Mac trip pictures way over due

November 4, 2008

So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause.

The dumbest man on the planet

Did you know that the whole bail out is not about fiscal irresponsibility and risky loans? It’s all about the lack of health care in out country. Yep, you guessed it the brilliant Michael Moore is blaming it all on healthcare. Not on the fact that large loans were given to people with bad credit and/or high debt to income ratios. Not to mention the fact that hospitals not only do not turn people away for care, but they also work out payment plans on a sliding scale. This myth that if you are not insured you will die in the streets is ridiculous. I am not saying that Americans should not be insured, that would be as irresponsible as maxing out all of your credit cards and buying the most expensive house you can afford.

Example: Joe gets promoted. Joe wants a new car so he goes out and buys a brand new Ford Ranger, because the payment fits his new budget. Joe wants to own a home; he has been renting for 6 years and is ready to start investing in his own property. Joe is told he can spend between $120 and $200 thousand on his home. He chooses to spend $200 thousand on his new home after all he is still in the range that the bank told him he could spend. He needs new furniture but he is maxed out on all of his credit cards and he is unable to pay cash because the majority of his income is going to his new car and his mortgage. So he takes out a store credit card. Why not, its 0% interest for a year – and he reasons he will pay it off long before then. Summer time rolls around and he wants to have a few friends and family come over for a grill out, he spends a little more than he planned but reasons that he can just pay the minimum on the credit cards – just this month. Fast forward three months, and a few small get togethers later, two more credit cards and Joe is in way over his head financially.

If Joe would have been living within his means he would not be struggling financially. The media seems to be under the impression that only those with mortgages under $150 thousand were foreclosed upon. Million dollar homes also went into foreclosure. Buying a million dollar home is not just putting a roof over your head – it is a lifestyle.

I will close by saying that not all people can afford to buy a home. Not owning a home is a lot less embarrassing than being kicked out of your home because you could not make the payments.

Who is running for President?

I find it hilarious that the media is comparing Sarah Palin and Barack Obama. Do they know that she is running for VP?

Time to buy a generator and stock up on rations

Post 911 and Katrina citizens (I mean the left) are still screaming for more government involvement in disaster situations. The answer to this cry is bringing an active brigade to US soil.


On the surface this does not seem like a bad thing. Why would we not want our military on stand by to help in a crisis? Well for one thing one of the “additional duties” will be to help with civil unrest.

Did someone forget the National Guard? Don’t they respond to natural disaster and civil unrest situations?

I do tend to be a conspiracy theorist, but it is too hard to deny that with our military resources stretched as thin as they are, this plan is a bit unusual. Is it about the election, the housing crisis, the weakening of the dollar? Only time will tell.

2008 Summer Olympics

Congratulations to the USA men’s relay team!

MVP and Tournament Champ

Bielsky? Who cares his name was in print!

As posted on Cincysoftball.com.
Viox Services Ends 11 Yr Industrial Drought
Mon, 28 Jul 2008
MARK LINNEMANN

Viox Services Ends Eleven Year Drought In EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro "B" Industrial; Bielsky Powers Sweep At Rumpke Park

Crosby Township, Ohio - Josh Bielski batted .750 with ten rbi's to power Viox Services to a four game sweep of the Industrial "B" Division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro Tournament July 18-20 at Rumpke Park.

The title ended an eleven year drought for the champions, who recorded their last title in 1997.

Viox ended the tournament with an exclamation point, overpowering runner-up CWA 4400 23-13 in six innings to complete the sweep.

"It's been a long time between tournament wins," commented veteran player-manager Mike Viox. "We have a combination of old guys who have been playing together for 30-plus years and young guys who can run and do all the things that the rest of us can no longer do. It's a good mix."

Viox credited his club's championship to being "solid at every position."

"We didn't have any questionable spots," noted Viox. "And we hit consistently. If the other team scored runs, we responded with as many or more than they did. We also played exceptional defense. We had a few throwing errors, but no more than five in our four games. We really gloved the ball well.

"We also had a good combination of pitchers in Andy Brookbank and Rick Whittle, who came in and made some key stops," remarked Viox. "If the other teams were starting to get to Andy, Rick came in and shut them down. That was especially important in the Masters RX game when Rick came in and shut them down in the 6th inning. Also in the 4th inning of the final game when he limited their run production after they had scored four runs. Rick held them to two runs the rest of the game and pretty much ended their scoring from that point on. So he was key in putting out some fires."

