Six Months And Counting
You know, I was thinking. It was six months ago today that I met Rachel for the first time. Who'd a thunk back then that she and I would not only still be seeing each other but would be in love. I sure never saw that coming! We have both shared stories about each other in the blog world and are not shy of telling people how we feel! Quite frankly Rachel is one of the best things to happen in my life in many years. I know that many of you are married and have been that way for many years but I bet you can remember some very special days along the way. I will never forget the first time that Rachel came out to NewSong to check out my story! It was a great day! Or even the time that we shared our first kiss, that is an experience that I will never forget! The one thing that Rachel and I have shared over these past six months that is the most important thing is our love for Jesus! It truely was through Him that we were brought together and it is only through Him that we can stay together. He is truely at the center of all of this.
Tonight Rachel and I will have a very simple celebration. We are going to meet at the same Starbuck's where we met six months ago. I am sure that the evening will be filled with us sharing those early feelings of nervousness and insecurities. Later this week we will be traveling out to see the Thorpes and enjoy their company for a few days. Pray for us and our trip, as well as where God is going to lead us next in our relationship. It is likely that I will not blog again until sometime next week. All of you be blessed beyond belief today, tomorrow and for the rest of your lives.
Friday Feast - An Ode To Breakfast Cereal
You know, I was thinking. I grew up eating a lot of cereal for breakfast! I can remember when I was young my mom would have our breakfast waiting for us when we got up. It was usually some kind of cereal, toast and in the winter time we always had hot chocolate! I guess like any kid I didn't appreciate it as much then as I do now but those were some good times. So today I would like to give my ode to my top five favorite breakfast cereals:
#5 - Shreded Wheat - not the mini or the bite size but those big honkin biscuit things that you had to tear up in the bowl before you added sugar and milk. This was the mushiest thing on the planet but I liked it! It was even better when you sliced up a banana in it.
#4 - Rasin Bran - Kellogs and not Post! You see Kellogs had all that sugar on the raisins! I never ate it to stay regular I just ate it 'cause I liked it. It was even better when you sliced up a banana in it.
#3 - Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter - This was good stuff man! Crunchy cereal that tasted like a peanut butter sandwich, who'd a thunk it! This was one of those that you didn't dare let get soggy 'cause if it did, it was worthless. It was even better when you sliced up a banana in it.
#2 - Cap'n Crunch - The regular one! No crunch berries or anything just sugar coated, kinda corn like tasting crunchy stuff that was good! I would have eaten this one three times a day as a kid if mom would have let me! It was even better when you sliced up a banana in it.
#1 - Hot Oatmeal With Raisins - This was by far my favorite! I love oatmeal with raisins even today! Mom always put a lot of sugar in her too so it just plain tasted like an oatmeal raisin cookie only it was hot and you didn't have to chew it a lot. I never liked milk in my oatmeal though. I know that most people do but I didn't and still don't. As good as this was, you would be amazed to find out that it was even better when you sliced up a banana in it.
Well there are my favorites. What are yours? Be blessed beyond belief today.
******200,0000******
You know, I was thinking:
1. Washtenaw
2. Scio Township
3. Jackson Ave.
4. Metty Rd.
5. 1:40 p.m.
Congratulations to ONOM who was not only the closest geographically but was also the only one to predict that I would hit the milestone today! You will get your prize at the Labor Day BBQ Blowout on September 4th! Be blessed beyond belief today.
3.4 To Go
You know, I was thinking. The WWII is sitting on 199996.6 as I parked it in the lot at work today. The celebrated moment will either hit at lunch or on my way home this afternoon. Seeing that I cannot technically declare a winner just yet then I will hold that off until tomorrow, but if you look at all of the guesses you can figure it out. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Just Another Wild Wednesday
You know, I was thinking. I was going to hold off on another blog post until after the WWII 200K contest was over. But what's her name from you know where has inspired me to go ahead with another Wild Wednesday and since I am working on staying in HER good graces, here we go.
Space the final frontier. This is the voyage of the starship Taurus. It's continuing mission is to explore strange new cities, to seek out new converts and new ways of looking at life. To boldly drive until the ship completely self destructs!
