The 33-Year-Old Rookie

B&B – Break from Busyness

Last night, Leanne and I journeyed half way across the great state of Pennsylvania to Carlisle. We had the pleasure of staying at the Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast and eating at the Boiling Springs Tavern. It truly was a great break from all the rushing around that we’ve been lately.

We try to make at least one or two of these trips each year; however, we’ve found it more and more challenging the past few years with Leanne’s Sunday work schedule. Recently, Leanne switched over to being the director of our church’s preschool (you can read about her adventures by clicking here). This transition has opened up a more opportunities for us to get away like this.

Even though, we were only away for an evening, it was definitely refreshing. (Thanks to Leanne’s folks for taking care of the kids.)

Until the next post, I’ll be looking forward to more get-a-ways…

No TV for a Month – Day 7 Update

Remembering Dan Herbert

Last night, Leanne and I went over to Dresher to be at the memorial service for one of my co-workers, Dan Herbert. Dan Herbert was a great guy, and there were so many things shared last night that I don’t want to forget. Perhaps, you will be motivated, encouraged, and inspired as well:

Dan was first and foremost a servant of God. He lived this out through his generosity, his behind the scenes service to others, and his committed faith.

Dan always put his wife (Eda) in the place of honor. He taught his three boys to respect their mother, and he always made sure that after God, Eda was first.

Dan was committed to his family. He parented each of his three boys differently, because they are all different. He put their activities at a high priority. He always did his best to be at track meets, scout meetings, youth events, graduations, etc.

Dan was always available. Dan had an open door policy at work and in life. From the sounds of it, there were always people over at the Herbert’s house, and Dan was always available for a phone call from a friend. I experienced this in my own life. At least twice, Dan took time away from his busy schedule to take me out to lunch to discuss some of my own career wrestlings and projects.

Dan was not a quitter. Even as he faced his illness (pancreatic cancer), he laid out a plan for how he would face the illness – not just from a healing standpoint, but from a family and legacy standpoint.

Dan was an affirmer, a motivator, an encourager, and an inspiration. This was Dan. It’s hard to explain it more directly, but Dan was every one’s biggest fan and cheerleader. He wanted the best for everyone in which he came in contact – at work, at church, in the neighborhood, at home.

Dan knew the love of Christ and wanted others to know that same love. It is so hard to see someone like Dan leave this earth earlier than expected. It seems unfair that his family and friends will miss out on more of what Dan brought to the table every day. The message of the gospel was quite loud and clear as we heard about and celebrated Dan’s life last night. My prayer is that this aspect of Dan’s life will continue on through lives that have been changed just by knowing Dan.

It truly was an honor to know Dan Herbert. He will be missed.

Reading Terminal Market

On Saturday, we decided to take a family field trip to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. We drove down to the Norristown Transportation Center following my Saturday saxophone lesson, and we picked up the R6 regional rail line into the city. The train ride was about thirty minutes long, and we got off the train in the Market Street East Station. The Reading Terminal Market is literally right across the street from the train station.

No TV for a Month – Update Day 5

It is the early morning of Day 5, and I’m doing well in the challenge. I’m still not quite sure what to do with the Olympics, so we’ll see what happens.

Honestly, the challenge so far has been a good thing. I feel like I have had more conversation with my wife. I’ve had time to read. I even went out to dinner with Leanne last night.

I will confess that I have been able to keep up some with by sports through brief checks on the Internet. I don’t think that’s cheating, but you’re welcome to chime in otherwise.

That’s the update for now. I’ve gotta run.

Until the next post…

No TV for a Month – Day One Follow-Up

I guess I can say that I made it; however, I’m honestly having second thoughts. In fact, I may consider pushing this whole thing back to after the Olympics.

Yesterday was somewhat comical, I started the day off great. On a normal day, I watch 10-15 minutes of ESPN Sportcenter while I’m eating my breakfast in the morning. I did without it yesterday. The funny thing is this, I was trying to be a kindly co-worker by taking one of my colleagues out at lunch time to pick up his truck. After this, we stopped for lunch at the Fireside in Ambler. We ended up sitting at the bar and wouldn’t you know the whole place was lined with TVs. I didn’t even think about it at first, but then I realized that I was watching ESPN Sportcenter right there. So does this count? I’m not sure. Leanne said that the no TV thing should only count at home. (And by the way, she is the one who came up with the suggestions of postponing the no TV thing until after the Olympics.)

Until the next post…

Life is Short – Live Like It

I’m am saddened today. A co-worker of mine passed away after a short three month bout with pancreatic cancer. Dan was in his early 50s from my estimation, and he was in pretty decent health. I’m not sure when it will sink in. Dan left our office a couple of years ago to take a higher management role up in our North Jersey fire alarm headquarters. When I last saw Dan, he was in great health, and he was confident about the future.

One of the things that impressed me about him is that he was fairly open with his faith. I’m quite confident that Dan is getting used to his new digs in heaven right now, but it does leave us all a bit sad knowing that he’s not here to watch his kids continue into adulthood, to see his future grandchildren, and to enjoy retirement in the future.

When things like this happen, it brings a reality check into our own lives. You never know what tomorrow will bring. What would you do differently if you knew you only had three months to live?

Last week, another man passed away from pancreatic cancer. Here’s what he had to say when he found out about his earthly fate:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo&hl=en&fs=1]Until the next post…

In Search of Treadmill

While looking on-line for a new treadmill, I came across this video, and I couldn’t resist.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI&hl=en&fs=1]

No TV for a Month – Challenge

I’m hesitant to post this, because I’m not sure I’ll make it. But maybe you’ll share along in the journey or at least provide some encouragement along the way. Okay, I’m addicted to TV. I use the television as my relaxer. I watch sports (a lot), movies, reality TV, news, sitcoms, etc. I find that it can be my escape from reality – even for a few minutes. However, sometimes, I probably overdue it. There’s got to be many better things that I could be doing besides watching whatever.

So here’s the challenge, I’m going to attempt to go without watching the television for the whole month of August. This might not be a bad choice for months. After all, it’s the end of the summer reruns. The weather outside is certainly better than it is in the winter, and there are plenty of home improvement projects that could use my attention. More than this, I have a great family who loves to have my undivided attention. Sure the month of August is one of the longest (31 days), but I’m hoping that I can make it.

I’m sure I’ll blog about my adventures along the way. What do you think? Are you up for the “No TV for a Month Challenge?” Let me know!

Until the next post (or until the end of July – which ever comes first), I might watch a little TV…