Bring it.

Decorah Eagles

2011-04-07T10:45:00.001-05:00

Clarity

2011-01-10T08:32:00.000-06:00

Jacks Fork River Trip

2010-07-26T19:49:00.005-05:00

Went Canoeing this weekend with some friends...
Eminence, MO...Population of about 500...In the middle of nowhere Missouri. I am starting to get used to the new camera...but please bear with me as I am still a n00b.
Here are two of my favorite pics that kinda sum up the weekend:
Simply beautiful:

A flash from a simpler time:

Warp Speed Captain!

2010-03-03T19:13:00.002-06:00

Everything

2010-03-01T19:59:00.002-06:00

Continued...
Doing nothing is a choice, and when used in moderation it can be a good thing.
We all need to unplug at one time or another (not just from the 'net). It is good for the soul and besides that, God tells us to do it so 'nuff said.

But then there is doing something. What are you doing? Are you doing enough? Too little? Working to the bone? Making lots of $$$? Building a house? Going to school? Laying around?

I think that there is truth in that HOW+WHY > WHAT+WHEN. Huh?
As a Christian, I have found that How I go about a task and Why I go about doing it is much more important (to me) than the What or When.
The What and When I speak about is in terms of business. It is, when one breaks it down, one of the essential business principles: Right place, right time (I leave out "right product" because I have been known to be lazy and it doesn't fit in to today's montage).
When I started in business, I wanted that perfect placement...right place, right time...I was willing to do just about anything to get it...chasing the dream, right? Provide for my family, put your head down and go...it doesn't matter what the cost...as long as you are moving ahead...

Long story short, I chased it for a bit, almost lost a marriage, weirded out my heart and realized that yes, God does answer prayers....and brings you close to Him, whether you are ready for it or not.
(Ask me about praying for responsibility and being a bull later)

Anyways, suffice it to say I have learned a lot about myself and God in the past few years..still learning, but at least I know my thumbs from my pinkies, most of the time.

Back to the How and Why..I have learned over the years, that I don't really put half a heart into anything. When I choose to do something, I go full tilt (I know a lot of people like this). I usually forget about the brakes and just hit the gas.
But I have found that I can go full bore for the right reasons, and work toward the right purposes to make a difference. I have found that by going about my tasks with God in my heart helps to guide my path...that I can put my head down and go full bore and not be knocked off the correct course.
Choosing the "Hows" and "Whys" of the tasks take care of the "Whats" and the "Whens". These are things that I do not have to worry about. God takes care of them and puts me exactly where I need to be, when I need to be there.
He may not place me there when I want, but he is never late.

More later, I have bored you enough...

Nothing

2010-02-28T14:31:00.003-06:00

For the past 2.5 years, I have rarely taken a moment to breathe. Between school, work, spending time with KT and working with the youth my time has been taken...even before I could schedule something...This weekend has been the first time that I have forced myself to do, well, nothing. It is hard. I take after my father in that respect...always moving.

I am actually appreciative of doing nothing for a day or two. I feel that it has given me perspective on two things (a lot more really, but two things come to mind right now).
First, it gives me perspective on perspective. Funny huh. People tend to get busy. As we get busier, it becomes normal. We tend to just pile more stuff on and accept it as our normal pace. In terms of motion, it actually has a name.

Velocitation:
A verb meaning to become "speed blind". After traveling at what initially feels like high speed for a while (typically in a car), your brain become accustomed to how fast everything rushes past, so that it no longer looks fast. This leads you to subconsciously underestimate your speed. When you slow down to "normal" speed, it feels like you're barely moving.

How fast are you moving?

Who knows what Exodus 20:8-11 says? It's the 4th commandment. Care to take a stab? It comes before Thou shall not murder, adultery, steal...
It is To remember the Sabbath. To take a rest, to recharge...to do no work.
(I think that there is a provision for those in ministry that they can substitute another day, unspoken of course :-D ).
We forget about this one, but God found it to be so important, He put it right after Himself, before He talked about how to deal with other people. Mind you, the 10 Commandments are more for our good than His, if this commandment is second only to God, He must see it as an important thing.
Take a day off. Enjoy it. In today's world, unplugging is tough, near impossible, but ENTIRELY NEEDED.
Smell the roses...Ferris Bueller had some pretty good wisdom, granted God came up with it first.

The second thing that I realized, is that I don't like sitting around. I am happiest when I am moving...just maybe not that fast. I think that in their heart of hearts, everyone wants to be productive...positive...to leave an impression.
People talk of legacies, about leaving behind an imprint...a foot print, a hand print, a way for the world to remember them by. I don't know if I am content with that.
People talk of what they can leave their family, what stuff they can impart to their loved ones...problem is that whether they know it or not, it's not their stuff to begin with...It's His. Don't agree? Deal with it. You will figure it out sooner or later...but I digress..
I think that more important treasures are what we can impart to others...our knowledge, skills and findings from this life...
Give your time. Give your support. Give. Just give.
I have found through my time serving that I tend to learn just as much, if not more than those that I teach....

Anyways, this is long winded and I am leaving it half finished. I will write more to finish the second half of what I have in this balding bobble-head...

My First Official Weekend

2010-02-26T12:03:00.002-06:00

I am kinda excited for this weekend, even though we are not doing anything out of the ordinary. This is the first official weekend of my new schedule. I am thinking that we might catch a movie, but I am actually having a hard time coping with the fact that I have a lot of extra time on my hands. Part of me wants to just sit and do nothing (staring at the wall is always an option), but another part of me is itching to start some projects (Honey-dos, if you will) that are long over do.
The problem is that it is still cold out...
So my HUGE idea is to see if I can convince the better half that it would be a GREAT weekend for a Lord of the Rings or Star Wars marathon...
I will update on my success/failure later.

