I've never done this before, but as it turns out it was easier than I expected...

I follow Donald Miller on with my Google Reader account, and a couple days ago this came across the screen. I heard Don talk about "Story" last fall and it was fantastic. His writing is very unique and I appreciate his honesty and candid words. You should check out his blog and get ready for his new book.

It Was All About Sam

For my birthday Steve and Sue got me two tickets to the Brewers Game for July 12. It was the last game of the first half of the season, we were playing the Dodgers - the best team in baseball. But the real story of the game was the National Anthem. Steve and Sue got tickets through a friend from their church how have a son, Sam, who has a brain tumor. He's had surgery once but they couldn't get it all out.

Sam signed up for Make-a-Wish and was accepted! His wish: to sing the National Anthem at a Brewers game.

I was so excited to go to this game!! Stories like this mean so much to me - I get emotionally involved so easily. When I first saw Sam, it was at the tailgate party. He was the 'man of the hour' and was with Cory Hart, the honorary chair of Make-a-Wish for the day. They were getting in the back of a club car to go to the Brewers' Club House. Camera crews were filming the whole thing - I heard it might be on Fox Sports.

Well the National Anthem came up pretty quickly. Those that know me well know that I take my patriotism very seriously. The Anthem is very important to me, and I've been at some events that have been very special. But when a six-year old boy with a brain tumor sings our National Anthem - missing a few words, slurring others, sometimes off pitch - it was the sweetest rendition I've ever heard. Most of it sounded great for a boy his age. That boy wanted to sing our National Anthem at a Brewers' game in front of 42,241 people -- and he did it.

Want to see Sam sing? I dare you to not shed a tear! The last 4 seconds are the best!!! Click here to see Sam singing on Sunday.

Family Camp at Fort Wilderness

Last week Katie and I took Sorin up to the Northwoods for Family Camp at Fort Wilderness – it was one of the best weeks of our marriage. Now we’ve only been married since November 2005, but only our trip to Europe in 2007 it can compare. Maybe it’s just my adventurous nature starting to find release. Maybe it was the fantastic food. Maybe it was having tons to do or nothing to do. Maybe it was having two sets of grandparents there to take Sorin (even for a night). Maybe it was meeting so many great people from across the Midwest. Maybe it was sleeping in a tent for the first time in Too Long.

While I’m tempted to describe a play-by-play, I’m pretty sure that’s unnecessary. (My two main followers were also my two main babysitters up at CampJ)

What’s it like to be at Fort? Each morning you wake up for breakfast at 8:15. Can I just interject here? (Is it possible to interject your own blog post?) I couldn’t believe how late people woke up at camp. Admittedly I’m a morning person. I love seeing the sun come up, especially in the middle of God’s creation – in the woods, over the lake. But at Camp no one was moving before 7:30/7:45. I couldn’t believe it. I thought people would be up at the coffee shop our out on the docks having devotionals or a quiet time. I guess it’s vacation for most people, so that means a little more sleep.

After breakfast it’s off to a gathering for worship and listening to a speaker who is there for the week. This was from about 9:00-10:15 (at the latest). Our speaker for the week was Mike Moran from Kettlebrook Church. He went through 1 Peter and did a great job. The only other scheduled events for the day are lunch and dinner. So there’s plenty of time for play. And play we did.

Katie and I went out on the kayaks one afternoon. Another afternoon I went with my mom. Steve and I water skied a few afternoons. I went on a walk to the Pointe with my parents. We did a lot of sitting around watching Sorin play. He likes splashing in the water. We went on a lazy Tube Float down the Wisconsin River for 2.5 hours. We had a few campfires with wonderful s’mores. We heard a great message by the Wrangler, Jonathan, as he compared the disciplines of God to the disciplines of training a horse. It was one of the best 30 minutes of the week. Fort is just a great place to vacation.

In summary, it was a great week at Fort because the food was great, my family was there, we met great people, we played a lot, laughed a lot, and had great conversations with old and new friends. Once again my lack of writing skills is diminishing this blog post. Still, you should consider a Family Camp at Fort Wilderness for a week’s vacation.

