McDonald's Theology

I feel I need to apologize to McDonald's.

The other day, I insinuated McDonald's was a reason people believe they are overweight. When in fact, I did something that I usually let get under my skin, people blaming others for their own actions. Sorry Ronald!

If people are unhappy about their weight and blame McDonald's...then stop going to McDonald's! It should be that easy but when we can try and blame others for our current situation (and possibly even make a buck off of it), why should we take responsibility for our own actions?

I guess it can be attributed to being born into sin. But then I might have to expand on that and create a dissertation called McDonald's Theology. It would probably be an interesting read and have several pictures of burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets but then that would make people hungry and then they would eat at McDonald's and blame me for their weight gain! It's downward spiral.

I realize sarcasm doesn't translate well via blogs so I hope you can pick up on mine. I guess the whole point of this post is to remind myself we need to take responsibility for our own actions and not play the blame game. Even if the one on the other end is a creepy, red-haired, ridiculously rich clown. ;)

—b


Why Does The Snooze Button Only Give You Nine More Minutes Of Sleep?

By the time the snooze feature was added in the 1950s, the innards of alarm clocks had long been standardized. This meant that the teeth on the snooze gear had to mesh with the existing gear configuration, leaving engineers with a single choice: They could set the snooze for either a little more than nine minutes, or a little more than 10 minutes. But because reports indicated that 10 minutes was too long, allowing people to fall back into a “deep” sleep, clock makers decided on the nine-minute gear, believing people would wake up easier and happier after a shorter snooze. We’d tend to disagree with that logic, but, then, we must be in the lazy minority. Although today’s digital clocks can be programmed to have a snooze of any length, most stick with nine minutes because that’s what consumers expect. —MentalFloss.com

Babies Resemble Burritos

Is it wrong I think this is funny?

—b

Deal or No Deal—Star Wars Edition

Just in case you weren't all well aware of my Star Wars nerdom, I thought I'd post another Star Wars event. Tonight NBC is airing a 2 hour Deal or No Deal—Star Wars edition. Below is the promo clip.





Next question, will I watch it? Um...depending on what's going on tonight, I'll probably try and catch it. I usually feel bad for the contestants no matter how much they win. They are always hoping for the $1,000,000 and I'd love to see them get it. I don't know why it's tough seeing them not reach their goal. Odd, I know.

Anyway, if you have 2 hours to spare with nothing to do...come see me. Kidding. Enjoy your night. (Whatever it looks like.)

—b

UPDATE: Wow, it sure didn't take them long to delete that promo clip from their site!

3:20 AM Michigan

Quick...What were you doing at 3:20 AM last Saturday morning?

For those of us who aren't attending college parties, I can only assume the answer would be sleeping. But alas, it turns out Erin and I still have something in common with the party crowd, albeit not on our own free will.

This past weekend we were in Peshtigo, WI again. This time under much better circumstances. Unlike the previous week when we paid our final respects to grandma Johnson, We had always planned to visit Erin's folks the 25–27.

Well very early Saturday morning, Brevin was not happy. And when I say not happy I mean, waking up at 2:17 AM scream-crying, angry at the world cause he just woke up being stuck in a Pack-N-Play in some place that was not his room while it's dark and quiet and there is some big dog named Maddie walking outside his room mad! Yea, that was Brevin. And nothing we did could make him stop crying, let alone calm down.

At first we were the concerned parents quietly asking him what's wrong and reassuring him we were here. But that quickly turned into frustration and wishing their was such a thing as a sound-proof kid kennel. What were we to do? We were afraid the airport was going to call complaining about the noise let alone what poor Kevin, De, and Danae were thinking.

Erin, running on pure mom instincts, says she's getting the car seat and we're going for a ride. At first I was thinking she meant the Jimmy Hoffa in cement shoes kinda ride but it turned out to be the loving car ride.

I can't help but wonder if all Brevin was wanting was a change of scenery, or at least some scenery that didn't involve a pitch black room. Almost as soon as he was in his car seat, he was calming down. Which ironically usually has the opposite effect.

Being that he was still crying we carried out Erin's plan and the three of us in our PJ's walked outside at 3:20 AM to go for a road trip...destination Michigan.

Later on we would find out De had looked outside to see the three of us getting into the car. When Kevin asked what was going on, De's response was classic:

"I don't know, but their all leaving."

Peshtigo Wisconsin is 45 minutes north of the heart of Packerland ie. Green Bay and only 10 minutes from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, aka, the U.P. Not growing near there, when I first started getting to know Erin, every time I heard her say "U.P.", I couldn't help but smile thinking it was the punchline to a joke a first grader would tell.

Anyway, we drove around the deserted streets of Michigan noticing what was actually open this time of day. The two business open were McDonald's and Anytime Fitness. Hmm...Coincidence? She showed me the home where her and her family briefly lived, her friends homes, and the school she attended for half a semester.

