Iron Bowl 07 - post 2

Auburn vs Bama 2007

Iron Bowl 2007 Flyover

Iron Bowl 07 - post 1

Tshirt and Bumper Sticker Ideas (as read on blog sites):

Got Six?

$4 Million Just Doesn't Go As Far As It Used To!

Four Million Wasn't Enough

Six is AU-ight!

New Year, New Hand, New Finger

Monday's Confession

THIS movie found its way into my Top Ten list. Saw it over Thanksgiving weekend. I never (as in never ever) thought a chick flick could do that...but dude, this is a well written script and good acting. So go ahead fellas, hound me if you want....but that's a good movie.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pre-Thanksgiving Quote

“The greatest lie that I have ever had to contend with is this, ‘that life is a story about me’.” --Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz

Today's Stat

On any given night in America, anywhere from 700,000 to 2 million people are homeless, according to estimates of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty.

Free 411

I often use 1-800-FREE411. Yeah, I know, I hear ya - you gotta listen to the advertisements...but still, it's free! Beats paying 2 bucks for using directory assistance through your cell phone company.

So last night I was trying to find the number for Las Palmas, a Mexican Restaurant in Cartersville. Typically I have to repeat myself several times to the automated system. Sometimes it just kicks me to the operator. Often it's simple words too, like "Target" or "Walmart". So, you know the drill:

City and State Please
Did you say?
Ok, government, business, or personal listing?
Would you like to search by name?
Ok, say the name
Did you say?
Ok, let's try again, just say the name...
Did you say?
Ok, let's try again.....

I'm sure you've been there too. A little frustrating. Well, I say all of that to say this: Last night, I knew going into the phone call that I had maybe a 10% chance of it recognizing me saying Las Palmas. I mean, after all, I apparently can't say Target right. So, being the goofy individual that I am, I decided to say "Las Palmas" with the most exaggerated, over the top, loudest, fakest Hispanic accent I could conjure up. "Laaaaasssss Pahhhhhlmaahhhhssss!!!!" And wouldn't you know it, yep, first time. "Did you say Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant?....The number you requested is..."

Ah, good ole USA.

Maybe I missed some kind of calling: Redneck dude who speakka no Spannich but has killer fake accent. Hmmmm...wonder what I could do with that?

Shhhh....It's Still a Secret

Went to HUNTSVILLE this past weekend. My stomping ground. Hometown. Affectionately called, "Huntsvegas". Little bro got married. Hitched. Doomed....oh wait, sorry. :-)

Had a blast with family and friends. The wedding was on top of MONTE SANO MOUNTAIN. Too many details, not enough time to describe everything. AUsome weekend!

Huntsville/Madison area has grown...alot. Has changed alot. There's a ton to do. You, of course, have the anchor - the Space and Rocket Center. But I won't turn this into a shameless promotion...maybe I already have.

Me and the Fam drove around THIS new development. Very cool shopping area. PIC. Go on the website and check out the movie theatre. GA needs this.

But the whole purpose of this post is to say....Shhhhh - Huntsville is still, for the most part, a secret - A HIDDEN GEM. Please, please don't tell too many people. Please let most people think that North Alabama is like...well, like other areas of Alabama...boring, backwoods...you know, hillbilly - like Tuscaloosa. Please let them think this.

I don't know what most homefolk think, but the growth is cool...as long as it is managed well.

Today's Church Sign

We don't change the message, Let it change you.

Saw this one this morning. Here's my edited version:

"We never change how we communicate the message, why would we expect it to change you?"

Cool Sky Pic from cell phone camera

Chinese Gourmet Philosophy

Me and the Fam hung out at Panda Express tonight and enjoyed a little rice (I go with the plain white steamed rice) and chicken and veggies. And, as any person, I fully anticipated the end of the meal when you get to break into the fortune cookie to read something so life changing and challenging and inspiring and important to your future...(sarcastic enough for you?).

But, tonight, I actually enjoyed reading my "fortune". And odd enough, I like what it said and I think it sums up how I often view life/work/education/faith. Here it is:

I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.

Yeah, real profound, huh? Ha. But seriously, I like this summary. In fact, If I could somehow revolutionize our education system, this is where I would begin. Hands on. More time out of the classroom. Application application. Doing. Learning because you are doing.

