Our Journey Thru New Beginnings

A Minute For Me

2012-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

Worked 9 1/2 hours, spent 3 1/2 hours with Princess Aurelia, along with my beautiful bride, and now... 15 minutes spent with me, before heading off to bed. Wheewww! Wind down time. I value and enjoy every minute spent with the two loves of my life - 9 1/2hours at work, on the other hand, I will not comment.

Princess Aurelia Tinsley is off into a deep sleep. It was twenty minutes spent bundled in her snuggie, with mama & papa by her side, exploring the great adventures of first The Jungle Book (the book), followed by, Papa's favorite - Peter Pan!

May Aurelia's spirits of adventure build as she continues to grow. She continues to grow too quickly. Even as we speak, she is now 1 hour older than the last time I saw her:(

Thoughts continue to RACE through my head, as I attempt to wind down, legs extended on the splendid brown leather couch Suzie persuaded me to purchase months ago now. I now am grateful, having been "forced," as I enjoy the luxury of the leg extension, allowing my tired legs to be lifted into the air, the blood rushing from my toes up to my knees, and camping out there.

Wind down time is assisted by the Kentucky/Arkansas game in the background, it's difficult to ignore Kentucky humiliating a less talented Arkansas team, however, I desperately long for Kentucky to lose a game, allowing my Duke Blue Devils to creep one position closer, in the collegiate rankings, to the #1, numero uno, spot. Along with the basketball game in the background, in hand is the evening's usual, Cinnamon Tea with an extra dash of cinnamon - mmm. What is wind down time without this luxury:)

Thought #1 - A buddy told me the other day that, in reference to politics, that he refuses to establish himself as a party (meaning, choosing to identify with Republican or Democratic). Of course, like all people who identify this way, typically the individual tends to lean closer to Democrat - which makes sense, since Democrats usually tend to be more indecisive in their beliefs, along with being so confused about what their believes are, they tend not to take a stance (just kidding, a little jab at Democrats - I can't say I know enough about politics to even judge a person's stance, other than that people say I tend to be very Republican and very conservative in my views).

But again, I struggle understanding an individuals reasoning for not choosing a side. Having spoke to individuals in the past, they believe by not choosing they are establishing an "independence" and "freedom" from politics - meaning, they feel they are above stating - but what confuses me in not choosing, is that we all have a belief in something - we believe in abortion or we don't, we believe in big government or small government, we believe in high involvement in foreign policy, and low, etc. etc. So, based on your results on what you believe on these issues, I feel as though you can be placed into a group whether you like to identify that way or not. And worse, if you don't identify yourself with a party because you believe you could be swayed either way, I believe should be more shameful - how ignorant could someone be to not state what they believe in, other than a young person.

(None of this to be a jab at anyone or any party, rather, more of just a confusing topic to me, understanding and involvement in politics is rather new to me, and already it just seems clear, based on my beliefs that I am a clear cut Republican).

Thought #2 - it's difficult for me to honestly believe that the majority of individuals come to work (not just at my work) not wanting to do a good job - or at least, I have to believe that most people want to do a good job. Even though I believe a lot of of people out there do not enjoy their jobs, I want to believe that there is still a part of them that is yearning to at least do good at the parts of their job they do enjoy. Am I wrong, do most people go to work with the intentions of not doing a good job? It is such a big responsibility being a store manager (or any manager at all). Not only are you responsible for managing people day to day, more importantly, pertaining to their livelihood, you are responsible for judging their performance. And as much as organizations push for you to "utlize results(numbers)" as a gauge for judging, it is difficult not to take into account your daily feelings on a person's performance. And if you believe a person's performance is not up to par, because they tend to always do something other than what you prefer them to do, yet you don't correct this in them; when you get to reviews, is it fair to sit down and tell someone they are doing a poor job if you didn't try to correct them not doing what you wanted, throughout the year??

My other thoughts escape me, as my brain has decided to shut off. The only sounds in my ear, other than Kentucky continuing to slaughter Arkansas is a voice saying, "go to sleep, brush your teeth, then go to sleep!"

It sounds like a good idea considering the hour is now 10 with 48 minutes attached, and seeing as my alarm clock will buzz LOUDLY in just under 7 hours (bfff, everytime I hear that I will be getting less than 8 hours sleep, a fitness magazine's article reminds me in the back of my mind, "you should be getting 8 hours or more"). Whoever gets this much as a working parent NEEDS to tell me how they do it.

And so, I am off to sleep...

I leave remembering a quote from a recent moview I watched with Matt Damon.

You blog, you are not a writer, blogging is merely graffiti with punctuations!

Ha!

2012-01-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

2012-01-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

2012-01-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

2012-01-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

Beautiful World

2012-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Thank God for the world - thank God for beauty like this!

After such a day as this, the beauty of this photo offers an escape - escape into the unknown, the heavens, perfection, stillness, silence.

Life is SO busy. Rush, rush, rush, rush rush!! Everything is SO rushed - even now, I rush to type my thoughts, as if they are going somewhere.

A quote by Erin, on The Office: "Hurry, get in!" (she says to Dwight and Michael, as she pulls up in her car to pick them up.

Michael: "Why are we hurrying to get in?"

Erin: "Because it's quicker."

In the end, is there really a need for all of the rush. If only things would slow down. The videos I've posted on here reflect how quickly Aurelia's life is already flashing by me. As parents we don't talk of our plans for our kids acheivements to happen in 1st and 2nd grade - we're already talking of high school and college. We discuss their profession and their FAR away future.

I just want it to slow down. EVERYTHING I DO is SO rushed!! I get to work and I rush from aisle to aisle, task to task, person to person. I eat, rushed! I get ready at night for the following day, rushed! Why do I enjoy my workout/exercise time so much? Because, I finally get a chance to slooowwww down, and enjoy what I am doing. I enjoy the focus. Turn on my music and focus on one thing at a time, one muscle group at a time, one motion at a time. I don't need to think of a billion things at once or multi-task during exercise, I can clear my mind - and focus!

I would imagine a successful person is focused. It's encouraged to learn multi-tasking at an early age, but what if true success is found in your focus, and that, that focus is on one thing. So many people have dreams and goals at learning and doing so many different things, but the successful role-models tend to just be great at one thing. (Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, President of US (just politics), etc. etc.) They're not trying to be good at numerous things, just one and that's where their energy and complete focus goes.

An athletes bad night is typically a lack of focus.

I hope after today that I can regain my focus. I love Thursday mornings. I close at work so I have time and quiet to sit, drink my coffee, reflect and refocus!

2012-01-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

2012-01-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

2012-01-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

Ride 'em cowgirl!

2012-01-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

The great adventures of Aurelia!

