IMWI2009

On September 7, 2008, Brooke and I traveled to Madison, WI to volunteer at the Ford Ironman Triathlon.  For the first part of the day, we were stationed at Whalen and County Road M on the bike course.  The bike is made of up two 56 mile loops through the Western part of Madison, WI.  After our duty was over on the bike course, we were stationed at state street and Lake street assisting runners during the 26.2 mile run finish.  What a blast!  We enjoyed everything about the event.  On Monday, yours truly, stood in line with about 4000 other insane people and signed up for the Iron Man race being held on September 13, 2009.  Training starts immediately.  I will be updating you from time to time on the progress.  Looking forward to finishing the race in 12 hours or less...and yes, I will get the tat.

Tribute to Uncle Gene

August 18, 2008 - Today is my younger sister's birthday, she is 39.  It is also my older sister's anniversary, 28 years.  It is also the day that my Uncle Gene took a step from this life to life eternal.  It is a day worth remembering.  Uncle Gene lived 93 years.  What I mean is that he "lived".  As long as I can remember he was full of life, I mean I never saw him down.  Once, back in the early 90's, I went and visited him in the hospital in Memphis.  He needed some blood so a group of us donated.  While in the hospital room, he was entertaining us with stories; mostly about the attention, or lack thereof, he was getting from the nursing staff.  Not for one minute did he complain about his illness, but rather was content on recalling past experiences and making those experiences relevant to the moment.

On several occasions, while traveling on business, I was able to stop in and visit with him at his home.  He was always excited to see me and welcomed me in with open arms.  During our visits, he would fill the conversation with the triumphs of his sons and daughter, as well as the exploits of his grandchildren.  He would always provide me with history lessons regarding our family and it's legacy.  I can remember very vividly how he would raise his right hand about chest high, hold it there until I was finished talking, and then go on to tell me about an experience or funny story that was related to our conversation.  Our discussions would stimulate a memory and he seemed delighted to recount his experiences.  

I remember talking about the War, the history of the family and it's roots, his experiences as a salesman with the Langenberg  (sp) Hat Company, and a bit of advice to a young businessman like myself.

If I could talk to him now, I am sure he would be telling me another exciting story about the amazing sights and experiences he is having in Heaven.  I am sure that Aunt Vadine, Uncle Bill, Grandma and Granddad have already had a chance to reunite.  I imagine that My Aunt Sylvia was the first one to wrap her arms around him and say " I have been waiting on you, welcome home...I can't wait to show you around."  Well, one day, we will meet again, and I am sure he will have some great stories to pass on to me.  Until then, I have been uniquely blessed to have a relative like Uncle Gene.  

He heeded the call to arms when his country needed his service, he was a dedicated husband, he was a wonderful father to his two sons and one daughter.  He was a productive, hard-working American, who instilled the values of self-worth, faith in God, servant leadership, and love to his family and friends.  He was part of a generation of Americans that made is possible for me to live and thrive in this country.  He and his generation laid a foundation on which this country has been built and made it possible for you and I to achieve and dream.  

He will be missed...but only for a little while.  I will see him again.

Naperville Tri

Sunday August 10 was a beautiful morning in the Chicago Area.  several Multisport Madness friends and I participated in the 4th annual Naperville sprint Triathlon.  This particular race consisted of a 400M swim, 20K Bike followed by a 5k run.  I finished in 1:25:14, which was about 542nd place out of 2000.  The most difficult part of the race was the swim.  Although the swim was only 400 meters, the course consisted of three buoys in a small swimming area.  The turns ended up being extremely congested.  At the first buoy I had to tread water and wait for a lane to open.  There were just too many people making the turn at the same time.  Although the swim was congested, I would still recommend this race to anyone.  If you are a newbie, then this race will be a good challenge and get  you acquainted with the triathlon experience.  If you are experienced, this race is a good Sunday morning brick, perhaps a warm-up for the Chicago Olympic distance, or Madison IM.  The Bike portion is two loops and  is flat and fast, but does have a few tight turns and can be tricky with less experienced riders on the course.  The Run begins on one of the Riverwalk paths and is very nice and flat.  This race reminds me of the Batavia sprint in June as they are similar in distance and layout.  I will be doing this race again next year.  

