PROUD OF ME

I took a few vacation days this week to get some personal things done. On my list, to start a new book project. The research has been collected, but I haven't been able to sit down and just start, well, writing. Yesterday, I had to go into the office in the morning, because I didn't plan well. So today was D-day. Well, actually, it is V-day for Valentines. In any case, I needed to get started. I did. This was a big accomplishment. I began a chapter outline, and starting putting some flesh to it. In addition, I wrote three solid pages. I started. I'm proud.

ANOTHER WEDDING DAY

As I have been working organizing my home office, I found this oldie but goodie. This is a picture of my aunt and uncle - my father's younger sister. Over the years, my dad hardly spoke about his family. In fact, other than this particular sister, who lived in Florida, the rest of his family never left India- therefore I have never met any of them. In just a few weeks, I will be in Calcutta, meeting my dad's siblings for the first time (since I was one years of age). I am excited to see them all, since this photo is all I really know of them. That's my dad on the far right.

WEDDING DAY

I found this wallet photo as I was cleaning out my home office. It is a picture of our wedding day, November 26. We look so young - because we were. What a stressful day. I really didn't know how to relax and appreciate the day. 11 years later, I am still in love with this wonderful lady.

MANLY MAN

I must admit that I have really been surprised by the things I am doing with my hands.

The heater in my van stopped working about two months ago. This didn't cause an alarm because it was autumn - and we really didn't need the heat. But about a week ago it started to get very cold, and my wife looked at me and said, "are you ever planning on fixing the heat?"

I didn't want to take the van to a mechanic and pay hundreds of dollars to fix it. I decided to look it up on the Internet to figure out what the problem was.

After diagnosing the problem I went to the auto store and picked up a part and took the risk -with the help of a friend who kind of knows his way around - we fixed the blower in the van. I saved about $500 and now have a van that is nice and toasty.

If you're impressed with that story let me tell you I'm in the middle of renovating my bathroom. I finished grouting this morning and just need to put sealant over the tiles and I will have a brand-new bathroom floor and toilet.

I guess what it takes is a little bit of self-confidence to know that you can do some things on your own. The other big thing that you need in order to do home renovations projects is the ability to have some free time- that's an entirely different blog post.

I used voice recognition software to create this blog post.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

BLACK FRIDAY HIKE

On Friday, we decided to take a trip to Calvert Cliffs, on the Chesapeake Bay. It was a perfect day, 68 degrees, and nothing but time on our hands. Round trip - 4 miles. On the way back, Wilo couldn't walk anymore, and fell asleep. So I carried her the final 2 miles.

LAKE ELKHORN

It was one of those rare warm 70 degree days on Sunday. We took a walk around Lake Elkhorn - about two miles. The kids were in a jolly mood - one of those days where you wish you could have more of.




















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The American Dream

Last night as I was teaching class, I took the elevator to the 3rd floor to grab a projector. As I exited, a little girl sat in her stroller and said hi to me. She had a giant smile. Her mom quickly turned around to see what her daughter was exclaiming about.

Her mom was pressed against the doorway, listening to the lecture, while trying to keep daughter occupied.

Here was a parent, spending over $500 per credit hour, unable to work out her childcare, at least for tonight.

The American dream is beautiful. But, for most people who seek to fulfill that dream, it can be a lob and difficult journey.


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LACES IS CHANGING LIVES

One of my friends and church members, Seren Fryatt runs an amazing charitable organization called LACES. Check out how they are changing lives.

Click here to view the video.