VT...Why? How?

Obviously, none of us will have all the answers. I believe part of what we are witnessing is a total desensitizing to human life. My new job takes me to Blacksburg and VA Tech this Sunday, off and on, for the next 3 weeks. My prayers are with the students, faculty & staff and the families of the victims.

IT'S BASEBALL SEASON!

ONLY IN KY...

R.U.I.?
COLUMBIA, Ky. --
A horse was euthanized and its rider charged with being drunk on horseback after a Kentucky state trooper struck the horse in a collision late Friday night, state police said.

Tax Freedom Day 2007

Where does YOUR STATE rank?

"Imus Isn't the Real Bad Guy" Interesting Take

I think THIS GUY makes some interesting points.

Fun Job?

I have been seeing signs for Pet Butler around town. There "has" to be a better way than this to make a living. The guy in the picture can't be that happy. Their WEBSITE proudly claims "35 million piles cleaned."
I bet the conversation with the boss goes something like this. "How many piles of poop did you scoop last week?" "I only scooped 47 piles last week." "Look buster - you're going to have to cut the crap and get to work if you're going to stay around here."

UK Athletic Dept Employment Ad: FILLED

Wanted: Basketball coach. Must be single with no kids. Totally devoted to UK Basketball with an unhealthy passion for the sport. Must be able to text message with the fastest thumbs in America. Must be willing to work 20 hours per day. Must be willing to spend every single waking moment of every day thinking about basketball either recruiting or coaching or making a relationship that will be beneficial to the program. Must have a southern accent. Must be humble. Must believe that this is the best position in college basketball. Must not be fearful of high expectations.
"Please Welcome Your New UK Basketball Coach, Billy Clyde Gillispie!"
“I’m so excited about being here,” Gillispie said. “I can’t wait until 7 months and 3 days when we play our first basketball game.”
He got choked up as he said, “It’s been a long road for me in terms of coaching. You just dream of having an opportunity …”
"I love spending every single waking moment of every day thinking about it (basketball) either recruiting or coaching or making a relationship that will be beneficial to the program."
"I love expectations." "You want to be at a place that expects to win every game."
"As great as the fans have been, I'm calling to call on them to take it up a notch," he said. "Let's make it impossible for anyone to come in here. We want them to leave by halftime. That's what we're going to try to make them do."
"When you have 24,000 fans, I hope all of them are coaches. I hope every one of them has the unbelievable passion like I do and that they're screaming their lungs out," Gillispie said. "I don't see 24,000 fans every single game as being tough. I see the opponent that has to play in front of that as having a tough assignment. I see it as an unbelievable positive."
UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart says "He's got the fastest thumbs in America." (He sends 8000 text messages a month)
7 months and 2 days - I can't wait! Great hire Mitch!!

We're In! Box World No More!

BEFORE













AFTER










No doubt....moving is a pain in the butt, and the back, and the knees, and the hips, and the arms, etc. Mary was the point person in the previous moves due to my work situations but I was able to be totally involved with this one. I now see everything she has had to do before. I'll say it again, she's a trooper! As moves go however, this one has gone pretty darn smoothly. It's great to be home! Oh yeah, mover Dale was ubelievable. He had his very overweight, smoking wife and his daughter helping him move us in. There were moments when they were lifting heavy furniture that Mary & I just couldn't bear to watch. But, he "got er done!"

