Update

It's very interesting how the number of visitors decreases whenever I stop posting updates for a long period of time. I've been a little busy, yes - but mostly I've just been getting things done that were more important that this blog. I bought an edger and made my front lawn a little bit more manicured. We had our sunday school class over for a baby shower - 22 adults and 12 kids can successfully be entertained in our new home! Let's see, I've got some new students and I'm working daily to help them and teach them, while also learn from them. There have already been some challenges, but I didn't take this job lightly and I certainly expected a few tough moments along the way. Overall, though, we are having a great time! The heat is finally letting up and the rains have moved in. I'm thankful for every drop - it lowers the ambient air temperature, saving me in my electric bill, and it waters the lawn, saving me in my water bill. Praise the Lord! I started my third semester of graduate work yesterday. Hopefully I will be able to juggle this with everything else going on - after this week, I won't have much of a choice in the matter, anyway! God bless you all!

CW II

8.11.07 Greece! A new country for my map of 'hits'. I have to assume it's due to a visit from our friends, Paul and Sarah, but I can not confirm or deny that until I hear from them. They were supposed to be traveling in Greece together, so I'll watch my e-mail and let the rest of you know if I was right!


Today I took CRABGRASS WARS to the next level. I established my "shock and awe" policy and now I have craters all over my backyard where the little buggers once spread. The next step is to quickly establish a foothold in the bare regions with new seed and some water. Wish me luck as I continue to take on the fight for well-kept suburbia.

CW I

I've been 30 for a day now and I still feel 29. What's up with that? I did get a call from everyone in my family - thank you all - and today I sent 12 students off to take on the challenges of their next chapters in life.

It's hot here. I'm trying to be joyful about it, but it's still hot. It reminds me of how appreciative of my salvation. The rich dude who "looked the part" was sent to hell where it was hot. Nothing he could say or do at that point mattered - it was still hot. Don't be that guy - find out how by reading the book of John, 4th gospel in the Holy Bible.

On a side note, I've been fully engaged in what has become, "CRABGRASS WARS". Just this week, in a lawn far far away, the evil sprouts of wide-bladed weeds began their attempts to take over. I ran a covert operation a few weeks ago using "Weed and Feed" - no good. So, this week we attacked in full force - first we took out the sprouts of seeds, then we mowed - at a greater height than I usually mow. I will probably get in trouble with my HOA because I won't have the suburban "crewcut", but I don't care - the crabgrass must not get any room and the right height is the first step. Next, I carefully removed a few complete plants. Now, we wait. Water, mow, wait. Hopefully I will get an idea of what works best, but until then, there won't be much to talk about. Wish me luck!

God bless you all!

Pensacola and Google

8.6.07 Back from Pensacola, FL - spent some time on the beach and kayaking with some of our friends down there - watched a couple movies (Live Free or Die Hard: 2 Thumbs up; Ocean's 13: 1 Thumb up, 1 Thumb down) - mowed the lawn. My students graduate this friday and I finish my second semester of graduate work (1 class) this friday as well. In a much odder discussion, though - I would be very interested to know who found my site after searching google for:
"dreaded sister-in-law's visit"
Now, I have some extraordinary sisters-in-law and I don't dread any of their visits, so I was intrigued as to what on my site would have led a google search straight to Mediocre, Alaska. Lo and behold, a quick search myself for:
"dreaded sister-in-law's visit"
on Google directed the user (on the 10th listing) to my 5.19.07 blog entry. Heh heh. Anyway, there's nothing too special there except an entry describing our fun visit to my brother's house. Go ahead and check it out sometime!
Also - I'd be very interested to know who in Israel is checking out my website - so, please drop me a line if you get a chance! God Bless everyone!