowing freely and the food was scrumptious. Nicole and her friends Pam and Michelle can really cook up a storm.. And as we all know, I can eat, too. The grandsons were great and even the dogs were well mannered.
From there we had a break before a holiday open house--where the wine flowed freely and the food was excellent. We met new friends and had a great time talking about wedding planning with a young and just engaged couple. We also, of course, were able to retell our story of the consensus blending last week a couple of times as well.
After a short break it was off o our wine club dinner hosted by Gary and Pam and attended by 11 of our closest friends. Wine pairings and good food and conversation highlighted a delightful evening. The hit of the evening was the sherry, I think, although the Cabernet Sauvignon was excellent as well. The conversation never lagged and the food and wine went down a bit too easy.
Was it a chore to attend three holiday functions in the same day? Not at all. It is the holiday season and connecting with friends and family is really what the season is all about. Strengthening ties and rekindling friendships makes each of us stronger and helps sustain us through the bleak midwinter.
I think I miss holiday parties during the summer. I love barbecues but there is something special about the holidays.
Next week is not nearly so hectic--and so I expect to be able to finish my shopping. But yesterday was a truly special day and one that I want to remember for a long time.
Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks.
A great day full of family and friends and wine.
We attended three holiday parties during the day, starting with Nicole's Birthday Breakfast at 8AM. The mimosa's were flowing freely and the food was scrumptious. Nicole and her friends Pam and Michelle can really cook up a storm.. And as we all know, I can eat, too. The grandsons were great and even the dogs were well mannered.
From there we had a break before a holiday open house--where the wine flowed freely and the food was excellent. We met new friends and had a great time talking about wedding planning with a young and just engaged couple. We also, of course, were able to retell our story of the consensus blending last week a couple of times as well.
After a short break it was off o our wine club dinner hosted by Gary and Pam and attended by 11 of our closest friends. Wine pairings and good food and conversation highlighted a delightful evening. The hit of the evening was the sherry, I think, although the Cabernet Sauvignon was excellent as well. The conversation never lagged and the food and wine went down a bit too easy.
Was it a chore to attend three holiday functions in the same day? Not at all. It is the holiday season and connecting with friends and family is really what the season is all about. Strengthening ties and rekindling friendships makes each of us stronger and helps sustain us through the bleak midwinter.
I think I miss holiday parties during the summer. I love barbecues but there is something special about the holidays.
Next week is not nearly so hectic--and so I expect to be able to finish my shopping. But yesterday was a truly special day and one that I want to remember for a long time.
Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Birthday Morning Breakfast
 |
| Chris and Jax After Breakfast |
This is Chris and Jax relaxing after the festivities.
Boy in the Window
He was sitting there in the window of a store in downtown Ellicott City. Off the beaten path--but there he was: blond hair, 4 years old or so with a precocious grin on his face accompanied by his dog--a cute black and white border collie.
The building was old, painted white with green shutters and some gardens in front of it and so I was able to watch his antics from a short distance away. I surmised that his parent--probably mother, was inside shopping and he, like me, was bored with the entire shopping experience. I have no idea how long he had been shopping, but I had been on the expedition for only about 15 minutes and we were fortifying ourselves with coffee, but the entirety of the shopping "event" was yet in front of me.
I was with two of my grandsons, Ethan and Jax, but I could relate to the young boy in the window who was amusing himself lost in his own world of imagination oblivious to the passers-by who noticed him.
I was standing in a garden drinking my too-hot coffee while the rest of the group finished up inside. I was thinking I was gonna need a restroom in a couple minutes if I really drank all of the coffee. It was early autumn and the air was brisk, but not yet cold. The roses in the garden retained their full bloom--reds and yellows graced the walk in front of the buildings cast off to the side of the parking lot.
Then the boy saw me watching him. He hid his face, playfully and then peaked back to see if I was still observing his antics.
I stared unabashedly at him and smiled allowing him to see that I was not being judgemental nor disapproving of his activity. Recognizing this, he resumed his play and ignored me. Which was fine. I was losing myself in my own thoughts and he was the catalyst transporting my mind to another place and time.
Ethan strolled out of the coffee shop right at that moment and we began conversing about the day and the flowers and the cold. Ethan too, was already bored with the idea of hours of shopping ahead of us. I soon forgot about the boy and his dog--except--
I wished that it was me playing in the corner of a store window uncaring of the world around me and lost in my own imagination. And you know what? I remember doing almost that exact same thing in a downtown Ithaca, NY shoe store when I was four (without the dog). And for a moment, I could even smell again the strong odor of the stains used to color shoes coming from the back room of the store.
The building was old, painted white with green shutters and some gardens in front of it and so I was able to watch his antics from a short distance away. I surmised that his parent--probably mother, was inside shopping and he, like me, was bored with the entire shopping experience. I have no idea how long he had been shopping, but I had been on the expedition for only about 15 minutes and we were fortifying ourselves with coffee, but the entirety of the shopping "event" was yet in front of me.
I was with two of my grandsons, Ethan and Jax, but I could relate to the young boy in the window who was amusing himself lost in his own world of imagination oblivious to the passers-by who noticed him.
I was standing in a garden drinking my too-hot coffee while the rest of the group finished up inside. I was thinking I was gonna need a restroom in a couple minutes if I really drank all of the coffee. It was early autumn and the air was brisk, but not yet cold. The roses in the garden retained their full bloom--reds and yellows graced the walk in front of the buildings cast off to the side of the parking lot.
Then the boy saw me watching him. He hid his face, playfully and then peaked back to see if I was still observing his antics.
I stared unabashedly at him and smiled allowing him to see that I was not being judgemental nor disapproving of his activity. Recognizing this, he resumed his play and ignored me. Which was fine. I was losing myself in my own thoughts and he was the catalyst transporting my mind to another place and time.
Ethan strolled out of the coffee shop right at that moment and we began conversing about the day and the flowers and the cold. Ethan too, was already bored with the idea of hours of shopping ahead of us. I soon forgot about the boy and his dog--except--
I wished that it was me playing in the corner of a store window uncaring of the world around me and lost in my own imagination. And you know what? I remember doing almost that exact same thing in a downtown Ithaca, NY shoe store when I was four (without the dog). And for a moment, I could even smell again the strong odor of the stains used to color shoes coming from the back room of the store.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Flowers of Christmas
Technically, I guess it isn't a flowering plant at all--but we all consider the poinsettia to be one of those Christmas icons that homes are just not complete without.
This year we ran across an especially beautiful one and just has to have it. It has a variegated pink bracts.
And it is beautiful sitting on the table. It compliments our large traditional red poinsettia very well.
They are both beautiful, but like roses there is a small problem. Roses have thorns and I am allergic it seems to poinsettias. So I find out this year.
Too bad--I love the way they look and the color they add to the house during the bleak mid-winter is stunning. So I will suffer and remain drugged on antihistamines to function and enjoy the season. I'm also told that copious quantities of wine are good to make me forget my stuffy nose.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Mid-Week Saturday
What a great idea it turned out to be.
Chris and I took Wednesday off to have a medical procedure done and were able to spend the entire day together--almost alone at home after about mid-morning.
We napped, baked cookies, bought gifts on E-bay and other internet sites and generally just chilled recovering from the activity of the morning.
A big thank-you to Patrick for taking such great care of his parents--including getting here before 6:30 AM to drive us to the Medical Center.
In the end, it was like having a Saturday in the middle of the week. I got to spend time with my dog, too.
Mid-week Saturdays break the week into smaller two-day sections and really help make it all palatable. It has been a welcome break amid a hectic season--even though it was a medical related break. Who says all medical stuff is bad.
OK--it usually is bad.
This time it worked out.
A mid-week break amid a season of intense activity. I highly recommend it.
Chris and I took Wednesday off to have a medical procedure done and were able to spend the entire day together--almost alone at home after about mid-morning.
We napped, baked cookies, bought gifts on E-bay and other internet sites and generally just chilled recovering from the activity of the morning.
A big thank-you to Patrick for taking such great care of his parents--including getting here before 6:30 AM to drive us to the Medical Center.
In the end, it was like having a Saturday in the middle of the week. I got to spend time with my dog, too.
Mid-week Saturdays break the week into smaller two-day sections and really help make it all palatable. It has been a welcome break amid a hectic season--even though it was a medical related break. Who says all medical stuff is bad.
OK--it usually is bad.
This time it worked out.
A mid-week break amid a season of intense activity. I highly recommend it.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Christmas Morning Memories
I had a funny thought yesterday morning as I was making the bed.
The memory of being a boy age 10 or so on Christmas morning flashed through my head.
Standing at the top of the stairs in such excitement and anticipation that I could hardly bear the wait. My brother and sisters there with me--OK, maybe my brother wasn't since he would have been only about 21 months old and I think he got to sleep in the warmer area of the house.
We had attended the candlelight service at church the night before and then dutifully left cookies, milk and an obligatory carrot for the reindeer on a plate beside the Christmas Tree.
I had barely slept. Visions of sugar plums were definitely dancing--but not in my head. They were in my room keeping me up all night. I was awake with exhaustion and high on the drug of excitement.
It was dark outside--I do not even recall the time, but I'm sure it was no later than 6AM because we had been furtively sending messages to each other for a while while hoping to innocuously wake the parents to allow the day to officially begin.
But the excitement and the anticipation of that time was incredible--knowing that in moments Mom and Dad would open the stairwell door and we would be blinded by the "brighter than the sun" movie light us as we ran, fell or otherwise made our way down the stairs and into the room with the tree and the assembled gifts.
Fast forward a few decades and I remember Christmas mornings with my kids--and seeing that same excitement in them. The joy, the excitement and the inappropriate actions of children who just do not know how to deal with these intense emotions.
Our family has grown from our core five, to now eleven. And the sounds of Christmas and the kids and the dogs fills the house with the sweet cacophony of family.
Christmas has changed for us, even with the increase in our family size. We now sleep in late on Christmas morning. We enjoy breakfast and mimosas. We stare at the gift adorned tree while waiting for everyone to arrive in an attempt to recreate those many Christmases past.
Christmas has changed for us, even with the increase in our family size. We now sleep in late on Christmas morning. We enjoy breakfast and mimosas. We stare at the gift adorned tree while waiting for everyone to arrive in an attempt to recreate those many Christmases past.
