The BIG One

The photo above is not faked or perspective. I could practically fit my head in this fish's mouth. Jamison, Chuck, and I went fishing at my wife's, uncle's pond just outside of Montgomery on Saturday. It was a perfect day for it. About 15 minutes into fishing, I caught this monster. Then, I released it. Chuck and I got pics with our camera phones, so I figured I'd let this big fella live to fight another day.

My uncle-in-law told me later I should have saved him for my wall, but I couldn't do that. A pic is better to me anyway. All in all, it was a fun day. There were only 2 fish caught, unfortunately. I caught them both, but hoped all along for my buds to outdo me.

In other news: We had an awesome time eating together Friday night and cooking out at my pad Saturday night. Our guy time in the "Men's Lounge" was fun, too. We were sad to see Chuck leave again, but we understand what a blessing it is for him and his family to be where they are. One thing's for sure; next spring/summer, Rachel, the boys, and I definitely plan to go visit them in theiir new digs and take in the beach!

Everybody Needs the ACPO

If you love to urinate outside. If you love the American Coalition for Peeing Outside. If you want the Frapr map to gain tons of exposure. Then I have a task for you.

A little bit ago I wrote a little story about the ACPO and posted it to my blog and the Mondo Project. The idea was that the hundred odd folks who read my site and Mondo would read it, laugh and then join the map. It seems to have worked a little bit as the map has grown.

Well that was peanuts.

I have just submitted the story to four of the bigger social bookmarking sites. If you have no idea what that means you can read the wikipedia link there, or I’ll explain briefly. Basically these sites are read by thousands of folks everyday. What they are reading are links to news/culture/whatever stories written elsewhere and posted by members to the one site.

Essentially it is a one stop shopping approach to reading current web stories. Now the readers of these sites have the opportunity to vote for each story. The more positive votes a story gets the closer it gets to the front page of these sites. The closer to the front page the more people will read the story and vote for it.

It’s a democratic way to read the news.

Here’s where I need you. Tons of articles are submitted each day. Most of them get buried somewhere in the bottom. However, if I can get a few votes for my story then more folks will read it and then hopefully go to the Frapr map and place themselves on it.

Voting is super easy. You will have to sign up at these sites which takes like a minute and then vote for the article, which takes less time. It’s a slight hasstle so it is your choice, but could literally mean thousands of folks signing up.

The links are at the bottom. When you try to vote it will take you to some little sign up page. Just do it and in a minute you’ll be able to vote.

Many thanks.

The Digg Link

Netscape

Lipstick

Reddit

Job Fair

We went to the mall today because they were having a job fair. Now I have been to several job fairs as an employer looking for new hires, but never as someone looking for work. I have also not had to look for work in about five years. I was quite nervous before we left.

At all the job fairs I have attended there have been multiple (35-100) companies there. Often they have applications to fill out on site and I have even seen companies who will do immediate interviews.

The mall had about 10 companies. More than half of them were temporary employment agencies, some of which we’ve already been too. Some of the others were McDonalds, the Army, and some financial firm looking for suckers. There was anothe trucking company that looked interesting, and they guy talked my ear off, but he didn’t have any applications, or any information on what jobs they might have available.. He directed me to a website where I could apply. The other place was some sort of help for the elderly but the lady brushed me off and asked me to tell others about them. Tell others, why would I do that when she wouldn’t give me the time of day.

So it was an immediate and total failure.

Being in the mall we wondered around for a bit and saw a sign in a Dick’s Sporting goods looking for employees. Amy picked up and application and we wondered why a mall couldn’t even get the companies that are located inside them for their job fair.

Next door they are opening a Bed, Bath and Beyond so we decided to stop by their employment trailer and apply. Or rather, Amy did while I waited in the car.

She got it! To start off it is only a two week temporary thing to stock the store, but after that they’ll be hiring permanent workers and those who help stock are first in line. Amy should be a sure thing, but please keep it in your prayers.

Yeah! Go Amy!

Another Novel, More Possibilities!

Joshua,

Thank you for your interest in Writers in the Sky Literary Agency."The Tower Quail" sounds very interesting and we would welcome the opportunity to consider it. Please read and review the submission guidelines posted on our web-site: writersinthesky.net and send me the first three chapters, a full synopsis, and a short bio about yourself. These can either be sent electronically to: (email) or through the postal service to: Writers in the Sky Literary Agency, P.O. Box 308, Clinton, IN 47842-0308.

As soon as I receive your materials I will see that they are placed into our initial review process. You should receive notification of our decision within six weeks.

Again, thank you for your interest in Writers in the Sky Literary Agency. Please contact me if you have any questions and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Arvana Edwards,
Associate AgentWriters in the Sky Literary Agency

Road Trip to New Orleans

“Guess what, Sebadoh is playing New Orleans tonight and Birmingham tomorrow night.” My girlfriend at the time, Tara exclaimed.

“Oh man!” I replied, “but we can’t see them can we? What with the final dress rehearsal tonight and our first performance tomorrow. Well, I could maybe go tonight. I mean I’m not actually in the play, the set is totally finished, and my only other tasks are putting on your old age make-up and doing a few minor set changes. Someone else could probably pick that up for me.”

“If you’re going, then I’m going too. It’s not like I don’t know my lines or anything. I’ve got my little role down pat. They won’t even miss me. Do you think Stephen will be mad?”
“Yeah, but he’ll get over it. What can he do, fire you?”

And with that Tara and I were off to find a way to New Orleans. We had a few minor obstacles to tackle: We didn’t know exactly where or when the band was playing. Then there was a little business about not having a car. It’s a 300 odd mile journey from Montgomery to New Orleans and we had to be there within a few hours.
We decided to impose upon our friend, and fellow Sebadoh fan, Devon. Maybe he could get some info and a ride. He was duly excited by the news, but had no information and was also automobile-less.

This was all pre-internet, or at least pre-internet for myself and the university, mind you so we couldn’t do any fancy Googling to gather venue information and direction.
We decided to hunt down Michelle, a student originally from New Orleans hoping she might have a phone book, or at least friends she might obtain information from. She had nothing, but did add that everybody who is anybody plays Tipitinas when they play New Orleans.

In several hours we had managed to pick up an extra person, but had no transportation, no time or directions and only a vague possibility of a venue.
We found our other New Orleans native and drilled her for information. She was even more clueless than Michelle. She did however have a phone card (for there was no long distance plan on campus) and thusly dialed her friend who looked up the number for Tipitinas. Dialed again and confirmed the nights show.

Bingo, we had a venue. Some quickly jotted down directions and we were on our way.
Well on our way without a way to get there.

We leaned on our friend Green Day (thusly dubbed for his fandom of the band and our lack of knowledge towards his real name) who amazingly agreed to go though he had never heard of the band and would have to work the next day.
Wandering the streets of New Orleans after dark with only a vague idea of where you’re going is an interesting experience. From what I could tell it was a beautiful city filled with tree lined streets and a pulsating vibe even miles from any real scene.

A cabbie honked and hollered out his window to us in greeting. He yelled to us that he was a member of the church of Christ. An odd proclamation to make in the middle of the night down a busy city street, or so we thought until we realized that Green Day had a “The Churches of Christ Salute You” bumper sticker riding the tail of his car.
I remember very little about the actual show. We arrived late, and my inexperienced little body cringed as Tipitinas seemed more like a dive bar than a hip music club. Devon brought along a little mini office recorder and dubbed the show for his later listening pleasure.

We made it to Tipitina’s a little late. Sebadoh was already perfoming. We pushed our way up close as Devon got out his little mini-recorder and newsman style made announcements while he then proceeded to record the entire show.
Afterwards we hung out on the side of the venue, near a van that surely must be the bands for an hour or so hoping to see Lou Barlow and the rest of the boys. We dreamed of hitting it off and going someplace for coffee, waffles and good times.

When the band did come out and Tara managed to say something cheeky like “great show” while I stood in the back smiling like a fan boy too nervous to actually talk.
Green Day decided he was too exhausted to drive home and I volunteered to make the trip. Before conking out it was explained that the speedometer was broken and that I should let the RPMs be my guide.

Somehow I managed to make it back to Montgomery, though I didn’t know the way, and had to wake Devon up for directions back to school.
I finally hit the bed well into the day’s morning light. The director gave us a right ribbing for missing dress rehearsal and threatened to kick us out of the show, but in the end all was forgiven.