Be Bold

2010-02-24T20:55:00.003-06:00

Ephesians 6:19-20:

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Some may understand what this truly means. There are many people in my life that do not understand, do not comprehend and there are many that know, but deny it.

I cannot control anything in my life except for my actions, words and influence.
My prayer tonight is that I can perform my tasks with Christ always forefront in my mind and heart.

Home Stretch

2010-02-23T12:12:00.002-06:00

So it is official. One last class. As of yesterday, I am officially Cisco CCENT, CCNA, and CCNA + IINS Sercurity certified...for 3 years, and then I get to take the tests again.
After passing the last test yesterday, I officially began my home stretch (in my own mind) for being done with school.
This is my last week that I will be pressed to have homework done on time, but after that I will only have 1 assignment per week for 10 more weeks. CAKE! (hope that I'm not jinxing myself).

Problem that I noted yesterday though: my body is breaking. I think that my subconscious can sniff the finish line and is starting to offload some of the stress...I woke up this morning having no idea what day it was or what I was doing out of bed at 5am (my normal wake up time). Anyways...weird.

I look forward to subjecting my faithful 1.5 readers (cumulative, round up to 2) to LOTS of rambling.

I haven't even gotten into what my plans are for working with the youth...that is a different post.

To tie all of this craziness together, suffice it to say that I am so very happy to see the light at the end.
BTW had an awesome day yesterday! Not ONLY did I pass the ccna stuff, BUT the Schwann man stopped by! FTW! Dilly bars? oh yeah! But one of my favorites is the bagle dogs...about as close to Portillo's as I will be getting for awhile..truly not even in the sam ball park, but I will take it.

Can't wait.

2010-02-05T11:39:00.003-06:00

Officially, 9 more days till I am done with school and Cisco training. Well..not done with school, but down to one single class. It has been a tough 2 years. Not only for me, but for Katie as well.
I am looking forward to a bit of free time to use as I choose. Most likely I will look into some web dev projects (Kustom Kate) and other stuff. Most of all, I think that I need to let my mind rest a bit.

I also have a few ecommerce ideas to figure out for myself...but anyways...
9 more days.

Temporary Setup

2009-10-12T06:54:00.002-05:00

Please bear with the changes...I am looking to upgrade/change my blog but I have been unable to decide on a format.

Getting Started.

2009-08-30T21:45:00.002-05:00

Today I was reminded of how imperfect we are. I mean that in a good way. I had some really great conversations with the young men in my group about how to deal with conflict amongst friends. We were talking about how to deal with a friend who had let you down or even had done worse.

We talked about how Jesus dealt with denial and betrayal, specifically the example of Peter denying Jesus 3 times prior to the rooster making his call.
First off, Jesus knew it was going to happen beforehand and was still calm about it. How many of us could even think of staying calm at that point...let alone going through with what you have to do without AT LEAST getting slightly irritated about it?

Anyways, it struck true to me. I tend to be overly direct with people to put it politely. In doing so, I tend to come off as a bit brusque with people that do not hold to their end of a bargain or agreement.

I realized that I really need to work on how I handle disappointment and more pointedly, how I can relate my experiences and the lessons that I have learned to other people, in hopes that they might grow without having to experiencing some of the hardships that I have gone through.

Sorry for the semi rambling thoughts...I have more than a few really big points to make, but my brain has not finished processing them yet.

Dusting Off the Cobwebs.

2009-08-25T21:16:00.002-05:00

Yeah, blah blah...it's been a LONG time.
Long story, very shortly:
Although it has been a good year, it has been quite trying.
Katie and I are finally plugged into a church home, although not the one that we had chosen or thought that we would end up at. (Once again, I should learn to listen, Lord)

My work has been great and Katie has been working really hard to build up her business!

Quick story about my parents: Remember a year ago, when my dad fell 2 stories and broke his back? Yeah, well he fell again. Almost a year to the day. He broke his hip in three pieces...back on bed rest...3 weeks later my mom was admitted to the hospital with 20% functionality in her heart...not blockage...yikes. She seems to be recovering, but will need to attend her diet and lifestyle in order to stay strong.

Please pray for them as they will need healing.

I have started working with the youth again! Yay! It truly pulled at my heart that I haven't had a place to serve this past year...But I am working with Pastor John and a whole gaggle of others at TCABC. Seems like a great group...it seems like a lifetime since I sat in Pastor Erik's office talking with him. (Miss you guys @ CREW)

School is going well, although at times I think my head is going to esplode! 5 more sessions to go.

Anyways, I gotta call it a night but I have been getting the itch to write...even if no one else reads it anymore!

Upcoming and forthcoming.

2009-06-07T18:55:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to warn all like what, -1 followers that I will be blogging again. This is a goal that I have set and I have not been very good about it. Aside from it, I have some things that I have to get off of my heart/chest about what has transpired the last few weeks.
I wil try not to burden all -1 of you with too much, but sometimes I find it easier to write down things rather than explain them in spoken words.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Who are you going to believe?

2009-05-20T21:50:00.003-05:00

Who are you going to believe: Me? Or your own eyes?
--Groucho Marx--
Something that you should ask yourself if you are going to follow politics.
Before you believe what you hear from the news or a politician, take a step back and think about what you just heard.

God takes care of the things we don't think about.

2009-05-18T15:13:00.003-05:00

Even when we think that we have all the details figured out....God makes takes care of the things that we miss.

Rushing

2009-04-22T20:43:00.002-05:00

I am so excited that two of our best friends are coming to visit us here in Broken Arrow...I pray that the weather holds out!

Amazing. Simply Stunning.

