text:
Offensively, the 'Cats will have a new look this season under Sonny Dykes, former Texas Tech offensive coordinator. More 3-step drops and quick strike passes may help keep junior quarterback Willie Tuitama healthy while the offensive line is still searching for more cohesion. Look for the signal-caller to throw to running back Chris Jennings out of the backfield more often, as well as involving receiver Mike Thomas in the open field so he can utilize his lateral quickness against defenders.
Perhaps the single biggest factor in keeping the defense from elite status is the lack of a pass rush up front. Head coach Mike Stoops is hoping that trend changes this year with three seniors on the defensive line, including All Pac-10 second-team defensive end Louis Holmes. The rest of the defense appears to be set just fine with only the strong safety spot in need of a new starter. Sophomore Cam Nelson has won that job and will flank senior Dominic Patrick. Arizona features one of the country's best tandems at cornerback in seniors Antoine Cason and Wilrey Fontenot. Cason intercepted 3 passes last season and is an All-American candidate this year.
Punter: Keenyn Crier, RS-Fr.
Place-kicker: Jason Bondzio, Jr.
Bondzio is one to watch with the reliable leg of Nick Folk gone.
Head coach Karl Dorrell opted to go with Ben Olson as his starting quarterback this season instead of Patrick Cowan, a starter in 8 games last season. Olson started in 5 games last fall, throwing for 5 scores and 5 interceptions. Two senior receivers figure to be some of Olson's favorite targets. Marcus Everett caught 31 passes for 450 yards last season while Joe Cowan, a starter in 2005, returns from an injury that kept him out of action last fall. The offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters and should open some holes for running backs Chris Markey and Kahlil Bell. Markey, the Bruins' starter, only scored twice last season but is capable of ripping off chunks of yardage.
Second-year defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker engineered one of the best turnarounds in the country on defense last year. A big part of that was a vastly improved pass rush under defensive ends Justin Hickman and Bruce Davis. Although Hickman is gone, Davis returns and should provide another punch upfront with Nikola Dragovic. All three starting linebackers return led by Christian Taylor in the middle. Taylor was second in tackles last season with 83 stops. Nearly everyone returns in the secondary as well. Strong safety Chris Horton led the Bruins in tackles with 95 while Dennis Keyes chipped in another 79 stops at free safety. Two seniors also start at both cornerback spots in Trey Brown and Rodney Van. Brown intercepted 4 passes last season while reserve Alterraun Verner had a pair of interceptions as a true freshman.
Punter: Aaron Perez, Jr.
Place-kicker: Kai Forbath, Fr.
Forbath will resume kicking duties as Justin Medlock has moved on to the NFL ranks. The freshman reportedly has a strong leg.
Quarterback John David Booty enters his senior campaign already on early Heisman Award lists. The signal-caller threw for over 3,300 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2006. Booty's numbers could slightly go down this season with the departure of receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton step into those two starting roles this year. Senior tight end Fred Davis is also an option in the passing game. Despite the transfer of Emmanuel Moody, the Trojans have a line of players waiting to see the field at running back. Chauncey Washington is a slight favorite to start if his health holds up but you can figure on some others getting a few carries as well. Candidates include C.J. Gable, Hershel Dennis, Desmond Reed, and any incoming freshmen that emerge.
What's not to like about this year's defense? 10 starters return and the defense is ripe with speed and experience. Nose tackle Sedrick Ellis and defensive end Lawrence Jackson will likely be in the running for post-season accolades and awards. Both can stuff the run as well as harass opposing quarterbacks. The corps at linebacker is among the best around with Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers. The two combined for 163 tackles a year ago. Strong side linebacker Brian Cushing can also play as a hybrid up front. Pete Carroll has raved about his secondary being among the best he's had. Taylor Mays had a strong debut last fall as a true freshman. Mays finished with 62 stops and 3 interceptions. Senior Terrell Thomas was a second-team All Pac-10 selection last fall at corner.
Punter: Greg Woidneck, Jr.
Place-kicker: David Buehler, Jr.
Woidneck is the incumbent at punter while Buehler takes over for Mario Danelo, who was tragically killed in a January car accident.
The Cal offense could be one of the nation's best in 2008. They are loaded just about everywhere. Despite losing two starters on the line, Mike Tepper and Brian De La Puente shouldn't skip too much of a beat thanks to previous experience behind injured starters. Justin Forsett, a senior, replaces Marshawn Lynch at running back and should give the Bears another 1,000 yard rusher this season. Junior signal-caller Nate Longshore can be streaky at times but is more than capable of leading this potent offense. Longshore threw for 24 touchdowns last fall. DeSean Jackson is no longer a West Coast secret as he's being touted for several awards in 2007. Jackson headlines a deep receiving corps along with Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins. All three accounted for 18 scores a year ago.
Graduation took a toll on defense with the Bears losing their top three tacklers from a year ago. You'd think losing Desmond Bishop, the Pac-10 leader in tackles, would leave a huge hole at linebacker but that doesn't appear to be the case in Berkeley this season. Zack Follett, Worrell Williams, and Anthony Felder will man the three linebacker spots and bring with them both experience and talent. Lott Trophy award winner Daymeion Hughes is gone, which leaves some large shoes for freshman Darian Hagan to fill. The good news is that safeties Bernard Hicks and Thomas DeCoud have experience under their belts, as does corner Syd'Quan Thompson. Thompson started out slow last year after replacing injured Tim Mixon but the staff was encouraged with his progress later on in the season. The key to the Bear defense appears to be the defensive line, however. If they can find production up front after losing 3 starters, the defense should be solid once again. If not, it may be a mixed bag. Matthew Malele returns at one tackle spot but the pass rush will be under close watch with Rulon Davis at defensive end.
Punter: Andrew Larson, Sr.
Place-kicker: Tom Schneider, Sr.
Both Larson and Schneider should be up for conference honors this season as seniors.
Former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh has stepped in as the new skipper in Palo Alto with his work cut out for him. Harbaugh is hoping that his infectious energy can carry over onto the field while resurrecting the talent over the course of the next few years. You can expect to see several incoming freshman play this season. Quarterback Trent Edwards has moved on to the NFL but senior T.C. Ostrander comes in with experience as the new starter this season. Mark Bradford and Evan Moore, both seniors, are two very capable options at receiver if they can remain healthy. Richard Sherman had a nice outing as a true freshman last season with 34 receptions and 3 scores. The ground game needs improvement in order for the offense to turn the corner, however. Toby Gerhart and Anthony Kimble figure to split carries again if things don't see a marked improvement. Gerhart and Kimble combined to rush for 845 yards last season.
The defense will be switching to a 4-3 base under the new staff, which should be a step in the right direction in correcting what has been a porous run defense. Udeme Udofia has moved from linebacker to defensive end and adds experience up front. Younger brother Ekom Udofia will now line up at defensive tackle. The two combined for 82 stops last season. The crew at linebacker figures to have a lot to prove in shoring up run defense and losing starter Michael Okwo. Sophomore Fred Campbell is penciled in as the starter at middle linebacker. Two new starters will be featured at the safety spots while Tim Sims and Wopamo Osaisai return as starters at both corner positions. Osaisai is capable of making plays if he can get better pass rush help up front.
Punter: Jay Ottoveggio, Sr.
Place-kicker: Aaron Zagory, Jr.
Both specialists back for another year should help ease any major special teams concerns outside of the coverage units.
The race to replace departed quarterback Matt Moore could best be described as "To Be Continued". With their first game only a week away, head coach Mike Riley was forced to make a decision between Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao but is opting to play both signal-callers against Utah. Starting split end and punt return extraordinaire Sammie Stroughter recently took a leave of absence but may be in the process of rejoining his teammates. Chris Johnson, a junior, would take over for Stroughter should that be the case. Johnson caught only 4 passes last season. The rest of the offense appears to be in fine shape with Yvenson Bernard back at tailback and an offensive line that is among the best in the Pac-10. Bernard rushed for 1,307 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago.
Oregon State's defense will again be anchored by a strong linebacker unit. Three seniors, Derrick Doggett, Alan Darlin, and Joey LaRocque combined for 252 tackles last season and are one of the conference's top trios. The defensive line returns Dorian Smith, who notched 9 sacks as a reserve last fall, and Jeff Van Orsow at the two end spots. Curtis Coker has convinced head coach Mike Riley to give him a look at fullback in addition to his duties at defensive tackle. The depth at cornerback took a slight hit when top back-up Coye Francies was dismissed from the team a few weeks ago. Daniel Drayton is penciled in at strong safety, which is the only real question mark in the secondary with the departure of first-team All Pac-10 player Sabby Piscitelli.
Punter: Alexis Serna, Sr.
Place-kicker: Alexis Serna, Sr.
Serna, one of the nation's best field goal kickers, has assumed punting duties due to returner Kyle Loomis quitting the team a month ago.
Head coach Mike Bellotti made a few changes this off-season. Most notably was the promise of a one-quarterback system and the hire of new offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly. Dennis Dixon was named the starting quarterback but opted to play minor league baseball over the summer, much to the chagrin of Bellotti. An increase in confidence for Dixon and a no-huddle offense could lead to a career year for the senior as he is surrounded by several weapons once again. Jaison Williams and Brian Paysinger are two capable targets through the air, with Williams being one of the top receivers in the conference. Running back Jonathan Stewart is a dangerous threat in the backfield and figures to be an even bigger part of the offense with Kelly pledging to feature the backfield a little more. Stewart found the end zone 10 times last season, as did Jeremiah Johnson.
The development of the front seven figures to be the determining factor of the defensive fortunes this year. Depth is a genuine concern, especially at defensive end with the departure of Dexter Manley II and Victor Filipe. Both were expected to see snaps behind starters Nick Reed and junior college transfer Will Tukuafu. Team MVP Blair Phillips needs to be replaced at linebacker. Senior A.J. Tuitele brings experience with him on the weak-side, however. The secondary should be in good shape with two play-makers at cornerback in sophomores Jairus Byrd and Walter Thurmond. Rover Patrick Chung is the top returning tackler on the team and grabbed 4 interceptions last season.
Punter: Josh Syria, Jr.
Place-kicker: Daniel Padilla, Fr.
The Ducks will feature two new specialists this season. Padilla appears to have a leg-up on sophomore Morgan Flint as the season opener is less than a week away.
Head coach Tyrone Willingham is firmly in the corner of redshirt freshman Jake Locker after naming him the starting quarterback in the spring. Carl Bonnell, a senior with experience, will back-up the heralded frosh QB. Locker has reportedly already gained the confidence of many of his teammates in the huddle, including his offensive line. Senior Louis Rankin will likely share carries at running back with sophomore J.R. Hasty. Anthony Russo is slated to play in the season opener at Syracuse despite a broken finger. Russo and Marcel Reece give Locker two senior options at receiver with Reece appearing as a breakout candidate this season after paring his weight down and a better understanding of the playbook.
The recent news of E.J. Savannah's clearance to return to the team was well received in Seattle as the weak-side linebacker figures to be a big part of the defense's future. Savannah will team with another emerging sophomore, Donald Butler, at linebacker. Three starters return along the defensive line, including seniors Greyson Gunheim and Wilson Afoa. Gunheim led the team in sacks last year with 6. Only three defensive backs that saw action last year return, and with playable depth already a concern, the secondary looks like it may struggle this season. Mesphin Forrester, a junior, will likely start at strong safety but the cornerback spot opposite starter Roy Lewis is arguably the biggest concern. Former UCLA Bruin Byron Davenport was penciled in there but a hamstring injury has limited him in camp. True freshman Vonzell McDowell is currently battling walk-on Cory Nicol at that corner spot.
Punter: Jared Ballman, Jr.
Place-kicker: Jared Ballman, Jr.
Ballman is still battling with sophomore Ryan Perkins for duties as Perkins is making his way back from a knee injury.
Alex Brink is back under center and brings a wealth of experience behind him. The senior is on pace to surpass Jason Gesser as the school's top passer this season. Despite losing the talent of Jason Hill, Brink will have an experienced trio of receivers to throw the ball to in Brandon Gibson, Michael Bumpus, and Charles Dillon. Gibson led all receivers last year with 731 yards on 49 receptions while Bumpus and Dillon combined for 75 catches. Dwight Tardy will start at running back after rushing for 667 yards last season in a crowded backfield. That may not be an issue this season with Derrell Hutsona and DeMaundray Woolridge no longer with the team, although Chris Ivory will likely get a few snaps.
Head Coach Bill Doba will call the plays on defense once again. The biggest concern for Doba's defense appears to be the secondary. Hussain Abdullah is the lone returning starter at free safety. Freshman Chima Nwachukwu and Devin Giles, a junior college transfer, are penciled in to start at the two corner spots but the competition is ongoing. Another JC transfer, Terry Mixon, has been slowed by injuries in his quest to grab the starting spot at strong safety. Three seniors will grab much of the workload along the defensive line as long as lingering injuries aren't a concern. Aaron Johnson, Ropati Pitoitua, and Lance Broadus are all capable starters. Middle linebacker Greg Trent is the top returning tackler with 77 stops last season.
Punter: Darryl Blunt, Jr.
Place-kicker: Romeen Abdollmohammadi, Sr.
Abdollmohammadi was 3-3 in field goal attempts last season after taking over for senior Loren Langley.
Devils Digest Pac-10 Preview
Sun Devil Source Top Stories
Sykes could be late addition for ASU in 2017Three years removed from high school, wide receiver Dionte Sykes is again an option for the Sun Devils. A decision could be forthcoming very shortly.
Sun Devil Source8:26 AM
Player capsule: Dillon Sterling-ColeArizona State sophomore Dillon Sterling-Cole was thrust into action unexpectedly during his freshman campaign, but in his limited playing time, the Texas native showcased…
Sun Devil Source8:19 AM
Player capsule: Blake BarnettAlabama transfer Blake Barnett is eligible to play from the outset of the season for Arizona State, but to do so, he'll need to beat out incumbent starter Manny Wilkins in a…
Sun Devil SourceYesterday at 2:55 PM
Player capsule: Manny WilkinsArizona State junior Manny Wilkins is the returning starter at the quarterback position for the Sun Devils, but does he have what it takes to fend off his competition and retain…
Sun Devil SourceYesterday at 9:30 AM


