2008 Top 10

Here is my Top 10 list for the year 2008:

10. Only gained a couple .lbs. (trying to lose them).
9. Developed the likeness for the the Bow Tie
8. Started and have kept up with (sort of) a Blog.
7. Started a new job. (if I hadn't I may be out of one now)
6. Got to see the Arizona Cardinals clinch a Playoff birth!!
5. Discovered the beauty of Lake Tahoe
4. Finally made the call to hook up HD/DVR (unfortunately, we will not get to enjoy this until 2009. But I MADE THE CALL).
3. Stayed healthy.
2. Celebrated my 8th Wedding Anniversary.
1. Knocked up my wife. We are having a BABY!!!

Ok, so maybe this list isn't complete and maybe it's not truly my top 10. But I am still going to be a dad. Just wait for the 2009 Top 10 list. I'm sure there will be many interesting items listed. You will have to wait 365 days to find out!

HAPPY NEW YEAR. MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED 2009!

-James

A Sad Day, Yet A Proud Accomplishment

As most of you know I spend a fair amount of time in my car. We have developed a sort of bond. I spend more time in my car than one person should. I do have a respect for my car. Lisa and I were blessed enough to pay it off under the term limit and I now have a true sense of ownership. What an accomplishment, I now own a depreciated vehicle. (I truly do like it and am proud to own it). Today I hit another milestone of accomplishment. When I left the house this morning I had a lot of miles put on the car but nothing worth blogging about. On my way home from work all of that changed. As I passed Honda Cars of McKinney (where we purchased the car) I saw this on my odometer.

As things go in the world, one mile later I saw this.That's right...I have now put over 100,000 miles on my '04 Honda Accord. Thank goodness it's a Honda. I have another 100,000 miles to go and plus some. At this point I can proudly say that this is the best vehicle I have purchased to date (I've only purchased 5).

So this is nothing life changing, but it is something that I have known was inevitable. My baby is growing up! tear...

Enjoy!
-James

'Tis the Season.

OK, so with only 5 shopping days left until Christmas, I feel it is time to share my thoughts on the "Christmas Consumer". 1 word...CRAZY! This person is a different breed. With time running out there is a sense of desperation in the air. This year is a bit more desperate. With less money to go around retailers have slashed prices and slashed again. Each item that a customer buys is needing to be special in it's own right. In the past people have wrapped 2 and 3 things in one package, this year they are wrapped separately. There is still a feeling of joy in the air but unfortunately the desperation turns into anger, rudeness, then craziness. The idea of joy is almost forgotten. So, I encourage you when shopping...be patient, smile, and remember that the people working in stores are there to help you but they want to be joyous as well. So be nice!! Now, stop reading this and go shopping. You are running out of time.

Photo

I was tagged by Lisa. I tag nobody because everyone else has done this.The object of the picture tag is to:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

2) Select the 4th picture in the folder

3) Explain the picture

4) Tag 4 people to do the sameNO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)

This photo is one of my all famous self portraits. I mean come on...you all do it. Just to let you know, the 3rd and 5th picture are self portraits as well. Not really!

Playoffs Baby!!!

Ok, so I know that there are a few weeks left in the NFL season. However, as a Cardinals fan, I get to celebrate a bit early. Can you say NFC WEST CHAMPIONS?? try it....it feels so good. Yes I know that the first two words are 'NFC WEST' aka: weak division. But Champions none the less. What does this mean? Well... 4 things.

1) The Cardinals will host their 1st ever playoff game since they have been in AZ.
2) Cardinals fans are in new territory...we can actually root for our team in the playoffs.
3) Kurt Warner could win his 3rd MVP award
4) The Cardinals just gained an entirely new fan base (all of the Cowboys Fans who don't want any of the other teams to win, assuming the boys don't make it...i know big assumption).

