Is it plagerism to steal a great title? With so much going on it is often hard to keep up with the many things you want to do,not just the things you have to do. Life is constantly changing, bringing with it the new challenges and experiences that we love and sometimes love to hate. Jay and Jesse are doing well in school as Jesse enters seminary time. Although we thought we had several years before we entered seminary events, life has brought us to it sooner.
As we discussed it today, we realized we'd have seminary duty for the next 19 years. That should be when our next little one will be finishing school. Yes, we are expecting number 6, ( or 8 with Jay and Jesse). That sure seems like a long time to endure getting up early after fighting little ones to get them to sleep. Although lately we're fighting the older ones too!
Bryce, blake, Jenna and Jacie are all playing soccer again. That makes for very busy Saturdays! They're all doing very well, as usual. My new calling in the Stake Presidency keeps us busy in a different way. It is not the same as being Bishop, but the travel is much greater. It is a calling that humbles me, but I truly enjoy it.
We look forward to the holidays to spend more time with family as Justin and his wife are in Galveston and Jeremy is now being stationed in Fort Hood. Sharon was down for a while as Chris is in Iraq and mom had neck surgery. We look forward to David graduating from law school in the next few years. He's already getting job offers. We're happy to be where we are, but look forward to the cooler weather, WITHOUT mosquitos.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Summer Time Events
Yes, I know...it has been quite a while since we have posted to our blog...and I apologize! We have been very busy traveling locally to bowling leagues, birthday parties, swimming events at the Aransas Pass swimming pool and such. Bryan has been gone to conferences in San Antonio and Katy Texas and work has been a HUGE project consuming a great deal of time.
One big change for him was that he was released as Bishop of the Robstown Ward almost 4 years to the day that he was called. That same day he was called as 2nd counselor in the stake presidency. It is a different calling in many ways but should provide a change of pace.
Julie is still busy selling jewelry (she's the new jewelry lady!) and doing well keeping track of that and the many kids. Other additions that have kept her busy are the three new kittens and four chickens. She's not far from being farmer Brown herself!
Jay and Jesse now have braces and Brock turned two this past month. He's growing so much and his communication skills are at that point of doubling every time you turn around. You have to watch out for that parrot!
Bryce, Blake, Jenna and Jacie are enjoying time at Grandma's and Nana's homes and trying to make the most of the summer time off. Jacie recently got her "school" clothes as she will start pre-school this year. She was quite disappointed to find that school didn't start for quite some time even though she had her clothes.
We welcome the recent rains as everything is much greener now. It has also been a nice break from the heat.
One big change for him was that he was released as Bishop of the Robstown Ward almost 4 years to the day that he was called. That same day he was called as 2nd counselor in the stake presidency. It is a different calling in many ways but should provide a change of pace.
Julie is still busy selling jewelry (she's the new jewelry lady!) and doing well keeping track of that and the many kids. Other additions that have kept her busy are the three new kittens and four chickens. She's not far from being farmer Brown herself!
Jay and Jesse now have braces and Brock turned two this past month. He's growing so much and his communication skills are at that point of doubling every time you turn around. You have to watch out for that parrot!
Bryce, Blake, Jenna and Jacie are enjoying time at Grandma's and Nana's homes and trying to make the most of the summer time off. Jacie recently got her "school" clothes as she will start pre-school this year. She was quite disappointed to find that school didn't start for quite some time even though she had her clothes.
We welcome the recent rains as everything is much greener now. It has also been a nice break from the heat.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Friends, Family and Fun
First, let us thank Kenny and Karen for hosting us this past weekend. Julie and I had a great time getting away from the kids for a weekend and enjoying the great outdoors in Houston. I had a great time playing golf with Gary, Kenny and Grandpa, even if I didn't enjoy most of my shots. Isnt' that what golf is all about? :)
Fortunately for me, the one shot I made from the tee when Julie was around was a great shot! I just wish we could have sunk some of those putts guys. We also had a great time in the pool. I appreciate the offer to bring the kids up this summer. Know that we will do it!