And when I think about life lessons, and faith in action, and learning on the job, this fits. Things click more at work and you are often more productive when you are shown something and then in turn, apply it over and over and learn it on the spot. Who doesn't prefer that over a 1/2 day conference with chex mix and strong coffee? (Not that there aren't times for training seminars.)

And when do most of the milemarkers in our faith journey occur? Yeah: mission trips and local service projects. Doing. (Once again, it's a balance though, right? Discipleship and personal Bible study and prayer and accountability are vital.) But the "ah-ha" moments - the times that transform us and help us understand our beliefs and solidify our faith - often come when our hands and feet are dirty.

Must See

Ok, so maybe AUburn hasn't had the greatest football season this year. Hit and miss. Highs and lows. But they do have one of the coolest intro videos of any college team.

CHECK IT OUT

Chicken w/Egg Noodle Soup, Cinnamon Toast Crunch (offbrand) Cereal, and Calamari

Random gross post of the week. The above is what I had for dinner last night. Dana was out of the house, getting a well deserved break from the kids, and so I had all 4 kids to myself - feeding them, getting them ready for bed, etc. No, don't worry, the kids had a well balanced meal. Pancakes and milk. ha. But I couldn't decide what I wanted. I started off with a small bowl of soup....but was still hungry. Went to the cereal...that was OK...and then threw in the mushy seafood (squid, are you kidding me?!).

Maybe that's why I felt sick today?

Politics and Putting Others First

Nah...not what you think. Not a rant on politicians or Washington...though it would be easy. Just wanted to share the 2 conversations I've had with my 6 yr old, over the past 2 mornings, as I've taken him to school.

#1: "Daddy....argh...ahhhh...I don't like those!" What Braden, what is it, what's wrong? "Those signs...what are they...they are everywhere and they are bugging me!" Uh (laughing), yeah son, those are people running for office, wanting our vote. (Thinking to myself: Wow, he's learned early - they bug me too.)

#2: It was quiet on the ride to school this morning until Braden suddenly said, "Hey Dad, I put others first at school yesterday." At that very point I was flooded with many different thoughts and emotions - all of them great. You see, on Sunday at the Leaf (our church), the main point in the Kid's area was "I will put others first." I was the host in the Kid's area for the 2nd service, and we talked about different ways you can put other's first. As a leader in kid's ministry, and especially as a PARENT, you want to know - you want feedback and results - that what you are teaching and illustrating is sticking and that they "get it". I asked Braden how he put others first and he told me he allowed other kids to go in front of him in the lunch line. Great job son. I think us adults could apply this Biblical principle a little more in our everyday lives.

Quick Hit

Finishing is important. Ask the Auburn Tigers. They are one of the few teams in college football that has led at the half in every single game this year....yet they have 3 losses. Quick Hit of the day is brought to you by: "I hope LSU crushes Alabama this weekend", and co-sponsored by: "I hope I can find free tickets to the AU vs. UGA game in Athens next weekend."

Pic Of The Day (Actually, First Pic in the Past 3 yrs.)

Best Burger

THIS burger joint recently showed up in GA. Had a chance to eat there yesterday. One word: Yummy. Actually, let's make that 3 words: Yummy Yummy Yummy. There, that's more fitting. (Hint: You need to eat there some time soon.)

You Don't Mind

As I ran to my car this evening - 5:30pm, leaving my office - I had a thought. Actually, a couple of them. I was having to run. And this was a good thing. No, this was a GREAT thing. Why? Well, because I was running to avoid getting wet. Yep, it was actually raining in GA! Seems like it's been months, even years, since we've had rain.

And as I threw my laptop in the back seat, quickly opened my door and ducked my head to get in, another thought hit me. I Don't Mind. I don't mind the rain. In fact, looking out my window most of today, it was like I was watching a carnival or a college football game (ok, not THAT good). But it was a sight to behold. We so desperately need the rain. We are in a drought. A bad one. (Are there good ones?) Historic type stuff. And while I've never liked rainy days, you don't so much mind it when you know just how desperate we are for it. When you know that farmers and business people and concerned people have been praying like never before that God would send rain. I didn't mind the slower drive home. If I was a mind reader...or a reader of road emotions...I would say you could sense a calm on the road. I think there were many other people on the road who didn't mind the rain either.