3 more regular season games and then it is on to the Playoffs!!!!
Please excuse my early excitement. I now know what it feels like to cheer for a football team that will play at least 1 more game. Even better news...I will get to watch it in HD (assuming it will be on in Dallas), that's right I finally made the call...HD/DVR in the Burgess house!!! (I'm finally getting into this new millennium stuff).

Please do us all a favor. If your team is not making the playoffs...cheer for the Red Bird!!
-James

Help the World

I've been meaning to blog about this for a little while and finally have the opportunity.  Lately I have been compelled to think more charitable.  I am living a blessed life and do not go without, partly because of the country I was born into.  While working the other day, a lady was sharing her feelings to me on the topic of charities and donations.  She told me how she cannot understand why everyone chooses to donate to countries other than the United States.  She doesn't understand sending food or clothing to Africa, Ethiopia, Argentine (may not be the specific countries she is talking about you get the point), when there are children and families in America who need food, clothing, $$.  I see her point and understand that this is a need "at home".  But I also feel that in America we have the means and organizations set up to help these people; churches, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Goodwill, private citizens, etc.  These third world countries do not have this structure of organizations, nor do most of them have the means.  I know we can help our fellow Americans, but why can't we help those overseas as well.  In America to buy a meal for someone it may cost $5-$8.  For $10 one can feed 25 people a meal in the above mentioned countries.  I'm not saying don't help people "at home" but by all means why can't we think GLOBAL?  There are so many organizations where we can spend $30 a month and support a child's nutrition, clothing, and education (things that we take for granted every day).  I understand that in this economic climate, $30 may sound like a lot, but think of what you would have to give up versus what they will gain.  Example: a dinner at Chili's every month, could feed and educate a child.  Doesn't seem like that high of a price.  So what if you have to eat a grilled cheese that you had to cook off of your electric stove that you have the smarts to work, in your warm house?  (did I go to far?).  Anyways, I had to bite my tongue when she was talking to me, so now you get to read what I wanted to say.  Also, this time of year, take a look around to see what you can do to help people here or overseas.  Thanks for allowing me to get this off of my heart.
-James
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Don't mess with Rudolph

As mentioned before, Lisa and I had the opportunity to go to the ICE exibit at the Gaylord. We also just got a new video camera, you know, for the big day! So I figured what better time to learn to use the camera then at our fun outing. So I was filming some stuff around the resort and caught this. Funny thing is that I did not realize what happened until after I got home and watched the video. I hope you find this as amusing as I did. Didn't anyone ever tell this kid not to pet reindeers while they are eating? Enjoy!
-James

Rugby Holiday 2008 Collection

Hello avid Rugby video watchers. This is the newest video of Holiday for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy it!!
-James

Thanksgiving!!

Lisa and I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. We slept in, ate breakfast, talked to family, set up the tree, and cooked lunch (ok, so Lisa cooked lunch). Then we ate lunch and what a lunch it was, YUMMY!! After lunch we hung out for a bit then it was off to the Gaylord Texan for their ICE exibit...what a blast! We had some dessert and then some hot chocolate. At the ICE exibit I had the chance to slide down the ice slide, who says I'm to old? Check out the video. After this, we went home and decorated our tree and watched a few Christmas movies. We realized this is the last time we will do all of this without a little one. We had a great day spending time with one another! The only thing that would have made this day better would have been if the Cardinals hadn't gotten spanked!! But I'm not going to let that ruin my fun day! Hope you all had just as much fun. On to Christmas!!
-James

Christmas Survey

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I decided to post my Christmas survey today!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually Thanksgiving night
4. When do you take the tree down? If I had it my way...NEVER. But Lisa takes it down as soon as she can.
5. Do you like eggnog? No
6. Favorite gift received as a child? to many, I was (am) blessed.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Lisa

8. Easiest person to buy for? Me

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, do we put it out, well that depends on Lisa.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail to close friends and family, e-mail to those you just want to say hi to.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Yeah, like I would admit that.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I like a lot. But lately it's ELF.