I love spending time with Chris on Christmas morning in the quiet of our house surrounded by Makayla, Louis, and Riordin giving her that special gift that I spent at least 15 minutes on the Internet picking out.
But remembering how it used to be--in that time long, long ago and in a place far, far away; warms my memories and makes my heart long for those Christmases past. I know now that they were tough times, but thanks to loving parents I was totally oblivious to how tough they were and the miracle of Christmas was alive in my heart and unencumbered with the myriad details that now are part of making the celebration a success.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Consensus Blending - Fun at the Winery
What great fun. A day at our favorite winery with new friends.
There is an annual event at Keswick Vineyards called Consensus Blending where we get to spend a day sampling a set of wines and then, as a group, by table, developing the best blend possible. You can read last year's account at Consensus.
The event is conducted in the Barrel Room of the winery, where it tends to be a bit cool, as one might expect. But it provides us a day to get back to the winery and sample wines and make our best blend of wine from the wines provided.
But in now the second year of our experience, we have met the greatest people and had an incredible amount of fun. Everyone is a lot of fun to be with and we all share a passion: wine.
As Stephen, the winemaker says, the trick is not to blend a wine that you will like--but it is to blend a wine that someone will want to buy.
This year we had four wines to consider for blending. A Cabernet-sauvignon, a touriga, a syrah, and a chambourcin. We were limited in that the final blend could not contain more than 25 percent of the touriga or the cabernet sauvignon. It could contain 25 percent of each--just not more than 25 percent of either. We could use as much of the chambourcin and the syrah as we felt necessary.
Something I have learned over the past two years--one percent makes a big difference. I never thought it would be like that, but looking at the standings board, the top two wines are very similar and tasted very different. The scores are along the side and our wine was wine J. The two on the bottom were both 100 percent chambourcin and the winemaker added them into the judging as control wines.
And so last year our wine came in second place. This year, I really wanted to win. I don't know why, but I just felt we had a good wine last year and I knew I had learned so much more about wine this past year. And our table did win. It was a great team effort in which everyone participated.
What do the winners get? Our wine will be bottled and sold by the winery as the 2009 Consensus Blend.
And I will buy a few cases of it because I know it is good.
 |
| The Barrel Room and the Consensus Blending |
What great fun. A day at our favorite winery with new friends.
There is an annual event at Keswick Vineyards called Consensus Blending where we get to spend a day sampling a set of wines and then, as a group, by table, developing the best blend possible. You can read last year's account at Consensus.
The event is conducted in the Barrel Room of the winery, where it tends to be a bit cool, as one might expect. But it provides us a day to get back to the winery and sample wines and make our best blend of wine from the wines provided.
But in now the second year of our experience, we have met the greatest people and had an incredible amount of fun. Everyone is a lot of fun to be with and we all share a passion: wine.
 |
| Assessing the Blend |
This year we had four wines to consider for blending. A Cabernet-sauvignon, a touriga, a syrah, and a chambourcin. We were limited in that the final blend could not contain more than 25 percent of the touriga or the cabernet sauvignon. It could contain 25 percent of each--just not more than 25 percent of either. We could use as much of the chambourcin and the syrah as we felt necessary.
 |
| We Realized We Won |
The first task was to assess the four wines. That is always the greatest fun because as soon as you taste one varietal I begin to think about what it would need to be a spectacular wine. And this is the chance I get to actually do this in practice.
Additionally, it is critical to assess the palette of the other people at the table. By their comments on the varietals, you can begin to determine whose palette is most like the majority of people and so that person becomes weather vane for the blends. I know that I am not a good person to build a wine to because I like a specific group red wines, but I think I can assess a wine that others will like. It is always good though to have a couple other people to provide confirmation.
 |
| Standings Board |
Our table was blessed with six people who knew wines and understood that we needed to develop a complete wine--a nice nose, a good finish, a deep rich dark color and a well balanced taste: not too tannin in nature but not a fruit bomb either.
I won't go into all of the details about how we did it--because fundamentally, we were really lucky because we decided on our basic blend after our second blend and then it was just tweaking the blend from there. We eliminated the syrah after the fourth blend because it just didn't add anything that improved the blend. We were quite happy to work with just the chambourcin, touriga, and cabernet sauvignon.
 |
| The Winners Chris & Shannon Andrews Barbara & Bob Gitschier, Chris & Bob Doan, and the winemaker Stephen Barnard |
And so last year our wine came in second place. This year, I really wanted to win. I don't know why, but I just felt we had a good wine last year and I knew I had learned so much more about wine this past year. And our table did win. It was a great team effort in which everyone participated.
What do the winners get? Our wine will be bottled and sold by the winery as the 2009 Consensus Blend.
And I will buy a few cases of it because I know it is good.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday Musings - December 6, 2010
1. Christmas shopping is an experience in controlled anarchy.
2. Are gift cards really gifts? Or are they just a cop-out because people really don't want to be bothered taking the time to shop for a meaningful, heartfelt gift?
3. Big football games bring communities together--too bad one team has to lose because the excitement leading up to the game is something to be savored. OK--so the Ravens lost to the Steelers, ugh!
4. Meeting new people, drinking wine, blending wine at the winery. Having the wine we blended with two other couples selected as the best was really cool and to have it be the three-day winner, even cooler. We are going to buy a couple cases when it is released next year.
5. Holiday weekends are busier than weekdays during the season.
6. During the Holiday Season, travel and frustration are synonyms.
7. The roads between Baltimore and Charlottesville are fairly empty on Sunday mornings. I guess everyone is sleeping off the night before or preparing to go to church.
8. Tina is a Craigslist warrior--she found a person selling off their Snow Village collection as really reasonable prices and we were able to get many great pieces for less than one new in the box piece. Oh, yeah, they were all in the box too, just not "new."
9. We have been watching Nicole's dogs over the weekend, and I have learned what a canine vacuum cleaner is. Jefferson, the beagle can suck down a bowl of food in the blink of an eye.
2. Are gift cards really gifts? Or are they just a cop-out because people really don't want to be bothered taking the time to shop for a meaningful, heartfelt gift?
3. Big football games bring communities together--too bad one team has to lose because the excitement leading up to the game is something to be savored. OK--so the Ravens lost to the Steelers, ugh!
4. Meeting new people, drinking wine, blending wine at the winery. Having the wine we blended with two other couples selected as the best was really cool and to have it be the three-day winner, even cooler. We are going to buy a couple cases when it is released next year.
5. Holiday weekends are busier than weekdays during the season.
6. During the Holiday Season, travel and frustration are synonyms.
7. The roads between Baltimore and Charlottesville are fairly empty on Sunday mornings. I guess everyone is sleeping off the night before or preparing to go to church.
8. Tina is a Craigslist warrior--she found a person selling off their Snow Village collection as really reasonable prices and we were able to get many great pieces for less than one new in the box piece. Oh, yeah, they were all in the box too, just not "new."
9. We have been watching Nicole's dogs over the weekend, and I have learned what a canine vacuum cleaner is. Jefferson, the beagle can suck down a bowl of food in the blink of an eye.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Playing Not to Lose
Ever watch a football team go into the prevent defense with 2 minutes left in the game clinging to a narrow lead--and lose?
All the time, right?
That is why it was so satisfying when the Ravens ran out the clock on Sunday and did not provide the Buccaneers the opportunity to test their offense against the Raven's prevent defense.
But even more--I am beginning to realize that in these situations something occurs in the mind. The team or player goes form being offensive and looking to score to being defensive and trying not to lose.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am playing some of the worst racquetball of my life right now. To say that I am frustrated by my play and some of the dumb things I do over and over again would be an understatement.
Understanding that racquetball games are to 15 points (unless it is a tiebreaker which is only to 11), I am struggling to figure out why I can be down in a game one day 4-14 and comeback to win 15-14; while on another day I can be ahead 10-4 and lose 12-15.
I am doing something, changing something, thinking differently, and playing differently. I only wish I knew what it was.
I think though (especially after blowing a lead Thursday morning) it has to do with a subtle shift in focus from playing to win to playing not to lose. I go defensive and I become so focused on not blowing the lead that I forget to focus on winning the point. And, like the NFL teams I have watched so many times, I blow the lead and lose.
At least that what I think is happening.
I have to be careful not to handle everything in my life using the playing not to lose thought process--or things will get really bad.
But on the other hand--I play racquetball for fitness and fun--so is it really all that bad? The sane side of me says, no. The competitor in me says yes--it really sucks.
Hey--today is a new day and who knows what fun I'm going to have in life today.
All the time, right?
That is why it was so satisfying when the Ravens ran out the clock on Sunday and did not provide the Buccaneers the opportunity to test their offense against the Raven's prevent defense.
But even more--I am beginning to realize that in these situations something occurs in the mind. The team or player goes form being offensive and looking to score to being defensive and trying not to lose.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am playing some of the worst racquetball of my life right now. To say that I am frustrated by my play and some of the dumb things I do over and over again would be an understatement.
Understanding that racquetball games are to 15 points (unless it is a tiebreaker which is only to 11), I am struggling to figure out why I can be down in a game one day 4-14 and comeback to win 15-14; while on another day I can be ahead 10-4 and lose 12-15.
I am doing something, changing something, thinking differently, and playing differently. I only wish I knew what it was.
I think though (especially after blowing a lead Thursday morning) it has to do with a subtle shift in focus from playing to win to playing not to lose. I go defensive and I become so focused on not blowing the lead that I forget to focus on winning the point. And, like the NFL teams I have watched so many times, I blow the lead and lose.
At least that what I think is happening.
I have to be careful not to handle everything in my life using the playing not to lose thought process--or things will get really bad.
But on the other hand--I play racquetball for fitness and fun--so is it really all that bad? The sane side of me says, no. The competitor in me says yes--it really sucks.
Hey--today is a new day and who knows what fun I'm going to have in life today.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Christmas Shopping
People who know me, understand how much I love to go shopping during the Christmas season.
There is nothing better in the world than waiting for what seems like hours to get into the parking lot and then dueling like knights of old encased in armor on their steeds for a parking spot. And an especially fun game is stalking the other shoppers as the make their way to their cars burdened with all of the items they just purchased. Just remember--extra points are awarded for nudging their knees with your bumper but not causing them to fall down.