2009-04-17T12:09:00.002-05:00

Susan Boyle. If you haven't heard her story yet, Google it. This brings tears to my eyes. This woman has an amazing voice!

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

Local Tulsan Creates Internet Boom - Twitpic

2009-03-21T10:42:00.001-05:00

I Live in a Suburb of Coweta

2009-03-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

Hehe. Anyone who lives near Tulsa will get a chuckle outta that. Someone laid that line on me this morning at AGCoweta. We had a great time this morning at the get-together breakfast for small groups. The message was about using our gifts that God gave us.

I love the fact the Coweta is growing. I think that the church has a great mission and a great base of people.

I really keep praying for God to show me what I need to be doing down here. Sometimes I feel like I am just floating...I get listless and frustrated with myself because there is only so much motivation that I can put towards school after crazy weeks at work.
After spending the weekend with the Crew up north, I reaffirmed my feelings that I need to be working with the youth. I don't care where or how. I just know that I need to be helping to guide what will be the future of our country, church and nation.
Sometimes God whispers in our ear when He wants us to do something...He has begun to yell it at me. It was the same when I called Pastor Warner at Stone telling him that I needed to help somehow. That's when I met Pastor Erik and the Crew.

I guess I will have to be patient a bit more, but it is getting hard to ignore what I know that I should be doing.

Purpose driven, spirit filled.

2009-03-04T21:18:00.005-06:00

This weekend with the Stone Crew was amazing...as always.
I don't know what it is, but I get a charge out of seeing that light that comes into student's eyes when it all kinda clicks.
I love that I got to be a part of something that special and that important.

One of the most moving things that I noticed this weekend is that there were a lot of new students. To me, it means that the word is getting out. About the Crew. About Jesus. Judging by the moist eyes (including mine. Read: my eyes were leaking) in the group, it was clear that Jesus was touching the student's hearts. Where ever your faith started this weekend, I would like to think that you ended somewhere closer to God.

It is tremendous to me that our relationship with Jesus is ours alone. Just like everyone is unique, I believe everybody's relationship with Jesus is unique. How wonderful is it that He knows how best to communicate with us.

I pray that the students that attended WR09 (and all students really) continue to seek, continue to grow, continue to love and continue to get the word out.
I said this after WR08: Don't let it stop here. Don't let it fade. Don't shrug it off because you are back in school and away from the Crew. Keep encouraging each other and help each other to further your relationships with each other and with God.

To Pastor Erik, Bethany and the rest of the leaders of the Crew: Thank you. Again, I never know who gets more out of the weekend: the students, or me. You are, as always doing great things for the students, every single one. I know that every student that attended the weekend left changed.

To the Crew: Don't ever stop. Keep it going. Bring what you have learned and experienced into the other parts of your life. Carry it with you into the next phase of your life...but more importantly, scatter it among the people that you come in contact with and build upon it with everything that you do.

Poor Update

2009-02-24T12:39:00.004-06:00

I have been listening and talking with several friends. The only advice that I have to really give to all of them is: Look forward.
I think that a lot of times we forget that we are exactly where we are supposed to be at this very moment in time. Please don't misread that.
We are exactly where we are supposed to be.
Not
Exactly where we WANT to be. Big difference made by the big guy upstairs. He knows our wants. He knows are needs. He knows how best to get us where we NEED to be.

I think that looking back in a little bit, you will see that given all the circumstances that surround you at this particular moment, you will see that where you WANTED to be coincides perfectly with where you NEEDED to be.
Funny how that works.
Each of us is unique...just like everyone else.
Since no one is the same, each of us that tries to take the same exact path will end up in different places.

A Single Question:

2009-01-29T21:59:00.002-06:00

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
-George Santayana

What does this statement mean to you? Post a quick response...I will accept anons.

It is a much more complicated statement than you think. I will explain it in my next post.

What do you do when you are alone?

2009-01-26T21:14:00.002-06:00

STOP! Please don't answer that question! I really don't want to know.
But think about this: Even when you feel alone, when you think no one else is around...God is. Remember that when you are making decisions in your life. Whether you acknowledge it or not He is there.

Kinda puts a different spin on the question of "What is the right thing to do?" huh.

But also remember: When you feel all alone, when you think that no one else cares...God is there.

Kinda puts a different spin on the statement: "No one really cares about me!"

Whether you believe in God or not, He has a plan for you. Whether you like it or not.

Consistency

2009-01-25T20:54:00.003-06:00

Consistency is something that we all depend on. If someone is consistant in their thoughts, words and actions one thing that leads to is trust.

Trust is one thing that a good relationship is based upon. Communication is the other. The two kind of go hand in hand.

If someone communicates one message to you, yet they act in a contrary manner to what they say...do you trust them? Should you trust them?

There are people that I have met in my life that would be willing to tell me anything in order to gain my approval, regardless of whether it is true. Things begin to total up incorrectly very quickly.

What constitutes a well balanced relationship to you? Would you be willing to stay with an untrustworthy person? How about work for an untrustworthy person?

Just for the record....

2009-01-22T19:25:00.003-06:00

I would like all two of you that read this that disagreeing with something is NOT the same as "bashing" someone. It has been far too long since good morals and good choices have been on the rise in this country. We as Americans should be intelligent enough to have a discussion without "Because." being an answer.

This will not be a daily thing or a weekly deal, but over the next few months I will be splattering a few posts in here that will make you think. You will probably not agree with everything..or anything that I have to say but I invite you to comment. I invite you to discuss. Regardless of political affiliation, we as Americans need to get it together. It is not just the house and senate that need to be bi partisan, but we as the people have that call too. I hope and pray that our new President acts in line with his words and that they are not just political fluff. There have been a plethora of great speakers throughout history....not all of them have been good.

