I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to getting things in the right order. I never eat dessert before the entree. I do not read the end of a book before I get there; I refuse to edge the lawn before I mow it. I would not think of proposing to my bride to be before I had purchased the ring and had talked to her father. I will not leave a football game before it ends, and I always shave the right side of my face before the left.
That being said, I have a very strong conviction that Christmas music and Christmas paraphernalia should not be used or exhibited until after Thanksgiving. Growing up, I always anticipated the drive home from Thanksgivings in San Antonio, for then we would be allowed to begin playing the Christmas music. So now, it is official. Let the Christmas celebration begin.
(Be sure to turn up the volume on your computer and listen to the festive background music I've selected.)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fellowship of the Hunters
This past weekend marked one of my favorite holidays-- the opening weekend of deer season. For years this has been one of the most special weekends on my calendar. Each November, I head back to my parents' home in south Arkansas for several days of jam-packed fun. Here's how it went this year:
On Thursday I arrived at Mom and Dad's place around 8:30pm to find a full pot of my mom's homemade chicken 'n' dumplins. Each spoonful is an emotional experience, one which words simply cannot describe.
On Friday, Dad and I test fired our rifles, and then we enjoyed lunch at the Backyard BBQ. You'll not find a better kept secret in slow-smoked delight. After lunch we went out to the farm to put out some persimmons and to do a final check of our stands. My cousin David and his son Ryan met us there, as did my buddy Nathan. Once we got everything ready for the big hunt, we all went home to another inspiring meal by Mom.
Saturday we arose at 4:00am and headed out into the fresh, cool dark to prepare for the hunt. Though we all saw deer, Ryan was the only one to bring one home on this morning. We got off the stand for a great lunch that my mom and aunt made for us. We then all headed back out for the rest of the day, making time for Dad and me to grab a quick nap. The afternoon brought no reward for our efforts.
Nathan and I then headed out to our buddy Andy's deer camp. We stayed out there on Saturday night and arose at 5:00am the next morning. This day was also packed; in addition to all our stand time, we also had a Bible study after lunch. We even managed to have a little more success than the day before. I killed a little doe, but Nathan really stole the show. He killed a doe in the morning, a doe at lunch (while we were all sitting around talking!), and then a huge 6point that evening.
All told, it was a great weekend! For those of us who participate, it really is about a lot more than simply getting a deer. The times of raucous laughter, shared meals, working together, catching up with each other and old-fashioned storytelling make the Fellowship one of the most special things I get to experience. (Sorry I don't have a pic of Dad, Andy, David or Ryan).
On Thursday I arrived at Mom and Dad's place around 8:30pm to find a full pot of my mom's homemade chicken 'n' dumplins. Each spoonful is an emotional experience, one which words simply cannot describe.
On Friday, Dad and I test fired our rifles, and then we enjoyed lunch at the Backyard BBQ. You'll not find a better kept secret in slow-smoked delight. After lunch we went out to the farm to put out some persimmons and to do a final check of our stands. My cousin David and his son Ryan met us there, as did my buddy Nathan. Once we got everything ready for the big hunt, we all went home to another inspiring meal by Mom.
Saturday we arose at 4:00am and headed out into the fresh, cool dark to prepare for the hunt. Though we all saw deer, Ryan was the only one to bring one home on this morning. We got off the stand for a great lunch that my mom and aunt made for us. We then all headed back out for the rest of the day, making time for Dad and me to grab a quick nap. The afternoon brought no reward for our efforts.
Nathan and I then headed out to our buddy Andy's deer camp. We stayed out there on Saturday night and arose at 5:00am the next morning. This day was also packed; in addition to all our stand time, we also had a Bible study after lunch. We even managed to have a little more success than the day before. I killed a little doe, but Nathan really stole the show. He killed a doe in the morning, a doe at lunch (while we were all sitting around talking!), and then a huge 6point that evening.
All told, it was a great weekend! For those of us who participate, it really is about a lot more than simply getting a deer. The times of raucous laughter, shared meals, working together, catching up with each other and old-fashioned storytelling make the Fellowship one of the most special things I get to experience. (Sorry I don't have a pic of Dad, Andy, David or Ryan).
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Presidential Options
With the come of election day, I want to again offer a word of perspective. As a follower of Jesus Christ, my vote was not cast on a whim, but rather based on deeply held convictions. At the same time, I must make it clear that my wagon of hope was not and is not hitched to these two or any other presidential candidates. Only a fool would put so much stock in mere men.
