tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76168732280610103832024-03-05T06:28:08.166-08:00The Inner Thoughts of a MaddogA stream of consiousness from a random guy who cares nothing about spelling or grammar news, but love GOD family friends & football (mostly Clemson football)Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-89841545652074068552008-11-10T18:22:00.000-08:002008-11-10T19:04:31.849-08:00Like Lazarus from the grave so is Inner Thoughts....The blog that was no more, lives once again. I don't know if anyone will ever read this, but since my July <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">res pit</span> (am I using that right?) I have had several thoughts that gave me the urge to post, but none have given me the energy nor the desire to post. That all changed after this weekend. The picture below is from my wife's blog in a post recapping our weekend.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohABnFwjceOyPiOkokocVJK70I6zkuvi2i-g1XuaFwrf6thGJ7AwrnWfIuZ-SG14t2VCYIdhyphenhyphenNeHFm69BNxdG-sQU3EvpXCUw3A2_0oDLT2dIoKS72bIw_tIggoLsLA7TrTln45vY2L5y/s320/img_1303+(2).jpg" border="0" />Pretty harmless huh? Well, you wouldn't believe the firestorm it created. I won't get into the specifics of it, but a little bit of a debate resulted from it. My wife not wanting the post to turn into a debate on the sinfulness (or lack there of) of alcohol did the wise thing and removed the discussion from the post <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">in order</span> to let it remain about it's intent, which was simple recap of our weekend in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Statesboro</span> for one our best friend's 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> B-day. </p><p>I however am not that wise. So for this reason I have dusted off the ole "Inner thoughts" to pose this question: On the subject of alcohol, "What would Jesus Do?"</p><p>I think there are two schools of thought here in the Christian world, Frankly I have been in both camps at one point or another.</p><p>1.) The T-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Totalers</span>, that basically believe you should not, under ANY circumstance drink alcohol. Many good reasons for this are in the vein of not wanting to make your brother stumble. For some reason drinking alcohol ranks higher on the sin <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Richter</span> scale than maybe some "lesser" sins in their eyes. </p><p>2.) The moderators, they believe that all things in moderation are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OK</span>. There's that verse that says for everything there is a season. Mostly they use the excuse: "Jesus turned water into wine, so it must not be too bad." </p><p>3.) (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">OK</span> I lied there are 3 schools of thought) The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">gracies</span>. These people believe I am saved by grace, so I can do what I want. </p><p>So, who's right? I'll reserve my opinion for later. I'll let <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">y'all</span> discuss it for now. That is if any of you have made it back from the bar and are just drunk enough to respond. (But only if you are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Episcopalian</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Presbyterian</span>. If you are Baptist, we certainly know there has been no drinking done, at least that you would admit to.) </p><p> </p><p><br /> </p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-12378865418247312472008-07-08T17:38:00.001-07:002008-07-08T17:43:14.582-07:00No, seriously....I'm Done...You may or may not have seen last night/this morning my last blog. It was titled <em>"Nothing to see here." </em> Some how that post was deleted. I can't think of anyone that would do such a thing, but seriously I am done with the blog. Initially I thought I would have tons of pithy and whitty things to say, but I guess not.<br />The internet has better uses for ones time than my "inner thoughts" So I'll what most should do and keep them to myself. Bye bye.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-50021282842024938082008-06-01T18:48:00.000-07:002008-06-01T19:24:35.674-07:00I'm Back!I know all 2 of my readers have missed the commentary here at The Inner Thoughts, but as a man of great importance, I have just been too busy. I really just don't have anything to say. Here I am back at it ready for another try. . .<br /><br />This evening, my beautiful wife got out a book she bought me when she was pregnant with Hannah. The book is "More Than a Dad" by Scot Anderson. If you know me at all, you know I really don't read books. Well, I actually finished this (note, Annie was only 25 weeks pregnant when she bought it, and I finished it when Hannah was 6 months old). Anyway, the point is, I read it! I highly recommend it to any father. Even if your kids are already older, you should read it. The author is also very funny. He doesn't come across as a know-it-all or "the perfect dad." He lays his mistakes out there as learning points for us rookies.<br /><br />As I was turning through the book, this evening, I found a couple things that really stuck out to me. Stay with me here. I promise this is good stuff.<br /><br />- "If for no other reason, you love her [your child's mom] because she is the most important and influential woman in your children's lives. How can a child trust a man who does not love the most important woman in that child's life."<br />He is talking to men married to their Baby Mama here as well as men who are not. He is very clear with that. I see how Hannah looks at Annie and regards her, and I know this is true. Annie will always be the most important woman in Hannah's life, and if I mistreat her, how can Hannah trust me with her heart?<br /><br />-In another place, he talks about love languages. This is something my lovely wife has really gotten into lately. She has noticed the primary love language for most everyone she cares about. She also has noted gaps in relationships due to miscommunication in the language of love. I think she walks around examining everyone trying to figure out their love language now. Her primary love language is quality time. It has nothing to to with quantity of time. If I spend the entire day with her, but it is not quality, I have not filled her love tank for that day. Hannah is still a little young to figure out what her primary love language will be, but I pray that I am able to communicate my love to her in a way she understands. Anderson mentions that all 4 of his boys have different love languages, so he must communicate love differently to each one of them.<br /><br />-One of the best chapters is on listening. He tells of the importance of a father being the best listener he can be. We want our children to want to come and talk to us, and we need to be slow to speak. He gives a list of all the different types of bad listeners there are. This list is pretty long. I could fall into several categories. I want Hannah to know she can bring anything to me. I will not jump to lecture her, and I will not tell her how to solve every problem. I will listen with an open heart and mind and we can work through it together. I may know more due to worldly experience, but her thoughts and emotions are valuable.