A View From the Top

Of the BCS that is!Alabama is 10-0 for the first time in a long time, and frankly, I am super-stoked about it. I thought I would just dedicate this post to all those hoping for a Crimson Tide Championship for the first time since 92'. While we were down in Alabama, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to visit Bama's campus, especially since my grandparents live about 15 minutes away. The pictures are at night, and I forgot my tripod, so forgive the quality of some of them...

Sweet Home Alabama

Things have been real busy lately, especially after being gone for a week at a job conference. Now that I am back in life at normal speed, I thought I would share a few pictures from my trip down to Alabama to visit my grandparents. My mom, sister, nephew and I drove down a couple weeks ago to visit my Grandpa Harold and Grandma Martha. It was a blast to get to see them and spend a weekend with them. Even though we had a full car with a 20 month old, everything went real smoothly. Ethan did awesome. We stopped for an hour about twice so he could stretch out, but he didn't cry or anything the whole time. I was particularly glad about that while I was driving. Here are some of the pictures of the fam



After Church

Ethan was really happy, and the center of attention (as always)

We figured out where Ethan gets his hair from...

Grandma and Grandpa really wanted Ethan to warm up with them over the weekend, and were really happy that He did!

I just like this one

Grandpa watching Alabama football, his favorite thing (along with fishing)

Update coming soon, busy with life. I am actually working everyday again, Halloween is tomorrow, so I'll take a break this weekend to update, and share some pictures from my trip to my Grandparents in Alabama with my mom, sister and nephew...in the mean time, here's something I rarely put up here, a picture of me!

Which way should Eileen?

I'm undecided, but if I were to pick an alias to go by as a voter, my name would be Eileen Wright (think about it). With all of the complex issues that come with a tight election, I wish Dr. Seuss had something for us to simplify things...maybe he could think of an ending for "one vote, two vote, red vote, blue vote"...Maybe he could tell us for whom the Who's would vote.

The fact is, we're left to educate ourselves, fight through the many voices and talking heads of the mediascreaming at us (and each other), telling us what to do and who to vote for. I'm new to keeping up with political news, and it's difficult to find a trustworthy voice (suggestions are welcomed). After weeks of confusion and frustration, I decided that I am not a dummy, and I don't need anyone to tell me what to do...But I DO need some people to tell me what exactly they would do. So I went to a McCain/Palin rally last week. I honestly wished it was more of a town hall meeting than a rally, but I'll take what I can get. Not only was that an opportunity for me to learn about a candidate from the candidate's mouth, but it was also a great photo-op! I was excited to use my new star filter for the first time. It was tough being a short guy in a crowd of people trying to get pictures, but I got a few decent photos, I'll share a few below.

Less than two weeks to go before the election, so much studying to be done. I think it's funny whenever I hear people say this is possible the most important election of history. I understand the weight of the issues pressing this one, but the past can't be changed, so this IS the most important election because it effects the future. Anyway, just a minor rant. Oh, one more thing. If anyone actually read this whole blog and has any good print, internet or any other resources to get educated, please share!

The pro Mcain slogan

The anti-Obama slogan (decidedly more creative than it's counterpart, "McLame")

The crowds gathered in anticipation...

For Hank Williams Jr.! He was awesome. I could listen to him talk and play guitar all day. I'm sure he's got a ton of great stories, growing up with Johnny Cash, June Carter, and being the son of Hank Williams They finally make it out. Sara Palin, Todd Palin, Hank Jr, John McCain

Hey, look! It's Tina Fey! sometimes I honestly can't tell the difference.

Happy voting!

Saturday on the Links, continued...

So I've been lazy updating the blog this week, but here it is, as promised!

This was awesome! Shean hit a nice shot, nothing but ball, even ended up on the fairway...He got pretty good distance on his club head too! It was hilarious. The pastor and his son
long putt...
Oh so close!
The Lemon boys and Billy Martin

Saturday on the Links

Here's a teaser for Saturday's Men's golf outing for church. It went pretty well, 20 guys hit the links then the lunch table on Saturday for some good food and fellowship. It was an amazing day and a lot of fun! Stay tuned for a few more pictures...

Lecrae is back!

I feel like a little kid, and a little like a salesperson blogging about this. I just remembered that today Lecrae's new album, "Rebel" is out, and I am sitting at a Starbucks a little over a hundred yards from a Walmart! I am ridiculously excited/giddy right now, and I thought I would share it with you all before I go pick up the album. Basically, Lecrae is a Christian rapper who

1. is ACTUALLY an awesome rapper

2. has very Scripture/Gospel centered lyrics and songs

3. has made making music a launching point for his ministry!

