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October 27, 2004
Boston Blowout
Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox, and their first World Series crown in 86 years, since 1918! Wow, what a strong series.
Sweet revenge. Mwwuhahahaaaa....take that for beating the Astros!!
Posted by Grant at 11:07 PM | Comments (5)
October 23, 2004
Rooting Red Sox
Due to the fact that the Boston Red Sox were the second most exhiliarating team in the playoffs (in my opinion), and also due to the fact that Boston has not been to the World Series since 1918, I'm going to root for the Red Sox!
Not only because of that, but because I'm a Curt Schilling fan. ;-)
Posted by Grant at 08:19 PM | Comments (2)
October 21, 2004
Astros in Agony
Final Score
St. Louis : 5
Houston : 3
Well, after a hard fought battle to win the NLDS, and after a amazing string of superb and determined victories against overwhelming odds, the Houston Astros have lost the seventh game of the NLCS, and consequently lost their berth for the 2004 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Right now, words can't express my disappointment. They were so close. They have never been to the World Series, and it was the first time in 20 years that they have even gotten this far into the playoffs. They played with so much heart, sweat, and tears, that I felt deep inside that they just had to the pennant! They fought so hard, and had such a exquisite comeback, that this late loss is even harder to take.
However, I must dwell on the bright side. The Lord is in control, and it wasn't His plan that the Astros would win the pennant this year. Not only that, it was exciting. For myself and all the fans of Houston, we were dazzled, impressed, excited beyond belief, and truly grateful for our team, and their love for the game. It is truly a memory to be treasured for generations, and we will talk for years about the memories and plays of this race.
Hats off to the Cardinals for a excellent game.
It's been memorable. Although the elimination is deflating, it was superb and pulse-pounding to the very end. It was wonderful, and I only want to wish the Astros the very best, and let them know that I'll be back even stronger next year, for an even stronger season.
I'll bid the Astros adieu, and cherishing the memories of this season, I'll depart with the golden words of Milo Hamilton, the Astros radio announcer.
That was some ride.
Posted by Grant at 10:23 PM | Comments (2)
October 19, 2004
Astros Silence Critics
The early season critics are acting quite mum, after last night's adrenaline pumped game. The Astros won 3-0 on Jeff Kent's ninth inning walk off three run home run, and are now one win away from going to the World Series.
One win.
All I can say is that I am floored with delight, and I happen to be the biggest Carlos Beltran fan out there now! His catch in center in the seventh inning, combined with Brandon Backe's thrilling and hard earned eight shut out innings have made me even more excited than ever!
I'm on fire. On fire from a firestorm of Astros astroid hits!
Wednesday night will be charged with electricity as the Astros take on the Cardinals in Saint Louis for Game 6 of NLCS.
GO ASTROS!!!
Posted by Grant at 03:22 PM | Comments (7)
October 18, 2004
A Cry for the Pure Gospel
Just recently I discovered yet another priceless gem of wisdom from that shining Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Although one concedes that Spurgeon was an excellent preacher, it takes his very writing to show one just how noble and brilliant he was, for his writing truly speaks loudest of all.
In a day when massive churches have so many entertainment options, this message is sorely needed. We Christians must cry out for the pure and unadulterated Word, without allowance for the things that take away it's lovely and awe-inspiring message.
"An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its
impudence, that the most short-sighted can hardly fail to notice it.
During the past few years it has developed at an abnormal rate, even
for evil it has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The
devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the Church
that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the
people, with a view to winning them. From speaking out as the
Puritans did, the Church has gradually toned down her testimony, then
winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated
them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of
reaching the masses.
My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is
nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the Church. If
it is a Christian work why did not Christ speak of it? "Go ye into
all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." That is clear
enough. So it would have been if he had added, 'and provide amusement
for those who do not relish the gospel.' No such words, however, are
to be found. It did not seem to occur to him. Then again, "He gave
some apostles, some prophets, some pastors and teachers, for the work
of the ministry." Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is
silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they
amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr
roll.
Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching
and life of Christ and all His apostles. What was the attitude of the
Church to the world? "Ye are the salt," not the sugar candy -
something the world will spit out, not swallow. Short and sharp was
the utterance, "Let the dead bury their dead." He was in awful
earnestness!