Once my car is parked, I love playing dodge the distracted drivers as I make my way to the store doors by acting like a combat soldier under fire. You never know where the mini Cooper with your name in its bumper is going to come from.
Of course--once in the store the free for all mentality just adds to the ambiance of the season. Truly the slower and weaker shoppers are at a disadvantage. The battles occurring at the sale bins are truly epic. To the victor goes the sale items.
Long lines at the registers after fighting through the throngs of shoppers to exfiltrate my desired purchases provide a much needed opportunity to catch up on my email on my iPhone. I mean, it is not like I have anywhere else I'd rather be, right?
At the register, the weary eyes of the totally burned out cashier barely acknowledge my existence as he calls out my total amount due, which rivals the national debt. "Thank goodness for American Express," Chris said as she smiled at me indicating that I was paying for this trip to Toys R Us.
And then back out into the darkness of the over loaded parking lot to secure safe passage to the car. Again risking life and limb by dodging distracted, confused, and frankly upset drivers who, like me a few hours ago, could not find suitable parking for their too large SUV.
Safely back home with the gifts parked, I realize that this was only step one. Next--wrapping, then transporting and opening and clean up. but that is still a few days away.
I love Christmas shopping.
Please sir, can I have some more?
There is nothing better in the world than waiting for what seems like hours to get into the parking lot and then dueling like knights of old encased in armor on their steeds for a parking spot. And an especially fun game is stalking the other shoppers as the make their way to their cars burdened with all of the items they just purchased. Just remember--extra points are awarded for nudging their knees with your bumper but not causing them to fall down.
Once my car is parked, I love playing dodge the distracted drivers as I make my way to the store doors by acting like a combat soldier under fire. You never know where the mini Cooper with your name in its bumper is going to come from.
Of course--once in the store the free for all mentality just adds to the ambiance of the season. Truly the slower and weaker shoppers are at a disadvantage. The battles occurring at the sale bins are truly epic. To the victor goes the sale items.
Long lines at the registers after fighting through the throngs of shoppers to exfiltrate my desired purchases provide a much needed opportunity to catch up on my email on my iPhone. I mean, it is not like I have anywhere else I'd rather be, right?
At the register, the weary eyes of the totally burned out cashier barely acknowledge my existence as he calls out my total amount due, which rivals the national debt. "Thank goodness for American Express," Chris said as she smiled at me indicating that I was paying for this trip to Toys R Us.
And then back out into the darkness of the over loaded parking lot to secure safe passage to the car. Again risking life and limb by dodging distracted, confused, and frankly upset drivers who, like me a few hours ago, could not find suitable parking for their too large SUV.
Safely back home with the gifts parked, I realize that this was only step one. Next--wrapping, then transporting and opening and clean up. but that is still a few days away.
I love Christmas shopping.
Please sir, can I have some more?
Weird News
I read the following on a page in the Presidential Prayer Team website:
IN THE NEWS: A sedative commonly used to euthanize animals may be used on death row inmates in Oklahoma to substitute one of the three drugs in the state’s lethal injection formula. U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot rejected a motion by death row inmates who argued that the use of a drug called pentobarbital amounted to a “cruel and unusual punishment.” Friot said the drug did not pose a substantial risk of serious harm. There has been a nationwide shortage of sodium thiopental, a key component in the three-drug cocktail that causes unconsciousness. The decision could have a ripple effect across other states.
OK--I thought lethal injection was supposed to cause death? So wouldn't it seem that the drugs used to deprive a person of life should be dangerous?
That's the idea, right?
I'm confused.
IN THE NEWS: A sedative commonly used to euthanize animals may be used on death row inmates in Oklahoma to substitute one of the three drugs in the state’s lethal injection formula. U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot rejected a motion by death row inmates who argued that the use of a drug called pentobarbital amounted to a “cruel and unusual punishment.” Friot said the drug did not pose a substantial risk of serious harm. There has been a nationwide shortage of sodium thiopental, a key component in the three-drug cocktail that causes unconsciousness. The decision could have a ripple effect across other states.
OK--I thought lethal injection was supposed to cause death? So wouldn't it seem that the drugs used to deprive a person of life should be dangerous?
That's the idea, right?
I'm confused.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Christmas Tree Number 2
Not an elegant name at all--but we remember the commercials where number 2 tries harder?
This year our second tree--the one adorning the family room in the basement--is our retro tree. It is a blast from the past and recalls the colored lights of our childhood trees.
Our children have only been treated to trees with white lights--but when Chris and I were children, in the time before mini-lights, trees were decorated with colored lights--and the lights were big. We did not recreate the big bulb trees, but we decided to have a colored light tree to compliment the white light tree on the main level of the house.
Patrick already commented--"there won't be any presents under that tree" as he was retrieving Chewie from a playdate last evening. He remains very loyal to the white light tree style.
That's OK--variety is a good thing.
Chris and I enjoyed sipping wine and decorating this tree last evening listening to Christmas music playing in the background. We had tried the colored lighted tree some years ago, and I was able, with assistance form a cool new Christmas light tool I bought, to get the strands all working and so at least we didn't have a great expense buying lights.
The house is nearly decorated. Only a few more objects to display--specifically the Snow Village Here Comes Santa annual pieces, and then we will be fully Christmified. Well, I think there may be some reindeer on their way to grace our front lawn--but who knows?
This year our second tree--the one adorning the family room in the basement--is our retro tree. It is a blast from the past and recalls the colored lights of our childhood trees.
 |
| Christmas Three Number 2: The Retro Version |
Our children have only been treated to trees with white lights--but when Chris and I were children, in the time before mini-lights, trees were decorated with colored lights--and the lights were big. We did not recreate the big bulb trees, but we decided to have a colored light tree to compliment the white light tree on the main level of the house.
Patrick already commented--"there won't be any presents under that tree" as he was retrieving Chewie from a playdate last evening. He remains very loyal to the white light tree style.
That's OK--variety is a good thing.
Chris and I enjoyed sipping wine and decorating this tree last evening listening to Christmas music playing in the background. We had tried the colored lighted tree some years ago, and I was able, with assistance form a cool new Christmas light tool I bought, to get the strands all working and so at least we didn't have a great expense buying lights.
The house is nearly decorated. Only a few more objects to display--specifically the Snow Village Here Comes Santa annual pieces, and then we will be fully Christmified. Well, I think there may be some reindeer on their way to grace our front lawn--but who knows?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Family, Ministry, and Surrogates
Balancing life is hard.
There are many voices crying to be heard--and it is easy to lose the ones that need to be heard in the din.
What is most confusing for me, though, is when we lose sight of our primary focus and transfer that to others.
And so--here's the situation.
Family is first. Rule one.
We can argue about this, but we are born into families which are the core unit (created by God) of life.
People move through families--from child to teen to young adult to mid-life, to senior (the ones with wisdom). Families change with time and begin to include increasing numbers of generations. And generations replace generations as time goes on--those who change residence from the planet are replaced by those remain behind waiting.
At each step along the way--the person contributes or receives from the family. By the time one is a senior--they are contributing to the 2nd and 3rd generation behind them (grandchildren and great-grandchildren). These generations are the future and require the wisdom and maturity of the most experienced members of the family.
Sadly, I see situations where the senior members are eschewing the younger generations to focus upon surrogates more closely aligned with their age. This is a travesty and deprives the young generations of necessary interaction with the learned ones of the family. This is a false ministry.
Our primary ministry and focus must always be to the family and to the younger/youngest generations.
When we allow other factors to interfere--we are truly missing the boat. All through the Bible families and generations are mentioned in both good and bad examples.
Psalm 22:30-31 makes an interesting observation: A whole generation will serve him; they will tell the next generation about the sovereign Lord. They will come and tell about his saving deeds; they will tell a future generation what he has accomplished- NET Bible
The job of one generation is to teach succeeding generations.
Our primary ministry is to succeeding generations. When we deny our youth the access to the more senior members of the family--the transfer of knowledge and wisdom and relationships is stunted.
We become dysfunctional families and we lose sight of the primary ministry given to us and perhaps the most important ministry to which we are entrusted. Train up our youth.
Proverbs 4:1-5 (NET Bible)
Listen, children, to a father’s instruction,
and pay attention so that you may gain discernment.
Because I give you good instruction,
do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a son to my father,
a tender only child before my mother,
he taught me, and he said to me:
“Let your heart lay hold of my words;
keep my commands so that you will live.
Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;
do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
There are many voices crying to be heard--and it is easy to lose the ones that need to be heard in the din.
What is most confusing for me, though, is when we lose sight of our primary focus and transfer that to others.
And so--here's the situation.
Family is first. Rule one.
We can argue about this, but we are born into families which are the core unit (created by God) of life.
People move through families--from child to teen to young adult to mid-life, to senior (the ones with wisdom). Families change with time and begin to include increasing numbers of generations. And generations replace generations as time goes on--those who change residence from the planet are replaced by those remain behind waiting.
At each step along the way--the person contributes or receives from the family. By the time one is a senior--they are contributing to the 2nd and 3rd generation behind them (grandchildren and great-grandchildren). These generations are the future and require the wisdom and maturity of the most experienced members of the family.
Sadly, I see situations where the senior members are eschewing the younger generations to focus upon surrogates more closely aligned with their age. This is a travesty and deprives the young generations of necessary interaction with the learned ones of the family. This is a false ministry.
Our primary ministry and focus must always be to the family and to the younger/youngest generations.
When we allow other factors to interfere--we are truly missing the boat. All through the Bible families and generations are mentioned in both good and bad examples.
Psalm 22:30-31 makes an interesting observation: A whole generation will serve him; they will tell the next generation about the sovereign Lord. They will come and tell about his saving deeds; they will tell a future generation what he has accomplished- NET Bible
The job of one generation is to teach succeeding generations.
Our primary ministry is to succeeding generations. When we deny our youth the access to the more senior members of the family--the transfer of knowledge and wisdom and relationships is stunted.
We become dysfunctional families and we lose sight of the primary ministry given to us and perhaps the most important ministry to which we are entrusted. Train up our youth.
Proverbs 4:1-5 (NET Bible)
Listen, children, to a father’s instruction,
and pay attention so that you may gain discernment.
Because I give you good instruction,
do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a son to my father,
a tender only child before my mother,
he taught me, and he said to me:
“Let your heart lay hold of my words;
keep my commands so that you will live.
Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;
do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
December Rain
The rain is falling again.
Not that I'm complaining because at this time of year it could be the snow flakes of another blizzard.
So let the rain come--although I have already had to lower the pool level once since I closed it.
Rain in December falls in other ways, too.
The feeling of being too busy and being too wanted.
Yesterday in the mail we received invitations to two Christmas open houses. Both on the same day--a day in which we were already committed to another function. Fortunately one is early--so we will be able to attend prior to going to the function to which we were already committed--but it made me feel sad that we were going to have to pass on the open house sponsored by one of our neighbors--again.
When it rains--it pours, but this time it is good things.
Opportunities to be with family, friends and neighbors.
It is sad that we cannot do it all--but on the other hand--we get to enjoy a lot and we are blessed.
On a side note--for those who were following the current saga of my truck and the Maryland emissions inspection (which was due in May but extended until December 3rd), it passed yesterday without needing the repair waiver. And just as good--the service engine soon light had not been illuminated in over two weeks. I almost miss it--not really!
And the December rain--which thankfully is not snow, is continuing to fall outside the window promising another raw, pre-winter day.
But hearts are warm and we are surrounded by family and friends.
Let the rain fall--the flowers will be brighter in the springtime.
Not that I'm complaining because at this time of year it could be the snow flakes of another blizzard.
So let the rain come--although I have already had to lower the pool level once since I closed it.
Rain in December falls in other ways, too.
The feeling of being too busy and being too wanted.
Yesterday in the mail we received invitations to two Christmas open houses. Both on the same day--a day in which we were already committed to another function. Fortunately one is early--so we will be able to attend prior to going to the function to which we were already committed--but it made me feel sad that we were going to have to pass on the open house sponsored by one of our neighbors--again.
When it rains--it pours, but this time it is good things.
Opportunities to be with family, friends and neighbors.
It is sad that we cannot do it all--but on the other hand--we get to enjoy a lot and we are blessed.
On a side note--for those who were following the current saga of my truck and the Maryland emissions inspection (which was due in May but extended until December 3rd), it passed yesterday without needing the repair waiver. And just as good--the service engine soon light had not been illuminated in over two weeks. I almost miss it--not really!
And the December rain--which thankfully is not snow, is continuing to fall outside the window promising another raw, pre-winter day.
But hearts are warm and we are surrounded by family and friends.
Let the rain fall--the flowers will be brighter in the springtime.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Ah--And So It Begins
It is grind my axe day today!
The headline in the paper says it all--"Obama proposes pay freeze for federal workers." And so now I am nothing more than a pawn in the budget battle.
Consider this--the article indicated that freezing federal pay for two years would save the government $60 billion over 10 years. Given that the debt for just 2010 was $1.3 trillion, it will only take an additional 216 years (plus or minus) to retire that debt and then there is the rest of the debt to deal with providing that Congress does not incur more debt!
Like that is going to happen.
Fundamentally in the realm of the budget and the deficit they are dealing with "chump change."
And, by freezing pay (which is a pay decrease since taxes and health insurance are increasing) they run the risk of stalling the economic recovery. The planned pay increase was only going to keep the standard of living at the same level, it isn't as if it was some fantastic amount like 5 percent.
The impact of this type of ill-advised budget process should already be seen on the retirees--who will not have seen an increase in two years, yet medicare and taxes continue to increase reducing disposable income.
Headlines like this make a big splash--since everyone, it seems, likes to take shots at the federal workforce--but who is going to administer the billions in programs that the government is responsible for? Those same federal workers. Do the taxpayers of the U.S. deserve a qualified workforce of professionals running programs including intelligence and defense, or should they sell out to the lowest bidder?
There is not a lot of ability in the federal workplace to earn extra money. And frankly, I have been beginning to receive offers from industry offering to double my salary should I leave federal service.
But I love what I do--and I am really good at it (so I am told).
I am not a federal worker to get rich. That is never going to happen. I work where I do, doing the job I love because I am a patriot. And yes--I will probably continue to work without the prospect of increasing my salary and retirement benefits for the next two years--but really, there ought to be some sense in the process. If the federal workforce is going to be competitive it needs to receive comparable pay.
I note that the bonuses to the employees of the Wall Street banking companies which were bailed out are back up in the ionosphere this year. Maybe that is the problem?
Which segment of society is next? After the retirees and the federal workforce, there aren't many places that can be hit--except for the military.
Enough axe grinding. It is bad everywhere and going to get worse. So much for Happy Holidays!
The headline in the paper says it all--"Obama proposes pay freeze for federal workers." And so now I am nothing more than a pawn in the budget battle.
Consider this--the article indicated that freezing federal pay for two years would save the government $60 billion over 10 years. Given that the debt for just 2010 was $1.3 trillion, it will only take an additional 216 years (plus or minus) to retire that debt and then there is the rest of the debt to deal with providing that Congress does not incur more debt!
Like that is going to happen.
Fundamentally in the realm of the budget and the deficit they are dealing with "chump change."
And, by freezing pay (which is a pay decrease since taxes and health insurance are increasing) they run the risk of stalling the economic recovery. The planned pay increase was only going to keep the standard of living at the same level, it isn't as if it was some fantastic amount like 5 percent.
The impact of this type of ill-advised budget process should already be seen on the retirees--who will not have seen an increase in two years, yet medicare and taxes continue to increase reducing disposable income.
Headlines like this make a big splash--since everyone, it seems, likes to take shots at the federal workforce--but who is going to administer the billions in programs that the government is responsible for? Those same federal workers. Do the taxpayers of the U.S. deserve a qualified workforce of professionals running programs including intelligence and defense, or should they sell out to the lowest bidder?
There is not a lot of ability in the federal workplace to earn extra money. And frankly, I have been beginning to receive offers from industry offering to double my salary should I leave federal service.
But I love what I do--and I am really good at it (so I am told).
I am not a federal worker to get rich. That is never going to happen. I work where I do, doing the job I love because I am a patriot. And yes--I will probably continue to work without the prospect of increasing my salary and retirement benefits for the next two years--but really, there ought to be some sense in the process. If the federal workforce is going to be competitive it needs to receive comparable pay.
I note that the bonuses to the employees of the Wall Street banking companies which were bailed out are back up in the ionosphere this year. Maybe that is the problem?
Which segment of society is next? After the retirees and the federal workforce, there aren't many places that can be hit--except for the military.
Enough axe grinding. It is bad everywhere and going to get worse. So much for Happy Holidays!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday Musings - November 29, 2010
1. The last Monday in November and only four Mondays before Christmas. If is isn't planned by now--it probably isn't going to happen until next year.
2. We had a false security alarm at the house yesterday--one of the security devices had come lose and caused a false alarm. Although there were a few moments of angst, I am glad it was a false alarm and not an actual break-in. The security company will be coming to inspect the devices during the week ahead.
3. Last night I was watching Ravens football as night fell with the Christmas tree lit, the mantle candles burning and a nice fire in the fireplace. It was only 5:55 pm. During the summer, evening activity would just be getting underway rather than settling down for the night.
4. 146 days until pool opening Saturday.
5. Hot bean soup, fresh corn bread, a nice glass of Merlot and candles--sounds like a great dinner on a cold almost winter's night.
6. I'm glad we had ham along with the turkey on Thanksgiving--I am really enjoying ham and cheese omelettes for breakfast.
7. I looked at the trees yesterday--they are ready for winter. Now my lawn is filled with the leaves that used to be on the trees and it has become too cold to want to work in the yard.
8. It was 27 degrees yesterday morning and the thermometer reads 23 degrees right now. I guess our mild weather has departed and the gathering clouds portend winter's arrival on the scene as autumn flees for warmer climates.
9. The last time we experienced temperatures in the 20's, with the exception of yesterday morning, was March 6th. It was a good run. When are the 70's and 80's returning?
10. Anyone know where I left the ice scraper after last year?
2. We had a false security alarm at the house yesterday--one of the security devices had come lose and caused a false alarm. Although there were a few moments of angst, I am glad it was a false alarm and not an actual break-in. The security company will be coming to inspect the devices during the week ahead.
3. Last night I was watching Ravens football as night fell with the Christmas tree lit, the mantle candles burning and a nice fire in the fireplace. It was only 5:55 pm. During the summer, evening activity would just be getting underway rather than settling down for the night.
4. 146 days until pool opening Saturday.
5. Hot bean soup, fresh corn bread, a nice glass of Merlot and candles--sounds like a great dinner on a cold almost winter's night.
6. I'm glad we had ham along with the turkey on Thanksgiving--I am really enjoying ham and cheese omelettes for breakfast.
7. I looked at the trees yesterday--they are ready for winter. Now my lawn is filled with the leaves that used to be on the trees and it has become too cold to want to work in the yard.
8. It was 27 degrees yesterday morning and the thermometer reads 23 degrees right now. I guess our mild weather has departed and the gathering clouds portend winter's arrival on the scene as autumn flees for warmer climates.
9. The last time we experienced temperatures in the 20's, with the exception of yesterday morning, was March 6th. It was a good run. When are the 70's and 80's returning?
10. Anyone know where I left the ice scraper after last year?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Christmas Season Arrives
I have created a new verb: Christmify. Simply it means the act of transforming something from its native state into a Christmas decorated or ready state. Usage: The house was Christmified yesterday. There is an adjective: Christmassy listed in dictionary.com, but not the verb: Christmify.
And so after dragging seven more containers laden with Christmas decorations out of the attic and purchasing a new artificial tree--the process of Christmifying the house begins. Christmifying the house is an annual event and it comes with expectation, stress, tears, wine and lots of merriment. The stress is related to the annual event of discovering where Bob hid Chris's first Christmas ornament in the boxes for safe keeping and being sure it had not survived to celebrate another Christmas--right up until it is found and hung on the tree accompanied by the memory of over five decades of Christmases past.
Seriously though, Christmifying is a process--the initial Christmas decorations were emplaced on Veteran's Day with the exterior decorations being put up--since it was warm. Then there was Snow Village Saturday, and there was last evening--when most of the rest of the house was decorated. There are dishes to swap out and decorations to place. The process of Christmifying the house is completed over time--it is truly a transformation--of both the house and our minds. This year we will again have two Christmas trees to celebrate the season and only one is yet erected--the second is a project for some night this week.