As I work to help our administrators at school prepare for the 20 to 30 FLDS kids we'll soon have in district I am greatly thankful for my kids and the security we have. It would be scary to have our kids taken away to an unkown location. I feel for them and hope their transition will be relatively smooth. We need, in these latter days, to make sure we stick up for our basic constitutional rights and freedoms that Heavenly Father has given us.
Well, off to church...another great freedom!
Fortunately for me, the one shot I made from the tee when Julie was around was a great shot! I just wish we could have sunk some of those putts guys. We also had a great time in the pool. I appreciate the offer to bring the kids up this summer. Know that we will do it!
As I work to help our administrators at school prepare for the 20 to 30 FLDS kids we'll soon have in district I am greatly thankful for my kids and the security we have. It would be scary to have our kids taken away to an unkown location. I feel for them and hope their transition will be relatively smooth. We need, in these latter days, to make sure we stick up for our basic constitutional rights and freedoms that Heavenly Father has given us.
Well, off to church...another great freedom!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Pumpkin Seeds
So during Halloween as we were scooping out the gooey pumpkins to make Jack-O-Lanterns Blake had the great idea to plant the pumpkin seeds. Dad, who lives next door, had moved the travel trailer that sat for years and thereby had killed any grass over the spot where it resided. To keep the yard looking at least a LITTLE better he tilled the ground. Of course, without sun the soil just didn't seem to want anything to grow there. This seemed the perfect plot since it was tilled and I wasn't worried about the seeds growing anyway.
Come first warm weather this year, guess what we saw! Yep, pumpkin plants! And quite a few of them too! The kids were very excited that they'd have their own pumpkin patch. Of course, with the crazy winter weather we've had the cold came back and the plants wilted away. Or so we thought! We now have no less than 6 pumpkin plants thriving and flowering out in dad's back yard. I guess blake will be the one with the green thumb in our family. Anyone know how to make pumpkin pie from scratch?
I wonder if I can relate this to a gospel story of "sterile" ground and the faith of someone who plants a seed?
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Photo contest
I, Julie, found this website for a cute kid contest. I entered the picture of Jacie that is on the blog with the butterfly on her head. If we get the most votes- we can win. So click on the title of this post and vote for Jacie--PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE!!!!
Note: Apparently the link doesn't work...sorry guys.
Note: Apparently the link doesn't work...sorry guys.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Early Christmas Ham
For those of you that know him, and if you don't then oh well, Steve Reed is a part owner of a new online journal. It is called LDS Journal and is the same premise as a blog, but it does not have public access. The journal is free, but they have a service to copy it to a DVD or print and bind it which I imagine is a fee based service. This is pretty good for those always traveling around or just find it easier and more convenient to post their thoughts and occurances on line.
Along the same note I'd thought of downloading everyone's blog and creating a bound book. Anyone else looked into this yet?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Back To The Story !!!!!!!
Did you read my other post??? If not read it?look at it first!!!!!!!!Still why I want a Finch!!!The reason I want a Finch is because they're CCCCUUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Well are you really serius!!!!! MY dad is going to go to work BYE!!!!!!!!!by:bLAKE bROWN.
p.s. Blake's first post never made it to the site...I'm sure he'll be quite saddened to find out.
p.s. Blake's first post never made it to the site...I'm sure he'll be quite saddened to find out.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Discrimenation
Austin TCEA - I've experienced an ifinitely small portion of the problem of problem this week. As I've walked around with my Network Administrator who is older than me and we've talked to vendors they've always started talking to him first. Once they learn that I am the boss they focus their attention on me and continue their discussion. This morning, in a session, I walked in with Holli Horton, who does teacher development in technology, and Duane who is the network admin. I sat in the middle of the two and an older lady who was going to give the presentation talked first to Holli, gave her some notes, scanned her badge, and then proceeded to do the same with Duane. Now, Duane and Holli are a bit more dressed up than I, but she just totally ignored me. She didn't say hello, who are you or even acknowledge I was there.