<br /><br />-I will make one final point because I think this list could go on forever. It's a great book, and it makes me laugh out loud! Anderson stresses giving your children value. You show value to things in how you treat them. Your children should know they are worth it. Your sacrifices are nothing compared to their worth. They need to be built up through positive encouragement. They know their weaknesses, and they don't need them constantly pointed out. He doesn't say you shouldn't correct or punish, but you should not degrade. Stephen Curtis Chapman has a song that I can't think of the name of, but it's basically about how his daughter asks him to dance with her because she wants to be a good dancer (@ the ball, the prom, her wedding) he always says yes because he knows there will come a time the "prince will steal her away." Frankly, I can't listen to it, because it makes me cry, but EVERY TIME Hannah asks me to dance, I do it, no matter how tired I am or what I am doing, I do it. I know that I don't have much time before the "prince" will come steal her away. And she's too valuable to me to miss it. <br /><br />Well folks, I have written more than I thought I possibly could. That's all this Maddog has to say this evening!Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-51426605958843936292008-04-09T19:06:00.000-07:002008-04-09T19:19:21.137-07:00My Shepard??!?!? Are you Freaking Kidding Me?!?!?Ok, so there is never anything on TV on Wed night so Annie and I were watching the American Idol "save the world give money" special. Much to my surprise at the end Ryan (the host) said: Now singing <em>Shout to the Lord</em> here are your Idol contestants. I thought to myself <em>"this ought to be interesting."</em> Sure enough the first verse sent me through the roof! Instead of <em>"My Jesus, My Savior.." </em>They sang: <em>"My SHEAPARD, My Savior." </em>Are you serious? I guess the name of Jesus is SOOOO offensive that you can't say it on National TV unless they are using it in vein. <br /><br />Well, let me end by saying something equally offensive: Jesus loves you! He came to this Earth to hang-out with and get to know YOU. Jesus died on the cross for us all, but if you were the only person that needed saving HE STILL WOULD HAVE DONE IT! <br /><br />Sorry for the sermon. <em> </em>I am pretty sure I'm preaching to the choir here, but maybe not. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-68730661837063994902008-03-16T18:10:00.000-07:002008-03-16T19:27:58.774-07:00Sand Castle Faith...OK, first read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=3&chapter=19&version=31">this</a>. It's a lot of don't do this, if you do that you have to do this to become clean, and so on and so on, that is the tone of the book of <u>Leviticus </u>in the <strong>"BIBLE". </strong>Now read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%205:1-20;&version=31;">this</a>....How are they related?<br />A couple weeks ago while doing my quiet time, I read both just like you just did. Think about this for a minute...In the first passage, it's a bunch of rules. The rules were probably handed down by GOD to protect the Israelites from disease. In the second passage you have a man who was possessed by MANY demons and Jesus cast them out and gave him a new life. Shortly after Jesus freed this man, he was willing to follow Jesus anywhere. What did Jesus do? He sent him home to his family. What kind of testimony do you think this guy had when he returned home?<br />Here is what hit me like a ton of bricks: This guy had not one DEMON but several DEMONS IN HIM and JESUS said: <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."</span></em> Let that sink in for a second. Read it again if you have to. I think a lot of times we get lost in the "rules" that we don't keep, and forget that we can be used just like we are.<br />Confession time: I like to smoke cigars. I drink a beer or two or five from time to time. I tend to cuss when my team is doing something stupid (which happens a lot) or I hit a bad golf shot (which definitely happens all the time). Some might consider me to be a little arrogant. I am certainly not bragging here. These are things that I don't want to do, but have slipped up on me on more than one occasion. I think Paul calls it "doing the things I don't want to do" (that Paul, he's a smart guy.) You see, I get wrapped up in these things and don't take comfort in the GRACE that GOD provides. If the demon possessed guy can accept God's grace, then why can't I?<br />Shortly after reading these verses, I heard <a href="http://www.lyrics007.com/Caedmon">this song </a>by <em>Caedmon's Call</em> on my way to work. It's a song I have heard about a billion times. Then this verse scorched me...<br /><em>Waters rose as my doubts reigned My sand-castle faith, it slipped away Found myself standing on your grace It'd been there all the time. </em><br />This may not have made a bit of sense. I have been meaning to write this for some time, but never got around to it. Today, I had a three hour drive to reflect on it, so now was as good a time as ever.<br />Thanks for reading...<br />ITOMDBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-35771625055160427872008-02-22T16:07:00.000-08:002008-02-22T18:26:10.390-08:00Peeling the paint off the walls in my brain!Yeah, that's right. I'm the guy who is blogging on Friday night. Annie has gone to get some grub and Hannah is watching <em>Dora Dora Dora the Explorer!</em> (Did the jingle go off in your head like it did mine? Good! Maybe it will be stuck there like it is mine.) By the way...When are you reading this?<br />Earlier this week my former roommate (click <a href="http://smithsintheboro.blogspot.com/">here</a> to see his wonderful wifes blog and all of the pictures of his brand-new baby) sent me a link to an op-ed peice in the <em>Aspen Times</em> from Feb 9th written by Gary Hubbell (Annie did I site him properly?) IF you want to read the <a href="http://www.aspentimes.com/article/2008198091324">entire thing</a>, it's a pretty good read, and puts my thoughts on the political world into words almost as perfectly as if I had written them myself.<br />I listen to alot of Talk Radio. During the course of a day they will talk about a billion different things, and usually in there they start discussing Senator Clinton and her candidacy for the White House. I wouldn't vote for her if she were running against Hitler. Do you know why? It has nothing to do with her politics (which is about as close to communism as you can get, though not to be out done by Obama, but that is for a later day). IT's HER VOICE! She peels the paint off the walls of my brain. It's her monotone nasal screech that drives me up the wall. If she were to become the Commander and Chief, I would have to stick a needle in my ear to bust my ear drums. If water-boarding is considered torture, then this has to be right up there with it. Here's what you do...You take all the terrorists and have a taped recording of Mrs. Clinton reading anything by Maya Angelo, and they will surrender with in minutes. I know I would. I would make crap up if it meant the horror would end.<br />Sorry for the rant. Here are some passages from the aforementioned passage from Gary Hubbell:<br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">...Each candidate is carefully pandering to a smorgasbord of special-interest groups, ranging from gay, lesbian and transgender people to children of illegal immigrants to working mothers to evangelical Christians. There is one group no one has recognized, and it is the group that will decide the election: the Angry White Man. The Angry White Man comes from all economic backgrounds, from dirt-poor to filthy rich. He represents all geographic areas in America, from urban sophisticate to rural redneck, deep South to mountain West, left Coast to Eastern Seaboard...