Wasn't expecting that...

Here I am driving to work like I do every morning. I've mentioned it before, my 43 mile one way trip down HWY 75.

The only difference this morning is that I was trying to get to work early and traffic was fairly good. I was minding my own business and having a good morning. Listening to the radio and looking forward to seeing if the HOV "Enforcers" had caught any single drivers trying to get a quick ride. Just as I was getting my hopes up to see some violators, my car decided to sputter. Traffic came to a stand still and I stopped "safely". As traffic began to move, I stepped on the gas. My engine roared and my car stood still. I messed with the gear shifter and stepped on the gas again. My car went nowhere. "NOT GOOD!!!". I was now that guy who was stalled on the highway.

I quickly put on my hazard lights and then proceeded to stair in my rear view mirror to see cars flying up on my rear. I decided to try to get my car to the far left lane (next lane over). I was able to push it and steer it over. This lane was the feeder to the HOV lane so not to many cars were in it. However, there were enough to freak me out when they came up on me. After calling my roadside assistance to get a tow truck, one of Plano's finest placed his truck behind me to protect from traffic. The tow truck arrived and I was ready to head to the car dealership to find out what was wrong.After getting to the dealership I was able to find out that the transmission pump was out. Again, NOT GOOD!!! So then came the next bit of excitement. 1) I now needed a new transmission - Honda has a 3 month waiting list, 2) They were having issues finding a rebuilt transmission 3) Once they found one they gave me a quote...$5000!!!!! Luckily, our good friends the Booths have family connections to a repair shop in Frisco. Called Allison's dad's shop and he quoted me well below this price in order to rebuild MY transmission. Who wouldn't take that. So thanks for the diagnosis Honda, it's off to someone who will take care of me and for less $$$. Ok, got this taken care of, now I need to get to work the next two days. Cool, I just need to get a rental car. A lot easier said than done! After calling a few companies and finding they were SOLD OUT or the had 1 car left and wanted premium pricing for them, I was clueless as what I would do. Finally I got a call from Lisa saying that she was able to find a rental car in McKinney for a decent rate! My wife working her magic. Thanks to her and her brilliant work, Hertz was able to get me a car so that I could move on with my day and get to work.So, after trying to get to work an hour early, I actually showed up about 3 1/2 hours late. Why is it that sometimes life gets in the way of life? (ponder that for a moment).

When I woke up this morning I thought that maybe I would spend a couple of bucks on a drink or something. I ended up spending about $200 before 10am. Then hearing that I would be out a few Thousand before the end of the week... GREAT!!!So happy birthday Lisa you are getting a new transmission for my car!! Woo Hoo!!!What stands out most in my mind about this morning is the exchange between myself and the tow truck driver as I was getting out of his truck. He said, "bad way to start the day, a sick baby at home, and a broken down car...I hope it gets better." My response to him, "It could be worse." Let's remember, it could always be worse! Also, let's remember the joy of car ownership!

Enjoy!

JB

Over Qualified.

Everyone either chooses their career or they have their career chosen for them. Either way it's what they do. Those of you that know me know that I am a General Manager of a "retail store". (I will explain the quotes later.) I was raised with both of my parents being "retail" managers. My first job, besides KFC, was selling suits in a "retail store". While working through high school I realized that "retail" was something that I enjoyed and it was something that I was good at. I spent time learning from those around me and always looked for ways to move up and to better impact the business. On a personal note I was fully able to understand what my dad went through every day when he went to work. It gave me a sense of respect for the hard work that both of my parents had done in order to take care of their family. My dad and I never run out of "retail" topics to talk about. A sort of bond. About 5 years ago I had the opportunity to get out of "retail" and get into wholesale. This was a wonderful opportunity. This allowed me to better understand "retail" and educated me on ways to make "retail" more than JUST "retail". I was able to learn the business, gain an appreciation for product and the process. About a 1 1/2 years ago it was time for me to find something new to do. I did not want to get back into "retail". Been there, done that. However, remembering what I had learned over the previous 4 years I knew that I could make an impact on a retailer. Here's the quote explanation. For those not in "retail", "retail" is when someone opens the doors, clothes are on shelves, pesky sales people are ready to sell (or do nothing) and then they fold clothes and go home. For those in "retail" they know that there is MUCH more to it. Not to say that some retailers don't operate this way or that certain employees don't view their job this way. It's to say that the true industry of RETAIL is much, much more complex. Some retailers higher people based on the "warm body" theory. I have never had the desire to be a part of that. I have always wanted to work retail in which each member of the company is able to make a contribution based on their efforts, brain power, and good 'ole fashion hard work. I give 100% every day I go to work in order to impact the business each day.

I say all of the above to preface an occurrence that happened to me today. One of the sales associates was ringing up a customer who had two friends with him. Kids, meaning they probably had just graduated college. I was doing something on one of the registers and overheard the following conversation.

