Whatever.

Enjoying a good day off. I had lunch with the venerable Andrew Layman today. He and Dana have moved back to the area. Yay!! He's working in Point Loma. It was fun to meet in the old hood again where we were roommates. I was asked yesterday to contribute information for a PLNU Yearbook writeup on the Bread of Life Student Ministry. Chatted with Phil Barron today to get some background on its genesis and he reminded me that a friend of his helped him start it, Andrew Layman. Oh that's right, how ironic as we were getting together! That would be the reason I got involved and have been ever since. I reminded Phil of the time we raced from the PLNU dorm kitchen to the lot downtown in his Cobra going 90 mph down Pacific Highway with food in tow. He said we were going more like 100. I said I know, that's what I typed at first and then cut you some slack. :)

Thanks to Starbucks for the two hours free wifi. Membership has its privileges and I've joined the ranks of the Starbucks Gold Card members. Just doing my part to boost the economy. Sorry if *bucks is not your thing. I enjoy coffee at the non-chain places too but there's something to be said for consistency and in a variety of locations. Having worked in various food service jobs, it's enjoyable to see other people having to do the closing procedures for once. As for their social consciousness, I'm satisfied with their umpteen page brochure on social responsibility, though I haven't taken the time to read it. Their critics can be happy today too b/c they've announced they're closing more stores.

Matt & Holly, we could meet here sometime if you'd like - probably centrally located for us. I can ride a bike here from home which is kind of cool. Besides the mountain bike you gave me, I've recently added three classic Schwinns to the arsenal - two cruisers and a 10 speed road bike. All are in some need of repair so I've acquired a new hobby where my mechanical & restoration skills will be tested once again. El, I might pick your brain from time to time for bike repair tips.

Ewwww!

O.K. - I'm generally down on big government, erring on the side of free will, but in this case there aught to be a law. I shouldn't have to be subjected to this - especially this early in the morning. But I guess "my rights end where someone else's rights begin."

Pops is in the house.

Pops came to visit today. We hadn't seen him for maybe two years and weren't sure if he was still kicking. He sure is. Good to see you Pops!

Yuck!!

Life is full of road bumps. It's never easy having to call 9-1-1 on a friend. I pray it doesn't ever become easy or routine. I have had to call it more in the last 10 years than I care to remember. Suicide attempts, motor vehicle/motorcycle accidents, car fires, hit-n-runs, injuries/illness, fights, threats against me and on and on ....

I'm thankful tonight that the Lord caused us to cross paths when we did. He asked me to take him to the hospital. It was quickly evident that he had a self-inflicted injury. "Let me see, turn your head". "No I'm calling 9-1-1." The emotional pain rose to the surface once again and the wound was too deep.

So, we cheated death again today.... I hope and pray.

MARANATHA!!!

Ill-Gotten Booty

Happy New Year! Heretofore, I have had blogger's cramp in '09. It's time for me to get with it. Something came up today which lends itself to storytelling. Nothing much, but it will serve to inspire me to start writing again. Sure I could have blogged about the Chargers, but what more can be said. They're the best! No doubt, I need to catch up on some things from '08 that I haven't written about yet. Stay tuned.....

Hats Off To Office Depot Customer Service

Some punk needs to resign from the gene pool. They're giving we humans a bad name. Late in '08 I purchased some HP ink for a church printer - a black & white cartridge/color cartridge combo. It weighs in at around $64. Today the printer called for ink. I ripped open the box only to find that he/she had carefully opened it, wrapped two old empty, unrelated, smaller cartridges in it, stuffed extra paper in the box so they wouldn't rattle around, glued it shut and returned it to Office Depot where it sat on the shelf until I came along and bought it. Fearing the worst, I returned it today. They were kind enough to feel my pain and replace it. Thanks! I was told that printer ink is their #1 most stolen item - hands down. It's stolen and in turn sold on the 21st Century black market - eBay. I don't blame eBay, just more of those reprobates that make our gene pool a cess pool and give a preacher some job security.

For my Green Bay Packers adherent-friends. Spotted this the other day: