CLASS...Some Have It, Some See No Need For It

When discussing sports, I often hear people talk about an organization or an individual performer as having "class." To me, having class means focusing on the competition, striving to do the best you can, while respecting the person/team you're competing against. Basically, being gracious in victory and in defeat.

After yesterday's debacle at Ford Field in Detroit, I was reminded again of the fact that the Detroit Lions organization has absolutely no class. Why would they choose to publicly introduce only one player from the visiting team? Because that player was Joey Harrington, and they knew the fans would boo him. Now that's a classy move! Why do the Lions coaches allow the players to jump up after a mediocre play - one that should be expected at any level beyond Middle School competition - and carry on with arm movements and full body gyrations as if they did something extremely difficult and uncommon? (See photo above taken after one of 13 first downs in the entire game). Who are these guys? The Lions were hoping to setup Harrington as the villain in this game, and orchestrated a choir of boo-birds. However, that was short-lived and the fans soon turned their frustration toward Matt Millen and started their own chant - to fire Matt Millen. That was real class!

At the end of the day, the only person who had any class at all, was Joey Harrington!
I'm happy for him and glad he was able to perform at a high level against the team that will continue to villify him to deflect attention from the hapless Millen and Ford family.

I realize that this rant is also classless...but I feel better already. And maybe that's what it's all about in the end.

THANKSGIVING, FAMILY and FRIENDS

Today, our family, both in-laws and outlaws, will gather in our church gym and share a traditional thanksgiving meal with a group of friends. In fact, from the looks of the guest list, there will be more friends present than family! It looks like we will be feeding and entertainng 90 people! Most of these family friends do not have family members in the area...so they become a part of our family for the day. It's always a good time. The food is outstanding, the Lions game is entertaining?, the after-dinner basketball game is competitive, the board games are intense, and just plain hanging out with family and friends on this day is really special. I hope to get a picture of the whole group today and I'll post it this weekend if I'm successful.

I'm thankful for family and friends...but most of all, for my God who provides in such incredible ways. More about this later....

The photo above was taken in New York City's upper westside in 2005, with a couple of friends who we are very thankful for - The Fuller's.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS SAVANNAH

Princess Savannah celebrated her fourth birthday with friends and family near Marion, Indiana this past weekend. As grateful guests arrived, the princess received each of them with hugs and kind words. She was especially excited when the king and queen of Holland arrived to celebrate this big event. The games were fun and the cake was great. Happy Birthday Princess Sav! You're a beautiful young princess!

SO NOW WHAT??

Now that the election is over and all the ads and yard signs have been pulled, what next? What questions will I be faced with every time I open a newspaper or watch a newscast? What decisions must I make without relying on a flimsy cardboard sign mounted on cheap pieces of metal, and thrust into someone's lawn? How am I going to find the "dirt" or any secret nasty stuff about any political figure if the newspapers, editorials, mailers, advertisements, or blogs are no longer reporting it on an hour by hour basis? Will television networks shutdown because of the loss of advertising revenues? Will that mean my favorite series, '24' may be in jeopardy? Will Jack Bauer have to find another job? Whoa...wait a minute, while posting this, I just heard a talking head talk about the upcoming and, by far, the more important election coming up in 2008. I guess I don't have to worry after all, the next election cycle has just begun.

For every sunset...there's a promise of a sunrise.

Mount Ranier

Here's a look at Mount Ranier just a few weeks ago. There's something about mountains that really move me. There's something about mole hills that cause me frustration. I'm experiencing far more mountains than mole hills.

LOVE IS A CHOICE

"Love begins when the needs of someone else become more important than your own."
Lao Wei

Love is a choice.