Sasha Update

We have had Sasha for just over a month now and you can see by the pix how much she has grown! She has a great disposition and is fast becoming a member of the family.  She is learning commands and has even been house-trained, well, most of the time. One of her favorite thing to do is chase lighting bugs in the back yard, just after sunset in the evenings. 

El Refugio Updates

This post is for the computer users in the support group.  I will also be sending out a written letter to everyone who supported Brooke and I with an update of the Mission Trip to Ecuador.  Brooke and I had a wonderful time in Ecuador.  The area in which we served was beautiful.  The people were very gracious and we enjoyed sharing our lives with them for a short time.  Our team built a corral for the horses, hand-mixed and poured concrete for a new wall, and a new building.  Additionally, we cleaned out the pond and installed a new walkway from the drive to the dinning area.  Our time at the orphanage was very rewarding.  I wanted to bring one of the children back with me, but fortunately she was being adopted by an Ecuadorian family.  Her name is Emily and I would appreciate your prayers for her future.  The jungle was stunning with radiant beauty.  The waterfalls and surrounding nature were simply breathtaking.  The pace of life in Ecuador is very different than the Defcon 4 pace with which we seem to find ourselves living in here in the states. I will be traveling back to Ecuador next year and would invite you to accompany me on the trip.  If you are unable, please consider supporting our team once again.  I have posted two videos on Youtube.  You can find them by searching "El Refugio Part One, and El Refugio Part Two".  Part three will be uploaded in the future, so check back now and again.  Thank you to everyone who supported us with prayer and money.  I wish I could take everyone of you with me to El Refugio on the next trip.  Enjoy the attached pix and take a look at the videos on YouTube.

Sasha Has Arrived

Sasha was born on Easter Morning and we have been waiting for her to mature enough to bring her to her new home. Sasha is a White German Shepard and is about two months old. Haleigh, Brooke, Kirby and Pam, have been waiting for the day; and today was the day. I expect everyone to begin picking up white dog hair when they visit our home. We look forward to growing with our new family member.

MEMTRI_2008

Everyone has been asking for an update on the Memphis in May Triathlon, so here is the update.

On May 16th our group left Geneva for Memphis.  The group consisted of Todd, Carrie, 

Kevin, Melisa, Lorrie, who are my friends and neighbors, and Adam, Lindsay, Deb, and Sally who are fellow members of the Multisportmaddness Triathlon Club.  The weather in Memphis was in a word, "outstanding".  Mid seventies to low eighties, sunny with a light breeze, perfect for competing in a triathlon.

A special thanks to Mike and Haley Martin, who hosted our group Saturday evening with a wonderful "Carb-Loading" meal at their home.  The food was great, the social interaction was engaging, and the "Southern" hospitality was, as always, perfect.  Everyone loved the time at the Martins, and enjoyed the entertainment by Abigail.

Adam was true to form and came in first in his age group.  Lindsey, Deb, and Sally did an outstanding job and finished in the top of their respective age groups.  MultisportMaddness was well represented.  Lorrie finished first among the friends and neighbors group, Kevin followed Lorrie, and Todd was just a few minutes behind.  As for yours truly, I brought up the rear.  I had a great swim, strong bike, and was in good shape going into the run.  During the run, I started to experience leg cramps and was forced to walk, jog, walk, jog, and finish with a slow run to the Medical tent to check my blood sugar.  My goal was to finish and I completed my goal.  During the swim, I felt a little like a ball in a in a pinball game, full of bumpers.  People were swimming into me, over me, under me, hitting me...I was swimming into others, over others...you get the picture. The bike was much better and I went faster than expected. All in all I can't wait to compete in the Racine race in July.  It seems nuts, but I have to tell you the competition is addictive and I am looking forward to going again.  Some people exercise to participate in triathlons, I participate in triathlons because I exercise.  The triathlon gives meaning to all of the exercise that I need to do to combat the diabetes and heart disease. Although triathlons are an individual enterprise, the support, encouragement, and team training are invaluable.  Thanks to Todd, Kevin, and Lorrie for the companionship and training, thanks to the Multisportmaddness club for the inspiration and challenge. 