As I thought about the rain, I compared it to our faith and our witness. When we find ourselves desperate to hear from God, we don't mind (so much) His discipline or odd answers. We find ourselves so consumed to know Him more and to be in His will for our lives that we don't mind whatever He places in front of us - cause we know He loves us like crazy and is shaping us. Also, when we are so filled with the Spirit and burdened for neighbors and friends and co-workers who don't follow Christ, we don't mind the differences. We don't mind being around the cussing or the different values or any kind of awkwardness - b/c it's worth it. We are driven to love them and accept them and convey a love to them that has changed our lives forever. We truly don't mind.

Quick Hits

1. Got my first ever flu shot the other day. Do they have one for the stomach flu? That's the one I want!

2. Overheard two local policeman chatting at the ball field the other day. Very insightful (sarcastic). One said to the other, "You know, we sure is growing...much like Canton and Acworth. The thing is, I've lived here all my life...and well, you know much of these people living here now are not from here." (Wow, thanks Captain Obvious --- said with much respect.) And yes, it was said in a tone of "I don't like the growth, go back where you came from." But no bigee, I can understand his frustration. Personally though, I like it a little bigger. At least we have enough now to attract the Starbucks and Kohl's of the world. Oh wait, is that a good thing?

3. Northstar is showing a promo video for kIDS Beach Club this Sunday during both services. Dana and I will have a table set up near the kids area so when parents come by to pick up their kiddos we can harass them, force them to listen to us, and demand they volunteer......oh wait, sorry, I got that wrong. We can kindly tell them about this great ministry and answer any questions. :-)

4. I recently bought THESE computer speakers. They are at my office and now I crank some serious tunes at work. (They run specials at buy.com...just wait for the free shipping.)

5. Watched Evan Almighty last night. Funny movie. I was pleasantly surprised in the many good points made throughout the movie. A little overkill on the whole protect the environment thing...but overall, great flick.

6. I bought some doggie treats that I give (with permission) to my neighbor's dog. He's in a fence. Good thing too, cause he would attack the living mess out of me or my kids otherwise. Mean thing. I'm hoping this will aid in stopping his ferocious barks at us. So far, though, I don't think it's working. He's probably just thinking, "Sucker...now this idiot feeds me, got him right where I want him."

7. With our oldest,Braden, attending Cartersville Primary School, we are trying to get into the whole town pride/school pride thing. Today was spirit day at his school....but dude, I just can't handle Purple & Gold. Reminds me too much of LSU.

Expect the Unexpected

I've just about concluded that life and faith and love and success and just about everything has to do with the unexpected. However I thought it would be, rarely turns out that way. And most of the time that's a good thing. After all, WHO is in control? Who is steering the ship? Who knows far better what is good for you? Who can see 6 months ahead? And this same Almighty God/Father/Savior/Redeemer calls us to the unexpected, doesn't He?! Look at what He called His people to back in the day. Crazy stuff. Rare stuff. Completely and totally and utterly the UNEXPECTED. Just thinking out loud a little.......

I never expected to have four kids within the first 7 years of marriage.

Never thought I would have a desire to be involved in a kid's ministry. As in never ever never thought! Now, the potential that kIDS Beach Club has in reaching elementary students is....is...whack crazy! I'm pumped! Cobb County has just about approved everything. 1st Club in GA coming soon.

Dana and I never expected to be back at Oak Leaf Church. When I say it came out of left field, I mean the foul line, bleacher seat left field. Out of nowhere. Does it make complete sense to us? Nope. Have others questioned it (body language saying "WHAT?!")? Yep. But are we doing exactly what we feel God prompted us to do? Yep. Are God's ways always common sense? Hardly.

Never thought Auburn would beat FL this year. (Had to throw that in there.)

Never thought I would be working with 60,70,80, & 90 yr olds. After all, I was on the cookie cutter fast track for Seminary-->Youth Pastor-->Asst. Pastor-->Pastor. That's what you're supposed to do, right? That is how ministry works, right? (Sorry, the sarcasm was a bit heavy there.)