Josh Bielski, who paced the offense with a .750 average and ten rbi's, was named Most Valuable Player.

"He was playing with a torn tendon in his left shoulder that is going to require surgery in a couple of weeks," pointed out Viox. "But he led the team in hitting and made all the plays in the outfield and threw out some runners. He gutted his way through the whole tournament. The fact that he was injured and played through it and wanted to win, we felt like he should have been MVP."
Other hitting leaders for Viox included Eric Lucking at .714, Roy Moore at .667, Casey Callaway at .647, Mike Viox at .600 and Jack Mueller at .571.

Callaway, who also led the champions in rbi's with 13, was his club's defensive standout as well, said Viox. "He pretty much made every play at short," said Viox. "I don’t know that he made an error the whole tournament. He also turned several key double plays that shut down the opposition and shot down any kind of rally they were starting to mount."

Pitching and defense were the modus operandi as Viox knocked off Shepherd Chemical 12-3 and Duke Energy 9-6 in rounds one and two. Viox put up four in the 1st and four in the 2nd to build in 8-2 advantage, and never looked back against Shepherd. Casey Callaway had a two-run single and Josh Bielski a two-run double to account for Viox’ four runs in the 1st. Callaway also doubled in two runs in the 2nd. Viox put the game away with three in the 6th on rbi singles by Callaway and Hugh Watkins and a fielder’s choice.

Callaway collected four hits overall, Bielsky added four and Mike Viox and Jack Mueller chipped in with two apiece.

Next Viox used a five-run 5th to break open a 3-3 contest against Duke. Mike Asbach singled in the go-ahead run, and Casey Callaway followed with a two-run double and Josh Bielski a two-run single to cap off the inning. Duke answered with a three-run home run in the bottom of the 7th to close out the scoring.

Bielski banged out three more hits, and Asbach and Mike Viox each went 2-for-3 to fuel the offense.

That pitted Viox against 2007 Metro Industrial "C" champion Masters RX in the winners' bracket finals, where they took the lead for good at 7-6 on a Josh Bielski rbi single in the top of the 3rd, then broke the game open with an eight run outburst in the 4th. Casey Callaway's two-run single and a Josh Bielski two-run bomb produced half of their team's runs in the 4th. Masters RX went down swinging, as they closed the deficit to 18-13 with five in the 4th and two in the 6th. But Callaway deliverd a big two-run single in his team's three-run 7th to slam the door on Masters RX.
Bielski, Eric Lucking and Roy Moore combined for a dozen safeties, and Jack Mueller chipped in with a 3-for-4 effort.

In the finals CWA 4400 battled hard for five and a half innings until Viox exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the 6th to invoke the mercy rule. Casey Callaway launched a three-run homer to put Viox on top for good at 6-4 in the bottom of the 2nd. Viox appeared to break the game open with seven runs in the 3rd. Hugh Watkins' two-run double and an rbi double by Mike Asbach highlighted the inning. But CWA came roaring back, answering with six in the top of the 4th to cut the lead down to two at 15-13.

Unfazed, Viox erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the 6th. Jack Mueller’s two-run single was the big blow of the inning. Casey Callaway's rbi single closed out the scoring and invoked the ten-run rule.

Callaway collected five rbi's in the contest and went 4-for-5 along with Eric Lucking and Roy Moore, who drove in four runs. Mike Viox added three hits for the champions.

Viox manager Mike Viox said he was impressed with the sportsmanship that was displayed among the tournament participants.

"The teams we played were all very professional," said Viox. "We didn't have any altercations. We saw nothing but good sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Teams were very supportive. If you played a good game, they let you know it.

"We're just thrilled to win," concluded Viox. "You don't win many metro titles. Those are always fun."

EMR GROUP-ASA CINCINNATI METRO TOURN.INDUSTRIAL "B" DIVISION FINAL STANDINGS

1. Viox Services 4-0
2. CWA 4400 3-1
3. Masters RX 1-2
4. City of Norwood 2-2
5. Duke Energy 0-2
Shepherd Chemical 0-2


All in all it was a great article. They did however, miss Josh's grand slam in game 3.

Very, very silly

Cousin Time

Cousin Time

Poll

Glenn Beck has an interesting poll on his site right now. If George W. Bush were running right now against Obama and McCain who would you vote for?

When I took it the results were as follows:

Obama 2.1 %
McCain 18.05 %
Bush 79.85 %

Now, I know that the polls are slightly slanted, not many Obama followers are Glenn Beck listeners, but it does show that McCain has only by default the conservative vote.