The process of Christmifying is similar to what we must go through to transform our minds and get ready for the season of Christmas. We cannot just flip a switch and be ready for Christmas. Preparation is involved--to prepare ourselves for the day. Some churches celebrate the season of Advent to prepare for the Christmas Day celebration--and this parallels the transformation of our minds that happens during the ramp up to Christmas Day. In olden times (one of my favorite phrases) Christmas was celebrated for 12 days--from Christmas Day until January 6th--Epiphany or Three Kings Day. So the preparation of nearly a month resulted in a festival of twelve days. Sadly, we have lost much of the festive season and reduced Christmas to a day. That, it seems, is all of the time we can give to celebrate the birth of The King.
And so the house is nearly fully transformed into the Christmas spirit--and now begins the process of transforming my mind and heart to accept the joy of the season and not focus on the 27 degrees of cold it is currently holding at outside.
Merry Christmas and may you be fully Christmified in all you do this season.
 |
| Christmas Tree 2010 |
Seriously though, Christmifying is a process--the initial Christmas decorations were emplaced on Veteran's Day with the exterior decorations being put up--since it was warm. Then there was Snow Village Saturday, and there was last evening--when most of the rest of the house was decorated. There are dishes to swap out and decorations to place. The process of Christmifying the house is completed over time--it is truly a transformation--of both the house and our minds. This year we will again have two Christmas trees to celebrate the season and only one is yet erected--the second is a project for some night this week.
The process of Christmifying is similar to what we must go through to transform our minds and get ready for the season of Christmas. We cannot just flip a switch and be ready for Christmas. Preparation is involved--to prepare ourselves for the day. Some churches celebrate the season of Advent to prepare for the Christmas Day celebration--and this parallels the transformation of our minds that happens during the ramp up to Christmas Day. In olden times (one of my favorite phrases) Christmas was celebrated for 12 days--from Christmas Day until January 6th--Epiphany or Three Kings Day. So the preparation of nearly a month resulted in a festival of twelve days. Sadly, we have lost much of the festive season and reduced Christmas to a day. That, it seems, is all of the time we can give to celebrate the birth of The King.
And so the house is nearly fully transformed into the Christmas spirit--and now begins the process of transforming my mind and heart to accept the joy of the season and not focus on the 27 degrees of cold it is currently holding at outside.
Merry Christmas and may you be fully Christmified in all you do this season.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Pair of Kees
 |
| Makayla and Ben Napping with a Wary Eye |
Having two dogs is a bit of work. But they have a lot of fun together and keep each other company. And they get along really well.
Late-Autumn Blooms
There it was yesterday.
Late-November unexpected color along side the driveway. A clematis was blooming and offering its beauty to the graying world which daily displays more signs of the approaching winter.
I was surprised to see the blooms along the fence.
They were hanging on as the time for sleep approached.
And then I looked again down along the fence and I could tell how mild the season has been--Brown-eyed Susan's blooming along the fence to grace my late-November searching eye.
The garden has been neglected for the past month or so and the leaves from the trees are blowing in along the fence--but the flowers are there blooming among the leaves. They were very bright on the gloomy, rainy day I snapped the picture.
We have Christmas Lights illuminating the house at night and flowers reminding us of the summer past.
Now all I need is a warm sandy beach and a palm tree to complete the illusion.
 |
| November Clematis |
I was surprised to see the blooms along the fence.
They were hanging on as the time for sleep approached.
And then I looked again down along the fence and I could tell how mild the season has been--Brown-eyed Susan's blooming along the fence to grace my late-November searching eye.
 |
| Susan's Along the Fence |
We have Christmas Lights illuminating the house at night and flowers reminding us of the summer past.
Now all I need is a warm sandy beach and a palm tree to complete the illusion.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Axis and Allies
 | |
| Annual Axis and Allies Game |
Follow-up--after four rounds of heated conflict in Europe and with the U.S. managing to win the War of the Atlantic and to land troops in Vichy France--the Russians fell to the Germans and the game was over. The US and the UK were just barely unable to reinforce Moscow in advance of the German panzer armies push.
Learn German. Congrats to Patrick on a well played and hard fought victory.
Day After
The feast was fabulous.
Even the football was exciting. The anticipated blow-outs did not materialize and the games were close--well at least the first two.
The family was gather
ed around the table. The great-grandparents were seated. The five dogs (Jeff, Florence, Makayla, Ben and Chewie) were penned in the basement, Ethan and Jax were rested and involved, and the wine was perfect for the brine soaked turkey--which was moist and flavorful.
The prayer was given.
And as the eating began--the thanks though unspoken was evident. We were together again. Gathered around a table sharing a meal and thankful for family and the freedoms we had which include the ability to gather together without fear and with a table full of foods.
The pies were tasty--I sampled two--a pumpkin and an apple.
And then as we became bored with the NFL's Thanksgiving offerings, some of us slipped out for a movie--the latest Harry Potter offering.
Finally arriving home after 10pm--I knew it had been a great Thanksgiving once again. Not because of what I ate, or or what I did--but because of who I was with. And that was what I was most thankful for--the who's sitting around the table and the relationships we share.
Even the football was exciting. The anticipated blow-outs did not materialize and the games were close--well at least the first two.
The family was gather
ed around the table. The great-grandparents were seated. The five dogs (Jeff, Florence, Makayla, Ben and Chewie) were penned in the basement, Ethan and Jax were rested and involved, and the wine was perfect for the brine soaked turkey--which was moist and flavorful.The prayer was given.
And as the eating began--the thanks though unspoken was evident. We were together again. Gathered around a table sharing a meal and thankful for family and the freedoms we had which include the ability to gather together without fear and with a table full of foods.
The pies were tasty--I sampled two--a pumpkin and an apple.
And then as we became bored with the NFL's Thanksgiving offerings, some of us slipped out for a movie--the latest Harry Potter offering.
Finally arriving home after 10pm--I knew it had been a great Thanksgiving once again. Not because of what I ate, or or what I did--but because of who I was with. And that was what I was most thankful for--the who's sitting around the table and the relationships we share.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Snowstorm in the Village
 |
| 2010 Village Blizzard |
Needless to say the designer initially was not amused. But in retrospect it demonstrated a creative genius. The snowstorm survived the night.
Happy Thanksgiving
Well--it arrived right on schedule.
The national day to give thanks.
I have said, on a couple of occasions, that Thanksgiving is the most religious of all of the national holidays (note: I wrote religious and not Christian). And I believe this to be true. While some may argue that Christmas is the most religious oriented--I maintain that Thanksgiving is the one one of the two which has remained closest its original purpose for a broader percent of the population--
I present the quick definition from Wikipedia:
Thanksgiving Day, known informally as "Turkey Day," is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving was a holiday to express thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation to God, family and friends for which all have been blessed of material possessions and relationships. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. This holiday has since moved away from its religious roots.
While the holiday has moved away from its religious roots--it still retains that sense of a holiday unspoiled by blatant commercialism and which is still designed to make us pause--and give thanks for all we have and the bountiful blessings bestowed upon us. Most of us, thank God. Because we know--it's not us!
And so this year, I am thankful for our military members on the front lines in far off places and the civilians who are there along beside them. I am thankful for family, for close friends who put up with my antics, my dog, and the blessings that God has poured out upon me. More than I can count or even appreciate.
May you and yours recognize the blessings you have and be thankful for them today, tomorrow, and into the future.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Left the Station
The train is a full throttle racing away from the station--only there is no track in front of it.
Sometimes life seems to be like this.
All speed and no vector.
The holidays seem like this sometimes more often than not.
There are so many schedules to juggle--so many things to do and not nearly enough time to get them all done.
Sanity--or preserving sanity during this season relies on finding balance. It also relies upon recognizing that choosing to participate in one thing may preclude doing another. For example--going shopping on a Saturday afternoon precludes raking the leaves. As long as I am good with that--life is OK. But if I become stressed because of both what I am doing and what I am not doing--nothing good will result.
It is a bit sad that a season of joy has become a season plagued by stress.
But--like the picture--even though it appears the tracks are not there--if we slow down, take a deep breath and smile, we can get through the drifts of the season which are competing for our time and attention. The tracks are there--but we must move at a reasonable pace not to get derailed.
Sometimes life seems to be like this.
All speed and no vector.
The holidays seem like this sometimes more often than not.
There are so many schedules to juggle--so many things to do and not nearly enough time to get them all done.
Sanity--or preserving sanity during this season relies on finding balance. It also relies upon recognizing that choosing to participate in one thing may preclude doing another. For example--going shopping on a Saturday afternoon precludes raking the leaves. As long as I am good with that--life is OK. But if I become stressed because of both what I am doing and what I am not doing--nothing good will result.
It is a bit sad that a season of joy has become a season plagued by stress.
But--like the picture--even though it appears the tracks are not there--if we slow down, take a deep breath and smile, we can get through the drifts of the season which are competing for our time and attention. The tracks are there--but we must move at a reasonable pace not to get derailed.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Race is On
You probably didn't even feel it when you woke up this morning--but the pace of life has just doubled. And it will stay on "fast forward" until January 3rd or so.
Yes--despite Thanksgiving being a couple days off--the rush of the holidays begins now.
There are dinners and desserts to plan. Wine lists to coordinate.
Activities to plan as well.
At work, today we are having a pig-in! Just to get things rolling along on the festivities. So it should be a week of eating and partying.
And it is a short work week too--Since I'm taking leave on Friday--it is a three-day week. I could get to like working like that.
Yes--despite Thanksgiving being a couple days off--the rush of the holidays begins now.
There are dinners and desserts to plan. Wine lists to coordinate.
Activities to plan as well.
At work, today we are having a pig-in! Just to get things rolling along on the festivities. So it should be a week of eating and partying.
And it is a short work week too--Since I'm taking leave on Friday--it is a three-day week. I could get to like working like that.
So like I always say this time of year--Don't be a turkey, eat one!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday Musings - November 22, 2010
1. Read in a news item: "More Americans can identify the Three Stooges than the three branches of government--you know, the ones who are jockeying over our welfare." AlterNet
2. Want to check how much you know about religion? Take this survey: U.S. Religious Knowledge Quiz. I missed one question.
3. TSA and pat downs and whole body scanners. We can find a reason to justify almost anything it seems. There is a risk to everything we do. Maybe in their zeal to make flying risk free they have gone a bit too far.