LOST

2009-01-21T19:08:00.002-06:00

If you are looking for me I will be in front of the TV watching LOST for the next 3 hours.

To President Obama:

2009-01-20T19:04:00.002-06:00

This will be a quick post, but I need to get going on my new years (now new 11 month) resolution.
Today was a historic day for all Americans. Today Barack Hussien Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. Whatever your political affiliation or personal opinions this is a huge for America, for all Americans.

That being said, today someone asked me what I would say if I were to write a letter to our new President. Keep in mind that I won't write this letter for many reasons: I'm lazy or I'm too busy or I'm too chicken or blah..blah.. Anyways. If I were to write one it would go something like this:

Dear President Obama:

I pray that you are the person and become the President that your supporters believe you to be. I, like many Americans hope that you hold to your word and transcend the political walls. The word "change" can represent many things: hope or advancement, or failure or take your pick of so many words. As you take on the mantel of the Presidency, arguably the single-most powerful position on this Earth, I hope that you remember what you represent to us as an American people as you make the decisions that you will have to make. For the past two weeks I have prayed for you, I have prayed for the United States and I look forward to the promise that you represent for the next four years. Today you became the leader of the free world and pretty, well-spoken words will take a back seat to your actions. I hope that you seek God when you are set with tough decision, as those decisions impact us all. I pray that at the end of your term you can in good consciousness look back and see your "Yes we can!" slogan turn into "Yes, we did!".
I will do my best to support you, to not bash you. I promise to yell at the top of my lungs when I disagree, but you are now my President and I wish you the best of success. I did not vote for you, but I will pray for you to make the correct, righteous decisions that will drive this country forward. I sincerely pray that you change my opinion of you and that you do right with your power.

Sincerely,
Mike

Facebook

2009-01-03T14:07:00.003-06:00

Is it me or is Facebook becoming too much like Email?
I think that everyone should just hop on Twitter and get it over with. Since that is the way that social networking is headed, it would make sense for all of you to be ahead of the curve.
Come and be a trendsetter....follow me! www.twitter.com/misteng

New Resolution

2009-01-01T20:38:00.000-06:00

This year, I plan to get back on the blogging trail, regardless of who reads it.
Last year, with the move, I got off-track. For better or worse, here we go again!

Farside

2008-12-22T07:12:00.003-06:00

"What the.....now Edgar is gone!!! Something is going on around here!!!

Gary Larson's Farside cartoons made me laugh every day when I was growing up.
There is someone that is creating the cartoons in real life. You can see their work by Clicking Here.

Twitter

2008-12-17T21:44:00.003-06:00

Okay...So Color me nerdy but I am looking into making an app in java that will let me post to anywhere that I want to: blogger/twitter/facebook...Kind of like shozu.com but it will actually work well....
I will keep everyone posted!

One More Pic From Costa Rica

2008-12-14T12:13:00.004-06:00

Probably one of the best pictures of my ugly mug in a while.
It helps that my wife is in it (definite improvement)

For Christmas

2008-12-12T11:01:00.001-06:00

I think that for Christmas, all I REALLY want is to do nothing....maybe glaze my eyes over and stare at the wall.

A Picture from Woodward

2008-12-10T21:57:00.002-06:00

I have been in Woodward Oklahoma for the past few days. This is a picture from one of the few restaurants in the town.

About the Only Pics I have

2008-12-10T21:46:00.006-06:00

Lame I know. But until I hit up my family for better shots, these are the only one's that I have after having my stuff stolen in San Jose Costa Rica.

I will post later on what I actually will take away from this experiene, but I will post that later after I have a second to breathe and gather my thoughts.

Here is a little buddy:

Here is a flower:

Here is the view of one of the hotels that we stayed at while waiting to get my passport.

vamos a ustados unidos

2008-12-03T07:27:00.000-06:00

Finally! After a frustrating few days, the airline finally got us tickets for an earlier flight...Weather permitting, we should be in Dallas tonight and on our way home.
After everything we have been through, we are still very grateful to be as blessed as we are. At the embassy on Monday we talked with many people that were much worse off. Yesterday we met a guy from Spain that had been stranded here for a year.
God is good all the time.
I cannot wait to be in the States again.

Hola from Costa RIca

2008-11-29T06:02:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to drop a quick note from our hotel in Costa Rica. Yesterday we went to the LaPaz waterfalls and saw some animals: monkeys, butterflys and assorted hummingbirds. I am trying to upload some pics, but it is taking a bit because although they have "wireless" the wireless router is connected to a pc with a 56 kbps modem.
I will write more when we arrive in Jaco later today.

Oh tis the season

2008-11-26T12:37:00.004-06:00

As the caption on the website says "You Kinda have to feel for the poor dog."

Hmmm...

2008-11-26T10:07:00.001-06:00

Meteor Over Edmonton

2008-11-25T08:33:00.000-06:00

Bruce Lee

2008-11-22T20:18:00.003-06:00

I saw this clip and I thought it was pretty neat. I am not sure if it is a redub, but if it is real, wow! Watch Bruce Lee play Ping Pong with a nunchucks.
Seeing as there is a guy in England that plays darts with 16 penny nails, I guess this is not too far fetched.

Whatever else he was, Bruce Lee embodied dedication.
What have you dedicated your life to?

Doing the right thing.

