Cajun? I think not...

I just picked up lunch at our cafeteria, and I am not pleased with my purchase. In an effort to eat healthy (like the rest of the nation during the month of January), I opted for the turkey. It was labled "Cajun," but it is far from. I recently had a discussion about how much sodium is in food that we order. Well, the preparer of this "Cajun" turkey must have overheard that conversation. I do not think there is one mg of sodium anywhere on the turkey.

I do not feel that this post is good enough given the length of time since my last post, so I will try to do better next time. I have a story to share (for the 1.3 readers I still have), but I need to formulate it.

Canadian Effects

It has been just over a year since I first arrived in Calgary, and I have noticed a few things that have stuck with me from my time there.

1. I sign my emails with "cheers." I know that is not uniquely Canadian, but it isn't very American either. I saw it a lot up there, and I liked it. So now I used it.

2. I say "for sure" all the time. Again, this is not unique to Canada (so few things are, actually), but it is definitely not native to Texas or Louisiana.

3. I still say "eh" at the end of some sentences. This one is more associated with Canada than anything else. I like that I have adopted it, actually.

So there you have it - the lasting effects of my trip to Canada.

There are various others that are not blog worthy, for sure. These are just the ones I want to share.

Subtle, eh?

Cheers,
Todd

Post Election Thoughts

Well, it is over. Twenty-plus months have finally come to an end, and the outcome is not what I hoped for. However, I like to think of my cup as being half full, so I will offer a few thoughts.

I watched the election results last night with some friends of mine, and none of us voted for the man who will be our next President. So the mood was a bit cynical and disappointed. However, when Senator Obama came out to give his speach, the reality of what was happening sunk in for me. A man who would have been counted as only 3/5 of a person when our country was formed was elected to the most powerful office in the world. The significance of that was breathtaking for me. I realize that is not news to anyone. It was not news to me last night; it just hit me in a fresh way. I am not saying that I suddenly think that Barak Obama is a good choice to lead our country - I still don't think he is. I was just impressed with the fact that he won considering the adversity his ancestors have had in this great land we live in.

On a much more eternal and important note, ever since I became a Christian, I have not looked to the government for my security. I know where my security is - it is in Heaven, held by the King of kings - Jesus Christ. So since I do not expect security from my government, I also do not fear my government. So I am not fearful or depressed by the outcome. As noted above, I still do not agree with Barak Obama's policies and philosophy of government, but my Heavenly Father knew the results of last night's election before the foundation of the world. If He allowed (or dare I say appointed) it to turn out the way it did, I need not resent the results. He has it under control. The Bible tells us that those who trust in Him shall not be put to shame. So four(or even eight) years is truly a blink of an eye.

That's all I got. Now go out and get a Red Cup of coffee from Starbucks. For the record, I think it is too early for these to be out; but they didn't ask me.

The Mystery of the Growing Pant Legs

Something odd is happening to my jeans. Normally, jeans or pants shrink after months of being worn. Well, it seems that one of my pairs of jeans is getting longer. I feel them under the heal of my shoe all the time (but I don't recall that they were that long when I bought them). Frankly, I am perfectly fine with this because I hate wearing pants that are the slightest bit on the high water side.

Happy Wall-Street-Bail-Out-Passage-Day to all of you...

Prince Ali...

I just had a meeting with one of our Internal Auditors, and his name is Ali. During the whole meeting, the song from Aladin was running through my mind. Fortunately, I was able to keep it in...

Prince Ali!
Mighty is he!
Ali Ababwa

Spin it, baby... spin it!

We Republicans love to criticize the "liberal media."

Well, this short video from The Daily Show shows how difficult it is to tell a story accurately when people keep spinning differently things depending on the situation. Granted, some of these clips may be taken out of context... but I think Jon has left enough context in to get his point across. And (unfortunately) he makes that point very well in my opinion.



What this video does not show is how the Democrats do the same thing when the tables are turned. Case in point: the private life of President Clinton was none of our business... but the private life of the daughter of a Vice President candidate is a different story.

For more on this, you may want to check out Thank You For Smoking. Fair warning, there is at least one scene in that movie that will be offensive to most viewers.

Overcoming Adversity at the RNC

I was called out for blogging about the DNC and not the RNC. I was told that this makes me a closet Democrat. I guess I am part of the liberal biased media that only reports on what the Blue Left is up to.

In an attempt to be "fair and blanced," here is my obligatory blog on the RNC.

In all seriousness, I have not been able to watch as much of the RNC. I have it all saved on my DVR, and I plan to watch the speeches this weekend. But I did make a point to listen to Gov. Palin and Sen. McCain. They both did a great job, in my humble but accurate opinion.

