You are unique; just like everyone else

In an impromptu meeting at work the other day, I was told by one of my supervisors that I am "quirky". Her comment took me aback momentarily, while this is not exactly news to me, in my brief 41 years on this moist, rotating sphere, I do not recall anyone actually ever saying that directly to me. Again, it is not a huge national secret that I may have a few peculiarities, I just found it strange that someone would blurt it out without even a moment's thought about how that would make me feel. What if I didn't know I was quirky and thought I was "normal" like everyone else? (Side note: there is no such thing as normal. If you think you're normal, get over yourself, you're not.) Saying this out loud to someone might be considered an insult or hurt their feelings. My feelings went unblemished because I revel in my peculiarities; God made me this way and I am good with that.

Being called quirky got me thinking about the bigger picture. We all have our quirks, oddball moments, hang-ups, phobias, and peculiarities. Everyone on earth has a quirk that really defines who they are. That is what is so amazing about our creator. We are all uniquely designed. From the color of our skin to our favorite color, each person is different. I have even met identical twins that you could not tell apart by looking, but their personalities and interests are completely different. We are all quirky. And yet, the Bible tells us we are all created in God's image. Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (NIV)

If we are created in God's image, and we are all quirky, then I must be the creation of a quirky God. Please, do not send me letters or nasty e-mails saying I should not call God "quirky". I am just following the logic.

I can think of no better way to illustrate my point than with the Christmas story. God comes to earth as a baby born to a virgin. Mary and her fiancee can find no room to rest and deliver the Son of God, so he is born in a barn, wrapped in rags, and laid in a feeding trough. Then, the angels dash from heaven to announce this miraculous arrival to, not kings or nobles, but shepherds. The shepherds decide the best thing for them to do after hearing the choir of heaven is to abandon their sheep and livelihood and go worship a newborn.

A year or two later, just as Joe and Mary are getting settled in with their new home and family in Bethlehem, some Magi from somewhere in the East show up because of a star in the sky. The Magi don't bring toys or food, but gold, frankincense (embalming fluid), and myrrh (a Christian record label.) But because the wise guys had stopped to see "Herod the crazy" first, Joe and Mary have to take toddler Jesus on a field trip to Egypt. (Seriously, would you want to take a 2 year old on a road trip by camel?) After Herod dies, and they have filled their Facebook album with pictures of Jesus by the Sphinx, an angel tells them to return to Israel. They finally settle down and raise a family not in a booming metropolis or even the suburbs, but Galilee; the hillbilly section of Israel.

So I ask you, is our God not a wee bit quirky? Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hope your Christmas is filled with the love of Christ and your new year is filled with his blessings.

Bill

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Another picture from the game.

REDS WIN!

Last night I had the opportunity to be a part of history. I was in attendance when Jay Bruce drove the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the ninth inning off the batter's eye in centerfield. It was an amazing moment. The moment was so surreal, I am not sure people knew what to do. People were screaming, jumping up and down, high-fiving total strangers. The ballpark went nuts. The players went nuts. The announcers went nuts. It was an incredible moment.

Cincinnati has been waiting for 15 years for a moment like this. It was great for this town and this team. The Reds are a relatively young squad and if the owners can keep them together, this will hopefully, be just the first of many division titles to come. I don't know how far they will go into the post-season. I would like to see another World Series come to Cincinnati. But, first let's just enjoy the current moment.

Congratulations, Reds! The 2010 National League Central Division Champs!

Non-Coffee Drinkers Unite!

I don't like coffee. Trust me. I have tried. I have tried many different types of coffee. I have tried coffee with cream, sugar, lots of sugar, lots of cream, and coffee from some the "supposed" best coffee joints around. Always the same result; gagging and choking followed by an urgent need to find something to get the nasty taste out of my mouth.

Yet, where ever you go, people are always trying to give you coffee with little regard for those of us who can't stand the stuff. Meetings, church, hotels, restaurants, they all will offer you coffee, often for free. However, if you want a Mt. Dew or other beverage, you have to cough up some cash.

The other thing I don't understand about coffee is this obsession with Starbucks and other expensive coffees. I suppose my opinion here is bias, due the fact that a $1 cup of coffee tastes just as gross as a $5 cup of coffee. Does coffee at Starbucks really taste that much better than coffee at Speedway? Now, McDonald's is trying to make gourmet coffee; I know that because every time I drive up to get my Egg McMuffin lately, they ask if I would like to try an "Iced Mocha" or some other yuck. Keep your coffee, just give me my Egg McMuffin.

Today, I am calling up on all coffee haters - join me in my rebellion! Let us rid ourselves of this liquid curse for good! Ok, so there is really no need to rebel. But it would be nice to get some free Mt. Dew once in a while.

Peace.

Bill

What to do with my life...

