Today we experienced some normalcy as a family. Nothing all that wild, just some shopping and dinner out. Know what? It felt......weird. Clearly that is a symptom of the fact that we don't do that sort of thing nearly often enough. I mean, just going and doing something without needing to achieve a result; simply being together as a group of people who are related.
We gotta get out more....it was fun!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Local Color
Recently my job took me to Hatteras Island, NC. Crossing the Oregon Inlet bridge, which is the only road connection to the rest of the Outer Banks, is like stepping back in time in some ways. There are lots of local stories and tales related to the area and it is pretty fascinating to hear some of them told and experience being a part of the area. After all, thousands of tourists come each year to vacation there and revel in the relaxed lifestyle.
I made the acquaintance of someone whose family has been on the island for generations and wanted to share an interesting tidbit that reminded me of the "old" concept of earning what you get.
The local economy was built on the fishing trade and has transitioned over time to relying heavily on the tourist trade, but there are still fishermen around who work the local waters. Remember that fishing for a living is a tough way to make money, considering the constant exposure to the elements, the high overhead and the relatively low revenue often produced by the catch.
This woman's family, as I said, has been in the area for generations and she shared the story of how, at the age of 9 years, each of her siblings and she received a wooden skiff built by their daddy, a fisherman. They were presented with the skiff and an expectation: they had to earn the money for the motor. In order to earn the money they would go out in the mornings before school and work their daddy's crab pots and catch fish with nets. Having no motor, they would row out to the fishing grounds in order to perform their tasks. There were apparently few "gimmes" either, since her older brothers would motor by on the way out without offering a tow. After working the pots and catching fish the kids would head in, turn over their catch to daddy and he would sell it at market, keep track of the monies earned and, when enough was earned, they would be able to buy a motor.
I find this fascinating on several levels, including the simple view into the local history 50 years ago, the lesson about working to earn something of value, the concept of supporting the family and the contrast to how things are today. Pretty cool stuff.
I made the acquaintance of someone whose family has been on the island for generations and wanted to share an interesting tidbit that reminded me of the "old" concept of earning what you get.
The local economy was built on the fishing trade and has transitioned over time to relying heavily on the tourist trade, but there are still fishermen around who work the local waters. Remember that fishing for a living is a tough way to make money, considering the constant exposure to the elements, the high overhead and the relatively low revenue often produced by the catch.
This woman's family, as I said, has been in the area for generations and she shared the story of how, at the age of 9 years, each of her siblings and she received a wooden skiff built by their daddy, a fisherman. They were presented with the skiff and an expectation: they had to earn the money for the motor. In order to earn the money they would go out in the mornings before school and work their daddy's crab pots and catch fish with nets. Having no motor, they would row out to the fishing grounds in order to perform their tasks. There were apparently few "gimmes" either, since her older brothers would motor by on the way out without offering a tow. After working the pots and catching fish the kids would head in, turn over their catch to daddy and he would sell it at market, keep track of the monies earned and, when enough was earned, they would be able to buy a motor.
I find this fascinating on several levels, including the simple view into the local history 50 years ago, the lesson about working to earn something of value, the concept of supporting the family and the contrast to how things are today. Pretty cool stuff.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Round 2
Chris had her second treatment yesterday and is starting to experience the after effects. It is really tough to see her in all that pain and discomfort knowing that all I can do is simply try to support her emotionally and help as much as I can with tactical stuff.
That being said she still is keeping a largely positive mindset and drive to combat her cancer. Everyone says a key to coping with it is attitude and her attitude is amazing. We don't know the outcome, but whatever the case, it will be positively influenced by Chris' positive attitude. She will continue to attack this and I will continue to support. It ain't pretty, but it ain't impossible either!
That being said she still is keeping a largely positive mindset and drive to combat her cancer. Everyone says a key to coping with it is attitude and her attitude is amazing. We don't know the outcome, but whatever the case, it will be positively influenced by Chris' positive attitude. She will continue to attack this and I will continue to support. It ain't pretty, but it ain't impossible either!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wiser?
I have always been extremely insecure. From when I was a kid trying to impress my dad and all through my work years trying to gain approval from my various bosses, as well as in my relationships with my first wife and now Chris. I have felt the need to "measure up" for years and years.