13. When do you start shopping? I shop all year. Christmas shopping, now that is again up to Lisa.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? not that I can remember.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Chocolate covered cherries

16.Lights on the tree? of course!
17. Favorite Christmas song? The First Noel, Little Drummer Boy, Oh I have to pick just one...Not a chance

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Retail....need I say more?
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents
Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas eve and the rest in the morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude people
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Nostalgic, I love some memories

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, Pecan Pie
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? My son to come out. I know it will be late though.

Have a good Thanksgiving!!

-James

Bring on the Holidays!!! I'm ready.

So the Holidays are upon us. Whether you like it or not. Next week is Thanksgiving and soon after that Santa will be coming down the chimney. With retail being my industry of choice I know what I am doing, working!!! I will be working so that all of the other consumers can buy more for themselves and gifts for others. This year, probably more than any other of recent history, I am glad I will be working. There are so many out there without a job that I am truly thankful I have one. Retail has been hit hard lately with stores closing and layoffs. If you are working this Holidas season, be thankful. Yes, we will miss out on some of those family fun moments and those parties, but make the best of it. (i'm writing all of this for me so that in late December when I'm down, you all can remind me to be thankful). Lisa and I are kicking our season off on Sunday with our Small Group at Church. We will be sharing in a Thankgiving dinner and fun with them. Then on Thanksgiving we will be eating lunch at home together and then enjoying a fun night out at the Gaylord Texan's Ice Exhibit (http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/lp/promotion/lonestar-christmas.html?source=gppc-ice=gaylord%20ice%20exhibit). With working both the day before and after it is hard to go anywhere. We think that we have come up with a pretty good plan of celebration. Then it will be on to Christmas!! So what are your plans??

TOMS Project Holiday

Hey guys. So a few days ago I told you about a 'cause product' that I am incredibly intrigued by, TOMS. Well they have started a Holiday initiative where they want to donate 30,000 pair of shoes to Ethiopia. To do this, they need to sell 30,000 pair of shoes. This fits their one for one model. So if you are looking for a unique gift (as unique as 29,999 other people) give a pair of TOMS shoes. Check out their video.

Good Cause Product

Some say the economy is in a tough climate. That being said, how are you spending your money? What are you buying? Is what your buying doing anyone any good? Those of you that know me know that I love stores, I love clothes, I love people, and I love things that are good. There is a brand out that has been around since 2006 called TOMS Shoes, stands for Shoes for Tomorrow, (http://www.tomsshoes.com/). This is a brand of shoes that is known as a 'cause' product. For every pair of TOMS shoes sold, one pair is donated to someone in a less fortunate country. (according to their website Argentina and South Africa). Pretty cool right? Well, I was introduced to this brand about a year ago. I have liked the idea of designers doing good for the good of man. However, I have just thought, "that's a cool idea, I hope I can sell some". Well today my view of TOMS changed, I love the idea even more. Why did it change? You may ask, well I met the Creator/Designer/"Chief Shoe Giver" Blake Mycoskie. What a cool guy. He seems so genuine and inspiring for a cause. He wanted to do something that mattered. He has partnered with retailers in order to branch out the cause. So yes, I am truly on the TOMS band wagon. Do I have a pair yet? No. Will I get a pair, let's hope so (I want the pair below). Remember it is for a good cause.

Ga$

I am so excited and can't keep this to myself. I am filling my car up with gas that only cost $1.99 a gallon!!! Who would have thought we would see this day again? When was the last time you got to do this? Ok, I'm done, but I just filled up for $28!!!!
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Voting

Today Lisa and I cast our votes for this greatly anticipated election. We got in on the early voting in Texas. I have to tell you, more than ever before, I had a great sense of pride walking in to the polling center. Also, I now feel a great weight lifted off of me. I have cast my vote and do not have to think about it any more. This years election may be the most historic of our lifetime. I urge you all to vote on election day, or earlier if you are lucky enough, no lines :). Make your vote count. (Ok, I'm done with my political agenda).
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One of those days...