Now, I don't think she did this to be mean. However, it was an interesting socialogy experiment in which it seemed that she just assumed that since I was younger and not all dressed up that I wasn't anyone worth adressing. The bright side of the issue is that I won't be receiving any junk mail from them!
This whole experience made me reflect and wonder if I ever discrimenate or assume something about someone just because of the way they look. I know I've done it in the past. I recall judging people on the way they looked only to find that their personality was no where near what I thought. Some help that along by TRYING to be different, but sometimes we make assupmtions regardless on if someone is smart, nice, rich, or poor, or even in charge on age, looks and dress.
Have you ever judged someone on appearance only to find out you were wrong in your assumptions?
Now, I don't think she did this to be mean. However, it was an interesting socialogy experiment in which it seemed that she just assumed that since I was younger and not all dressed up that I wasn't anyone worth adressing. The bright side of the issue is that I won't be receiving any junk mail from them!
This whole experience made me reflect and wonder if I ever discrimenate or assume something about someone just because of the way they look. I know I've done it in the past. I recall judging people on the way they looked only to find that their personality was no where near what I thought. Some help that along by TRYING to be different, but sometimes we make assupmtions regardless on if someone is smart, nice, rich, or poor, or even in charge on age, looks and dress.
Have you ever judged someone on appearance only to find out you were wrong in your assumptions?
Thursday, February 07, 2008
One step from Romney
(Note: I wrote this post before I heard later today that Mitt Romney pulled out of the race. I've had a hard time thinking about voting for John McCain, but I agree with what Mitt Romney expresses below:
With our nation at war and many Democrats advocating retreat, Gov. Romney believes our country must stand united.
· Governor Romney has decided to suspend his presidential campaign.
· Gov. Romney has considerable support and resources, but his chances of success have been diminished. He has won eleven (11) states and over 4 million Republicans have voted for his vision of conservative change in Washington.
· Gov. Romney believes that by continuing on he would only forestall the launch of a national campaign and thereby aid the Democrats. He simply will not let his campaign be a part of aiding the Democrats and their vision for retreat in the face of terror.
· Republicans cannot afford to be divided in the general election. Senators Clinton and Obama have made known their intentions regarding Iraq and the War on Terror – retreat and defeat. If Republican are divided, we will watch in 2009 as the opponents of traditional values advance their agenda, heavier economic burdens are placed on families and our economy slows down.
· Even though they may disagree on a number of issues, both Gov. Romney and Sen. McCain agree on the need to win this struggle against violent Jihadists. In this campaign, both Gov. Romney and Sen. McCain have made known where they disagree on the major issues facing Americans today. But when it comes to our national security, winning in Iraq and defeating Al Qaeda, he could not agree more with Sen. McCain.
· Gov. Romney entered this race out of love for America and to build a better tomorrow for future generations. It is because of that love that he will now stand aside.)
Ok, so I'm not anywhere NEAR being related to Mitt Romney. However, I do support him in his bid for President. Moreover, my first companion in the mission field was a sponsor for him in Oklahoma and organized a meeting for him recently there. Mitt was photographed holding Thad Balkman's youngest. Pretty cool! He also wrote in his son's journal who was baptized on Super Bowl Sunday. Congratulations by the way! I hope all of us here in Texas get out and support Mitt Romney, we need someone of his caliber in the White House now, more than ever.
With our nation at war and many Democrats advocating retreat, Gov. Romney believes our country must stand united.
· Governor Romney has decided to suspend his presidential campaign.
· Gov. Romney has considerable support and resources, but his chances of success have been diminished. He has won eleven (11) states and over 4 million Republicans have voted for his vision of conservative change in Washington.
· Gov. Romney believes that by continuing on he would only forestall the launch of a national campaign and thereby aid the Democrats. He simply will not let his campaign be a part of aiding the Democrats and their vision for retreat in the face of terror.