Birthday thoughts

It seems like in the past couple years I've found myself reflecting at birthday time. This year is no different. It's May 28, 2009 in Madison, WI. I won't attempt to update on all the things on my mind - who would read on?

To be brief, there's a few thoughts at the top of my mind:

1. I am blessed to have a relationship with the Lord. Even as I struggle establishing my marriage and career, through great frustration, I never think God has abandoned me. I certainly have been angry with Him, but I would still classify my relationship as strong.
2. I learn daily how to get back on my feet. I think I had a pretty good-sized ego about myself before I got married. I'm learning how selfish I am and how many ways I fall short around this house. But I'm learning what it means to be a man and take care of a family.
3. Katie is the hardest worker I've ever met. Ever.
4. I'm trying to "hurry" Sorin to age 4. But when age 18 is just around the corner, I catch myself and try to enjoy each daily adventure.

Life is extremely busy right now. We just got done training for full and half marathons. Another full marathon for me in the fall. The job search is a full time job. Tree work is exhausting and I feel like I could study and improve myself as a trainer endlessly. I love reading but there aren't enough hours in the day.

So Katie and I are working on being more disciplined. A disciplined person gets more done b/c he can say 'no' to things that distract him from the main goal.

Not a cohesive post, but I felt the need to write and check in.

March Madness: Badgers Win to finish off Round 1 !!!

March Madness: it's just a magical time of the year. My early memories are the fondest. In high school the brackets were passed around and mine was folded into my Sports Illustrated for the next three weeks. My sophomore year I went up to Madison with some upper classmen to watch the high school basketball tournament, but we still got our share of the NCAA games.

And the pools are still as fun as ever. Even as I seem to miss most of the Badgers' basketball season, the tournament brings me right back up to speed.

The Badgers this year don't even deserve to win their first round game, but #5 Florida State (fresh off a win over #1 UNC) couldn't put the Badgers away. The game Friday night went to overtime before Trevon Hughes and Bohannon pulled it out for Bucky! What an exciting night.

I hate to root against the Big Ten, but at the same time Sienna was playing Ohio State. My interest here is a side bet I have at work:

• over under (8): number of lower seeded teams that will beat higher seeded teams in the first two rounds

I took the over, and when Wisconsin won and Sienna took OSU to 2 overtimes and pulled it out, I had my 9 wins for under-seeded teams. Another victory for Hans.

What a great weekend so far. One of my favorite shows to listen to is Dan Patrick. He has an assistant named Paulie who made a veteran move this weekend to ensure maximum basketball exposure: He bought his wife and her friend manicures for Saturday afternoon so he could go watch the game. As he said it, she smiled and said "have fun at the bar with the guys" and his Saturday was set. He was still working on viewing strategy for the Sunday games.

What I'm Reading

Leaders are readers. I can't even begin to talk about how much I wish I had time to read. It really takes discipline. And like so many people I talk with, I'm into about six different books. But the best one I'm reading (my focus at the moment) is 7 Habits for Highly Effective People.

I was actually first introduced to the teen version of this when I was taking some high school health students through it. I was amazed at how practical and effective it was for this age group. And I'd always had a copy of the original, but never got around to reading it.

Currently I'm on the third habit:

• Habit 1: Be Proactive: Principles of Personal Choice
• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind: Principles of Personal Vision
• Habit 3: Put First Things First: Principles of Integrity & Execution

It's always good to return to the basics - personal leadership and discipline.

Valentine's Day

When I married into the Robertson family, I soon came to realize a very special holiday - Valentine's Day. And it's not regarding the person you'd expect.

Katie's dad, Steve, has always made a big deal of the Hallmark holiday with cards and a gift - usually a shirt of some kind. This year he included Sorin in the gift giving. Here's the video we captured.

Katie loves her vest, Sorin will look great in his new onesie, and my shirt (by Ben Sherman) is my new favorite - it's got a great athletic cut to it. I've never had a shirt that fits like this.

Favre Retirement - Part 2

I'm in the minority on the Brett Favre story - I think he is the best thing to happen to the NFL in 20 years. I think he still should be treated as such. I wish he would have kept his legacy in Green Bay, but what can a guy do when he's not wanted anymore and dumbass front office people want to prepare for the future?