Moving Update

Tues
9:30am - truck arrives on time.
9:35am - Mary leaves for work - her last day at a job she really liked.
9:48am - main guy - Dale the driver - a totally toothless skinny, nice white guy around 50 - obviously experienced -makes a decision - we need more help.
10:00am - the picking up of furniture begins by Will - a 20ish black guy with gold teeth - very nice and polite. Wearing a black skull cap too.
10:15am - Harrison arrives - another 20ish black guy but without gold teeth. He is the comedian - he and Will "run together" after work but I don't think it's jogging. He has a black skull cap too. He and Will look like rappers. It's nice to see people laughing when they work.
10:20am - the move is well under way - I place my lawn chair at the corner of the garage facing the street so I can have a good view of all the work being done and steal some wireless internet from a neighbor.
12:00pm - break for lunch - David the sales guy who under-bid all other moving companies shows up to to view first hand with Dale how he under-bidded. He says he didn't, Dale says he did, my money's on Dale. They bet a steak dinner on it.
2:30pm - Mary returns from her job a bit emotional and rightly so - she was leaving a good job with a great boss who prayed with her before she left. And the last of the cleaning begins.
3:40pm - the truck is jam packed full - my money is definately on Dale. It was so full they couldn't fit a big yucca tree on that we had bribed to get on earlier in the day. As the last dolly is stuffed in, shattering glass follows. We think it's lamp / table we had in the great room. Dale assures us he'll fix it. Nice guy.
3:44pm - the truck pulls away.
4:00pm - we have about 7 neighbors on the front lawn/ porch as we say good bye. We had some great neighbors. We give our cheirshed yucca tree to Christy & Chip - a young couple from Indiana waiting for their second child to arrive.
6:30pm - we pull the jam packed Jeep into the garage - it has all the plants in it - except the yucaa tree. We pull away in the jam packed Camry.
6:45pm - We arrive at Justin's - say hello to Landon and leave for dinner at the Noisy Oyster. Man - it was delicious - especially after a hard days work.
9:00pm - we watch American Idol (Sanjaya must go!) and we play with Allie the Cat - she is warming up a bit to Justin's place.
10:00pm - off to Sleepy Town.
12:37am - I get up to sleep on the couch downstairs - the double bed just isn't cutting it.
6:15am - I am up doing this stupid post - drinking Landon's coffee and watching a recording of the Air Force NIT game. Mary is still getting a very well deserved good night's sleep. What a trooper!
Closing on the Summerville house is today at 4:00pm. Early tomorrow - on the road to KY to close on the Lexington house at 9am on Friday. Meeting Dale the mover at 10am. I love it when a plan comes together.

A Sad Moment in Moving...

I must admit....

I realized while watching the news this mornining among stories of local murders, Japanese eathquakes, tornados, the war in Iraq, political battles and more, that all I seemed to care about was.....KY's next basketball coach. I was on the message boards this morning at 6am seeing if there had been any developments over night. Pitiful. This story is consuming my attention. You have to have grown up in KY to understand. I hope it's settled soon so I can get my perspective back. Oh yeah....this is moving week for us. That's a picture of our porch furniture in the living room. Man...my world is just upside down; but it's all good. We will get settled into our new KY home this weekend, a new coach will be named soon and all will be right with the world again.
Prayers are appreciated as the move takes place this week and if you think God will listen, you can pray KY gets their man.
(That's Dr Nancy on TV telling me that allergies are a major problem in the Spring. duh...Thanks Doc.)

"Tubby had one of the best jobs in college basketball and drove it right up to the side of the cliff." NEXT?

Tubby - The Chief Golden Gopher

INTERESTING ARTICLE
Rick Barnes, Texas
54 votes (2%)
John Calipari, Memphis
315 votes (9%)
Tom Crean, Marquette
76 votes (2%)
Billy Donovan, Florida
1176 votes (35%)
Travis Ford, Massachusetts
356 votes (11%)
Billy Gillispie, Texas A&M
159 votes (5%)
Tom Izzo, Michigan State
134 votes (4%)
Bruce Pearl, Tennessee
126 votes (4%)
Rick Pitino, Louisville
710 votes (21%)
Other
265 votes (8%)

Hey! Something Fun To Do With Your Friends! Talk About Rush!