We didn’t see Mardi Gras, nor sample the excellent cuisine, nor take any the sights and sounds of the Big Easy. But we heard its call just the same, and took a mad dash trip through the wee hours and made it back with a great story to tell.
I hope the city will do the same for someone again, someday.

Rest In Peace Crocodile Hunter

Steve Irwin 1962 - 2006

New Bumper Stickers

Hate to bump Sip's post down one, but I just made some new bumper stickers that I thought everyone may get a kick out of... some are influenced from our southern culture.

I ordered 5 of each.

PPD

I've been struggling all morning about whether or not to post this. But, I really need to just go ahead and say what I need to say and stop typing things then deleting them.

I was sitting on the couch last night, trying to relax when Rachel asked me if I wanted to hold Noah. I cringed at the thought. In fact, the thought of holding him made me almost angry. Why couldn't I just be left alone? I felt tired and irritable. I know part of it is the chronic sleep deprivation, but I also know that something's wrong with me.

I have awful thoughts about him sometimes. I don't know why, but I didn't have those kinds of thoughts about Luke. It was probably because I worked nights and I was sleeping during the day. I don't know what changed, but I can't seem to get close to Noah.

It's not like this constantly, just sometimes. But, I find myself not wanting to touch him or hold him or play with him. Rachel and I talked about this for a while last night. She's helping me a lot. She has had no PPD whatsoever with Luke or Noah, so she's a good example and a pillar of strength for me.

I just need prayers, please. I know it's a problems and I'm working through it. Fortunately, it seems to be pretty mild depression, so hopefully it won't last long. Y'all just pray for me and talk to me about it. I already feel so much better just telling Rachel and then telling my friends.

God Speed

This past Sunday, part of the sermon was about our relationships with false teachers. We discussed both those who were once a part of the church but have now been swayed into believing that which is false, and against God’s Word, and those who proclaim false doctrines but have never truly understood the Truth.

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. - II John 2:10-11

Much of the lesson dealt with those who have never known the truth, but teach a falsehood. Like shady televangelists, snake charmers, denominations and even “good” organizations that operate under a religious umbrella.

The idea being that we shouldn’t give to places like the Salvation Army because they have churches and minister a false religion. Even though they have a branch of their operation that gives to the poor, the giving comes with false teaching.

Helpful organizations like the United Way also support pro-choice legislation and homosexuality.

All of this makes some level of sense, to me. However when I think about it further it brings up some questions that, honestly, I don’t know the answer to.

Recently, I helped organize a blood drive through the Red Cross. But look at that name, red CROSS, it doesn’t take much to realize there is, or was a religious connection to that organization. I don’t believe they have churches, or do a lot evangelizing. However, if there is any type of connection to falsehood does it mean that I must not be a part of them, must not give blood? Giving blood, quite literally saves lives, and I don’t know of any other means to donate. If it is the only means of which to give this live-saving liquid, is it still immoral of me to give?

If I have furniture that I no longer need and want to give it to the poor, where do I give? If the Salvation Army is out, is a secular organization like Goodwill ok? If, by giving to a false religious organization I am aligning myself with their beliefs, does that mean I am aligning myself with secularism if I give to Goodwill?

Taking this a step further, if I buy my groceries at Wal-Mart am I then aligning myself with their evil corporate policies? If K-Mart supports pornography, and Disney supports the homosexual agenda and abortion, am I then supporting these things by buying their products?

Surely, at some point, we have to “support” evil things in some way, so that we may live. Early Christians must have gone to the market and purchased things from heathens. Jesus said that we should render unto Caesar what is his. But where do we draw that line.

Busy Bee Brewster

Let me start by apologizing for not being as active in this blog. It may sound funny, being unemployed and all, but I’ve actually been stretching myself a little thin of late.

For starters I’ve been writing a lot of celebrity related news items. You see, being unemployed, I have a little time on my hands, and I asked the executive producer of Blogcritics what I could do to help the site. While I was thinking more along the lines of editing, or perhaps doing PR, the response I got was that they needed more news stories.

Of course, I , and most bloggers, can’t really get the “hard” news first. I don’t have sources, and I wouldn’t know the first thing about investigative reporting, but I am able to take fresh news stories, analyze them and try to write about them from a fresh angle.

Truth be known, you couldn’t pay me to write about religion or politics, and I really don’t follow national or world news enough to write intelligently about it. However, I am a pop culture junkie and so I’ve claimed that as my racket.

It’s pretty cheesy to be writing fluff pieces about Screech getting mugged or Jessica Simpson getting dissed by Britney Spear’s belly, but it brings tons of traffic to Blogcritics and, honestly, they are kind of fun to write. I try not to be snarky or hateful, but write these things with tongue-in-cheek and make people laugh.

Beyond that silliness I have also started a new web site with a bunch of writing buddies. We call it The Mondo Project and it is kind of similar to Midnight Café Discussions, in that it features longer, well thought out essays mixed with a bit of off-the-cuff banter. Although we focus mainly on music and movies.

I have also started a new blog, Bootleg Nation, which I hope to cover my obsession with live concert recordings.

The point here being that I have been doing an awful lot of writing lately, and trying to piece together a few site designs as well. All of which has kept me from being as active here. And maybe to introduce my new sites and give a heads up as to what I’ve been doing with myself.

Where would Jesus pee?

This is the question Mullins and I came up with last night on the phone after I had to call him and rant about an event that happened to me last night.

I had taken one of my rectangular ACPO (American Coalition for Peeing Outside) bumper stickers (That I had custom made and paid about $5.00 each for mind you) and adhered it to magnetic material and cut it out. I then had a magnet that would not ruin my truck's paint.

For the past few days I would put it on my truck, observe some reactions, then take it off when I got to work or where ever, perhaps out of shame. However, Friday had decided to put it on and keep it on; Pee Pride I suppose.

I kept it on my truck all day Friday at work and all day Saturday (though at home) and drove the truck to church Sunday night because I had some stuff in the back to take to Sipper's. Since rain was coming, we parked the truck under an overhang in the back of the church which is a common parking and entering spot for old folks... but please be aware that were were not blocking any walkways or parking spots.

I mentally noted the bumper-magnet as I got out of the truck and went into the church, smiling, wondering how people would react...

Church was over and we hopped in the truck to head to Sipper's home. We got there, unloaded all the junk, and as I walked back to my truck, something was missing... my ACPO bumper sticker/magnet!

Sip and I looked everywhere for it in case it got knocked off as we were moving stuff. No where. I thought my wife took it in to show Sip's wife... nope.

It started to settle in... I was robbed. Robbed of an American Coalition for Peeing Outside bumper sticker. Let me tell you, I have had alot of things happen to me in my life but honestly, this made me angry. Why? Not because some college kid took it. If that were the case (I pray that it was) I would be HAPPY! because he/she probably loved it so much that they put it on their car! Yes! I love it!

But what mad eme angry is that it was LIKELY some old fart who was "offended" by it. So to be like-Jesus they hatefully took it off and trashed it, feeling good about their salvation afterwards. Like they have never used the word "pee" before... Or it was some Vet who didn't like the word "American" with the word "Peeing". May be the same old lady who used to write annonymous letters to Kim H. when her child would cry too loud in church... ah, Won't Jesus be so proud? Or the annonymous old fart who writes letters to the preacher when the sermons are hateful, or the old fart who ran into Dean S.'s van and didn't leave a note and to this day Dean still has no idea who did it... WHY IS MY CHURCH FULL OF A-HOLES???

Seriously, this burnt me up, so on the way home, my wife drove and I sat there trying to convince myself aloud that I LOVED the person who took it. I brought up some lovely old ladies in our church ; Mrs Moody, Mrs Norris, etc and said to my wife "Okay, if these ladies took it and trashed it, whom I love, then i should be sorry for offending them, lesson learned, simple as that, I still love them!" etc...

So I am okay this morning I suppose, but today (Monday) I am going to call the local radio show (The Greg Show) on AM 1170 and rant about this... the show is on from 3 to 6pm I think, I will call sometime in that area... i would record it but I am not going to...

Wish Me Luck!

Dear Joshua,

Thank you for your query of RUNAWAY SWIMMER. I am interested in reading the entire manuscript. My mailing information is:

Literary Agency
address omitted

On the outside of the envelope, please write: RMJK

Again, thank you, and I look forward to reading your submission.

Sincerely

name omitted
agency name omitted Literary Agency

In True ACPO Style

(I stol this pic from Jamison's webshots page.)

