Open House

Unbelievable what changes in a year! A year ago I was pretty new to my job...learning the ropes, getting to know the people, etc. I was commuting 25 miles -- sometimes twice a day. And now -- I just have to say that I'm in a great place! Love my job -- my family -- my home -- my life! I know that you don't get to live life in this place -- where everything is good -- but it's nice to be riding this wave right now! In that spirit I want to invite you to our open house next weekend. For those of you in the area -- many of you have helped us so much -- we'd love for you to come and celebrate with us! It's a 6:30 on Saturday night...stop by whenever you'd like for as long as you like. (for those of you out of town, this might be the perfect time to make that visit to Peoria, IL that you've always wanted to take!) (except for the below zero temp and horizontal snow that we've been experiencing!)

The Lovely Bones

Okay...I know I'm like two years behind on this one, but I found a copy of The Lovely Bones at Borders the other night for $3.99, so I picked up a copy. I'm only about 10 chapters in, but I love this book. I like the grittiness, the realism, the it's-not-necessarily-going-to-work-out-in-the-end factor. Reminds me a little of my John Irving days -- when I had an obsession with all things Irving -- particularly The Cider House Rules. So, if you want to borrow my copy, it should be free in a couple days! In other news...I started back on Body for Life this week. I'll be hurting so bad by about thursday, but it feels good to be back on a program. I lost it with the building project this summer (and hence gained about 20 lbs!).

Self Righteously Right

I guess I just don't get it. I encountered an individual the other day who was so concerned with where I got my education and whether or not I therefore had the "right" religous views ("right" being defined as his particular way of looking at the world). Anyway, I walked away feeling so frustrated that there are people in this world who think that they are better than other people because they have the right idea about something and other people don't! Why are we so obsessed with determining who's in and who's out? I'm all for debate and discussion, but not when it's carried on in a spirit that judges and condemns the other person just becuase they don't arrive at the same conclusions. I wonder if God in heaven looks down and weeps when he sees other people, in the name of being "right" treat other people with such condescension?

Tailgate Community

As you already know, I was at the Broncos-Colts game in Denver last Sunday. So my friend who got me the tickets -- his dad has been a season ticket holder since 1968. So that means his tailgating spot is awesome! Right next to the stadium! So we had a great time -- had some beer, brats, and soup (it was rather cold on Sunday) and just stood around talking. At the end of the game, we all met up again -- usually they meet for another round of beers before heading home, but this Sunday it was too cold, so we just met, talked about the game for a couple minutes, talked about next week and then we said our goodbyes. Here's what got me -- upon leaving all the women (in their 50's and 60's) gave me hugs and said it was nice to meet me, hope I can come out again when it's not so cold, etc. The guys all shook my hand and said much the same stuff, and I walked away thinking that these people really liked me -- they liked just getting to know me. Ya know, I've been raised in churches my whole life, and I can guarantee that I've never felt so welcome as I did by this group of tailgaters. So, was it the beer that contributed to such community? Or maybe something else? Maybe there's something to learn from the tailgaters -- that they just accept you because you're the friend of someone they know, so that must mean you're okay. Maybe because they don't have an agenda (e.g. to convert you) they can just be glad to make your acquaintance. I don't know what exactly it is, but it's something I admire. Thoughts?

Shame on you Bronco Fans

Okay, I'm putting on my crazy sports fan hat for a post... If you're not a Broncos fan, you probably won't be interested! Last weekend, while in Denver I got to take in the Denver-Indianapolis game (thanks Dan for good tix & great tailgating!) So here's my rant... Jake Plummer set three club records on Sunday. 1. Most passing yards in a single season 2. Most touchdown passes in a single season 3. The only quarterback in team history to take every snap of the regular season. The response in the crowd? A polite clap more on par with a golf clap than the kind of admiration and excitement that should have surrounded these achievements. You could almost feel the disappointment in the stands that John Elway had been eclipsed by Jake Plummer. Shame on you Bronco fans! Guess what folks? Elway retired, Jake's the man. Did you catch that? Jake Plummer is our man now. I loved Elway as much as anyone else, but the time has come to get behind the new guy, because if there's any hope of prevailing over Indianapolis (and I know there's not much!) it's going to be because of Jake Plummer. So -- to my fellow Bronco fans -- say one last goodbye to John Elway (if you must) and give your full devotion to the guy who now holds three significant club records and has led the team to the playoffs both of his seasons behind center!