I also have to say that I have found it difficult to be faced with these two men as the only real choices. I respect John McCain's service and Barack Obama's political skill, but from a leadership stand point I have a real issue with both. Senators, by the necessity of their role, are compromisers; they work to build consensus to get things done. This is drastically different from Executives, who are given the responsibility to make the right decision no matter the resistance. For this reason, I just want to put forward a few last minute write-ins for the 2008 election. (In no particular order.)
1. Howard Schultz-the CEO and Chairman of Starbucks led the Seattle coffee shop to international exposure. It was not until his hiatus from the CEO position that the company overextended itself, leading to sigificant drop in stock prices. With Schultz's return to the helm, he has made the humbling decision to close some stores in order get the company back on track.
2. Carly Fiorina- the former CEO and Chairman of Hewlett-Packard successfully led a dramatic rebuilding effort at HP, including a highly controversial merger with Compaq. While her dismissal from HP was less than gracious, she has taken the high road when discussing those involved. Though she was polarizing at HP, particularly among the establishment, she has a proven track record at getting things done.
3. Colleen Barrett-the former President of Southwest Airlines began with the company in 1971 as a secretary before moving up the executive level. While all the other airlines struggled to avoid filing for bankruptcy, Southwest grew from an in-state commuter airline to become the most profitable airline in the nation. Barrett's pragmatism and down-to-earth demeanor greatly influenced Southwest's unexpected success.
I also have to say that I have found it difficult to be faced with these two men as the only real choices. I respect John McCain's service and Barack Obama's political skill, but from a leadership stand point I have a real issue with both. Senators, by the necessity of their role, are compromisers; they work to build consensus to get things done. This is drastically different from Executives, who are given the responsibility to make the right decision no matter the resistance. For this reason, I just want to put forward a few last minute write-ins for the 2008 election. (In no particular order.)
1. Howard Schultz-the CEO and Chairman of Starbucks led the Seattle coffee shop to international exposure. It was not until his hiatus from the CEO position that the company overextended itself, leading to sigificant drop in stock prices. With Schultz's return to the helm, he has made the humbling decision to close some stores in order get the company back on track.
2. Carly Fiorina- the former CEO and Chairman of Hewlett-Packard successfully led a dramatic rebuilding effort at HP, including a highly controversial merger with Compaq. While her dismissal from HP was less than gracious, she has taken the high road when discussing those involved. Though she was polarizing at HP, particularly among the establishment, she has a proven track record at getting things done.
3. Colleen Barrett-the former President of Southwest Airlines began with the company in 1971 as a secretary before moving up the executive level. While all the other airlines struggled to avoid filing for bankruptcy, Southwest grew from an in-state commuter airline to become the most profitable airline in the nation. Barrett's pragmatism and down-to-earth demeanor greatly influenced Southwest's unexpected success.
So, which of these would you like to vote for?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Autumn Air
Last night, I turned on the heat at our home for the first time. Now, this makes it official to me: Fall is here! Now, I'm not one of the legalists who say it's not really Fall/Autumn until September 21. On the contrary, summer ends with August. Get over it.
But, when it's 95 degrees outside, you can't rightly say it's fall either. It's just "not summer." It's almost like purgatory- just kind of an unhappy middle ground. But, no longer. Now it's Fall, and with Fall comes some of my favorite things:
1. Cool, refreshing days and even cooler nights.
2. Real football weather (This would mean more if the Razorbacks or the Cowboys were playing well.)
3. The coming of Deer and Duck Hunting Season, one of my favorite yearly holidays!
4. Leaves changing colors. (Though I'm not looking forward to raking them this year. What the heck... at least I own these leaves!)
5. The anticipation of total surrender to gluttony on Thanksgiving Day! Good idea, Pilgrims!
But, when it's 95 degrees outside, you can't rightly say it's fall either. It's just "not summer." It's almost like purgatory- just kind of an unhappy middle ground. But, no longer. Now it's Fall, and with Fall comes some of my favorite things:
1. Cool, refreshing days and even cooler nights.
2. Real football weather (This would mean more if the Razorbacks or the Cowboys were playing well.)
3. The coming of Deer and Duck Hunting Season, one of my favorite yearly holidays!
4. Leaves changing colors. (Though I'm not looking forward to raking them this year. What the heck... at least I own these leaves!)