Had Christ introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into
his mission, he would have been more popular when they went back,
because of the searching nature of his teaching. I do not hear him
say, 'Run after these people, Peter, and tell them we will have a
different style of service tomorrow, something short and attractive
with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the
people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick, Peter, we
must get the people somehow?' Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept
over them, but never sought to amuse them. In vain will the Epistles
be searched to find any trace of the gospel of amusement. Their
message is, 'Come out, keep out, keep clean out!' Anything
approaching fooling is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless
confidence in the gospel and employed no other weapon. After Peter
and John were locked up for preaching, the Church had a prayer
meeting, but they did not pray, 'Lord grant unto thy servants that by
a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show
these people how happy we are.' If they ceased not for preaching
Christ, they had not time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by
persecution, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They 'turned
the world upside down'. That is the only difference! Lord, clear the
Church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her and
bring us back to apostolic methods.
Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to effect the end desired. It
works havoc among young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who
thank God because the Church met them half-way, speak and testify.
Let the heavy laden who found peace through the concert not keep
silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment had been
God's link in the chain of the conversion, stand up! There are none
to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts. The need of
the hour for today's ministry is believing scholarship joined with
earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from
the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that
it sets men on fire."
Posted by Grant at 11:09 AM | Comments (3)
Astros Fight to Survive
The Astros have been fighting tooth and claw to avoid elimination by the red hot and flawless Cardinals. Having lost the first two games of the National League Championship Series, the Astros came back home having to win the next three at Minute Maid Park. They did just that, with photo finishes in both the Saturday and Sunday games. Carlos Beltran continues to dazzle with late inning heroics, and Lance Berkman is burning up the opposing pitching.
Tonight, the Astros go for win number three in Houston with Brandon Backe on the mound. The air is so thick you can cut it with a knife!! I'm so excited!!
Posted by Grant at 11:04 AM | Comments (1)
October 12, 2004
Astros Amaze Again
Final Score
Houston: 12
Atlanta: 3
The Houston Astros have won the National League Division Series!
Having lost a heartbreaking game to the Atlanta Braves on Sunday in front of a wild sellout home crowd, the Astros were facing elimination going into Monday's tie breaker game in Atlanta. They had to trudge back into hostile ground and win all or lose all.
Frustrated with the dreadful train of "almost" excuses, the Astros reached down into their gut, and a fairytale became true. They sent Roy Oswalt to the hill against the Braves Jaret Wright, and two pitchers never pitched with more emotion and adrenaline in the history of the playoffs. It was a night to behold for pitching that counted for everything, but it was the bats that decided the game.
Led by the Killer B's, Berkman, Beltran, Bagwell and Biggio, the Astros butchered out 17 hits that resulted in 12 runs, and they drowned the Braves in a 12-3 win! Beltran sparkled last night, driving in 5 of the 12 runs for the team. Congratulations, my Christian brother!
The Astros are finally in the final stage of the playoffs, the National League Championshiop Series. On Wednesday night, they will face the red hot St. Louis Cardinals in the first game of the NLCS on national television. They've come a long way.
A forty-two years kind of a long way. The fairytale that skeptics said could never happen is unfolding before a wild and enthusiastic Texas, and the excitement grows more tense as the Astros roar into St. Louis to try their hand at going to the World Series!
I'm so excited! In fact, many times last night I almost forgot to breathe! When they finally made the final out, I jumped so high I hit the ceiling with my head, not just my fist!!
GO ASTROS!!!!
Posted by Grant at 10:55 AM | Comments (5)
October 09, 2004
Astros and Braves Adrenaline Match
FINAL SCORE
Houston: 8
Atlanta: 5
The Astros continue to astound critic after critic as they scrap, claw, fight and toil their way through the National League Division Series. When they lost the second game to Atlanta, it was heart wrenching because they came so close! However, they came back to their home town ballpark, and before a sell-out crowd, got right back into it.