Didn't think she'd enjoy her horsey, but she did. Growing up so fast! Life seems to go by so quickly as a parent. I'm anxious for her first step, but dread the day she starts walking and no longer needs her papa :(

2012-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Reflections

2012-01-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

What a squirmy little mess Aurelia was today. After sleeping in with mommy until almost 9am, she decided to spend the remainder of the second day of 2012, a sloppy, squirmy mess. Nothing other than her 8oz bottles of milk, used to sedate her, could make this child happy today. Sure a few smiles for papa from time to time, but this child was not about to spend the day playing alone, nor with either Suzie or I more than inches away from her in the process.

Yet as this night is slowly beginning to wind down and the background music from the channel Soundscapes soothingly plays Chad Lawson’s “My Romance,” my two loves of my life lie cozy on the couch, one happy from her now empty bottle of milk, the other from her foot massage she pleasantly excepted 10 minutes earlier. It’s moments like these that are joy in its fullest.

Aurelia is a doll, and her laugh that of one too, as mommy teases her nose and cheeks with her pink Mrs. Monkey, whom Grammy Brownlee sent with Christmas presents from a few days earlier – Aurelia was quite thrilled when Mrs. Monkey arrived; she was concerned for Mr. Monkey, who spent that last 7 months alone.

A productive and fulfilled day always seems to begin early and with a hard workout in the gym. It always seems to help for this to be followed with Starbucks coffee and a good book to read. Reflection time is a pleasure as I study the words of Psalm 123 and attempt to know the Lord better that I might learn how to better surrender my life and my own will to his will and desires for my life. Reflection time ends with the curiosity of trying to understand how a servant would respond around his master.

It’s off to bed for little Princess Aurelia, who mommy and papa can’t seem to ever get enough of. If only it could be our profession to spend the day with her, every day. It saddens papa putting his Princess off to bed, as the words pass through his thoughts – a young child should never have to go off to bed, for each morning they wake up one day older. It doesn’t take long for little Aurelia to fall into the dreams of her sleep as she is placed into the surrounding walls of her bassinet which lies closely to her sleepy time music repeating over and over the soothing sounds of peace. In an effort to keep her company and to remind little Aurelia she is not alone, the reflection of her fish friends of the sea pass by across the ceiling above where she sleeps.

A few minutes longer than papa expected Aurelia to be asleep, her screams continue on. Daddy sits typing on the floor, wondering at what moment he should go to his baby’s side to comfort his little Princess, but like clockwork, her screams are smothered as her two favorite fingers end up cozy between her two plump little lips – her substitute for her binky which she firmly decided to replace early on in her time on this earth.

It seems appropriate the music on the Soundscape channel has now changed to Douglas Spotted Eagle’s “Dreamwalk” as both my lady’s both lie pleasantly and peacefully asleep – Aurelia in her bassinet, Suzie across the couch, wrapped up in the sweet embrace of her white blanket. Papa has to pause for a moment in silence as he attempts to decipher through the music of both the TV and the music playing through Aurelia’s monitor, which one of his lady’s are snoring. After a brief choke/cough, Aurelia is the guilty party. Her snores continue.

Daddy is now alone to his thoughts, which are being completely shredded by the pain running through his entire back. His only thoughts now are reflecting back to all of the times he has sat on this wood floor receiving the excruciating back pains which it gives him. After a quick extension of his back, in an attempt to stretch the pain out of it, daddy now begins to think back to an article he read earlier in the day in which it stated that typically men and women begin to receive back pains as this hit their 30s and 40s. He laughs the article off as he himself knows that his back pains began many years before nearing the 2 months leading up to his 30th birthday.

Thirty years coming. So much to reflect on…

To think of how far he has been, all that he has gone through, and how little he has really learned or experienced. There are far greater people in this world than he, yet equally if not more as many who have not matured to his level. He takes pride in his knowledge of God, as he is always thankful for his eyes to have been made open to the creator. He takes deep pride in his hard work which will allow him to pay off all remaining debt in a few months time – debt which has accumulate over the past 10 years. His feelings would be that of satisfaction, but mostly, freedom.

It can not be said how his life will change in a few months time when this freedom takes place. He hopes that his freedom could lead to new adventures, yet more importantly the ability to prepare for his future. He feels like the warrior father of times old who provided for the safety and provisions for their family. Although his work becomes an accumulated amount of numbers on a computer screen, he too gains a deep satisfaction with the knowledge of providing for his family, both now and the years to come.

His own personal plans for the future seem so blurry in this point of his life. He enjoys very little these days beyond movies, sports, exercise and reading – yet hopes that an opportunity for a more pleasant and rewarding career would open itself up before him, as if to be handed to him.

Becoming more involved and more informed are a part of his plans for the new year as he has already spent time reading up about his current governor, as well as volunteering for a mentorship program at a local middle school, in which in three weeks time he will spend every third Friday of each month with a young man whom he knows nothing about – a young man who apparently asked only one question of me to the teacher who set up the mentorship program, “Is he cool?”

Such a strange question to answer these days, as life takes me further and further from the days of high school and college; the days where cool was everything and cool was being that which we assume is what every other individual wants to be. How naïve to think so many other people want to be just like us. As the years have passed, I’ve learned all too quickly how many different views exist and that in the real world; cool in so many different perspectives is so very different. Some think a professional or collegiate athlete is cool, some the President of the United States and to others past mentors. It is so different to so many different individuals. How can cool possibly be defined and even answered at my age. Is he cool, daddy wonders – inside he chuckles thinking how he just referred to himself again as “daddy,” shortly after asking the question, “am I cool?”

No, you’re not, this book would tell, and would be verified on E! News, if you were even that special to get on such a station. But cool doesn’t seem to matter as much any more as your path continues in the direction you are heading. You have been challenged with a position of authority which consumes the majority of your thoughts these days. You have been trusted with the careers of many other individuals. What an amazing responsibility for such a young man to receive. For, he thinks, in my father’s generation, I recall men of older being in such a position. So often does he receive the comment from the customer, “you’re young to be a manager.” And they would be right. No young man or woman of this age deserves such a responsibility. No amount of hard work, or time on a clock should earn you this position. You can only hope it true when the bible spoke the words, “God puts men of authority into their positions.”

What is to come, he wonders of 2012.

Adventurous music now plays in the background – “Blood Music,” by Steve Roach/Robert Rich.

Is adventure to take place this year? New places seen? Will he receive freedom in a few months time from financial burdens? Will he and the wife make new friends? What will his daughter look like? What will she begin to grow into? Will 2012 be a big year? Who will be president in a few months time? Will anything big happen? What will come of his current career? Will new opportunities present itself? How will God continue to work in his life during 2012? May this year be that of a journey with the thrill of adventure.