So do you ever just have "one of those days"? Today was mine. Started off good enough, I knew it was going to be busy, but good enough. Then for some strange reason it just took an odd turn. My attitude changed, my stress level rose, conflict came up, and my day was a struggle. Now that I'm home tonight I can reflect on the day and plan on how I'm going to face tomorrow. It wont be an easy day, but knowing this I can better prepare. I just have to remember, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Pray for me that I can handle my day with the proper attitude and composure that is necessary. Have a good Wednesday!

My Car....

Ok, a couple of blogs ago I said that if I was given a lot of money (I can't remember, I don't read my blogs) I would buy a Mercedes Mclaren. Today I was looking at one of my favorite blogs Uncrate.com and they announced the new Mclaren out next year. If I get this money soon, I will save it and wait for the new one to come out. It is SWEET!! Top speed 220 MPH. I could get to work in no time! Only 150 will be sold. Want one??

This just in....

The Cardinals lost! Thanks for the hopes of an above .500 season. (where they now stand at 2-2). This pic is kind of how they played today, on their backs, allowing 56 points to be put up!

On top of the 56 points, they let Brett Favre score '6' TD's. That's right, SIX!!! Can some one say, WAKE UP SECONDARY!!!!!

Anyways, Warner had a good showing, they put up 35. AND STILL LOST!! But he had a solid game (Top passer of the week with 472 yards). Good news, Boldin is doing ok (in reference to the above photo).

NEXT WEEK!!! The 4-0 Bills. GO CARDS!!

I got Tagged and Now you need to read it!!

Jen B. has tagged me, so.... in a way she has forced me to blog. So here it is... enjoy!

1. Where was I 10 years ago? 10 years ago I was a college freshman at Glendale Community College and an Assistant Manager at the Barneys New York Outlet. Looking for the woman to become my wife.

2. What was on my To Do List today? Wake up, eat, go to work, come home, eat, sit on my behind and watch a movie with my smokin' hot wife.

3. What would I do if I were a billionaire? If I was a billionaire, I believe I would do nothing! Well, I might go buy a Mercedes Mclaren, and a new suit. But then I would do nothing!

4. 5 Places I've Lived

Albuquerque, PHX with my parents, PHX with my smokin' hot wife, in Allen with my smokin' hot wife, in Anna with my smokin' hot wife, and at Rugby.

5. Bad Habits: I do nothing out of habit, everything I do bad is on purpose!

I tag nobody!

Rugby Video from Rugby.com

I'm not saying that you need to, but you should watch this video. Not only does it have a cool song, but some amazing clothes too. (I guess it has some good looking people too). This has got to be one of the coolest things you have seen on your computer today!!

Gotta Love the Blackberry!

So while I was looking through blogs tonight, I came across the coolest thing I have seen all day. (Well except the text I got from Mike wanting to go to dinner at Texas Roadhouse). Anyways...although I love my Blackberry Curve, they will be introducing the Blackberry Pear FLIP!!! You get the joy of a blackberry in the space of a Motorola Startac (kickin' it old school). I may never have it, because again, I do love my Curve. But this is pretty cool...

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

When Lisa and I got to Tahoe one of the things she wanted to do was to see "A Midsummer Night's Dream" @ the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. But all of the publications showed that the play ran through Aug. 17th. We got here on Aug. 18th. We missed it. (So we thought). Last night I told you about the couple we met on the boat. They told us how great the experience was and we told them how bummed we were to have missed it. They informed us that the play had been extended to end on the 21st, today. So this morning at 9am, when they opened, I called and ordered us tickets. How perfect...the play Lisa wanted to see, we will see and on her birthday! So we are currently waiting for the show to start. Its a beautiful night on the beach and I'm with my beautiful wife. Who could ask for more? Later I will tell you how the show was.
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Pic of Lisa

Ok, this picture was meant to be included in the last blog, but I guess I loaded the wrong one. Doesn't she look happy?
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Tahoe, Day 2

