dad

Who knew a parent would have such an impact on your life? Guess that means I better shape up since I am one...

Last year, I found some old pictures of my dad at my uncle's house. It was the first time I'd seen pictures of him when he was really young. By the time I showed up, he was already in his 50's - no slouch, he could still take me in a wrestling match - but older than most none the less. Looking at these pictures I was able to really see where I had come from, first time looking at 'myself.' I've always looked like my dad, but it's always been who I would become. Seeing the older pictures allowed me to see myself in him as I am now.

Dad has been amazing in my life over the years. He has helped mold me and shape me into who I've become. I give him credit for all of the good traits I have and I take credit for all of the negative traits...I'm sure he warned me about them along the way and I didn't listen.

As much grief as I've given him over the years, I really do thank God everyday that he was/is in my life. We may not see eye to eye on everything, but we do on the important things. We are from two COMPLETELY different generations, but the gap has never been a problem. He has given me more than I could ever express and I am truly blessed for the example he set for me...

Good thing I'm so tall, he's left me with HUGE shoes to fill...

cambridge study

Who knew only the first and last letters of a word really matter?

Check out this excerpt...I always find it interesting they are right, it doesn't really matter what order the letters are in, you can still read it without any problems...I'm not sure how valid the statement about 'research at Cambridge' is, but it still proves the point none the less.

Aoccdrnig to rseaerch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

See what you can learn when you have too much free time?

no spoon

Who knew insight could come from many different sources?

When I first started this blog, the question was asked, "What does no spoon mean?" It's a bit of a late response, and I'm sure it is actually redundant of what my answer was the first time the question was asked, but it's my blog so I can do whatever I want.

Again, this idea is from the movie 'Matrix' and if you haven't seen the movie, don't worry about trying to figure out the quote. If you have, this may still make no sense to you...again, this is my blog, and therefore my thoughts, so it's a small look into the way my mind works, or more accurately the way I process life and events as they pass me by.

Ok, here is my answer to the question of long ago...

Why no spoon? Because it is a symbol reminding me of my reality...this is a place I'm passing through...and when I see it for what it is, I can be superman. Not in the way the movies show, but in the way that changes me into who I'm supposed to be. Every time I face a challenge I don't think I can get through, I simply remind myself of one simple thing...

There is no spoon.

Like I said, it may help, or it may be something that is just makes sense in my head...either way, I'm smiling about it.

wow

Who knew there were options for your blogger template?

Yes, this is the same blog...but with a new look...

So I'm curious...is the new look an upgrade, or was the other one 'more me?'

football

Who knew I'd be this excited for football season to start?

So Michigan home opener was on Saturday...and yes, I was there. It's always good to be at the game with 109,000 of my closest friends. Game was good (of course we won - tough game against Vanderbuilt), although I'm a little nervous about the offense this season...we'll see I guess.

Here is a pic of the stadium...view is about what I had, except I was on the opposite end of the field...

As I'm sitting there, doing the wave, then slowly, then quickly (anyone that's been there knows what I'm talking about), I started thinking a little. Thought about all of the times I've been there, some as a student, some with friends, but always a good time. Sometimes slowing down just slightly puts things in perspective - who knew I could 'slow down' at a Michigan football game? Seems like these times with friends and family, the ones we remember and enjoy, are really the important things. Meetings I go to, work I do, it's all a means to an end...and the end is being able to spend time with people - to have relationships.

Makes me wonder why we are wired this way - why do we require relationships? Even when I say I don't need anyone, or any help, it still is nice if either come along. Seems like in a small way, we can tangibly see we require support. Tough to take sometimes, but helps us grow into who we are supposed to be - yes, getting help from others can actually make us stronger.

Anywhoo, guess that's a whole lot of talking that could have been summed up by two words - GO BLUE!

friends

Who knew these two would become friends? We were certainly hoping, but would settle for existing together without fighting.

It took about a week for each of these pictured events to occur. We have now had Minnie for a month. Last night, for the first time, I saw them playing together. I had taken them out, and come back inside. Looking out the window I noticed them chasing each other around the yard...it was only the second time I saw Minnie run...the first time was when she got away from me and was running down the street, but that's a different story all together.

She seems to be adapting extremely well and has started looking out the window and once in a while, she helps Trinity bark at something or some one. She has also started to play with some of her toys (and a few of Tay's) and is having fun. The routine we have around here is also being figured out and we are enjoying having her around.

Since we are 2 weeks past our 'trial' period, I guess that means she's staying...we bought her an official collar and tag so she's now part of the family to stay...and I think we're all ok with that.

someday

Who knew a picture is worth a thousand words? Actually, I think a lot of people do...guess I'm a slow learner...

I found this picture today of a new Mustang updated to look like the vehicle in the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds." I just had to post it. In the movie, Memphis (Nick Cage) has one achilles heel - a Mustang he has named Eleanor. Seems like everytime he gets in to drive it, there is a problem...they have a lot of history together.

The vehicle in the movie is amazing, but this one also caught my eye - combines the best of the old with the best of the new...