When I finish listening to one of his albums, it's like I've listened to a vivid, no-punches pulled, truth filled, Christ-exalting sermon. I have nothing against Christian music, but sometimes I listen to Christian songs and feel as if the content is lacking when it comes to truth. Lecrae goes after truth before emotions, but does not ignore human experience either. Rap may not be your thing, but if truth is, and if Christ is, check out his ministry, and check his music, you will be encouraged and challenged. If you check it out, let me know what you think!

Game on!

VS.

I love college football, especially the University of Alabama. After all the big losses for USC, Ohio State and Florida, the stakes of this game are a potential top ranking in the BCS standings. The press is devided in their predictions, the fans are passionate, the stage is set in Athens with 93,000 in the stadium and many more watching at home -- GAME ON!

p.s. This game is also fun for me because the winner will determine whether Jason or myself will have bragging rights for a while!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

The hunt for green october

So, paychecks have just been so-so, and I'm barely getting by. I've been on the job hunt as much as possible for the past couple of weeks, and I'm about to go drop of my resume a few places. My goal is to be in a new job by October, but the clock is ticking! If only I had the instincts of Jack Ryan, or even better, Jack Bauer, I would hunt down and beat an awesome job into submission. I may end up needing a hacksaw and a blind favor from a stranger for this, but you'll just have to trust me!

Ok, so it probably won't be that exciting, but I can have a little fun with it, can't I?

YAY!

Things lately have been pretty predictable: work, eat, sleap, repeat. Since this is a temporary thing, I am really looking forward to moving forward to where God is leading me. Frankly it's been wearing on me of late. Which is why I am happy to say that I recieved an invitation to the conference for the overseas program I applied to! I am really stoked! I get to go to Richmond in November for the conference to do interviews and work out some job requests.

I am really praying and trying not to look forward so much that I miss great opportunities to serve now, but I am still pretty excited. This is what I have been hoping to do for about 4 years now! My wish has come true!

Yay, it's almost here!

A man with a plan!

So, I've been frustrated in my new schedule, being tired and going to bed early not doing some things I want to do more, so, I've decided its time to go back to the old drawing board, and rewrite my schedule and prioritize stuff I want to take care of. Since coming back from school, I have relaxed my schedule and haven't planned much, but now its time to do it again! Planning is crucial to discipline and preparation to whatever God brings my way.

Provervs 16:3

"Commit your work to the Lord

and your plans will be established"

Back from the dead

Well, not literally, but I don't walk around like a zombie anymore (technically, zombies are un-dead, but whatever). Anyway, just leaving a quick update so you know I'm not dead. During the week is tough, because I go to bed early for work, but there are a couple things coming up.
1. I'm trying to get a 2nd job
2. I've been talking to people about relief work overseas
3. I may teach a class at my church (i'll fill you in on that later)

but for now, sleep

Some fun with the sickness, featuring Billy Mays

Do you want to lose weight, control your hunger, be well rested, have plenty of time to do the things you've been wanting to do, but that pesky job is always in the way. Well do I have a solution for you! It's called, Get Sick (tm). Your body's not ready, and you won't believe the results (which may vary)! You'll lose ALL your appetite, you won't even enjoy food because you can't even taste it! Forget all the time work takes out of your schedule, get back on the couch (you won't have energy to do much else) and get back to catching up on movies, books, heck even my infomercials! I'm so confident in this products quality, that if you incubate right now, we'll give you not 1, not 2, but 3 sick days absolutely free (you are't getting paid for them anyway)! So what are you waiting for, go get coughed on right now! You'll be on the couch and miserable in no time. I GUARANTEE IT!

Sick Days...

I call these my cocktails. It's not bad, but I can't taste it much anyway. This is a free plug for Dayquil and Airborne. Sadly, my face is still plugged. Looking forward to breathing out of my nose, smelling, tasting ALL of my food, actually being hungry, having energy and being able to do read without falling asleep (ok, I've been hoping for that for a long time -- I was notorious for falling asleep with the light on and my face in a book at school).
On the plus side, I have read some more than if I'd been working, watched a couple movies I'd been wanting to see, and I got more time with the fam. It was all pro bono, and sans choice.

Thanks germs and bacteria,

Love Bobby

Poker Night!

Now that I have a "big-boy job" and I don't live in the dorms hanging out every night, the weekends are very precious to me. One thing that I have made a habit of doing the past few weeks is playing some friendly poker on Saturday nights at a friend's house. We all pay $5 to get in the game, and just hang out and play poker. No big winners here, there's usually a win/loss of about 2 bucks with most people. Big winners win 5 bucks maybe. The main thing is that its fun and we hang together with a little friendly competition. I also like to dress for the occasion (below).

Here are some of the poker faces of the players, and a few other shots:

Kristen's poker face

Billy is always a character

Larry stacks his chips

Chris considers his hand...

Chris folds

Larry's normal face. It doubles as his poker face.

and one more picture to leave you with.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!