Communication of Perspectives

2012-01-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

Communication is taking two perspectives and communicating the different views. For example, take these two pictures of this post:

From diffent angles, the view is entirely different. From one perspective you have the distraction of the background of the beautiful fall leaves and the trees they abandoned with the season. From the other perspective, you sense the cool of the shaded view, you're better able to focus on the pole itself, however, for some of us we might be somewhat distracted with thoughts of the house behind and the story that house has to tell.

Two different perspectives, two different angles, two different views, two different views on how to do things, if a task needed completion from one angle, you might approach it differently from the other angle. If you were asked to describe your view from the shaded side, it would be described differently from the other side. If the only view you ever knew was the one side, you might not be able to understand very easily the other side.

So, to add to my list of many MANY New Years resolutions, my major focus in 2012 shall be to learn how to communicate more effectively - with my God, with my wife, with my co-workers, with friends. And unlike so many discussions and debates I've had with friends and family over the years, my new outlook and approach for communication will be to listen first. To really listen. To hold back from a quick response, to stop myself from correcting too quickly. To learn to better understand another's side, another's feelings, another's view. I don't want my 2012 communication lesson to be learning how to better communicate my view on others, but rather, to listen and learn more from other individuals.

My hopes in this - the end goal? Better relationships. More knowledge and understanding. A more diverse view. More time in quiet and reflection. A better overall focus - which I believe is key to success.

FREE31

2012-01-01T05:38:00.000-08:00

Starbucks near our house had a special, one day in December - purchase their travel mug and receive FREE coffee for the entire month of January. Did we buy in - ut, yea! Two free mugs comin' right up!

So for all of January, we will be getting free coffee!

Of course, being the first day of 2012 I woke early and went straight to Starbucks, because, I INTEND ON GETTING MY $MONEYS$ WORTH! So, every day I have the opportunity, I will be getting my free cup of coffee - all 31 days worth!

Unfortunately, as a Store Manager (I capitalize the S & M to make myself feel the title is more important than what it really is) every time I am out shopping, I analyze my experiences to say how I would do things differently, or better, or sometimes even take good ideas.

This particular experience was quite interesting. The lady checking me out this one time, who was quite friendly I might add, was unaware of the special my wife had purchased. So up on the register pops up $2 and some change. Fortunately for me, the young man next to her was actually somewhat familiar with the special they had run and informed her that this refill was free.

It just comes to show, as a manager, or even a corporation, how important communication is. I don't like to compare the two, however, this is a similar comparison to how important communication is in a marriage too - I don't like to compare the two, since a corporation can discard an individual at anytime and for any reason, and although a spouse could too, I like to think that is not a mindset to have in a relationship.

Yet in a marriage, I've learned very quickly, how important that communication is. The start of marriage, communication seems simple - babe, going to the gym. Honey, taking a shower. Sweetie, going grocery shopping. Gorgeous, that outfit is terrible...WHAT?! ARE YOU SAYING I LOOK UGLY?!

Ok, so, fortunately not a scenario Suzie and I have encountered yet, however, many similar scenarios that leave you wondering - "what did I say?" "What did I do?" And lastly, from a guys perspective, "How can I fix it?"

Communication is not the important thing, I learned in marriage, it's how you communicate. And I believe it'll be a life-long journey/struggle, learning on a day to day basis, how to communicate effectively with the person who chose me, and the woman I chose, to spend the rest of my life with.

How to say things she'll understand - and vice versa.

And, is that so unreasonable? After all, we all have different perspectives on things, so why wouldn't we need to work to communicate effectively?

(see next article to cont)

Blah!

2011-12-13T03:03:00.000-08:00

Da, Da, Da Da!

2011-12-13T02:58:00.000-08:00

Baby Aurelia on the verge of Talking

2011-12-13T02:52:00.001-08:00

The Office = Happy baby

2011-12-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Every time the music starts to The Office, Aurelia stops EVERYTHING to watch and listen. She is very focused when this music begins, nothing can't stop her concentration.

Best Buds!

2011-12-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

Many a days & nights will be spent with me & my buddy Laken hangin' out. Unfortunately I am ONLY daddy's little girl, so at the age of 16 our relationship will be required to end, to avoid and romantic involvement. But up until then, me & Laken will diaper it down (hang out & have fun).

Many a nights we will spend Saturday evenings with our parents, grilling great steaks and debating the topic of that jolly ol' man, Santa - many a nights listening to our daddys waste hours talking about good and bad sports teams, and eventually, me and my buddy might actually start doin' the same.

I will be a Buckeye, & my buddy Laken will be a Cock, and some how every Saturday, we'll manage to hang out, regardless of our differences.

I will always be a step behind my buddy Laken, quite literally, as he will stand first, start walking first, running - my only shot at being number one is the possibility of talking first - since my mommy and daddy spend hours telling me to "say this, and say that." Many an hour is waste that should be spent trying to teach me to stand and walk, on telling me to "say this," and "say that," but perhaps, perhaps, I might talk soon. I sure am vocal! But every time I am around my buddy Laken, he always out voices me. He's loud, and when we're at his house, his voice rules every time!

Every time I think of my buddy Laken, I will think of the song, "my buddy, my buddy, my buddy, my buddy, whereever I go, you'll go. My buddy my buddy, my buddy my buddy.. my buddy and me!"

Happy baby!

2011-12-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

YAAWWwwwnnn!

2011-12-07T03:54:00.000-08:00

Poor Suzie is SLEEPY! :(

A false alarm AGAIN @ her store this morning. What a dedicated individual she is to actually get out of bed & drive over to her store to make sure everything is okay. If only the company was aware that they had such a dedicated employee - I probably would've gone back to bed.

I believe the "dedicated employee" is truly starting to be revealed in companies. With jobs being so difficult to obtain, employment high, & those who have a job being asked to work even harder, individuals are starting to show just how dedicated they are to a job. If only employers were as reciprocating back to these individuals. More than ever, employers have GOT to find a way to show their appreciation to those valued individuals.

This is a practice I try to put into place each day as I head off to manage the ten + wonderful individuals whose careers are in my hands - it's a big responsibility. I believe it's important, though, that I identify and bring out the value each person brings to the table. Sure, I could go in each day with the attitude that "these people owe it to me to work, I pay them!" yet a large portion of that seems untrue. Companies are moving away from a "work" mentality" to a "community environment." They are looking for individuals to make the customers want to be there because of them (the employee), not because of the awesome deals, or the neat products. The competition for employers is for them to obtain people who truly care about not only, what they are doing, yet the individuals they are doing it for.

A community environment means, being yourself, to a certain extent. As an employer, you can try to change a culture somewhat, you can have certain expectations - professionalism, certain attire, etc. But ultimately, when creating that sense of "community," it's pulling out of an individual what is already there, the value of who they already are. Some would say that this is equally valuable to an employer as an individual with a specialized skill, like machanics, or doctor.

Now, for an employer who can gain individuals that possess both, how much more valuable is that individual?!