· Republicans cannot afford to be divided in the general election. Senators Clinton and Obama have made known their intentions regarding Iraq and the War on Terror – retreat and defeat. If Republican are divided, we will watch in 2009 as the opponents of traditional values advance their agenda, heavier economic burdens are placed on families and our economy slows down.
· Even though they may disagree on a number of issues, both Gov. Romney and Sen. McCain agree on the need to win this struggle against violent Jihadists. In this campaign, both Gov. Romney and Sen. McCain have made known where they disagree on the major issues facing Americans today. But when it comes to our national security, winning in Iraq and defeating Al Qaeda, he could not agree more with Sen. McCain.
· Gov. Romney entered this race out of love for America and to build a better tomorrow for future generations. It is because of that love that he will now stand aside.)
Ok, so I'm not anywhere NEAR being related to Mitt Romney. However, I do support him in his bid for President. Moreover, my first companion in the mission field was a sponsor for him in Oklahoma and organized a meeting for him recently there. Mitt was photographed holding Thad Balkman's youngest. Pretty cool! He also wrote in his son's journal who was baptized on Super Bowl Sunday. Congratulations by the way! I hope all of us here in Texas get out and support Mitt Romney, we need someone of his caliber in the White House now, more than ever.
More of Austin
Bryan - While in Austin, Holli Horton who works with me, REALLY wanted to go to Whole Foods, a grocery store. However, this store is a bit different from HEB. As you can imagine from the name, the foods are, well, "whole foods" or healthy foods. Well, maybe Hippie foods is a better description because they DID have Blue Bell and Ben and Jerrie's ice cream. I've been drinking water all week and wanted some flavor so we looked around the beverage aisles. I never knew there were soooo many different types of wine and beer. We finally found the waters and across from that were flavored health drinks. I got one that has a pound of fruit in a bottle less than the size of a 20 oz drink. It has 23 strawberries, 2 apples, 1 banana and a "hint of orange". The name of it is Naked. It is supposed to be "All Natural Well Being 100% Juice smoothie". I'm sure it is really good. I found many other drinks but bought two. One is supposed to clean out all the pollution from your lungs and sinuses (had a "different" after taste) and the other one is called "Brainiac" and is supposed to help you think clearly. Maybe I need a case of both.
The most interesting thing about the place though, besides all the deli food (it smelled and looked wonderful, did I mention the HUGE sesciton of chocolate) was that there wasn't one person (besides us) who was anywhere near overweight. OK, the dancing workers in the aisles were quite odd, but this is Austin.
The most interesting thing about the place though, besides all the deli food (it smelled and looked wonderful, did I mention the HUGE sesciton of chocolate) was that there wasn't one person (besides us) who was anywhere near overweight. OK, the dancing workers in the aisles were quite odd, but this is Austin.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
So that's what they mean...
Bryan - I'm in Austin this week for the Texas Computer Education Association conference. I had often seen the "Keep Austin Weird" bumper stickers and thought it was just a cute gimmick. I'm beggining to think otherwise...maybe they're serious! So, there is this homeless "guy" named Leslie who lives downtown. Seems that Leslie (who wears women's clothes,and did I mention he/she was homeless?) ran for mayor not too long ago after it was encouraged to do so. Wonder how many votes she/he/??? got?
I'm walking around this HUGE convention center and see many bathroom signs for females and then one for male/female...wish you could see the sign. I'm told this is for those who are undecided, or that it is a "community" bathroom. I don't even let that happen in my house! I can just imagine being at the urinal while some lady walks in to the stall next to me. Excuse me?!?!
There have been some other interesting items but I don't quite remember them right now. I think that is a self defense mechanism to preserve sanity.
Eating is great though. (Even better since I haven't paid for any of it.) Yesterday for lunch we went to Fogo de Chau. For those that know it, yep I was full. For those that don't, you can't even begin to imagine the salad bar with WONDERFUL items including cheeses, dried tomatoes, huge green olives, dried meats, etc...Then when you're ready for the second course the gauchos walk around with meats on skewers and slice it for you as long as you indicate that you are hungry by showing the green circle. If you are ok you flip it over to red. Great MEAT!!! Did I mention this is a Brazilian Steak house? Don't bother asking for a menu...there isn't one. And price? If you have to ask...you REALLY don't want to.