Girl: "well I mean I could work "retail"'

Guy: "why would you want to do that?"

Girl: "well I mean, if I want to own one, I should probably work in one, right?"

Guy: "I guess."

Girl: "maybe your right, I am extremely over qualified for that"

I had to bite my tongue right there. Are you kidding me? So many things wrong with this conversation. 1) You are standing in a retail store around people who work in the retail store! 2) What makes you over qualified? The fact that you know nothing about retail? 3) I had an earlier interaction with the girl. Based on this interaction I would never hire her. College graduate or not. You see, working in the RETAIL BUSINESS is about more than just being smart. It's about having a personality, being able to be flexible, being strategic, hard working, motivated, etc.

Everybody that works with me in my store is hired based on how they can bring the store to the next level. Not just because they are a body who thinks they can work retail.

Did I take this incident a little personally? Maybe a little. But that is because I take everything I do personally.

2 lessons can be learned from this. 1) Don't think that you are better than someone while you are in their presence - it's rude. 2) Never say you are over qualified for something you know nothing about.

Thanks for reading.

Enjoy!

-James

The Odds Were Against Me

In the 86 miles (round trip) I drive to work each day, I see a lot of things. One thing I see way to much of is car accidents. In the estimated 25,000 miles I have driven in the last year or so (to and from work), I have been lucky to stay out of them. However, today my 1 in 25,000 odds were against me. It was my turn on a dark, rainy morning in McKinney, Texas. That's right, this morning on my regular commute to work, I locked up my breaks (after the cars in front of me slammed on theirs) and slid on the wet road into a Nissan Pathfinder. Good news...No one was hurt. I was in the car by myself and the lady in front of me was by herself. We were both able to drive our cars off of the freeway and into a parking lot where we were safe. My car took the brunt of the impact and is currently at a collision center. I'm hoping that it can be repaired and we will be reunited once again - my good friend. At the end of the day, it is just a car and the important thing is that everyone is safe (well that and I carry maximum coverage). So tomorrow drive safely, you never know when an orange construction barrel will jump out onto 1 lane of a 2 lane road. This could lead to an accident. So, be on the look out and be careful.

Everett's 1st Easter!

As a parent I'm learning that holidays hold a whole new meaning. Everett's 2nd holiday was Easter. We celebrated it by giving his mom a card, a gift, and some candy. He also got a new outfit. He doesn't understand anything about anything right now (duh, he's only 6 weeks old), but it got me wondering how I'm going to make each holiday with him special. I want him to understand the true meaning of each one. Church was the highlight of our day today, we got him to service and he had a great nap. I pray that as he gets older he understands that although the candy is good and the bunny is cute, it's Christ's Resurrection that deserves the celebration. This is just one more responsibility I'm realizing that I have. One I greatly accept. I can't wait to balance and explain Christmas. lol. If your wondering if he got to hunt Easter eggs, remember he's only 6 weeks old. Maybe next year (or two). Have a great Easter and enjoy it with your family, I am!

-JB

What they say is true...

Ok, so what they say is true. When you have a baby expect to be tired. When I used to hear this I was under the impression that the parents NEVER got any sleep. Now that I'm experiencing it I'm realizing that we get sleep, 1 1/2 to 2 hours at a time. Remember that deep sleep that you used to have...GONE! As soon as the deep sleep begins to set in -- Time to wake up!! But hey, I'm not complaining just stating my realization. I've never had a baby before, but in my humble opinion, Everett is a good baby. We are having a great time getting to know each other. I look forward to the day that he responds to what I'm saying to him. We will have a blast. God has blessed us greatly with our little man. Right now he has three hobbies; eat, sleep, poop. More to come later...
Enjoy!
-JB

Slide Show of Da Man!!

See, I told you I now had something new to blog about! My Son is AWESOME!!!!! Enjoy the slide show.

Everett Andrew Burgess

Everett is Home and is AMAZING!!!

Life will never be the same and I am A-O-K with that! He is an awesome gift that I have willingly accepted and will never give back.

He's Here!!!!

Dear Family and Friends,
The moment that Lisa and I have been waiting for has arrived - the birth of our son Everett Andrew Burgess. He was born at 10:52am. He weighs 8lbs 14oz and is 20" long. Born in Allen Presbyterian. Both Lisa and Everett are doing good. We appreciate all of your support and continued prayers as we head into this new chapter of our lives. We cannot be happier. Photos are attached!
-James, Lisa & EVERETT
-JB

You miss me?