What a great day! We woke up a bit later than yesterday, ate Corn Pops in bed, then hung out watching tv for an hour or so. Once we got around we left the condo knowing that we were going to visit the castle that we saw yesterday. I wanted some coffee and kept telling Lisa that I didn't want Starbucks but I wanted to try one of the local shops that we kept seeing. Well all I could find when I was looking was a Starbucks, I almost gave in until Lisa talked me out of it. We were still searching for a great local shop. We turned onto 89 (the road to the castle) and came across a great little shop called Aspina. We walked in and knew we were in a local's hang out. Everyone in the place was on a laptop, hanging out. There was a cool little patio area surrounded by pine trees, this is where Lisa and I enjoyed our joe (coffee). We had also bought some sandwiches for lunch and had plans to eat them as a picnic. We got to the area where we were to hike from in order to get to the castle. Lisa found a PERFECT place for us to eat lunch. We had a great view and were all by ourselves. Well us and the little bird that Lisa kept feeding chips to. It was pretty cool how close the bird came to us. After lunch we took a 1 mile hike down to the castle. The hike down was great, the air was cool and the conversation was good. We saw the castle, you will not hear much more about it because, well quite frankly there is not much to say about it. Then came time for the hike back up. Ok, right its only 1 mile, but its enough to remind us about how out of shape we are. In our defense it is higher elevation than we are used to and it was hot. After that we were back to the condo to get ready for our evening out on the water. For Lisa's birthday, which is tomorrow, we went out on a dinner cruise around the lake. Dinner included lobster tails, chicken, and fillet mignon. It was a beautiful night and I had the best looking date. Don't tell my wife. We met a couple (twice our age) and had fun visiting with them. Once dinner was over it was off to Starbucks for an evening coffee. Then back to the condo. I've decided that we are the old people in Tahoe. I mean how many other people are in Tahoe and back to their room by 8pm every night. Probably only us. Now its time to chill and watch some Olympics. Who knows I may even read some more of my book. Not quite sure what we have planned for tomorrow, but I'm sure it will be fun. Until tomorrow, take care.
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1st Day in Tahoe

So when you go on vacation and want to sleep in, a word to the wise, don't go somewhere that is in a time zone 2 hours behind your normal zone. When your internal clock says 7 and your alarm clock says 5...not truly sleeping in. Anyways, once I forced myself to go back to sleep, we woke up an hour or two later. We then went and indulged ourselves at Heidi's with some apple covered waffles and strawberry covered french toast. Very good. Once that was done I got the bright idea to take a drive AROUND Lake Tahoe, it was only 6" on the map. Once an hour had passed and it looked like we were only a short distance around we almost second guessed our decision. But hey, we are on vacation. So we kept on, and good thing we did...it was amazing. We came upon a castle that we wanted to check out, but will have to do that tomorrow because we want to have our "real" camera with us. However, we saw some great scenery otherwise. I have attached some photos we did take of our sight seeing. We got back to Stateline, the town we are staying in, around 11:30. You know what that means... LUNCH. After lunch we walked around a bit until it was time for a nap. Well nap time has lasted about 4 hours now and I think it is getting close to dinner time. Not sure what we are eating, but I'm sure it will be good. So if you know me, I'm not letting you down. We are on vacation and we are eating and resting a lot! Would you expect any less from a Burgess vacation? I hope not. Ok, off to go wake Lisa up, more to come tomorrow...
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Vacation Time!!

The time has come for Lisa and I to head out of town. We are in need of a vacation. So tomorrow Lisa and I will be heading to Tahoe!! We have never been there but we are sure we will have a good time. We will update you along the way, if I have time of course. So think of us when we are chillin'!

Olympics...it's worth the wait.