</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">...The victimhood syndrome buzzwords — “disenfranchised,” “marginalized” and “voiceless” — don’t resonate with him. “Press ‘one’ for English” is a curse-word to him. He’s used to picking up the tab, whether it’s the company Christmas party, three sets of braces, three college educations or a beautiful wedding.He believes the Constitution is to be interpreted literally, not as a “living document” open to the whims and vagaries of a panel of judges who have never worked an honest day in their lives. The Angry White Man owns firearms, and he’s willing to pick up a gun to defend his home and his country. He is willing to lay down his life to defend the freedom and safety of others, and the thought of killing someone who needs killing really doesn’t bother him....</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">...The Angry White Man is not a metrosexual, a homosexual or a victim. Nobody like him drowned in Hurricane Katrina — he got his people together and got the hell out, then went back in to rescue those too helpless and stupid to help themselves, often as a police officer, a National Guard soldier or a volunteer firefighter. ...</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">...Women either love him or hate him, but they know he’s a man, not a dishrag. If they’re looking for someone to walk all over, they’ve got the wrong guy. He stands up straight, opens doors for women and says “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am.”...</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">...He’s not a racist, but he is annoyed and disappointed when people of certain backgrounds exhibit behavior that typifies the worst stereotypes of their race. He’s willing to give everybody a fair chance if they work hard, play by the rules and learn English...</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">...He also votes, and the Angry White Man loathes Hillary Clinton. Her voice reminds him of a shovel scraping a rock. He recoils at the mere sight of her on television. Her very image disgusts him, and he cannot fathom why anyone would want her as their leader. It’s not that she is a woman. It’s that she is who she is. It’s the liberal victim groups she panders to, the “poor me” attitude that she represents, her inability to give a straight answer to an honest question, his tax dollars that she wants to give to people who refuse to do anything for themselves...</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I hope you enjoyed. Thanks again to Jonathan for sending this to me. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I.T.O.M.D.</span>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-19063541434286718782008-02-07T17:46:00.000-08:002008-02-08T16:25:26.649-08:00Happy Birthday to me....It was about 9:45 am twenty-nine years ago today, and I was roaring into the world amidst the largest snow storm this state has seen. Okay, so that's a bit dramatic. I doubt it was anything like that. I was actually breach (and have been doing things the hard way ever since) so I doubt I was "roaring into the world." I don't think it was 9:45 either. I actually have no idea what time it was. There was plenty of snow though.<br /><br /><br />While this little intro is a little odd, in true Maddogg form that's not the reason of this post. Since today is my twenty-ninth birthday, I am going to attempt to tell you 29 things I have learned since that fateful snowy day. ***Editors note: this is some pretty scary stuff as you will be exposed to some of my most inner thoughts. You have been warned.<br /><br /><br />1.) The Space shuttle DID NOT hit the school. I was in first grade when the shuttle exploded. I very vividly remember sitting in Mrs Clayton's class when another teacher came into the room to inform my teacher what had occured. I somehow miss heard and thought the space shuttle had hit the school. I don't remember being scared, but thought it was odd. I must admit that up until this point I had wanted to be an astronaut. From then on I wanted to be a policeman. I wonder what would ahve happened had the shuttle never hit Lyman Ele?<br /><br />2.) I am more of a "Brian" than a "David". There was a brief time in my life that I wanted to be called David (first name) at school. But, all my church friends called me Brian. Needless to say, there was a lot of confusion. I soon went back to Brian and have been a Brian ever since. What's really odd though is that at Clemson, when people would forget my name they would ALWAYS call me John. Random huh?<br /><br />3.) Never underestimate a b-day party @ Mr Gattis because your future wife may be there. Believe it or not, but Annie was actually at my 5th grade girlfriends b-day party. She was friends with the birthday girl's sister. Ofcourse I didn't know Annie, or even talk to her, but kind of freaky huh?<br /><br />4.) Be careful what you pray for. This is another one that involves Annie. To make a long story short, I had my heart broken the summer between soph and junior year. I told GOD I was tired of dating, and I wanted him to send me the girl I would marry. Two months later, I met a hot little freshmen girl named Annie.<br /><br />5.) Being on a clogging team, no matter how good you are does not come across as cool in any social circle and should probably be kept to yourself.<br /><br />6.) See #5 and apply it to the Marching band. If you know what dinkles are you know this is so true.<br /><br />7.) No TV in the bedroom makes for a much happier marriage. If you have one. Get rid of it. You'll thank me later.<br /><br />8.) It's just a football game. It's not the end of the world. I am ashamed to say it took me going way over the line @ the VT game, and Hannah told me she didn't want to come to games with me anymore to help me realize this. This is one I struggled with for a while.<br /><br />9.) Songs about dogs, and dads make me cry, recently this was extended to daughters. I HATE ALL songs that have ANY combo of the 3 d's.<br /><br />10.) Boot camp is not fun. But can be thought of fondly several years later. And while it's not for everyone, everyone can benefit from it. I was much more of a badass several months after grad from BCT (boot camp). Life has since beat it out of me a little, but I still have a confidence to know I can do anything I want, and can kill a man with my bear hands! Ok, so maybe the last part is a bit of a stretch and I never actually had to do that.<br /><br />11.) There was never a finger outside my window. When I was a little kid there were shrubs outside my window. Sometimes they wouldn't be trimmed and the branches looked like fingers floating on my window sill. I am not sure why but this was scary as heck.<br /><br />12.) For some reason when I was little if I pulled the covers over my chin I would have a nightmare about giants (not NY Giants, but you know big guys. And they would be chasing me.) I am not sure how, but I deduced that the two were connected. If I would wake up from a giant dream, I would just pull the covers down and go back to sleep. No more giants.<br /><br />13.) Drinking and driving is not illegal, if you are drinking a Dr pepper, while driving a car. It was completly logical to me for it to be illegal for drinking while driving. Something about how the can blocked your vision or something, but needless to say, when I was on the way home from karate and the guy I was riding with was drinking a Dr Pepper while driving I was appauled. He was breaking the law! (I need to tell you that I was like 6. )<br /><br />14.) Not being much of a drinker in college myself, I heard lots of drinking stories. They all seemed to end with "I was sooo drunk, I passed out at like 3:00 in the morning." I would always laugh and think: "No you didn't pass out. At 3am it's called going to sleep, not passing out." My college roommate Jonathan actually came up with this one, but it is so true!