But for current employers in professions that don't require specialized skills, it's extremely important to value those individuals who bring to your doorstep, your table, that sense of "community." For employers, to seek out individuals who are people that the customer desires to see when they enter your front door. How valuable is that individual who gets people coming back week after week? How valuable is the person who naturally puts on a smile each morning and says, "Good morning, how are you doing," ? Let us truly make a great effort to let these individuals know how important they are, how valuable, and how much we truly appreciate what they have to offer.

Piggies!!

2011-12-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Princess Aurelia Tinsley was quite the talk of the daycare with her very first toe nail paint job, performed by mama! Everyone was quite impressed with the accuracy - not hard to do when you wait until your child is asleep and not moving. We've enjoyed her colored piggies all week long!

Boo! Sick lil me

2011-12-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

Poor Aurelia was pretty sick last week. Doing much better now, but a 103 degree temperature rushed us to the pediatrician, just being cautious.

A Precious Laugh

2011-12-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

The Alarm Clock

2011-12-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

Huh, so, no one man to blame, just a lot of guys looking to annoy a lot of people.

(History - on who invented the alarm clock)
The ancient Greek philosopher Plato (428–348 BC) was said to possess a large water clock with an unspecified alarm signal similar to the sound of a water organ; he used it at night, possibly for signalling the beginning of his lectures at dawn (Athenaeus 4.174c).[1] The Hellenistic engineer and inventor Ctesibius (fl. 285–222 BC) fitted his clepsydras with dial and pointer for indicating the time, and added elaborate "alarm systems, which could be made to drop pebbles on a gong, or blow trumpets (by forcing bell-jars down into water and taking the compressed air through a beating reed) at pre-set times" (Vitruv 11.11).[2]

The late Roman senator Cassiodorus (c. 485–585) advocated in his rulebook for monastic life the water clock as a useful alarm for the 'soldiers of Christ' (Cassiod. Inst. 30.4 f.).[3] The Christian rhetorician Procopius described in detail prior to 529 a complex public striking clock in his home town Gaza which featured an hourly gong and figures moving mechanically day and night.[3]

In China, a striking clock was devised by the Buddhist monk and inventor Yi Xing (683–727).[4] The Chinese engineers Zhang Sixun and Su Song integrated striking clock mechanisms in astronomical clocks in the 10th and 11th centuries, respectively.[5] A striking clock outside of China was the water-powered clock tower near the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria, which struck once every hour. It was constructs by the Arab engineer al-Kaysarani in 1154. In 1235, an early monumental water-powered alarm clock that "announced the appointed hours of prayer and the time both by day and by night" was completed in the entrance hall of the Mustansiriya Madrasah in Baghdad.[6]

From the 14th century, some clock towers in Western Europe were also capable of chiming at a fixed time everyday, the earliest of which was described by the Florentine writer Dante Alighieri in 1319.[7] The most famous original striking clock tower still standing is possibly the one in St Mark's Clocktower in St Mark's Square, Venice. The St Mark's Clock was assembled in 1493, by the famous clockmaker Gian Carlo Rainieri from Reggio Emilia, where his father Gian Paolo Rainieri had already constructed another famous device in 1481. In 1497, Simone Campanato moulded the great bell (h. 1,56 m., diameter m. 1,27), which was put on the top of the tower where it's alternatively beaten by the Due Mori (Two Moors), two bronze statues (h. 2,60) handling a hammer.

User-settable mechanical alarm clocks date back at least to 15th-century Europe. These early alarm clocks had a ring of holes in the clock dial and were set by placing a pin in the appropriate hole.[8][9]

Another mechanical alarm clock was created by Levi Hutchins, of New Hampshire in the United States, in 1787. This device he made only for himself however, and it only rang at 4 AM, in order to wake him for his job.[10] The French inventor Antoine Redier was the first to patent an adjustable mechanical alarm clock, in 1847.

Button Nose

2011-12-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

DUKE BASKETBALL

2011-12-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

So excited basketball season is here!

I love my Blue Devils, even if they did get waxed by an unclassy OSU Buckeyes (yes, I'm allowed to say this, since I am a Buckeye).

This Duke team ROCKS this year! I think Rivers is going to be amazing, once he packs on some weight and hits the gym for a year or two. Got to see Quinn Cook play in high school, a game near my house. A bit of a punk, but great to watch in action.

A rematch between these two, later in the year, will be much different I'm sure. Can't wait til their next game on the 7th.

Paraphrase of the Day

2011-12-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

"Oh, being a paper salesman is the second easiest job in the world. Number one, being a stay at home mom." Dwight Schrute

Ha! Please, gosh, this is by NO means a jab at stay at home moms, I just LOOOVVEEE The Office. Sorry if any stay at home mamas are offended by his paraphrase.

My new dream job - one in which I can say EXACTLY what I'm thinking. It's amazing how jobs force you to bottle up everything you believe in - for fear of offending someone. It's amazing how "you" have to watch what you say for fear of offending someone, rather than, a company just suggesting "ignoring" that person. Isn't that what they taught in schools? That's what my parents taught - "just ignore them." Now the tables have turned - the one who says what they are thinking or feeling is disciplined for sharing outloud.

Okay, a little extreme, and not my point, I'll quit venting now.

Anyways, GREAT episode of The Office, as always, waaaayyy too short:(

A Breezy Friday

2011-12-02T17:44:00.001-08:00

(Setting the mood, listening to Soundscapes - Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence Ryuichi Sakamoto)

Sign!

IT'S FRIDAY! Woo hoo! I need a day off!

Quit a battle getting to sleep last night - poor Suzie was taking care of Princess Aurelia, who is still recovering from her illness - as I slept on the couch still recovering from mine. Down the hall from the two loves of my life can seem like miles away at night. And as always, the alarm clock went off sooner than hoped.

*#!riiinnngggg$%@!!!

Boo! What an aweful invention the alarm clock. Someone seriously hated other human beings to have created such a terrible thing - side note, I think I shall wikipedia who invented the alarm clock after blogging.

Off to work - and a short day it was. I started a mentorship program at a local middle school, I'm excited to take place in this!! Didn't get to meet my kid yet, but can't wait, and the teachers are so friendly!

A few hours at work - celebrated our December birthdays with an exquisite cake, also saying goodbye to one of our co-workers who is moving on to other things, then it was quickly off to lunch with some fellow managers at Fatz Cafe...not a fan. It's like someone took a delicious meal, with a HEFTY portion size and sprinkled way too much sugar across the dish. Too sweet for my liking.

Lunch was followed by a meeting at our local store. Productive, sure, but it always amazes me how negative people are about meetings, and forward in stating how they feel about them to the individual leading the meeting.

Very informative - nice job Rye guy Bear! and somewhat enjoyable, great way to spend Friday afternoon, rather than stuck in my own store.