4. Afghan Hero Dog Is Euthanized by Mistake in U.S. From the NY Times: The glory, though, was short-lived. Target, after learning to get along with the Young family’s other dog in Arizona, becoming accustomed to dog food and to using a doggie door to relieve herself, escaped from her yard. She was captured last week and euthanized by mistake.
5. Have kids or grandkids? Here are the 10 worst toys for this holiday season.
6. Well it was clear from watching the games yesterday that, according to Jeremy, the NFL is becoming the other Flag Football League--it seems that the flag happy referees can't let the game play on. It really slows the game and we saw at least three flags thrown for non-penalty items in one game. Even the announcers agreed.
7. From the Drudge Retort this morning: Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said in a radio interview that court rulings can be superseded by the other two branches of government. "A president has certainly got to respect a ruling of the court, but if the ruling of a court is wrong, and it's fundamentally wrong, and you have two branches of the government that determine that it's wrong, then those other two branches supersede the one," he said. The whole article is in Think Progress. BTW--he's wrong.
8. The clowns in circus of life are there to keep us from getting too serious about meaningless stuff.
9. This is a holiday week--which starts the larger holiday season. Which means it is going to be a bit crazy until about January 3rd.
10. BTW--remember--it is OK to say: "Merry Christmas" and not try to be politically correct by saying "Happy Holidays." Why? Christmas is the Federal Holiday.
3. TSA and pat downs and whole body scanners. We can find a reason to justify almost anything it seems. There is a risk to everything we do. Maybe in their zeal to make flying risk free they have gone a bit too far.
4. Afghan Hero Dog Is Euthanized by Mistake in U.S. From the NY Times: The glory, though, was short-lived. Target, after learning to get along with the Young family’s other dog in Arizona, becoming accustomed to dog food and to using a doggie door to relieve herself, escaped from her yard. She was captured last week and euthanized by mistake.
5. Have kids or grandkids? Here are the 10 worst toys for this holiday season.
6. Well it was clear from watching the games yesterday that, according to Jeremy, the NFL is becoming the other Flag Football League--it seems that the flag happy referees can't let the game play on. It really slows the game and we saw at least three flags thrown for non-penalty items in one game. Even the announcers agreed.
7. From the Drudge Retort this morning: Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said in a radio interview that court rulings can be superseded by the other two branches of government. "A president has certainly got to respect a ruling of the court, but if the ruling of a court is wrong, and it's fundamentally wrong, and you have two branches of the government that determine that it's wrong, then those other two branches supersede the one," he said. The whole article is in Think Progress. BTW--he's wrong.
8. The clowns in circus of life are there to keep us from getting too serious about meaningless stuff.
9. This is a holiday week--which starts the larger holiday season. Which means it is going to be a bit crazy until about January 3rd.
10. BTW--remember--it is OK to say: "Merry Christmas" and not try to be politically correct by saying "Happy Holidays." Why? Christmas is the Federal Holiday.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thanksgiving is Here!
How do I know?
We have our own Thanksgiving forecasting cactus.
every year around Thanksgiving it breaks into full blossom. And this year is no exception--it is magnificent.
It is fun to take care of this plant all year long and then in November to see it begin to bud and then spring into full flower.
We have had this cactus for many years now--and I think it is blooming a bit earlier now than it used to--but no problem--whenever it blooms, we enjoy its flowers.
And with the blooms--the turkey is not far behind.
And the holiday season.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
2010 edition of the Doan Family Snow Village
The annual tradition dates back to about 1983 but it has grown larger every year.
This year the village is at one end for the first time.
Only 6 hours start to finish
The One Thing
Here is the scene:
Curley is riding his horse during one scene in the movie City Slickers, and provides insight into the deep meaning of life. He holds up his finger and pronounces that it is about one thing.
Mitch, riding along side Curley gets excites and asks--"What is the one thing?" And Curley calmly tells him, "That's what you have to find out!"
Curley's one thing is different from Mitch's one thing.
My one thing is different from yours. We are each different and have different purposes that make us tick
That really struck me the other night as I was at a meeting where the discussion turned to talking about the "one thing" that really is our personal mission.
I envisioned a box, which when opened would have the one thing there--for me to see and be reminded of. The one that that is me and my personal mission/vocation in life.
Sadly it is not that easy.
I think I used to know what that one thing was--but a few years ago it got crushed and I haven't reconstructed it yet
So in my mind the other evening I opened my box and looked inside for the one thing--and it was empty. There were a lot of things hanging around outside the box--but no one thing had taken charge.
I was depressed, but I think I knew it all along.
But look at the opportunity. I get to redefine myself and my goals as I rediscover my one thing!
Wherever it is.
Curley is riding his horse during one scene in the movie City Slickers, and provides insight into the deep meaning of life. He holds up his finger and pronounces that it is about one thing.
Mitch, riding along side Curley gets excites and asks--"What is the one thing?" And Curley calmly tells him, "That's what you have to find out!"
Curley's one thing is different from Mitch's one thing.
My one thing is different from yours. We are each different and have different purposes that make us tick
That really struck me the other night as I was at a meeting where the discussion turned to talking about the "one thing" that really is our personal mission.
I envisioned a box, which when opened would have the one thing there--for me to see and be reminded of. The one that that is me and my personal mission/vocation in life.
Sadly it is not that easy.
I think I used to know what that one thing was--but a few years ago it got crushed and I haven't reconstructed it yet
So in my mind the other evening I opened my box and looked inside for the one thing--and it was empty. There were a lot of things hanging around outside the box--but no one thing had taken charge.
I was depressed, but I think I knew it all along.
But look at the opportunity. I get to redefine myself and my goals as I rediscover my one thing!
Wherever it is.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Dawn
I love dawn
when the sky transitions from night to day.
The first hints of light silhouette the landscape,
I can just begin to discern shapes along the horizon
but the stars remain in the still night sky.
It begins as a narrow band of light.
No color.
As it expands and dark colors begin to come into view,
I can begin to make out shapes on the landscape.
The world has no depth.
Only dark shapes on the horizon.
Dark trees and buildings.
The light continues to build,
orange gold colors of the morning begin to grace the sky.
I can begin to make out some depth in the land.
I can tell the trees are losing their leaves to the coming winter
And so quickly
The darkness is driven away by the light
The stars are gone
The world stirs from its slumber
How quickly it happens
Darkness and then light bathing the land
And I can see the colors of the trees
and the houses and the depth of the landscape.
Night is gone.
Day arrived
full of promise and plans.
And I witnessed the miracle, again.
when the sky transitions from night to day.
The first hints of light silhouette the landscape,
I can just begin to discern shapes along the horizon
but the stars remain in the still night sky.
It begins as a narrow band of light.
No color.
As it expands and dark colors begin to come into view,
I can begin to make out shapes on the landscape.
The world has no depth.
Only dark shapes on the horizon.
Dark trees and buildings.
The light continues to build,
orange gold colors of the morning begin to grace the sky.
I can begin to make out some depth in the land.
I can tell the trees are losing their leaves to the coming winter
And so quickly
The darkness is driven away by the light
The stars are gone
The world stirs from its slumber
How quickly it happens
Darkness and then light bathing the land
And I can see the colors of the trees
and the houses and the depth of the landscape.
Night is gone.
Day arrived
full of promise and plans.
And I witnessed the miracle, again.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Chewbacca -- A Puppy Arrives
 | |
| Chewbacca |
Chewie for short.
Patrick and Tina's new lab mix puppy. A bundle of fun and energy.
He is the only animal right now that can keep up with Florence--Nicole's Italian Greyhound.
Look at those eyes--they are just full of mischief.
He is a lot of fun to be around and he follows really well.
Patrick and Tina are doing a great job being pack leaders.
It is kinda cool when Ben, Makayla, Chewie, and Florence are all together. Dogs everywhere.
Then add in Ethan, Jax, and Lucas and we have our own circus.
It is what makes it all fun!
Patrick and Tina's new lab mix puppy. A bundle of fun and energy.
He is the only animal right now that can keep up with Florence--Nicole's Italian Greyhound.
Look at those eyes--they are just full of mischief.
He is a lot of fun to be around and he follows really well.
Patrick and Tina are doing a great job being pack leaders.
It is kinda cool when Ben, Makayla, Chewie, and Florence are all together. Dogs everywhere.
Then add in Ethan, Jax, and Lucas and we have our own circus.
It is what makes it all fun!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Encouragement--The Power of Building Up
Encouragement seems to be a recurring theme in my life.
In an effort to remain a positive person full of optimism and continuing to grow, I have witnessed the aftermath of a less than encouraging experience.
It is simply, destructive.
I fear we are all guilty--and not just me. I mean, I know of times when I see something which is the result of hard work on the part of another--and I find the flaw. All to often the resulting conversation goes something like: "Wow, that is a really great job, but . . . "
That, friends, is not encouragement. Encouragement would stop before the ",but . . ."
We had a message in church a week or so ago about encouragement, and I had forgotten that the command to encourage one another was so prominent in the New Testament. Paul wrote:
"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing."
- 1 Thess 5:11 - NIV
Pretty strong words.
I have written a few blog entries on encouragement. Tear 'em Down or Build 'em Up? Leading in a mixed up world and Leadership: The Power of "Good Job" and "Thank-you" and of course Empowerment and Encouragement.
It is a recurring theme with me because I see so many people in need of an encouraging word. I know it is tough to be encouraging when I am reviewing a document for publication and need to make changes. The goal is to make it an encouraging teaching moment rather than a demoralizing experience for the author. It is tough to do. But it needs to be done.
If I want to encourage risk takers--in thought and action; I need to encourage them and not assassinate them when the results fall short of the vision we had.
I remember the saying--every cloud has a silver lining. Now that is truly encouragement.
We learn more from adversity than from success.
So from an encouragement point of view--we'll do better next time.
Let's go out for a drink and talk this one over--get out of the office, out of the threatening professional trappings of power and leadership and talk person to person. And at the end of it all--be happy that action was taken. Be encouraged. Tomorrow can be better than today.
In an effort to remain a positive person full of optimism and continuing to grow, I have witnessed the aftermath of a less than encouraging experience.
It is simply, destructive.