<br /><br />15.) Sometimes you can be right or be married, but not both. You have to learn to pick your battles, and focus on what's important. In short don't sweat the petty things, or pet the sweaty things. (I just wanted to add that. I'm not sure it really applies.)<br /><br />16.) There is no job I am too good for. I have scrubbed toilets, folded mats with vomit on them, picked up bar towels that "moved" from all of the maggots on it, and unloaded & reloaded a truck on Market St ALL in the 100% humidity that is Charleston, SC. But it all pays off in the end.<br /><br />17.) Don't be afraid to ask the guy in your senior English class to be your roommate, but if you do, you won't get to talk about how you both lived black-guys named Joe who are sophmores in Engineering. You'll have 4 years to make up for it.<br /><br />18.) A random guy you know through other people can be one of your best friends if you take a chance and let him live with you.<br /><br />19.) Sometimes you need to leave the dining hall and go to class.<br /><br />20.) Becareful when you turn on your roommates stolen Satelite TV. At the very least don't turn it on in mixed company. There is no telling what you are about to witness.<br /><br />21.) Finding a fourth is harder than you think.<br /><br />22.) You can end any story with "..and then I found $20.00". It instantly becomes better. So, the next time you start to see your listener's eyes glaze over, just end it by abruptly saying "and then I found $20.00." You'll thank me later I promise.<br /><br />23.) GOD makes the best lemonade.<br /><br />24.) The Patrick Swazie action pack is sweet, but you can only watch Roadhouse like a million times. A million & 1 us pushing it. The same holds true for The Matrix.<br /><br />25.) It amazes me how one little girl can change your whole universe with in seconds of meeting her. The Matrix and Roadhouse will quickly be replaced by Cinderalla, Little Einstiens, and 101 Dalmations.<br /><br />26.) The lack of money at the beginning of your marriage will prepare you for the blessings you will recieve later on in your marriage, and it's all worth it.<br /><br />27.) A night with the "girls" (i.e. Annie and Hannah) is more fun than a night with the guys.<br /><br />28.) People don't care what you know, until they know that you care.<br /><br />29.) Never ask someone to do something you wouldn't do yourself. That doesn't mean you have to do it, but they need to know that you are willing to do it if the need arose.<br /><br />I know this list is a little long, and it actually took me longer than I thought. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed.<br /><br />I.T.O.M.D.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-23511837930171168552008-02-04T17:03:00.000-08:002008-02-05T09:18:29.558-08:00Gender specific computers?If you read this blog you read Annie's so I don't have to explain who Camden is to you guys. (Just in case he's the little guy Annie watches on Mondays and Tuesdays.) Well, he left his computer here, and tonight Hannah and I played with it and her <em>Barbie 'puter</em>. Can I tell you these things couldn't be any different if they tried.<br />-Hers: It's pink and light blue with gold stenciling, thin and elegant with picture of Barbie and some animals on the top.<br />-His: While it's blue, it's dark blue and yellow. It's got the words <strong>Bob the Builder </strong>in big bulkie letters. It's big and bulkie and looks like it would survive a nuclear blast.<br />-Hers: There is a small button under a little jewel that opens it up.<br />-His: The button on top. It's bright red, and completly obvious.<br />Her: There are about a billion buttons that all do various things. You may have to have a masters in computer science to unlock its maximum capabilites. The numbers aren't even really legible. If you didn't know they were there, you would miss them.<br />His: The buttons are huge, and look like they are meant to be hit with a hammer. They are simple. There are pictures and numbers on each button that are easy to read.<br />Hers: The On/Off switch is the same button it's small and in the bottom right hand corner. If you don't know where it is you'll have trouble finding it.<br />His: There is no On/Off button. There is an On button. And there is an Off button. They are distinctly different and mutually exclusive. They are clearly marked and easily defined.<br /><br />Am I the only one that sees the irony in this?<br />Women are elegant, and beautiful and (for the most part) fragile. Men are Big and bulkie and as they say on Seinfeld "Good for gettin around, like a Jeep." Women have about a billion "buttons" that aren't easy to find and don't always work the same way. Men's "buttons" are much easier to "find" and almost always work. Speaking of "buttons"...Sometimes what turns a woman on will also turn her off (Just like Hannah's Computer!). It just depends on the situation. The lighting. The timing. Needless to say conditions have to be perfect. What turns a man on is what turns a man on (Just like Camden's). It almost always works.<br /><br />Maybe it's different for you, but I know for me these two innocent children's toys hit a little too close to home, if you know what I mean.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-89936225558187440052008-01-20T18:12:00.000-08:002008-01-20T18:43:11.015-08:00Playing Play dough....Hannah loves to play with playdough. What 2 year old doesn't. Originally, the only thing I could make with this magical clay was a snake. (Though I have branched out and can now make a snow man). Well, tonight we busted out the dough, and Hannah in her sweetest voice said: "Makt a sssnakte." (somehow she runs her hard 'c' sounds into a 't' sound.) We had a blast! We made a Daddy snake (of course) a slightly smaller "mommy" snake, a baby snake, a nanna snake, and even a "Tamden", or Camden snake. (Not gonna lie, my heart sank a little when she wanted to make this one. If you are a dad with a daughter, you know exactly why. YOu see Camden is the little boy Annie keeps a couple days a week.) <br />As we were playing and laughing, and <em>hissing</em> at each other it hit me....In the not too distant future just making a clay snake won't do it. Now, things are simple. I can take her & mommy to see the Veggie Tales movie, and then to Chilis and everything is great! This morning she actually said "Sorry daddy" and gave me a hug after she had thrown what can only be described as a "fit". She was genuinly sorry. My heart melted. You see Annie gets to spend all day with her. There are several times when I would say in amazement: "Hey, Hannah just did <em>so & so</em> (some new discovery). Annie would reply: "Yeah she's been doing that all week." I would simply laugh, and say: "Well, it's news to me!" <br />I know there will be a time when the sweet, loving "Daddy"'s become annoyed, or embarrased "DAAD!" And, honestly, apart of me looks forward to being a little embarrasing, but for now, I'll just have to be content "Maktin a snakt."Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-3895682470591757552008-01-11T03:01:00.000-08:002008-01-11T03:14:09.126-08:00GOOOOD MORNING BLOGLAND!(That was supposed to read like Robin Williams' <em>GOOOOOOD MORNING VIETNAM </em>so, if it didn't read that way when you read it, then go back, read it again. If you don't know what I am talking about, it's a movie. Watch it. It's one of my favorites. Now, on with the post.)<br /><br />I started this blog at 5:58 am. I typically don't blog much before noon, but I just read something that I wanted to share.....<br /><em>Read this verse</em>: "Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, 'Truly thyou are hte Son of God.' "(<em>Matthew 14:33)</em><br /><em>After the storm [the disciples] worshiped him. They had never, as a group, done that before. Never. Check it out. OPen your Bible. Search for a time when the disciples corporately praised him.