Was going to New York a mistake? Sure l0oks like it. I still can't blame the guy. Living in his shoes for 17 years, I guess he felt like he couldn't do wrong - so he goes for Year 18 as the gambling player that made him great. Boy, I still wish it was Green Bay for life for Brett. Once a Packer, always a Packer. Just too good to be true.





So this week he tells the Jets he's done. And so begins (for the Brett faithful) the nails-against-the-chalkboard sounds. It's a painful sound. It's a feeling in your gut that something isn't right. It's Brett Favre announcing his departure from the NFL - and we all say, "I heard that last year."

I realize Brett has brought this upon himself. Am I too forgiving? Am I too much a homer? The man became a starter in the NFL... and never sat down!! He NEVER sat down!!!!! He brought life to Green Bay and pride to the Packers that we won't see again in my lifetime. He drove you up a wall with ridiculous interceptions! But his attitude towards the game of football is a throw-back to when the game was fun and serious at the same time - but it wasn't about the individual. Do you see that anywhere else in the league? That attitude has left the NFL, maybe never to return.

Reunited with Blackberry; Marathon?

On Friday I had a client at Harbor in the morning. I had my Blackberry in my training vest and left it there, so I was without it all day. Boy, is that a naked feeling. I don't have email on there or anything, but I'm constantly setting alarms, tasks, and memos for myself. It was good to get it back Saturday morning. And in case you're wondering - I didn't miss any calls all day. So the Blackberry doesn't have to be a Crackberry for me - no addiction here.

This weekend I got two runs in and would like to announce my plans for the 2009 Mad City Marathon on May 24th. I ran in 2007 and feel bad it's taken this long to get back into a big race. The runs this weekend felt great. I really miss the workout for the lungs and legs on those longer runs. Katie and I got a new shuffle since mine got lost last summer. We got the red one which supports (RED) causes fighting AIDS.

Super Bowl Sunday

11:20am
I'm so happy Super Bowl Sunday is here. It's a little different today b/c Katie and I decided to stay home together with Sorin. And our decision is starting to really pan out b/c Katie and I are feeling a little under the weather today. Plus we're going to make all kinds of good (and bad) food today - it's the last day of football... it's Super Bowl Sunday.

So I'll be blogging all day. I'm really excited about the start of coverage. All morning I've been waiting for the TV coverage to start at noon so I could officially start eating. I was very hungry and relieved to see that "noon" was noon eastern, so 11:00 our time. So here we are ready to eat and watch the coverage.

Right now NBC is starting with a review of the NFL season with coverage from NFL Films - it doesn't get any better than that.

Sorin and I are ready for his first Super Bowl Sunday!






11:49am
NBC is doing it right - NFL films is the best b/c they have all the sound and the best footage. They're going through a lot of the teams, adn they just did the Ravens - my team for the playoffs b/c Jim Leonard (former Badger) plays safety for them. Jimmy was just featured in 4 straight big tackles for the team as they upset the Titans.

12:28pm
I just had to go to the car to get something and got to feel how warm it is today. We've had a very cold winter, and today it's supposed to get to 37 degrees - and no one will be going outside to enjoy it. Actually, I bet most people will enjoy the weather this afternoon and skip all the Super Bowl coverage I'm watching.

2:29pm
I just woke up from a little nap. Like I said, Katie and I are feeling a little sick, so I guess the rest is good. Coverage is still going strong. Kurt Warner just got to the stadium and is being interviewed by an attractive woman - he's standing so close he looks like he's about to kiss her.

We ate these wonderful personal pizzas for a snack at lunch. We got the idea from our cousin Amanda.

NBC just reported selling 69 commercials for a few billion dollars (I missed the number). The average is $100,000 per second. Get ready for Miller High Life's one-second commercial...





4:12pm
Katie and I just played the Great Game - Backgammon. She won 2 of 3. Barack Obama is on the NBC coverage in a live interview from the Map Room.

Food update: we've had cheese and sausage for a few hours now. We opened up the Dean's french onion dip with the Cape Cod chips. GAME DAY!

4:45pm
Katie and Sorin just got back from a little walk. I got some work done and cleaned up for the main event.