Not so much anymore. Maybe it's age, mebbe maturity (though I tend to project only as much of that as I have to) but I rarely feel the old overwhelming sense of panic and fear that I used to feel when someone I looked to for affirmation didn't provide it, more likely than not do to any number of reasons other than having a clue that they were holding my fragile ego in their palm.
Whatever the reason is, it's good therapy. I feel more comfortable in my skin than I ever have. I am beginning to realize my worth to the people I care about, and the ones that don't matter really don't. As I consider my legacy, I know there's lots of work to do to continue erasing old dysfunction I either created or inherited, yet the prospect is appealing to me and, most importantly, doable. I may be just another schmo but I can deal with that.
Not so much anymore. Maybe it's age, mebbe maturity (though I tend to project only as much of that as I have to) but I rarely feel the old overwhelming sense of panic and fear that I used to feel when someone I looked to for affirmation didn't provide it, more likely than not do to any number of reasons other than having a clue that they were holding my fragile ego in their palm.
Whatever the reason is, it's good therapy. I feel more comfortable in my skin than I ever have. I am beginning to realize my worth to the people I care about, and the ones that don't matter really don't. As I consider my legacy, I know there's lots of work to do to continue erasing old dysfunction I either created or inherited, yet the prospect is appealing to me and, most importantly, doable. I may be just another schmo but I can deal with that.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Resurrection
Honestly, Chris has a blog and I was jealous so I started mine back up. In the 2 years, yes 2 years, since I have touched this thing much has evolved. No boring details- simply put I am a Store Manager at Food Lion in Avon, NC. Very busy tourist/resort area. Chris still has Lupus and recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer soooooooo, needless to say she has a lot on her plate!
Chris is involved with the local theater company, Theatre of Dare, and has a tremendous group of friends and supporters in TOD. Without them we would really be struggling! They are wonderfully kind and generous.
Chris is involved with the local theater company, Theatre of Dare, and has a tremendous group of friends and supporters in TOD. Without them we would really be struggling! They are wonderfully kind and generous.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Still Here :)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Finally...
We had a big visit at work by some VPs and other important types which has kept me quite busy for a couple weeks. Maddie had a great time in Texas with her aunts and uncles and cousins and starts 4H camp next week, and also made friends on her first solo plane rides. Katy is awesome and we love having her here. Chris has had some health related issues lately, but is fighting through them. Good quote in my inbox this morning: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27
Friday, June 13, 2008
Early Education
Ok, that Einstein guy, you know - the one that's a baby with all the music? Anyway - that Einstein guy said something about pie...
Startin' Young
Ok, let's see... that big knobby thing must make it go, I guess I'll hold on to the big wheel like Dad does and, wait! Where's my dictionary???
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Hmmmmmmmmmmm
Been doing some thinking... but that smoke you smell is from the wildfire to our west. More to come as my thoughts crystallize.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Good Ride
I will, of course, preface this by saying ANY ride is a good ride. The past couple of days I have had the chance to go out and work the legs on the Fuji and they have been enjoyable and beneficial. Monday was 25 miles around the Marketplace loop and today was 16 out and back with some beach road time. I saw license plates from PA, NY, OH, VA (lots), and Quebec (one of those Smart cars - long trip in one of them, I wonder?) I learned: 1) I need to keep doing that to get ready for this fall's ride, 2) boy I love to ride, 3) This is a great place to live which we are reminded of as each season commences with the influx of visitors. Now I need to figure out a way to save gas and ride to work!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Been Busy
I know I haven't posted in a while and the reason is because several things have been keeping me quite busy. It's settling down into a routine now so I hope to be adding posts more frequently. On a side note Maddie has acquired an appreciation for fishing almost by accident. All she has done to this point is cast and reel and I can't wait for her to get her first fish! She'll be "hooked"! HeHe.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
FROG
I have duplicated the name if this blog to illustrate a couple of points. In the last week God has been instrumental in my life in more ways than I can comprehend:
He has placed Himself right square in the middle of my marriage, since we haven't been doing very well on our own.
He has communicated in no uncertain terms what my role in my family is supposed to be and that He expects me to abide by it (thanks, Andy - another on the spot sermon)
He has led me through truly disconcerting circumstances then capped it with a pleasant Sunday surprise ( great to see Nate).
His still, small voice wasn't getting heard very well, so He turned up the volume. I have a goal now to follow up and be accountable to my God, family (immediate and church), myself and friends so that I may be a proper steward of what I have before I lose it all. There are habits to break, mentalities to change, issues to overcome, trusts to rebuild.