text:
Krat opleiding
Gerelateerde onderwerpen verkennen
Crate Training 101 | thatpetplace.com The crate; some pet parents swear by them, while others don't use them or use them only as a training tool. Some people find crate training too hard and give up part way through the process.
Crate training over a weekend
Free printable puppy crate training schedule! The best solution to potty train your dog and prevent home destruction. Follow this positive and effective method and your canine will love its new den.
How to Housebreak a Puppy - Potty Training infographic. Topic: house training, crate training, dog poop, pee,
During crate training, a choc lab puppy sleeps in a crate with face pressed against bars
Dog Training 101: Crate training, the right way! Teach your dog to be in his…
My Dog's Experience With The Crate. Plus, Everything You Need To Know About Crate Training | Dog Training Tips |
This housebraeking schedule makes house training a puppy easy
Crate Training For Puppies The quickest and most advised way to train your new puppy is using the crate training method. Dogs in the wild would be used to having a small safe place to themselves, which is why crate training works so well. This method is advised by vets and training specialist

subset: commoncrawl


text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-282874162017-04-10T06:17:06.052-05:00The Maas UpdateA page to keep all of our Friends and Family updated on what is going on in our crazy but wonderful lives.Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-45028331149694949772017-04-02T18:48:00.001-05:002017-04-02T18:48:25.609-05:00So Long, Tool - Part 1Friday we said goodbye to Winnie, (no longer) our 2002 Ford Windstar. We welcomed her into our family in February of 2009, soon after our Burb died which was soon after Glenn got accepted to medical school. She's been a part of our family over 8 years. At least one of our kids don't remember life before her.

We've said goodbye to her before, almost 4 years ago just before residency started when her rear axle snapped on our way to NY for graduation. That time we resurrected her by putting a junkyard axle on her and on she rolled.

We said goodbye to her again last year when insurance considered her "totalled" after a hail storm. We then decided to keep her again and just roll with her dimpled and broken exterior and cracked windshield since she her only responsibility was to drive the less than 2 mile trip to the hospital and back every day and it would be a lot easier than going back to having one car. (We'd decided before hand not to drive her on the interstate since her frame was more rust than frame.)

Glenn always tells us the time you need to be most careful on the roads down here is when it is just starting to rain after it hasn't rained in a long time and oil has accumulated on the streets. That is what finally did her in last week. The mechanic who called Glenn about her after having her towed made us laugh. She doesn't look that bad on the outside but I'm not sure he'd ever seen a rustier, more unsafe frame. Even after costly repairs to the control arm and other things he told us her rusted out frame would deem her unsafe to drive. We knew that and were planning on getting rid of her in a couple of months when her inspection expired. She just broke up with us before we could break up with her.

I teared up as we left her with the guy who came to tow her away at the garage and we thanked God for providing her, for helping her last far longer than the 5 years I hoped she would last, for the many memories we made in her on road trips (especially MS4), and for keeping us safe in her despite her rusty frame even when she committed suicide into a curb.

Since we're back to one car again we get to juggle once again the "Do you need the van for anything? Do you need to go anywhere or should I just drive myself?" conversations that we've haven't had to have in a long time. Getting up early to run him to work reminds of regularly taking him to the schospital because we only had one car and parking was too expensive during medical school. This month Glenn is on Sports Med at an offsite clinic which means he has to travel farther than normal for work which will complicate things, especially when the kids and I have commitments at the same time. Thankfully, some of his colleagues are willing to help us out by taking him in or bringing him home a few times. I'm actually glad that he doesn't get to drive Winnie there because I-20 is a place of frequent accidents and a highway accident in her could have been deadly. God knows.

So, so long, Winnie. Thanks for the memories.
Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-59074342415665486332017-02-19T16:16:00.000-05:002017-02-19T16:32:56.295-05:00Gaining through losing

Every time I've read Philippians over the last few weeks as we've been studying it at church this passage has stuck out to me. He invites us to count everything as a loss, to let everything else go, to count all I have treasured as trash so that I can know Him more and, in so doing, become more like Him.

"Surpassing value." I'm not suffering the loss of all things for no reason. I'm invited to do so because gaining Him is worth so much more than anything I could ever give up.

So today, as our pastor read 2:7-14, I raised my hand in surrender with tears running down my cheeks because I do want to know Him. I do want to be dressed in His righteousness that comes through faith, not based on anything I've done. I do want to know the power of His resurrection. I do, though the idea of it sometimes scares me, want to know the fellowship of His suffering because I know He is a faithful Companion in suffering and walking through suffering draws me closer to Him. I do want to forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead. I do want to press on toward the goal for the prize of His upward call.

"Why would you want to spend your life on anything less?"

Why indeed.
Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-65432298963483374022017-02-15T23:10:00.001-05:002017-02-16T07:52:28.352-05:00"For His lovingkindness is everlasting."We are walking through all kinds of emotions lately. Through all that we've been through our Father has been so faithful and we know in our heads that He doesn't change but as we look ahead to what He has next for us sometimes I get overwhelmed with the fear of the unknown and the fear of the known and all that must be accomplished in the next 135 days plus and/or minus 2 months. How grateful I am for whoever it was back at TTU that recommended reading through the book of Psalms backwards for the 150 days leading up to our wedding as we read through them again to the end of residency. The Psalms always help to put things in perspective.