I peed outside yesterday! I know this doesn't seem like much, but if you consider the fact that I did it at work, perhaps you might feel compelled to congratulate me on an pee well done.

All of the toilets at work were out yesterday for about 6 hours. Fortunately, I had already done #2 before that happened, but I still had plenty of #1. So, rather than drive to the nearest gas station like everyone else, I stepped outside and enjoyed some good ole ACPO action.

There is a lovely, inner-city wilderness area next to where I work and I made full use of it. I encourage you all to ACPO at work, at school, in your neighbor's yard. ACPO and be free!

Welcome to the 21st Century, Sipper

Well, we're gonna do it! We're getting a mobile phone.

A very nice opportunity has presented itself through my brother and sister-in-law in the form of a special (and cheap) calling plan. For roughly $10 a month, we get a phone with somewhere around 300 minutes anytime/anywhere. And calls to people within the network (Cingular) are free.

My brother and sil started up the plan and got so many phones, two of which they use, one for my Mom and Dad and the final one will be ours.

It's an opportunity I can't let pass. Rachel has to drive around Monkeytown quite a bit sometimes and this will be a good safety net. We've agreed it'll be for emergencies and for calls of special magnificence like "Do we need milk?" We also agreed to and will stand by our "No use while driving" rule.
So, there you are. I'd said before we'd probably get one in the future and the future is now!

Noah's Arc

Noah is showing me what it is to be content. I have been stressed and somewhat restless for the last several months. Most of this was due to the fact that our second and final child was on his way. Looking back, I can see this more clearly because I see him every day now and feel very peaceful having him here.

From what Rachel has told me, she feels very much the same way. We had the rare and uncanny opportunity the other night to go out to eat, just the two of us! My Mom is here this week watching Luke and helping Rachel with Noah, so she volunteered to watch them while we got away for an hour or two. We talked about what we saw for ourselves and our boys and we both agreed that once she and Noah and Luke are a little more settled into the everyday, I'll have a vasectomy. Our baby making is through.

Somehow, I feel like we've passed a milestone. Our family is complete. That's not to say that everything is perfect and that the future doesn't hold unforeseen challenges, but we both have a security and contentment now that we both seemed to be waiting for. Even Luke was waiting for it. The first time he saw Noah, he walked up to him, took his little face in his hands and tenderly kissed his little brother. We were shocked and proud. But, most of all, we felt complete.

the next step

This is still some time away but I got a tentative invitation Nigeria in March. A missionary I met in Zambia runs a school in Jos, a city outside of the capitol. At any rate he’s interested in doing a few videos for the school.

I’m writing the guy back and letting him know that I’m available (thank you JuJu). The cool thing is that he’s offering to pay for my time away from work too.

One a secondary note there is a missionary conference Sept 23rd that I’m going to try and sell the idea of doing various video awareness projects. Right now I’m trying to focus on letting God allow the pieces to fall where they might. In the meantime I'm going to be putting together some hand out material and CD's of my current projects.

On a third note the LOL family show is beginning to make its own headway. We’ve had some growing pains and we still like the idea of taking this gig to the next level. This weekend we had some professional photos taken at the show and once those are developed we’re going to be developing a Myspace page along with new posters and notices, perhaps a blog and finally we’re going to see if the show can travel.

God is blessing me with lots of opportunities to do something positive and I’m praying that I can keep everything moving. Did I also mention that one of Gods greatest blessings to me is the beautiful and supportive woman he’s placed me with and the wonderful children we’ve had together. I know it can't be easy dealing with someone with as many "ideas" as I have that I keep pushing into our world, thank you.

Distracted driving... Without a cell phone

Two houses down from me lives a single mom of two little girls and the owner of two dogs that poop in my yard a lot... What? Let them poop in her back yard? Why? That's gross! What? Walk the dogs on a leash and pick the poop up like other sane residence of my neighborhood? Unheard of!

Anyway, her girls go to the school I work for. Being that I am working hard to be more calm, more loving, and really just trying not to get worked up about things, I really HATE it when she leaves to take her girls to school minutes after I leave. Why? Because all I can do it look in my rear-view mirror and be amazed that any woman would drive so wrecklessly.

This woman's driving habits CONSUME me. So I try to let her get ahead of me or just leave late for work.

Today, I timed how much time she looked a the road and how much time she was distracted.

This is NOT a revisit to the cell phone debate... Why? Because not once, during the 22 minute drive, did she use a cell phone.

Perhaps now you can see why I don't let her behind me; because I, too, don't watch the road... I watch and see who distracted she is...

announces checking her face in her mirror, turning around to tell her kids something, reaching over to the passenger side for God knows what, and just generally looking around in a daze this woman spent an average of (NO LIE):

17 seconds for every minute watching the road as she drove.

This with two kids in the car...

Amazing, no?

A different perspective…

So I was just in a meeting and I wanted to get fired. Another friend (not Brew) of mine has just gotten laid off from his job as a manager at Starbucks and is not taking the six months of pay to try and become a stand up comic. Mind you he’s doing a horrible but recently at work my job has been a real drag, personality conflicts and crappy projects has resulted in me being a poor worker, not to mention that I had shifted my entire person into getting ready for the gig in Africa. So I had a meeting today where my supervision was asking me if I was happy doing what I was doing, so forth and so on. I conceded that I wasn’t so thrilled with where I was and that what ever course “they” say fit was fine with me. No, Jules I wasn’t so blunt and hard about the whole thing. I played the whole thing or really smooth. When I first got the email I prayed about it because it’s never a “good news, we’re all happy” sort of thing. After I prayed I realized that for me, in my current funk, getting fired could be just what I need to get the water boiling again. Perhaps God is telling me something using the contentment of not being tied to Scripps anymore. It used to be about the security of gainful employment, now it’s the appreciation of letting Gods hand move outside of your awareness and control.

I’m really pulled to building something out of my conversations in Africa and perhaps getting canned would have been that catalyst. We would have had X months to live off of the package and I could have found freelance gigs around the area, there are quite a few, completed my video work for HHI and continue to build something from the ground up, the old fashioned way.

Rather than that opportunity, we’re going to be working together to see what we can do to harmonize our chakra with the Scripps lighthouse of peace, HR is full of pussies.

Isn’t it funny how our perspectives differ?

Mowing Meditation...

Lately, I have become more meditative. Some of my best meditations are done while mowing my yard. I found in teh past that mowing my yard causes me to think abotu tons of stuff, kind of like if I were laying in bed after a busy day, thoughts race in and out and makes me less tired. But lately, when I mow, I focus on one thing and ponder it for a long while...

Yesterday I pondered thankfulness. When I mow, I thank God for the yard, for the house, and for my physical ability to be able to push this mower, to walk outside without the aid of a wheelchair or nurse. I thought about walking and stuff and thought "If I were in a wheel chair, and didn't have the use of my legs, i would give anything to be able to run one mile everyday." Yet, do I do that now? No.

I then thought "Am I really thankful for something I have always had?" If you were to Africa (Mullins) and you saw a man living in a hut, and you offered him a fresh, clean water, as much as he wants, cold OR hot, any time, accessible from almost any room in his 'house' would he be thankful... heck yeah!

Offer tap water to me, and I may say thank you, but the level of thanks isn't the same. Am I really thankful for something I have already? That I have an over abundance of?

This made me think of fasting. Perhaps to truly appreciate food we must do without food. I thought about food fasting then my mind moved to other types of fasting. Perhaps to appreciate the clothes we wear we should take $20, go to the thrift store and salvation army, but enough clothes for a month with that money (Shoes, underwear, everything!) and only wear those clothes for a month. Then, after a month, we can truly tell God thank you for our closet full of clothes.

Or perhaps to truly thank God for our cars, we should walk to work, or ride a bike to work for a month.

To thank God for our homes we should live in a hotel for a few weeks, or in a tent.

Then I thought about jobs, and about Brew. Are we thankful for our jobs? I bet Brew would give anything for a bunch of "Bad days" at a job he felt secure at, but dont we complain about work? Brew, use this opportunity you have. God is giving you the chance to truly appreciate something that he is going to give you. When you get a job, look back on the worry, the emptiness, the fear you are feeling right now. You will get a job and youll be truly thankful for it.