DISCLAIMER: (Not sure why but you always need a disclaimer if you listen to Rush) DISCLAIMER: (Please read at car dealership speed) "I like to hear both sides of a debate. Unfortunately, Rush is about the only place you can hear a conservative point of view that is delivered in an articulate way." (End of disclaimer)
With the "threat of global warming" the threat of "losing the war" the threat of an "evil Attorney General", the threat of "greedy evil oil companies", the threat of "evil border patrol employees" the threat of "Bush causing anything bad that happens in the world" and on and on and on.....I ask you...can you at least tune him in for a while? If possible, forget his past drug problem and the demonization of his point of view and tune him in when you can. If you're a thinker....you need it for balance. Is he over the top at times? Yes...he understands how to hold an audience....something he gets paid for, but he also understands the issues and communicates most of them in a way that makes us think. Do I always agree? No - but at least he gives me a different perspective. If you "care about the issues" you owe it to yourself to seek out the information needed to make an intelligent decision. At least sound like you know what you're talking about and what you believe. Knee-jerk reactions just don't work when working through complicated issues. I'm really tired of the "quick news sound bites" designed to grap my attention. There are some important debates out there. Thanks Rush.

Reading...Why Don't I Do More? (Caution: Long Post)

I used to read books quite a bit and then....the internet came along.... along with blogging, political debate, religious points of view, sports updates, etc. and HD-TV with a wonderful picture and digital cable with 100 stations, and well.... It's just amazing to me how fast technology is moving. We truly live in a very interesting time in history. Justin just purchased an Apple TV (Oh yeah...I need to go pick it up because he's in special ops training in Oklahoma) That basically means he can download whatever he wants on I-Tunes and play it back on his large sceen, HD-TV. And it's wireless to boot. I'm tellin ya...this stuff wasn't around just a few short years ago and it just keeps comin. I'm not complaining, I'm just making excuses for not reading more. But when I do read, I usually find some gold. Check this out from Brian Tracy:
BRIAN (Smart, good-looking rich guy) - "There are four sources of expectations that have an impact on your life. The first is the expectations of your parents. We are all unconsciously programmed to try to live up to, or down to, the expectations that our parents expressed of us when we were growing up. The need for approval of our parents goes on even after our parents are no longer with us. If your parents expected you to do well, and confidently, positively encouraged you to do your best and be your best, this will have an enormous influence on the person you have become. If, as happens in many cases, your parents expressed negative expectations of you, or no expectations at all, you may stil be unconsciously saddled with the burden of trying not to disappoint your parents. In one study, 90 percent of prisoners interviewed by psychologists reported that they had been told over and over again by their parents when they were growing up that "Someday, you're going to end up in jail."
ME (A seeking, somewhat good-looking middle-class somewhat-redneck kinda guy) - Without going into more detail, the second source of expectations that affects your behavior is your boss and the third is is your spouse and children. Expectations.....I must admit.....can get me in trouble sometimes. They must be balanced and realistic. And, the only way to make them realistic is to have a biblical perspective. (Psalm 118:8) There...something I thought worth passing along. This age of rapid changing technology sure makes it challenging for an A.D.D. guy like me. How's that for an excuse? Now where did I put that book? Forget the book...I need to check my email....no wait....I recorded a show last night.....oops, I haven't checked my favorite blogs in a while.....

Thanks for the gift card but...

We were thankful for the gift card. (Isn't it cool how the gift cards keep up with how much you spend...even that blows us away) But if you really need a hot dessert in a cup, I think you can find just about the same stuff at locally owned coffee shops for less $. The product is just not that superior. Mary and I have tried to like Starbucks. The reason we tried to like it kinda bothers me though. Is it a need to fit in and be hip? We were there last night around 7pm (Did I mention we were using a gift card?) and there was a line 12 deep "waiting" to spend too much money on a mediocre product. Why? Another thing that kind of weirded me out was it seemed like most everyone looked and dressed alike and seemed to have the same puzzled look on their faces. Every time we have gone there, we drive away asking "Why did we just spend that much $ on a mediocre product?" We asked the same question last night and it was a gift card! I'm usually a little late to the "latest trend party" but I must admit, I think this is one party we're not going to anymore; unless we get a gift card. Oh yeah, they didn't even ask me my name to write on the cup. I couldn't wait to hear them yell "Homer! Homer! Cinnamon latte for Homer." A cup of coffee in a booth at Perkins Pancake House I think will work just fine not to mention that we can buy the Lumberjack breakfast for the same $ as 1 cup of mediocrity at Starbucks.