Then, as if that wasn't enough, we had dinner at Louie's 106 on 6th street. Ok, aside from the Mardis Gras celebration there on 6th street it was really good food. I looked at the menu and it started at $20/plate. I had a HUGE pork chop dinner (2 inches thick) and a great creme brule (brulay, sp?).
Tonight's dinner is downtown and so is tomorrow's. I think I'll need to walk home to Corpus. I don't usually do this...(I'm known to get food and go back to my hotel room), but sometimes you have to live large!
The sessions have been pretty good, and there are a ton of vendors. Now I just have to get home and implement all that we've learned.
I'm walking around this HUGE convention center and see many bathroom signs for females and then one for male/female...wish you could see the sign. I'm told this is for those who are undecided, or that it is a "community" bathroom. I don't even let that happen in my house! I can just imagine being at the urinal while some lady walks in to the stall next to me. Excuse me?!?!
There have been some other interesting items but I don't quite remember them right now. I think that is a self defense mechanism to preserve sanity.
Eating is great though. (Even better since I haven't paid for any of it.) Yesterday for lunch we went to Fogo de Chau. For those that know it, yep I was full. For those that don't, you can't even begin to imagine the salad bar with WONDERFUL items including cheeses, dried tomatoes, huge green olives, dried meats, etc...Then when you're ready for the second course the gauchos walk around with meats on skewers and slice it for you as long as you indicate that you are hungry by showing the green circle. If you are ok you flip it over to red. Great MEAT!!! Did I mention this is a Brazilian Steak house? Don't bother asking for a menu...there isn't one. And price? If you have to ask...you REALLY don't want to.
Then, as if that wasn't enough, we had dinner at Louie's 106 on 6th street. Ok, aside from the Mardis Gras celebration there on 6th street it was really good food. I looked at the menu and it started at $20/plate. I had a HUGE pork chop dinner (2 inches thick) and a great creme brule (brulay, sp?).
Tonight's dinner is downtown and so is tomorrow's. I think I'll need to walk home to Corpus. I don't usually do this...(I'm known to get food and go back to my hotel room), but sometimes you have to live large!
The sessions have been pretty good, and there are a ton of vendors. Now I just have to get home and implement all that we've learned.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Kids In Action
I was asked to put more pictures of the kids on the site...guess noboday wants to see the parents. Sigh...OK, so here they are. Some of them inlcude the kids working on the go-cart that dad got for christmas OH so many years ago. Other are them at Christmas time. Hope you enjoy.
Jenna seems to be more of a mechanic than her brothers.
OK, so I don't know if Bryce is the taskmaster here or is just trying to scare the cart into moving. HIIII-YA!
Brock says, "Do you REALLY think I'm going to ride that thing?"
Jenna seems to be more of a mechanic than her brothers.
OK, so I don't know if Bryce is the taskmaster here or is just trying to scare the cart into moving. HIIII-YA!
Brock says, "Do you REALLY think I'm going to ride that thing?"
Monday, January 21, 2008
New Additions
For all that don't know, the Brown family now has two more members! No, Julie wasn't secretly hiding twins over the holiday season. We now have legal custody of Jesse and Jay Juarez. These are two wonderful young men who will be living with us for some time now.
Jesse is 14 and Jay is 13 years old. They are both enrolled at Calallen Middle School and doing well in Scouts, Church and school. We are very pleased to have them with us, and the kids love having new "step brothers" to play with!
Jesse is 14 and Jay is 13 years old. They are both enrolled at Calallen Middle School and doing well in Scouts, Church and school. We are very pleased to have them with us, and the kids love having new "step brothers" to play with!