2008-11-21T09:03:00.001-06:00

Even if it means losing, doing the right thing is ALWAYS the correct thing to do:

I hate the Cowboys

2008-11-20T08:40:00.002-06:00

America's Team. Blech...Blah Blah Give me Da Bears.
That being said, This story is out of the Dallas News. It tells a story of Tony Romo. The guy that was lambasted by the media. This is the guy that has been given a slap in the face time and again by modern media. I won't pretend that this has anything to do with his prowess as a football player, but as a person and good human being, I would be hard pressed to say anything bad about him.
We need more people in the world like Tony Romo.
I still hate the Cowboys, but kudos, props and bravo to Tony Romo.
Here's the story **CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL**

A homeless man who goes by Doc was cashing in change at a Cinemark theater in Dallas when a guy walked up and offered to pay his way into the movie. Doc, who planned to spend his day passing out flyers for a few bucks, accepted a rain check before realizing that he recognized the generous gentleman.

"Was that Tony Romo?" Doc asked the kid behind the counter.

It sure was. Doc hustled across the street to the consignment store that paid him to occasionally pass out flyers and requested the day off. By the time he got back to the theater, "Role Model" had already started.

Romo, who confirmed the story but didn't want to elaborate, waved Doc over to sit by him and his buddy. Doc sheepishly mentioned that he hadn't showered in a few days.

"Don't worry about that," Romo said. "I'm used to locker rooms."

And so the $67 million quarterback and a man who doesn't have $6.70 to his name sat next to each other and shared laughs for 90 minutes or so.

For Romo, who made news by changing a couple's tire on the side of the road on the way home the night of the season opener, it was just another kind gesture to a random stranger. It meant the world to Doc.

"For me, it was a blessing," Doc said. "It came at just the right time. It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind. I just wanted to say thank you."

Ya think he is cold?

2008-11-18T08:01:00.000-06:00

Sorry. I thought this was funny.

Why I Dislike Uneducated Democrats

2008-11-13T11:13:00.002-06:00

This is one of the reasons that I avoid debating politics with Democrats (for the most part). It comes from the crying of fouls over nothing, and side stepping almost every direct question that they are asked.
Unfortunatley, the same squeaking of change that got the wheel greased this past November 4th sounds suprisingly like a crabby child.
A lot of the times, the person that is yelling the loundest is usually the one that needs to check their facts.
below is an excerpt from the Huffington Post:

The small smear of red on the otherwise blue electoral map looks more like a minor bloodstain on a dirty Band-Aid than anything resembling a national political party. Who voted for McCain/Palin in bigger numbers than they even voted for Bush/Cheney? Only one shrinking group: uneducated white folks in the deep south and a few folks in Appalachia. Take away the white no-college-backwoods-and/or-southern McCain/Palin vote and the Republicans would have been approaching single digit electoral college oblivion.

Sarah Palin will never hold national office nor will any Republican at the presidential level for a long time to come. Why? Because America has uneducated jerks in it but is not a nation of uneducated jerks. The Republicans are done, hoisted on the petard of their own "southern strategy."

The Republican Party is only a step away from becoming the fringe of the fringe, identified more with cross-burning weirdoes wearing hoods, folks like the Alaska secessionist party, all those gun owners stocking up on assault weapons before the "Socialist/United Nations/Obama/Muslim" conspiracy comes to fruition, than with anything remotely like a serious national political force.

Gas

2008-11-11T07:39:00.000-06:00

SOrry for the poor posts....haven't had much time. I wil get better. I promise...until then, here is a pic of some expensive gas...or not...do the math and you can see that I filled up for $1.75 per gallon

Nice Gas

2008-11-03T12:02:00.000-06:00

Yeah....That is $1.89 for a gallon

Seek - Find - Love

2008-11-02T14:15:00.004-06:00

The more i seek You, the more i find You, the more i find You, the more i love You, The more i seek You, the more i find You, the more i find You, the more i love You, The more i seek You, the more i find You, the more i find You, the more i love You, The more i seek You, the more i find You, the more i find You, the more i love You, The more i seek You, the more i find You, the more i find You, the more i love You, The more i seek You, the more i find You, the more i find You, the more i love You, The more i seek You, the more i find You, the more i find You, the more i love You,

First Fall Attempt

2008-11-01T18:49:00.000-05:00

This was my first attempt at a panoramic using my tilt. We had a great time tonight. I will post more. Ouachita National forest was beautiful and it was 80 degrees on November 1st,2008

Vote Flipping - Hmmm...

2008-10-28T19:35:00.002-05:00

So according to the DNC it is not likely that this "vote flipping could ever occur"
Interesting. Do you want to know how? Watch this video.

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

Okay. So my boycott of digg.com failed.

This is a pumpkin that I wish I had the time and or talent to make.
Take that Yoda.

Gas in Tulsa or Broken Arrow Oklahoma

2008-10-19T17:05:00.000-05:00

Gas @ $2.37 in Tulsa and Broken Arrow.
Loving it.

Tweeps

2008-10-18T09:07:00.003-05:00

Ok. I am, like most who use it, hooked on Twitter (Come follow me). This morning I added yet more people to my feed. I don't know if it is an innate curiosity to peek into people's lives or just the feeling of community one gets from doing something that everyone else is doing.

All I know is that I have found some prety interesting people. I enjoy it because it takes as much time as I want it to. It is a great way to take a peek at what other people do, think and say during the day. Kinda like eavesdropping except they want you to overhear.

I think that you should try it. If it stinks, and is no fun...quit. I cannot imagine anyone who actually gives it at least a half-hearted attempt, not liking it.

Give it a week, try it. Can't hurt.. and you may end up loving it.
Regardless of if you use it or not, tell me why.

Meteor over Oklahoma

2008-10-17T07:26:00.002-05:00

This pic was snapped by an astronomy club on September 30th, 2008. I thought it was kinda cool so I am putting it here.

HAHA

2008-10-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

Ok...really if you see nothing else in this video, watch for Senator Clinton laughing her head off.

Why I don't DIGG it any more.