It's always a positive thing getting to see how others are doing who do the same work you do - gives you a chance to see what they are doing well, also a chance to see what you are doing better! A lot can be learned observing others.

As always, Suzie & I raced off after the meeting to pick up our darling Princess Aurelia Tinsley - might I add, pretty neat getting to work so closely with my beautiful bride - how many people get to car pool to work or enjoy lunch with the one you love?!

Aurelia was precious as always! People are still bragging on Suzie's toe nail painting job she did on Princess Ari! After time at the gym & then a delightful dinner it was time for Aurelia to practice playing the piano (or shall we say "banging on the key board"). Not much of a reaction, but hey, she's only almost 7months. 9,999 more hours to go and she'll be an expert (a little joke I heard from a friend, takes 10,000 hours to become an expert).

I have such high hopes for my little Princess. May she be great at what she does. Many parents hope for their children's happiness, as do I, but more-so may she find happiness in making others happy, and I hope she will devote her life taking care of others in need.

(Closing mood: Rasa "Probhupada Padma" on soundscapes)

Christmas Lights

2011-12-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for next weekend. Neat little tree lighting @ Lake Carolina, a few festivities surrounding this main attraction - vendors, food, music, hay ride!

Also, this weekend should be fun. I think I'll be taking Princess Aurelia downtown for a parade.

Is there any greater time during the year than December?! It's time for Suzie B and I to pull out our top 5 favorite Christmas films - The Grinch (Jim Carey), Love Actually, White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life and Christmas Story!!! (I think those are the top 5).

The tradition continues on - 1 film a week leading up to the big holiday!

Water For Elephants

2011-12-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

What a great movie - watched it tonight with Suzie B, Princess Aurelia sound asleep in her mama's arms. Really enjoyed this film. Reese Witherspoon is wonderful, perhaps one of my favorite actors. Robert P. I could do without, I don't get the appeal.

Suzie B. pokes fun @ me every time there is a scene an animal gets hurt - because I get so mad!! :/ I'm sorta angry towards animal abuse, even if it is only a movie.

Ending scenes is definitely one of the greatest I've seen in a while. Movie keeps you hooked the entire time. It's definitely one to buy!

Back At Em'

2011-12-01T19:11:00.001-08:00

(Mood setting - listening to the peaceful Soundscapes of Robert Tree Cody/Rob Wallace "Maze," 1998)

After a week of Princess Aurelia Tinsley being at her all-time low, a case of RSV infection, a horrible cough, runny nose, and sore throat, she is beginning to recover with enthusiam, and taking Suzie B & I with her.

This past week, our entire family - the Kopans trio - all suffered from illness. It has been a challenging week for both Suzie & I as we mustard the strength to care for both our lil' Princess as well as our selves. Suzie has been great & is the true reflection of a wonderful, caring mother, as she has stayed up late into the night with Aurelia by her side.

But I believe we have seen our worst and this evening spent an evening together in joyful bliss with the main show led by our lil PAT (Princess Aurelia Tinsley).

I'd imagine since the beginning of time, all parents have felt this way - they grow up too quickly. The past few days Aurelia has borderline begun to wave. After enjoying a lovely dinner of both pizza & a pasta mixture we set Aurelia down for some belly time which is becoming inches away from turning into crawling time.

Her skinny pegs for arms swam back & fourth and her long legs kicked to & fro! If she weren't caught from the current of the blanket she was laying on, she would have swam the entire English channel. Thank God for that blanket - I am not quite ready for that.

She is beautiful! I pity anyone who does not get to experience parenthood, and my heart goes out to those who desire this and yet are unable.

I have witnessed and experienced many great things in this life of mine so far: great movies (Braveheart), Michael Jordan winning the NBA finals, many times, great foods, a night spent 30 miles out from shore (a sky painted with stars), great relationships, above all of these, marrying my beautiful bride - however, I do not believe anything shall ever compare to holding my precious little Princess Aurelia Tinsley in my arms, kissing her tiny little lips (because daddy can do this whenever he wants) and telling her I love her. She says the words back to me thru her head resting peacefully on my chest. I fear if I were to have a house full of girls, I would never again be able to use the word "no," at least until the boys started comin' around.

We love you little Aurelia - can't wait to make our rounds in the spring and see family. Excited for my buddy - Dan Dan Gould - and my brother, David, to both have their newborns in 2012!

Wedding Night

2010-06-09T07:42:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Bride

2010-06-09T07:15:00.001-07:00

For Men Only

2010-06-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Going through this book, again. Application #1:

Women need to feel loved:

Even if your relationship is great, she has an insecurity about your love - and when triggered, she may respond in a way that may confuse or dismay you until she feels reassured.

First Week As Husband & Wife

2010-06-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

Suzie B & I married on May 28th, 2010. We have been engaged since I said "will you" and she said "I do" on September 7th, 2009. We danced our first dance together to our song, Disappear by Hoobastank:

"Disappear"

There's a pain that sleeps inside
It sleeps with just one eye
And awakens the moment that you leave
Though I try to look away
The pain it still remains
Only leaving when you're next to me

Do you know, that everytime you're near
Everybody else seems far away
So can you come and make them disappear
Make them disappear and we can stay

So I stand and look around
Distracted by the sounds
Of everyone and everything I see
And I search through every face
Without a single trace, of the person
The person that I need

Do you know, that everytime you're near
Everybody else seems far away
So can you come and make them disappear
Make them disappear and we can stay

Can you make them disappear?
Make them disappear

There's a pain that sleeps inside
Sleeps with just one eye
And awakens, the moment that you leave
And I search through every face
Without a single trace, of the person
The person that I need

Do you know, that everytime you're near
Everybody else seems far away
So can you come and make them disappear
Make them disappear and we can stay

2009-10-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

2009-10-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

9 Donegal Ct

2009-10-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Michael & Suzie's Engagement!!!

2009-09-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Visiting family in Myrtle Beach

2009-08-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

Latest pics of the furry friends that enrich our lives

2009-07-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Latest Artist Additions to the Household

2009-07-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Trip to Charleston

2009-07-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

2009-07-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

2009-07-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

2009-07-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHER!!!

2009-07-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Asher. We love you and love that your birthday is on the 4th of July so every year we have NO excuse for not celebrating your day!

Thank You

2009-07-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Suzie B and I are spending a portion of the afternoon in deep conversation, discussing how interesting it is that people spend so much time, money, and energy attending people's weddings, baby showers, etc. just to receive no thank you card.

What an impacting thing, a thank you card, and such a simple way to show appreciation. Yet apparently, we, as the visitor are apparently viewed as "the lucky ones" for being able to attend the bonding of two into marriage.

FYI - this is not a jab at anyone in particular, we just noticed how many people do not follow this tradition.

