Busy, busy, busy

So we've undertaken a number of projects that need doing. Really, too many at once. I replaced the front door, but we still need to paint it and do the storm door. We've begun putting up the privacy fence in the back yard. That will allow Rigby to run with more freedom, as well as...well...privacy, I guess. We can feel a little more comfortable setting the kids free. (I admit to being a little paranoid and overprotective.) We've tilled up the front and east yards and laid down grass seed in an attempt to make it look a little better. As you can see above, it's probably a little sloppier than it should be, but it is what it is. (Be sure and check with Megan for her opinion.) We still need to paint the interior this summer, fix the Deere mower, finish the fence (obviously), and fix the siding. I'm sure Megan would like wood flooring to be a part of that, too. See photos for appropriate updates and don't forget to enjoy the bonus storm photo where I was pretty sure we were toast. Oh, and I've developed tennis elbow in the process. Yes!

Colombia, not Columbia...apparently

We spent a portion of our marriage afraid that we couldn't make friends together. We started college together as Theatre majors but the schedule for shows made it too easy for me to ignore work, class, etc., so I was invited not to return to school and Megan continued on. From that time forward, although we always had each other, we never ran in the same circle and manufacturing relationships to share was very difficult. That was seven years of marriage and maybe two-and-a-half years of dating.

Megan had her friends and I had my friends, but we could never figure out why we weren't finding a large circle wherein we both felt at home. The solution, in a roundabout way, came from the Mennonite culture. From our experiences with Hesston and Bethel we have stumbled across amazing families, people, conversations, adventures, places, smiles, homes, pastures, children and so much more. At this time in our lives we feel so blessed to know so many wonderful people of many ages and dispositions, histories and beliefs. Something about the communities of which we have been a part these last five years has made us feel at home and comfortable, with other people that we both love. There are so many, too many to name; but if you're reading this you are one of them, to be sure.

Thanks to all of you, whether we grow closer or remain acquaintances, for being who you are. We now know for sure that the two of us can run in the same circle--and it feels good.

Pictorial update II

dying eggs with friends















Megan made this dress
































So close buddy! That "m" does look like two "n"s hooked together!















Daddy's girl

Pictorial update

...maybe he's just looking for, someone to dance with...Michael Penn















...if I'm well you can tell that she's been with me...James Taylor
















...5, 6, 7 8 9 10, I love you...The Beatles















...and you may ask yourself--how did I get here?...Talking Heads















...hey, hey we're the monkees...The Monkees

What can I say, when I can't say much?

April has been a paltry month for posts. I think back to my first post in January when I considered the possibility of a post a day on my shiny new blog. I've not been nearly that prolific, but I've been very happy with the experience of blogging so far. That said, April will likely fall short of a robust February where I took the opportunity to post 8 times.

Why the decline? Certainly some of the newness has worn off, and some intermittent issues with the home computer haven't helped either. The biggest hurdle by far though has been that most of what I've been dealing with is work, and that's something I try not to discuss in this blog.

There are a number of reasons that I don't discuss work here, although for anyone stumbling across this blog I can say that "work" is Bethel College (KS). First, it's well-documented that public ranting about work can very easily come back to bite--hard. Second, I realize that feelings about work are cyclical; sometimes it's great, other times we'd rather be anywhere else. Third, I care very deeply for Bethel. My experience here has been life-changing, affirming, and fulfilling.

So, since the last month has dealt with some unpleasantries, and those unpleasantries have been pretty consuming, I've not had the opportunity or desire to discuss much else; thus, the lack of posts.

Suffice it to say that the economic downturn has come home to small town Kansas with a vengeance. Layoffs all over the area have dominated the headlines, and Bethel is not immune. So it's been with heavy hearts that the larger community mourn the loss of colleagues and mentors, attempting as a body of alumni to assess the changes necessary for long-term strength. It has been a long month, but I still hope.

He ain't right

Headed west on US50 there's a sign: Are you ready to meet the Lord?

While germane to traveling that particular highway, I'm wondering if that's the best thing for a potentially nervous driver to read while perilously navigating a roadway that seems to have more than its fair share of fatalities?

*

To that same end, about 10 miles before I reached said sign, the driver behind me decided it was time to pass when it was, in fact, not. Once the touch-and-go situation was over, I considered what options--besides continuing safely westward--I could have potentially experienced. I settled on the following:

While passing me on the left the driver realized that they were not going to make it around me before oncoming traffic hit him/her head on. Quickly realizing that the greatest chance of survival lay in running me off the road, he/she sideswiped me to save him/herself. I, of course, careened into the ditch and began a series of headlong flips, end-over-end, through the fields lining the highway until at last I came to rest in an irrigation ditch. Broken and bloody, I was in a lot of pain, but would survive. Unfortunately, however, a head trauma would surely leave me with brain damage.

Not to worry. I, through sheer force of will, would rewire my own brain around the damage, fully restoring my normal (dys)functionality.

Later in life, while at an interview, I would be asked, "What qualifies you for this position?" I would of course reply, "I rewired my OWN brain! What have you done?"

13 years

13 years ago tonight I told Megan that I didn't want us to date other people. All she could say? "Is this an April Fool's joke?"

I can't imagine my life without her.

I'm glad it worked out.