2008-10-16T20:54:00.003-05:00

As an IT guy, I truly appreciate the power of the net. I love the fact that if I want to find something out, no matter how obscure, I can usually find it. I used to like going up to www.digg.com because it..well it came up with lots of neat, obscure, and useful stuff. But until November 4th, I am going to boycot. I am tired of the massive anti-candidate material that is taking up the front page all the time. I know that there are some very interesting tid bits worth digging, but I am TIRED of the hired mugs that are basically spamming the site with anti-campaign propoganda. I really don't care if "Joe the Plumber": Dad is son-in-law of Charles Keating!.

I know that some of it is interesting, but I am pretty tired of the media trying to over-influence popular cultural sites.
Just my two cents, but I am done until after the election.

Bible Stories Told With Legos

2008-10-14T07:24:00.002-05:00

I thought that this was pretty creative. Someone took a lot of time to put this together. CLICK HERE TO VIEW BIBLE STORIES

Can I have One of these?

2008-10-13T11:33:00.000-05:00

Out of Position

2008-10-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

So I beg the question: Are you exactly where you should be? Are you doing exactly what you should? Before you answer...my thought is that we are never exactly where we should be. God knows where we should be. In my mind...part of our job here is to do our best to get back where we should be. Kinda like a scale getting back to level. So again: What do you need to do, or give up, or pick up to get your life back to level?
I think that we strive to be more. More successful, more passionate, more in tune with God.
I won't go into it tonight, but success and God are NOT exclusive. In just about every way, each defines the other. What do you think about that?

Twister The Tiger at Safari

2008-10-12T13:22:00.002-05:00

This is Twister. After feeding him a chicken leg, he decided to show us his appreciation by running at the fence and bouncing on it. I wasn't looking but knowing that there is a 800 pound tiger behind a chain link fence makes you feel VERY human. He probably viewed us as a better snack! J/K I am going to be talking about Safari's Interactive Animal Sanctuary for quite some time.

Safari's Animal Sanctuary

2008-10-11T16:30:00.006-05:00

OK. I have been here almost 4 months and we went to Safari's Animal Sanctuary. I have to say that it was a truly wonderful experience. We got to feed tigers and lions (no bears) but oh my! (you knew that was coming. I think that I might try and volunteer there seeing as my attempt to help out with the youth at agcoweta.com is delayed by a few months (they have a six month mandatory waiting period). Here is a picture of a Liger (Dad was a LIon mom was a tiGER)

Here is a video of our friends feeding the liger:

I will post more about this later this weekend. We had a blast!

Amazing

2008-10-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

It never fails and it never fails to amaze me how God provides exactly what I need and then some. Every time I falter and question whether I am on the right path He always lets me know which way to go. Either a gentle nudge or a hard smack upside the head...He lets me know...

My dad used to do something similar. It also amazes me how smart my dad has gotten in the past couple of years compared to how much smarter I was than him when I was growing up. EIther that or all of the self-imposed confidence that I had back then has been slowly leaking out of my ears and he hasn't changed too much. Well, either way. Props Dad! Thanks for the great foundation!
Props to God for shaping me and helping me to achieve more than I ever think is possible! Good family and good God, I am truly blessed

Funny what we do

2008-09-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

To amuse a child.
Sometimes, it amazes me...the power of a child's amused smile. Sometimes...a small step out of your way completely makes someone else's day.

Man those glasses make me look hip.

Trip Back

2008-09-28T18:49:00.006-05:00

Quick post before I sign off to watch the Bears game
Here is my godson Max...he is getting WAY TOO big.

I was in the Chicago area for about 36 hours. Way too short of a visit, but a short visit is better than none. I got to see my father for the first time since his accident. He is up and walking praise God.

Here is a picture of the lake from my parent's bedroom. This is one of my favorite times of the year to be up there, so I am glad that I got a chance to see it.

On the way back to the airport, we made really good time and got to stop by Portillo's. Finally a good HotDog and Cheezy Beef.

Looking forward to my next trip back!

Extra Effort and Natural Talent

2008-09-25T20:52:00.002-05:00

How amazing is that catch?
What are you doing with your natural talent? Are you using it to the utmost? Or do you take it for granted? Do you seek to better yourself everyday? Or do you just wade through your day?
Like the guy who made the catch...try to push yourself to use your abilities and talents to go that extra distance today....I think that you will notice that by doing so, you feel a little bit better than before.

Sioux City

2008-09-24T07:32:00.000-05:00

This week I am in Sioux City Iowa,Nebraska,south dakota. Three state reachable in about 5 minutes. Kinda neat. Off to learn more nerdy networing stuff, but first...breakfast! The picture is of a neaby steak house btw...the meat is prepared about 2 hours prior to eating it.

Short, Sweet, and on the Move

2008-09-20T21:25:00.004-05:00

Wow...This is the first post NOT frm my phone in about...well since I got down here. KT's mom is down visiting and I finished homework early so I am blogging. Quickly. I am whipping up a proposal for an IT symposium that is being held in Sioux City, IA this week. That brings me to how my schedule has been.
In the past 3 weeks, I have: implemented a new backup system (restored 196 GB to a server in about 1.5 hours..wicked fast), I have decommisioned 3 servers and brought 3 new ones online, battled various 2k3 service pack issues as well as getting Sophos (Antivirus) up and running, there was a lot more, but I am sure ya'll r sleepin already (haha funny southern draaawl).