Folly Beach Pig

2009-07-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Suzie and I spent the 4th of July on Folly Beach, right off of Charleston, with a pig. An unusual beach in which pets ARE allowed, so one gentleman brought his pig.

An enjoyable sight to see along such a beautiful beach and quite entertaining as many stopped to take pictures and pet this friendly beast.

Dinner in Charleston

2009-07-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

I have to say I absolutely regret Suzie's and my dinner choice to eat at Vickery's on the water. This restaurant sits on a little water way with restaurants on both sides, boats right along the docks, and a distant view of the ocean, all of which is blocked by the many little trees along the balcony where we ate. The menu was so limited that we decided just to eat appetizers (see above for pictures). Although what we had was very good, that just reflects how poorly a menu this was.

We started off with drinks (me margarita) which started off strong and enjoyable yet tasted watery towards the bottom. The waiter was a nice young man and very friendly, yet was not visible for long periods at a time.

The best part of the dinner was a lovely ocean breeze.

I would not recommend this restaurant at all.

Place To Eat

2009-07-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Tim & Carol came to visit and we just HAD TO visit the Crab House for lunch. This is definitely a place I'd recommend you try. Although everyone else wasn't as impressed my Crab sandwich was absolutely delightful. The Brownlees stuck with what they know best, Crabcake Sandwiches, and then Carol had a delightful Mahi Mahi sandwich, which Suzie and I were lucky enough to sample after Carol quickly filled up from her meal. You begin the meal with a basket of hush puppies. Although they weren't the best I've had, it's difficult for me to turn down a basket of hush puppies.

The service was a little slow, although I believe our waiter had quite a few tables he was overseeing at once. A delightful inside setting with brick walls and cute little Crabhouse pictures along the wall.

This is a must try if you ever visit Charleston.

I'm Sad

2009-07-03T20:28:00.001-07:00

Suzie works tomorrow before we head off to Charleston for the 4th of J. So, I'm speading the night alone watching Lord of the Rings. Does this movie ever get old?

More Fun From Vacation - My nephews

2009-07-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

Grandma

2009-07-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Suzie's Grandma is the sweetest, most adorable lil' ol' lady EVER! I wanted to stick her in my pocket and take her home with me.

More From Vacation

2009-07-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Fireworks In Charleston

2009-07-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

We're off to Charleston, again, Suzie B and I, for fireworks, either downtown or on one of its many beautiful beaches. Can't wait.

Loungin' Around

2009-07-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

It was two pepperoni pizzas and Someone Like You for movie night as Suzie B and I lounge around her apartment. Call it a casual night for both of us.

2009-06-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

2009-06-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

2009-06-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'M BORED!!!

2009-05-10T04:03:00.001-07:00

Yea, Suzie's workin' today, so I'll be on my own. Oh, and to add to the bored, "Scattered storms today." I can't catch a break. I can't even remember the last day off I had that didn't storm.

The Beach

2009-05-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'M BORED!!!

I wanna go back to Mrytle Beach. If only I had the time.

Man a live, it's hot!

2009-05-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

I went to the pool after work. Man leaping it's hot out! I don't know if I'll last the summer. I last 40 minutes it was so hot.

Exhausted...

2009-05-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to have Sunday off. It's been a loooonnnnggg week. I'm enjoying the promotion, but I am definitely ready for a day off.

Job Promotion!

2009-05-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm pretty stoked. After less than a year as an Executive Assistant, I was asked to take over a Walgreens store in Columbia, South Carolina as head store manager.

In our down time...

2009-04-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

When we aren't at work, we have been spending most of our time heading to Columbia to either look at houses we would like to buy but can't or at Starbucks & the outdoor mall of Sandhills. Since we take a ridiculous number of pictures on these days, I thought we could share a few with you. Here we are doing what we do in our down time....absolutely nothing of any importance, but we have fun doing it.

Addictive Habits

2009-04-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

For the next month or two, I will be extremely addicted to this. Allergy season is upon me. I was buying a box yesterday and it ran me $22 for a box of 24. It struck me as interesting that I have to pay for medication. I was born with a bodily issue that affects every area of my life, it wasn't by chose, it wasn't something I could have prevented, it's not how I am living life, it's not something my parents could have prevented or chosen, "Yea, we'd like to have a child with no medical defects," yet I was born with it, and my punishment, I will be paying $22 a month, or more some day, to attempt to control this destructive and controling condition. And what if I didn't have $22 a month, what would I do? Would I not get it? Would I just struggle for months out of a year? Would I steal? How would I exist without this medication?

Movie Review

2009-04-02T07:28:00.001-07:00

Suzie & I had another movie night. Actually, quite a few movie nights, since my last blog, but one that inspired definite response and sharing. Suzie and I, upon Suzie's decision, rented the movie Marley and Me, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. Suzie's vote - neutral, but felt the movie was "real." My vote - terrible movie, and "way too real."

My synopsis - Jen Aniston and O. Wilson get a cute puppy, which the previews make out to be a puppy the majority of the movie, yet it is only a puppy for about two scenes - stupid! Puppy grows up to be large and wild and out of control. They have one kid, he gets a new job, they have another kid, he struggles with life and marriage and the idea of sacrificing his career, they have another kid, Marley gets old, they move from Boca Raton, Florida to Philadelphia, yea right, Marley gets older and dies.

Yea, the dog dies!

What a stupid ending.

But real. It definitely had us chocked up, or should I say, Suzie was in tears by the end. I hated the movie. I thought the previews were deceiving and that it wasn't at all what I expected, which seemed like a good thing, but it wasn't and it portrayed marriage, not as just "hard" but almost as the end of everything enjoyable in life. I hate movies like that.

Would I recommend this movie? Probably not. Jennifer Aniston looks too "done up," Owen Wilson plays the role of a "moron guy who is clueless about everything" and I saw no reason to make a movie about a dog dying. What is wrong the old "happy ending movies." Is it so tragic to have happy endings? I know life sucks sometimes, but this is what makes movies so appealing, they help you escape from the sometimes terrible endings.

Yeah Ohio!

2009-03-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

Move pictures from Ohio

2009-03-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Go times in Xenia, Ohio

2009-03-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

The Drive Home

2009-03-17T06:55:00.001-07:00

The drive home from Ohio to South Carolina was beautiful for a little bit as a hint of sun poked out of the clouds for a brief visit with me and Suzie B.

The joy we receive from animals

2009-03-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

When you're a workaholic you have little time for friends beyond the fury little creature that greets you every day, like clock work, when you get home from work. It's as if you're the greatest thing that ever happened to them. Not because they are free, although, let's face it, the animal is excited to leave their cage, but rather pure unexplained joy they receive upon your return. And joy spreads, doesn't it? It's like contamination, or a contagious disease. It's difficult not to be joyous upon receiving joy.