5. The anticipation of total surrender to gluttony on Thanksgiving Day! Good idea, Pilgrims!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Reveal
I returned late last night from one of the most intense conferences I've been to. Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago hosted the Reveal Conference, which focused on recent findings in some research they have done regarding spiritual formation. The whole study is nothing short of fascinating. What began as an evaluation of their church grew into a study of over 250,000 people in 800 churches. The conference highlighted some of their key findings about what facilitates spiritual formation, and it also studied 15 churches that ranked in the top 5% in helping their members grow. To learn more, check out Reveal.
While there, I was motivated to do a little research of my own. In my short trip there, I did a comparative analysis of 2 of Chicago's most famous pizza places, Gino's East and Lou Malnati's. (I also tried Reggio's Pizza in the airport, but they weren't worthy of this list.) Here's what I found:
1. Both pizza's take a long time (over 30 minutes) to come out.
2. Gino's East clearly has the thicker crust, by about 1/4 inch at the edge.
3. Gino's East also has more sauce (on top, of course), making it seem a little more balanced.
4. Lou Malnati's has a crisper crust, and a disproportionate amount of cheese.
5. Gino's East tastes slightly better when hot, Lou Malnati's is much better out of the fridge the next morning.
6. Finally, Gino's East cost about $1 more per pizza than Lou Malnati's.
While these facts are quite revealing, more research must be done to make a more conclusive statement. Also, to be thorough, future studies also need to include Giordano's and Uno's in the mix.
While there, I was motivated to do a little research of my own. In my short trip there, I did a comparative analysis of 2 of Chicago's most famous pizza places, Gino's East and Lou Malnati's. (I also tried Reggio's Pizza in the airport, but they weren't worthy of this list.) Here's what I found:
1. Both pizza's take a long time (over 30 minutes) to come out.
2. Gino's East clearly has the thicker crust, by about 1/4 inch at the edge.
3. Gino's East also has more sauce (on top, of course), making it seem a little more balanced.
4. Lou Malnati's has a crisper crust, and a disproportionate amount of cheese.
5. Gino's East tastes slightly better when hot, Lou Malnati's is much better out of the fridge the next morning.
6. Finally, Gino's East cost about $1 more per pizza than Lou Malnati's.
While these facts are quite revealing, more research must be done to make a more conclusive statement. Also, to be thorough, future studies also need to include Giordano's and Uno's in the mix.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Class of '98
This weekend is my 10 year reunion at Magnolia High School. Although we were unable to attend, the idea of it all did cause me to look back. Here's a glimpse back at my life a decade ago:
My ride: 1991 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab (AKA The White Knight). It was white with a blue interior, and had a custom rims and fat tires. It also had a 4.3L V6. Not quite the race car that I imagined it to be, but it could scoot.
My crew: Nathan, Andy, Charlie, Matt and Craig. We're all a little older, a little heavier, and some have less hair, but we still love hanging out together.
My income: While still enjoying the financial support of my parents, I did lawns and other odd jobs to put away some coin for $1.13 gasoline and fun stuff. (I actually made 33% more per hour back then than I did working the landscaping crew at seminary...with a college degree!)
My tunes: Collective Soul(check the playlist), Van Halen, Whitecross, and DC Talk. Still good stuff. Unfortunately, my Sony CD player would skip anytime I even drove close to a bump or pothole.
My classes: I loved Physics, hated Trigonometry, excelled in Composition and totally goofed off in Art and Speech. But at least I gave a speech. Would you like a Zero, Andy? "That's ok, I don't mind."
My Obsession: Football. I have been and will always be a Magnolia Panther at heart. Too bad we went 3-7.
My ride: 1991 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab (AKA The White Knight). It was white with a blue interior, and had a custom rims and fat tires. It also had a 4.3L V6. Not quite the race car that I imagined it to be, but it could scoot.
My crew: Nathan, Andy, Charlie, Matt and Craig. We're all a little older, a little heavier, and some have less hair, but we still love hanging out together.
My income: While still enjoying the financial support of my parents, I did lawns and other odd jobs to put away some coin for $1.13 gasoline and fun stuff. (I actually made 33% more per hour back then than I did working the landscaping crew at seminary...with a college degree!)
My tunes: Collective Soul(check the playlist), Van Halen, Whitecross, and DC Talk. Still good stuff. Unfortunately, my Sony CD player would skip anytime I even drove close to a bump or pothole.
My classes: I loved Physics, hated Trigonometry, excelled in Composition and totally goofed off in Art and Speech. But at least I gave a speech. Would you like a Zero, Andy? "That's ok, I don't mind."
My Obsession: Football. I have been and will always be a Magnolia Panther at heart. Too bad we went 3-7.
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