Never expected to live in the state of GA. After all, AL, right next door, is far better. :-)

Never expected parenting to be this hard.

Never expected to be so selfish in marriage. Putting your spouse's needs above yours is difficult (and impossible without God's help).

Never expected the things I held in high regard...things I considered SO important just a few short years ago...to mean absolutely nothing now. Is that part of growing up?

Today's Song

Stop what you are doing, turn up your ratty computer speakers, and sing it out!!!!
(Hillsong, Take It All)

Are you kidding me? Dude, totally awesome!

Could you ever imagine something like THIS in Georgia?!?!

Uh....dude...uh, gnarly, eh? Uh,pssstttt...come here...come closer...check THIS out. It's not a pipe dream, no pun intended.

Further Proof
A Video
A Pic

Possible dilemma: My in-laws live just a few miles from the proposed spot. Let me get a feel from them whether or not they want something like this in their backyard. If not, then I'll come back on here and say what a horrible idea this is and how we need to protect the environment and this will kill fish in the lake and.....wait, who am I kidding, no I won't! 30 restaurants?!? World's only indoor snowmobile track? Two ice rinks? Two quarter-pipes, a half-pipe, and a super pipe?!? A mogul field?!? 2,500-seat outdoor amphitheater and replica of a European castle?!?

I've already sent an email to the genius behind this. I quickly put together and proposed a package deal in which I bring in a Christian band and I will be the speaker for youth lock-ins (this is a huge joke if you can't tell) and I will make a ton of money....ha.

Ok, enough with the madness. Quite interesting, eh?

Oh, in case you didn't read the long article - If you wonder why the developer is considering Dawsonville (still relatively small, 1 hour from my driveway), here's why: "It's within 100 miles of 6 million people."

Umm....hmmm...hey churchplanters...ummm....hmmmmm..........

Soccer Lesson

I had a revelation of sorts tonight. A good illustration. A lesson learned. It was on the soccer field....with a bunch of 5 yr olds.

Like every parent and every coach and every relative watching and instructing the game, I was barking (nicely I'd like to think) orders to the kiddos. Encouraging them to get aggressive. To stay with it. To get in to position. To kick it in the goal! (I'm an assistant coach and lovin' it---well, sometimes.)

It was about mid way through the 4th quarter that I had this "huh, it is just like that, isn't it?" kind of moment. We were getting clobbered by a much better team and I found myself getting quite frustrated. Yeah, I know, don't say it. I say it plenty to myself. "They're just 5." And you're right. I do everything I can to suppress (over and over and over) my competitiveness, and remember the big picture.

So in that moment, toward the end of the game, I asked myself, "Why are they not listening? Why are they not running? There are plenty of people instructing them where to go and what to do." The answer was simple: They didn't learn it in practice. We didn't really do a good job showing them how to spread out or pass or turn the ball well.

And in that moment I compared that with following Christ. Specifically, passing that following on to our kids. I think the average approach (that I find myself in quite often) is yelling from the sidelines. We are encouraging them to do the right thing. We want them to succeed. We want them to trust this Jesus that we are entrusted to. We want them to discover God's best. But in those gametime moments, when character and faith are tested, what will they have to recall? Will they be able to pull up illustrations from memory? Times when they saw us illustrate a Biblical principle? Did we ever intentionally teach them "in practice"? Here's another one: Did we just leave it up to the church?

And for those thinking it: Yeah, I know, this is oversimplified. I know it's more than, "Oh, just teach your kids right and they will not fail or abandon their faith." We all know the stats on that and what kind of enemy we are up against. But I know for me, next time I wonder why one of kiddos is just not listening or just not making the wise choice, I'm not just going to simply pass it off as them just being a kid or the rebellious spirit. I'm going to look for those teachable moments and first place the responsibility back on me - what have I taught or showed or lived out in front of them that would help change the current situation?

p.s. Back to the competitiveness stuff: Sorry other coach, you can't sub when my goalie is holding the ball. I may have informed him of that tonight. :-)
(In a "bless you brother" kind of way.)
:-)

Friday's Reality Pic

Auburn vs Florida 2007

In case you missed it...quite the weekend!

Awesome One Minute Painting

Next Question

Question: I've heard you're cheap. Just how cheap are you?