Yesterday we read Psalm 136. I read it again this morning with Glenn with him reading the first part of each verse and me quoting the constant end of each verse, "For His lovingkindness is everlasting." Oh how I love that Psalm. Whenever I read it I want to add so many more verses. Some that came to mind were:

"He provided a generous scholarship to Glenn to go to TTU, For His lovingkindness is everlasting."

Then farther back:

"He allowed Sandy to come to know Him at camp when she was in high school and Roger when he was 8, For His lovingkindness is everlasting."

And farther back:

"Edwin and Jean to meet in band playing trombone, For His lovingkindness is everlasting."

And much farther back:

"A baby was born, the Son of Man, whose death paid the price for my sins, For His lovingkindness is everlasting."

Oh, and so many thousands of more verses.

"For His lovingkindness is everlasting."

He works everything for His glory, His lovingkindness is everlasting, and I am so grateful.
Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-27503741527060070812017-01-06T22:31:00.000-05:002017-01-06T22:31:27.834-05:00The Countdown Has Begun...On a whim last Saturday I decided to check how many days we had left until 6/30/17, Glenn's last day of residency. It just happened to be 181 days and that made me smile because I had an idea.

In the days before our wedding and the days before the match we we did a 150 day countdown reading backwards through the book of Psalms. It was fun to do back in the summer of 1999 and gave us a way to connect knowing that we were both reading the same thing each day that last summer we spent apart. It was comforting to read backwards through the Psalms in the unknown of looking ahead to the match in the winter of 2013 as we needed the reminder to keep trusting Him as we were awaiting the news of where we would spend the next 3-4 years of our lives in training.

This year, starting with 181 days before we finish this season of our lives we have started doing a countdown again. This time we get to read backwards through the book of Proverbs as well. I trust that as we read we will be encouraged and challenged and focused as we look forward to and prepare for what He has next for us.

It's been a while. Words are slow to come from my fingers. I looked back to see what I had said about Psalm countdowns in the past and I was so encouraged to read three blog posts from the months before the match that I needed to read today and they have reminded me that I really need to write more. Maybe I will. Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-60331746333357419862016-11-26T01:41:00.003-05:002016-11-26T01:44:06.262-05:00Five Minute Friday: SurrenderSTART

Humperdinck: Surrender!
Westley: You mean you wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept.
Humperdinck: I give you full marks for bravery. Don't make yourself a fool.
Westley: Ah, but how will you capture us? We know the secrets of the fire swamp. We can live there quite happily for some time, so whenever you feel like dying, feel free to visit.
Humperdinck: I tell you once again, surrender!
Westley: It will not happen.
Humperdinck: For the last time, surrender!
Westley: Death first!!
Buttercup: Will you promise not to hurt him?Humperdinck: What was that?
Westley: What was that?
Buttercup: If we surrender and I return with you, will you promise not to hurt this man
Humperdinck: May I live a thousand years and never hunt again.... I swear it will be done.*

I, too, am asked to surrender.

At times I too want to make deals, like Buttercup, with the One asking me to surrender, "If I do surrender, will you promise that no harm will come to us? Will I always have my husband? Will my children always walk with You?" and so on...

The One asking me to surrender makes no such promise not to allow harm to come to us but instead He gives better promises like "In this world you will have trouble but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world" and "when you pass through the waters, I will be with you" and "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

And so I surrender. Not because I have confidence in myself, that I "know the secrets of the fire swamp," though I have been in the school of learning to be "content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want," but because I know the One who asks me to surrender. He is nothing like Prince Humperdink who has no intentions of keeping his promises. The One who asks me to surrender keeps His promises. I know that when I surrender all to Him whatever He allows to happen to us He will use for our good and His glory because He knows best.

He does not promise safety or ease but He does promise His presence, which is better by far. I know I can trust Him.

And so... I surrender.

* Quote from The Princess Bride by William Goldman.

Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-80606316370835041862016-10-02T23:01:00.000-05:002016-10-02T23:01:12.760-05:005 Minutes in October: PaintWe don't paint much around here. Occasionally the girls will ask to paint and collect a bunch of old grocery flyers and head out to the back yard to paint a picture on a piece of paper but it doesn't happen often.

Confession: we've never painted a wall in any house we've ever lived in. I've often heard friends talk about needing to paint before moving into a place or seen the before and after pictures of the walls in their homes. I've helped others paint but I've never painted any of the 20-ish places we've lived. Most of our landlords would have been fine with it but I have always figured our time here is temporary and I can live with the white or ecru or random color from a previous tenant walls for the time we are here.

Whoever painted our house before we moved in did a poor job and even painted all of the windows closed (we figure it's a security feature along the busy sidewalk on the bedroom side of our house so we haven't pried them open.) There is definitely touch up work that needs done around here. I'm not sure if we'll get to it or just let the landlord repaint after we move out.Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-45145032173957300502016-10-02T00:05:00.000-05:002016-10-02T00:05:44.798-05:005 Minutes in October 2016: WalkI've decided to try 31 days of 5 Minute free writes again this year. So, with my last few minutes of the 1st, here goes...

WALK

Sometime earlier in residency Glenn got a Fitbit through work. The band broke so he stopped wearing it for a while.

When we found bands at Goodwill we bought a couple but he still didn't start wearing it so he said I could and I did.

It was a good motivator for a while. For a few days I'd take a walk before bed to get my steps up but then the charger stopped working.

After buying a new charger my cousin invited me on some challenges. They have been a good motivation for me. I've never won but it's encouraged me to increase my steps. Most evenings you'll find me wandering my house reading Perspectives on my nook, getting more steps in, trying not to trip over the dog or the kids.

Today, ironically, is the first day I haven't gotten 10,000 steps. Yesterday was day 25 of my streak.

STOPSonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-15823774949599922652016-09-30T20:25:00.000-05:002016-09-30T20:25:55.485-05:00Five Minute Friday: CollectSTART

When I saw the word "collect" earlier today I thought of all of the things that we collect around here: books, papers, legos, games, legos, nerf guns, socks, legos, pens, cameras, flip flops, legos, bikes, light sabers, legos... you get the idea. We have a lot of collections. In the upcoming months we need to purge a lot of collections.

As I wrote the subject for this blog though the first thing I thought of was collect calls. Kids don't know what those are any more. A few weeks ago I tried to explain to them what a collect call was but they didn't really get it. There was a day when everyone didn't have a cell phone and when you needed to call home you hit "0" and asked the operator if you could make a collect call.

I haven't made a collect call in years. When I made them they were always to home. That 315 number forever ingrained in my mind that connected me to my mom and dad no matter where I was. I don't know who has that dear old number now. If I tried to call that 315 number collect today they would not accept the charges from "Sonja." Oh, how I miss calling that 315 number. I didn't do it nearly often enough.

STOP

Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-14620304636112251062016-09-23T22:36:00.000-05:002016-09-23T22:36:18.137-05:00Five Minute Friday: FiveAnd for the real prompt for this week.... 5

Yesterday at our Thursday school we were reminded once again to sign up for a performance that a couple of the students from the school are performing in late in October. The tickets are only $5, the kids are friends of our kids, and I live the closest of anyone to the place where the performance is being held so I put down my name and contact information and the number 5.

When I had a free minute later in the day I texted Glenn asking what his schedule was going to be the day of the performance to make sure that he didn't randomly have the day off. He texted back, "Probably not. Clinic all day." I told him, "OK. I just put 5 anyway." Then he replied, "So you are saying we have met before?"

Yes. We've met before. I love the random days when we get to be 6 but, during residency, more often than not we are 5.

Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-63425795209504402642016-09-23T16:53:00.000-05:002016-09-23T16:53:23.831-05:00Five Minute Friday: Listen (Take 2)We're finishing up week 4 of school for the year. School is going pretty well this year. There are still the sinful people reacting sinful when sinned against issues that come with living and learning with sinners but... overall things are going pretty well.

One of my favorite things that I've added to our school year this year is Friday one-on-ones with mom. They came out of a suggestion from a friend who meets with each of her kids on Fridays to talk over what their goals are for the next week.

I schedule appointments with them and they report to the back room and sit on the couch, eat a piece of chocolate, and tell me about what is going well, what isn't going to well, and what they would like to change. It has been such a privilege to just listen to them one-on-one with no interruptions and get a glimpse into their hearts.

The number of Friday afternoons I have left that to spend with these precious ones in my home is getting smaller and smaller and I'm so thankful for the encouragement to just sit with them and listen.

Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-55033142056916500452016-09-23T12:39:00.001-05:002016-09-23T12:39:20.337-05:00Five Minute Friday: ListenHannah, a few other teens from church, and I have started volunteering leading Kids' Praise (the opening 15 minutes of SS). This fall the kids in Sunday school at our church are studying 1 Peter for the months of September and October. I love the book of 1Peter and I have given the kids a "First Peter Challenge" to read or listen through 1 Peter every week for the whole two months. I told them if they read or listened to or had their parents read them one chapter of 1Peter every day Monday through Friday they would get to read through 1 Peter 8 or more times and it will help to get more out of what they are learning in Sunday School. The first week I had 2 participants, last week there were 10-15 (I'm rewarding them with candy...).

Since I gave the challenge I decided to take the challenge as well, even though we're in the OT in my class. I have loved listening to 1 Peter through the Bible app. It's a book I've always wanted to memorize and I'm starting to be able to quote more and more of it along with the reader.

I usually listen to sermons while I run so that I can do something I enjoy while I am doing something I have to do. I think that God wants me to work through 1Peter even more because something happened to my podcast app one day and it jumped me ahead a couple of weeks ago to the first sermon of a series on 1 Peter. I figured it was appropriate so I've been listening to it as I run and I've loved hearing about a proper response and perspective on suffering and the reminder that we are strangers here and need to live on mission because we are not home yet.