Hey, friends. Can we talk? I have something going on, and need an ear to listen, or in this case, eyes to read. I once again find myself standing at crossroads in my career. My current job is a grant funded position, and while I enjoy it very much, my contract ends in June with little hope of being renewed. Thus, for about the third time in my adult life, I find myself asking, "what do I want to be when I grow up?" Naturally, I have been putting a lot of thought, prayer, and consideration into this question. I have sought the advice of trusted friends, and relatives. I have also taken a couple of career aptitude tests that were of some help, but they really just reaffirmed what I already knew; that I should be in career that helps people. What a big surprise.

One test also suggested I become a writer. This is something that I have considered over the years, and is very appealing to me. I love to write. The problem is that I have no educational background in writing, I have no idea where to start, and need to make money to help support the family while I am writing. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to get my children's book ideas to a publisher and see if anyone is interested. I have always heard, "write what you know." So, I may just do that. In the mean time, I need a real job. One that pays real money, so I can drive my real car, and eat some real food, and pay my real mortgage.

I have also considered returning to ministry, but my experiences there were not very good. Thus, I am not sure I want to take that leap again. Also, we do not want to leave Cincinnati, so if I did return to ministry, it would have to be in Cincinnati. I know that sounds rather limiting of God, but our daughter with Down syndrome needs the resources we can get here. I did enjoy the teaching and hand-holding ministry parts, but I did not do church politics well. I would also like to work for a school system or hospital, but again, am lacking the necessary education. Going to school to get a teaching degree is another option, but that requires money, and for money I need a job. It is a vicious cycle.

Well, that is where I am in my professional life right now. Thanks so much for taking the time to listen (read). I would love your feedback, encouragement, and even a kick in the pants or two. So feel free to pass those along.

Peace.

The time for action is now!

I know it has been 7 months since my last blog, but there is something on my mind and I need to put it into print. I am very concerned with the path our country is on. In the past, I have not been one to be deeply involved in politics, but the events of the past year have spurred me in to action. Our government is leading us directly toward a major financial collapse. Like Icarus, they are so enamored with their own power they are flying us to ruin, without any concern for our future. I am baffled by the health care bill debate. I have to believe that Congress and Senate have seen the poll numbers that show that the overwhelming percentage of Americans do not support government run health care or their bill. Yet, they continue to push it through.

This bill will cost at least a TRILLION dollars, which we will be taxed for now, but will not begin until 2014. When it does begin, it will last only 5 years. How is this a good idea? Furthermore, I have yet to hear a good explanation as to how government controlled health care is constitutional. We are trillions in debt, yet they keep spending. They do not care about the American people, and seem to be doing what ever they want, no matter what their constituency tells them. Harry Reid last night revealed that they had come up with a government option deal, but he could "not disclose the details". What happened to transparency?

So, here is what I am doing and encourage you to join me if you have not already done so. Call, e-mail, or fax your Senators and Congressmen and tell them you do not support the health care bill and urge them to fight against it. Use your voice. Use it now! We do not need this right now. We need fiscal responsibility from our leaders. And do not just call once. Call every week. Call every day. Make them hear you. We cannot be silent any longer. Tell them we do not want tax dollars funding abortion. Tell them to think about the future of our children and our nation. Tell them that if they do not listen to the voters now, we will find someone who will in the next election. America is still a democracy. Stand up America and make your voice heard!

Bill

FREE T-SHIRTS!!!

I love free stuff. Really, who doesn't. I love it when friends have extra tickets to the Reds or Bengals and I go to a game at no charge. Occassionally, golf equipment companies will send me a free hat, free balls, or even clubs to test and review, that is sweet! I even like going to Sam's club or the grocery store when they have free samples to try.

One of my favorite things to get for free is a t-shirt. I really dig free t-shirts! So, one evening, I got on my computer and did a Google search for "Free T-Shirts". There are many companies out there that offer free t-shirts for completing a survey or signing up for their mailing list, or just to help advertise. So, I spent a couple hours one night doing just that. Signing up for mailing lists, taking a few surveys, and trying to get as many people to send me a free t-shirt as possible. By bath time, (Audrey's not mine) I had probably signed up for 10 to 15 free shirts. There were a few that were gimmicks; we give you a free t-shirt if you complete 3 offers or change your long distance, etc. A few others would give you a free shirt, but you had to pay a shipping fee. I was solely looking for "free", no cost to me what so ever. My goal was to get as many free t-shirts as possible and totally revamp my "casual" wardrobe.

To date, I have received a total of 1 free t-shirt. This shirt was from a screen printing company called "Monkey in a Dryer". I had to pay a small shipping fee (so there goes the free part) but the shirt was too cool to pass up. I am proudly wearing it in the picture. Their website is www.monkeyinadryer.com, where you can get your free shirt (plus shipping and handling).

Thus, I would have to say my efforts to revitalize my t-shirt drawer have been unsuccessful. However, I will still have various charitable events in which I participate and the occasional convention where I can snag a free shirt. I was just hoping for something more substantial from the web. Silly me.

So, if you own a company, or just work for one, and have access to free shirts (or hats), send one my way (size XL). I always have room for a free t-shirt.

Peace.

Bill