This week starts at about 4am monday morning. I drop KT and her mom off at the airport at 5am. I go to work and test out the new tracking system for the Rail-yard at the plant (Yes we have trains there). I fly out to Sioux City at 5 pm to get in at 10:30 pm. Tuesday and Wednesday I am at the symposium. Thursday I fly out at 1 pm and get back to BA (Broken Arrow, OK) at 5pm. Friday, I go to work and then fly into ORD at around 7 pm (Yes I will be in IL for about an hour, sorry, no wings stop this time) and I get to see my dad for the first time since his accident. I am REALLY excited to see the fam. It feels like YEARS. Anyways, my family is going to stop up to WI and visit on Saturday. Sunday morning I fly out at 2 PM. Truthfully, I was trying to figure out a way to attend service at Stone, but I don't know how to fit it in....I will have to see how the timing goes...I miss that part of my family too. :-S
Anyways....Sorry for the intermittent posts. I will try to be better.
Although it has been crazy busy, I am loving the new job, the new lifestyle and the area. I guess I would never have thought that Broken Arrow, Oklahoma could be so beautiful.

My next task

2008-09-15T15:43:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately this is a pic of the back of one of my server racks. Ugly, I know.
Now that I have the server upgrades firmly in hand..One of my next tasks is to get my servers looking neat and clean. Cleaning up this mess won't be a one day job. Ugh.
Good news is that I love doing this type of work...all challenges included.

Google Chrome: Shiny And New

2008-09-02T15:49:00.001-05:00

Take it for a test drive...If it is like anything else Google has done, it should be nothing short of amazing. It will be interesting to see how it compares to Internet Explorer 8

Back to the basics

2008-08-30T21:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we need to get back to the basics. Part of the reason that we moved down to Broken Arrow,OK. 1 and 0 in computers is about as basic as you can get.
We are focusing now on getting healthier and excercising more. We have been biking more and looking to clean up both our lifes and our spirits.
I have been praying a lot, and it has focused my mind.
I know that I want to get involved with youth again..where, I dont' know yet but I know that God wil let me know.
I love it down here. I look forward to what is in store.
I think that I am going to take up Kung Fu at www.tentigerskungfu.com . I love the martial arts and I need something to help steay my discipline.

I will write more later. I was humbled and awed by katies discription of her walk of faith at www.katiestenglein.blogspot.com and I plan to tell my sordid tale soon.
I do miss a lot about Chicago and I know that I probably miss everyone up there much more than the reciprocal, but as perik said..."I just don't feel like this is the end."
I eagerly await the next chapter friends.

Savistanozs Pizza

2008-08-29T12:46:00.000-05:00

You know that it is a true Chicago-esque Establishment when you see this type of paraphenalia on the wall! Savistano's pizza is the best in pizza in the Tulsa area.

Finally a good pizza

2008-08-29T12:43:00.001-05:00

It only took 2 months but we finally found a good pizza place. Savistanos pizza is the best in Tulsa area

What's with the Cubbies?

2008-08-28T21:44:00.003-05:00

Six Games up going into September....Whodathunkit?

I really miss Chicago Sports Radio.

I miss Pat and Ron.

Well...Cubbies, I am rooting for you.
You have a TOUGh September ahead of you, but I think that you can do it!

You Are SO Agnostic.

2008-08-26T13:47:00.000-05:00

So I overheard one of my coworkers say to another: "You are so agnostic!" This was pertaining to doughnuts.

HUH???
How does that work? I guess that it could apply.
No googling....What does the word agnostic mean to you?

Slight Aversion to Math

2008-08-25T22:34:00.000-05:00

Okay. I still don't like mathematics. I never liked it. I like APPLYING the math...physics...programming...everyday problem solving. But I guess I don't like learning it. I really dislike the cramp that my brain gets.
Sigh.
Juxtapostion.
Learning kinda goes hand-in-hand with the knowing.
Okay...'fess up...what was your least favorite/worst subject in school? Don't be shy...my family will rattle off a long list of subjects I was horrid at. What are your least favorite things that you have to do every day?

Yikes

2008-08-25T08:08:00.000-05:00

Okay. So the Bears are starting to scare me. We need a quarterback and the best that they can come up with is Kyle Orton? He isn't even any good! I mean, come on...The Arizona Cardinals at least piced up a 35+ year old grocery clerk from Saint Louis.

This will be an interesting season.

35 Mile Ride To Mounds

2008-08-23T14:14:00.003-05:00

Quick update:
Katie and I hit the trail for the first time since getting down here. 35 Miles on beautiful country roads with the Tulsa Bike Club.
It was a bit tiring for our first ride out, but I loved it and I look forward to next weekends ride!

Question Number 3 I Gotta Go

2008-08-22T10:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday Readers!
(For those checking up from www.multiply.com, welcome! Please make sure to check www.bringitblog.com regularly as it is updated much more frequently)

Fun little twist today kids..multiple choice!

You are in a very crowded public place where the line for the only bathroom is about 20 people long. You are finishing up your 64 oz soda when you hear something. Listening a bit harder you confirm that yes, that is INDEED Mother Nature calling you. In fact she is screaming at you. You gotta to go...NOW! Do you:
A - Act rude and cut in line.
B - Find the nearest bush.
C - Excuse yourself and run for the car, hoping and praying the you can make it to the gas station 5 miles down the road.
D - This is a disgusting question and irrelevant because I would never get myself in this situation (yeah, right)

Have at it people!
A

Question Number 3 I Gotta Go

2008-08-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

Question Ohhh I Gotta Go!

2008-08-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

My cube

2008-08-22T07:34:00.000-05:00

Okay...This is a bit lame, but here is a vid of my cube. This started as a www.qik.com attempt, but it wouldn't post. I will try again later

Question Number Two

2008-08-21T10:07:00.000-05:00

Okay. I had a neat image for this one, but since blogger is having "technical issues" posting from a mobile device I will add it later.

Remember One word only.