That's right boys and girls today's WW topic is Star Trek! You can ask any question on any of the T.V. series which include:
Star Trek
Star Trek The Next Generation
Deep Space Nine
Voyager
Enterprise
Or perhaps you are more of a movie buff and would like to ask a question about:
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Kahn
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Star Trek Generations
Star Trek First Contact
Star Trek Insurrection
Star Trek Nemesis
No matter what your question, I will answer it! I have a great deal of information to share and am just looking for people who what to know what I know. So make sure you go to yesterday's post and enter your chance to win with the WWII 200K contest, and then come back here to ask your Star Trek question. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Another MILE Stone
You know, I was thinking. I have been blessed to live long enough to have experienced several milestones in my life. One of them is coming up and will probably be acheived sometime today or tomorrow (most likely tomorrow). I noticed this morning that the WWII's odometer was reading 199867 when I was about half way to work this morning. After a few quick calculations in my head I figured that it would probably be sometime tomorrow when I would reach the 200K mark with this beast. I began to wonder where would I be when this would happen? So I thought, let's make this a contest. Here are the rules they are very simple. You can only enter this contest one time. If I cannot figure out who you are from your comment then the entry will be deleted. You may not ask me any questions in order to attain more information. The person who is closest to the actual spot where I hit 200,000 miles will be declared the winner. The prize will be awarded at the Labor Day BBQ Blowout (person need not be present to win).
So here is some vital information:
My commute to work is about 27 miles one way.
I work on the west side of A2 near the Baker rd. & Jackson ave. intersection.
I will be going straight home from work today.
I will be going to the gym in the morning before work.
I may or may not drive to lunch today.
I plan on going to men's group after work tomorrow.
I will not be driving to Waterford in the next couple of days.
I live in Monroe county, work in Washtenaw county and go to church in Lenewee county.
Here is how it works, give me the following information:
1. What county will I be in when I hit the milestone?
2. What city, village or township will I be in when I hit the milestone?
3. What street or highway will I be on when I hit the milestone?
4. What will be the nearest cross street or exit to me when I hit the milestone?
5. And for tie breaker purposes, what time of day (to the nearest quarter hour) will it be when I hit the milestone?
You must give me answers to all five questions in order to qualify. The winner will be announced at the Labor Day BBQ Blowout. All entries must be in by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Somebody Stop This Ride
You know, I was thinking. Do you remember the cartoon The Jetsons? At the end of the cartoon they always had George walking his dog Astro on the electric sidewalk dog walking thing. Astro sees a cat, starts going really fast jumps off and leaves George going around and around yelling "Help Jane, stop this crazy thing, help Jaaaaaaane!" I loved that part! Unfortunately, my life is beginning to feel like that. Have you ever felt that you just keep going and going and aren't really going anywhere? Please understand that I am not complaing, I'm just doing some quick analysis here. I have come to recognize that my life has gotten way too busy! I can't seem to fit everything in that needs to be done. I even had to cancel an eye appointment a couple of weeks ago because I didn't have the time to go. I need some down time and I am going to be taking some next week. Beginning next Tuesday I will be on vacation. I am taking some time just to relax and have some fun. In true Pudge fashion, all of the spontaneous activities are already planned out. Here is a basic run down of my vacation schedule thus far:
Tuesday 8/29:
Sleep in until about 7 call what's her name and go to the gym
Get home around 8:30 and shower
Relax with some coffee and maybe a little CNN or Fox News
Around noon, take momma to lunch
Around 2, meet Big J for some afternoon golf
Get home around 6, fix some dinner and enjoy the evening
Around 9 call what's her name again.
Wait a minute, is there any down time here?
Wednesday 8/30:
Sleep in until about 7 call what's her name and go to the gym
Get home around 8:30 and shower
Relax with some coffee and maybe a little CNN or Fox News
Go out in the yard and do some yard work of some kind, probably mow the grass
Around 1 leave for my eye doctor appointment (yes the one from two weeks ago)
Around 4 get home and wait for my eyes to return to normal
Await the arrival of what's her name who is coming down to spend the night at sis' house so that we can leave for the Thorpe's on Thursday
Pack for said trip
This slightly smells like down time
Thursday 8/31:
Get up around 5:30 and go to the gym
Get home around 7 and make sure what's her name and her son are awake
Shower and get ready to leave
Around 8 Dandy Don should arrive and we should be on the road by 8:30
Drive all day and arrive at the Thorpe's around 5:30
Enjoy the evening there. Ah, the beginning of down time!
Friday 9/1:
A day of G and GO (golf and goofing off). This is true down time!
Saturday 9/2:
A day for spending time with all of the Thorpes which will include but not be limited to Michigan football, BBQ and maybe even some back yard games! This is quality down time.
Sunday 9/3:
Get up early and attend the 8:30 service with the Thorpe family
Around 10 head for home
Arrive home around 7 or so and start getting stuff ready for Monday's festivities
At this point, I am starting to really relax!
Monday 9/4:
I'm tired of planning at this point and have finally gotten relaxed. I know that I will be playing in the 9th Annual Labor Day Invitational and will be cooking on the big honkin grill, but other than that who knows! Relaxation has been acheived! Down time successful.
Do you think that I plan too much? I told you, I need some down time! Maybe I can schedule an extra hour of that each day? Well, anyway be blessed beyond belief today.