Answer: So cheap that when buying a $9.99 pair of sunglasses yesterday at the drugstore, I asked for a discount because there was a small scratch on the left lens.

(The scratch was so small you had to squint to see it.)
(It worked. I paid $7.99 for my wonderful new shades.)

Question of the Day

The interview format did not flow, so now the format will be "Question of the Day"?

Question: Jonathan, with Auburn being 2-2, both losses coming from unranked teams, what are their odds of winning against Florida IN THE SWAMP this weekend?

Answer: I'm having a good morning, can we please keep this positive.

Interview w/Self : Volume 1, Chapter 1, Section 3b, Row 14, Seat 09

To ease the flow of this interview, my subconscious will be called "Tom".

Tom: Good morning Mr. Sutton, I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview.
Jonathan: No problem, let's get to it.
Tom: Absolutely. This morning's interview will consist of a series of random questions.
Jonathan: Gee, what surprise.

Tom: Question number 1: As a devout follower of your blog, I've noticed you haven't mentioned any good church signs lately. Why is that?
Jonathan: Well, I'm trying not to "slam" or be negative towards someone or something...especially the body of Christ. We have enough of that already. However, it's funny you mention the church sign thing...cause I just saw one yesterday morning that HAS to be mentioned.
Tom: Ok, but keep it clean, be nice.
Jonathan: Sure thing. The sign said, "Almost living right is still wrong! Right is easy with God's help." I'll keep this brief and simple. This sign does absolutely no good. Here's how I see it: To me, this sign says, "Nice try, but you failed. You 'almost' got it right, but your not up to our standard. God/We demand perfection. You are still wrong! If you 'almost' did the right thing, good try, but you're still damned!" By the way, why do any church signs address the community with messages like this? What possible good could come from a sign like this? When I pass by a sign like that, my first thought goes to the divorced guy who lives 2 houses down from the church. He grew up in the church. Was married in the church. But then things went sour. His life unraveled. His marriage fell apart. And within the blink of an eye, he found himself isolated from his friends at church. He's not sure how it happened. But now he feels he can NEVER go back. Why is that? It's because of the attitude of the "saints" at that church. To them, this guy failed. He didn't "live right". He almost did. He did for awhile. But as we all know, Jesus only died for those who live right. :-0 This oozes and smells of PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE. Where is your focus church? We are not in the business of trying to help/make people "live right". We are in the business of extending the same grace and forgiveness to others that has been poured on to us. Stop telling people they are wrong. You only make our job harder. Please read more carefully how Jesus handled the religious people of His day. The parallel to what we do sometimes...how we treat unbelievers...how we put the external standards of living above WHO we are following...you may find this parallel frightening.

Due to my insanely long response, I'll continue with question 2 and 3 at a later date.

Don't Stop Running!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7

I heard the phrase, "Don't Stop Running!", twice this weekend. In two different places. For two different reasons. But one is a great illustration for the other.

The first place I heard it was out of my own mouth on Saturday. It was on the soccer field. It was spoken to my 6 yr old and his soccer team. I think it's one of the crucial things you attempt to teach kiddos who are learning the game of soccer. Followthrough. Don't stop running. The tendency is to stop. The tendency is to not keep going when confronted by Billy on the other team. But great things happen when they keep dribbling. When they run back to play defense. When they bust through 4 defenders and shoot in the left corner of the goal, away from the goalie. It seems so easy to us, doesn't it? From the sideline. They are right there. Right in front of the goal. Just turn and shoot! Just don't stop! You are almost there!

The second place I heard it was at church yesterday, when hanging out with the youth. It really wasn't part of the main message, just a phrase the middle school pastor used. But it stuck with me. "Don't stop running to Christ!....He defines who you are...not your failures...keep pursuing Him, keep pursuing holiness...Don't stop running to Christ!"

Following Christ, it could be said, is much like a soccer match. In our journey, in our struggle, in our following...we must keep running. We know there will be setbacks. We know our enemy is out to destroy us. Embarrass us. Stop us in our tracks. But just as in soccer, we have teammates. We have support. We have others to run with. Just don't stop running! Simplistic? Extremely. Important? Unbelievably important! Crucial to our following.