Let me say this about the RNC... there was not a lot of internal drama like there was in Denver last week. There was only one candidate, and the whole arena was solidly behind him. He and Palin didn't have to create any unity within the Party. They did have to present Palin as capable... and I think that was done with ease. She has the kind of gumption that I love. I love it in a leader... and I find it attractive in a woman. Of course, elections are not based attraction. But I digress.

They also had to create a little distance between McCain and President Bush. I liked how McCain wore a yellow tie last night. Don't think for a second that such a choice was not very intentional. He has the vast majority of the Red vote... he may get some of the Blue vote... but what he needs are the Independents.

McCain's best line last night (which I assume was on the fly): "Don't be deterred by the ground noise and static." He was not shaken at all by the protests and moles that infiltrated the RNC. I thought he handled it very well.

At the end of the day, the RNC may have overplayed the "service to country" card. But I still feel that it is an important and effective card. It means a lot to me, and I am sure it means a lot to many Americans. The man clearly comes off as not being in this for himself. Obama does not really send that same message.

I am looking forward to the debates... especially the VP one. Palin may have a little trouble with Biden, but I think she will be able to hold her own just fine. McCain will struggle a bit against the polished talk of Obama; but at the end of the day, I think he will pull it out.

I will proudly cast my vote for McCain/Palin.

Precious New Life

I can't imagine what it feels like to have a child of my own. I mean I am so proud of and in love with my nephew and niece... I can't imagine those emotions being stronger. But I know they are, and I long for a day when I may experience them. Of course, that desire (along with all other desires) must be surrendered to the Lord. Along those lines, I was speaking with a friend last night about one of her life's desires that was recently fulfilled. She said it was surreal to look at the situation and see that God had graciously answered her prayer. She went on to say that He didn't owe her anything, but gave the gift nonetheless. I feel that way about being a father - if He grants it one day, great. But He is certainly not obligated to me in any way. But that is really another post for another day...

In any event, this is my niece Avery. She was born last week...


I know I am biased, but I honestly don't think newborn babies are ever this cute. Her brother was in the same category. In fact, to see the two side by side is almost like they are twins separated by 3.5 years.

I can't wait to watch her grow. Life is so precious, isn't it? And to see it in such a fragile state as a newborn reminds me of how great God is to create us, love us, and grow us into His image.

Going for Gold at the DNC

Now that the world's largest sporting event has ended - aka the Olympic Games - I have been drawn in to the Democratic National Convention. I do not really consider myself a Republican or a Democrat, but I do lean a bit more to the right than to the left. In any event, I am enjoying the drama surrounding the DNC.

So as you are probably aware, there are loads of Hillary supporters at the Convention. There is a contingent of delegates who desire to bump Obama and replace him with the Senator from the Great State of New York. This is great news for the Repubilcans because we all know that a house divided will not stand.

Last night, Hillary was charged with rallying the Party to unify around one candidate - namely Barak Obama. Regardless of your views of her as a person, a leader, a wife, or whatever... you pretty much have to agree that she gave a stellar speech last night (which many people on CNN referred to as a "message.") She did exactly what she needed to do, and as James Carville said - last night was a good night to be a Democrat.

I watched the coverage on CNN last night. At one point, Wolf Blitzer was interviewing Rudy Giuliani. Rudy said that Obama needs to explain why he chose Biden over Clinton as a running mate. Blitzer (in his best "unbiased" manner) then defended Obama saying that as the DNC's candidate for president, Obama doesn't have to explain anything. It was truly laughable.

I can't wait to see how CNN handles the RNC next week...

Deep Thoughts on Rain

As it rains outside, I am reminded of something I read years ago by John Piper. It comes to mind quite often during heavy rain storms... so I wanted to post it here for others to enjoy.

Victory & Defeat

If you have talked to me in the past 12 days, you know that I am addicted to the Olympics. My bed times is normally 10:00 pm, but that time has been temporarily moved to 12:00 am.

So last week was all about Michael Phelps. He had goals to accomplish and the whole country (well, the whole world, for that matter) was cheering him on. He performed like the champion he is. Everything went exactly as planned, and he didn't miss a single beat in his quest. Even when his goggles filled with water, he counted his strokes as he made his way to the wall ahead of his competitors.

But the same cannot be said for Lolo Johnson. She was the favorite to win the 100 M hurdles. She was tearing it up... until hurdle #9. She clipped it with her right foot, and that was the end for her. What a heart breaking finish, eh? I watched as she stared at the screen in disbelief with what had just happened. There is another shot of her (after her gracious interview) where she is alone... crying. Very sad.

But then there is Dawn Harper. For her, Lolo's defeat meant golden victory. Her disbelief equaled Lolo's... but for completely different reasons. You could see all over her face that she did not expect to win. But the joy on her face when it set in. There was a moment (that I have not been able to find a picture of) where I swear she is praising God. Everything about her body language, face, etc. screams "Thank you, God." It was a great moment for her.

