3 month recap

We’ll I’m been off the grid for a couple of months but I can ensure you that I haven’t been taking it easy.  With three girls (3 1/2, 16 months, and 3 months)

plus my travel schedule – it’s been pretty crazy.  It’s tough trying to balance being a Husband first, father second, and building a company somewhere on the list.

anyway if you’re still out there here’s a quick update of the past couple of months.

July 12 – Brooklynn Born

8 days later I was at BigStuf Camps in Daytona

Then in August we took a vacation to Myrtle Beach

Right after vacation I left to do a week tour with Chick-fil-a in Cincinnati (I could write an entire book about that trip) – and thanks to the FEE Band for the ride.

After the CFA tour it was full speed ahead prepping for the National Youth Workers Convention and Catalyst Conference which includes lots of meetings.

Even though we had several events at the end of August and beginning of Sept – I was fortunate enough to stay home.  Even finished the 1/2 bath remodel.

Sept 21 started a run of about 30 plus events for us.  That week we did four of them and one of those was the National Youth Workers Convention in LA.

yep it looks just like BigStuf – maybe no one will notice.   But the set was to cool to just pack away to never reappear.

Today is the Saturday before Catalyst Conference.  I believe by God’s perfect timing he’s given me a quiet day to take care of Brooklynn.  My mom took Addison and Avery to her house for the weekend and Amanda’s is at work.

Other than the un-timely visit from the Jehovah Witnesses – I should have a day to study and put the finishing touches on the Run of Show.

So thanks for reading.  I’ll try to post some pics from the week – at least on Twitter.

Off the Grid

I’ve been off the grid here for about two weeks.  Probably will be for a couple of more.

Here’s why:

So when this settles down and I get back in the swing of things – I’ll be off the grid.

see ya

Brian

My addition to NAVY history

The 4th of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, are all days that remind me that I once served in the US NAVY. But for some reason the 4th of July always makes my pride come out a little bit more. Maybe it’s the patriotism coming from every direction.

Anyway, a lot of you don’t know that I ever served. It’s something that I’m very proud of. It was something that I desperately needed when I was twenty years old. It’s hard to believe that I enlisted almost 20 years ago. I loved it for the most part – joined the NAVY and saw the world – mostly Asia – but a lot of it.  I’ve attached a few pictures of the hundreds of pictures I have from then. So I’ll give you a little mini photo Journal.

This is the ship I served on from 1991 – 1995.  The USS VINCENNES (CG-49)

We’ll here you go.  It is what it is.  I love the glasses.  Got out as a YN2 – Petty Officer 2nd Class.

This was my boss and good friend – Mike Leone.  Unfortunately I’ve lost touch with him.

Some Sunday’s when we were out at sea we had “holiday routine.”  We would set up a volleyball net on the flight deck and would tie the volleyball to the top of the net.  Or maybe I put this picture in wishing I was still in that good of shape.

This was my home for 3 1/2 years

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On my first deployment my Dad and brother were able to ride the ship back with us from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  This was pretty cool for me after being on deployment for 6 months.

This is our ship pulling into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in Dec 94.  This was my last day on the ship.  I detached in Hawaii and they flew me back to San Diego where I ended my active duty.  The picture of the flag on our house (which started all of this today) was the flag the VINCENNES was flying when we arrived in Pearl Harbor.

Thanks for letting me take you on a little journey into my past.  Happy 4th of July and to everyone who has served and is currently serving in our military.  I thank you for serving and giving me and my family the ability to live in a free country.

Lance Armstrong / Livestrong

He’s the most tested athlete in history. He’s been tested 34 times (as of July 3rd) since his comeback. He’s won the Tour de France more than anyone else, He’s a cancer survivor. I’m so thankful he’s riding in the tour at least one more time. I hope he wins to silence the critics for now. I hope he wins to bring more awareness to the fight against cancer.

I can’t wait – I’ll be glued to the TV. Go Lance!

P.S. I love anything shot on the Red Camera.

Schematic’s Touch Video Wall

I’m pretty sure I need one of these.

U2 – Upcoming Stage Design “The Claw” for The 360° Tour

This is gonna be amazing.  Without a doubt U2 sets the bar for concerts.

The 360° tour (US Dates) start in Chicago on Sept 12th and comes through Atlanta on Oct 6th in the GA Dome – one of the load-in nights for Catalyst.  So if you don’t see me for a couple of hours you’ll know where I’ll be.

I can’t wait!

Today is a good day

Great Picture / Great Quote**

So I said to him, “Barack, I know Abe Lincoln , and you ain’t Abe Lincoln

 ***********************

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. 
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. 
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. 
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. 
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. 
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence. 
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves. 

….. Abraham Lincoln **

** Oh the dreaded asterix:

These words are often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, but according to the book They Never Said it: A Book of Fake Quotes, Misquotes, & Misleading Attributions, they are not from Lincoln.

The quotes were published in 1942 by William J. H. Boetcker, a Presbyterian minister.  He released a pamphlet titled Lincoln On Limitations, which did include a Lincoln quote, but also added 10 statements written by Boetcker himself.

However, they were reprinted in a column by Ann Landers, quoted in a speech by Ronald Reagan, and have been read into the Congressional Record.

__________________

So for what it’s worth.  I like the picture because it’s pretty funny, and I like the quote because I believe it.  Don’t really care who said it.  

     

       

Real World Client / Vendor Relationship

This morning I got this from Ryan Richards from our staff – with the “you’re not going to believe this video” comment.  It nails what we experience almost on a daily basis.   We have a funny little saying around here that goes:  ”Everybody wants Coldplay but no one ever has the budget for Coldplay.”   So if you want a glimpse into my world for a day – take a look at this video.  

DISCLAIMER:  TO ALL OF OUR CLIENTS.  I’M NOT THINKING OF YOU SPECIFICALLY SO PLEASE DON’T FIRE ME.  I’VE GOT BABIES TO FEED!  :)

Hammer Pants Dance

This is awesome – thanks Holly.