So there's your Monday morning encouragement. No matter where you are, no matter what the score...please remember 1/2 the battle is to just keep pursuing; Don't stop running.

Howdy

What's up crew? Been awhile, eh? On the brain this Saturday morning:

I was reminiscing the other day about tornadoes. I grew up in "Tornado Valley" (The Tennessee Valley, North Alabama). I was thinking back to the underground shelter that was owned by this crazy old dude down the road from our house. I was remembering how crazy old dude became our best friend on many occasions. :-) I also remember when we got a phone call one Friday night, after a tornado had hit the local middle school and a couple of nearby neighborhoods. We had friends in those neighborhoods. We hopped in the car to go help. I remember being shocked by what I saw. One of the neighborhoods was nice. Big houses. Big brick houses. Strong houses. Didn't matter. What came through there made everything look vulnerable and weak. We huddled together with a family that was lucky to be alive. The dad, JUST prior to the thing hitting his house, grabbed his kids and wife and threw everyone in the hallway closet and became a shield over them. As we walked through what was once a home, we were amazed how that closet was one of the few areas unharmed.

Things are going great with my work, Generation Mortgage. That's a big part of why I haven't blogged in awhile. Very busy.

HERE is a great article on Auburn's Football Program. I hope they can turn things around this year and get a few good upsets.

God may be leading Dana and I back in to churchplanting. (Never thought I would say that this soon.) Will keep everyone posted.

Last Sunday I was a main character in a sketch at Northstar Church, 3rd-5th. Getting back in to drama (specifically with kids) is awesome. I'm right at home. The main phrase last week...that we can all benefit from: "We need to look for ways to tell friends and family about Jesus."

My "little" bro is getting married in November. He's the last of us Sutton boys to get hitched. It'll be a fun time. Outdoor wedding on Monte Sano Mountain. But shhhhh...y'all don't say anything....but Justin has a little surprise coming. What, you think we wouldn't do something really really embarrassing for the last one through?

Proud of My Home State

The front page of my home state's website (or at least the most popular state site) has THIS story and the above pic headlining today.

I'm just not sure what to say right now. Wow. I'm proud to be from Alabama? Ummmm....hmmm...wow. Iraq? Health care? A kidnapping? Election? Sports? No, those are secondary.

Wienermobile!
:-) gotta love it

Wednesday Happenings

>Bought the above in downtown C'ville this morning, off the back of a dude's truck. He also had tOmAters 4 sale. For the past 50 years, every Wed and Saturday, the locals will park in downtown Cartersville and sell their garden goods. I've heard this stuff is good. We shall see. I'm testing it on my mother-in-law. She comes in to town today to help with the kiddos while Dana attends a Christian Counseling conference in Nashville. She likes hot salsa (I don't), so this is just a small way to say THANKS for coming and helping us out. My father-in-law John will join in the battle (4 kids) tomorrow morning, broken leg and all.

>Soccer season is in full swing now. Braden and Logan played their first game Monday evening. They both did great and they absolutely love chasing a ball around the field and drinking blue powerade and eating snacks. While I was coaching Logan's team, Braden had a game going on at the same time. According to Dana, Braden played defense most of the game...until he went up to the coach and said something like, "Hey coach, I'd like to play up there and take the ball down the field and score a goal." The coach finally gave in and switched him to forward. Dana said within 60 seconds he got a breakaway opportunity, took the ball down the field, and scored. Atta boy! (Just like Dad used to do in high school soccer...well....except his kick when in the goal.)

>Working with seniors can have its frustrations at times, but overall it's a blast and I can't get enough of their stories. If you don't have the patience to sit and listen to their life stories, I feel for you. You're missing out.

>Prior to the games on Monday night, both Dana and Kinley were stung by a yellowjacket (unrelated to Georgia Tech). Kinley's has gotten better. Dana's arm still looks like a red ripe tomato.

>kIDS Beach Club is going great. About to launch our first club in Paulding County. Having a good gathering of local ministers next Thursday for a brief info meeting. Fun times.

>No carbonated beverages for 30 days. I'm on day 3. So far, I don't miss it. I've heard water is good to drink every now and then. :-)

How To Lose A Game, part "duh"

Hmmmmm, how ironic. Looks like I made my "How To Lose A Game" post one week too early. South Florida put it to the Tigers last night. Congrats to em.