(This is actually last week's prompt but, on my run today, I was thinking about how much I am loving listening to 1Peter and this series that I needed to write about it.)

Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-89690066773669087582016-09-05T22:53:00.001-05:002016-09-05T22:53:58.436-05:00Five Minute Friday: PathOn Sunday at the end of the service we sang the song, "I Surrender All." That song always makes me think of a young man from Nigeria who was a student with us in college. He told us he didn't ever sing that song (though it was often the song that closed the church services at that time) because he didn't want to lie.

We don't sing it often but I think of him whenever I do and I sing it as a prayer asking for help to surrender more.

Our path has had many detours along the way but all along the way there has been a call to surrender our goals, our plans, our timing, our independence, our self-reliance, our pride and so much more. It's not easy to surrender those things but He has been faithful and I'm so thankful that He continues to invite us to be a part of His story.Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-6180270375493077092016-08-12T22:56:00.002-05:002016-08-13T00:16:07.587-05:00Five Minute Friday: LiftThere are some people in life that no matter how much time passes between visits you can spend time with them again and connect in a deep, meaningful way and walk away humbled and encouraged and lifted up. We are not good long distance people. If we don't live near you, you know this. Honestly, we're not great nearby people either, unfortunately.

Last night we flew into Charlotte for an interview today. It was a great day and we met some really great people that we'd love to work with and follow each other's paths from near or far. It's funny how many of them we already had mutual friends with.

One of the unexpected blessings though was that the shuttle driver last night told us he actually lives in SC, just across the border which immediately made me think of friends who I know live in a border town somewhere and live and work on opposite sides of the border so I immediately jumped on Facebook to message them to see if they were indeed close by and if we could meet up. We were able to go out for coffee with them tonight and catch up on their lives. Though we've never lived close they are some of my favorite people because they have shared hard stuff they've gone through with us and shown us a glimpse into how He has used it to crush them and transform them. They are blatantly honest with their struggles and how hard Kingdom work is. Many of the things they have gone though I think would have destroyed me but they are still seeking Him and His place for them and they still know He is good. I love to talk to others like them who don't have it all figured out and to end our time lifting each other up to the One who knows.

I don't know what the outcome of today's interview will be. I don't know what our next steps are. I don't know what is next for our friends but He knows and for that I am very thankful.

A bit longer than 5 minutes... Thanks, friends.
Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-80797219907305635602016-08-01T22:29:00.000-05:002016-08-01T22:29:10.372-05:00Five Minute Friday: HiddenSince we've been in TX my blog has been pretty silent. There has been a lot that we have gone through. Many struggles I have had but they have been hidden. I used to use my blog as a way to walk through and think through my struggles but I've avoided it for several years now. I don't know if I'm afraid of what will be revealed to me by going deeper, too many distractions, or what it might be.

This morning after finishing my scripture writing I glanced back through my journal as I sat at our campsite's picnic table. It was humbling to remember some of my struggles and faith bolstering to know how He brought me through those struggles. I guess I have avoided evaluating what I'm going through openly but there have definitely still been seasons of seeking Him in struggles in that hidden place. It's just not as easy to navigate and search back through as on my blog.

When blog posts come up in my memories I'm always convicted that I should start writing again. So, I've decided to start blogging again on Fridays (or sometime shortly thereafter) with the Five Minute Friday prompts. Maybe it will prime the pump on my writing and I will resume blogging more regularly. Maybe not.

STOP

Until next weekSonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-22451423462487537832016-02-24T00:29:00.000-05:002016-02-25T00:23:03.822-05:00Conflict Happens... I'm thankful for graceThis morning I was upstairs doing something in the kitchen when I heard angry noises coming up from the basement and saw a shot from a play doctor's kit go shooting past me very quickly. I knew that the conflict in the basement was not going to resolve itself and I ran downstairs and had everyone sit down in a circle.

There are currently 8 sinners living in this house in a situation that is far from normal for any of us. Some have parents and baby brother far away getting a new sister, some are far from home and far from their dad. The one thing we all know is there is just 3 more sleeps until our situation changes and 4 more people come/ come back to live in this house. We are all excited for that day, for "Mommy and Daddy and Si-Si" to return and to meet Haddy in person. Many of us are also excited for the day not too long after when we will no longer be homesick because we will be home.

We've had a lot of fun and made some fun memories and gotten to know each other in ways we have never had the chance to before. I'm grateful. Our time together has gone well, better than I expected really. These three precious kids have gone through a lot of change in the last few months - a new house, a new baby brother and now their parents have been gone for longer than they have ever been gone before and very soon a new rambunctious 2 year old sister will be living with them. I think of those stress level quizzes and their levels would be off the charts. They have done really well but everyone is getting weary and I figured this last week would get progressively harder on everyone.

This morning was a prime example. It was not the first conflict we have had but it was definitely one of the biggest.

I knew I had a group of sinners, few (if any) who were innocent in the conflict. Rarely is it just one person's fault as we sinners tend to respond sinfully when we are sinned against. After sitting down with the kids in a circle on the floor I gave them the opportunity to confess their sins and ask forgiveness from whomever they had wronged. I started with the oldest. They all admitted what they had done wrong (with some reminder coaching to not use the "but" word because an apology with a "but" in it is blame-casting not a true apology, taking responsibility for wrong done) and asked for forgiveness and forgave. We then moved on to confrontation of any wrongs that were not confessed using OIC (Observation - just the facts, Interpretation - how I view the facts, Confirmation - did I miss anything?) and some things were cleared up that were not clear before. Everyone wasn't completely happy after our confessing/ confronting exercise and some people were still not thrilled that those people didn't want to do the activity that they really wanted them to do with them but things were returned, relationships were restored and play resumed after a quick prayer of thanks for forgiveness.

"Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 is quoted at my house pretty often. In every conflict people have opportunities to be kind or opportunities to forgive or both.

Being kind and forgiving do not come naturally and I'm thankful for tools that I have been given to use in conflict. Rarely does a day go by that I am not thankful that we didn't get into medical school starting in the fall of '08 (as painful as that was) so we were still in Rochester and going to Northridge for the Fighting Fair series and for all the helpful relationship tools I was introduced to as a result of that series. I am a different person and my family is different because of the perspective we've gained about conflict through that series. If conflict is a part of your everyday life or even if you don't encounter conflict often I highly recommend a listen through either the 2008 or the 2014 version of Fighting Fair. (Yes, it's so good and so important that it was repeated. I listen to it at least once a year.)

I'm thankful for the conflict the kids had this morning. I've had neat conversations with many of them as a result of it and it makes me so thankful for God's grace and forgiveness.

It's funny, as I was starting to write this Abigail saw what I was typing and said, "Mom, you know, I actually didn't even remember about this morning. See? Forgive and forget."

Thank You, Lord, for opportunities to grow through conflict. I love You. Please help these 7 little and not so little ones to grow in their love for You and their love for each other as a result of trials in their lives and may they not become bitter, may they be kind and quick to confess and quick to forgive. Me too. Thank You for forgiving us.

My cute, crazy companions.

Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-91122404037510367642016-02-05T18:35:00.001-05:002016-02-05T19:34:43.659-05:00Five Minute Friday: Focus

There are lots of distractions around here. From 4 kids to a dog to piles of stuff everywhere to never ending homeschool plans and teaching and questions and grading to this handy little device that I am writing this post on. It's time to eat again already? Squirrel.

The idea of multi-tasking is a lie but I try. I try to get multiple things done at the same time but it doesn't work.

The key to effectiveness is focus. I truly need to learn to focus on what is most important but it is so hard.

"Martha, Martha... one thing is needful. Mary has chosen what is best and it will not be taken from her." Luke 10

Oh Lord, please help me to be more like Mary.

Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-90180235855094865292016-01-27T01:45:00.001-05:002016-01-27T08:07:53.622-05:00Review: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled WorldIt's amazing the difference gratitude makes.

Yesterday in my Timehop there were links from two of my blog posts 4 years ago. It was obvious from reading them that I was really struggling with depression which is pretty common this time of the year for me. Between Thanksgiving and the end of February I often live under a cloud of depression that makes it hard for me to come out from under the covers for days at a time.

I was really struggling with depression earlier in this month as well. Glenn is gone this month and add that to my normal propensity toward depression, things were not going well for me emotionally or in any other way.

But God (don't you love those words?) had a plan.

When we got home from Christmas with Glenn's family there was an envelop in the mail with a Gratitude Bracelet on a card like this one.

It was my first clue: I WAS IN!! I had requested to be on the launch team for Kristen's new book, Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, because I have loved so many of the posts that Kristen has written on her blog. Her kids are close in age to my kids and they live counter culturally, help refugees and women overseas and I have learned a lot from her. I also really do want to raise grateful kids in this entitled world and could use any help I can get in doing so. I really didn't expect to make the cut because I don't have a huge following and somehow I had missed the email telling me that I was on the launch team so when I saw the bracelet I was so excited!

 This book is a great read. Kristen doesn't sugar coat how hard it is to be a mom. It's not written from an "I have arrived do what I did" standpoint. She is still in the trenches of this parenting thing. She shares some successes and some failures. Some things she shared made me think, "I'm glad we don't struggle with that" but so many other things she shared about made me think, "I'm right there with you" or "Oh, we need to get there." In many areas her family has had to back track and make changes in their family which has not been easy but gives me hope because my children are no longer babies either and there are some changes we need to make around here.

In the book she navigates some tough waters: child-centered home problems, selfishness, delayed gratification, comparison, complaining, technology choices, relationships, responsibility, obedience, gratitude.