Why Are They Like That?
You know, I was thinking. Sunday night Captured played at the Lenawee County Fair. What a great night it was bringing worship right outside in the open to everyone who was within hearing distance. I thought these folks (Captured) did a great job and I hope that there will be more of these in the future. While we were sitting around waiting for the show to begin there were a number of people that wanted to visit with Rachel and offer their sympathies for the passing of her father. She especially seemed to enjoy quite a bit of time talking to Amy Jo! It is so nice to see her interacting with so many of my close friends but the one thing that I wasn't expecting to happen was that I got ganged up on! That's right this wonderful woman in my life enlisted the aid of Melissa Pustay & Kelly Nevins to violate my cell phone. You see I had a couple of pictures on there that she thought were not very flattering of her. I thought that they were just funny candids of this beautiful lady. While showing Melissa & Kelly a picture, Rachel had them give my cell phone to Jamie who immediately showed what's her name how delete pictures from my phone! Now, I am used to Jamie working against me, it's kind of a code that we have. But, sweet Melissa and wholesome Kelly! What's up with that? Why is it that women will gang up on men to do things like this? Just because most of the time that men are bigger and stronger do they feel the need to walk around in packs like hungry wolves waiting to devour their prey? I was there to enjoy a wonderful evening of worship and spritual refilling and this kind of crime occurs! Why are women like that? Is it just me or have I just been out of the game to long and have forgotten how this works? Guys, help a brother out here. How do you keep from putting yourself in these kinds of situations? Because out of all that happened I have learned enough to know that somehow this is all MY FAULT! Be blessed beyond belief today.
Friday Feast - An Ode To Apples
You know, I was thinking. Fall is quickly approaching and with that comes many things that I love. The crisp cool air, the sounds of football games and marching bands, the smells of bonfires and one of my favorite things........APPLES! I love apples. They are one of my favorite fruits ever created. They are also very versitile and taste fantastic. Here are my five favorite things to do with apples:
5. Just eat them as they are - what a wonderful treat to just go out to an orchard and pick one right of the tree. Just give it a quick wash and before you know it all you have left is the core and seeds.
4. Drink 'em right down - Apple cider is the best. If you have ever been to a place that makes cider and get it without any kind of pasturization you know how good this can be! Fresh apple cider is probable served in heaven!
3. Warm cooked apples - with a little sugar and cinnamon (alergies you know). Better to be a little bit tart here. My mother makes this in the fall and they are great. You could even mush it up and have apple sauce if you wish.
2. Apple Junk - This is a Pudgeman creation using some very common ingredients. It is very rich and usually goes quickly. I have made it for a few small group parties and brought back an empty pan.
1. Hot apple pie - The best of all the pies in the world. Serve up a big honkin' slice with some Bryer's vanilla bean ice cream and you are good to go! There is nothing like fresh homemade apple pie!
What are some of your favorites? Be blessed beyond belief today.
Getting Back Into The Routine
You know, I was thinking. Because of the events of last week I was unable to get to the gym for about 6 days straight. I got back for the first time yesterday morning and man am I sore today! I even took it a little easier because I'd been off for a few days. Isn't it amazing how the human body works though. We train it and train it and train it some more just so that we can be what God made us to be physically. It is important to exercise and eat right in order to be healthy and feel good and even if you slack off for just a few days you can feel the difference! I know that the answer to sore muscles is not to sit down and relax but work them a little more each day and soon those sore muscles will become stronger and better than before. The concept of progressive resistance really works. You know, that's where you will start of slow and light in a workout and build up to faster and heavier! I know that is what every trainer that I have ever spoken with teaches.
Things work the same way in our spiritual walk as well. We can train and train and train some more just so that we can be strong spiritually. This kind of spiritual exercise is very important for us to have a healthy relationship with the Father. If we slack off of it for even a few days we notice a difference. It is hard to get back into the habits of prayer, fasting, bible study, worship and fellowship once we get away from them. When we do get back to them we can become a little spiritually sore, but just like with physical muscles we must continue to exercise in order to feel better. It is so important to take a balanced approach to our lives! Making sure that we do what we can do to become what God wants us to become is a full time job! We must look at our entire person in order to have balance! Physical, Spiritual, Psychological and Social balance are necessary to be the complete package. Where are you at today? Are you feeling a little off balance? Do something about it! Be blessed beyond belief today.