Uh...duh...yeah, you're going to lose if you turn the ball over 5 times.

But hey, I'm not a fair weather fan. Time to re-group and do your best in conference play. Let's go.

How to Lose a Football Game

(For those who read my blog...all 5 of you, sorry it's been a slow week...more posts coming soon!) Here is the evidence of the meltdown I told you about from my previous AU post. I told you the quarterback made a bonehead move!

Wednesday Is Today

+ I could work 90 hours this week and still have stuff to get done. (This is no complaint - I'm in sales! I love being swamped!)

+ Cool thing happened last week at work: A lady had used up all her sick leave recovering from a surgery, so someone in HR sent out a company-wide email asking if anyone wanted to donate a vacation/sick day to her. I think she was in a bind and couldn't really afford any unpaid time off. The response was remarkable! She's probably set for the next couple of months. Some people donated 1/2 of their vacation. That's cool. That's steppin' up. That's unselfish. That's caring. Good stuff.

+ Driving back from being out town this weekend, I couldn't stop thinking about different business ideas. The overwhelming one: I have a ton of good ideas on how to run an extremely profitable, great Truck Leasing Company (Think UHaul, without all the problems.) I have no idea where the thought came from, but it wouldn't leave me alone. Maybe I'll make a few phone calls and try to sell my idea. Or maybe I'll just get back to work and wait til my genius Beanie Baby idea kicks in. (that's a joke in case you missed it.)

+ I've stopped yelling at my neighbor's cats. It used to bug me that they would come over every night and sleep in my driveway. But after realizing that they hunt down and DESTROY rodents (you know, like mice!), they are a welcome visitor.

+ Looking forward to flying out to Dallas this weekend. Texas residents are very proud of their state - like nowhere I've seen before.

+ Have I ever mentioned that having four kids, all under age 6, is a little crazy?

+ If I had time and money right now (and little responsibility): I would take a photography class, an acting class, tour with a drama team, go work for an inner-city ministry for a couple of months, visit California, let Dana get away for 2 straight weeks with nothing but relaxation on the agenda, build an airplane (oh wait, that's weird), go play 8 different disc golf courses over a weekend, and eat a Ruth's Chris steak. If the previous were put in order, I would start with the steak.

Dear Mr. Freeman

Dear Mr. KSU quarterback, Josh Freeman:

Congrats on a phenomenal game. You came into Jordan Hare Stadium and acted like it was your backyard. You dominated a good defensive team for 3.75 quarters. You had 33 completions for 289 yards. You were poised. You are extremely athletic and quick. Dude, I'm not being sarcastic...there's no doubt you are a great quarterback. I hope you guys do well in the Big 12. (I now see why you guys beat #4 Texas last year.)

But Mr. Freeman, you do realize your MAJOR mistake, right? You do realize that you caused the turning point in the game, right? Now, this is just a humble fan's opinion - a fan who was sitting on the 45 yard line last night, row 8. I had a perfect view of your lost focus. I guess it was around 6 minutes left (just going from memory here...hard to remember, I was depressed most of the game because or your team's dominance) that you decided you'd had enough of our defensive lineman getting the crowd back in the game. They were doing the usual hand/arm motions, asking the faithful fans (especially the student section) to bring the noise and help out. You decided to do the EXACT SAME MOTION, asking the crowd to bring it, as if you were saying, "I'm not scared, bring it...you got nothin'!"

Uh....Josh....I'm no football player, but....uh....you might want to leave the trash talking to linebackers and lineman. Not only did you say bring the noise, but you also mouthed off at our defensive lineman. Dude, here's some free advice: You had the game won. Our offense had sputtered all night. You just needed one more decent drive. You had done it all night. But I guess you just couldn't resist, eh? You lost focus dude.

The moment you did that, not only did it tick our fans off enough to increase the decibel level, but it also lit a fire in our defense that ultimately resulted in your demise (see pics above) - 2 sacks, a fumble, and an interception, all at the end of the game.

VIDEO OF THE HIT

A frustrating game, but no doubt one of the best endings I've witnessed in some time.