</em><br /><em>You won't find it. </em><br /><em>You won't find them worshiping when he heals the leper. Forgives the adulteress. PReaches to the masses. They were willing to follow. Willing to leave family. Willing to cast out demons. Willing to be in the army.</em><br /><em>But only after the incident on the sea did they worsip him. Why? </em><br /><em>Simple. This time they were the ones who were saved.</em>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-62337542255810671582007-12-14T19:19:00.000-08:002007-12-14T20:11:46.270-08:00Capernicous called, the Universe doesn't revolve around me...Earlier this year I wrote a blog about a bumper sticker I saw <a href="http://theinnerthoughtsofamaddog.blogspot.com/2007/07/in-reason-we-trust.html"><em>In REASON we trust?</em></a> Well someone who calls him/herself <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Capernicous</span> found it this week and made a comment. I have no idea who this person is, but I am glad they thought my topic of such a worthy discussion. Their comments were not mean spirited in any way. I appreciate the discussion, and in an attempt to further discussion I have included his/her comment below. I have broken it out with my responses in <strong>bold. </strong>Hopefully they will return to see my response. Feel free to comment as well.<br /><br /><em>How do you *know* that guy thought he was being "ultra <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">intelligent</span>"? <strong>You are correct, I do not know that he was being ultra <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">intelligent</span>; however, based on previous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">experiences</span> it stands within REASON that he probably is, but since I can't know for sure, I will concede the point here. </strong></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>(For future reference, it's actually spelled "intelligent".) <strong>Thanks for the spell check. I make no apologies for my spelling, it's just part of what this blog is. I encourage you to check out <a href="http://theinnerthoughtsofamaddog.blogspot.com/2007/08/this-just-in-more-grammar-news.html">this post </a>for future reference regarding spelling and grammar as it to pertains to this blog.</strong></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Seems like you're pretty eager to assume some arrogance on this guy's part. The fact is, being reasonable often leads one to understand one's own fallibility and therefore develop the humility to question one's own judgment. <strong>I think you are actually making my point stronger here. I would say I am a self-aware (reasonable if you will) guy. I realize the fallibility of my own understanding, because as I said originally, I don't see the whole picture. It's for this REASON that one cannot trust in REASON ALONE. We are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fallible</span>. So wouldn't it be prudent to put your trust in Someone who isn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fallible</span>. </strong></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>That gets to the fallacy of your argument. Trusting in reason does not imply relying solely on one's own understanding. For example, I may reason that my father is a wiser man than I am, and therefore I should follow his guidance. You have, at some point, either reasoned that the Christian god is the real and true god OR reasoned that you should accept that as fact without reason (i.e. on faith.) Ultimately you are using your powers of reason to make at least one decision, even if that is to blindly accept everything your minister (or preacher/pastor/pope/re-re-re-translated ancient text/imam/rabbi/mom/dad) tells you. <strong>You make a lot of assumptions here. I never stated that one should not use reason at all. I don't think GOD wants us to ask Him what groceries we should buy, or what shoes to wear. GOD gave us common sense (some more than others--not a dig at you personally, just an overall observation of society.) The other part of this whole conversation is that GOD is the creator of reason. Let that sink in a minute. God gave us free will. Free will is the root of reason. He doesn't want us to simply follow Him like a mindless robot. He wants us to TRUST and follow Him because we love Him and WANT to. Just like you reasoned your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">father</span> was a wiser man, and you reasoned to follow him. I reason that I don't have all the answers, and I should trust in a GOD that does. </strong></em><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />**Editors note: Thanks so much for the conversation. Don't be a stranger. I look forward to hearing from you again, and it is my hope that you come back. I am not a theologian by any stretch of the imagination, just some dude that started a blog to spite my wife. Take a look at this <a href="http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/569/Smart">web-site</a>. They have a very entertaining way of making part of my point.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-51231596000346301382007-12-03T19:03:00.001-08:002007-12-03T19:44:24.930-08:00Dress for the job you want...Today, while I was coming back from visiting customers in Summerville with my boss, he got on his soap box. Whenever he does this, he usually has many nuggets that he throws at you. One of them was "You should dress for the job you want..." (REAL QUICK disclaimer, he wasn't fussing at me for dressing unprofessionally, and my job is not endanger -- Annie wanted me to clarify.) Now bear in mind I work for a uniform company, and I wear a uniform about 80% of the time. Maybe I should start wearing a space suite to work, since I want to be an astronought. <br />Tonight, my man Ted talked about worship and what that means. This maybe a leap, but I think the two topics are related. Bear with me... A lot of times we think about worship in an almost formulaic way (is that even a word?). Because they sang this song, and I raised my hand and got a chill, I must have worshiped. You could have the flu and get a chill. You can't use that as a measure of success when it comes to worship. Mostly worship is about us, when it shouldn't be about us at all. It's about how we can praise a GOD that is worthy of praise. <br />I think the problem is when that becomes the focus becomes about the music, or how it makes me feel, the focus is taken off of GOD, which is the heart of Worship. <br />Maybe I will wear a fireman suit to work. I always wanted to be a fireman.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-34944137665804816622007-12-01T11:46:00.000-08:002007-12-01T12:07:12.338-08:00Which is it?<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><br /><span style="font-size:14;"><br /><strong>You Are An ENTP</strong><br /></span></td></tr><p align="left">The first time I took this stupid test, I was told I am the Giver. Honestly, it was pretty dead on. I didn't copy it that time, but this afternoon I decided I would put it on my blog for all of my adoring fan (singular on purpose). No problem right? Just take the test again and it should show the same thing. Right? Not so much. I have taken it three times now and here are the results: <p></p><tr><br /><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://images.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/entp.jpg" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />The Visionary<br />You are charming, outgoing, friendly. You make a good first impression. You possess good negotiating skills and can convince anyone of anything.<br />Happy to be the center of attention, you love to tell stories and show off.