It is events like this that fuel my addiction to the Olympics.

Those Crazy Utes...

... or should I say "youuuuths." Check this out.

First - why would you do such a rediculous thing?
Second - why would you let someone video it in this day and age?
Third - why would you post it on your MySpace page?

This reminds me of a great episode of Seinfeld where Kramer installs a garbage disposer in his shower...

Mid Life Crisis?

I don't think I am going through a mid-life crisis (mostly because I hope I have not yet hit the middle of my life). But I got a rental car yesterday because my Mazda is in the shop for some minor repairs; and I got a convertible PT Cruiser. It was all they had available in the price range that was covered by the insurance. I can hardly imagine driving it with the top up. Driving with the top down is such a new and different thing for me. One of my good friends discussed this phenomenon on her blog. Her perspective turned into a much more spiritual one than mine has...

For me, I feel just a little bit cooler driving around town with my rag top down so my hair can blow - girls on standby, waiting just to say hi. Do I stop? No... I just drive by - keep on, pursuing to the next stop.

But I digress... my fear is that I am going to end up being one of those 55 year old men who buys a convertible to feel young. May such a thing never be true of me.

In any event, convertibles are fun. So I will enjoy it while I can.

888 is the new 777

I read an article earlier today that explained how today is viewed as a very lucky day in Chinese culture because of all the 8's involved. It was for this reason that the city of Beijing chose to open this year's Olympic Games on this day. Something about the number 8 being circular and round... I didn't retain all the particulars. The article also talked about how two years ago there was talk of the Antichrist being born on June, 6 2006. Apparently, superstition is no respector of religon or faith background.

In any event, if today is really supposed to be the luckiest of days... I may have to change my evening plans. I am currently scheduled to watch the above referenced opening ceremonies at home with a handful of friends. But I am thinking I should hit the clubs... who's with me?

Are you kidding me?

Whatever your view is of Joel Osteen and his ministry at Lakewood Church, this situation will likely strike a nerve with you.

Granted, I was not on the plane. Granted, I have never met either of the parties involved. But this is such a clear case of gold digging, in my humble opinion.

This is the part the really dumbfounds me:

According to court documents, Brown claims that she suffers from anxiety and hemorrhoids because of the incident involving Victoria Osteen and said her faith was affected.

I mean if your faith is affected by the actions of a Pastor's wife, your heart may be the rocky or thorny soil discussed here.

I am just befuddled by the whole scenario... and the fact that it is Headline News material. And yes, I just wanted to use the word befuddled.

My New Addiction

I don't know if this makes me cool or a dork... but either way, I am fully enjoying this new craze in video gaming. And for all the haters - I do realize that I am not actually playing the guitar, bass, or drums when I rock out to Rock Band. But it provides hours of entertainment nonetheless. If you have not yet played this game or Guitar Hero, I highly recommend checking them out. But as luck would have it, I see that Rock Band 2 is already slated to come out... and the instruments look so much better. And the drum set is wireless. Such is the technological age we live in, I guess. Maybe I should take mine back within the 30 days and get the new one when it comes out. Hmmmmmm....

Blasts from the Past...

My cousin is in the process of collecting pictures for my Grandmother's Christmas gift, and she found these little gems along the way...

That is me on the right, and my brother on the left. Love my hair... and I look scared for some reason. Either way, I think we were a couple cute kids.



And check out how cool my parents were... this is why Brad and I were so cute. So much about this picture makes me laugh (in a good way, of course). Good times indeed!

This guy votes...

One of my new favorite sites on the world wide web is www.failblog.org. Some of the pictures on there are probably doctored in some way, This one, however, appears to be all too legit...

The Power of Advertising

I feel like a tool... I bought the LG Shine phone. You know, the one that Brody and Lauren from The Hills advertise. I feel like a tool because I like to think I am above the power of advertising - especially advertising that involves characters from a show like The Hills. But clearly I am not. I will say that the phone is pretty sweet. I will also say that I had no idea who Brody and Lauren are until after I decided to buy the phone. I just thought they were a random commercial actor and actress. I had no idea they were part of one of the most rediculous "reality" shows on tv. In any event, I am now well equipped to check out hot girls as they walk past me while sitting outside with my equally hot girlfriend while she applies lip gloss. My life is complete.

Singing At Work

Whenever I have a song stuck in my head (which is most of the time), I can often be heard singing said song out loud. The bad thing is that I have been told by more than one person that I "shouldn't quit my day job" or "American Idol is safe" or insert your own critical comment about someone's less than stellar singing voice. Oh well... an accountant can't be fired for having bad pitch, right?

For the record, today's song is from the new Coldplay album. I am not sure what the name of the song is, but this one line is stuck in my head. I am not even sure if the lyrics I am singing are right...
Oh well... an accountant can't be fired for singing the wrong lyrics, right?