A Little Perspective

I love golf. I love to play and I've even developed a taste for watching it on TV.

I think Tiger Woods is the transcendent athlete of our time. I'm giving him the nod even over Michael Jordan.

The reason for the posting is the coverage given to the braveness of Tiger and also of Chris DiMarco in being able to perform after the loss of a parent.

I sincerely do not doubt the emotional distress that either of these gentlemen have experienced and will continue to experience. What I want to express is the importance of realizing that there are many others that experience this daily, yet since they aren't famous, or world class athletes, they don't receive the outpouring of love and sympathy that famous folk do.

I've been extremely blessed in that my family has remained almost intact. I lost my grandfather several years ago, but my parents are hale and hearty (other than some minor blood pressure stuff). I have friends that have experienced this loss, and rarely (never that I know of) are they congratulated on their mental toughness and celebrated on their return to work and "life as normal".

I'm as guilty as the next at deifying athletes and entertainers, but in this case I think the wealth needs to be spread a bit. There are many out there hurting that need some encouragement.

Time Flies

Ezekiel Ryan is now one year old.

It's truly amazing how much has happened in the world in his short time in it. It's also amazing what has happened just in our lives since he changed them forever.

1. I became an assistant principal.
2. I got serious about finishing my masters degree.
3. Jill completed her 3000+ intern hours.
4. We became pregnant (again).
5. Jill passed her LPC exam.
6. Chris sold his red motorcycle... (solitary tear)
7. I became a deacon at our church.
8. Jill and I both started teaching Sunday school.
9. We acquired approximately 30 new neighbors...(our subdivision is growing by leaps and bounds)
10. Jill and I have learned tons about what it takes to be a mommy and a daddy.

I want to let everyone know how much we appreciate all the help, love and (some of the) advice that we have been given. It truly takes a village.

Chris

Summer Time

Let me start by stating the obvious. Summer is GREAT.

This is the first summer "off" that I've had in the last four years. When I was the technology facilitator, I worked year round. So this summer I have not had to work all summer. Instead I have:

1. Taken (or in the process of taking) 12 summer school hours (two for two on A's so far...)

2. Watched my son eschew crawling and begin walking at 11 and 1/2 months.

3. Watched Jill continue to juggle a home, two jobs and raising two boys (all while being pregnant).

4. Managed to sneak away to Lubbock for a few days of rest and relaxation that made me much more tired than when I left to go there.

5. Got to spend some quality time with nieces and nephews that are growing up WAY too fast.

6. Got to play some golf with my brother. We aren't any good but we sure have a good time.

7. Got to eat most of my favorites that my mom cooked for me. Added a new favorite, my sisters homemade salsa...TASTY!

8. Jill and I will go to Arlington Friday to watch my beloved Rangers (I'm still in Maverick induced shock and withdrawal). The Ballpark in Arlington (I refuse to all it Ameriquest Field, no matter how much they paid for the naming rights) is my all time favorite sporting venue. We are celebrating Jill's passing her LPC test and my survival of my first full year of campus administration.

9. Trying to get plans set for my brother's family and my sister's brood to trek south and stay with us a while. Hopefully we can all survive...

Looks like I may have to go back to work to get some rest.....