Thankfully by this time, Brevin was out. We headed back home and with ninja-like stealth, crept inside. Brevin would spend the rest of the night still buckled in his car seat, and we would spend the night with one eye open and car key's in hand ready to take another trip. Thankfully God showed mercy on us as the boy slept til 8:00AM.

Every night we pray with Brevin before saying goodnight and leaving the room. And also every night we pray Brevin sleeps through the night. Because God didn't answer our prayer in the affirmative Friday night, we now have a great appreciation for when He does answer "yes" and are sure to thank him the next morning.

—b

"There's an alligator in my kitchen!"

Eastlake woman finds 8-foot alligator in her kitchen | WFTS-TV

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL -- An Eastlake Woodlands woman made a beeline for the door when she saw what was next to her refrigerator Monday night.

According to deputies, 69-year-old Sandra Frosti heard a noise coming from her kitchen. When she went to check what it was, she saw the head of a large alligator.

Frosti called 911, "There's an alligator in my kitchen!" she explained. The emergency operator reportedly suggested it might be an Iguana. Frosti suggested otherwise and left the house.

Deputies showed up at the home a short time later and then called a trapper.

Deputies believe the 8-foot 8-inch gator was after the family cat. It apparently broke through the back porch screen door, entered the home through an open sliding glass door, and then made its way in through the living room, down the hall, and into the kitchen.





Wow. No thank you Florida! Bring on Minnesota's mosquitoes. Enjoy your weekend and watch out for dem dere pesky 'gators!

—b

Copper Clappers

This is an oldie but goodie. I always laugh when I see this.



I love how Johnny almost loses it and at the end you actually see Jack Webb smile. Priceless. Enjoy your Thursday night!

—b

Summer Poll

There's a new poll in the side bar on the right hand side. If you can't make up your mind, vote for both! Multiple votes are allowed.


—b

Star Wars Science Museum

Who's with me?

—b

"Fight to the End"

The above picture is the collage I mention later on in this post. It's 1600 x 1200 pixels which is rather large so you can get a closer look by clicking on the image if you'd like. Also, if you'd like the full resolution image, let me know and I'll send it to you.

NOTE: Not wanting to make light of Grandma Johnson going to be with our Father in heaven, I'm hesitant to combine my love for the Minnesota Wild and Grandma Johnson.

It was a fitting tag line this weekend; "Fight to the End". The Minnesota Wild adapted it as their official slogan to use throughout the playoffs. But when it was all said and done, their time in the playoffs ended the same weekend grandma Johnson ended her time on earth.

We received the call that grandma Johnson had died on Wednesday night. We knew it was coming but we didn't know when her inevitable face-to-face appointment with God was. With the Short-Term Mission Leaders Conference happening the next day, I was thankful I had been able to get my responsibilities taken care of beforehand.

Mid-morning Thursday, we headed to Peshtigo, Wisconsin with mixed emotions. Sadness in the passing of grandma. Relief for her passing due to the amount of pain and discomfort she had been in the previous couple of weeks. Stress in hoping we had crossed all our "T's" and dotted all of our "I's" before we left. Joy that grandma was now better off than we were knowing there was nothing separating her and Jesus!

That night through Friday afternoon were nice in that some of us could sleep-in, relax with family, go to the mall, put in a movie, catch some playoff hockey, and/or work on some freelance. (That last one was obviously me as I'm designing invitations for a "Quinceañera" or a "Quince Años".) A Quinceañera is celebrated in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Central and South America on a girl's 15th birthday and described as:

a celebration of the young girl (la Quinceanera), and a recognition of her journey from childhood to maturity. The celebration highlights God, family, friends, music, food, and dance.

It's been fun to design invitations for a very nice family as well as for an occasion I'd never heard of before. A thanks goes to Tri Dey Mayer for her referral of the family to me.

Anyway, Friday afternoon, the Johnson family (Kevin, De. Josh, & Danae), us, and Danae's boyfriend Scott went to see grandma's body at the funeral home. As you can imagine it was tough. I had mentally prepared myself before hand but really struggled when Danae broke into tears. It's so hard to see loved one's hurting.

Although it was tough seeing grandma lying there, we all knew it wasn't really her. What made grandma...well...grandma, was gone. We, especially the Johnson family, had shared their memories and fun stories of her the night before while getting ready a picture collage of her life. It was fun hearing stories and seeing her in her youth.

Saturday hit nearly every range of emotions possible. It was good having seen grandma's body the night before but it still hurt. As people came to pay their respects, the mood was surprisingly joyful. I expected the visitation of 1:00 - 3:00 to be somber and quiet. On the contrary, it was a joy to see familiar faces and catch up with those I hadn't seen since our wedding day.