<br />You're very clever, but not disciplined enough to do well in structured environments.<br />In love, you see everything as a grand adventure. You enjoy taking risks for love.<br />And if things don't work out, you're usually not too much worse for the wear!<br />You would make a great entrepreneur, marketing executive, or actor.<br />At work, you need a lot of freedom to pursue your own path and vision.<br />How you see yourself: Analytical, creative, and peaceful<br />When other people don't get you, they see you as: Detached, wishy-washy, and superficial<br /></span></td></tr></p></tbody></table><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/">What's Your Personality Type?</a></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">That is pretty accurate, but the third time I got this....</div><div align="left"></div><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" bg style="color:#eeeeee;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: blackfont-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;" ><b>You Are An ENFP</b></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><center><img height="100" src="http://images.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/enfp.jpg" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;">The Inspirer<br />You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules.Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller!<br />In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts.<br />At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.<br />How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding<br />When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/">What's" Your Personality Type?</a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">So which is it? I have no idea. Annie says I am a pretty good combo of each. I just think these personallity tests are a bunch of malarkie. </div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-51269643914039427492007-11-26T18:38:00.000-08:002007-11-26T19:10:49.425-08:00The Ox and Lamb kept time...It seems I have broken the seal on this whole blog thing so you are getting two in a two day period. There are some things I don't get here are a few of them: <br /><br />1.) Why do I have to press '1' for English? If anyone in this country is calling anywhere else in this country, English should be implied. If I'm in Mexico, I will press <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ocho</span>, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Uno</span>, or Dos, or whatever I need to press, but here, in the good ole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">USofA</span> it's English or it's nothing. <br />2.) Why do we park on driveways and drive on parkways. This one has been mentioned before, but I have yet to get a real answer. <br />3.) Is there really a need for Psychic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hot lines</span>? I think if they are really psychic, maybe they should call me. You know, you are walking over about to call old Deon Warwick when the phone rings: "Hello?" "Well hi, Deon. I was just about to call you!" Just a thought.<br />4.) Have you ever noticed that Donald Duck wears a towel when he gets out of the shower, a bathing suite when he goes swimming, but wears no pants ANY OTHER TIME! Am I the only one this bothers? What kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">kinky</span> place is the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse? <br />5.) So the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">wise men</span> at the Nativity were from the Far East right? So why does Hannah's Nativity Scene we got from Fisher Price have a Chinese Man, White Man, and what can only be described as Black woman? Maybe they are from so far east that they were really west? Maybe? <br />6.) Have you ever listened to the famed Christmas Carol <em>The Little Drummer Boy</em>? I am sure you've heard it, but have you <em>really </em>listened to it? There is a ton with this song that drives me nuts. However, <em>The Ox & Lamb kept time</em> just blows my mind. I know there was that horse that could count by stomping with his hooves, but I don't think he could keep common 4/4 time. So what kind of crazy Ox and Lamb were they? I guess if God can use a donkey to get a man's attention, He can use a couple farm animals to help some little boy stay on beat for a brand new baby Jesus.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-54195399621698814522007-11-11T05:43:00.000-08:002007-11-25T15:59:46.591-08:00It's been a while...So, I guess if all 5 readers of this blog comment on how I haven't blogged since the infamous "Good Buddy Day" (that went over like a turd in a punch-bowl) I should probably post something. Warning to all: This will be very random, even more so than usual. <br /><br />Can you be exceptionally normal? Because I am pretty sure I am. A while back I was at Promise Keepers and one of the guys leading the praise band seemed like he was the coolest guy on the planet. He had dark hair that swooped over his eyes in just the right way. He sang great, and just that that "Yeah, I'm a rock star" look about him. I promise I don't have a man-crush on him. But if I could look like him, and sing like him I would. Alas, I am the most average guy in the world. I guess I am great at being average, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">every now</span> and then I would like to be exceptional at something. I guess I will have to be accept being exceptionally normal. Maybe that's good enough. <br /><br />When the leaves fall, so does the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lead foot</span>. It seems like every year about this time, I somehow get a ticket. Last year, it was "Driving Left of Center," this year however it was a little more reasonable. I was going 68 in a 55. Not Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Labonte</span> or anything, but speeding just the same I guess. So, a warning to all of you: if it's Fall, and I'm on the road, you better watch out. I may run you over. <br /><br />Being <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">missional</span> in a different way. Several months ago I read a book: <em>Evangelism with out Additives.</em> (Yes, I read a book, and not just parts of it, the entire thing.) It talked about just being yourself while evangelising. Have you ever wondered why we try to "save" people the way we do, if NO BODY is any good at it? Look at how Jesus evangelized. He just talked to people. He would ask questions. Now there is a thought that Jesus knew the answer to the questions He asked, but the method is still the same. Our job isn't to save, but to show Christ's love. The point here is to be relational, and nice. <br /><br />So, there you have it. I've been meaning to post but I never seem to have enough to say. I guess I am not as deep as I thought. <br /><br />I hope <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ya'll</span> had a great Turkey day. Talk to you soon (hopefully sooner than a month and a half like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">las</span> time.)Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-47225823042189406062007-10-04T18:26:00.000-07:002007-10-04T18:52:57.677-07:00Happy Good Buddy Day to you all!You may not have known this, but today, 10-4, is a very important holiday in this country. Today was <em>Good Buddy day</em>. What is <em>Good Buddy day?