Dreaming of Dreams

I find myself dreaming again for the first time in over a year. Ironically enough, I’m dreaming so much that I find it hard to fall asleep at night. Most often we associate dreaming with sleep. So for clarity I will just refer to it as meditating on aspirations.It’s kind of a bad place to be in when we stop aspiring; when we settle for mediocrity. When we stop dreaming, I think it’s evidence that we lack hope. And an absence of hope is never good. 2008 possessed only a small reserve of hope for me. I wasn’t extremely depressed. I wasn’t even terribly unhappy. I was just dissatisfied without the energy or inspiration to hope. Now I am beginning to be reintroduced to my previously dreamful ambitious self. I like that version of me. And I think my wife definitely prefers that version of me; except when I keep her too from sleeping due to sharing my dreams.So here’s to a dream filled 2009. Right now I believe just about anything is possible… outside of winning the Gold in 2012 for Singles Figure Skating.

Beau Stories

Anyone who has known me for more than a year has been told a “Beau” story. And now I’m compelled to start putting my “Beau” stories in writing.

In a city of less than 30,000 people there is a short list of ways to kill time. So when the 7:30 showing of Jim Carrey’s “The Grinch” was sold out, my friends and I grabbed tickets to the 9:30 and proceeded over to the Ashland Town Center Mall to hang at the Wal-Mart. Now you must understand, my group of friends were not just your typical teenage males- picture Freaks and Geeks and then some. And Beau, the lead character in most of my childhood stories, is especially different. At this point in time I think it’s fair to describe him as John Goodman (during the Roseanne days) with bushy hair, a Hartford Whalers hat, a barn jacket, a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, black socks, and black work shoes; an ensemble to turn heads even in Ashland, KY. We were purusing the value-filled isles while watching for following prices, when Beau spotted one of his many odd fascinations – cheap toy rifles. I’m talking the rifles that are strapped to cardboard by bread ties and have the clicking level to simulate cocking the gun. Whenever he saw one loose, he required 5 minutes of cheap toy gun entertainment. And in this particular instance, there were two detached from their cardboard homes. The guns were quickly snatched up and armed both of Beau’s hands. Immediately there was pathetic attempts at army field maneuvers being performed and elbow crawling through the toy section and into the school supplies. Charlie was not safe. Not safe in housewares. Not safe in automotive. And soon the enemy camp would have been taken captive, if it were not for the upset mother approaching with a little girl’s hand tightly grasped in hers’. The bewildered women narrowed her eyes and said to Beau, “it’s because of people like you that I won’t allow my daughter to walk around alone.” She turned quickly without time for a response and left. Beau then turned to me and explained, “I was going to shoot her, but I thought it would have been a bit much.” And so is the way of Beau.

New Years Day and Spring Training

The NFL is approaching its climax for the season - the divisional playoffs. But I'm really not completely excited. This just means in a few weeks professional football, along with college football after today, will go into hibernation. And I will still have a whole month before I can redevelop an interest in the Reds during Spring Training and even longer to wait for March Madness. You see, when you're in school (especially K-12), it's really difficult to enjoy New Years Day, because all you can think about is, tomorrow you have to go back. There's no more sleeping in. No more Super Nintendo with a bowl of cereal at 1pm. No more USA Network Midday line up of Major Dad, American Gladiators, Wings, and Just the Ten of Us. It will soon be that time of year to trade in the NFL and late morning/early afternoon Captain Crunch for the mildly interesting NCAA hoops and algebra homework....and the Reds still need a right handed power hitter. 

Peace Out 2008

So I know it’s a little late to be delivering a Best of 2008 list, but I’m going to anyway. I suppose it’s a good way to introduce myself to the world of blogging. Sorry Brad Wise for taking your idea, but I decided to prepare a list several weeks ago. Here’s a collection (in no particular order) of things that made my world go round in 2008.

Studying Improv (thank you Missy and Joe)

The Dark Knight (it’s kind of scary how much I loved the Joker)

Eli Manning avoiding a sack and David Tyree catching Eli’s pass on his helmet during Superbowl XLII.

The {re}gifter – I was thrilled to be a part of it and amazed by what God did with our efforts.

Meeting and playing with my niece Ali Kate

Buffalo Chicken Dip (just discovered it during the holiday season and my mouth can’t get enough of it)

Beginning a new job and being surround at work by several cool talented people.

The Zone winning Best Music Television Program

Experiencing Dov SS Simens’ DVD Film School. He yells a lot and is quick to remind that the film industry is not about art, it’s a business.

My 2nd Annual Birthday Kickball Game. I lost all 3 games last year, but I’m already training for 2009.

Seeing Johnny Cueto’s major league debut from 9 rows behind home plate. That kid is the next Jose Rijo. His stats don't reflect how well he did last year for a 22 year old and his ceiling is way high.

And most importantly, Jenny’s patience and support during a trying and eventful year.

Peace Out 2008