Likewise, I have taken Chucks advice. Or learned a lesson from him. Sure school has only been in session for one day, but I have noticed that with everyone I deal with, I talk to, not about work, but just chat with. And it is actually enjoyable. Heck, one teacher told me my new facial hair design looked "Sexy", it would have made me felt better if she, too, were sexy, but that is okay, ill take the compliment.

Im learning that the people I work with are just that; people. Not first initial/last names.

Like Chuck said, my job and his is "immediate satisfaction" but there is little or no long term satisfaction. Solve 10 problems today, there will be 10 more tomorrow... but, oh well.

Just some J thoughts.

I'm Fired

I get my walking papers tomorrow. The company is treating me right with a very nice severance package, nearly four months worth of pay and back PTO. So, I will have a little time to find something that pays well and that I will like.

We are definitely willing to relocate, so if any of you guys know of good jobs, let us know. This is especially true of good teaching jobs. Amy would prefer to teach French at university, but is willing to do high school work as well. She can also teach English courses.

I’d love a gig in the writing world, but can fall back on my management skills if need be.

Keep praying. I know God will bless, but the getting there can be very stressful.

Sorry this is a poor blog, I would have done an e-mail, but I don’t have everybody’s e-mail address here.

ACPO ... one step closer to reality

See pics...
I have had some of these bumper stickers made.
Do not ask for one if you are going to use it as a bookmark or put it on the kitchen refridgerator. I want true commitment, just like the old days of ACPO.
If you will put it on your car, then you may have one of these (Surprisingly, custom made bumper stickers are not cheap!)
Let me know...
Jamison

PS... I KNOW Kelli and Mullins will put these on their car... S ya'll, please chose one. I only have 4 of the round ones, but 8 of hte rectangle ones...

PPS.. for tee shirts, see the link on the side of the blog page... I have had a few made for folks already. The tee shirts (and mugs) feature new ACPO logos, so check them out. Particularly the one that simply says "Pee." on the front. Click it to see the back.

Out of Africa

I’m not sure how to start talking about a trip that has adjusted my entire perspective on the world around me. Beginning by saying it was an amazing experience and an undeniable blessing is a good place to start I suppose.

On the way over spending several hours in London was great, Westminster Abby more than Buckingham Palace was stunning but both were equally impressive. Leaving the UK it was 90 degrees F when we deplaned in Johannesburg, South Africa it was about 48 F, bracingly cold. In total getting from Nashville to Livingston, Zambia took 37 hours.

Livingston is one of the larger cities in Zambia and is where we spent our first three days. The "we" I’ll be referring to is Randy the CEO of Healing Hands International, Burt & Bill: HHI board members, and David HHI Agricultural specialist. Bill had arrived in Zambia a day prior to the rest of the teams arrival.

We settled into a nice place off the main drag through town and met Klaus a 27 year resident of Zambia originally from Germany; he is also the owner of Twin Fountains Ag Institute in Kalomo, Zambia. David and Klaus headed to Kalomo to get the workshop organized leaving the rest of us to do tourist stuff before getting to work. To condense three days we canoed 20km down the Zambezi River, had two automotive and one water safari, ate wonderful food, stayed one night in luxury tents (this is the same night it dropped to 38F), met many fascinating people and saw many, many elephants, giraffe, zebra, hippo, water buffalo, impala, kodoo, water bucks, crocs, birds and scenic, unspoiled landscape than I could have imagined.

When the tourist stuff was over Burt and I took a local bus to Kalomo. It was an adventure swerving through massive potholes for almost two hours only to get to our stop and have no one to pick us up for almost 30 minutes.

Once we were at Twin Fountain we settled into the guest house which was currently inhabited by large bug eating spiders. Klaus and his wife treated us to a lovely dinner which was pulled entirely from their farm. Everything was fresh, the bread, butter, cheese, chicken, huge dishes of vegetables and everything was delicious! A nice glass of wine with the mean was more than welcome. Before Sunday service the next morning they treated us to breakfast which was equally fantastic.

Communion was two cups of wine and delicious, fresh flat bread, the singing was glorious. The village on Klaus’ farm was there, as usual, but in attendance were church leaders from 11 African countries and the HHI folks. We sung common songs like How Great Thou Are and Amazing Grace but only the tunes were recognizable. Everyone sang in their native tongue which created a tapestry of some 15 languages praising God in segregated unison.

As the workshop got underway it was my job to document the information and collect stories from the guests. The information I gathered was how these people benefited from HHI’s assistance and training, their respective church works and struggles they are facing. I was also documenting various projects going on around the region that Twin Fountain was involved with.

I heard stories about extreme poverty, life and death starvation, orphans, Islamic riots and murders against Christians and how the Gospel is being spread through the works of the church across Africa. One thing is for sure Africa is quickly becoming the front line of faith, particularly between Islam and Christianity. This part of the experience has startled, depressed and encouraged me. Spiritually, I feel connected to people who are fighting for the literal survival of souls and bodies across a continent. Mentally, I feel conflicted because I see that my work at Scripps is pretty useless to my more important spiritual need.

Connected to each of those feelings is my perspective to the world around me. America is not the place it used to be. The perspective of the rest of the world, particularly the “third world” is very different than what we think it might be. Unappreciative, egotistical, bullies (my words) encapsulates a lot of it pretty well I think. I’ve never met people with so little that were so happy and known so many people with so much who are so miserable.

The trip was a joy and something I’m going to try and move towards doing more often. My true take home is that so much of the things I worry about are useless. Christ’s love for brothers and sisters the world over is very real and very tangible in the most comfortable and desperate situation. My family is a gift and manifestation of that love and you guys are an extension of the same.

I can’t wait to go again!

Troubling Times

The job is off for a slow, painful death. We know equivocally that we are not renewing the building’s lease in December. That would be such bad news if the only thing really keeping us here is the switchover of accounts from our office to another. The other office will have to get staffed up and the tech guys have to create new queues for our accounts to transfer to the right place.

Worst case scenario is two weeks and we’ll close. Best case looks like the end of September. Word is still out on me, who technically reports to Indianapolis, but I see no reason that they’ll keep me around.

But as my mom says, “When it rains, it pours.” Or as my dad says, “It’s always something.”

Today, driving home for lunch, just inside my apartment complex, my gear shifter goes kaput. I drive a five gear manual shifter, and the shifter popped out and then went completely loose. I couldn’t put it back into gear as there was seemingly no gear to put it into, if that makes sense.

So, Amy drove me to work and I’ve spent this afternoon finding a mechanic who will fix me. Of course it will be expensive. Of course we’re trying to save money due to the pending loss of income.

I truly believe God will take care of us. I know things will work out. Getting there is proving to be very stressful.

Waiting

Patience. Has anybody ever really had it? I am not a patient person- it's something I need to work on. Right now I am waiting for my second child to be born. Our first was induced at 38 weeks because we lived an hour away from the hospital. But now we live about 2 minutes from the hospital and we're waiting for labor to come on naturally.

About a week and a half ago, my doctor informed me that the baby could come "any time now," as I had started to dilate and the baby's head was engaged. That was at 37 weeks pregnant. So that's 3 weeks of maybe-todays. There's this weird mixture of hope and dread in waiting for labor to start. I'm basically feeling 3 things:

1) I can't wait to meet my son.
2) I want to get this over with and be myself again.
3) This is like being blindfolded and not knowing when you're inevitably going to get beat up. And don't try to tell me labor is not like getting beat up.

But is 3 weeks really that long in the scheme of things? This is the last pregnancy we plan to have. I need to enjoy these last days of having life inside me. It's amazing to feel a little foot or knee move across my belly. It's wonderful to feel when little Noah gets the hiccups and nobody knows but me.

I'm trying to keep myself busy, which is difficult because I don't get around well at this point. I've been instructed to take it easy for over a month now since I started having frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions. There's really only so much knitting and reading one can do! Also I'm constantly on the lookout for signs that labor is coming, and am frequently dissapointed to be wrong. Everyone I see wants to comment on the fact that I haven't had the baby yet. Really?! I hadn't noticed! It doesn't bother me a bit, but it does seem a little silly.

So I'm going to try to get through each day with happy anticipation instead of anxious frustration. Who knows, maybe it'll be today.

One of These Things is not Like the Other

Because of my change in careers. I've really been thinking a lot lately. I've said it several times. I hope your not getting tired of hearing it. "I love my job as a Systems Administrator." But, I remember saying the same things a while back about my last job as a Graphics Designer. Was I fooling myself?