The Second Amendment Stands

Thanks in large part to Supreme Court Justice Scalia the 32 year old ban on guns in Washington DC has been overturned.

I find it mildly humorous that this was the image that WCPO used to illustrate the story this morning.

Castro supports Obama

"the man who is doubtless, from the social and human points of view, the most progressive candidate to the U.S. presidency." Quoted in Investor's Business Daily.

Grandpa Stiner

Economics 101

I have written in the past about what government officials should be required to read. I would like to add to that list Economics 101. McCain and Obama both support a windfall tax on oil companies due to the profit margin.

Let us examine for a moment what happens when costs rise for a manufacture. If I am selling cookies and the price of sugar goes up, I have to charge more for my cookies in order to make the same profit. If oil companies are being taxed they are going to pass along that tax to the consumer.

Leave it to the government to create a bigger mess.

I may be in the minority but I don't fault oil companies for making a big profit. Companies in all markets charge the highest prices that the market will support. There is nothing wrong with that philosophy. In other market places a big company charges obscene amounts of money for a product or service until a new, smaller company comes in and undercuts the market. Prices go down and quality goes up. Markets are constantly balancing themselves out when left alone to do so.

In the gas wars that market balance is not possible due to the many, many environmental laws prohibiting the drilling of domestic oil.

If the candidates truly want to be part of the solution they would fight to allow Alaskan and offshore drilling. Tax incentives should be given to any domestic company willing to truly become an international player.

It is time that the United States becomes a producer again.

The government is not going to be the solution to this escalating issue. The private market holds the only solution and hope for our future economic independence from foreign oil.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdome of the Crystal Skull

We went to see Kingdome of the Crystal Skull last week. I loved it but the rest of the group was not so impressed. It was a typical Indy movie - lots of action, animals and of course love. There were a few references to the first three movies and the plot alluded to some of the missing years between the first three and the newest edition. The movie left the door open for a lot of possibility.



The only thing that I did not care for was the lack of reality. I am not talking about the plot we all know that the Indy movies are full of the supernatural and exaggerated, I am referring to the fact that a good portion of the movie seems to have been filmed in front of a blue screen. We have fantastic technology - we don't have to see it in every scene to make a movie good.

On the up side Harrison Ford looks great! I loved that Indy played the part of his age. He is a little wiser a little slower and a little more grey.

It was a great movie to take kids to see. There was almost no language, no sex and there was only one scary monster like scene. I can’t wait until it is on DVD.

It's time to get serious.

Now that we are a mere six months from the general election, it's time for me to stop procrastinating and start dissecting the candidates.

I have in past posts voiced my disgust for the candidates that have risen to the top. I have talked about the march to socialism and the decay of the Republican Party. I have talked about the personal relationships of the candidates.

Now it's time to look at the big picture. Who is best equipped to deal with the decisions that face a president? What are the goals of the presidency? Are those goals realistic?

A lot of people (me including) are going to be looking at which candidate is going to do the least harm in office. To those people I say - Trust the system. The president although influential still has to act in the boundaries of the office and the senate and congress still have authority.

Hillary

Is Hillary writing her farewell speech or is she buying super delegates at this very moment?

Ft. Lauderdale

Topher and I went to Ft. Lauderdale last week for Paul and Sarah’s wedding. Here are a few shots from the week.

This is Paul and Sarah's first kiss. They were married in a beautiful park overlooking a waterway. Amazing boats passed as they took their vows.



As the wedding party took pictures I had a little adventure and explored some of the city. I came across what I can only describe as an outdoor mall. It was more of a strip of open air restaurants and bars but there were a few shops sprinkled in. Below is a picture of a bar that Christy and Pat would LOVE!


The view of the "mall".

It was a great trip but we are happy to be home.

Comfort Food.

Topher and I were talking about the best food we have ever eaten. We started talking about restaurants and that quickly made its way to food in general.

My top 6 favorite meals in no particular order.

Topher’s Spanglish
Deran’s biscuits and fried eggs
Mom’s pinto beans and cornbread
Dad’s kielbasa, green beans and mashed potatoes
Christy’s hamburgers and shrimp salad
My noodle, egg and pepper bowl


All of the above people make more complicated and fancy food, but I absolutely love those dishes.