Ok, so another 4 years have past and it is that time...The Olympics. What a great year 2008 will be. It started last night with the opening ceremonies. I got a chance to watch it tonight thanks to our good friends having Tivo (yes, I'm still in like '98 and have no dvr). I have to say, everything I read about the ceremony was true...it was awesome. China has outdone themselves. Ok, so don't laugh but there was an American who has outdone themself also. No, I'm not talking about Phelps, who once again is going for Spitz's record of metals. No, I'm not talking about Lebron James who is trying to redeem his performance on the last Olympic B-ball team. No, I'm not talking about the dynamic duo of May/Walsh. I'm talking about the infamous Ralph Lauren. I mean did you see the "Parade of Nations" aka: The best Polo commercial of the year? Awesome. It's about time that an all-American brand sponsors the American team. Anyone remember ROOTS? Yeah, they are Canadian. Really?? Ok, back to the Pony. Not only is this partnership good for RL (in terms of business) it's good for the US. The athletes came out looking sharp, sophisticated, classic and All-American.

What was the best part about their uniform?.......You guessed it, the white chino "Driving Cap" (not a beret, as every poorly dressed commentator referred to it as...ROOTS that was a beret, get it right). Sorry. Anyways, as you might think, my first thought when I saw them was "I have got to have one". So like a million other patriotic Americans who love style I purchased my very own Driving Cap today.

You may be wondering where you can get one. Here's a clue for you... Polo.com. Point, click, and be stylish. Now, just hope you get it before the Olympics ends. You should have it in time for the closing ceremonies (where the ,once again "Drivng Caps" are optional for the athletes). Ok, I'm done talking about how great the athletes looked. Now it's on to the games!!!! Go Team USA!!

What's the deal?

So I saw this when I was in NJ a couple weeks ago. I took a picture hoping that someone could tell me what this is all about. I mean I know its a fire hydrant, but why does it have an antenna attached to it? Does it pick up radio stations? Do you know why?
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Bend It Like Beckham

You may not be a soccer fan but you know who David Beckham is. Last night he was in Dallas with his team that has entirely to much money. But anyways...it was pretty cool to see this phenom in action. It was interesting, every time he would touch the ball he got boo'd but at the same time the place lit up with flash bulbs. Also, he can help pack a soccer game. This was the best soccer game I have been to. Dallas beat LA 4-0. If you get a chance to experience one, do it

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NJ - Garden State

So my whole life I have wondered why New Jersey was called the Garden State. Now I know why, I've found the Garden, it even has a green house.
(Ok so I haven't actually wondered my whole life)

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PG-13

Driving to work today I heard an ad for a movie. The closing line said "May not be appropriate for children under 13". It made me think... Why 13? What automatically makes it appropriate for a child to see this movie when they turn 13 opposed to the day before when they were 12? What if the movie really isn't appropriate for a 14 year old but we have a bunch of 13 year olds watching it? Makes one think doesn't it? Ok maybe it makes me think, but when I'm in the car for an hour +... I have the time. Now go out and see a movie that is age appropriate.

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Reilly Luke

Lisa and I are enjoying the weekend in Houston with our new nephew Reilly and his parents. Rob and Katie have made a cute baby. We have another day to spend with them. Rob heads back to Iraq on Monday, so pray for their family.

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Gotta love the rain

So right now I am at the FC Dallas game. At 38 minutes the clouds let the rain loose. So now we are waiting for the rain to stop. Its a good time. Gotta love Texas...sunny and 98 degrees during the day and a downpour at night.

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GH Aerosmith

Okay, its been a almost a week since we got it. I've played approximately 20 songs (don't be disappointed, I've been busy). As much as I like the game and the songs picked. Something is missing. Not all of the songs that you think would make up an AEROSMITH game were selected. A bit of a disappointment in that regards. What song or songs do you think should have been added that are not on the game?