I fear we are all guilty--and not just me. I mean, I know of times when I see something which is the result of hard work on the part of another--and I find the flaw. All to often the resulting conversation goes something like: "Wow, that is a really great job, but . . . "
That, friends, is not encouragement. Encouragement would stop before the ",but . . ."
We had a message in church a week or so ago about encouragement, and I had forgotten that the command to encourage one another was so prominent in the New Testament. Paul wrote:
"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing."
- 1 Thess 5:11 - NIV
Pretty strong words.
I have written a few blog entries on encouragement. Tear 'em Down or Build 'em Up? Leading in a mixed up world and Leadership: The Power of "Good Job" and "Thank-you" and of course Empowerment and Encouragement.
It is a recurring theme with me because I see so many people in need of an encouraging word. I know it is tough to be encouraging when I am reviewing a document for publication and need to make changes. The goal is to make it an encouraging teaching moment rather than a demoralizing experience for the author. It is tough to do. But it needs to be done.
If I want to encourage risk takers--in thought and action; I need to encourage them and not assassinate them when the results fall short of the vision we had.
I remember the saying--every cloud has a silver lining. Now that is truly encouragement.
We learn more from adversity than from success.
So from an encouragement point of view--we'll do better next time.
Let's go out for a drink and talk this one over--get out of the office, out of the threatening professional trappings of power and leadership and talk person to person. And at the end of it all--be happy that action was taken. Be encouraged. Tomorrow can be better than today.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Leadership--the Intangible
Leadership is intangible, and therefore no weapon ever designed can replace it. Omar N. Bradley
And now suddenly you find yourself "promoted" into a leadership position. They (notice how we often refer to leadership above us as , "they?") want you to lead a team.
Scared? Yeah, if that is what happened to you, you should be scared because good technicians make good leaders only with assistance and if they have not offered you assistance--you are being set up for a lot of frustration and potentially failure.
That means that you must actively search out and get leadership advice. Notice I said leadership and not management. You are a manager--we all are managers. We all manage things in order to survive: the fuel in the gas tank, the money in the checking account, the groceries on our shelves. So being a manager at work is fundamentally no different than what we do every day.
But . . .
Leadership is different--it involves people.
It is intangible.
It is not easy and there is no cookbook formula for success. Why? Because every team and every person and every task in different. A good leader is able to find the style, the motivation, the approach for the specific situation or mission.
It took me a long time to understand the subtleties--but that is why leadership in the US Navy was always seemed so different from the leadership I did as an officer in the US Air Force. But now I understand, there is a different mission and set of standards that must be followed on a naval vessel as compared to an Air Force Base.
That is why leadership of a small church group is so different from leadership of a work group charged with a specific task.
The skills are similar--but are not identically transferable.
So what is needed? A discussion of the basic principles of leadership and tools for the tool box.
Most important though? Leaders need to see the person in each team member.
It is through motivating people to achieve that leaders succeed.
I get a lot out of this quote from General Omar Bradley because it underscores the fundamental nature of leadership. Leadership is not a physical thing and it must be done by people--leaders. I do not believe leadership can ever be relegated to a computer to recreate. It is a skill about handling and motivating people.
So there you are---a great technician, fully knowledgeable in your area of expertise. Loving being a technician. You could be a great teacher, or a research engineer, or a software designer.
A recognized expert in your field.
And now suddenly you find yourself "promoted" into a leadership position. They (notice how we often refer to leadership above us as , "they?") want you to lead a team.
Scared? Yeah, if that is what happened to you, you should be scared because good technicians make good leaders only with assistance and if they have not offered you assistance--you are being set up for a lot of frustration and potentially failure.
That means that you must actively search out and get leadership advice. Notice I said leadership and not management. You are a manager--we all are managers. We all manage things in order to survive: the fuel in the gas tank, the money in the checking account, the groceries on our shelves. So being a manager at work is fundamentally no different than what we do every day.
But . . .
Leadership is different--it involves people.
It is intangible.
It is not easy and there is no cookbook formula for success. Why? Because every team and every person and every task in different. A good leader is able to find the style, the motivation, the approach for the specific situation or mission.
It took me a long time to understand the subtleties--but that is why leadership in the US Navy was always seemed so different from the leadership I did as an officer in the US Air Force. But now I understand, there is a different mission and set of standards that must be followed on a naval vessel as compared to an Air Force Base.
That is why leadership of a small church group is so different from leadership of a work group charged with a specific task.
The skills are similar--but are not identically transferable.
So what is needed? A discussion of the basic principles of leadership and tools for the tool box.
Most important though? Leaders need to see the person in each team member.
It is through motivating people to achieve that leaders succeed.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday Musings - November 15, 2010
1. I went to the doctor for a physical the other day and he gave me both good news and bad news. The good news was that I don't have any new problems to worry about. The bad news? I still have all of the old ones to deal with.
2. Why are days off from work are shorter than work days?
3. Is it really 5 o'clock somewhere? And if it is, why am I not there?
4.Watching someone's dog can be trying.
5. What do you get when you add three boys under the age of six with four dogs and try to watch a football game?
6. Weekend? What is a weekend?
7. Football is a fickle sport. Every team in the AFC North lost this week and the Cowboys won!
8. A high school in Virginia has eliminated the "F" grade. No one fails anymore. Wow, if only life were really like that. How are kids going to learn to live if they don't learn the truth about consequences and life? People fail--and that is not all bad, ask Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried chicken fame. He failed 1,000 times before he succeeded. One "A" can erase a lot of "F's."
5. What do you get when you add three boys under the age of six with four dogs and try to watch a football game?
6. Weekend? What is a weekend?
7. Football is a fickle sport. Every team in the AFC North lost this week and the Cowboys won!
8. A high school in Virginia has eliminated the "F" grade. No one fails anymore. Wow, if only life were really like that. How are kids going to learn to live if they don't learn the truth about consequences and life? People fail--and that is not all bad, ask Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried chicken fame. He failed 1,000 times before he succeeded. One "A" can erase a lot of "F's."
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Reflections
I decided to read through some of my first blogs the other day--to get in touch with where I've been and to help me stay true to my vision for this blog.
I found that my blogging has become a journal of my thoughts and the events in my life that I want (or not) to share with others.
And so I reread the first entries that I made as I inaugurated the blog in December 2007 and into 2008. I reviewed the entries of joy, and hope, and also the hard times surrounding the miracle baby, Jax and his stunning recovery from open heart surgery at six days old.
I reflected on how Jax is one of the smartest and most energetic kids that I know--and I recalled seeing him connected to all of the wires and tubes keeping him alive in those hours after the surgery, no one would believe it now--except for still visible straight line on his chest--that reminder of God's mercy and healing power given to this one little precious boy.
And then I ker-thunk-ed.
From the miracle of Jax I ran headlong into one of the darkest and most difficult decisions that I have ever made recorded in the entries from March and April 2008. Perhaps I was reviewing these blog entries because of a song that Eric Scott sang at the house concert which I found therapeutic. Perhaps because there are still dangling threads to this chapter of my life that need to be tied up. What ever the reason--they are still there, raw and dangling.
I saw that I had hidden within my leadership essays the pain that I was feeling during that time. The betrayal. The loss of friends and connectedness with a family of believers that I had been a member of for a long while. I chalked much of it up to life lessons, but even now, two-and-a-half years later I have a hard time getting over the broken relationships with people whom I considered not just friends--but family. When I really needed support and an arm on my shoulder--I got sermonizing and bad theology from the person who I both respected and considered to be my closest friend.
I felt that I had to leave because the bonds of trust and friendship had been crushed through words and inaction.
I was reminded at this point of a verse from Job--"Then they sat down with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, yet no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great." Job 2:13 - NIV. And I reflected that for seven days Job's friends just sat with him--they were with him and said nothing. Can you imagine sitting with someone for seven days and saying nothing? Just being there?
Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.
I wrote some blogs which helped me deal with my hurt while also trying to help me catalog some of the leadership principles that I could see coming from the reflection on everything that brought me to make the decision--Empowerment and Encouragement and People or process? Where's the joy? These two blogs were the first in my Leadership Series and they also were ripe with the pain I was feeling. Another Leadership Series blog about Co-leadership is also based upon my experience and it has been read worldwide and I have received more email about this entry than any other blog I have written. It is apparently widely used in some colleges.
Sadly, though I wrote of my pain and frustration--my friend never pursued me, so I know that the relationship was one-way. I believe this because when I lose something, or something gets lost, like keys or a dog or a cat, I pursue it. I look for it. I find it! Are not people and their relationships worth even more than the relationship with a dog or cat? Yet, through this I felt as if I have been erased from the memory despite my occasional attempts to reconnect, which so far have been rebuffed.
The whole situation is like a festering sore that is quiet for a while and then flares up. And then I bury it again and forget it. But some nights, when I have insomnia, I remember the good times and wonder how they went so terribly bad. I think is was a package deal, all wrapped up in the emotion of Jax's crisis and the family coming together.
But it is still out there--in the dark nights, in the blogs, in my heart. Maybe like Eric Scott, I should write a song.
Or a blog.
To read again in a few years.
But I stopped reviewing my blog at that point. Who knows what else is hidden in there, clawing at the prison bars to escape? I'm almost afraid to look.
I found that my blogging has become a journal of my thoughts and the events in my life that I want (or not) to share with others.
And so I reread the first entries that I made as I inaugurated the blog in December 2007 and into 2008. I reviewed the entries of joy, and hope, and also the hard times surrounding the miracle baby, Jax and his stunning recovery from open heart surgery at six days old.
I reflected on how Jax is one of the smartest and most energetic kids that I know--and I recalled seeing him connected to all of the wires and tubes keeping him alive in those hours after the surgery, no one would believe it now--except for still visible straight line on his chest--that reminder of God's mercy and healing power given to this one little precious boy.
And then I ker-thunk-ed.
From the miracle of Jax I ran headlong into one of the darkest and most difficult decisions that I have ever made recorded in the entries from March and April 2008. Perhaps I was reviewing these blog entries because of a song that Eric Scott sang at the house concert which I found therapeutic. Perhaps because there are still dangling threads to this chapter of my life that need to be tied up. What ever the reason--they are still there, raw and dangling.
I saw that I had hidden within my leadership essays the pain that I was feeling during that time. The betrayal. The loss of friends and connectedness with a family of believers that I had been a member of for a long while. I chalked much of it up to life lessons, but even now, two-and-a-half years later I have a hard time getting over the broken relationships with people whom I considered not just friends--but family. When I really needed support and an arm on my shoulder--I got sermonizing and bad theology from the person who I both respected and considered to be my closest friend.