5:34pm
GO STEELERS!!

I have a little wager with my brother.

6:56pm
That was the most unbelievable play I've seen in a long time. The Steelers just threw an interception and then allowed the Cardinals to drive and Warner is perfect in the red zone this season. But he throws a pick and the defensive player of the year Harrison returns it 100 yards for the longest play in Super Bowl history! And now my point spread is looking better against my brother.

7:09pm
Two words - "the Boss"

9:55pm
And that's it. What a great second half. For a game that was supposed to not even be close, that was a great finish. Play after play. Pittsburgh was fantastic, and Warner and the Cardinals were very exciting. I had a great Super Bowl Sunday. I ate game food and didn't get out of my sweats all day. Feeling a little under the weather, but I was with family all day so I can't complain.

Another end to another football season. Katie's happy about that. Until I tell her that summer camp starts in a few months.

Presidential Transition

I can't say that I'm a history buff, but I do enjoy learning about certain aspects of our past. And I get sentimental about big changes of the guard. Yesterday I started reflecting on the last eight years and the leadership of President Bush. Reading some of his material and speeches is fascinating. I've found a few items that may be of interest. I highly encourage people to look over whitehouse.gov for other articles.

This is Bush's farewell address and added details (video).

Here you can selected speeches of Bush, including his first address to the White House staff in January 2001.

The following publications are also available:
A Charge Kept
Highlights of Accomplishments and Results of the Administration
100 Things Americans May Not Know About the Bush Administration


I was listening to NPR yesterday and they were talking about people in Wyoming who didn't necessarily like Bush. But they have begun to appreciate his leadership and respected him for his efforts. They also mentioned Oklahoma, and the fact that not one district voted for Obama. Yet they are beginning to stand behind him because he is our next President, and "that's just what you do - support your President."

I understand the need for our two political parties. And I'm don't believe compromise is always good - debate is great, and politically it helps define America. But the "way right" and the "way left" are very frustrating to me. I don't think the majority of Americans are on polarizing ends of the spectrum, so our leaders shouldn't be a reflection of such. Liberal, conservative, moderate - all Americans should stand behind their President and give him their full support. Disagree until the cows come home. Voice your opinion and write your Senator (something I'll do this year for the first time). Speak up and contribute to good, honest debate. At the end of the day, America is so privileged to have the freedoms it does - for that we thank our Armed Forces. And when we think about sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office, we can't begin to imagine the duty, responsibility, pressure, and intelligence it takes to make those decisions daily.

It's a day of Presidential transition. I conclude with a segment from President George W. Bush's final address to the nation:

Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I’ve always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.
America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead. I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other – citizen of the United States of America.

Gotta Love It When...

... she looks at the weather and she says, "Oh, good."

My last post revealed the "weather geek" in me. And this will also shed some light on my attitude towards weather and adventure. Katie has been flip-flopping all day on whether or not she wants to run outside today. It's cold. But the sun is out.

So Katie just came to me and asked for the weather. I looked it up online as she looked over my shoulder: "Temp. 2 degrees -- Feels like -2 degrees."

Her response: "Oh, good." That's it! She was relieved that it wasn't "too bad" outside. It makes me smile to know my wife doesn't think that -2 degrees is weather suitable for running.

Weather Geek

I love checking on the weather b/c of all the work I do outside. I just noticed that tonight calls for 100% chance of a "Blizzard." Nice.

Tonight
Jan 12

Blizzard

N/A
-1°

100%

Advent Conspiracy articles

Katie and I were very excited to participate in the Advent Conspiracy this Christmas season.  You can look at a previous post for some details - I think it's worth the read.  Blackhawk created a blog to provide a forum for people to share their stories and thoughts about how the AC was affecting your Christmas Season.  I was asked to contribute and you can find my post ("Sustainable Conspiracy") here.

I was also asked to be interviewed about our family experience with the Advent Conspiracy for Blackhawk's monthly newsletter - Life at Blackhawk.  Here's where you can find that interview.

Packers Game

How can you not love free tickets? I have to thank Kristi for her gift "from one Packers fan to another." Every time we get together we go on and on about the Packers and their season. But I have to be honest - the Detroit game worried me.