I think I might have been. I look back and I realize I enjoyed the people I worked with more than what I was actually doing. I had a knack for graphics design, sure. I didn't dread going into work in the morning; I was rarely anxious to get home. But, deep down I wasn't satisfied. There wasn't a joy about sitting there and tweaking graphics or creating a concept. But back when I was job searching I thought I really wanted a job as an Art Director. And now that I'm doing what I do now, I'd rather not do anything graphical.

I think what I like about what I do now is that I like helping people and making people happy. When I fix somebody's printer or connection, they get really happy. I love making people happy. I didn't get that at my last job. Every once in a while I would amaze someone, they'd say, "You did that? I thought it was there in the first place." It made me proud, but it didn't give me purpose.

The difference between the two jobs is a matter of self accomplishment (graphics) vs. immediate feedback (computer users). And I seem toprefer the later.

So my question is have I finally found something that fits my personality, or is it something I'll look back on in 10 years after another career change and say, "I used to think I was happy when..."? Only time will tell. It brings me to another question, is there a job for each of us that would be fulfilling if we could find it? And, do we really know ourselves well enough to find that job intentionally?

Resignation

Two weeks ago my Dad resigned from the little country congregation he'd ministered to for over 24 years.

He told me this Sunday night when he and Mom came to visit.

When we first started there, I was about eight years old. It was a pretty nice-sized little congregation. There were lots of kids and attendance averaged 75 on a Sunday morning. But, over the years, the kids grew up, old folks died. Families showed less interest in church and more interest in how much money they could make if they put God on the back-burner.

The kids suffered as a result of their parents putting God last. Now, they're lucky to have 45 on a Sunday morning. None of the kids of our generation except for my brother and me and maybe one other guy attend regularly and are involved in anything spiritual.

I think that contributed to Dad's resignation, but also, the men there (no elders since none of them but Dad are qualified) had spoken about cutting Dad's salary since attendance and contribution had been down.

Now, let me be perfectly clear, it was not the money that affected him, but the fact that they had no confidence in him. With his carpentry business, he doesn't need the money they pay him and winds up giving most of it away anyway. He had already been talking to Mom about leaving way before that, too. But, that lack of confidence caused him to take action.

So, he called a meeting after church and told the men that he was resigning and he would give them any amount of time they needed to find someone else. He told them that he wanted things to change there one way or another. Then, he told them something strange: He told them they could hire him back if they wanted to, but that he would be taking the first 3 weeks of August off. The final and probably biggest reason he resigned was that he needed more time with his family. Noah would be coming then, Mom needs now more than ever to go see her Mom in South Carolina, my brother and his family live around 6 hours away.

So, the next Sunday, the men called a meeting without Dad. There were 55 people there that morning. All of the men and their wives and all the kids they could guilt into being there made it.

The song leader came out afterwards and told Dad they wanted to hire him back at his current salary and they all agreed to his terms. He said they all wanted to do better, too. They all gave him their vote of confidence.

So, maybe this odd, bold, and kamikaze move made a difference and woke some people out of their complacency. But, most of all, it made me see Dad as the fearless, confident man he is.

The Good, the Bad, and the Stressful

It is 11 PM. I’m sitting in a hotel room in St Louis, Missouri. I can look out my window and see the Cardinal’s stadium. I could throw a stone and hit the Gateway Arch. The city skyline at night is beautiful. Tomorrow we will wander what is downtown St Louis in search of fine foods and fantastic fun. In the evening we will approach the arch for a free Lyle Lovett concert.

It is my fourth wedding anniversary

It is almost exactly one year since we left France.

All hell is breaking loose at work.

For the past six months or so my company has been moving in the direction of “customer care.” Essentially this meant that we were going to go above and beyond your typical credit card. We were going to be about educating the cardholder on how credit works, on how to manage their finances, on how to be an awesome cardholder.

Last week two of the major movers of that direction quit, due to upper management deciding to take some different routes and essentially hired an old-school collections advisor.

Word on the street is that the company is about to sink.

I’m sitting in a brand new position. A position in which perfectly capable people performed without the title for many a year. Can you say not a necessary position?

My boss assures me that the President of the company does not want to go down the road of singular lay offs. If we sink then we all sink. I’m not sure if that is reassuring or not.

Facts are that we have money saved up. Even unemployed we’ll manage for several months. With unemployment benefits we’ll manage a little longer. I don’t really get worked up about these things because I know they are out of my hands.

Please do pray for this. I’m not sure what the specifics should be other than that me and Amy will have shelter for our heads and food in our bellies.

Coming Soon to a Hospital Near You!

Rachel went to the obstetrician yesterday and found out that she is 1.5 cm dilated and her cervix is pretty much completely efaced.

In other words, we'll probably have a new baby out here with us in the next few days. I'm really looking forward to it. A brand new baby is very exciting and exhausting. As something of a veteran, I can tell you that babies cry, a lot. They cry when they are hungry, when they're dirty, when they have gas, when they can't communicate (i.e. all the time), and even when there seems to be no reason in the world to cry.

But, there's something about them that just makes you want to protect and love them. Most would say it's the Greek love storge, but I think it's the knowledge that that innocent, perfect being is straight from God with a pure, beautiful spirit and soul. I'm looking forward to holding this new creation. Please pray for us and him. Noah is about to ride out the deluge.

I Got Linked

I believe everyone knows I write reviews and essays for blogcritics. It’s a cool gig because it gives me lots of exposure to readers I’d never get with my blog. It’s also a cool place to hang out, meet folks and get the latest scoop on just about anything. I rarely go anywhere else because they cover the latest news and talk about the newest movies, books and music.

One of the cooler benefits of being a writer for blogcritics is that I get my pick of free review material. I’ve received free CDs, DVDs, and concert tickets. Recently I received a copy of the new Bruce Hornsby box set, Intersections (Read my review here)

My review is one of the first online reviews of the set out there. It is already on the top of google searches for the set, has been included in the highly popular fan site bruuuce.com and now has been linked by Bruce himself on his official site.

How cool is that?

The party most of you missed...

Twas a fine feast and a fine gathering... not much to say, see my webshots page for more details and, of course, more pics...

Brews sister came from China to be at the party, so none of you have excuses! Kidding! A joke!

30th birthday party

Sorry to push yours down, Chuck, beofre anyone even posted to it...

The Server Dude (revised edition)

I Love My New Job!

Call me a geek, call me what you will. But, I love it.

My first week involved running around meeting people, fixing things, playing with settings, messing around with new geek toys, figuring out where stuff was, and being surprised at some of the stuff that wasn't around. Jamison, you do have a pair of Cat-5 crimps at school right? The server room had none.

I even enjoy the people I work with. Maybe it's a honeymoon stage. But I'll give you a little insight. I prayed long and often for a particular blessing from God. I asked for his perfect timing and his wisdom in what was right for me. Specifically, I prayed to God with Luke 11:11-13 in mind:

If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

I then prayed, "Father I don't want just any old bread. I want the good and delicious bread that only you could give." I can't tell you how many times I said this in my prayers, but I believe I was given that "good bread."

Before I started searching for a job, my prayer life barely existed. Sometimes, I'd pray because I'd wake up at night and feel guilty for not praying (I knew i could not sleep unless I did). I'd pray when there was something pressing on my mind, but rarely. Looking back, I'm not sure god heard those prayers. There wasn't a lot of trust below the words. They were empty, just words. Sometime during my job hunt, I began to trust God and His gifts. He never failed to give me an answer, when I truly wanted one. However, that was only after I began asking Him for a particular blessing unless I knew I really wanted it. I've begun to understand prayer and at times find myself talking to God as if He were sitting right there with me.

A couple times during the past several months, I had this feeling that I missed God like He had gone away. I'd reflect to realize, I was the one that wasn't talking to Him. I'd pray, and I wouldn't miss Him anymore. For the first time in my life, I don't feel like there's a void. It is completely amazing to realize that any time I need to talk He's right there, never leaving my side unless I need Him to lift me up.

Before I end I just want to say this. I did not intend to type what I typed in this post. I was going to just talk about my new job. But, the more I thought about how much I love it, the more convicted I became to write the words as I have.

Father, thank You for Your blessing. I love you, and thank you for your love for me. Amen.

Point me at the sky!

Friday I’m getting my gear and prepping for my little excursion.

Sunday evening, July 23rd at 6pm I should be on the first leg of my trip to Kalomo, Zambia in the African continent. Nashville>Chicago> London> Johannesburg> Livingston. Almost 24 hours in the air one way. From Livingston the group with Healing Hands International and I will drive to Kalomo where we will spend the next week.