There are so many great quotes in the book but one quote that stuck out to me was: "Here's the simple truth that isn't so simple: Raising kids to be different from the world really does make them different from the world." We have this discussion around our house often, about how weird we are. We're weird on purpose and they like being weird most of the time (I think). We're trying to raise our kids to think differently about the world, to see the needs of others and to help, and to think of others more than they think of themselves. We are not always successful but occasionally my kids are praised by people who are amazed at them when my kids just feel like they are doing something normal, something that everyone should be doing. This is often hard for my kids because they have seen the blessings of serving, of giving, and of reaching out to others and looking for the good in every situation and they can't understand why everyone wouldn't want to do those things.

Here are a few more quotes that stuck out to me:
* "When we have everything, we are thankful for nothing. When we have nothing, we are thankful for everything."
* "All that time I thought she wanted to be rescued, and instead she just wanted to know that I would rescue her if she needed me to. Part of our job is to reassure kids that we will be there for them, and we are, but the rest of the job requires that we walk away. Kids will continue to let us rescue them if we continue to rest in their side."
* "most kids will let us continue to solve their problems if we play along. I'm obviously not against helping my kids out. Mistakes happen and we all get busy and forgetful, but when it becomes a habit and we consistently bail our kids out, we are entitling them to continue the pattern. And this mentality has produced a society of adultolescents."
* As a parent, more than anything else, I want my kids to follow Christ. It's higher on my list than success, happiness, financial stability, and education. I don't want them to attend church out of habit or duty. I want them to have a deep, abiding relationship with Him because I'm convinced this is the only road to contentment, true success, and happiness in life. I don't know what the future holds for Madison, Jon-Avery, and Emerson. I can't foresee the joy and pain they will find on life's path. I can't predict the victories and the earth-shattering defeats. I can't always protect them, but Jesus can. He can be with them in life when I can't be. And He will walk with them in every season. At the end of my life, I want Psalm 127:1 to be my legacy: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain"
* "The humble person says that life is a gift to be grateful for, not a right to be claimed."
* "If we are going to compare ourselves to those who have more, we must also compare ourselves to those who have less."
* "But I learned it's never too late to apologize. And that's what I did. I confessed my wrongdoing to my child and asked for forgiveness. I would give anything to go back and change what transpired if I could. But I learned something valuable from it: "Winning" a fight with our kids only makes two losers. We have the opportunity patiently walk with them through their pain and try to understand the root of their attitude or negative behavior. But we have to take it."
* "When hands are busy serving others, we aren't thinking about what we don't have. Instead, we are thankful for what we do have."

There is so much more good stuff in Raising Grateful Kids but one thing I love about the book is that at the end of each chapter Kristen gives 2-3 quick, practical, age appropriate suggestions to try to apply what she talked about in your life as parents, with your toddlers/preschoolers, with your elementary kids, and with your tweens/teens that you can try right now.

I really feel like reading this book and being on the launch team has helped me get through this month. It helped me to think of others and not to wallow and get lost in my cloud. One of the biggest blessings was the Instagram challenge that we were given to post about people we appreciate, things that made us smile and how God has been good. As a family we have always done "thank Yous" at night before we go to bed but having that challenge helped me to focus specifically on being thankful more and encouraged me to really look for and think about and truly be grateful for things and people in my life more than just the for the few minutes when I'm desperately trying to get my kids to go to bed at the end of a long day. I've always known gratitude was important but this month I was able to see it actually break through the fog of my depression and for that I am very grateful.

There are so many things I need to grow in as a mom and in this book Kristen has given me many ideas, challenges and so much encouragement. I highly recommend it.

One final quote:

"Our kids are watching us. And when we feel like we are failing or we don't know what to do next, the answer is always to get closer to Jesus because when we do, those around us just might inch closer too."

Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-73455742088479328592016-01-04T01:51:00.000-05:002016-01-04T01:51:31.716-05:00Grateful for the Scenic RouteThis morning I was given a glad reminder about our good Father. We were reading about the Israelites leaving Egypt and we were handed a map (pictured below) and we read:

"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea..." Exodus 13:17-18

Looking at the map it would make the most sense to take the route from Goshen to Canaan that I traced in pink. It's short, easy, a couple of weeks max. That, obviously to me, is the best route but it isn't the route He led them on. He led them on the long circuitous route traced in blue through the wilderness because He knew them and He knew what was best and that they would learn so much along that route that they would never learn if they took the short cut.

This map is a great picture to me of the path we have been on. Back when we were first married at the all knowing ages of 19 and 21 we thought we knew the path we were going to take and just how long it was going to take and what it would look like and that we would arrive at our planned destination quickly and easily.

That is not how it has ended up. He knows us and He knows what would have waylaid us had we taken the quick, easy route so He, in His wisdom and grace, has granted to us the scenic route. It has not been easy. It has not always been beautiful. There have been many painful experiences along the way but He has proven His goodness and His faithfulness to us time and time again through it all and I love Him all the more because of what He has taught me about Himself (and about my own sinful self) on the scenic route He has led us on. I am thankful for the wilderness because I know that I have learned so much in it that I would never have learned had He granted to us the easy way.

Related side note/ example: Time and time again I have thanked God that I didn't have my babies during med school and residency. He knew that I wouldn't have been able to handle that well and sometimes I feel bad that med school entrance may have been delayed as a blessing to me as but it has been so nice to be able to sleep through the night and have "big people" to talk to during the countless hours Glenn is away. He knew best.

One more kind of silly example from today: Tonight I was able to Facetime and text through Whatsapp with Glenn though he is on a rotation on the other side of the world. It made me think: had we been on our plan and our timing he would have been at this point in his training seven-ish years ago and I don't think such opportunities for easy communication existed back then. I'm thankful for the technological advances that allow us to keep in touch.

I give Him all the glory. He is faithful. You can trust Him. Even when the way is long and hard and doesn't make sense.

Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-20219187209724975092015-12-24T13:24:00.000-05:002015-12-24T13:28:54.270-05:00We have (another) vanWe have been looking for a replacement vehicle for a while (since, you know, May of 2013 when the rear subframe of our van snapped on our way up to NY for graduation).

We said goodbye to Winnie (our '02 Ford Windstar) back then but while we were on our graduation trip in a rental we decided to have mechanic our tow driver recommended put a used piece put on her to fix her to sell her. She wasn't fixed exactly right but she got us from point A to point B (she mostly went from home to the hospital). We decided she should be a Metroplex only vehicle because we didn't trust her frame and rented a van for vacation though we have taken her to Louisiana twice to visit Glenn's parents.

God gave us Ghana ('97 Ford Taurus) when our friends moved to Ghana in the spring of '14. She has taken us to New York twice, Wyoming once, Louisiana once (?), up to Ohio in early November, and all over the metroplex. She's been a huge blessing because she sits 6 so we can all fit in her. She started making a funny noise last Thursday and I mentioned it to Glenn. When he mentioned it to his dad his dad recommended not driving it because it might be the rod. He drove it home from work anyway and had a friend who has mechanic training listen and he shouted, "Rod, rod, rod rod rod," so Glenn would turn her back off. I honestly have no idea what that means but, from what I've gathered, it's bad. Like don't drive her again bad. :(

We (really Glenn) had already been looking for vehicles more lately anyway because he wants us to have a reliable vehicle when he's gone next month and I wanted something with at least 8 seats so I can cart all 7 kids legally in a few weeks when the kids and I go up to watch my nephews and niece while my brother and sister-in-love head off to get the little girl they're adopting. The "rod" thing and the fact that Winnie seems to be having possible transmission issues and the fact that Winnie's frame is just bits of rust kind of stuck together made it more of a priority.

On Saturday Caleb had a birthday party up 199 and there are lots of used car lots up that way. While he was paint balling the rest of us used car lot hopped. We met several nice used car salesmen, figured out how to have the kind of conversation we wanted with used car salesmen (after a few mistakes), looked in several vehicles, and made Hannah get in the back of lots of vehicles to check leg room. It was helpful as we were able to cross several types of vehicles off of our possibilities list because there was not enough legroom or not enough storage space for us.

After looking at a minivan at one of the lots we noticed an old conversion van and asked about it. It had been a trade in and he didn't know much about it but let us check it out. The legroom was enormous and the seats were comfy. Hannah was in love.

After picking up Caleb, Winnie choked a bit and we kind of seriously joked about seeing if the guy would give us an even trade for her. Instead we continued to the mall and watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens (a special thanks to our dentist, Dr Tillman, for free tickets).

After church on Sunday, Glenn and I sat on our bed and compared craigslist ads for various vehicles we were considering, most of them being big vans (conversion or other passenger vans) and contacted a few owners.

After looking and talking for quite a while we decided to move to the urgent/ not important quadrant of our to do list and go to Six Flags to use Glenn's pass before it expired (the urgent part) and continue our conversation while in line for rides. It was so nice to just get out and have fun as a family and enjoy the pretty lights of Holiday in the Park.

While there we missed a return call from one of the owners but we got home too late to call him back so we called him on Monday afternoon. The van had 10 seats, which fit our "8 or more" desire so we decided to go check it out. The owners have 7 kids and replaced her with a newer van that seats 15 so they can bring friends along. We totally understand that since we can only fit one extra person in Winnie so if we have more than that someone has to sit illegally. Driving to the northeast corner of the metroplex during rush hour was NOT fun but we got there and checked her out. After checking her out and talking to the owner about the price we decided we would chat about it on the long drive home. Four and a half hours after leaving home we got back to Fort Worth and chatted with friends from our small group about whether we should buy her or not and decided to do so.

Tuesday afternoon we drove back out there and picked her up and, while the dads worked on paperwork and talked about more of the van's idiosyncrasies, I had a great conversation with the wife (another homeschool mom) and our kids had fun playing with each other. I think that our families would be great friends if they didn't live on "the other side of the world."