Just one more thing to add to my 'wish list.'

gone in 60 seconds

Who knew you could learn anything from movies?

The movie, "Gone in 60 Seconds" was on the other night. LOVE that movie. I only caught the last few minutes of it (so was a little bummed), but there was a quote at the end I remembered, but never sank in.

They are talking about one of the guys in the group that was wounded during the operation. As they are talking about it, one of them throws out this quote.

"If his premature demise has, in some way, enlightened the rest of you as to the grim finish below the glossy veneer of criminal life, and inspired you to change your ways, then his death carries with it an inherent nobility. And a supreme glory. We should all be so fortunate. You can say 'Poor Toby." I say: "Poor us.."

Guess this time I heard the quote it reminded me of another whose death carried with it an inherent nobility. Some one else whose life and death inspired us to change our ways and be some one we didn't used to be. It also reminded me that we can all be so fortunate if we just get on board and follow His lead. The responsibility that goes along with knowing and understanding (even if only a small amount) makes me echo his quote..."Poor us."

minnie

Who knew we'd EVER get another dog? Certainly not us...but...

Meet Minnie.



We picked her up yesterday from Last Chance Rescue. She is a beagle and is about 2 years old and is full grown at about 20 pounds (half of Trinity). J is going to take her to the vet this week so we know if there is anything we need to do for her - she currently has a slight eye cold. She is extremely shy at this point and is very mello (which was one of the selling points). So far Trinity has been good and is just watching her walk around. They have been in the yard a few times and haven't really played together, but Minnie has started following Trinity around the house (very cute).

We are learning there is a difference having a smaller dog. Some of the things we never worry about, or thought about with Trinity have started to surface. We learned this right from the start...as soon as we brought her home, we let them both check out the back yard. Minnie was sniffing around, taking care of business, and doing well...until she got a little tired. She went under the Mountaineer (which at first we thought was kind of cute), but then she laid down and wouldn't come out. Never had to worry about that with Trin because she can't even fit under the truck. So, after a little coaxing, and a brilliant idea by Taylor (to use the leash), we got her out and started the inside adventure.

We stopped by PetCo while we were out last night picked up some food bowls, a bed and a few minor other things. Minnie was very tired when she got here and spent most of the night cuddled up next to one of us. I'm sure it wasn't easy sleeping at the shelter with all of the other dogs making so much noise all the time. After Taylor went to bed, we put Minnie in her new bed and she looked so cute. As soon as she got in there, J said, "I think we need to get a bigger bed." Of course, I said, "No way, she fits like a glove."


As always, J was right and Minnie showed us she was a little too big for that one.


We actually had both of the dogs sleeping in our room on the floor last night (big night since it was the first) and things went well. Minnie slept in her bed all night and Trinity was camped in her usual spot. All in all, it has been a good first day.

We've got a 2 week trial period with Minnie because it was very hard to see how she would be without being at home. We did bring Trinity with and introduced them to each other, interacted with her as much as possible, and felt good about her, but it was still tough with all of the other people and dogs around. So far, things are going really well so we will see what the next 13 days hold for us.

This is good because there are many days when we are gone all day and this will give Trin some one to talk to while we are gone.

For the record, I want to point out the J found Minnie, although I was totally on board to get another dog, J was the one that found her, and between her and Tay, they convinced me to take a look at her.

Another adventure has started...what are we thinking?

homeless

Who knew a book could have such an impact?

I just finished the book, Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski. Wow. In a nutshell, Mike and Sam choose to become homeless for 5 months. They decide to spend roughly a month in each of these six cities: Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego.

The book describes their experiences living on the streets and the people they met along the way. I couldn't put the book down. Just reading about what they had to do to survive - to get their daily bread, to find safe places to sleep - all just really put things in perspective. Reading about the people they met along the way, how they treated them and loved them, was also eye opening. They also came in contact with some Christians, and some churches, along the way to mixed reactions. It seems some of us are a long way from doing what we are actually called to do. In some cases, we are willing to wish them well and send them off - when all they really need is to be treated like humans, to be talked to, and have their current needs met - whether food, water, shoes, etc. There were many times in the book when they left the meeting with another Christian feeling really frustrated with the lack of help and true love they were given. That was hard to read because I started to wonder what my reaction would have been in each situation. Would I have been a help, or a hinderance to their journey?

Of course I'd love to believe I'd be the helper, doing what I could to encourage and lift them up. I'm not sure there is anything in my life currently to validate that though. It's not like I'm turning people away, or not giving what I can, but I'm definitely not going out of my way to seek people out, or going out of my way to help people when they do cross my path. These are things I've decided I need to work on, and look forward to what changes it will bring about in my life, as well as the life of those I may have the opportunity to bless.

Below are some links to web-sites with more information on the subject, including the new shelter in Ann Arbor (in case I'm not the only one feeling the need to find out more). Also, Mike (the author) has a web-site that facilitates conversation on the subject. If you click on the link to the book above, it will take you there. They have a few pictures of their trip, bios, etc.

SAMHSA National Mental Health Information Center
National Resource and Training Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County