I did it! I finally defeated my 8-year-old neighbor in a game of Horse. After the first shot I hit, he proudly exclaimed, "Hey! You didn't airball it!" I'm way more excited about this than a grown man should be. When he asked why I'm so bad at basketball, I told him I was more accustomed to a 10-foot rim rather than his 8-foot one. Which is true - I've spent far more time airballing on 10-foot rims than 8.
We have a General Mills plant in town. It's right next to the highway, which is where I spend a lot of time stuck in traffic. It's fun to guess what cereal they're making at the moment by the smells. While I was sitting in my parked car on the highway the other day, I was thinking about how we decide whether something smells good or something smells bad. Then a thought that wrecked my whole world schema popped up - WE DON'T KNOW WHAT ANYTHING SMELLS LIKE! At least, not fully. That perfume you like? It smells like perfume...and boogers. Cookies in the oven? Mmmm...and boogers. Every scent you know is tainted by what's already in your nose. I may have just changed your life. You're welcome.
I never know what to bring to potlucks. I want something cheap and easy that looks like it was expensive and time consuming. Not that I'm going to any potlucks anytime soon. I was just a bit peckish and thought a potluck sounded good.
What are you bringing to my potluck?
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Love Thy Rival - Interview With Chad Gibbs, Former Baby
Finally! I found someone who's a bigger baby than me.
Introducing: Chad Gibbs, author of the new book, Love Thy Rival.
Chad was kind enough to answer some questions for me. Make sure to check out his new book, and especially the medical clinic he's helping Samaritan's Purse build in Haiti.
--
Tell us what your new book is about.
What sports' greatest rivalries can teach us about loving our enemies.
That was long and boring. Now describe your new book in one word.
Nudity
What are three things that your new book is not like?
Fingernails on a chalkboard, head lice, Oliver Cromwell
When does the movie come out?
The book is actually based Magic Mike
What is your favorite part of your own book?
The table of contents
What's one thing you'd change?
All the Phantom of the Opera references
Too late.
Crap
Can people order an autographed copy of your new book?
Yes, on chadgibbsdotcom
What is your favorite part of your own book?
The 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty.
That's not what you said before. Red Sox or Yankees?
Yes they are in the book.
.
 |
| Exhibit 1: Me, during an eating break |
Introducing: Chad Gibbs, author of the new book, Love Thy Rival.
 |
| Exhibit 2: Chad Gibbs, Former Baby |
--
Tell us what your new book is about.
What sports' greatest rivalries can teach us about loving our enemies.
That was long and boring. Now describe your new book in one word.
Nudity
What are three things that your new book is not like?
Fingernails on a chalkboard, head lice, Oliver Cromwell
When does the movie come out?
The book is actually based Magic Mike
What is your favorite part of your own book?
The table of contents
What's one thing you'd change?
All the Phantom of the Opera references
Too late.
Crap
Can people order an autographed copy of your new book?
Yes, on chadgibbsdotcom
What is your favorite part of your own book?
The 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty.
That's not what you said before. Red Sox or Yankees?
Yes they are in the book.
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Amazing Grace
For Evan, On His First Birthday
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.
That's my father's favorite hymn.
That saved a wretch like me.
I can't sing it. I get choked up, thinking about my dad. Never have been able to sing it. I've always just mouthed the words.
I once was lost, but now am found.
Your mom and I didn't think we'd be able to have kids. At least the doctor said so.
Was blind, but now I see.
And yet, you're one today.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear.
A year ago I became your dad. I was overwhelmed. Excited. Scared. Helpless.
And grace my fears relieved.
You made it easy. You slept through the night by the time you were barely two months old. And you giggle a lot.
How precious did that grace appear.
Now I can sing it, but only to you. Even humming it when I'm putting you down for the night has an instant effect on you. You quit fighting sleep, and lay your head down in acceptance.
The hour I first believed.
I want many things for you in life. I want you to learn, play catch, marry your sweetheart. But what I want most is for you to know your real Dad. And I want you to one day soon quit fighting and bend your knee in acceptance.
Of His grace.
Happy Birthday, Evan. We love you.