As you guys know I’m going to be shooting the work of HHI in this area. When I return to the states I’m going to be cutting a series of videos for HHI to use as fund raising and awareness pieces.

While there I know that I’m going on a safari and seeing one of the worlds largest water falls, Victoria Falls. I could also be seeing some very serious situations where people are literally starving to death. I don’t know that I’m going to be seeing any of HHI’s medical missions but this could always change while there. The one thing I’m sure of is that I have no idea what to expect.

I don’t know that I’ll have much or any access to email and the web but if I do I’ll be checking my NON-scripps, off-shore account.

As you could guess I’m pretty excited. While I’m away I’ll ask you all to pray for Jules, Isaac and Caleb. I could breakdown right now thinking about how much I’m going to miss them. I feel that God has blessed this opportunity and I have no real apprehension towards the trip and work its self. Having always been something of a fatalist my prayers are with them first and always.

Aug 2nd I’ll begin the trip back home arriving in Nashville around 5:30 on Aug 3rd.

I’ll talk with you soon.

I love you.

Welcome to 30...

So, do I look 30? Taken upon me leaving the house this morning (July 19th)

Below is a picture of me and Brew, in our EARLY 20s Probably not even or just turned 21. How different do I LOOK? I used to be so cuddly cute in that sweet itty biitty cutsy wootsy hat!

Bon Anniversaire

(Sung to the tune of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band)
It was thirty years ago today
Sgt. Braly was born so gay
His mom and his dad were so merry
Even then his face was hairy

At Faulkner he was the BMOC
Outside is where he liked to pee
So let me introduce to you
A man who’s never had the flu

Jamison Ashley Braly
He’s Jamison Ashley Braly
We hope you do enjoy your day
He’s Jamison Ashley Braly
Sit back and watch us play

Oh, the memories we’ve shared
Hunting panthers upon a dare

You’ve been such a lovely friend to us
We wish you 40 or more years
40 or more years

I don’t want to stop this song
But it’s already getting to long
So let me just stop and say
Happy Happy Birthday

You’re Jamison Ashley Braly
And this, my friend, is your day.

Happy 30th Jamison!

Like Sands Through the Hourglass

I've made up my mind. I'm tired of thinking of life as stationary. I quit. I'm going to appreciate my life to its fullest. I talked to Jamison a little bit about this on our smoke night.

Back in college, life was one adventure after another. I burned the midnight cafe oil and we all burned remade candles at every possible point. Life was fast and different then.

When Rachel and I were dating and first married, we could go pretty much where ever, whenever. We had all kinds of fun all the time!

Now, we're settled. We moved close to our family. We bought the house we'll likely die of old ag in. We have settled into what is called a "routine".

But, does that mean life has to be routine? Have I forgotten to appreciate God's blessings in my life? Have I forgotten that every sparkling moment I breathe, I'm supported by God, family, and friends?

I almost had.

After life goes on the same way for a little while, you can predict the everyday. Things go a certain way and don't stop. So, what do you do to step in a new place?

I'm beginning to realize that even though life might follow a sometimes predictable course, it's always different. I just have to open my eyes and appreciate the lightning bugs in the evening and the look on Luke's face when he mistakes them for little fireworks. I need to recognize that the smile on Rachel's face when I come home is because she feels safe and happy when I'm there. And I need to give that same smile back to her.

Now I can stay right here in the ever-flowing spiritual, emotional, and mental stream of life and love, recognizing that I am a part of God's plan and adventure which will never end. And when I see Him, I'll know everything I need to know and still appreciate the knowledge that I lived my life in contentment.

Poser once, shame on you, poser twice, shame on me...

As I sit here typing this, listening to "Cosmic Charlie" from July 16, 1976 at the Orpheum Theatre, I can't help but think that I am no longer a poser.

It all started with an old friend mentioning a few Grateful Dead shows she had been to in the early 90s... okay, she had been to about 20 but a few stood out to her. Being that she was pretty computer and internet illiterate, I told her I would try and find some of those shows and burn them on CD for her. Brew, this is where you came in, and you showed me where to go.

Having burned those CDs, I listened to them first before sending them off. I heard some old familiar tunes that I never took notice of back in the mid-90s, yet recall them being in the background almost nightly of my college days.

This caused me to explore this www.archive.org site more, looking for more Dead shows. After having listened to more of these live shows, I can't imagine anyone would ever want to buy a studio Dead album as long as they lived. How could it ever compare?

I then went home (Parent's home) a few months ago, and dug through my old belongings, looking for a backpack. I came across many old CDs, 2 of which were "Dead Set" and a "Dicks Picks" collection. They are now in my truck and are listened to frequently.

Back in the day, I think I feigned being a poser because it was fun being made fun of by you guys, but I really did liked the music. I think I also unfairly judged true "Dead Heads". The music is so unclassifiable. As I listen to it more, the categories they fall into are:

Blues, Rock, Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Gospel...

How can a band cover such a wide spectrum so flawlessly? And make it all sound so right? I now have 4 or 5 good songs in my mandolin book, one of which is Morning Dew. I've heard it only one time, but when I play and sing it, it just feels right no matter how I sing it.

I am also blessed in being able to get a frequency in my area from Auburn; 99.9. Every night (it seems) they have the Grateful Dead hour and I am able to hear more kewl picks, all live.

If you haven't given the Grateful Dead a fair shake I recommend it. In fact, if you have tried, give them another try. If it isn't you're beat, no sweat. But I think I want some on during the next pipe smoke.

Now, when I hear these live shows (No matter the year; from 1975 or 1993), I can't help but wish I was there in the crowd. I wish I had appreciated those Further Festivals more when I was at them. I think I have arrived at becoming a true fan, no stickers or tie-died shirts needed. All that is vanity.

Immigrate Me

Amazingly, we've not talked about the immigration issue here. With Jamison giving up news, we might not get much of a discussion out of this, but I'll give it a try anyways.

Immigration has been big politics for months now. As per usual in the political world, it gets spun every which way. Illegal Mexican immigrants either suck up millions of tax dollars through welfare and healthcare without paying taxes, or in fact have taxes taken out of their pay and don't reap the benefits of the welfare programs. They are either crime happy, disease infested rapists, or hard working, good people who commit very little crime.

On and on the spin goes.

No doubt we have a lot of illegal immigrants in our country. The question is what do we do with them. Some suggest we round them up and deport them, without ever giving details to how this would happen. Others, like the President, suggest that we should create a guest worker program making illegals now residing and those coming in to register in some fashion giving them slight legality.

Then there is the wall. Some folks want to build some giant wall across the Mexican borders to stop illegals from coming in.

I don't know what the answer is. The idea of a wall sounds really expensive and scary like a Berlin kind of deal. Plus how effective would it be anyway?

There is so much spin surrounding the facts I can't tell where the truth lies. It seems impossible to deport all of the illegals. It seems terribly difficult to register them and make them pay.

Here is an interesting article on the subject, that seems well researched and thought out.

What do you guys think?

Important News

I'm having some water. It's a little warm in my office.

shaa eh it

Words are funny. Some are offensive and some are positive. I think it’s a bit odd that one little four letter word can distract an entire industry and country of people from more pressing matters.

Recently our loving and kind president George W. Bush included a vulgar and repulsive euphemism to his conversation with the Prime Minister of jollie olde England Tony Blair.

The Middle East is in a crisis and liberal and conservative annalists along with everyone else in the world is talking about how bad this could get and the 2nd most news worthy topic of discussion is the fact that in a semi-private, yet poorly timed conversation (based on reading the transcript) W said the word “shit”…

Over the weekend did anyone else notice the globe has slipped into 3rd grade? What is wrong with this? There is the religious argument that because the guy rode the crest of the Christian right to the White House twice that he should be beyond such foul language and carry the mantle of Christian verbiage and discussion every second. There is the moral argument that tags along with the Christian train. Still there is the intellectual position that such a learned man shouldn’t have to rely of such base and crude words to get his point across. Leader: He’s the head of a country and shouldn’t set such an example. Emotional: he shouldn’t let his vocabulary be effected by his emotions. Properness: This was neither the time nor the place for such vulgarity.