I'm Sorry But I'm Getting Really Tired Of This....

PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK FOR THE OTHER SIDE
Everything he says is just gobbled up by the media as fact. It's nuts!

Memorable Vacation? Or Child Abuse?

When I was around 5-years old, I rode in the back (in the cubby hole area) of a VW like this, with no air-conditioning, in the summer, all the way from Charleston, WV to Bradenton, FL; a full 2-day drive. My brother & sister got to sit in the back seat. I wouldn't mind having a car like this one now.

Who Needs A National Basketball Championship When You Have Miss USA?

(I think I embedded the wrong video but the music rocks)

Cats Win Another One!

LEXINGTON, Ky. - No. 12 Kentucky's dynamic offense returned to life Saturday as the Wildcats jumped out to an early 6-1 advantage and held on for a 7-5 win against No. 9 Arkansas at Cliff Hagan Stadium.
(I am in denial about the basketball season)

Cats Beat Cats....thanks to Morris.

READ ABOUT IT

Are We Nerds?

We still love the show LOST Are we no longer hip? Are people still watching?

Failure Is Not Permanent

Good Stuff!



read more | digg story

Put a fork in Duke!!

The Devils suffer their first opening-round loss since '96, falling 79-77 to VCU AND I PICKED THEM TO LOSE! Sorry Christian Laettner - there will be no lucky shots this time.

Time Well Spent

HERE'S THE TRAILER

Get Him Simon - Sanjaya Must Go!

Stanley Rocks! Somebody Help Him

Interesting that a lending company is offering to lend him even more to "help him." See below.

Baby Steps

Advice: "Listen to what Dave Ramsey says. "Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help. If you're in debt then you're a slave, in the sense that you do not have the freedom to use your money to help change your family tree. According to a recent USA Today article about debt, 78 percent of baby boomers have mortgage debt, 59 percent have credit card debt, 56 percent have car payments. It takes a lot of will, discipline, courage and help to slay the debt monster." Below are his "Baby Steps" on the road to financial freedom.
* $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund
* Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
* Three to six months of expenses in savings
* Invest 15 percent of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement
* College funding for children
* Pay off home early
* Build wealth and give! Invest in mutual funds and real estate
This is tough teaching in today's "get it all right now society" but I believe if we can follow his advice, it can lead to a new kind of freedom.

Kids At The Beach

Mary & I went to the beach today and just enjoyed watching kids. There is something special that happens to kids when they encounter the ocean. You can just see their imaginations, their inhibitions, their fears, their boldness, their dependancies and their sense of adventure kick in. Some kids stay close to their parents, some just dive in and some want nothing to do with it. Some watch the older sibling and want to be like them but they just can't seem to find the courage. We wonder as we watch; what will they be like when they grow up? I think you can tell a lot about a kid's personality by watching how they relate to the ocean. It's especially nice when your own kids are grown, because then you don't have to worry, you just get to watch, and it's fun.

So Crazy Only A Caveman Would Do It

This is an actual commercial during the most popular cartoon of the 60's.

Hang In There George

If you have a few minutes to spare, click on the headline and listen to a SPEECH given by the President to an American Legion post in Texas. About 10 minutes into it, right after he mentions Boys State, he just can't spit out what he wants to say. Maybe he's getting tired. I know I would. It's not a job I would want. Why are there over 20 people lining up for it?

A Picture Worth 1000 Words - Ky's Season

Tubby is a great person and a great coach. He deserves an oportunity to right the ship. It's been another disappointing season for the Cats so far. Maybe....just maybe they can call on some of that old cat magic to do some damage in the NCAA.
Here is a GREAT ARTICLE on the UK BB status.

