Day 15 and I'm feeling tired

I was all set to write up a good post about a new non profit I discovered recently.  Then, today happened.  I'm a bit behind at work and I spent a majority of my time tonight trying to get caught up. I'm not totally caught up but I cranked out several days of email in a few hours.  I feel good about that but there's still lots to do and frankly, I'm tired.  I'll post the other one tomorrow.  But in the meantime, know that I'm still at it.  Even if it's a lame post about how tired I am.  Still at it.  I kind of feel like Lonestar crossing the desert with my sidekick Bart carrying her royal highness's matched luggage.  Oh waiter.  Check please.

Relationship. It's the key to everything.

This video popped up in my Facebook feed today.  (Thanks, Isaac for posting it!).  I have to tell you, I got a little misty.  Check it out:

http://www.aarp.org/disrupt-aging/stories/ideas/info-2016/what-is-old-video.html

Here's what got me right in the feels.  So much of our perceptions and preconceived notions are based in untruth because we don't know the truth.  The only way to know the truth is to experience it, to form a relationship with it and then to allow the truth alter and change us.  This video shows us all how beautiful that encounter can be.  These "younger" folks had thoughts and feelings about what "old" is but had those wiped away with a simple shared experience.

So much of our fear, anxiety, and hate can be destroyed in the same fashion.  It's easy for us to hang out, chat, and socialize with people we like or rather who are like us.  What about with someone who is not like us?  What about those who don't think or act like us?

It makes me think about the political climate today and how it's polarized us.  I think about the folks who will not talk about race and refuse to accept that inequality still exists.  I think about the oppression of women around the world and those who are oblivious to it.  The world is in need of life changing relationships.

In the beginning of our story, God commented that it's not good for man to be alone.  Now any mother will tell you that this is honest truth.  My great grandmother used to have a saying, "If you want something done halfway, send your son.  If you don't want it done at all, send his brother with him."  It's true.  Men need companionship and frankly we need guidance.  What I find interesting is that God was already in relationship before he created us.  He didn't really need a relationship with anyone else.  He was in perfect relationship within the Trinity.  We humans were created as a reflection of that relationship and are invited into it.

It's my belief that through real and honest relationship walls of prejudice, oppression and misunderstanding are broken down.  We can build foundations of a lasting unity and kinship from the pieces.  From the shattered shards of our shared experience, a beautiful mosaic is formed.  That mosaic has the power to change the world.  What a wonderful world that would be.

Hey, it's Day 14!  We're still here!

Take a walk

Today was a busy day.  I spent most of it teaching folks about the business group I'm responsible for.  I wasn't anticipating spending all day doing that but that's how it worked out.  By the end of the day, I was worn out.  All I wanted to do was come home, change my clothes, and go for a walk.  Yeah, I was surprised too.

I wasn't able to get my normal morning walk in today.  So maybe that had something to do with it.  But was really looking forward to the walk.  To be out in open air, my dog at my side and Gregorian chant blaring in my headphones.  Ok, so maybe not blaring but definitely loud.  And that's what I did.  It. was. awesome!

It was a good way to work off some steam and clear my head.  Now, the kiddos are in bed and Jen is watching her Royals play the Astros.  Currently, the Royals are down 6 - 0 in the bottom of the sixth. She's not too happy.  I keep telling her that it's at least a 9 inning game.  Stranger things have happened after all.

As you can tell, I'm kind of struggling with a topic today.  My mind is a little tired.  Hopefully, I'll have something tomorrow.  If not, I'll keep at it.  I think that's part of what I'm learning here is the habit of daily writing. Even if I'm too tired, not inspired, or just flat out don't want to do it.  Writers write, right?

Day 13.  Wheeee!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

Today was a good day.  I finished up a few more things on the car and ended the day watching my youngest play her first game of basketball with other kids.

The first part, the car was a little trying.  I have a couple of books plus the owners manual and still don't have all of the instructions I need.  I guess that's kind of like real life too.  Somethings you just have to experience and figure out as you go along.  Jason was able to pitch in and help too so I'm really grateful for that!  Now all that is left is the spark plugs.  That shouldn't be too hard, right?