Here, posing are Shortstop and Evie, Shortstop enjoying his typical bedtime bliss (probably after receiving a verbal warning to do so and stop sniffing around), and Evie, in the arms of Suzie, mostlikely, expressing her gratitude of friendship and love.

Sometimes older pictures speak a thousand words...

2009-03-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

At The Car Wash

2009-02-15T15:33:00.001-08:00

Myrtle Beach

2009-02-15T15:10:00.001-08:00

January 2009 Most Interesting Job Award

2009-01-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

The results are in for the January 2009 Most Interesting Job Award, selected by me, and the winner... drum role... The Apartment Complex Maintenance Man!

Why we selected him:

Let's face it, the things these guys see, the things these guys hear. With their ability to put on a split personality, from the one that comes in saying absolutely nothing, to the one that wants to spill all, or wants you to spill all, these guys get the real juice of reality. Step aside poor tabloids, you want the news, these guys have it.

What inspired the choice:

While washing my car this morning, one of the maintenance men stopped by to get my food disposal working again. First point of interest, my place was a mess, and he got to see it for what it is. I didn't straighten up; I didn't put on some image that I am nice and neat, or that my place isn't used. I left it how it was. Laundry out, ready to be folded, dishes in one side of the sink. It probably didn't smell all that great, yet I didn't make a point to light a candle or spray something pleasant in the air.

Secondly, I walked the guy out, and he got out of me what the average person didn't know. I spilled it all, my motorcycle being stolen, I discussed my girlfriend, my job, my move from OH to SC, future plans, job promotions, the dogs. In a matter of 10 minutes this guy knew it all.

Perk of the Job:

1. The social aspect - hearing about others lives, witnessing their homes, seeing what others lives are like, scary or not
2. The occassional love affair - the beautiful, young women who finds comfort in the arms of a maintenance man
3. Cheap apparrel - who needs a suit or a tie for work when you can wear old closer. In fact, the older the better
4. No need to shower in the morning before work, just get up and go
5. Free meals - who needs to buy lunch when you can easily sneak a sandwich from a stranger's refrigerater

Negatives of the Job:

1. Okay, they see a lot of stuff. I'm sure their eyes have seen things they don't wish to, and their ears have heard alot of what they don't want to
2. The social aspect - having to socialize when you just don't want to, that old man who talks your head off, or stands over you as you bend over to work on the drains
3. Let's face it, most maintenance men aren't really candy to the eye or a candle to the nose - it takes a strange, beautiful woman for the apartment love affair with this man

Job progression:

Not too much available in this position, yet these men are set up perfectly for a career in theft, especially with their abilities to notice trends and schedules in a person's day, and their ability to know who owns what, and when they'll be gone for them to take it

As you can clearly see, this man has the life. Any opinions or recommendations for future Careers of the Month, please email me at coolpantsdoesntreallycare.seriousidont.orb

2009-01-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Last night I picked up the Bible. I've attempted numerous times to begin things: studying a book of the bible, starting at "the beginning (Genesis," studying about "patience." Not much has kept my interest, or should I say, not much has been followed through with, on my part.

I decided, inspired by one of my favorite Christian speakers, to do what I would advice any Christian struggling to know where to go, first having taken this to prayer - I decided to read about Jesus; so I opened my laptop, and turned to one of the gospels, and was ready to begin. Suddenly, it came over me to close my computer. I wasn't going to study this; I was just going to read. It had been awhile, you know. Usually only people who have just turned their lives over to Christ, that's what they do; they read. New Christians don't really "study."

So, that's what I did. I read, and not some bulky book of the bible. I opened Mark. I've always been told to turn to other gospels over Mark.

"Mark is shorter and gives a more brief account than the others," so I've been told. Yet, it was interesting. Mark appeared suddenly to me as if it were meant for the moment I was in - uninterested, short, brief, meant for a person who just needed to hear it for what it is, meant for a person with not much time, meant for someone looking to read but not study. This book was perfect and beautiful!

I read.

I came across 1:35, briefly: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

This is something that has been very convicting to me lately. I get up early every morning to work, be around people, my boss, and to further my career, yet it has been quit sometime since I have gotten up early to be with the Lord. This verse really convicted my heart.

After having hi-lighted this, I continued reading.

That night, I went to bed and I had a dream. I vividly remember a guy in their, back from middle-school days - Ray. I was outside running, something VERY unlike me, due to asthma issues, and allergies. Yet I was running, very hard. I felt great, despite the shortage of air. I was running in my old neighborhood, I recall; the one from middle school days. Odd.

As I was running, I came across Ray. He was in fantastic shape. A nasty look on his face. He was running and leading a group of guys behind him, almost in military fashion. He looked strong and stern.

My competitive side rose from deep within. I yearned to out due him (them), and having not seen him for years, I wanted to show off what I had become since I last saw him - a muscle machine, a man of iron.

I ran as hard as I could, making a point to flex my muscles with great effort. Eventually I came to a stop in view of them.

I woke up that morning from the dream. I was EXHAUSTED! I had to pee (I did for like 45 seconds) and I wanted desperately to go back to sleep - yet, once again I was convicted, deeply. Go for a walk Michael. Be alone with God. It was early - 6:30am on a Sunday early. But I did. I got dressed, grabbed Shortstop, my phone and keys, and headed out the door, somewhat unenthused about this idea.

It was still dark out. To add to this, it was EXTREMELY foggy! I could barely see less than 30 cars away. It was chilling like in a movie, a very bad one. I mustard the courage to go though. We walked and Shortstop was able to leave himself once, then twice. Suddenly, we came to a gate. A fence separates my townhouse complex from a middle school next door. In one gap of the fence is a single door, which always seems to be open. This morning, it was, so Shortstop and I went through having decided to take him down the "track," a field surrounded by gravel. We walked for a bit down the gravel round. I was still very chilled at how foggy it was. If I were to have continued to the other side of the field I probably wouldn't have been able to see my complex through this fog.

Half-way through the mist we turned around back towards the main road. As we approached the front side of the school, where the buses enter we encountered a problem; it was fenced in. Shortstop and I were trapped. I felt trapped and somewhat scared. The mist was surrounding me; I was fenced in, and walled in. We turned around and headed back to the door, although even this door brought a little fear upon me too. I worried that someone might be waiting for me at the door.

We walked through and crossed back over to the townhouse complex and finished our walk before heading back home.

I wish I was that guy who could end this with a lesson learned. I wish I was that guy that could finish this story with "something amazing that occurred on the walk," other than being stuck by a fence.

But I can't.

No lessons learned. No major scenes. Nothing fantastic. I didn't even really pray. But, I got alone. I got to a place where I believed God desired me to be. Alone. In solitude. In silence. Maybe even the exact scene he desired me to be in.

Thank You Mom & Dad!