Caught

Every few months there is a big story about police brutality. The media shows film footage of a struggle on the ground and a police officer hitting a guy who he is trying to get into handcuffs or into the back of a cruiser. The next scene is a woman crying on the side of the street talking about how long she has known this nice boy who was doing nothing wrong.

Nothing wrong except selling crack... which is still in his pocket... running from the police... calling him a pig and resisting arrest.

I get why the CRIMINAL is running. No one likes to get caught doing something wrong. It's not right but I at least understand the mentality. What I don't get is why there is always a neighbor who stands in the rain crying defending him.

Two brief lessons for all of you with picket signs chanting for the dismissal of the arresting officer - who is most likely home with a concussion.

Lesson number one. STOP RUNNING FROM THE POLICE.

Lesson number two. Stop defending people who are destroying your neighborhood.

Gas/Gold

I just paid $3.79 a gallon for gas.

Mom and Dad's New Hallway

Softball

It's almost time!

It's cool to be a socialist.

Page 103 of the April issue of Real Simple has a quote from Oscar Wilde’s The Soul of a Man Under Socialism "When man is happy, he is in harmony with himself and his environment."

Great.

Obama’s Church

Below is the About us page from Barack Hussein Obama’s Church


Trinity United Church of Christ

About Us
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith in the form of a doxology
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify: You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image,and set before each one the ways of life and death. You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin. You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself. You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races. You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil,to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory. You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.

We are a congregation which is Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian... Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain "true to our native land," the mother continent, the cradle of civilization. God has superintended our pilgrimage through the days of slavery, the days of segregation, and the long night of racism. It is God who gives us the strength and courage to continuously address injustice as a people, and as a congregation. We constantly affirm our trust in God through cultural expression of a Black worship service and ministries which address the Black Community.
The Pastor as well as the membership of Trinity United Church of Christ is committed to a 10-point Vision:
1. A congregation committed to ADORATION.
2. A congregation preaching SALVATION.
3. A congregation actively seeking RECONCILIATION.
4. A congregation with a non-negotiable COMMITMENT TO AFRICA.
5. A congregation committed to BIBLICAL EDUCATION.
6. A congregation committed to CULTURAL EDUCATION.
7. A congregation committed to the HISTORICAL EDUCATION OF AFRICAN PEOPLE IN DIASPORA.
8. A congregation committed to LIBERATION.
9. A congregation committed to RESTORATION.
10. A congregation working towards ECONOMIC PARITY.

Common Sense

I feel very sorry for those being evacuated from their homes due to flooding. But it is a testament to the climate of the nation when people wait for someone to tell them to evacuate their homes… then blame the government local or federal when they are not told soon enough.

Folks if you see water rising - leave the area. Why do you need someone to tell you that it is in your best interest not to wait until you have to swim to land? This is the middle of the day … look out your window!

Perhaps Natural Selection is a valid theory.

Crying Wolf

Crying Wolf

When I hear on the news that we are looking at the biggest flood in Cincinnati history I have to chuckle. What about the flood of 1937? Waters reached 80 feet, thousands died, homes were swept away and riverboats were overturned.

Between the exaggeration of the snow and the political slanting of Pat’s entire career, I don’t believe anything that comes out of Cincinnati news.

Party Lines

I know that I am a little late commenting on the lack of a conservative candidate for this election but I felt the need to express my shock at the options that we are given by the front runners.

John Sidney McCain - Democrate
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton - Socialist
Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. - Socialist

This may be the first year I vote for an independent. I just can not vote for John Mc Cain even if he is the mediocre of the worst.

2007 Recipes

January - Dr Seuss Cake
February - Scallops
March - Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
April - Cherry Strudel
May - Pizza
June - Beef
July - Baked Ziti
August - Guacamole
September - Meatball Subs
October - Turkey Dinner
November - Pineapple Upside-down Cake
December - Peanut Butter/Dark Chocolate Fudge

Vegas

Some long overdue Vegas pictures from December.

2007 New Places

January - Essencha Tea House, Cincinnati
February - Sledding Hill, Winton Woods
March - Butler Tech, Grand room speaking engagement.
April - Keengland, KY
May - DOJO, Mason
June - Destin, FL
July - Sarah and Paul's, Chicago
August - Roller derby, Cincinnati Gardens
September - Deerfield Craft Show
October - Waynesville small shops
November - Downtown Loveland Shops
December - Coyote Ugly, Vegas

English as Ohio's official language.

I think this is a very clever way to start the offence to keep the American culture alive. In no way does this bill discriminate against anyone. It does not say that another language can not be spoken. The bill simply states that English be used for official business.