</em> I am glad you asked. <em>Good Buddy day</em> is just like Christmas, with out the presents, or the fat man in the red suit, or the birth of our Lord, but there are firm hand shakes, a trucker named "Ice-man", and a side-kick bassett hound named Fred. (<em>Smokey and the Bandit </em>reference) There are "resolutions" just like New Years, and you don't even have to pretend to keep them. This year, my <em>Good Buddy Day </em>resolution was to eat more vegetables, and eat less sweets. We all know that ain't gonna happen. But that's the beauty of <em>Good Buddy day </em>resolutions. They don't count. <br />Don't worry if you didn't leave out milk and cookies. Ice-man is more of a Cheeseburger, frenchfries, and coke kind-of guy. And if you don't leave anything out for him, he'l just raid the fridge. <br />I'm sure you are wondering: Why is this day of all days Good Buddy day? Well, check the date. <br /><br />So, from all of us here at Inner thoughts, "Happy Good Buddy day to all and pass the pie!"Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-51873850526945941312007-10-01T19:03:00.000-07:002007-10-01T19:35:28.596-07:00He must have put cotton balls on the defense's heads....Or at least that is what the drunk guy in the parking lot told me as we were cleaning up our tailgate spot after the game. I have no idea what that means really, but I have learned you can not match wits with a drunk guy. You will loose every time. A drunk guy's wit defies all logic. Crazy usually wins out everytime.<br />As for the weekend....The game couldn't have been any worse. I was horse by mid way through the second quarter. Getting lost in Atlanta, after the game did not make it any better. When Outback is out of the one thing you had a taste for, it really puts a damper on your evening(How does a STEAK place run out of prime rib?). And to top it all off, the night that was supposed to be filled with crazy times, and laughter was instead filled with sleeping with "The Nutty Professor" playing on <em>Bravo. </em><br />But you know what? It was still an AWESOME time! Sunday morning we all hung out over breakfast. We laughed. We cut up. We had a great time. It was freaking hilarious at times, but it always is when I'm around those guys. Unfortunatley, Tidd and Jonathan had to head back to Statesborough, but Dustin and I got to go to the Falcon's game which was cool. I really enjoy the game of football, so watching a game that I am not emotionally involved in can be VERY theraputic, and relaxing. Plus it gave us some time to talk about the game (Clemson's) and the game (Falcon's) as well as just <em>shoot the breeze, </em>which continued on the ride back to Greenville.<br />Annie, Hannah, Gracie, and I made it home at about 11:00 pm. Which wasn't ideal, but mostly couldn't be avoided. As Annie said, Hannah was a trooper.<br />Sorry no pictures, because you know what they say: <em>What happens in the ATL stays in Tallahassee :-) </em>I know that doesn't really make much sense. It's not supposed to. The real reason there are no pictures, is it was four guys. Whose going to take the pictures? (I think we may have like 4. I may post them if I get em from J)Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-52721787350990292402007-09-05T17:46:00.000-07:002007-09-05T18:02:30.677-07:00Sticks and Stones....This is going to sound really arrogant, but earlier today I had a moment of brilliance. There was a commentator on the radio who was talking about how Jerry Lewis called some one a F*g during his telethon, and no one was offended. But when the guy from <em>Grey's Anatomy </em>did the same thing he eventually lost his job. Don Imus can't call the Rutgers Basketball women's B-ball team "nappy-headed hoes", but every rap song that has been out for the last 16 years calls all women hoes early and often. This spawned a conversation in the car. One of my coworkers asked me what I thought about the subject. I said, that I don't care what someone calls me. I know the truth. It seems that we as adults have forgotten that <em>sticks and stones may break my bones but WORDS WILL NEVER HURT ME! </em>Don Imus could have said that all blonde white guys that live in SC are homosexual, and I wouldn't have thought another thing about it. Why? Because I know that is simply not true. If I played basket ball for the Rutgers women's team (for all you Title IX-ers) it wouldn't have bothered me, because I'm not a nappy-headed hoe.<br />We have become the United States of the Offended. When did this happen? I personally blame the 70's, but that is a different subject for another day. <br />Last Comic Standing is now on, so I will go, but think about this for now.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-89435736502656800892007-09-04T15:13:00.000-07:002007-09-04T16:02:47.380-07:00Where the Blue Ridge Yawns it's Greatness....Well, I am back from my whirl-wind trip to <em>God's Country</em> aka Clemson, SC. The title is apart of a verse of the Alma Mater. As of right now I have been awake for about 36 hrs straight. (I must admit I have fallen asleep for about 3 10 min spurts throughout the day, but mostly it's been the pain staking realization that I am still awake.) No worries though. I will probably go to sleep right after this, and get a good 12 hrs in tonight. I only sleep about 4-6 hrs a night any way (thank you US Army) so I am thinking this will get me back on track. <br />I am a moron and did not take a camera, though I did take a picture of a rather large woman in a white halter top and matching white pants, purely for teh comedic value. (Does the whole bye-bye white shoes apply ON Labor day, or just AFTER? Here at <em>Inner Thoughts</em> we will defer to our <em>Southern Etiquite Expert</em> to asnwer this one.) Since I didn't take a camera, let me paint you a visual picture (actually I will defer to the real writer of the family for this one as I am too tired to think right now.) <br />I have been asked the same two questions today:<br />1.) Was it fun? Absolutley. Clemson is an awesome place. Not just during football season, but all the time. Though I did almost needed a defibralator a couple times. Usually I am really loud and into the games, but for the really big ones, I can't yell because I am short of breath, and my heart is about to beat out of my chest. (It was the same @ FL ST last year. <br />2.) Was it worth it? (OR Would I do it again?) Yes it was worth it. Had they lost the answer would probably be different. As of right now, I would not do it again. I am in a world of hurt. Maybe in a couple years, when I have forgotten how miserable today was, despite the win, I may be willing to do it again. Fortunatley, my loving wife has said she would remind me, in order to save me from any hard-ship I may cause my self. <br /><br />So, thanks for your prayers, I made it home with little incident or fan fare, though I sat in traffic for about an hour. The tigers won, despite the fact that they almost gave it away. <br />This weekend will be less stressful, and more enjoyable. Thank GOD! I can't take another one like this!Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-22658456379906837392007-08-30T00:01:00.000-07:002007-08-29T19:15:54.914-07:00The Birthday Band-wagon...So two years ago the little Banana was born. We knew it was coming, well, because we scheduled it. We had moved to Charleston, and the DOC's were nice enough to allow Annie to be induced (not have a c-section. Inside joke.) So now she is here, and I can't think of life with out her. She is so funny. Her laugh is contagious. She loves her mommie. She loves to throw the ball with Gracie. The little girl she has become shows a very real glimpse of the woman she will be.<br />Annie doesn't get it, but it took me about 5 months to fully "connect" with her. I can remember the day she grabbed my heart. We were visiting a Church in Mt P, and true to form our shy girl didn't want to stay in the nursery, so I went and got her. She was laying on my lap, looking up at me when she smiled. As if to say: "Hey! I know you!" Before this, she could take or leave me it seemed. I think she realized that mommy and I were a package deal, so she had to get used to me. But not this day. This day she was letting me know that I was "cool", and I could be in her posse.