Mississippi Memoirs
You know, I was thinking. I must break the Wild Wednesday mode this week. Most of you by now know about the passing of Rachel's father and the whirlwind trip that we both took down to Mississippi for the memorial service. There have only been a few times in my life that I have had absolute clarity about something and this trip was one of them. I had an enormous amount of responsibility that was associated with the Surrender Sunday service this past week. Being with a group of people who have the same goals and desires as you do really does help during these times. I was literally able to get everything taken care of in just a matter of a half hour and a few phone calls. God really did guide this whole thing. This was only the first hurdle to cross! When I saw Rachel on Thursday I informed her of my decision to go down for the service (based on the condition that it would be alright with her), she just teared up and hugged me. There was much to do like arranging a flight and hotel. At that point in time it had not been determined when the service would be but it was looking like sometime on Sunday afternoon. So, on Friday morning I hit the web and found a pretty decent deal on flights that would serve the purpose and get me in to Jackson, Mississippi just before noon on Sunday. So, Sunday morning I was out the door at 4:30 a.m. to get to Metro for a 6:30 flight. On the first leg of the flight I went from Detroit to Houston. I then had a two hour layover so I called Rachel who had arrived in Jackson the day before. Now, she had asked me to sing at the service. The day before I had picked up a couple of appropriate sound tracks and was going to let the family decide what they wanted. Well, on this call from Houston Rachel asked me if I could put something together for the funeral. They had only thought there was going to be a few family members there but word got out and they were getting a number of phone calls and the crowd was growing. After asking a few more questions I discovered that what they really wanted me to do was to oversee the service and to make sure it went smooth. I thought, I'll be landing by noon, the service is at 3 there should be no problem making this happen. I can sit down with the family and iron out all of the details! That was a really good plan that didn't happen. Without gonig into great detail the next few hours didn't go according to plan. The flight left over 1-1/2 hours late and I arrived just in time to go to the hotel, shower, get in my suit and jump in the car to head to the funeral home. Rachel and I went over the songs in the car (thanks to the CD player) and I had a basic service in my head. At 2:50 we arrive at the funeral home! Quickly jotting down notes and meeting people I hurried up into the chapel area. Long story short, God took control! There is no way that any person or group of people could have put together the service that was to happen. God brought comfort, tears, laughter, joy and especially peace to that place! I was just blessed enough to be a part of it. Funny how when you don't have time to get things organized how God just comes in and does it for you!
That Sunday evening the entire family went to dinner together. This was a great time to get to know these people that I had just met! I discovered that Rachel has a wonderful family and that they all love each other very deeply! I was made to feel a part of this group very quickly and I enjoyed the time that we all spent together both at the restaurant and back at the hotel. Monday would be spent going to see the car at the salvage yard, going to the crash site and then heading over to where her daddy lived to go through some more of his stuff. I could see the difficulty of all of this on Rachel and her sisters, but this stuff needed to be done. Mostly to bring things to a close for them.
Overall it was exhausting, enlightening, invigorating and stressful. But, it was a trip that I was meant to make. God really know what He's doing if you will just take the time to listen and obey! Be blessed beyond belief today.
I Am Back
Good Morning to everyone. God has blessed me so richly over these past few days that I could not even begin to go through the list. It is wonderful to serve Him and to be in His will! I just wanted to let everyone know that I made it back safely and that Rachel & her sons will be leaving Mississippi this morning and be back this afternoon. I can't tell you how much the outpouring of love and prayer has meant to Rachel and I. All I can do is to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart and let you know how much we both appreciated all of it. I will blog either tomorrow or Wednesday and share some of the specifics with all of you. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Today It's Not About Me
Most of you have heard by now about Rachel's father passing away yesterday. This darling woman has written a most touching tribute to her father over on her
blog. Please keep Rachel, her sons and her three sisters in your prayers today. The next few days will be very tough for all of them. For the first time ever I will be turning off the ability to comment on this post. Please express your love to Rachel over on her post today. May the love of the father embrace you today and above everything else, be blessed beyond belief.
Another Wild Wednesday
You know, I was thinking. Last week's record setting (for now) WW made me realize just how much you all have missed it. I think the free sharing of ideas is wonderful and that we all have a good time with the process. From this point forward though I think it would be good to have a WW topic. That way we can focus in on all of the knowledge of the Pudgeman in a specified area. Todays very broad topic is AUTOMOBILES! That's it. Just make sure that every question that is asked today has something you can relate to the automobile. All non-automobile comments will be deleted. Be blessed beyond belief today.
My Apologies To The Blogfather
You know, I was thinking. I must let the Blogfather know how truly sorry I am that I broke his record. I never set out to do anything like that, it just kind of happend! It is obvious to me that if the Blogfather had not taken a break but had continued to write his normal whitty, insightful, stimulating and humerous articles that there would have been no way that MY blog would have gotten that much attention in one day. I would ask that all readers of this blog to please go to the
Blogfather's sight and post a minimum of 60 comments today just so that he can feel the love and honor that all of us have for him. You see Blogfather, it's not about me, it's about what is right. Be blessed beyond belief today.