The bill should be promoted as a way to cut governmental costs however; I have not heard this argument yet. Spanish is now the second most commonly spoken language in the US and it would be beneficial for us to learn that. But to what cost are we willing to go to make not learning English a possibility for citizens? The amount of taxpayer money to provide translators, print every document in other languages is staggering.

From the begging of our nation we as a people have struggled to find our way, we have struggled to be united and yet individuals at the same time. The most amazing thing about our nation is the diverse heritage that we all have. It is wonderful to celebrate that heritage, it is a terrible thing to forget where and who you come from. But why come to a new place if you don't want to join those people and that culture. On the same train of thought – why are we as Americans now trying to pattern our laws (capital punishment) and our social systems (healthcare) after countries that are failing?

One language unites people. One language for one nation.... under God. It seems that every generation must re-learn the lessons from the generations before us. For a society that is supposed to be "evolving", it seems that we keep making the same mistakes again and again.

Romney

Now Romney is out. Maybe if I say that I am voting for Hillary she will drop out.

Turning 27 - Update

Last year I wrote the blog below:
Turning 27
List of things to accomplish before I turn 28.
N 1. Finish Christmas early so that I have time to enjoy it.
Y 2. Cook one new recipe a month.
Y 3. Finish 2 afghans.
Y 4. Crochet 20 stars and 6 bells.
Y 5. Crochet 2 angels.
Y 6. Visit one new place a month.
N 7. Finish both scrap books and start a new one. I started a new one, I now have three unfinished.
Y 8. Begin the research on the Lawson family tree.
N 9. Throw another Christmas Cookie Exchange. I was in Vegas!
N 10. Host a fiber craft party.
Y 11. Finish the research on Barack Obama.
Y 12. Begin to research the other presidential candidate hopefuls.
N 13. Visit the farm.
Y 14. Read one book that supports and one that disputes global warming.
Y 15. Visit two new states.
Y 16. Decorate the master bathroom. Changed to Hall bathroom
Y 17. Archive the Vegas trips.
Y 18. Teach canyon a new trick.
Y 19. Start the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list by Ukaunz –– finish 20 by 2008.
1. The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
2. Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
3. The Reader – Bernhard Schlink
4. One Hundred Years of Solitude _ Gabriel García Márquez
5. The Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan
6. The Pit and the Pendulum – Edgar Allan Poe
7. The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne (again)8. Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert
9. The Island of Dr. Moreau – H.G. Wells
10. The Jungle – Upton Sinclair
11. Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
12. Gone With the Wind – Margaret Mitchell (again)
13. The Poor Mouth – Flann O’Brien
14. Animal Farm – George Orwell
15. Nineteen Eighty_Four – George Orwell
16. Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe
17. Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen
18. A Farewell to Arms – Ernest Hemingway
19. The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
20. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

Y 20. Organize the garage. Topher took care of this one.
Y 21. Take a class or seminar.
Y 22. Learn how to make clay beads.
X 23. Visit the Zoo.
X 24. Scrap the wedding pictures. I am going to a scrap retreat in April to take care of those!
N 25. Pick up a new massage client. I massaged a few new people but they are not regulars.
N 26. Get 4 massages. I only got two.
N 27. Give myself a manicure twice a month. I was good until August, then I fell off the wagon.

Random Thought Thursday

Not that I think the NAACP has done much anyway … but when they protest if they can only muster up 50 people... perhaps they should hang it up as an organization. Better yet, maybe they should pick something worth protesting.

Marx Bagels has the best tuna in the city.

A history of the English-speaking peoples since 1900 by Andrew Roberts is the best non-fiction book I have read in years.

I would love to give a reading list for all candidates running for the presidency. I would include crazy things like; the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the book of Genesis, the book of Romans, The global War on Guns: Inside the U.N.’s Plan to Destroy the Bill of Rights, Liberal Fascism, The Forgotten Man: A History of the Great Depression and last but not least a letter from me with some advice from the middle class.

I saw a guy on roller skates break dancing yesterday.

Quote

The words “I am…” are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you’re claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you.

- A. L. Kitselman

Turning 28

Today is my birthday. For the first time in a few years I am embracing the day. I figure I only have one more before I am no longer a bright eyed 20 something and life really starts to count. I can worry about forgetting that I am getting old in a few years, for now I will blow out my candles and eat my cake with gusto.

Thanks to everyone who has made a special point to say happy birthday over the past few weeks.