.
 |
| This is what happens when Dad dresses you for the day. |
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.
That's my father's favorite hymn.
That saved a wretch like me.
I can't sing it. I get choked up, thinking about my dad. Never have been able to sing it. I've always just mouthed the words.
I once was lost, but now am found.
Your mom and I didn't think we'd be able to have kids. At least the doctor said so.
Was blind, but now I see.
And yet, you're one today.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear.
A year ago I became your dad. I was overwhelmed. Excited. Scared. Helpless.
And grace my fears relieved.
You made it easy. You slept through the night by the time you were barely two months old. And you giggle a lot.
How precious did that grace appear.
Now I can sing it, but only to you. Even humming it when I'm putting you down for the night has an instant effect on you. You quit fighting sleep, and lay your head down in acceptance.
The hour I first believed.
I want many things for you in life. I want you to learn, play catch, marry your sweetheart. But what I want most is for you to know your real Dad. And I want you to one day soon quit fighting and bend your knee in acceptance.
Of His grace.
Happy Birthday, Evan. We love you.
.
Space Invaders Caption Contest
 |
| "We come in peace. With weapons." |
1. What's going on here?
2. Which one's my dad?
Give me your best captions!
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Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Part II
I feel like an Internet dating service today, but I promise you - it's all platonic. Probably. I might want to look that up first.
Here we go.
Rob Shepherd (@robshep, robshep.com) asked for "funny people that make me think about tech, sports, and Christianity." I don't know much about sports, but for the rest? To you, Rob, I give Rick Knowles. You're welcome.
TJ (@tjcapalla, teejay82.tumblr.com, peanutbuttercupmoment.tumblr.com) asked for "inspirational stuff". Have some Tony Alicea, TJ. Enjoy.
Russ Ray was half asleep / delusional. So for you, Russ? Tyler Tarver.
Renée A. Schuls-Jacobson wants pop culture. Feeling a little stuck on this one. How about some TV Asylum, Renée? You'll get a range of topics by a range of different folks. And maybe some unicorns.
Chad Jones wants "fiction, non-fiction, Christianity, humor, blogging, and butterscotch flavored terra cotta siding". Chad, you already know almost every blogger I know, so I'm going to focus on your fiction request. Which is different than your fictitious request. Have you tried the Infinity Manuscript?
Larry Hehn (@larryhehn and larryhehn.com) wants a combination of "humor and insight for Christian living". You already know Rob Shepherd, right? Well...go meet him again. Sorry this recommendation's not new, but Rob is the best for what you asked for.
Daniel Carman says "I will not tweet. Not in a box, not with a fox." No, Dan(iel), you may not. But you do blog, and you'd even blog with a dog in the bog, right? Thus, check out my friend Some Guy.
Ken Hagerman (@ramblingbarba, ramblingbarba.com/) used a lot of words and I got overwhelmed. But one of those words was humor, so Ken - go follow @sgtwolverine. He's the funniest guy I follow on Twitter.
Burrill (@sgtwolverine) wants funny. Jamie Golden is funny. Jared Clifton is, too. But you? EVERYBODY should follow you!
Stephen Haggerty (@StephenHaggerty) wants creativity. Stephen, meet my best friend Chris. He's the most creative guy I know. His Twitter feed has a heavy tech focus, but ask him anything and I guarantee a creative answer, regardless of topic.
Some Guy asked for more Network Administrator Diaries. On it's way, SG, on it's way.
Ok, your turn. Who do you like to follow on Twitter? Whose blog do you enjoy?
.
Here we go.
Rob Shepherd (@robshep, robshep.com) asked for "funny people that make me think about tech, sports, and Christianity." I don't know much about sports, but for the rest? To you, Rob, I give Rick Knowles. You're welcome.
TJ (@tjcapalla, teejay82.tumblr.com, peanutbuttercupmoment.tumblr.com) asked for "inspirational stuff". Have some Tony Alicea, TJ. Enjoy.
Russ Ray was half asleep / delusional. So for you, Russ? Tyler Tarver.