FROG - it's the only way it will work. Please pray for strength for us..
He has placed Himself right square in the middle of my marriage, since we haven't been doing very well on our own.
He has communicated in no uncertain terms what my role in my family is supposed to be and that He expects me to abide by it (thanks, Andy - another on the spot sermon)
He has led me through truly disconcerting circumstances then capped it with a pleasant Sunday surprise ( great to see Nate).
His still, small voice wasn't getting heard very well, so He turned up the volume. I have a goal now to follow up and be accountable to my God, family (immediate and church), myself and friends so that I may be a proper steward of what I have before I lose it all. There are habits to break, mentalities to change, issues to overcome, trusts to rebuild.
FROG - it's the only way it will work. Please pray for strength for us..
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
ESL? Not So Fast!
I usually take the news with a grain of salt but had to say something about the fact that the Dare County (where we live) Board of Commissioners recently passed a resolution declaring English as the "official language of the county". Oh boy, the irony is so thick on so many levels you could cut it with a knife. What would MLK say 40 years later?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Kerbey Lane Cafe
We lived outside of Austin for a while in Round Rock, which is profoundly named for...a round rock. More like a round boulder in the middle of a pond actually. Texans kept it simple back in the day! Anyway, Austin is a liberal oasis in the middle of Texas - a bohemian college town with a computer oriented, outdoors loving culture. Lots and lots of great places to eat too! Right next to Zilker Park are two great restaurants, Shady Grove, which is 90% huge patio under massive pecan trees, and Chuy's, which is a mexican place with hubcaps hanging from the ceiling and good tex-mex. Now for Kerbey Lane:
They have several locations around town serving 24 hour menus. It is a truly eclectic place with kids' drawings on the wall next to local artist's wares; a jar at the cashier stand collecting funds for the cook who has a sick family member; mismatched coffee cups; beat up booths; friendly servers and awesome food! Any place that puts avocado, cream cheese, green onion and pico de gallo in an omelette has gotta be good. We ate there many times with the kids when we lived there. We have a great friend who watched the kids from time to time who actually introduced us to it and we were hooked - love at first sight. Check 'em out! www.kerbeylanecafe.com. Just waxing nostalgic about great restaurants we have been to...more to come I'm sure.
They have several locations around town serving 24 hour menus. It is a truly eclectic place with kids' drawings on the wall next to local artist's wares; a jar at the cashier stand collecting funds for the cook who has a sick family member; mismatched coffee cups; beat up booths; friendly servers and awesome food! Any place that puts avocado, cream cheese, green onion and pico de gallo in an omelette has gotta be good. We ate there many times with the kids when we lived there. We have a great friend who watched the kids from time to time who actually introduced us to it and we were hooked - love at first sight. Check 'em out! www.kerbeylanecafe.com. Just waxing nostalgic about great restaurants we have been to...more to come I'm sure.
Render Humble Service
I heard it so many time in my previous professional life. At that time it was relative to how we were expected to approach doing our job. We were charged with humbly serving our employees and customers from a servant perspective.
Now, thanks to all the repetition of that statement over the years, I am programmed to think it in professional situations. However it has been taking on a different tone in my life as things slowly cycle into a proper position. Here's how I envision rendering humble service now:
Now, thanks to all the repetition of that statement over the years, I am programmed to think it in professional situations. However it has been taking on a different tone in my life as things slowly cycle into a proper position. Here's how I envision rendering humble service now:
- To God through doing any little thing I can to help in our church family and living a life that reflects my growing faith for His glory.
- To my family by helping them grow strong in their beliefs and to help them to achieve their goals. By being a caring, giving, compassionate, loving, committed provider. By praying for them constantly. By role modeling good behaviors.
- To myself by engaging in positive, productive thoughts and disciplining myself to change poor habits into good habits and establishing achievable goals - starting small and growing them. By taking care of my health, mental and physical, and keeping the saw sharp.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tricia & Nate
The worship pastor at our church and his wife (see www.confessionsofacfhusband.com, the link is on my links list to the right) almost got a new set of lungs last night for her. She has Cystic Fibrosis and they both have a new baby and they are basically living at the hospital waiting for a set of lungs that could prolong her life. It is an amazing story that is a testament to faith and trust in God. Check the link out. Our little family prays regularly for them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)