Led by the indomitable rookie Brandon Backe who pitched six very quality innings, the Astros gave their fans and admirers a pulse pounding and adrenaline riddled ride to another fantastic win. They did everything right, from moving on the bases with book detail to timing plays just right. Third baseman Morgan Ensberg knocked in three runs with two outs, which proved to be the winning margin in the game. Carlos Beltran belted a gigantic home run, while Kent, Berkman and Bagwell tore up the basepaths. The afternoon was simply glorious! Brad Lidge capped off the blowout with an electrifying save, which made the farthest corners of Houston ring with the roar of Texas in her pursuit of a baseball championship.
Backe proved he can handle the postseason heat, and the rest of the team backed him up with one action packed afternoon. Now, we have Roger Clemens going on Sunday to face the Braves once more in front of another sell out crowd! I'm so excited, because we now have a strong chance to win tomorrow's game and polish off the Braves and go to the National League Championship Series!
My ceiling is in severe danger! GO ASTROS!!!
Posted by Grant at 08:59 PM | Comments (4)
October 07, 2004
Critical Markup : The Vice Presidential Debate
I now continue with my critical markup of the 2004 Presidential Race and Debates with the Vice Presidential Debate that was held on October 5th. Although both candidates weren't perfect, Vice President Cheney clearly had the upper hand.
Let's All Be Nervous, Shall We?
What is it with the candidates and the wiggle worms? Cheney had the annoying hand wringing habit going for him, while Edwards kept pointing and gesturing at Gwen like she was the wayward American who didn't know any better. I'd like to see a little more stately deportment from now on guys. Is that too much to ask? What's with the nervous wiggling and pointing and obviously uncomfortable sitting positions? Maybe the University just had uncomfortable seats, so I will just let that slide. Wiggle away boys.
Get Him, Boy!
Vice President Cheney is of course, a very experienced and wise leader. He is a realist, and he does not ramble off on emotional hogwash or play upon the emotions of the audience. However, he does have his share of problems, just like Edwards, Kerry, and Bush. I go back to what I said before, that all politicians are just human, and they all have faults. Having said all that, let me say that you've got to pick the one who conducts themselves honorably in the political circuit, and the one who has the best political record for the job.
Cheney really could use a little more looseness. Smiling never hurt anyone, and if he could crack a nice smile now and then, he'd do better. He has a great smile, because I've seen it. Shocking huh? Cheney needed to loosen up, quit glaring at Edwards, and be more personable. The basic flaw of Cheney is that he acted aloof and kind of strained. However, in basic intellect and facts, he was very good. He delivered answers that were to the point (except for the education rabbit trail instead of jobs), and he cracked down on Edwards. He challenged Edwards capacity to lead, his shoddy Senate record, and the fact that Edwards is in many cases not correct. He was sharp, to the point, succinct, and polite as far as a political debate can go. I was especially impressed with how he answered the question of how he was qualified to lead this country if anything happened to the President. He is clearly someone that can lead and one America could depend on in an hour of trial.
Let me explain this. In a political debate, attacking a person's political and public record is completely acceptable in my eyes. I'd expect Kerry to do it to Bush, Edwards to do it to Cheney, and vice versa. In a political race it is absolutely crucial to scrutinize every candidate's public record. This is the highest job in the world, and we can't afford any mistakes just because we didn't inspect a candidate's record and qualities to lead. It is not necessary to go off on a person's personal or private life to do this, and if one stays on politics, political and public records, and the candidate's truthfulness and leadership, it is perfectly in line with what is at stake. If we look at what is at stake, we'd be fools not to "attack" someone's political record. I actually despise the term "personal attacks" when it comes to this important matter. I call it "challenging" the other candidate's record. Sure, it's far from feeling comfortable or friendly, but it is absolutely necessary.
Edwards does it, Kerry does it, Bush does it, and so does Cheney. It's not only necessary, but healthy for America. To all those who cry foul at these exchanges, I say that they are focusing on something that isn't even an issue. It's not a "personal" attack. It's a political and intellectual "challenge". Of course, I do realize that in this debate, there were several personal attacks, and I condemn those, but for the majority of what people are calling attacks, I see no ground for complaint. It's politics, so get over it.