You are lucky enough to have the chance to make a single phone call to one person prior to the world as we known it ending.

Who do you call?

Question Two

2008-08-21T09:50:00.000-05:00

Remember: One word only.

You have the chance to make a single phone call just seconds prior to the world as we know it ends.

Question number two:

Who do you call?

Next Question

2008-08-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

Remember, one word only....

Question number 2: You have the ability to make a single phone call to one person, right before the world ends. Who do you call?

Social Blog Experiment Number 1

2008-08-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

Okay. Here is the deal: The next few days, each post will ask a question, for each question please post a simple ONE word answer. Use the word that best answers that question. Although THERE ARE NO WRONG ANSWERS, I will enable anonymous posts to hopefully encourage everyone to put in their 2¢. Please take time to think about it for a while before answering. When you answer, please try to scroll past everyone else's responses until AFTER you post your own.

Hopefully everyone will enjoy and be enriched by both the questions and the answers. The more that answer, the more intersting this will be.

Question Number One:

What is the opposite of love?

Out of Gas

2008-08-18T13:41:00.000-05:00

What does it mean to you? If someone says to you that they are "Out of gas", what comes to mind?

Weather

2008-08-15T07:38:00.000-05:00

It's that first sniff of cooler air. There is still a couple of weeks where it will get brutally hot I am sure, but fall is right around the corner. I don't have a single favorite season. I am one of those people that as one season comes to a close, I get excited about and look forward to the next. There are cerain things that make me think of different seasons. This morning, it was a break in the rain as I got into my car. It was kind of cool, the thermometer read 65. I got a picture in my head of a crisp, sunny fall day. I am excited now! It is funny to me how certain objects or events trigger different emotions and feelings. What makes you reminisce?

Michael Phelps is a bully

2008-08-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

Okay...Maybe not a bully. More like a beast. Five gold medals so far and he is going for 8! The man is insane, quite possibly the best athlete in the world!?! All I know is that just by himself, he would right now be in fourth place for number of gold medals. Yes he would be just behind South Korea. By one. Anyways..off my soapbox now...
BTW...did Canada miss the memo that the Olympics started? No medals yet. Even the nation of Togo has a medal.
Sorry canadian readers....feel free to reply about americans be lazy and yadayadayada

A Good Start To The Day

2008-08-08T07:19:00.000-05:00

Once again...I love my commute! since I love sunrises to, this pic especially rocks!
Everytime I see a sunrise like this, I am reminded of how God keeps on giving us a new chance everyday. A clean slate to start with.
Amazing.

Reflections

2008-08-07T07:31:00.000-05:00

I do have a neat meaningful post that will go here. This is just t remind myself so I can write it this weekend as I have no time today.
Until then, enjoy the sunset reflected off the pool.

Not Pizza

2008-08-07T07:28:00.001-05:00

Go here only if you want soggy, yucky pizza. It was like a half cooked Tombstone that some one soaked with a bit of water. Definitely NOT Chicago style.

Another Quick Update

2008-08-05T21:08:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to keep everyone updated. My dad is not quite up to talking yet, hopefully tomorrow. The more I hear about the accident, the more I am amazed that he is alive. My sister said it best: "He has not fulfilled his purpose here yet."
The doctors say that if all is well, he may be able to go home soon, it depends on how the next few days go
Thank you for your continued prayers.

My Commute

2008-08-04T20:59:00.003-05:00

(I will repost this with a dedicated pic instead of photobucket as soon as blogger let's me)

My dad is doing better and although the majority of my thoughts always stray back to him...I finally got a good picture of the horses that I was telling you about on my commute home.

My commute is all back roads and it takes me about 20 minutes (beats the heck outta 45min to 1.5 hours). But the first time that I saw these horses outside Broken Arrow,OK or Catoosa,OK...my jaw dropped. There are probably 50-200 scattered in the field at any given time. Breathtaking.

Anyways. Thanks for reading!

Update on my dad

2008-08-03T16:49:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your Thoughts and Prayers.
My dad is doing as good as can be expected.

Since then, we have learned that he shattered a vertebrae, fractured several others, broke a rib, and has a significant head injury. He successfully underwent surgery on Saturday, and they fused the T11, T12, L1, L2, and L3 vertebrae. In recovery, he was able to move his toes upon request (although cranky about it).
The swelling in his head has gone down.

At this point, we believe he will be in the hospital for up-to a week. He then has a lengthy recovery (hopefully at home), which will include a back brace and physical therapy.

My father is lucky to be alive. God has graced him with a chance to rebuild not only his body but also his spirit.

Please continue to pray for a speedy recovery of both.

Say some prayers

2008-08-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

FOr all 30-50 of you that actualy pay attention to me...Please take some time and say prayers for my father. He was working on a deck this afternoon and fell one story down. He shattered 3 vertebrae and has some bleeding in his head. He can move his feet slightly so that is a good sign. He goes into surgery early saturday morning to repair the L1 vertebrae.
Please keep him in your thoughts...but as importantly, give your loved ones a hug like it is the last time you will see them

I will post updates as I get them.
Thank you

Taco Bueno

2008-08-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

This is the friday tradition. These are members of the Bueno crew. Tacao Bueno...the place to be.

Road to Walmart

2008-07-31T19:56:00.001-05:00

This road (which is mainly gravel) is the quickest way to the nearest walmart.

I found a new way to work today. On the route is a massive horse farm. I will post pics later tomorrow .

Filing our dinner

2008-07-31T19:52:00.000-05:00

Intersting décor.
This was in the middle of the eating area at the diner that we had dinner at.

Dog raises tiger cubs

2008-07-31T13:05:00.001-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25945650/

I just thought this was cool. Tigers rock. Tigers and dogs rock even more.