Welcome to the family, Black Beauty (her given name) or The Beast (what I think we should call her) or something else... we haven't come to an agreement on her name yet. She may not be our forever car but she has room for more than just us and we are grateful for her and I guess I will be getting used to driving a big van. We get to try her out for her first #wanderingmaases adventure today as we go to Lake Charles to visit Glenn's family for Christmas.

It has 4 captain's seats and a bench that sits 4 in the back (that also folds down into a bed).

We could live in there or at least use it as a play house (which the girls did yesterday with a friend).

Now, to decide what to do with our other 2 vehicles...

Thanks, God, for providing a vehicle for us. Please help us to use it for Your glory.
Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-86519960678742471602015-11-27T23:55:00.000-05:002015-11-27T23:55:05.588-05:00It's a cold, wet night in Fort Worth. It's a cold, wet night in Fort Worth. It's been wet for over 24 hours and keeps getting colder and it's not supposed to warm up or dry up for another couple of days and I've been complaining.

In my heart and out loud I've been complaining. I don't like being cold. I don't like being wet. When the weather's like this I just want to hibernate but we're pet sitting for friends while they're out of town so we've made the trek out our doors and between our homes more often than I would of my own volition.

...and all I can think of is the homeless people and I am ashamed of my discontent heart. I leave one home that is dry and warm-ish and has blankets and go to another home that is dry and warm-ish and has blankets. I may drive a car with no heat between the two but the blowing cool air keeps the windshield clear of our breath and the drive isn't that far and I'm dry.

Tonight when I got home from checking on the dogs I had to run Glenn's phone to him at the hospital because he'd forgotten it at home and I was complaining a bit in my heart because I had the cold car and I had to leave the house again and then there, just inside the rotating door way, was a man and a woman bundled up with a few plastic bags a piece. The lady chuckled at me as I walked in, "it's a bit cold out there isn't it." I smiled and said, "yes, ma'am, it is." and my heart broke. I'm not sure how much longer they will be able to sit there in the warm, dry hospital. I don't know at what point they'll be forced out into the cold rain. Glenn told me the man was sitting there when he arrived earlier tonight and he told me of a man that slept for over a week in one part of the hospital in the heat of this past summer. Maybe they'll get to stay inside tonight. Who knows. They didn't really look prepared to handle this rain, or the cold.

As I was walking out the man asked me if I smoked. I told him no. He then asked me my name and how old I was. "Sonja," "36, no, I mean I'm 37." The lady chuckled again saying it's to late to ask such hard questions. He asked me and if I was there with my boyfriend. "I came to bring something to my husband that he left at home, he's working upstairs." The woman told me I'm a better wife than she would be, that she wouldn't come out on a cold, wet night like tonight. I told them he's worth it and wished them a good night and left.

And I can't get them out of my mind.

How I wish I had something to help them. I don't even know what I could give that would make a difference. I'm home now, nursing a cup to tea to warm me up, listening to the rain, feeling the cold seep in through the windows thankful to be inside, out of it for the night, thinking of those who are not as fortunate as I am.

It's a cold, wet night in Fort Worth and I'm a bit more thankful for my circumstances than I was.

Oh Lord, please be with those not as fortunate as me tonight. Help them to find warm, dry places to sleep and help them to be safe and not alone and help me find a way to make a difference in their lives and to be grateful for my circumstances and to trust You with all of this. AmenSonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-12929289415683252152015-10-31T23:02:00.001-05:002015-10-31T23:02:41.357-05:005 Minutes in October: AlmostAlmost

I chat believe it's already October 31, the 31st day of the write for 5 minutes everyday challenge. I took the write daily in October challenge once before back in 2012 when I did a month of flashbacks but I hadn't written in so long that I was scared to start writing again so I just decided to take it a day at a time, no promises and I did it. Every day. I still can't believe it.

Writing every day has been good for me. It has been healing for me. It has been something I've started to look forward to instead of dread.

I know I won't continue it because I won't have daily prompts and the challenge but I'm hoping that this month will have primed the pump to get me writing more regularly.

My 5 minutes is almost done but I just want to say thanks to whoever started this write every day challenge and to Kate for her list of prompts. I have learned a bit about myself and have grown through it.

PS.... I wrote this earlier today and I almost forgot to post it. Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-76658136001505296272015-10-30T22:27:00.001-05:002015-10-30T22:28:10.200-05:005 Minutes in October: BaconBacon

So, bacon is the word that gets chosen as favorite when you give a group of women a chance to recommend a one word prompt.

Bacon.

Sometime in the last year or so Glenn shared with me about some article that said you should only eat bacon once a year or something. I'm not sure what it was or where he read it. I'm denying it's existence so I'm not even sure why I'm mentioning it here.

Still he brings home the bacon (literally) sometimes. Sometimes when he has extra money left in his account he'll bring home breakfast from work after a night shift and it often has bacon. Occasionally they'll have some kind of salad at noon conference and a few times he's brought home a partial pan of leftover crumbled bacon and we've stuck it in our freezer to stick in eggs or soup or salad.

I like bacon. Even if you're only supposed to eat it once a year.Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-51542815796193916602015-10-29T23:09:00.001-05:002015-10-29T23:09:37.831-05:005 Minutes in October: SeaSea

I was struggling with what to write about sea and thought about how our sins are cast into the depths of the sea and had to google the verse. (My concordance doesn't get nearly the workout it used to since google became so helpful at finding the verse I'm looking for though I did pull it out the other day when one of the kids was supposed to find a verse about rest and their little back of the Bible concordance only showed about one verse where Strongs has many more than that.)

I digress. The verse I was looking for was in Micah 7 and I had to include the verse before it:

Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)

How grateful I am that He forgives my sins. I don't have to be good enough or try really hard. I am forgiven because of the cross. I watched a great sermon about that this evening. You can check it out here. http://www.northridgerochester.com/messages/laying-your-ladder-down/laying-your-ladder-down/Sonjahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-8059141356343007702015-10-28T22:34:00.000-05:002015-10-28T22:34:42.075-05:005 Minutes in October: HopeHope.

I didn't know what to say.

My husband says, "It's in the Lord." Which, of course caused me to start singing:

My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price for all my sin at Calvary

For me (for me) He died (He died)
For me (for me) He live (He lives)
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

No merit of my own
His anger to suppress.
My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness.

And now for me He stands
Before the Father's throne.
He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.

His grace has planned it all
Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive

Oh, I love that song. It reminds me of singing with my family. You have to sing both parts if the chorus when you sing it, even if it sounds funny. Sometimes it gets really low which makes it sound all growl-ly and fun.

I remembered the first and last verses and the chorus, google helped with the middle 2.

Oh, how grateful I am for that hope that can only be found in Him. It is a sure thing hope not an I sure wish hope. I can trust in that hope in all days and at all times and in all circumstances because He is good.Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-28287416.post-82808701087429468452015-10-28T00:28:00.000-05:002015-10-28T00:28:01.989-05:005 Minutes in October: PerhapsPerhaps

I recently listened to The Magic Art of Tidying Up and so I am slowly trying to go through my stuff and get rid of things that we don't need. She recommends starting with your clothing so I've done my tops and bottoms and today, because I was frustrated with it I dumped my underwear drawer and sorted through it.

I came across this cute little card (What? Is your underwear drawer not full of sentimental papers??) and it made me smile. I remember loving looking through these little cards when I was a kid at the book store at Word of Life and my mom would often let me buy a few to give to others.

 When I turned it over I saw this and started to cry.

Am I? Am I in their thoughts and prayers? Do people in heaven think and pray about people on earth?

Perhaps.

I don't know.

I do know that:

The Holy Spirit prays for me: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26

and so does Jesus: "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" Romans 8:34

That. That is enough.Sonjahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
I've been using about.me for a few months now, and it's really handy as an all-purpose, online business card. I love it for those situations where I may be meeting someone online or over the phone, and can't hand them a printed business card. Besides that, it's just more fun.
You can make your "online business card" more interesting than paper with a good-sized picture and a bio. You can also add links to your social media profiles and business website to keep visitors engaged and show them how to contact you. After you've set up your profile, you can even see how many people have viewed it and which of your social media profiles they've clicked on.
If you're looking for ideas for your profile, there a lot of great examples on about.me. You can check out my profile at http://about.me/kristenbrooke or simply click on the Random Profile icon at the top of their website to see more about.me user profiles. You can also check out the video introduction from their website below.
Are you using this service already, or if you're not, are you going to give it a try? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to know what you think of it.