As for the basketball game, that was pretty awesome.  It's great to see my kiddo out there hustling and having a great time.  I love sports.  Really any kind of sports.  I'd watch pretty much any sport as long as it was a good competition and exciting to watch.  I get a sense that it must be somewhat like what God must experience as He cheers us on throughout our day.  There are great successes and great failures.  But through it all, He's right there with us.  Fathering us as we muddle through.  I'm really thankful for that.

So I'm on day 12 of the blogging journey.  I think I'm getting into a rhythm.  At least it feels like it.  As always, feel free to leave comments.  I'll try and respond as quickly as possible!

Zen and the art of automotive maintenance

Well the day has finally arrived.  The mustang is due for several maintenance items but I'm not worried.   I've done my research, studied up on how to complete all of the work, and now almost all of the supplies have arrived.  I guess I should mention that I intend on doing all the work myself.  Here's the list of the work that needs to be done:

Spark Plugs

Coolant Flush

Tranmission Flush

Air Filter

Cabin Air Filter

Fuel Filter

Don't worry.  I had help.  My best friend of some 37 years, Jason came over to lend a hand or two and provide intellectual and emotional support.  

I must say that it feels good to do the work myself.  I get a sense of accomplishment after being successful.  Each new challenge brings the opportunity to learn more about my car and how it works. Besides, I have always planned on keeping the 'stang for as long as Jen will let me keep it.  In order to do this, I need to stay up on the maintenance schedule.  Being that it's a used car, I'm not sure when all this was done.  So, I'm finally making sure it's done now. 

Well, the fuel filter was more of a pain that I thought.  Firstly, there is a protective plastic cover that needed to be removed.  Which doesn't sound so awful.  However, the bolt was about and inch too longer than it really needed to be which rendered my socket set practically useless.  Mental note to buy a deep socket set (Yea!  More tools!).

In order to remove the nut, I had to use an open ended wrench that due to the tight clearance, I couldn't turn but a 1/8 or so per turn.  In case you aren't following, it means it takes FOREVER to remove the bolt.  All while laying on my back, half under the car.  But, after many minutes and a few choice words about some Ford engineers, I was able to finally get the shroud lose enough to get to the fuel filter.  The rest of the job went pretty well.  Due to the extended time it took to access the fuel filter, I wasn't able to get to the coolant and transmission flush.  I get to tackle that tomorrow!  The spark plugs will have to wait until Monday.  I'm still waiting on some supplies for that.  

All in all, it was a pretty successful day.  I'll keep you all posted with the rest of the stuff tomorrow.  It's day 11 and I'm feeling great!  

Fortunately, it wasn't this bad.  Close though.

Great dinner and happy endings

Tonight we had some dear friends over for dinner.  The food was good.  The company was delightful.  The conversation was stimulating.  And, they took my children home with them!  Right now, my wife and I have the house to ourselves quite serendipitously.  So first of all, let me thank my friends for this most unexpected gift.  I had planned on another post entirely that I will be publishing tomorrow.  It's a good one and you don't want to miss it.

But right now, I'm going to enjoy this most precious gift of time with my wife.

What a way to end day 10!

Do you really know me? (Part two of today's double header!)

Last night the guys and I were talking about intimacy.  Crazy, huh?  A point was made that there is nothing more seductive than knowing that someone else knows (or gets you).  I kind of agree with that.  However, my feeling is that the seduction comes from being desired or at least the appearance of being desired.

So how do you show the one that you love that you desire them?  A small plug here.  Jen and I read a book as part of our premarital counseling entitled, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman.  It has been really helpful not only in our relationship but also with our kids.  I strongly recommend it!

Throughout our time together, Jen has told me numerous times that she wants to feel that I know her.  How can I show that?  For a man, this can be a very frustrating experience.  But not impossible!  I've learned that I can show her by surprising her with little gifts I know that she wants.  How do I know what to get you may ask?  I listen!  It's really quite novel.

Every now and then, Jen will drop a hint, a small phrase, a passing comment about something that she likes.  I write it down.  Seriously, I keep a log.  If I don't, I will forget it.  It's my go to list around any gift giving day or if I just want to surprise her.  The key here is to listen, observe, and record!

I don't want to sound too materialistic.  It's not always about the gift.  Jen also feels loved by quality time and acts of service.  I've started making her coffee for her every morning.  It doesn't take really that much time, but it shows her that I'm thinking of her.

How can you show the one you love that you do?  Share your story in the comments!

*wipes brow*  That's the end of the double header, folks!  I hoped you enjoyed it!