My Candidate

Fred is out.

Mom's favorite picture of her girls

Brag

I have been reviewing my 28 things before I turn 28 and putting together my 29 things to do before I turn 29. In doing so, I have been thinking about my place in life, my family and my friends.

I am surrounded by fantastic, brilliant, deep and talented friends and family. This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the talents listed for each person, which is so amazing to me.

Mom – The artist. It is my opinion that my family should never buy art, mom should just make it. One of my favorite things as a kid was when mom would draw our coloring pages.

Dad – The woodworker. Dad can refinish the most dilapidated ugly piece of wood into something that should be photographed. I wish I had a huge crappy piece of furniture for him to refinish for our living room.

Christy – The chef. The first time that I had crab benedict Christy made it. I loved it so much that the next weekend I ordered it at brunch. I was so disappointed that I swore off all eggs benedict unless they were made by Christy. She also makes the best shrimp salad I have ever tasted.

Pat – The orator. Pat has the ability to talk about the most ordinary chain of events and have you on the edge of your seat. He has the ability to talk about a historical event and make you think that you were there. If only my history teachers were so interesting and knowledgeable.

Abby – The performer. The world is Abby’s stage. She can sing, dance, act, play instruments and write music. She can do voices and can capture the essence of a character.

Josh – The historian. Josh always amazes me with his knowledge of ancient Egypt and Rome. He can talk about the pyramids and Egyptian kings like some people talk about what happened 20 years ago.

Cindy – The can-do. Cindy can play soccer, walk off the field talk about work, go home and host the entire team with food and drinks all with out breaking a sweat.

Jay – The Spartan Gentleman. Jay loves his family and will go to bat for them in a blink of an eye and he does it with a Rett Butler air. He is great at looking at a situation and determining if he needs to “do battle” or negotiate and he does both in a distinguished manner.

Jordan – The zoo keeper. Jordan has an animal karma that rivals Cesar Millan. She has a calming, insightful spirit that translates both to humans and animals. If ever I am in the wild, I would want Jordan by my side.

Kim – The planner. Kim has lists for her lists. She is always planning, organizing and researching. She is fantastic in a move and she is in her element organizing a party. She has our office bringing in treats and has the ability to look at a situation or group and have it running like clockwork.

Tim – The handyman. Tim knows how to fix anything from a squeak in the floor to building a house. Tim hung shelving at our last apartment, when we moved we thought it would be no big deal to hang it ourselves. We were very, very wrong. The shelf that I hung is not strait horizontally but it is also not strait vertically – so I can’t actually put anything on it that weighs more than about 2oz.

Vince – The ready. Vince tries it all. He is always ready for an adventure. It never occurs to him that he may not be able to do it or that it may be difficult, he just does it.

Marilyn – The fiber artist. Marilyn is the MacGyver of fabric. She can make anything and fix anything, all with remarkable speed. I use weekly if not daily everything that she has ever made me.

Kelly – The leader. Like any great leader, Kelly can assess a situation and figure out what everyone needs and everyone’s strengths and how to make everyone fit in each other’s lives. She has the ability to zero in on the important and throw out all of the stuff that hangs most people up in relationships.

Brandy – The strait talker. Brandy has the ability to tell you like it is – without making you feel bad about it. She listens well and then tells you what you said with amazing clarity.

Last but obviously not least.

Topher – King of all Trades. Topher has the ability to pick something up and master it in a matter of minutes. It does not matter what it is, it does not matter who is teaching it, he just watches it and does it. We started playing soccer at the same time and he looks like he has played for years. We watch a cooking show and he can reproduce the recipe with improvements after just one try.

I am grateful for you all.

Potpourri

There is so much going on right now in the world I could not pick one thing to write about. So I decided to give you a list of things on my mind.


- My pinky finger – the one I broke a few years back keeps going numb. I don’t know what this means.

- I am sick of Hillary Clinton.

- What in the world is the point is taking a camera everywhere if you don’t take pictures because you are in such a rush.

- I read the Golden Compass. Anyone who argues that the book does not contain an agenda did not read the book. Parents wake up – if you did not read the book, do not make the argument that your child read it and they said it was fine.

- We are thinking of painting our bathroom but we have not settled on a color.

- Canyon has a lump on her chest and I am afraid to take her to the vet.

- American Gladiator – the greatest show ever - is finally back on!

- It’s almost time for Reds spring training news.

- For the first time in my life I am not a Bielski.