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Great Hunters
So, I don't know what the big deal is about hunting for a big buck. Josh and I went out for two hours on Friday and came back with what you see below. Granted, we did go out on a lease with a game warden who is a friend of Josh. It was fun though!
(P.S. I apologize in advance to all those Bambi lovers out there. We'll let you know how good the sausage and jerky is though.)
(P.S. I apologize in advance to all those Bambi lovers out there. We'll let you know how good the sausage and jerky is though.)
Many thanks to Kevin McDonald and his father for allowing us to hunt on their lease. We are truly grateful for the opportunity.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Tis the Season
AS we approach the Christmas season, well fed from the Thanksgiving season, I often reflect on the many contacts I wish I kept. We have been intending (yes I know where that road leads) to put all our pictures together in a book for future reference.
Side note: A friend of ours uses software to organize her pictures, write anectdotes on pages and then sends it off to be published. Her own little family annual! You can do it online at www.shutterfly.com or put it together with another program and follow the suggestions here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/shareit/book.mspx
I suggest doing some research in your local hometown or on the internet to find the best pricing and service. What a wonderful way though to keep those 100's (ok 1000's) of digital pictures we snap and keep on the CD's collecting dust.
BTW, did you know many CD's are only expected to keep good data for 5 years or so? It really depends on the quality of CD and how it is stored.
So, long story short, as a Bishop, I look around my Ward and see many families and individuals in need and am extremely grateful for all I have. I still work day to day and worry sometimes how I'll pay the bills. However, I have a wonderful family, a beautfiul house, and a very supporting and loving wife. I love my job and couldn't (well, I could) ask for anything more right now. Maybe a back that didn't hurt too much.
Bryce is growing and doing well on the Robotics team at his school. Blake is in UIL (writing I think) as well. Jenna is doing well in her classes and loves her teacher. Jacie spends most of her time at Nana's house (when she is home). And Brock is gaining a personality all his own. He may not have many words, (Pa - for Dad, Papa Brown, and Popcorn, which by the way he is obsessed about. He drags the popcorn maker out every morning.) but he knows well how to communicate his needs and wants.
Winter is a nice time of year to reduce somewhat the growing electricity bill. I don't know if we'll ever know if the heater works in my house. Thank you for wool blankets when needed.
I just hope that we all can reach out a little further to those around us who need a shoulder or helping hand. Enjoy Christmas and know that we love you.
Side note: A friend of ours uses software to organize her pictures, write anectdotes on pages and then sends it off to be published. Her own little family annual! You can do it online at www.shutterfly.com or put it together with another program and follow the suggestions here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/shareit/book.mspx
I suggest doing some research in your local hometown or on the internet to find the best pricing and service. What a wonderful way though to keep those 100's (ok 1000's) of digital pictures we snap and keep on the CD's collecting dust.
BTW, did you know many CD's are only expected to keep good data for 5 years or so? It really depends on the quality of CD and how it is stored.
So, long story short, as a Bishop, I look around my Ward and see many families and individuals in need and am extremely grateful for all I have. I still work day to day and worry sometimes how I'll pay the bills. However, I have a wonderful family, a beautfiul house, and a very supporting and loving wife. I love my job and couldn't (well, I could) ask for anything more right now. Maybe a back that didn't hurt too much.
Bryce is growing and doing well on the Robotics team at his school. Blake is in UIL (writing I think) as well. Jenna is doing well in her classes and loves her teacher. Jacie spends most of her time at Nana's house (when she is home). And Brock is gaining a personality all his own. He may not have many words, (Pa - for Dad, Papa Brown, and Popcorn, which by the way he is obsessed about. He drags the popcorn maker out every morning.) but he knows well how to communicate his needs and wants.
Winter is a nice time of year to reduce somewhat the growing electricity bill. I don't know if we'll ever know if the heater works in my house. Thank you for wool blankets when needed.