Ok, Ok, I know....I slipped off of the blog writing radar. I've still been reading them. Since my last post I have done nothing but mourn the loss of the Super Bowl. Not really, I got over it pretty quick. Life did not allow me to get to hung up on it. I have no real excuses other than my brain has had no creative blogging thoughts and I've been a bit busy. Work, school, life and oh yeah...a baby coming. One good thing for you readers out there (all two of you) in about 5 days I will have a whole new arsenal of blogging material..."Life as a Father". I know what you are thinking, "Scary!!!". Need not to be. I have not read any books, I have watched a video or two, I attended two classes at the hospital, I went to the pediatrician visit, and made most (not all) of Lisa's dr. appointments and I was once a baby - what is there to know. (before you come at me, I'm being quite sarcastic). Good for all of us is that Lisa has read the books, talked to people, been in delivery rooms, changed a diaper or two (yep, forgot to mention that, Everett's will be my first!!) I will not say I am nervous, but more excited. Excited to take on a responsibility bigger than me. Excited to adjust priorities. Excited to see Lisa as a mother. Excited to share this life with another. I'm excited to go on a father son campout, excited to watch sports together. The list can go on.... I know I will mess up sometimes, I know I will not always have the answers. But one thing I do know is that I will do my very best to be the Father and Husband that my family needs. And excited to give you more blog content to read.

Thanks for allowing me to say things I don't always take the time to express. You will be the first (well, I mean besides my family and close friends) to know when little Everett joins us!

Man, it's good to be back on the blog scene!!

Enjoy!

-JB

Super Bowl Wrap Up.

Ok, I have waited 2 days before commenting on the Super Bowl. I did not want to post anything out of pure emotion. I was able to watch it with a great group of supportive friends.

Here is my Super Bowl wrap up. After the 1st half the Cardinals played a great game. They came up one play short (aka: no review), Steelers won. Already looking forward to next season. Go Cardinals!

2 More Days

Alright Cardinal fans (and you others)...only 2 more days until the Arizona Cardinals play in their first ever Super Bowl. So exciting!! Go to www.espn.com and vote for who you think will win (unless you are a Steelers fan). Currently the Cardinals are leading the votes 53% to 47%. Go Cards!!
-JB

YES WE CAN!!!

The critics said NO, but YES THEY DID!!! The Arizona Cardinals are on their way to the Super Bowl in Tampa, FL, on FEB. 1st, 2009!!

Today's game was very exciting in the 1st half when the Cardinals were annihilating the Philadelphia Eagles. Then the 2nd half was a bit more challenging. The Eagles came back and had the lead going into the 4th Quarter. Being the Championship caliber team, that the Cardinals are, they stepped up big and pulled out the WIN (32-25)!! They are the 2008 NFC CHAMPIONS!!

One of the biggest STUDS of the game was Larry Fitzgerald. He had 3, count them 3, TD receptions!! No one is better!

Now the mission is to "SHOCK THE WORLD" and WIN THE SUPER BOWL.

Bring on the Steelers!!!!

New Blog

Check out my new blog. A journal of photos. Enjoy!

www.dailysighting.blogspot.com

-James

Sunday Afternoon Plans...

If you have any plans on Sunday afternoon other than watching the Cardinals v. Eagles game, CANCEL THEM!!! The Cards need your support as they strive to win the NFC Championship game. Again, cancel all plans and stay tuned!! Go Cards!!

David Crowder...man and his goatee.

One of my favorite bands, not just Christian, is the David Crowder Band. Every cd they've made is awesome. But nothing beats seeing them perform live. About a year ago Lisa and I saw them at the House of Blues in Dallas.

This was one of the best concerts that I have ever been to. They are not only entertaining, but their music is uplifting and inspirational. For those of you that do not know of these guys...you need to check them out. davidcrowderband.com David Crowder has commited his life to making music and serving God. No matter where the band is performing, David does everything in his power to make it to his home church in Waco, TX, every Sunday in order to lead worship. What a treat for those members.

I say all of this for 2 reasons. 1) If you are looking for some music that will help change your life...check out The David Crowder Band. 2) This upcoming Saturday, I have the chance to see them LIVE once again!! (Doing this I have to give up watching the Cardinals game live, thank goodness for DVR)

I will post a full review of the concert along with photos. Ok, I may just put up a couple photos as I'm not truly a critic.

Enjoy!

-James

New Blog Recommendations...

As the new year begins, my search for some cool new blogs is on....

Here are the first three finds that I recommend to all of you "Classic American Stylists" or those that just want to check out some new sites. These are full of some great photos, apparel highlights, informational tid-bits, and some Classic American styles. Enjoy the reads, you will be impressed!!

http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/

http://blackwatchbattalion.blogspot.com/

http://42ndblackwatch1881.wordpress.com/

-James

Cards WIN!!!

The Cardinals finished the regular season at 9-7. They clinched the NFC West Division Championship putting them into the playoffs. Then, last night they won their first round playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons. Well done! This is a step in the right direction. This week they have two challenges: 1) They need to get some respect from the national media...the Cards played a hard game and won. Give them some props. 2) They need to forget about their win and move on to getting ready for their game on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers.

This is a game they can win, I hope they believe this. So go ahead and cancel everything you are doing on Saturday and cheer on the "Future Superbowl Champions" (to early? ok) Arizona Cardinals!!

Enjoy!

-James