Then again, shit is just a word. With everything else that’s going on in the word I’m disappointed that the media is wrapping its self around W’s use of a single shit. Perhaps he’s right or wrong about what he said in context to the word and that’s too shitty to deal with realistically? Perhaps he was being recorded without knowledge and the fact that shit could, ironically, be against the law needs to be glossed over? Perhaps the shit is truly irrelevant and someone has an ax to grind. Perhaps it’s different when 100 people on cable TV in an hour versus one President at a meeting?

Perhaps the word is used by children, adults, men, women, conservative, liberal, agnostic and religious folks just the same? Perhaps the word is just a word and holds no social relevance what so ever? Perhaps this is much ado about nothing? Perhaps this is a double standard? Just remember that if you ever become president it’s ok to receive extramarital oral sex in the White House so long as you don’t use dirty words in public.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We had this discussion months ago, but I thought I would reopen it now. Our little piece of blogspace has become more and more professional looking. We almost always include images with our posts which automatically gives it a good look. Our writing has become sharper and the posts have generally become more professional.

Look through the last couple of month’s worth of posts. Almost every one has a cohesive narrative thread. There are a few quick hits (Prayer requests, tidbits of information, etc.) but for the most part we’ve all learned to say things with wit, style and verve.

I would once again like to throw out a call to making this site (or another site just like it) into something more public. We’ve recently all learned that more people read our blog than we ever thought, why not open it up for more eyes?

It wouldn’t take much more effort than what we’re doing now to be “professional.” We’d need to do some slight editing to our posts, everyone would need a quick reread before they posted. We’d probably want some minor guidelines as to what kind of posts we want to put out there.

The benefits of making it public would include:

• Entering into discussions with many more people
• Being part of something “bigger”
• Cool cred for owning your own website
• We’d all be “published” writers

I really think our blog has a lot of potential in the “real” world. A site that honestly discusses religion, politics, culture and everything else under the sun with our distinctive styles has real potential to be something more.

I’ve been a blogger for over a year now and I absolutely love it. Even though my blog is really nothing of importance, I get great pleasure out of crafting a well written piece and putting it on a site that is all my own. But because I am but one man, and my time is limited, my blog is very small. The single biggest problem I have is that I don’t have the ability to create more content. Our group blog has never had that problem. Heck, sometimes posts get lost because we are posting so much.

Some potential problems with this idea:

• Our personal forum would become public. With tons of eyes reading we’d have to limit what we say about our personal lives
• Some of us with slow internet connections rely on the blog to communicate in a manner that is more effective than e-mail
• We’d have to spend more time reading through our posts/comments to ensure they “fit” into the public space
• Religious discussions could get out of hand.

I’ll try to answer these problems. Our blog is currently public. As we’ve recently seen all kinds of people can and do find us. We should already limit what we say about our personal lives. We could however create a separate personal blog in which we could relate small bits that wouldn’t fit into the professional site. This second blog would also eliminate problems concerning e-mail connections.

We would have to spend a little more time editing our information. Honestly, I wish we would all do this a little more anyway (myself included), but it isn’t that hard to write your post in an editing program (like Word) to clean up simple spelling/grammar mistakes. It would also be good to make what we’re trying to say more intelligible. We’ve all been guilty of writing a post or comment that didn’t come out the way we hoped. How many comments have been made only to have to write 50 others to explain what the first one means?

Plus, as we all read each others posts, those of us a little more familiar with grammar/style guidelines could clean up.

Tis true, religious discussions on the Internet do get out of hand quickly. Lots of excitable folks throw out all kinds of accusations. Honestly, at first we really wouldn’t be getting that many hits, so this shouldn’t happen to a great extent. If we get bigger and more people start reading we could very easily create some filters to make it a nicer discussion.

What do you guys think? I really love our blog. It looks better and better each day. I truly believe with a little work we could have a top notch website. Maybe that’s not what anyone here wants. I don’t know, I just really like the idea of having something that feels real and professional. The idea of having something that could really compete with the big sites our there is really cool to me. I think we do having something with great potential. And I volunteer to push this thing forward.

my cheatin' heart

I have to admit something. I’m in love with another woman. Her name is Norah Jones and this has been going on for several years.

I have always loved female singers. It doesn’t matter what they are singing but there is some sort of primal sexiness about a woman who can sing with passion. Billy Holiday, Joan Osborn, Juliana Hatfield, Dolly Parton, Sarah Vaughn, Robinella, Ella, Ju Ju and many more just do something to me and have for as long as I can remember.

This is not a physical romance or attraction but something beyond the touch of skin and the conjoined oneness of carnal exploration. It’s like gravity; its force is unmistakable and invisible in the same instant. It’s inescapable and embracing, free and restricting bound together.

We’ve dumped our cable for the summer so in the morning we’ll put on some tune while the kids are still sleeping and Jules always puts on Robinella (formerly as Robinella and the CC String band) or the luscious Miss Jones and it’s wonderful.

On the Come Away With Me album there is a song which is performed more as a growl than anything else called appropriately, Turn Me On. There is something raw about this song and its backing of simple, smooth, organ, snare, high hat, piano and resonate bass riffs. It doesn’t stop there like any good relationship there is humor and levity paired like a fine wine with the slow and the sad all while book ended with romance, silliness, sultriness and sincerity.

Her 2nd album is more effervescent but still resonates with passion this time geared for more daylight than dusky occupations. In both records the voice is soft and soothing without the demeaning exercise of over dubs, re-tracks and post production fine tuning. Like Dolly, Billy, Ella and Robinella their voice, their instrument is expertly tuned and personalized to their own stylized world view. Dolly speaks her songs into existence, Billy aches, Ella soars, Robinella reminisces and Norah romances slow and bouncy tunes with the same care.

There are others like EmmyLou Harris, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Matraca Berg, Eva Cassidy that are concubines in my enraptured sonic harem but I have to say that the Norah is one of the gold standards. Early mornings, mid day drives, star lit rendezvous all seem to reverberate and echo her velvety crooning into the deep places of my soul.

Top 5 on Google

Just doing some poking around with our stats and noticed something. If you type the following (or copy and paste) exactly as shown into google search, we are #5.

"midnight cafe" blog

Kinda geeky I know. I'm sure I could get it down to either the only hit or top hit by typing in the correct terms.

Homeschooling

Over the past few years especially, I've seen quite a bit about homeschooling. It's been a topic of discussion on the WD Fourms and on countless other blogs and websites. Of course, there are major benefits for parent and child, but the one question that always seems to pop up is: "What about socialization?"

Here's an article that talks a little about this question. I'm not sure if I agree, though. I've seen some really weird kids come out of homeshooling environments. Some of them can't function well around other people their age and even fly back home after a few years of struggling socially, financially, and in other ways.

In any case, I think there are pros and cons, just like sending kids to public or private school.

Any of y'all know kids, parents, etc. involved in homeschooling?

Tator's Spirit is Free

We set Tator free yesterday. She was our older Greyhound. She had been sick for some time, but recently had gotten worse. Over the last couple of weeks, her appetite had dropped rapidly and by yesterday, she couldn't even stand. We took her to the vet and he agreed that she would be better off if we ended her suffering.

We're still very sad about it and Ace (our male Grey) and Luke (our son) haven't really figured it out yet. This morning, though, Ace raced out the outside door and looked all over the place for her. When he came back in, he looked over the living room and back to our bedroom where she spent her last hours before we took her to the doctor. He walked to his bed and stood there, looking at me. I tried to tell him that she was gone and at peace. He looked at me while I spoke and then looked away and laid down. He'll miss her.

I'm glad that we had the strength to let her go, though. Even the Bible teaches that animals have a spirit of life. While I don't believe that animals have souls, Greyhounds probably have the closest thing to a soul in their big, sweet hearts.

She'll run through the stars, now. Run on, Tator girl, your spirit is free.

I Got the Call!

Well I was just out mowing my lawn while listening to an mp3 edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on my cell phone. Suddlenly my ringtone kicks in (Creeds'"Can You Take Me Higher?"). I'm like, "Great, how did I do that?" Then I realize, my phone is actually ringing.

I answer and it's my new boss. She said she got my Background Check results in and they weren't good. I freak! Then she says just kidding. It took me a second to realize she was being funny. Well, the background check was fine. I start Friday. I thought everyone would want to know.

Taking It To the Streets

We had a blood drive today in the parking lot of my office. It went off fairly well. I was hoping for a lot of people from the area to come besides my coworkers, but we only had one young man. Initially I also had several members of management signed up, one even coming from our Connecticut office, but at the last moment a big meeting was planned in Indianapolis. But overall it was a good turn out.