I just hope that we all can reach out a little further to those around us who need a shoulder or helping hand. Enjoy Christmas and know that we love you.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Why I want a guinea pig - by Bryce
The next pet I want is a guinea pig. So far from what I've learned about guinea pigs is they need a lot of care. I want a guinea pig because I want a pet that is playful and not big but not small. Guinea pigs are not expensive but the stuff they need costs a lot. I think they look cool and cute the same time. Here are some pictures I found.
Here are some facts about the guinea pig that I learned:
CostWhen you first get your pet, you’ll need to spend about $35 for a cage. Food runs about $75 a year, plus $25 annually for toys and treats, $50 for an annual veterinary check-up and $400 per year for litter and bedding material. We recommend getting your guinea pig from a responsible breeder or, even better, adopting one from a shelter or small-animal rescue group.
Housing Guinea pigs are social animals who prefer to live in small groups. If you keep two or more females together, they will become great friends. If you want two males, it’s smart to choose two babies from the same litter. Since guinea pigs, like all rodents, multiply rapidly, keeping males and females together is not recommended.
(http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_guineapigcare)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Meaningless Meanderings
So as I lay down to sleep last night I wondered why it is that when we are thinking of things to say there seem to many words floating around. However, when we go to write out what is in our heads it sure seems sparse on paper (or this case the web). Perhaps that is the curse of being a male, words seem to fail us. Or perhaps we are just pre-programmed to sum things up in short, concise phrases. You'd think after being a Bishop for three years I'd learn to drone on and on, and on...(sorry, getting carried away there.) Side note: Reminds me of the character in one of Shakespeare's plays that goes on and on about brevity being the sign of inteligence and therefore he'd be brief, after his five minute explanation of brevity.
I have often thought about writing a book or story, but after a few pages I've said all I wanted to say. Now there's a good book. "Hey Larry, did you read that NY Best Seller the other day?" "Yeah Joe, I read it while I was waiting for my microwave lunch to cook."
Maybe that's what our culture needs though. I mean, we've become a society of instant gratification (or disappointment) and we don't seem to like to wait for anything. You can get married or divorced in a hurry, lunch, dinner, registration for vacation or school; it's all done in the blink of an eye. Have we forgotten the joys of sitting on the porch and watching the sun go down? Are we TOO rushed? Don't believe me? When was the last time you got impatient for the microwave popcorn to finish?
So, with that in mind, maybe we need to come out with a new style of book. Not the Harry Potter 700 and some odd pages long story to finish it all off (this book actually seemed rushed to me. I think it could have extended on to another volume, but by then my eyeballs would have dried out.) Maybe I could write a guide to the world, in an expansive 20 page book. It would cover all the need to know information on how to get a better job, live in peace with your neighbors (in-laws would take an additional page, JUST KIDDING!), the secret to happiness, etc... Perhaps this would be the most widely read book in the world, brining peace and harmony to all.
I'd start writing it right now, but it'd take too long, and my favorite show is coming on. I guess I'll have to settle for writing the cliff's notes. Well, I guess I've finally accomplished what I wanted to do, which is write more than two lines...not that it's worth anything. Partly I just wanted to see what would happen if I wrote down whatever was in my head. Now THERE's a scary thought! Try it sometime. Just sit down and write whatever comes up. Can you imagine if you did that all day long? It'd be neat to read I'm sure. In fact, this post didn't end up anywhere near where I first imagined. But I guess that's the point of meandering. It takes you to places you've never been or supposed you be. Which brings me to my next thought.
What places would you visit if you could go anywhere in the world? I've always wanted to go to Ireland (roots) and Germany to see the castles. I'd also like to visit Alaska. Maybe someday.
I have often thought about writing a book or story, but after a few pages I've said all I wanted to say. Now there's a good book. "Hey Larry, did you read that NY Best Seller the other day?" "Yeah Joe, I read it while I was waiting for my microwave lunch to cook."