I felt that I had to leave because the bonds of trust and friendship had been crushed through words and inaction.
I was reminded at this point of a verse from Job--"Then they sat down with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, yet no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great." Job 2:13 - NIV. And I reflected that for seven days Job's friends just sat with him--they were with him and said nothing. Can you imagine sitting with someone for seven days and saying nothing? Just being there?
Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.
I wrote some blogs which helped me deal with my hurt while also trying to help me catalog some of the leadership principles that I could see coming from the reflection on everything that brought me to make the decision--Empowerment and Encouragement and People or process? Where's the joy? These two blogs were the first in my Leadership Series and they also were ripe with the pain I was feeling. Another Leadership Series blog about Co-leadership is also based upon my experience and it has been read worldwide and I have received more email about this entry than any other blog I have written. It is apparently widely used in some colleges.
Sadly, though I wrote of my pain and frustration--my friend never pursued me, so I know that the relationship was one-way. I believe this because when I lose something, or something gets lost, like keys or a dog or a cat, I pursue it. I look for it. I find it! Are not people and their relationships worth even more than the relationship with a dog or cat? Yet, through this I felt as if I have been erased from the memory despite my occasional attempts to reconnect, which so far have been rebuffed.
The whole situation is like a festering sore that is quiet for a while and then flares up. And then I bury it again and forget it. But some nights, when I have insomnia, I remember the good times and wonder how they went so terribly bad. I think is was a package deal, all wrapped up in the emotion of Jax's crisis and the family coming together.
But it is still out there--in the dark nights, in the blogs, in my heart. Maybe like Eric Scott, I should write a song.
Or a blog.
To read again in a few years.
But I stopped reviewing my blog at that point. Who knows what else is hidden in there, clawing at the prison bars to escape? I'm almost afraid to look.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Flying Old Glory - Update
Sanity reigns.
This just in from California regarding my post from earlier this morning:
A news article from this mornings Turlock Journal
Cody Alicea can fly his flag again:
However, after an outcry was raised locally and from afar, the district reversed that call on Friday, once again allowing Alicea to fly Old Glory.
This is critical and a huge victory for patriotism. But the article also points out some of the rest of the story.
The way it happened:
I had forgotten that Denair was the district which had banned the Mexican flag on Cinco de Mayo. But still--banning the American flag is a lot different. Like--this is the U.S. and not Mexico.
And by the way--the victory at Puebla on Cinco de Mayo was a victory for all of North America and probably allowed the Civil War to end with the United States re-unified rather than two separate countries.
But--that is a story for another day.
Congrats Cody and all Americans--we can still fly our flag in the USA!
This just in from California regarding my post from earlier this morning:
A news article from this mornings Turlock Journal
Cody Alicea can fly his flag again:
However, after an outcry was raised locally and from afar, the district reversed that call on Friday, once again allowing Alicea to fly Old Glory.
This is critical and a huge victory for patriotism. But the article also points out some of the rest of the story.
The way it happened:
“A school employee said some students have been complaining about my flag and I needed to take it down,” Alicea said. “So I took it down. I was kind of mad and upset because I have been flying it for two months and all of a sudden its Veterans week and it’s a problem.”
The Denair Unified School District backed up the campus supervisor’s decision, in part because they had previously made other students stop displaying the flag of Mexico on Cinco de Mayo.
I had forgotten that Denair was the district which had banned the Mexican flag on Cinco de Mayo. But still--banning the American flag is a lot different. Like--this is the U.S. and not Mexico.
And by the way--the victory at Puebla on Cinco de Mayo was a victory for all of North America and probably allowed the Civil War to end with the United States re-unified rather than two separate countries.
But--that is a story for another day.
Congrats Cody and all Americans--we can still fly our flag in the USA!
Whose Flag are they Talking About?
Published yesterday--November 12, from the people's democratic republic of California comes the following news item:
School Makes Boy Take American Flag Off Bike
Elissa Harrington FOX40 News
November 12, 2010
DENAIR -
13-year-old Cody Alicea rides with an American flag on the back of his bike. He says he does this to be patriotic and to honor veterans, like his own grandfather, Robert. He's had the flag on his bike for two months but Monday, was asked told to take it down.
A school official at Denair Middle School told Cody some students had been complaining about the flag and it was no longer allowed on school property.
"In this country we're supposed to be free," said Cody. "And I should be able to wave my flag wherever I want to. And they're telling me I can't."
There is a little bit more to the story--but these are the salient paragraphs, click on the title link for the complete text.
I did a little research on this. Denair is a public school system and therefore, presumably, it flys an American flag in front of the school and probably has an American flag in every classroom. So I wonder--how could they ban an American flag from school property?
The Denair Middle School has a website which, when I last checked, made no mention of the report--but the site was running, as you might suspect, very slowly.
They did not call it an safety hazard--just an unspecified complaint.
I wish all the kids would ride their bikes with American flags on them! It is what i was bemoaning on Veteran's Day about the schools not promoting patriotism--but rather an educational based humanistic socialism.
I bet young Cody was just having too much fun being a proud American.
We can't have that, can we?
School Makes Boy Take American Flag Off Bike
Elissa Harrington FOX40 News
November 12, 2010
DENAIR -
13-year-old Cody Alicea rides with an American flag on the back of his bike. He says he does this to be patriotic and to honor veterans, like his own grandfather, Robert. He's had the flag on his bike for two months but Monday, was asked told to take it down.
A school official at Denair Middle School told Cody some students had been complaining about the flag and it was no longer allowed on school property.
"In this country we're supposed to be free," said Cody. "And I should be able to wave my flag wherever I want to. And they're telling me I can't."
There is a little bit more to the story--but these are the salient paragraphs, click on the title link for the complete text.
I did a little research on this. Denair is a public school system and therefore, presumably, it flys an American flag in front of the school and probably has an American flag in every classroom. So I wonder--how could they ban an American flag from school property?
The Denair Middle School has a website which, when I last checked, made no mention of the report--but the site was running, as you might suspect, very slowly.
They did not call it an safety hazard--just an unspecified complaint.
I wish all the kids would ride their bikes with American flags on them! It is what i was bemoaning on Veteran's Day about the schools not promoting patriotism--but rather an educational based humanistic socialism.
I bet young Cody was just having too much fun being a proud American.
We can't have that, can we?
Friday, November 12, 2010
So What Did You Do On Your Day Off?
It is a rare thing when I have a day off and Chris has to work.
It only happens about three times a year--Columbus Day, Veteran's Day and President's Day.
So I do look forward to those days on my own--where I can get special projects accomplished and I can work at a leisurely pace around the house.
Sadly, the days never work out like I imagine them.
I had dreams of an afternoon nap--a leisurely day. But then reality set in.
The day started great--did I sleep in? No. I didn't plan on sleeping in and I chose instead to play racquetball at 0530--as I do on most Thursdays. I am continuing to play even though my game is becoming "spotty" at best. The best position for my opponent to be in is for me to have a lead--like 11-5. Yeah, I'm losing a lot now 15-11 after leading big. Ugh! I can't close the game out--kinda like the Ravens last night losing 26-21.
But still, I love racquetball.
And then the real day began. Back home for breakfast with Chris and watching the Today Show. I'm a hopeless Today Show junkie and I usually only get to see it on weekends.
Coffee, breakfast, the paper, computer in my lap and my dog at my feet--what could be better?
Really? Not much.
But I had a physical to go off to. Chris loves to schedule doctor appointments on my days off--that way I don't have an excuse.
And the doctor's appointment went amazingly well. I was home for lunch and then onto the big project: putting up the outdoor Christmas lights. We do this on warm days in the period between Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. We don't turn them on until the Friday after Thanksgiving, but they are ready and I do not have to suffer through numb fingers and chilling temperatures to get the lights up if I do them on a warmer day--which yesterday was.
A normally two hour project took almost four hours!
I was besieged by nagging little problems--which sucked up the entire afternoon and of course my desired nap time too.
So by the time I finished, Chris was getting home from her day and we had dinner plans with friends.
At least I was able to enjoy a free Blooming Onion at Outback in honor of Veterans! Which I am. And we had a great dinner with stimulating conversation.
So what did I do on my day off? All of the important stuff but little of the enjoyable stuff.
And who knew that a day off was so much shorter than a regular work day?
It only happens about three times a year--Columbus Day, Veteran's Day and President's Day.
So I do look forward to those days on my own--where I can get special projects accomplished and I can work at a leisurely pace around the house.
Sadly, the days never work out like I imagine them.
I had dreams of an afternoon nap--a leisurely day. But then reality set in.
The day started great--did I sleep in? No. I didn't plan on sleeping in and I chose instead to play racquetball at 0530--as I do on most Thursdays. I am continuing to play even though my game is becoming "spotty" at best. The best position for my opponent to be in is for me to have a lead--like 11-5. Yeah, I'm losing a lot now 15-11 after leading big. Ugh! I can't close the game out--kinda like the Ravens last night losing 26-21.
But still, I love racquetball.
And then the real day began. Back home for breakfast with Chris and watching the Today Show. I'm a hopeless Today Show junkie and I usually only get to see it on weekends.
Coffee, breakfast, the paper, computer in my lap and my dog at my feet--what could be better?
Really? Not much.
But I had a physical to go off to. Chris loves to schedule doctor appointments on my days off--that way I don't have an excuse.
And the doctor's appointment went amazingly well. I was home for lunch and then onto the big project: putting up the outdoor Christmas lights. We do this on warm days in the period between Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. We don't turn them on until the Friday after Thanksgiving, but they are ready and I do not have to suffer through numb fingers and chilling temperatures to get the lights up if I do them on a warmer day--which yesterday was.
A normally two hour project took almost four hours!
I was besieged by nagging little problems--which sucked up the entire afternoon and of course my desired nap time too.
So by the time I finished, Chris was getting home from her day and we had dinner plans with friends.
At least I was able to enjoy a free Blooming Onion at Outback in honor of Veterans! Which I am. And we had a great dinner with stimulating conversation.
So what did I do on my day off? All of the important stuff but little of the enjoyable stuff.
And who knew that a day off was so much shorter than a regular work day?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
