thank God he is a firefigther

Jason (one of my old college roommates), Angie and Maddy came down for Janelle’s first baby shower. The first night we broke out the new fire-pit. Although now I am wondering if it is a good idea to have a fire-pit on a wooden deck….so close to the house. But then again, J is a part-time firefighter so I guess we were safer than usual that night.
I’m quite jealous of Jason being a fire-fighter. It just sounds cool. It’s my intention to volunteer at our local fire station once I finish my MBA.
Partly because it reclaims that sense of adventure that we tend to lose in the daily grind of life.
Partly because I assume it would be a catalyst for adrenaline rushes….I can’t remember the last time I had one of those…..can you? Sometime when I go to J’s house, we stop by the station and he lets me get in the truck and practice with “Rescue Randy” but that is as close as I have gotten so far.

Talk back: What do you do for “adventure” and adrenaline rushes?

Carolina in my mind

A big welcome to Brian. Brian (one of my old college roommates and blogger buddy) moved into town last week from Florida.
Brian is originally from South Carolina (or as we call it....the dirty south), hence a new fire has been kindled on our long outstanding debate over which state can properly be labeled just "carolina" (apparently we you say it down there it means South Cackalacky). Since he is now a resident of the better half, I think it is only fair that he finally submit to the North's superiority. Afterall, SC looks up to us....just look on a map.

Although I have to admit they do have a much cooler flag.

Help: Does anyone know which Carolina James Taylor is referring to in his famous song?

Small Dogma Publishing

Matt, blogger buddy and my college roommate, along with working on his doctorate and writing a few books, has also started a publishing company called Small Dogma. The website just launched. You can take a look here. I’m blown away by how he has grabbed life by the horns lately….and somehow now feel like a lazy bum.
Congrats Matty and good luck.

Congrats Aasebys

Terry and Michelle (one of our blog buddies) had their 2nd baby Savannah Friday.

Kat

One of our blogging buddies Kat who just had a baby has found a cancerous tumor in her leg. She goes in for surgery to have it removed next Friday. We, and I am sure her family, would appreciate you lending a prayer for her.

Lake James

Janelle and Caden accompanied “Chrandy” and the Padgetts (my brother’s in-laws) to Lake James state park last week. I haven’t been to Lake James yet, but it sounds like one of the premier state parks in NC.

God, Jazz and Lamb Burgers

Last weekend we went to my friend Josh’s for a cook-out. Josh is one of my oldest and best friends in the world. We have known each other since I can remember. Josh is cultured, well-traveled, well-read, intellectual, and an excellent cook. We always enjoy being invited over to his house because it inevitably will include: 1) great food, usually something that I have never had before (lamb burgers this time), 2) a fiery but civil discussion on God, church or politics (this time is was about the clash of church and culture), and 3) an introduction to some band or music that I haven’t heard before but that he thinks I will like…and he is usually right (this time it was The Bad Plus, a jazz combo that is pioneering new ground out of NY). All in all, a perfect night for me.
Everyone needs a “josh”…. a friend that challenges you and introduces you to new endeavors.

The big 3-0

Janelle turned 30 (may 29th), so we had a little shin-dig to celebrate. The theme was "farewell to the twenties". Now I can officially call her "my old lady". On a sad note, I decided that it would give the party a little zing if I put my coveted ping-pong table outside. What I didn't realize is that it would cause the table to warp. So maybe it ended up being a farewell to the twenties and pong party.

Hey Jude

Congrats to Matt and Deanna for the arrival of the second child, Jude Matthew. Like his brother Christian, Jude decided to come a bit early (3 weeks) proving that procrastination is not a gene passed on to children.
You can see some pics of Jude here

Arranged Marriage???

Pates and Sutphins reunite!!

What do you notice about these pictures?

Thats right, Caden's lazy bum hasn't moved

Smiley Riley