Maybe that's what our culture needs though. I mean, we've become a society of instant gratification (or disappointment) and we don't seem to like to wait for anything. You can get married or divorced in a hurry, lunch, dinner, registration for vacation or school; it's all done in the blink of an eye. Have we forgotten the joys of sitting on the porch and watching the sun go down? Are we TOO rushed? Don't believe me? When was the last time you got impatient for the microwave popcorn to finish?
So, with that in mind, maybe we need to come out with a new style of book. Not the Harry Potter 700 and some odd pages long story to finish it all off (this book actually seemed rushed to me. I think it could have extended on to another volume, but by then my eyeballs would have dried out.) Maybe I could write a guide to the world, in an expansive 20 page book. It would cover all the need to know information on how to get a better job, live in peace with your neighbors (in-laws would take an additional page, JUST KIDDING!), the secret to happiness, etc... Perhaps this would be the most widely read book in the world, brining peace and harmony to all.
I'd start writing it right now, but it'd take too long, and my favorite show is coming on. I guess I'll have to settle for writing the cliff's notes. Well, I guess I've finally accomplished what I wanted to do, which is write more than two lines...not that it's worth anything. Partly I just wanted to see what would happen if I wrote down whatever was in my head. Now THERE's a scary thought! Try it sometime. Just sit down and write whatever comes up. Can you imagine if you did that all day long? It'd be neat to read I'm sure. In fact, this post didn't end up anywhere near where I first imagined. But I guess that's the point of meandering. It takes you to places you've never been or supposed you be. Which brings me to my next thought.
What places would you visit if you could go anywhere in the world? I've always wanted to go to Ireland (roots) and Germany to see the castles. I'd also like to visit Alaska. Maybe someday.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Faces of Brock
Since mom and dad are so busy, and I'm the last in line, I thought I'd share some of the pictures dad has taken of me. Digital technology is great, but he's not so great at printing them out. Mom says it has something to do with a squeak every time he opens his wallet, or blood out of turnips. Whatever that means.
So here are some of the many faces of Brock. This first one is when I give out and falls asleep on Bryce's chest. Bryce is such a good big brother!
And then there are those picures of me eating dad's birthday cake. Or should this be WEARING dad's birthday cake?
Follow this up by one of my "not so happy" moments.
So here are some of the many faces of Brock. This first one is when I give out and falls asleep on Bryce's chest. Bryce is such a good big brother!
And then there are those picures of me eating dad's birthday cake. Or should this be WEARING dad's birthday cake?
Follow this up by one of my "not so happy" moments.
I hope you've enjoyed some of my pictures. If you want to see more, bug mom and dad. I can help them post the pictures if they need help. Sheesh.
New Job
So, I don't officially start my new job until Monday, September 10th. However, I have already been to Calallen twice for meetings and other duties. It's hard to stay away though when you just walk across the street to your office. I dare anyone to have a better commute! There will be a lot to do there, but I look at it as an opportunity to shape a network and a department the way I want to. Right now, as far as the higher ups are concerned, the slate is clean and mine for the writing! The district will host a bond election on November 9th, and if it passes we'll have approximately 3.5 million dollars to create a totally new infrastructure, video conference rooms, and anything else we can imagine.
On the other side, Julie is in the beginning stages of opening a dance studio. A friend, and fellow church member, already owns one in Alice. She has had such success that Julie has convinced her to open one in Calallen. They have been eagerly looking at storefront property, conspiring on business and dance plans, and dreaming of all the possibilities. She's excited, and I'm really excited for her as well. Now we just have to find a place for some of the rugrats in the "tween" times when her classes start and I'm at work. I guess that's the privilege of being an older sibling...babysitting time!
On the other side, Julie is in the beginning stages of opening a dance studio. A friend, and fellow church member, already owns one in Alice. She has had such success that Julie has convinced her to open one in Calallen. They have been eagerly looking at storefront property, conspiring on business and dance plans, and dreaming of all the possibilities. She's excited, and I'm really excited for her as well. Now we just have to find a place for some of the rugrats in the "tween" times when her classes start and I'm at work. I guess that's the privilege of being an older sibling...babysitting time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