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Funny Picture

If you want to see one of the funniest pictures that you have seen in a long time...
go to http://mommyof2boysjy.blogspot.com/ and look under the post "Batdog".
You will not be disapointed.
-James

You Know You Want To Tie One

Alright, those of you that know me know that my new favorite tie is the bow tie. Even as much as my wife loves me in them, (not), I still wear them. I partly love them because not everyone knows how to tie one. No, it's not like tying your shoe, even though that's what you will her. So, I'm sharing this video with you so that you can learn how. Let your inner prepster come out and throw one on today. If you don't have one, I know where you can find one. Enjoy!

Its arrived!

I am now on my way home with our new best friend! If you don't see us for a while you know where we will be.

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Guitar Hero

Tomorrow is a great day! Guitar Hero Aerosmith aka GHA, is being released. Guess who pre-ordered it...that's right me. Tonight is the warm up for tomorrow. Plans for tomorrow... church, lunch, GHA! I will tell you how is.

I'm moving up in this technology world

So thanks to my sister and verizon wireless I am now in the year 2008. I can now blog from my phone. Although it is easier to type on my laptop, this will be fun and maybe even a bit more real time. So thanks for continuing to read my blog. I will try not to dissapoint.
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What did I do?

Something made me a bit perplexed while driving home from Small Group tonight. Here I am enjoying life, enjoying the music on the radio, and minding my own business. I merged on to 75, where I had a clear path to the lane because a semi-truck switched lanes for me. About 3 minutes after I was on the highway, I looked into my rearview mirror to see an SUV flying up on me flashing it's lights... that's weird... Just as I'm confused they switch lanes and pass me. As they pass me the driver decides to show me his I.Q., with his middle finger. If I was confused before, I'm totally confused now. What did I do?? So to ask him this question I decide to flash my lights a couple times. He did not like that, he got back in front of me and continued to tap his breaks. Now several things are going through my mind like; seriously what did I do?, who is this guy in front of me? and I hope he finds God soon. I gave him his space, because remember, I was enjoying my life and my drive. Mr. I.Q. of one finally exits the highway at 380. As I pass him of course I look over at him and she confirms his I.Q. once again. Dude must have had a bad day... So here's the deal, was I confused or do you think he was confused. I mean how many silver Honda Accords are there, maybe another one gave this guy a hard time and he decided to take it out on me. Anyways, I hope he feels good about himself. I couldn't get a photo of him so I am leaving you with a photo of a guy just like him... we like to call him Mr. I've had a bad day.

Fortune Cookie

Tonight I stopped and picked up dinner at Pei Wei for Lisa and I. The food was very good. Of course I had to open my fortune cookie as soon as I was done. The cookie was tasty but the fortune left me a bit confused. "Failure is the mother of success". WHAT?? I've heard that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. That makes sense, but failure being the monther of success...now I'm stumped. What does this mean to you?

Where does all of the time go?

Is it just me or is 2008 flying by? I remember Christmas like it was yesterday. Today is already June 13th. 5 Months gone and the 6th one is almost half over. Where does all of the time go? If we are not careful entire days and even weeks go by before we even notice. When was the last time I blogged? Yesterday right? Nope, even though it feels like it. Is it good for time to fly? I don't think so. Anyways, I just can't get over the fact that the year is almost half over... are you a bit depressed now? Sorry.

Four Square

Driving to work today I passed by the Y.M.C.A. and noticed something I had completely forgotten about. I saw some little kids bouncing a ball back and forth. It took me two seconds to realize what they were doing. These kids were playing one of my all time favorite playground games...Four Square! http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/ball_games/foursquare.htm. I loved this game growing up. So what I'm thinking is a 4-square tournament needs to happen soon. Any takers?

Thoughts on a long emotional day.