<br />Now, she isn't excited when I get home. She is extatic! Annie stopped being extatic when I got home years ago. Now she says: "I lu do" (I love you), and melts my heart. Even when she says it a hundred times in a row.<br />Happy Birthday Hannah Banana! The 21 minus 19. It's a big one!Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-68918199455411347392007-08-27T18:41:00.000-07:002007-08-27T18:58:33.695-07:00The body isn't even cold yet...I know your probably bowled over in your seat as I have now posted twice in two days. Well, finally I have something to say, and time to say it (the computer hog is working out, while my fat butt is blogging.) Sunday I was telling Annie about a dream I had where one of my friends died. I explained to her that in the dream it hit me that he wouldn't be going to the Clemson game on Monday, and I wondered if his wife would be going. Annie was appalled that it would even be up for debate. I told her that his wife was a big Clemson fan too, and that as long as it didn't interfere with the funeral, I didn't see any reason why she wouldn't go. <br />Then, our conversation took a fateful turn for the worse. You know, I should have seen it coming, but I didn't. I know, I know. It was a rookie mistake, but she got me. That's right! She turned the proverbial tables on me. "Would you go to the game if I died this week?" she asked. I was quick to answer: "Naw, baby. I wouldn't have any one to keep Hannah." Whew, I was in the clear. Then the follow-up: "I'm sure you would have a plethera of people to watch Hannah. Would you go then." "As long as it didn't interfere with the funeral," I replied. Well, let me tell you. That went over like a turd in a punch-bowl. My reasoning is this: I am going to need some sense of normalcy during this very sad time. Clemson Football would be an escape, or a momentary band-aid for the pain. She asked if I would be into it as much as I usually am. I said no, I would be sad that she wasn't able to be there with me. <br />So, I pose this to you: Am I a big jerk, or would many of you find yourself in a very similar situation in like circumstances? If your sig. other departed this earth, how would you cope? Would you go shopping? Would you go fishing? Would you play golf (again that is if it doen't interfere with the funeral)?Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-61997642319784670372007-08-26T18:35:00.000-07:002007-08-26T18:55:48.302-07:00This just in, more grammar news!On the way back from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Greenville</span> yesterday, I just busted out laughing. When probed as to why, I simply stated that my blog tag line says that I don't care about <em>grammar news. </em>First of all let me say, that I DON'T care about grammar news <em>(This just in the semi-colons are on strike! I repeat the semi-colons are on strike. Film at 11)</em><em>,</em> but that's not what I meant when I put that in the tag-line. To take you back several months ago, I started this blog when I guest posted on Annie's blog, and she did the unthinkable. She edited my post. She said she didn't want to offend any one. So, I decided I would create my own blog <em>(I want my own apartment mom</em>-19 monopoly dollars to the first one to place that quote). This blog would be raw. It would be straight from me, as said by me. There would be no editing, there would be very little spell-check. And the grammar will probably suck as it has been about 10 years (actually 10 this year who-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hoo</span> class of 97!) since I sat in Ms Story's English class, trying to convince her that I wasn't talking louder than everyone else, but it's just that my voice carries. So, what I put in my tag-line should read <em>grammar RULES, </em>not <em>grammar NEWS, </em>but, if I changed it, it would go against everything this blog stands for.<br />Here at <em>Inner thoughts</em> we strive to fight against those that try to censor us. We fight the "man" (or woman in this case) trying to keep us down.<br />Thanks for reading this blog. I hope you all have a wonderful week. You will be hearing more from me soon. BYE BYEBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-24120035081790433382007-08-24T18:51:00.000-07:002007-08-24T19:23:17.069-07:00A big ole needle!!!Today, I had two of my wisdom teeth pulled. I know I am way over the age of the normal wisdom teeth surgery candidate, but no worries, I am ok. Just in a little pain, but my maw-in-law had some good drugs that helped (This may be a drug induced post. I have heard about drunk-dialing, but drunk-posting?)<br />Why is it that with all of the advances of modern medicine that the anasthetic needle for dental surgery is the biggest of all needles? The needle that was used today, was as long as my forearm, and as think as my pinkie. Oh, and that little numbing jelly is about as effective as 3-iron in my hands. Back to the needle. I think this is the needle they used to drug Secratariate when he went through all of those surgeries. (Poor fella. He was a good horse.) <br /><br />I thought I had more to say, but the drugs are kicking in a little more. <br />I hope everyone has a good weekend. (It's the beginning of the BIG-TIME BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION EXTRAVAGANZA PARTY BONANZA which begins tomorrow and ends next week.)Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-56394701658977718682007-07-31T17:08:00.000-07:002007-07-31T17:49:10.405-07:00It's all about community<a href="http://www.dictionairy.com/">Dictionary.com </a>defines communtiy as <em>a group of men or women leading a common life according to a rule. </em>Brian defines it as <em>people hangin out and just being themselves. </em>Today it's hard to meet new people and "click." For the first time I feel like we have clicked with people here in the low country. I have people at work who I can hang-out and have a good time, but I think their purpose is to beat me down more than anything else. (Don't go feeling sorry for me. It's just a typical guys' locker room scene, without all of the nakedness of course.) <br />On Sunday, we went to La Hacienda (For those that read Annie's blog, I know you are shocked it wasn't the Noisy Oyster.) I saw our pastor there and he asked me if I was "missing the Upstate as much now." I honestly had to think about it. And, if I had to think about it, the answer is probably "NO". Don't get me wrong. We have great friends there, but I don't miss Greenville itself like I had been.<br />You know what? I may be perfectly happy living in Charleston for the rest of my life. (If you know my mother-in-law, or my mom please call them I think they may have just had a hard attack.) So there. I've said it. It's out there. There are things I miss about the Upstate: Clemson, the lakes, some of the people, but I don't have an intense longing to move back at the first chance either. <br />Being part of a small group is the reason for this. So thanks to: Ted, Karen, Scott, Tina, Dustin, Cassey, Daren, Jolie, Brian, Barbara, Caleb, & Jamie for making this place more like home.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616873228061010383.post-44237338854577118602007-07-30T18:36:00.000-07:002007-07-30T18:42:49.727-07:00Thank you John....<a href="http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/569/Smart">Click here to see what happens when you trust reason.</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks John for reminding me of this site. It's pretty funny.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11023562664443943235noreply@blogger.com0