I organized and planned the whole thing.

We had three people get sick, which scared a few others from joining in the giving. We have a staff that doesn’t come in until noon. This consists mostly of college age kids and they tend to wake up moments before works starts and rushing in before they get hit with a tardy. Needless to say food doesn’t enter their system until their first break.

It was these folks who became rather ill what from the loss of blood, the no food, and of course the stifling heat. I’ve never been in a blood mobile that was so hot. The bus was on its last leg and one of the AC units had died.

It was quite a thing seeing the Red Cross folks in action. My friend Lindsay was first to get sick and she simply muttered “I feel nauseous” and the whole team was upon her with wet towels, barf buckets, sugary snacks and the lifting of her legs.

I stayed for the run dispensing snacks, beverages and t-shirts.

I must say it feels rather good to have organized an event that literally will save lives. I suppose the Christians real duty is towards the saving of souls, but it is a good thing to help the bodies as well. For people won’t care what you have to say about their souls if you neglect their physical needs now.

Get Visa?

As most of you know I work for a credit card company. We’ll refrain from the Dr. Evilness of that for a moment. The truth of the matter is that we’ll pretty much give anyone a line of credit. We’re not quite on the level of those awful commercials

“Bad credit? No Problem. No credit? No problem!”

But we might as well be. It’s pretty much built where we’ll have a high delinquency rate and we’ve built our fee structure to compensate. Truth of the matter again is that for a long time we’ve been a pretty crappy card. Although we’re making strides to be much better company – one that I’m not ashamed of working for.

But I’ve digressed. We really will give credit to anyone. And that’s the point to remember here.

With my new job duties I have to sit in on weekly marketing meetings. During one a few weeks ago we were talking about revamping our website. We’re planning on redoing the whole thing, and it’s actually one of my primary duties right now. Along with this we were discussing what some of the selling points of the card are, and how we can word that for the website. Turns out the fact that we’ll give anyone is a rather strong selling point.

The Chief Operational Officer was sitting in the meeting and he came up with a slogan.

“Got pulse? Get Visa*”

*I replaced the name of our company with Visa. He jokingly felt this was a great feature to right up front admit that as long as you are alive, you can have one of our cards.

A few days later I am talking to our recovery manager. (Excuse me while I get a little technical here) When one of our customer’s goes delinquent (doesn’t pay the bill) for 7 months we charge it off. Essentially at that point we write the debt off and consider it a loss. Ultimately we still try to collect on the dollars that were actually spent on the card, but for tax purposes it’s considered a total loss at that point.

Often, we will sell these accounts to another company at this point for cents on the dollar. While talking to the recovery manager about these accounts it turned out that this company we sold the accounts to was complaining that several of the account holder were deceased. Obviously they can’t collect from a dead guy and they were pretty ticked we sold them these accounts.

When the manager got to looking at these accounts he realized that the social security numbers belonged to guys who had been dead since the early 90s. Our company has only been around since 2000. Thus we booked accounts on people who were already dead.

Obviously this was fraud, but we’ve decided to change our motto to:

“Used to have a pulse? Get Visa”

Di...

Happy Birthday... right...?
-Jamison

Fish Slap Dance

This morning I went fishing with Jeff Spooneybarger an old friend and music minister at a local Baptist Church. It was beautiful! The weather was perfect for fishing. The waterway was like glass when we set out a 6am. The day started off a little slow, mostly a few no-keepers. But by nine we had caught two catfish and two speckeled trout. I took them to my dad who's cleaning them and will be going over for lunch. Although I don't have any really cool stories to tell, I just thought I'd share while my days are stll care-free.

(For those that care, Jeff is the older brother of Tim Spooneybarger the ex-Braves and Marlins relief pitcher.)

The Flaming Grill Update

Sipper, I cleaned the old grill up today. That was only thing that caused the flames. The grill had a char build-up which is what caught flames. Anyway, after cleaning it I lit it up and let it go for 10 or so minutes. No flames except where they were supposed to be.

If you can find a way to get it, you can have it. Here are a couple things you'll need to know. First, the houseing for the spark lighter broke off. It has to be lit by matches or a wand lighter (You'll also have to light the side burner that way; I robbed the wire for my new grill). I have an extra tank, but it either needs a conversion kit or you'll have to exchange it even though it's full. When is Jamison's party? If it's next week, I might be able to bring it up.

Little House on Trenton Drive

1021 Trenton Drive
Pensacola, FL 32505
(904)455-4725 / our old phone no.

While running errands today, I decided to drive through my old neighborhood and by my childhood home. It was depressing. I almost didn't recognize the streets let alone the houses on it. Instinct and old memories drove me to my old home. Many were tattered from Ivan (some apparently leveled from it); others were in general ill-repair. The streets themselves felt cluttered with overgrown bushes and carports piled with junk (old couches, TVs, etc.). Strange as it may seem I felt clastrophobic winding my way through the once familiar streets.

And then I pulled up to our old home. I feel certain it hasn't been painted since 1997. The colors are exactly the same as whe my dad gave it it's last coat and it looks as if it has been neglected ever since. You can barely see it but the roof is peeled up and needs replacing (obviously a blow from Ivan).



Stroll with me while I give you a quick tour...

• To the left lived the Kings to the right Mrs. Mulétte (I can't recall the spelling but it was pronounced mo-let).


• The far left window was our living room. Mom was always concerned someone would break her "picture" window.


• The center porch still has the iron support that helped us boys climb on the roof when a frisbee or other item got stuck.


• The right front window was my parent's bedroom


• On the right side the center small window is the home of our yellow tiled bathroom. It was the only one in the house with two parents and three boys. The tile itself brought on many o chorus of "We all live in a yellow bathroom" sung to the tune of a popular beetles work.


• Just behind that is the window of the room my brother Scott and I shared (by force-jk) for the first few years of our life (until Doug went to college).

It was nice to see the place, but I probably wont go back for a long while. The place looked lonely, almost like it missed the days the McCown's filled it's rooms with laughing, crying, boo-boos, serious talks, and the occassional alone time. I miss the house a little, but I've been blessed by being able to look to a bright future and not dwell on and long for days gone by.

Driving and Cell Phones

Here's an article on a study of folks who drive and use cell phones. Looks like it's just as bad as drunk driving.

I think those little gadgets are addictive. Funny thing is, folks use safety as an argument to have them handy, but they seem to cause more accidents instead of preventing them.

I can still see having one for emergencies, but they rarely are used for such. I just hope they'll create/strengthen laws resticting their use while driving.

Perhaps this study will be a catalyst.

Hey, Guess What?

Diana is pregnant! We found out last night. We are very excited, as you can imagine. It still hasn't quite sunk in for me yet. My mind will occasionally fast forward, and I'll think about the birth-day, or holding the baby, or imagining Diana at nine months, or me pushing a stroller around, or....well, you get the idea. Anyway, that's it. Discuss.

My 4th of July Gift

Well first off, it's not what you think. Jodi, a family member, nor myself went out and purchased this grill for me.

Let me give you a little background. I went out to eat with some family after church on Sunday for a cousin's birthday lunch. We had decided to ask everyone over for A cookout on the Forth. I was going to grill BBQ Chicken Quarters. After mentioning it to my aunt she asked, "How big is your grill?" I said it sufficient, but it will be tight trying to fit enough quarters on the grill. She replied, "Would you like ours? You can keep it." I'm like, "what?" She went on to tell me that it is 3 years old but had never been used including an extra full tank and some grill accoutrements (still in the packaging). Then there was the, "BUT." Uh-oh... She said it went through Ivan and is a good bit rusted. Sight unseen I said, I'll take it.

I picked it up today. To say it looked neglected would be an understatement. I went by Lowes, picked up a wire brush and some High-heat spray paint and set to work. What you see in the pictures is the fruit of my labor.

By the way, I've wanted a new grill, my old one was wearing out, but I was going to wait until we moved to our permanent abode before seriously looking for one. I'm not only considering this a gift from my aunt, but a little gift from God. And, it's exactly what I wanted.

Prayers Needed

It looks like Diana's dad is going to get a divorce from his evil shrew of a wife. It's kind of a long story, so I'll leave it to Diana to explain it if she wants to. He's staying with us for a few days. So, pray for him that things will work out okay. I know it's a weird thing to pray for, so whatever you can do is much appreciated.