Today was my grandma's funeral. The service was great. Very fitting for her. Her love for her family, for God and for the Phx Suns was talked about over and over again. Just as she would have had it. She was remembered very nicely. Another thing that Grandma did in her passing was she brought family members and friends who had not seen each other in many many years, together today. It was so strange to see cousins and 2nd cousins, long time family friends, who I hadn't seen in years. It's weird, I never change but everyone around me sure does. lol. It was crazy to see all of the kids I remember to now be young men and women. Where does the time go? As strange as it sounded every time I said it, it truly was "Great to see everyone" today. Again, Grandma would have wanted us to all be reunited. It is unfortunate, however, that in today's society it often takes funerals or other life impacting events to pull people together. I do wish there was a way that we would not have to "find time" to be with one another but rather "make time" to be together. As I said goodbye to many of them today I left them with "I hope to see you soon". This was the truth, I do hope to see them soon. But I have no idea when. I do hope that it is before the next life impacting event. Even after her passing Grandma is still teaching us lessons and giving us perspective. Our mission is to learn and apply these lessons. Never take your loved one's for granted and always let them know how much you love them. Even when you are thousands of miles away MAKE TIME to remember what is truly important on this earth. Goodnight.

One More Person Rooting Us On.

As most of you know, my grandma passed away on Saturday. I will be heading to PHX for the funeral, soon. It has been hard to understand how real it is. Being over 1000 miles away, it had not seemed real until today. My sister e-mailed the obituary to me while I was at work.(http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=109661871) I opened it up and there it was in black/white. There was no getting around it, it is real. My dad and sister have done a good job taking care of the arrangements so that the rest of the family doesn't have to. I truly have a great family. Back to the realness...I was driving home from work tonight and had my Ipod on shuffle. What song came on but "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" by Colin Ray. If you haven't heard it, the opening verse is very fitting.

"One day shy of (twenty)eight years old,When
grandma passed away.I was a broken
hearted little boy,Blowing out that
birthday cake.How I cried when the sky let
go,With a cold lonesome rain.My
mom smiled, said: "Don't be sad child."Grandma's
watching you today.""'Cos
there's holes in the floor of Heaven,"And her tears
are pouring down."That's
how you know she's watching,"Wishing she could be here
now."An' sometimes if
you're lonely,"Just remember she can see."There's holes in
the floor of
Heaven"And she's watching over you and me."

I then realized how lucky I am. not lucky to have lost my grandma, but the fact that I have all of my grandparents with God in heaven taking care of my family. As I get older I view death differently. As a child I did not understand why people would tell me to be happy because my family member has gone on to a better place. That did not make sense to me. As an adult, I understand a bit more. I still believe that it is more than ok to be sad, for our loss and sad that our loved one is not with us anymore. But I truly believe that once this feeling of anguish has passed our family, we will know and understand the blessing of eternal life in heaven. Wow.... God is truly complex and simple all at the same time. My favorite line from an Aaron Shust song is "I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned". This has become a bit of a motto for me this year. It reminds me that we are all part of a much larger plan. Grandma will forever be missed but she is now busy working for the King.

Weekend of Memories

This weekend was one to remember. Who would have thought that we would be feeling opposite emotions at the same time? It was a weekend that Lisa and I have been looking forward to and one that we wish would never have to come. Lisa graduated from Texas Women's University and unfortunately my grandma was taken from this earth, all in the same day. A complete joyous day and a day of mourning. We know that grandma is now in a better place, one that we strive for everyday. Although we are excited that she is in heaven with God, we are sad she is not here with us. Emotions are great whether happy or sad, they put many things in perspective. It's strange how death can make you remember and enjoy those little things in life. Yesterday we celebrated Lisa's graduation with her commencement ceremony as well as a party to remember. Lisa's hard work was capped off by a little bar-b-que and karaoke with some family and good friends, minus my dad and Jen who went home to Phx to attend to my grandma's arrangements (thank you two so much). After the bar-b-que, we sang until we could not sing anymore, or until everyone left. We had a great time and cannot wait for Lisa to graduate again so we can do it all over. Today we went to the Texas Rangers game, it was a fun day in the sun. However, they did not win, it did not matter because it was all about us spending time with one another. Again, the important things in life. Thank you to all who helped us celebrate Lisa's accomplishments and please keep our family in your prayers this week as it will have it's challenging moments.