Goodbye Maddy

Georgia loving on her first dog.

Maddy the beagle came into our lives when she was found hiding in the bushes near the Spirit 106 office in Ridgeland, MS. Kim and another lady in the business complex were feeding the stray beagles in hopes of catching them to find a home.

Kim's rescue partner called and said she had a beagle in front of her office that wouldn't come out of the bushes and appeared to need help. Kim and I went to get her. We'd pull her out of the bushes, and she'd try to return. Eventually, we got her into my car and took her to our vet.

She had fleas and ticks covering her entire body. After getting an exam and flea dip, our radio station manager agreed that she could stay in an empty room at the back of the building until we determined next steps. This sweet beagle stayed there almost 3 days mostly sleeping, drinking and eating some, enjoying brief walks, but mostly sleeping and cowering every time we approached her.

Sixteen Years and Counting

Today, Kim and I celebrate sixteen years of marriage. Sixteen. Sweet Sixteen. That seems like a lot and yet it seems so short. Anniversaries tend to evoke reflections on where I've been physically or emotionally. Ideally, I can see where I've matured and grown. Where I've learned from my mistakes. I feel very lucky - more accurately very blessed - to be married to the woman who completes me in so many ways.

We're opposites. Yet, this is why we compliment each other so well. Where one is lacking, the other fills. Where one is needing, the other helps. Our personalities are opposite but isn't that what happens? Opposites attract.

Be Bold To Do More For The Least

I've gotta say, there's just something about ole San Fran. It really is a cool, big, little city. Granted, I haven't seen perhaps more than a fourth of it in my three trips but it delights me with each visit. The weather is pleasant, topography and sights are stunning, people are friendly, sidewalks are wide, and the city feels relatively clean compared to much of NYC or DC.

However, there's a plight in San Fran of homelessness. Sure, it's everywhere and maybe moreso due to the economy. Seeing one homeless person is too many, but I couldn't walk a block in San Fran without passing by at least one or two unfortunate souls.

Passing by. There's the phrase to focus on: I passed them by.

See You Around, Mrs. Stewart

Reconnecting with one of your elementary school teachers may not have ever crossed your mind. Or maybe you didn't know where to start or simply weren't successful. Three years ago, one teacher kept coming to mind and I delayed in seeking her out until the need to do so became rather urgent.

An early morning in February 2009, I acted upon seeking out my 6th grade reading teacher. Sadly, I deleted my initial emails of outreach to Lovett Elementary School in Clinton, Mississippi.

Dealing With Discouragement

At some point today, you'll likely stumble upon discouragement. It's normal and should be expected. You may read, hear, or see something troubling. You'll become discouraged. What you do with that discouragement offers some insights into you.

Will you try to learn from the discouragement by reflecting on your own expectations and perspectives? Or will you use the discouragement to justify your bad mood and why you're acting like a spoiled child? For example, I've been a member of Lifetime Fitness since March. When I had a health assessment in May, my weight was 250. Only last month, had I reached 240. In perspective, that's 30 pounds less in total from my healthier beginnings. That stat's an achievement. Yet, 10 pounds in 3 months isn't something to write home about. Plus, I'm back to 250.

Bill Nye The Atheist Guy?

I used to watch Bill Nye the Science Guy. He was quirky and made learning about science fun. Today, it seems Bill's another example of one who is scientifically-minded promoting evolution as the only plausible worldview. And if you don't believe in evolution, he thinks you're stupid but free to believe what you want. Just don't teach your children to think like you.