 

GHS Prom Update

Saturday Night May 3rd, was my oldest Daughter's First Prom. Kirby is a Jr. and her beau is a Sr. named Greg. He is Goalie on the varsity soccer team, and plays the Sax in several of the School's bands. He is heading for Western Michigan to study Aeronautical Engineering.

Kirby couldn't find a dress that she liked at any of the boutiques, and as a result designed one on her own. Her and Pam selected the materials from the fabric store whereupon Pam sewed the dress. I think they did a great job!

The Prom was held at Union Station in the City, and the after-prom was at the High School. From what I have heard, everyone had a nice time.

Here's a look at the happy prom going couple.

RJ's 73rd

Friday April 25 was my Dad's 73rd Birthday. He celebrated by traveling to Jonesboro, with my Uncle Leonard, who is 81, to visit my Uncle Gene, who is 92. What an amazing group of men! These three men, along with other various aunts and uncles, spent time in my childhood imparting some of of their life experiences, advice, and examples. I must say that I am one very blessed individual to have the family heritage that I have. These three men served in various branches of the military, they all worked hard with varying degrees of financial success, they all hold a strong belief in God, they all raised families that love and respect them, and they all still respect one another as men and brothers. These guys were weaned at a early age, and as a result learned to provide for themselves and their families, and as far as I know never complained about having much or little in this life, but learned to be content wherever they were.

It is because of the sacrifices they made, albeit, they would not consider them sacrifices, but rather investments in their children, that their offspring, myself and my cousins, have achieved the successes that we have made. We learned from their experiences and mistakes and have built on that tradition; not perfection, but a solid tradition.

My Dad will probably never read this blog, as computers are not a part of his generation, but nonetheless, I will honor him with respect and the admiration that he has earned. Dad you are the Best! Happy Birthday and God willing, many more.

Memphis In May Triathlon

Some Tri-friends and I will be competing in the Memphis In May Triathlon, May 18, 2008. There are at least eight people that I know of traveling to Memphis from Multisportmadness Triathlon club: www.multisportmadness.com. A quick update: My swim is stronger that ever, my bike is stronger than ever, however, my left foot is sore and I am fighting another bout of Plantar Fasciitis. I am doing the normal stretching and rolling the tennis ball, but I am still sore. I will still compete, but would appreciate any advice.

After the event I will also post some pics.

Ecuador April 23, 2008

Brooke and I will be traveling to El Refugio, a Christian Retreat Center, located about 30 min North of Quito, Ecuador in June. We will be traveling with several other families from our church to complete work project(s) that are needed at the center, as well as working at a local orphanage. This will be the first time Brooke has been outside the U.S. and the first time she has been on a mission trip. We are both eager to go. El Refugio is near the equator and is about 10K feet above sea level.

I was tasked with raising most of the funds for this trip through donations. I have to tell you I was a little apprehensive about asking other people for money. Our Church has a policy of soliciting donations, even if the traveller is capable of self-funding the trip, which enables the person going to experience what it would be like to live as a full time missionary, totally dependent on others for support.

I have been amazed at the responses from many of my friends, family, business associates and others. Quite honestly, I've never seen anything like it! Those of you who have responded with financial and prayer support are truly wonderful. I will be using this blog as a base for communicating our journey to Ecuador, with pictures, updated postings, and other thoughts. Stay Tuned for future updates