Taste Testers Left Alone In Mall

Daytime TV - Little House vs Springer

Recently, I have had some time off between jobs. So, between reviewing moving estimates, insurance quotes and packing, I watch some TV. Not sure why, but I have enjoyed watching Little House on the Prairie, Touched By An Angel and Matlock. Am I a wimp? There were some great lessons in the Little House and Touched By An Angel shows. I think I like Matlock because the
"good ole boy always outsmarts the slick city boys" plus Andy Griffith rocks! Springer? No comment. The show is a disgrace.

I Won't Miss This

Hard to believe but the hurricane hype is already beginning in S. Florida. The constant drum beat from the media of "beware! the hurricanes are coming!" really began to wear on me; but then, I don't even do well in thunderstorms. FOLLOW THE LINK and check out the questions regarding insurance. We know someone who had their insurance increased from $1600 per year to $8000! That's not doable. The Carolina's have seen an influx of people from FL called "halfbacks." These are people originally from the New York, New Jersey areas who have been forced out of Florida and headed for the Carolinas. Now there is talk here on the S.Carolina Coast of rising insurance rates. Something needs to be done but I sure don't have the answer.

Looking Forward To Spring In The Bluegrass

Our New KY Home

The pieces are beginning to come together. We had some good interviews this week and we bought a house. We're excited. It was great to see old friends again and Lexington really looked good. Hopefully the jobs will fall into place in the next couple of weeks and we'll be good to go. Closing on the SC house is set for March 28th - Lexington home - March 30th. We'll keep you updated as we know more. Special thanks to our wonderful Nonesuch neighbor, Diane Caudell, for letting us stay with her for 6 days. She is a very special lady.

Favorite Photo

I would have to say this is my favorite photo of all time.

Road Trip

Mary and I head for Lexington, KY in the morning for house shopping and interviews. We have 30 homes picked out for our realtor friend to show us and I have 3 interviews scheduled for next week. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated. (yep-that's Justin & Lyndsey on the road to Clear Creek - we used to walk there from our house)

I know this has been around for a while but I can't help but laugh everytime I see it.

How Would You Feel?

If I were black and there was this much hype about me being able to coach in the Super Bowl; I'm pretty sure I would be offended. It seems that part of the story line is based on the assumption that because I am black, I somehow wouldn't have the skills necessary to achieve such an accomplishment. I also think that making such a big deal over the coaches' skin color makes it more of a challenge for us to become a color blind society. I don't know much about Lovie Smith, but I think Tony Dungy is one of the classiest people in all of professional sports. (See my previous post about Mr. Dungy - dated Jan 2 2006 - see the archive section on the side bar on the right)

Barbaro - Will He Go To Heaven? Click & Vote

Did they really do all they could for Barbaro? I think not. Take this cart made for crippled dogs. Why not make one for a horse? hmm? I think it would be a great tourist attraction.

Breakfast of Champions

"Hey Tubby! No need looking for the expiration date; there isn't one!"

Who Said This?

"In this world, you will have trouble."
A. Jesus
B. Katie Couric
C. Your parents
D. Nancy Pelosi
I think it's interesting that if we were trying to "trick people into joining our religion" would we really hand them a book that talks about suffering?

Call Me Nostalgic (Click for an Escape)

I like this website. It's full of goodness. :)

Global Warming? The Rest Of The Story

"The real culprit in "global climate change" is the sun: Long-term studies document that fluctuations in the intensity of solar radiation are closely correlated with warming and cooling trends in the Earth's temperature. These facts are scrupulously ignored by those determined to use the GLOBAL WARMING MYTH to destroy industrial civilization."

Addicted...

For Christmas, Justin bought the family the first 2 seasons of "Lost" on DVD. Please help.....Mary and I had never seen the show before and we can't stop watching!

Great Win!

The KY football program really showed a lot of character with their win over Clemson. I especially enjoyed the win because there are a lot of Clemson fans here. Next season looks pretty promising because of the number of players coming back.

If You Can't Find It On The Shelf....good luck