Cheney did attack Edwards for not paying all of his taxes and doing shady deals so he wouldn't have to. I have no clue whether that's true or not, but it was unnecessary on Cheney's part to say that. Is it even possible for anyone to act like a gentleman for at least an hour and a half? I'm wondering. I might also point out that Cheney kind of overdosed on the political "challenging". It was kind of pointless because Edwards was making a fool out of himself without any help. So, it made Cheney look bad because the barbs weren't really needed. Let Edwards sink his own ship.
Edwards Falls Apart.
Edwards was flawless as far as public relations went. He was relaxed, natural, and extremely personable. His rhetoric and delivery were immaculate as were his emotional appeals to the audience and their emotions. Edwards is clearly an idealist and one who relies heavily on emotional appeal instead of clean facts and a straightforward approach. He answered the questions head on, and with great willingness, but that didn't help his view on issues. He delivered well, but what he had to deliver wasn't any different than what Kerry had to deliver. In fact, it was almost identical, I'd say.
Edwards is clearly lost without Kerry. It makes one wonder if Edwards was sort of forced into running with Kerry. It's almost like Edwards wants to stick with what Kerry believes, because he is lost without him. I got the impression that Edwards is halfheartedly running a race he wishes he was running with someone else. He used the phrase "Kerry and I" over and over, like it was his magical lifeline. When asked to explain what he believed and stood for without mentioning Kerry's name, he couldn't do it, and broke the rule twice while laughing stiffly. "Har har, I broke the rule! Anyway, Kerry and I believe.." Edwards kept hiding under Kerry's skirts and repeated Kerry's debate text from Thursday almost verbatim many times.
He started sounding like a broken record way before the night was finished. Not only did he hide under Kerry's platform, Edwards couldn't even tell the American people how he would be qualified should the need arise to be President of the United States. He instead launched into a big praise campaign of how worthy Kerry was to be President, and that he was certain that they would win. Well, there's your answer Gwen. If John Kerry died or was incapacitated, Edwards is going to wring his hands and talk about John Kerry. He couldn't lead this country out of a wet paper bag. Oh yes, I forgot. He has been on "numerous committees" in the Senate. I wonder how many meetings he actually attended? How many days could we expect him to be Vice President and not be absent?
That brings up the sordid record of his Senate attendance. He said he was shocked Cheney would try to challenge his record, but he didn't try to defend himself or explain why he was absent. Look here. Missing that many sessions of the Senate is serious, very serious. That's not a personal attack, that's the truth. If you can't attend more than a handful of Senate sessions, what qualifies you to be Vice President? That's a serious and weighty question! That's no attack, I'd call it common sense!
Edwards loves to harp on healthcare. Fact is, both he and Kerry were absent when it came time to vote on the Medicare Reform Bill. Isn't that interesting?
Edwards is really proud of the fact that he has stood for families that have been hurt by big corporations. I support that, and I think it both tragic and maddening that Valerie Lakey was permanently injured by a silly company's failure to warn about the defect. I stand with her family against big corporations and am one of the biggest consumer advocates that there is, but that doesn't solve the problem of trial lawyers and skyrocketing malpractice insurance. More and more high risk patients are turned away and have to settle for low end doctors and even more heartbreak follows because they didn't have a good doctor. All because of high insurance. You would think that the last thing America would be short on would be good doctors. However, it's sadly becoming the norm, as more doctors lay down their license and retire or go into a different field.
Edwards said "John Kerry and I are always going to stand with the Valerie Lakeys of the world, and not with the insurance companies." Yeah, but not the one million babies aborted each year. What about them John? Who will plead for their sake? Cut the emotional trash, because you're just as hard hearted as any of those abortion doctors.
Then about 35 minutes into the debate, Edwards latched on to Haliburton. Oh, come on! I'll bet Kerry hit his head, because that is the most off target piece of tripe that they ever tried. It didn't work, and it isn't true. However, Edwards gestured with his hands and, blinking wildly, said "These are the facts....." He lied, which is kind of obvious, but I thought I'd point that out for the adrenaline rush of the moment. Doesn't he read or research? Come on Edwards, that was lame. That was a feeble attempt to retaliate against your shoddy Senate record. Nice try, but no cigar.