2008-12-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately only one of the packages from my parents actually arrived. The other one must be lost in the shuffle somewhere...hopefully its still coming. But Michael and I enjoyed all the little "surprises" in the other box that I did receive! The dogs even got to join in the fun. Thank you so much for the thoughtful presents! We both enjoyed them immensely! I love you both!

Thank You Matt & Krissy!!

2008-12-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

Since I wasn't able to make it back to PA for Christmas this year, Matt & Krissy had to send my gift in the mail. I loved it and I have been cuddling under this blanket they got me every night since. Evie loves it too! I haven't used my gift cards yet, but I have no question I will shortly! I really missed being there to see everyone open their gifts in person, but I trust everyone enjoyed themselves!

2008-12-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

2008-12-27T12:51:00.001-08:00

2008-12-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

2008-12-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

Holiday Festival Of Lights

2008-12-19T03:03:00.000-08:00

Goin' into the New Year Fit!

2008-12-14T05:06:00.000-08:00

Suzie and I are going through a battle - one that every young couple goes through, probably. We are trying to stay fit and healthy. It's not easy when your working a ton of hours and just dying to go home a sit on the couch the rest of the evening. It's not easy when time is a factor, time is battling your will to go exercise or go eat some restful dinner that throws you into a peaceful slumber.

But we're battling it. Not that we're fat people. By no means at all have we hit this, yet, nor do we aim too, but it is still a battle for big or small alike. If you're not careful, we all can hit into that danger zone that results in us looking into the mirror and saying, "My goodness, I'm large!"

So, we've started, with our efforts to eat healthier and began exercising on a more consistent basis. The healthy meals, of course, start with a smoothie. I busted out an old smoothie book of mine and so far it has been amazing!

Looking for recipes, just ask, I've got them!

Revelation

2008-12-14T04:55:00.000-08:00

I'm reading a book called "The Portable Seminary." I mean, come on, who isn't reading a book like this, right? It's an amazing book. Only two pages in here is something the author wrote that I HAD to share:

[Paraphrasing] The uniqueness about the Scriptures is its: revelation, inspiration, and authority. Revelation being:
* God's infinite greatness veiled from our eyes
* We cannot discover God by ourselves
* If we are ever to know him (God), he must make himself known

For whoever or whatever God may be, he is altogether beyond our knowledge.

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty (Job 11:7).

What a convicting section the author writes, to learn that you can't know God on your own. He "reveals" himself to you. I always want to do things on my own. Even at work I want to do projects by myself. Why? Because I believe I can do them better, faster. I don't like to do things at the pace others do them, nor the method by which they do them. It's too slow, it's not the right way, it's not MY way. I'm not in control when we're doing it their way.

But, what if this is true, what if this is different? What if I can't grow closer to God on my own? What if me spending hours a week doesn't allow me to learn more about God just simply by reading, or studying the Word for hours. What if his word only can be revealed by God and that my eyes can only be opened, with his help. How convicting this is and how much more desperate for prayer this should make me.

2008-12-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks Debbie

2008-12-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the Christmas present!!

Coolpants

Suzie & Coolpants' Trip Christmas Shopping

2008-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Bath Time

2008-12-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so Suzie finally convinced me to bathe Shortstop. I have to admit, it definitely made him more pleasant to the nostrils. Surprisely enough, he quite enjoys bath time, more so for the drinking water all around him, however, it is never a battle to get this dog into the tub.

Thanksgiving With Suzie

2008-11-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so Thanksgiving was a blast, although, both Suzie and I will admit to being extremely homesick. Thanksgiving just isn't the same without family. We had a great time though. Although having to work for a few hours that day, I made it home for what was an absolutely delightful meal provided by Suzie. For someone who doens't cook TO often, her meals are fabulous and I hope to die a fat man from it.

We enjoyed a somewhat relaxing evening with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, and wine, which Suzie happened to open a bit earlier than my arrival:) Shortstop and Evie got to enjoy a few delicious bites of turkey, not with Suzie's approval or blessing, and dinner was followed by the most delicious oreo cheesecake my mouth had ever layed its lips on. A wonderful time, however, hopefully this will be the only, and last Thanksgiving spent without our family. This should be the last one spent here, in anticipation of becoming store managers.

What are we both thankful for this Thanksgiving? Family! We love all you guys back home!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Suzie's 28th Birthday

2008-11-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

2008-11-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

2008-11-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

2008-11-24T04:07:00.000-08:00

2008-11-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

My boss, Ali Graham, had an article posted front page of the Hartsville newspaper announcing our grand opening the other day. My picture was taken on the grand opening but I'm still trying to obtain a copy. This article should suffice for now:

Walgreens to open Friday in Hartsville
By JIM FAILE

Published: November 19, 2008
Hartsville’s newest drugstore opens for business Friday morning.
Walgreens on the corner of South Fifth Street and Washington Street will open at 8 a.m. Friday, company officials said Tuesday.
The 14,500-square-foot store will employ 25 to 30 people, according to Walgreens company spokesman Robert Elfinger.
Employees are busy putting the finishing touches on the new drugstore, company officials said.
Store manager Ali Graham said the community will embrace the new store because it is staffed entirely with employees from Hartsville.
“Because of that, even though we are a new store, customers will be able to recognize us as family members, church members and as people whose children attend the same schools,” Graham said. “This will help reinforce that we have shared goals and personal interests in wanting to take care of customer’s health care needs.”
Graham said the new store has much to offer customers. “We believe customers will appreciate the level of convenience they’ll find in features like our drive-thru pharmacy, automatic prescription refills and nationwide network of pharmacies.”
The new Walgreens will carry thousands of everyday items, including medications, health and beauty aids, toiletries, designer fragrances, greeting cards, small electronics, housewares, soft drinks, dairy products, frozen foods and snacks.
Walgreens advanced pharmacy system links all its pharmacies, making it possible for Hartsville customers to refill prescriptions at any of the thousands of Walgreens across the country.
Walgreens customers can also take advantage of Auto Prefills, a service that marks monthly medications to be refilled automatically, then calls or sends an e-mail to remind you the prescription is ready for pick up.
Walgreens is the only pharmacy that offers pharmacist counseling and prescription labels in 14 languages and large-type drug information sheets for the visually impaired.
“This store will continue the tradition of trust that has guided Walgreens for 107 years,” Graham said. “We are committed to providing the most convenient access to high quality pharmacy services and basic needs.”
Walgreens will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Pharmacy hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Walgreens on the corner of South Fifth Street and Washington Street will open at 8 a.m. Friday, company officials said Tuesday.
The 14,500-square-foot store will employ 25 to 30 people, according to Walgreens company spokesman Robert Elfinger.
Employees are busy putting the finishing touches on the new drugstore, company officials said.

2008-11-19T19:07:00.000-08:00