On this side of the win it seems a little odd to discuss. But playing a team that has lost all 15 games is a scary game - especially for a Packers team that has nothing to play for. Yet Tim and I went up to Green Bay and bundled ourselves up for the cold. I love that stadium. The last time I was there I was with Katie (again, thanks to Kristi) for the Bears game last season. It was 85 degrees and the Packers lost. I'm a cold weather guy - football is meant to be played when it's cold and the ground is really, really hard. So the Detroit game was perfect.


The sign says it all...









No fans are better than Packers fans. At the stadium everyone is cool. Everyone is nice. Everyone must be neighbors. That's were we parked - in a neighborhood a mile from Lambeau. It was great. I learned something on Sunday - I never imagined there were so many female snowmobilers in Wisconsin!

Merry Christmas

What a wonderful time of the year. We got Sorin a little chair for him to sit in, which he liked right away.











Katie and I spent the 23rd and 24th at my mom and dad's in McFarland. We decorated some Christmas cookies and ate really good food.










Christmas Eve we left for Cedarburg to see the Robertson side. Sorin was as big of a hit there as he was in McFarland. It's a lot of fun to have Sorin be so warmly welcomed. And he's changing every day. New expressions and new gestures - he's grabbing objects better now.

For me, it's fun to have new experiences with Katie. Getting Sorin ready is in a nice way very meaningful - it's our family now! Our discussions are different, our days are different. But it's all so good.

Christmas this year has been interesting b/c of our focus on the Advent Conspiracy (see Oct. 26th post). Blackhawk took an offering last week for AC in which the money went to three organizations for global, missional causes. We gathered $140,000!!!

And now the day is winding down. I know it's supposed to be a Christmas season, but it always ends around 7pm Christmas day. Kind of sad.

But we're still with family and I'm still thinking about Jesus coming to Earth - Christmas Spirit.

Snow Day!!

It was fun last night to go to bed knowing there was a good chance I'd be off work today. Normally it's no big deal, but on Tuesdays Katie stays home with Sorin - so we both had all day together.

It started off with sleeping in - 'til 6:30. I needed the sleep but I love my mornings, so I'm a little upset that I slept past 5:30. Nonetheless, the morning started off great with coffee and a good book. I'm reading two right now - Momentary Marriage by John Piper and How People Grow by Dr. Henry Cloud. Only two chapters into each, I have to recommend both. It feels good to get back into deeper books - and Piper gets deep! Katie and I are reading it together, so it will make for good discussion.

Days off can't be all about relaxation - it feels good to catch up on some housework. Being the model husband that I am (read: "husband in training") I did the floors and a load of laundry. Before returning to my book, I went outside to start shoveling and clearing off the cars.

Lunch: There was no question what was on the menu for lunch -- grilled cheese and tomato soup. It's been my favorite meal the last two winters. And as much as I wish I could claim Campbell's tomato soup, I'm going with Trader Joe's Roasted Red Pepper Tomato soup - dynamite.

The afternoon included a lively discussion about theology and the Holy Spirit as it relates to our church. I know - random. I continued in my chapter on Cloud's book. Then we went to the gym together. I kept a little cardio going in preparation for the Jingle Bell run this Saturday and also got to lift a little. I'm trying to reestablish a lifting routine with core exercises, too. I have a physical job, but the weights really add a nice element to my workouts.

For dinner we reheated Katie's wonderful spaghetti and watched an episode of West Wing - "Gone Quiet."

It was a good day. I wish snow days were 48 hours long. There's so much to do and I never get to it all. Back to reality...

Christkindl Market

Katie and I have a started a tradition of going to Chicago for Christkindl Market with our cousins, Matt and Amanda, Justin and Kelly. What is Christkindle Market?

It's a German festival at Daley plaza where they serve brats, potato pancakes, and Glühwein (a traditional hot spiced wine). Let me set the stage for you. First - Chicago. It's certainly called the Windy City for a reason. The elements are nothing to take lightly. I was decked out in my Mountain Hardwear coat and I had three sweaters on. On this particular year, the snow was in that frozen state on the top of some of the vendors' tents. But when the wind gusted, it ripped the snow off and blew it right over the top of the market.