Then he made a big emotional slop about Cheney and his lesbian daughter. I'm sorry Edwards, but in my book, that's not going to float. You didn't have to do that. It is absolutely the lowest of the low to air that sensitive and delicate family affair out into the open like that. Let's be decent for a change, if you're so noble! Not only did he make a public shame of Cheney and his family, but he did it in an attempt to make Cheney look heartless and show how he, Mr. Edwards Bleeding Heart, was understanding. "I know they love their daughter....." What was his point? Trying to make someone look bad? That was just low. That's the lowest cut I've seen in a political debate yet. Cut the trash talk, Edwards, and talk about politics!
Edwards must not be much of a lawyer. He thinks that states are going to be allowed to define marriage amongst themselves, and that they won't be forced to recognize another state's marriage. That's just not realistic. Sooner or later, it's going to come to a Constitutional issue of what constitutes marriage. With so many gay couples wanting to get hitched, it's bound to come up. Edwards is walking on hot air if he thinks that's going to work, and it's unrealistic.
Can't we just be a little more creative when it comes to attacking the decision of this administration to declare war on Iraq? How many times did I hear Edwards say that "We were attacked , but not by Hussein, or Iraq!" It's the Kerry and Edwards pet phrase of the hour. They think it really solves everything. Well, it doesn't and what's more, they are attacking Roosevelt's resolve, as well as every one of our brave World War II veterans. I'd like to take this moment to point out that when we were attacked at Pearl Harbor, we weren't attacked by Hitler. However, when we declared war on Pearl Harbor, we also did the same thing to Germany. Germany didn't attack us, but they were part of the threat, so we played it safe and went after them all at once. That's what we're doing today. Read much history, Mr. Edwards?
How about a little rewind of your views? As I recall, you said "Others argue that if even our allies support us, we should not support this resolution because confronting Iraq now would undermine the long-term fight against terrorist groups like al Qaeda. Yet, I believe that this is not an either-or choice. Our national security requires us to do both, and we can." Say, is that true? Wow, I'd certainly never expect you to retract such a strong view! However, you're saying the exact opposite today. I can't say I blame you, because you've had an excellent example.
Of course, how could anyone overlook your amateur efforts to appeal to the people's emotions? All that bleeding soul, I-know-what-it-is-to-miss-a-loved-one-and-to-have-an-empty-chair-at-the-dinner-table vibe. Yes, we miss our loved ones. We pray for their safety, and we hate war just as much as you do. However, how can America defeat her enemies if there aren't any empty chairs at the tables? We've always had empty chairs, and we will continue to. We've come through it before , and we'll come through it now. Empty chairs mean that there are people who are willing to protect America, and it shows just how strong we are. We've come this far, the least we can is respect our empty chairs and pray for the occupant's safe return.
America's light is flickering? I don't think so, and if you think so, you'd best not say anything about it. A flickering light means that it is still aflame.
Why don't you take your emotional blather and author Chicken Soup for the Politician's Soul? It would be a lot better than having a cut-rate, second-class, last ditch carpetbagger in the Oval Office.
Whew! I'm out. *ding*
Posted by Grant at 12:38 PM | Comments (7)
October 06, 2004
Critical Markup : Presidential Debate #1
I have decided to try and do a critical review, or 'markup' of the first Presidential Debate that took place on Thursday, September 30th. I had the privilege of watching the entire debate at my Aunt's house, and it was quite an event. I even got to see the flaming liberals on every news and TV station trumpet the praises of John Kerry. They did have their reasons I suppose, because after all, he did a lot better job than Al Gore did back in 2000. So, let's get started.
Sit Still!
One thing I did not enjoy was the wiggle worms that both candidates seemed to be infected with. Both President Bush and John Kerry were constantly moving, whether they were shifting their weight, biting their lips, wringing their hands, smirking, snorting in sarcastic mockery, or just looking plain agitated. I have no idea what they were writing on their notes every now and then. Perhaps when the other candidate said something they really didn't like, they'd write "I hate you" on their notes to prevent from saying it out loud. They did an admirable job of not moving from their podiums or getting completely out of hand, but I would have liked them to stand quietly and passive, either looking respectfully at the moderator or the candidate speaking, or making notes. They were both guilty of too much movement, but hey, that's just me. This is the political election that the entire world watches, not the Smirk and Grin Polka Convention.