text:
|Product Specification
|Case Size
|32 mm
|Case Shape
|Case Material
|Strap Material
|Dial Colour
|Water Resistance (M)
|Glass Material
|Mineral Crystal
|Warranty Period
|2 Years
What makes Ethos a better place to buy a watch vs. other e-commerce websites?
- Other e-commerce websites, even though they may be famous, are marketplaces. The sellers on these are NOT authorized retailers. You run the risk of buying a fake or a refurbished watch. Nearly 33% of the watches sold on e-commerce sites are fake. Ethos is an authorized retailer of every watch we sell. We are India's largest luxury watch retailer. We have 46 boutiques across India. You can be sure that when a watch is bought on our website it will be free from all malpractices.
- The warranty is void on most of the watches sold through marketplaces and e-commerce sites. Sellers send a warranty card that is not stamped by an authorized retailer. If something goes wrong, the warranty of the watch will be void.
- Ethos has 4 dedicated service and repair centers across India and a strong aftersales service department.
- You get a free strap adjustment at any Ethos watch boutique across India.
- You get free membership into Club Echo. Club Echo is the loyalty programme of Ethos, membership to which can get you invitations to secret sales, launch events, previews and discounts on polishing, watch check-ups and services.
When aesthetic design and high end technology combine, a fine timekeeper such as this is evolved. Its spectacular looks will never remain unnoticed. It's not too gaudy or too simple, just the right balance for a great daily wear. The watch is housed in a stainless steel case of 32mm. The watch has a grey polished dial with striking blue hour's hand pointing at indexes and a highlighted Arabic numeral at 12 and 5 and 7 o' clock. The watch supports a day, date and 24 hour counter display. The dial is protected with mineral glass. The watch has a smooth grey polished bezel. The strap is made of leather and has a grey tone.
Similar Products
Armani Exchange SmartAX5301MRP: Rs 9,995
Citizen ClassicEV0054-54D
MRP: Rs 8,900
Special Price: Rs 8,010
DKNY WomensNY2169Price: Rs 7,795
Skagen Ancher355SSGSPrice: Rs 7,495
Casio Sheen Multi HandSHE-3800SG-7ADRMRP: Rs 7,495
Fossil FlashAM4141Price: Rs 5,995
Ice Ola SmallSI.WK.S.S.11
Price: Rs 5,590
Special Price: Rs 4,751
GO, Girl Only GO697540
MRP: Rs 5,250
Special Price: Rs 2,625
Customer Reviews on Guess Fashion W10612G1
Be the first one to write a review
Have you used this product? Rate it now.


text:
City centric, Courtyard By Marriott offers a comfortable stay for business & leisure travelers. It is located at a short walk from Iskon Mall. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay in its spacious and comfy rooms. Modern benefits like healthy breakfast services, secure parking space, fully equipped health club, high speed internet access, neat catering services, swimming pool, small meetings rooms, in-house restaurant and many such modern comforts are equipped in this hotel.
Attractions travelers recommend


text:
4th of July
4th of July Cheesecake Dip
There's nothing I love more than easy, delicious desserts...especially when they look fabulously festive!
Check out my 4th of July Cheesecake Dip!
Early Look At July 4th Jersey Shore Weather
The big holiday weekend is right around the corner. If there's any justice, we should get a great weather weekend. So, will we get what we deserve?
Top 10 Fireworks Safety Tips
Everyone enjoys a great fireworks display, especially during the festive Fourth of July holiday weekend, but consumers need to be careful and approach the holiday safely.
July 4th Brings Out The Patriotism In Us
I think the more we hear about what's going on in the rest of the world, the more we appreciate all we have here in the U.S.A. and I think that patriotism really comes out in so many of us on the 4th of July.
Lakewood 4th of July Fireworks Canceled
The 4th of July festivities planned for tonight along Lake Carasaljo have been postponed.
Steak Seasoning Tips For The Big Barbeque This Weekend
The 4th of July weekend is here. Let the grilling begin! If you want your steaks to come out perfectly, experts say it's all in the seasoning.
What's Better Than A Four Day Weekend – If You Have One Of Course
Is there anything better than leaving work on Wednesday and knowing that you don't have to come back on Monday? Probably not.
Easy Summer Barbecue Grilled Vegetables Recipe
July 4th is upon us, and hopefully you'll be spending it with family and friends. Most summer holidays are spent at my house, with Mama C. cooking up some of her standard delicious grilled delights.
One of my favorites? Grilled veggies. Here's the super simple recipe.
Ready For A Long Weekend?
The way July 4th lands this year, it could mean a nice long weekend for a lot of people along the Jersey Shore.
2013 Fireworks in Monmouth + Ocean Counties – Jersey Shore Guide
It's time for Independence Day celebrations at the Jersey Shore, and of course, fireworks! Here are the prime places to watch including rain dates and all day celebrations.
How Did You Schedule This July 4th Week? [POLL]
This July 4th week was a weird one since the holiday landed on Wednesday. No three day weekend unless you worked it out that way.


text:
Roy Hammonds, who until this week worked as a driver for the Iceland retail chain, is a victim of this trend. He was sacked after a satellite tracked him taking a 21-mile detour on the way back to his depot at Carnforth, Lancashire: the company found that he had taken the route 22 times, and sacked him for claiming the extra mileage.
A growing band of people have cause to curse the Global Positioning System's (GPS) satellites whirling unseen over our heads - the latest form of international and private police force.
Last month, the US fisheries service boarded the Sea Dragon, a fishing boat, in the western Pacific. It was sailing eight miles inside a 50-mile exclusion zone designed to protect the Hawaiian monk seal, an endangered species. Although they were searching almost 2,000 square miles of featureless ocean, the authorities knew exactly where to find the boat - because it had been fitted with a transponder which relayed its position, accurate to within 10 yards, to the GPS satellites overhead.
On the boat they found almost 10,000lbs of illegally caught swordfish and tuna, which was seized along with the boat's logbook. The fisheries men then told the captain to head, unescorted, back to port - knowing that they could track his exact position all the way.
The GPS is a network of low-level satellites originally set up by the US Defence Department to help its armed forces orientate themselves in unfamiliar territory. Each satellite orbits at a fixed point above Earth and contains an atomic clock. Each broadcasts its identity and onboard time every second. At any time at least three of the satellites will be above the horizon to an observer anywhere on Earth.
Meanwhile, around Europe, farmers have been discovering that another network of satellites is cutting down on fraud. Using cameras sensitive to frequencies outside the visible spectrum, satellites run by the National Remote Sensing Centre in Farnborough, Hampshire, have been providing pictures to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Maff) of farms in Britain. The lenses can show exactly what crops are being grown in fields - for comparison against farmers' claims for subsidies.
The same technique is being used in other European countries. "The information gleaned is used to inform Maff as to which farms require further investigation," says the NRSC.
The advantage of satellites is that they are comparatively cheap, once launched, and, like the evidence of video cameras, are impossible to argue against. Gene Proulx, enforcement chief of the US National Marine Fisheries Service, says: "Satellite monitoring costs an average of only a dollar a day per vessel in communications costs. Compare that with the high cost of surveillance aircraft and you begin to understand its importance."
But satellite monitoring may not reveal all. Roy Hammonds is claiming unfair dismissal, on the grounds that he made his diversion for reasons of safety rather than personal gain. "I knew I had a satellite box in the cab so I wasn't trying to pull a fast one," he said last week. "I didn't think the route I was supposed to take was safe."
- More about:
- Agriculture
- Farnborough
- Space


text:
Please note that 10 Great Books for 2017 is now fully booked. Please use the contact details on this page to be in touch if you wish to be added to our waiting list.
The Faculty of Arts proudly presents 10 Great Books – a Melbourne Masterclass – designed to challenge, revise, and reveal the legacy of great books. Each month, from February to November, we explore a great book in a supportive and lively masterclass environment, guided by an internationally renowned academic.
This year we celebrate two great Australian works, Donald Horne's pivotal The Lucky Country and David Malouf's iconic first novel Johnno; we explore great European historical fiction with The Lost Estate and The Leopard; we take on the quintessential Greek tragedy Medea; tackle two of the most influential scientific and environmental texts, Darwin's Origin of Species and Silent Spring; argue about the economic and philosophical revolution that was Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations; explore the unpronounceable but highly celebrated 15th century Venetian book Hypnerotomachia Poliphili; and for the first time in the Great Books series we will analyse a religious text, the Qu'ran.
To whet your appetite even further for the 2017 series, watch our video introduction. To explore the full program, including an introductory note on each text from our presenters, download the series flyer.
Tuesday, 21 February: Alain-Fournier, The Lost Estate (Le Grand Meaulnes), 1913
Presenter: Professor Peter McPhee
Peter McPhee has published widely on the history of modern France, most recently Robespierre: a Revolutionary Life (2012) and Liberty or Death: The French Revolution 1789-1799 (2016). He was appointed to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Melbourne in 2003 and was the University's first Provost in 2007-09.
Tuesday, 21 March: Donald Horne, The Lucky Country, 1964
Presenter: Professor Glyn Davis
Glyn Davis is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and a Political scientist. His most recent publications include The Craft of Governing – the contribution of Patrick Weller to Australian Political Science (2014; ed. With Rhodes R.A.W.) and The Republic of Learning (Boyer lectures, ABC Books 2010).
Tuesday, 11 April: Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (Wealth of Nations), 1776
Presenter: Dr Dan Halliday
Dan Halliday works mainly on topics at the intersection of political philosophy and public policy, such as taxation, education, and healthcare. He has recently completed a book, titled Social Justice and Inherited Wealth, which will be published in 2017 with Oxford University Press. Dan has been teaching at Melbourne University since 2011, after completing a PhD in political philosophy at Stanford University.
Tuesday, 16 May: Charles Darwin, On the Origin of Species, 1859
Presenter: Dr James Bradley
James Bradley lectures in the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Melbourne. Aside from teaching a number of University subjects, including 'Darwinism: History of a Very Big Idea', he is the co-author, with Rod Buchanan, of an extended piece about Darwin's delay in publishing his theory that will soon appear in the journal Isis. He is currently researching the relationship between physiology and vivisection in nineteenth-century Britain and writing a biography of the surgeon Sir Charles Bell.
Tuesday, 20 June: Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, 1962
Presenter: Associate Professor Sara Wills
Sara Wills is Associate Dean for Engagement and Advancement in the Faculty of Arts. She coordinates the Executive Master of Arts in which she teaches a subject called 'The Power of Ideas: Ten Great Books'. Known mainly as a historian of migration, her earliest research was on the development of environmental thinking in the nineteenth century and its elaboration into the twentieth century.
Tuesday, 18 July: David Malouf, Johnno, 1975
Presenter: The Hon Maxine McKew
Maxine McKew is an Honorary Fellow of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and a former Vice Chancellor's Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Writer and board director, her most recent publication, Class Act (2014), considers some of the biggest challenges in Australian schooling. This followed the success of her political memoir Tales From the Political Trenches (2012). Maxine's background is in politics and journalism. In 1998 she conducted a lengthy interview with David Malouf for Lateline as he prepared to present that year's ABC Boyer Lecture, A Spirit of Play.
Tuesday, 15 August: Qur'an
Presenter: Professor Abdullah Saeed AM
Abdullah Saeed is currently the Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies and Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Among his publications are Reading the Qur'an in the Twenty-First Century (2014); Islam and Human Rights (edited, 2012); The Qur'an: An Introduction (2008); and Interpreting the Qur'an: Towards a Contemporary Approach (2006). He is currently a member of the UNESCO Commission of Australia of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Australia.
Tuesday, 19 September: Francesco Colonna (?), Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, 1499
Presenter: Dr Catherine Kovesi
Catherine Kovesi is an historian at The University of Melbourne. Her research and publications focus is on debates surrounding luxury and ethical consumption in early modern Italy with publications such as Sumptuary Law in Italy 1200-1500 (2002) and the forthcoming edited Luxury and the Ethics of Greed in Early Modern Italy. She has an especial interest in the history of Venice, and has been taking students from Melbourne to Venice for many years.
Tuesday 17 October: Euripides, Medea, 431 BC
Presenter: Professor Rachel Fensham
Rachel Fensham is the Assistant Dean of the Digital Studio in the Faculty of Arts and a dance and theatre studies scholar. She is completing a book on costume history in twentieth century concert dance, and has written extensively on theatre reception, feminist performance and digital archives in academic journals and arts reviews. Her most recent books include the co-edited volume, Dancing Naturally (2011), and To Watch Theatre (2009).
Tuesday, 21 November: Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, The Leopard (Il Gattopardo), 1958
Presenter: Professor Mark Considine, with special commentary by Dr Mark Nicholls
Mark Considine is the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at The University of Melbourne and Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor of Political Science. Mark is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. Mark's most recent books are: Considine, M., Lewis, J.M, O'Sullivan, S, and Sol, E., Getting Welfare to Work: Street-level Governance in Australia, the UK and the Netherlands (Oxford University Press, 2015); and Afzal, Kamran Ali and Considine, Mark, Democratic Accountability and International Human Development: Regimes, Institutions and Resources (Routledge, 2015).
Mark Nicholls is Senior Lecturer in Cinema Studies at the University of Melbourne where he has taught film since 1993. Mark is a film journalist and worked for many years on ABC Radio and for The Age newspaper, for which he wrote a weekly film column between 2007 and 2009. Mark has an extensive list of stage credits as a playwright, performer, producer and director.
Sessions and speakers subject to change.
Cost: $490 / $445 University of Melbourne Alumni, Staff and Students (series pass)*
*10 Great Books is designed as a course-like structure and therefore only a series pass is available.


text:
As I sit here waiting for my return flight back to Orlando, Florida, USA, which happens to be hours upon hours away, I can not help but think. I am thinking about the strong bonds of friendship I have acquired in South Korea. I am thinking about the tears, laughs, hugs and smiles I have enjoyed with my loved ones over here. I am thinking about the culturally enriching experience that has been given to me and how I have become a much more tolerant person and a higher quality human being. I am thinking about the love I found over here and the fact that sometimes love just isn't enough. I am thinking about the sadness that comes with the sacrifices we make to achieve success and greatness in whatever we desire to do. Since arriving in South Korea, I have tried to not become attached. I have tried to be as objective as possible and see the world from an aerial view, so to not get involved and consumed by the menial emotions that bind us and trap us to the grind. I have tried for years to separate myself from the nature of life, but in the words of the famous English poet John Donne: No man is an island. Nevertheless and with huge amounts of gratuity, I did become a part of a community. A community full of struggle, love, mistrust, loyalty, appreciate, and harmony, it sounds just like a normal family. This community will always and forever be known as The Banghwa Group.
When you are so far from home and in a place so unknown to you, linguistically, geographically and culturally, you truly understand the idea of being lost. Being lost in both life and in your travels have very similar qualities. Both of these emotional events present similar challenges emotionally, spiritual, and physically. Both events cause great amounts of fear, confusion, sadness, and the illusion of dismay, but fortunately these two events foster and teach qualities such as perseverance, tolerance, humility, self-reliance, courage and honor. I could not have made it without the Banghwa group. A group of friends not by choice but out of necessity. The group loses old members and gains new ones, but always remembers. It is always willing to open its arms to the unknown and without judgement, accepts differences and contrasts. The group is as alive as any organic being I can think of. Life can be very difficult in South Korea for a foreigner, but this band of misfits always has each others backs no matter the cost or reward. It is quite cliche to say " You only appreciate what you have, until you don't have it anymore", but all the same very true. I now have an emotional understanding of that strong phrase. To all in Banghwa-dong, Seoul, South Korea, distance has no bearing on my appreciation for you all, true love.
Like all journeys, mine has ended. I have spent over 13 months in South Korea and without a doubt I can say that it was 13 months well spent. Like those I have left behind, our voyage continues. As we all scatter around the world, our bonds remain. We are all now a part of something bigger than our individual selves. I can not help but remember a letter that one of my students wrote to me before I left. This young boy of 10 years old, teary-eyed, and looking down handed me a letter, gave me a strong hug and demanded I not open this letter until I was on the plane going home. Well, I did open the letter but it was after my contract at my school was over and it was touching and so revealing about the beauty of life and its possibilities. This 10 year old boy with broken English and a big smile was able to make the complexities of life so simple. He wrote to me "Teacher, if you read this, maybe you will in the America and we can't meet monday or wendsday so I give present for you, cube (Rubix cube) that I bought when I went Japan, Universal Studio, that is in America, too. Cube is my symbol. and I have same one, too. When you see that cube think me. Bye-bye is new start! Love you teacher!". This young boy and I had a great connection and that neither 5000 years of cultural difference of 16 years of age difference could conquer. I have been told that one should not measure their success by how much money one makes, by how much power one has, or by one's status, but instead, success should be judged by the shiny and shimmering eyes of those you have touched and been touched by. Happy travels and Push it!


text:
Man Who Stole LAPD Cruiser Loses Leg After Patrol Car Crashes Into Mid-City Starbucks
NBC Los Angeles (screen grab)
A 25-year-old man who stole an LAPD cruiser today lost a leg when the patrol car hit a light pole and crashed into a Starbucks in Mid-City, police said.
The Ford Crown Victoria was left unattended by a supervisor who was at the scene of a robbery investigation at a motel at La Brea Avenue and Adams Boulevard when the suspect hopped in and tore off, Sgt. Rudy Lopez told the Weekly.
It all started ...
View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.
Upcoming Events
Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees
TicketsMon., Jun. 12, 7:07pm
Premium Seating: Los Angeles Angels v. New York Yankees
TicketsMon., Jun. 12, 7:07pm
Premium Seating: Los Angeles Angels v. Kansas City Royals
TicketsThu., Jun. 15, 7:07pm
Los Angeles Angels vs. Kansas City Royals
TicketsThu., Jun. 15, 7:07pm
... about 3:55 a.m., he said.
Cops figured out where the black-and-white ended up, at the Starbucks at La Brea and San Vicente Boulevard, when someone nearby reported that an "officer needs help," Lopez said.
A witness said the patrol car appeared to be doing 80 miles per hour when it wrecked.
Los Angeles Fire Department rescuers rushed to the scene and opened up the vehicle only to find the suspect, who was hospitalized in critical condition, he said:
They picked up the leg and transported it with the ambulance.
View LAPD cruiser crash in a larger map
As you can see from NBC Los Angeles video, the patrol car was destroyed. If he survives, the suspect will be booked on suspicion of grand theft auto, Lopez said.
No word yet on whether doctors could reattach the leg.
The supervisor who left the car unattended, unlocked and possibly with the engine running, might or might not be subject to an investigation. That's up to the Southwest Division commanding officer, according to Lopez.
He noted that cops have the option to hop out of their cars and leave them unlocked and running, but that usually applies to "tactical situations."
Get the ICYMI: Today's Top Stories Newsletter Our daily newsletter delivers quick clicks to keep you in the know
Catch up on the day's news and stay informed with our daily digest of the most popular news, music, food and arts stories in Los Angeles, delivered to your inbox Monday through Friday.
In Case You Missed It
Upcoming Events
Los Angeles Angels vs. Atlanta Braves
TicketsTue., May. 30, 7:07pm
Premium Seating: Los Angeles Angels v. Atlanta Braves
TicketsTue., May. 30, 7:07pm
Los Angeles Angels vs. Minnesota Twins
TicketsThu., Jun. 1, 7:07pm
Premium Seating: Los Angeles Angels v. Minnesota Twins
TicketsThu., Jun. 1, 7:07pm
Sponsor Content


text:
Daenerys's Meereen Market Deal
9,749pages onAdd New Page
this wiki
this wiki
Daenerys's Meereen Market Deal
- Discounted 20% from full price of 14!
- The Mother of Dragons currently sits on her throne in Meereen. Visit her markets and gain some of the treasures she has carried across Essos.
*Guaranteed to get an item or seal worth at least 10 Gold
*80% chance of a legendary seal
*15% chance of a legendary item
*5% chance of a peerless item
Random legendary seal, legendary item, or peerless item
Rare Rewards


text:
Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment Repair Questions? Ask a Technician
Hi, thank you for contacting JustAnswer.com. My name is Russell. I will do my best to provide the right answer to your question.
You might - if you are assembling this machine for the first time - have a problem with something basic. For instance:
- are the parts all lined up correctly? check proportions against whatever illustration of the finished result you have.
- are the parts in upside down? that might change which screw holes are where, for sure.
I am sorry that I cannot offer information that specific. In apology, I have Opted Out, opening the case to other Experts in this category.