Though grandma was the reason for the occasion, I'd have to say Brevin was a good opening act. We had Aunt Opy and her daughter Miranda do some babysitting as it would have been tough for Brevin to be content during the entire visitation. As soon as he came in, the "mom's" flocked over to him to see who could be the first to hold him. Sure enough, as the first mom grabbed him, she immediately started walking around, showing him to her husband, and talking to him. She was in "Mom Mode" and no outside force could shut her down.

As the service started, the mood performed a complete 180. The mood which I was expecting from the beginning showed up. It was an emotionally contained presentation by grandma's only son Kevin. He did well in holding together and yet conveyed his mom's life in a way we all felt as though we had been with her from the beginning. He also spoke of the hope and joy those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ have. It was a breath of fresh air with a light breeze that filled the room.

Upon completion of the service and the lunch provided by the church afterwards, we were all mentally drained. It was a taxing yet grandma honoring day. That night the Johnson's humored me by letting me watch the Wild attempt to stay alive in their hunt for the Stanly Cup. In the end they just didn't have enough fight in them to get past the Avalanche.

A "Fight to the End" really did sum up grandma's life. She fought sin and never gave up. God gave her 89 years and we can all see at least some of the fruits of her labor. A husband. A son. A daughter-in-law. Grandchildren. A grandchild. And most importantly, a love for Jesus Christ. What's also great to see is how God used her to pass on His love to so many others. Her husband. Her son. Her daughter-in-law. Her grandchildren. Her grandchild. And "we love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Thank you grandma Johnson for your love. For reflecting God's love. For training your child up as he should go (Proverbs 22:6). Thank you God for loving grandma and revealing yourself through her life. We can't wait to see you both face-to-face.

—b

Brevin @ 9 Months

Brevin had his 9 month check-up this morning and did very well. He was extremely happy and talkative. His pediatrician thanked him for being her first patient this week. Anyway, enough talking up my kid. ;) Here are his stats concerning what percentile he's in:

• Height: 69%
• Weight: 35%
• Head: 86%

Ahh yes. The boy has a big head. I wonder what it would have been if they would have measured his head before his doctor said all those nice things to him. Baddum-ching ;)

—b

Grandma Johnson

I apologize for the crudeness of this post. I've been swamped trying to get ready for the STMLC at the end of this week as well as preparing for an impromtu trip to Peshtigo, WI. As I posted a couple of weeks ago, Erin's grandma has taken a turn for the worse and we don't think she'll make it past today. Would you please pray for the Johnson family?

Thanks.

—b

Wild vs. Avalanche: Game 1

It's Minnesota Wild Playoff hockey! Game one tonight!

Pop Quiz Answer

POP QUIZ:
Who is she?

ANSWER:

The lead singer, a British nanny working in Rome, was discovered two days before the final shoot by producers while pushing a baby carriage. She declined the opportunity at first, but was finally persuaded to take the role. The original lead singer eloped during the production in Italy.


USELESS FACTS:

• • The song "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" was written in less than 24 hours.

• • The cast did not sing "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke," but rather lip-synced to a New Seekers recording.

• • The international cast included actors from more than 20 countries.

• • The opening scene was shot at a horse racetrack outside of Rome forcing unusual camera angles during the opening scene as the director tried to avoid having telephone wires in the background of the shots; the rest of the commercial was shot on the hilltop.

You can find more Coca-Cola goodness here.

Happy Friday!

—b

Wiggum For Prez '08

According to the The Jacobs Media's Media/Technology Web Poll IV, guys and those who listen to "original classic rock era" of 1964 to 1975, will be voting Republican. While women and fans of alternative radio, featuring '80s and '90s rock, tend to be Democrats.

Huh? What if I'm both? (Both a fan of "classic rock" and "alternative '80s and '90s rock", not both man and woman) ;)

It can only lead to three possibilities:

1. Vote for Ralph Nader aka. Derth Nader (fans of the Muppet Show will get that reference)
2. As a write-in for candidates, nominate Jimmy Page for President with Jerry Cantrell as Vice President.
3. Vote for Ralph Wiggum and get to use the cool slogan, "Dig the Wig".

Me, I'm gonna "Pick a Winner"


—b

Grandma Johnson

After finally being back to work after a day and half due to illness, I ended spending half the day helping Erin and Brevin leave for her hometown in Wisconsin. Why? Unfortunately due to illness...but not mine, Grandma Johnson.

She has been in a nursing home for a couple of years now and has several surgeries to correct an ongoing infection and early this morning we got a call from Erin's parents saying "Grandma has taken a turn for the worse". I'm not sure of the details but Erin and Brevin are as we speak, driving the 5.5 hours to Peshtigo to be with family.

Would you please pray for the Johnson family? I'll more than likely be driving with Erin's brother Josh this Friday after work to be with them as well. Thanks everyone.

—b