Civility is a Plus.
Both candidates were remarkably civil to each other. More so than 2000, when they strutted around like two puffed up roosters. I was happy to see that personal attacks were for the most part absent in the debate, and that the candidates focused on the questions and issues of the evening. Many people are saying that President Bush attacked John Kerry personally many times. However, I do not believe that they have a clear definition of a personal attack. Moreover, in a political debate, there is a certain type of personal attack, or "dissection" that is permissible, and healthy. Let me explain myself. In a political debate, the candidates should stick to politics, and leave personal matters out. The candidates personal feelings and convictions should not be attacked, and neither their motives. However, in a political debate, the political and public record of any candidate should be open to the highest scrutiny and examination. President Bush did not once, not even once, attack Senator Kerry's personal life or convictions. President Bush stayed solely on Kerry's political and public record, as well as his voting record and policies thus far. President Bush said he does not think Senator Kerry is fit to lead this country, and he based that opinion solely on Kerry's public record. He did not once mention the Vietnam scandal, or Kerry's ties with communists, or his devote pro-abortion stance. He stayed on Kerry's ability to lead and what he has done thus far. President Bush's fortitude and strong performance to stay on track and not run into personal attacks, along with his respectful and honorable comments about Kerry's war record and his wife and daughters, were well played. To be fair, I will say that Kerry was also respectful and conducted himself well throughout the debate.
Who Won?
In the minds of the public, Kerry had a slight winning edge over President Bush because of what people called President Bush's "ill concealed agitation and anger". However, in my mind, if I were to judge statistically, I'd say it was a tie. Statistically, they both made mistakes, the chief being that they repeated themselves a lot and evaded questions. They were more inclined to use new question time to harp on previous topics, just to get their point across. I'd say that's because the format is just not very conducive to smart and intelligent debating. Let's make the question answer time 4 minutes and the rejoinder time 2 minutes.
Personally, I think President Bush did a splendid job. You have to look back at 2000 to see how much he has improved. He really has, and I can understand why he might be agitated and make all these faces. It's hard to keep track of the debate when your opponent can't keep a topic focused. Kerry contradicted himself so many times that it wasn't funny anymore, despite all the RNC's attempts to make it so with their videos and cartoons. It's just plain disgusting. It's one thing to get new information and change your mind and admit there's a better way of doing it, but it's another thing to do it every other week. Yes, President Bush doesn't have all the answers. Yes, he isn't perfect, but no man is. Yes, he has made a few mistakes, and Iraq wasn't one of them. At least President Bush is willing to finish the job!
Senator Kerry is being held up as a prime example of rhetoric and great debating while people mock and ridicule the President for being a slovenly grouch. However, you've got to look past the rhetoric at the heart. Zell Miller appropriately said "Campaign talk tells people who you want them to think you are. How you vote tells people who you really are deep inside." Senator Kerry is a man who is ardently pro-abortion, a man who brags about his service record, and a man who would not defend America unless it passes the "global test". He may be a good debater, and in my mind he is not, but that does not count in the end. Being able to debate well and cover up what you really believe doesn't count, and neither do your fake smiles and fishy waves to the crowd. Being articulate isn't going to cut it.
Hitler was articulate. So were Lenin and Hussein.
Americans, quit running America by your emotions, and focus on reality!
Posted by Grant at 11:29 AM | Comments (5)
October 05, 2004
We Made It! The Astros Did Too!
We're back home again! It certainly feels delicious to be able to sleep in your own bed and eat the home-style cooking that you crave! You know, I always get excited about going out to eat during a road trip. It really is fun and adventurous. However, you just don't realize how much you miss home cooking until you start eating it when you get back! All that aside, let me say that I love road trips. It's great fun to explore far places and experience new sites, and to travel on your own time and schedule. I really, really love road trips, and really, really like to get back home! It makes me realize that while the world is a fun and exciting place, having a constant and settled place to call home is one of the greatest comforts out there. So, I'm back home and at it again!