Renée A. Schuls-Jacobson wants pop culture. Feeling a little stuck on this one. How about some TV Asylum, Renée? You'll get a range of topics by a range of different folks. And maybe some unicorns.
Chad Jones wants "fiction, non-fiction, Christianity, humor, blogging, and butterscotch flavored terra cotta siding". Chad, you already know almost every blogger I know, so I'm going to focus on your fiction request. Which is different than your fictitious request. Have you tried the Infinity Manuscript?
Larry Hehn (@larryhehn and larryhehn.com) wants a combination of "humor and insight for Christian living". You already know Rob Shepherd, right? Well...go meet him again. Sorry this recommendation's not new, but Rob is the best for what you asked for.
Daniel Carman says "I will not tweet. Not in a box, not with a fox." No, Dan(iel), you may not. But you do blog, and you'd even blog with a dog in the bog, right? Thus, check out my friend Some Guy.
Ken Hagerman (@ramblingbarba, ramblingbarba.com/) used a lot of words and I got overwhelmed. But one of those words was humor, so Ken - go follow @sgtwolverine. He's the funniest guy I follow on Twitter.
Burrill (@sgtwolverine) wants funny. Jamie Golden is funny. Jared Clifton is, too. But you? EVERYBODY should follow you!
Stephen Haggerty (@StephenHaggerty) wants creativity. Stephen, meet my best friend Chris. He's the most creative guy I know. His Twitter feed has a heavy tech focus, but ask him anything and I guarantee a creative answer, regardless of topic.
Some Guy asked for more Network Administrator Diaries. On it's way, SG, on it's way.
Ok, your turn. Who do you like to follow on Twitter? Whose blog do you enjoy?
.
Private Public Internet Confessions
- Remember when I offered a guest post for your blog if you voted for Team Ricky in the Blogging All-Star Challenge? Yeah, no one took me up on that.
- Confession: Feelin' pretty awesome about that. I got the votes without the follow-through! Let me know if you'd like to change that.
- I'm not your typical IT guy - I'm a people person.
- Confession: If you're in my office talking about your marriage woes and foot ailments (yes, both of these have happened), I will turn on the Typical IT Guy Mode. I'll grumble, mention gigasomethings, and stare at my screen moodily until you leave. Best of both worlds!
- Evan's birthday is coming up. He'll be one. Jana's having a hard time with this.
- Confession: I couldn't be more excited. Every day older he gets is another day closer to when I'll be able to throw a ball around with him at the park. I don't want him to stay a baby. Is that bad?
What would you like to anonymously with your name privately confess on the World Wide Internet?
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Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Follow Friday is something a lot of folks participate in on Twitter. The idea is to recommend folks to other people.
The problem I find is that people recommend their friends without thinking about whether or not I'll actually have anything in common with them. It's like a bad blind date.
There are lots of people on Twitter who I follow that I don't necessarily think you'd like to follow. This is why I don't do Follow Friday.
Which makes me a bit of a jerk.
I'd like to change that today, but rather than just tell you who my friends are, I'd like to personalize it to your tastes.
In the comments, tell me what you're interested in. What type of person do you like to hear about? Do you want a laugh, or someone who makes you think? Are you in to tech? Sports? Christianity?
Leave a link to your Twitter page as well. If you're not on Twitter, I'll make blog recommendations instead. Leave a link to your blog if you have one.
I'll answer everyone who comments in a post on Friday.
Step right up!
.
The problem I find is that people recommend their friends without thinking about whether or not I'll actually have anything in common with them. It's like a bad blind date.
There are lots of people on Twitter who I follow that I don't necessarily think you'd like to follow. This is why I don't do Follow Friday.
Which makes me a bit of a jerk.
I'd like to change that today, but rather than just tell you who my friends are, I'd like to personalize it to your tastes.
In the comments, tell me what you're interested in. What type of person do you like to hear about? Do you want a laugh, or someone who makes you think? Are you in to tech? Sports? Christianity?
Leave a link to your Twitter page as well. If you're not on Twitter, I'll make blog recommendations instead. Leave a link to your blog if you have one.
I'll answer everyone who comments in a post on Friday.
Step right up!
.
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