The Oklahoma State Southern Gospel Singing Convention was really a fun and enjoyable time! It was so heartwarming to smile, laugh, hug, and excitedly talk to all of our dear and precious loved ones who we had not seen for so long! I even got to know three cousins better that I had not kept up with over the years, as well as be the photographer for the event. Tara was the videographer, and we both had a very fun time. Our Aunt Eloise conscripted us the minute we walked through the door, and we are glad she did, because we got to be a part of the inner workings of the convention. Uncle Bill was truly delighted to see all of us, and his birthday party was a big surprise to him! You should have seen the look on his face when the entire crowd broke into "Happy Birthday" instead of the song in the book that they had turned to! The entire family stood up with him in the front while they sang some of his most beloved songs. He was also presented with a lovely plaque from the Convention for his work and effort as a songwriter. The whole night was a delightful time, and I'm sure it will go down as one of our most favorite memories. The party, the reunion, the love, and the laughter were all worth the many miles we drove to get there, and it was a splendid time, all around the table. One of the highlights were two piano players that could play the doors right off of the hinges!! Their quick and light fingers flew over the keys with fluid, lightning speed, and there at the end when it was time to go, they each had a piano and were dueling away with gospel songs, faster, faster, and faster! It was a delightful spectacle.
The rest of the time, we spent our time shopping in the town, and staying at our Aunt's cozy house. She has a lovely house, and two very fat cats, who are our "cousins", so to speak, since she treats them just like children! We watched TV, played with the cats, and had a nice time together. I set up Auntie's new DVD player for her, and a few other things. We were sad to leave, but our duty to home and pets called us to part for a season once more. The weather was cool and almost sublime the whole time we were up there, which was a great experience for us Texans! However, we were soon on our way, and are happily and safely back in Texas.
We stopped in Atoka Oklahoma, which is one of our favorite places now, and especially one of my favorite places. I guess you've already deduced that, having looked at my picture page! We took some more pictures, and bought some more souvenirs. I got two more little Confederate flags, so now I've got four different ones! We also stopped in Richardson Texas at another of our favorite stores, the Texas Army Navy Store. I simply LOVE that store!! I love the bricks in the walls!! It's probably the only place on earth that I could blow $1000 in under an hour. However, I controlled myself this time, and just looked. Mom got me a M-67 frag grenade, just like the ones in America's Army, which is my favorite thing I got on the trip! It is, or course, demilitarized, and is empty. However, it is the neatest thing I've gotten in a long time. I love it! I can even pull the pin and throw it around. *jumps around excitedly*
Other stops we made were at the cemetery of our first Grandpa, where we cleaned his headstone and took some pictures, Hillsboro to eat supper at a Mexican restaurant, and in Waco to treat ourselves to Starbucks before heading home. It was a wonderful trip, and we all had so much fun it would take pages to write it all! I even got to see a real, in-the-flesh International CXT Commercial Pickup, painted Cerulean Blue. You know the one that I posted about? What a truck! DUDE! That was too cool.
The was one more thing that made the trip. It just MADE the trip. The Houston Astros fought the fiercest battle they've ever fought, and won the National League Wildcard!! You should have seen me, cheering them on with shrieks of delight. It would have been one thing to watch the highlights on their website and to hear it on the radio. That would have been superb. However, I got to watch almost all of the game on ESPN, which was a real treat for me. I was in the seventh heaven. I probably ruined the furniture and I most certainly got a sore throat and burnt my hands because I clapped so hard. I am so happy!!!!! The Astros won the Wildcard!!! *roars in manifest delight and pumps his fist in the air* I almost hit the ceiling pumping my fists in the air so hard and enthusiastically. They won, they won, they won!!!!
So as you can see, a wonderful trip in every respect. Praise the Lord for a much needed and refreshing family reunion trip, and for helping the Astros win the Wildcard! I'm so happy to be back home. THE ASTROS WON THE WILDCARD!!!
Posted by Grant at 04:19 PM | Comments (5)