At the market, lines are long for the food. We had six in our party - plus Sorin, but he wasn't standing in line. Matt went to get the brats: everyone was getting to the front of the line asking for one or two - Matt gets up there and asks for 7 regular and three with kraut. They had to give him a box to carry the load - $41 worth of sausage. Justin went for the potato pancakes. These are the hardest to fully describe - crusty on the outside and perfectly fluffy in the inside, a delicious component to the meal. We had 3 plates each with 3 cakes and applesauce on the side. Finally the Glühwein: Katie and Amanda went for the hot spiced wine and 2 hot chocolates. The best moment of Christkindl Market is that point where it feels like all your body heat has been sucked off your body and the cold air is inescapable. But the mug of Glühwein is on it's way over to the table and set before you. We toast to friends and drink back that first sip of the warm wine as it seeps down your throat and warms your insides.

Traditions are fun. Katie and I started this in 2006 with Matt and Amanda. In 2007 we invited Justin and Kelly. And this year we decided to bring Sorin which was a great experience. We had him completely bundled up in a snowsuit and then in the Snugli all day. We wrapped a blanket around his head to block some wind and he handled the elements as well as we did.

Thanksgiving

Life has changed a lot in the last 4 months. As we approached the arrival of our first child, Katie and I were coming off a busy summer preparing for parenthood. When Sorin was born on August 22, we experience an adrenalin rush for weeks on end. It has been such a blessing to care for Sorin and see Katie embrace motherhood.

For me, it meant more hours at work and less down time after work. There seemed like more and more things to do. At the same time I felt like I was still leaving so many things undone. Life has been very busy. Good, but busy.

As I look at this week of Thanksgiving, I am not letting Thursday be a day of over-eating, boring football, and mindless family time. The Bible constantly tells us to remember. Stop, reflect, and remember what you have. Be thankful: for all the good things in your house you did not provide, wells you did not dig, vineyards you did not plant (Dt. 6:11). Stop and be thankful. It is a gift from God.

I am thankful because I compare. I compare myself to others less fortunate. And I know that I have so much compared to the rest of the world. Sure, my friends and neighbors may have more than me, and that's an easy comparison that could lead to self-pity. But that's not how God tells us to view others and the world. Is He enough for me? Do I trust that He is providing for our needs? Yes I do, but it's always a battle for my attention and allegiance.

I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord. I'm thankful for Katie and the love she puts into this family. I have never seen a harder working woman in my life. She spurs me on to be a better man. She doesn't stop. She's always thinking and planning. She cooks a mean jambalaya. And she married me (don't hold it against her). Shame on me for ever living a day without being thankful for Katie.

I am thankful for my son, Sorin. I am so thankful that he's healthy and so vibrant these days. He will continue to challenge me to be a great father - nothing less than a great father.

I am thankful for the work I have - I enjoy the tree work, I am challenged by the personal training, and I am trusting God for the next chapter in my life as I pursue a career in exercise and fitness.

I am thankful for the friends and family who supported us so much as we began our family with Sorin's arrival. The showers were an unbelievable help in starting this family. What a testimony to the Body of Christ, when so many come together to help for such a cause.

I am thankful for the gifts God has given me. While I may not understand why I can't use them all right now, I am very thankful for the person God has grown me to be. This is not a pat on my own back - I have short-comings longer than I'd like to admit. But God has blessed me with talents, abilities, and thoughts that are not of my doing - He is the Author. I am the steward.

I begin and I end with the Lord. I am thankful that He is in control and that He cares for me and my family more than I do. The God of David is the God of my soul. There is always much to give thanks.

Historic Day

Politics make for polarizing discussions.  Sometimes it's the social norm to avoid political discussions.  Many went to the polls today with their candidate on the tip of their pen.  And we all waited to see how the numbers came in.

Republicans and Democrats.  Red and Blue.  Age, race, experience, policy...  Do you know what today was about?  Freedom to vote.  The beautiful reality that in America, our President is chosen by the people.  We just elected a black man to be the 44th President of the United States of America.  History was made to day.  Let that sink in.

If you voted for him, you're probably relieved and excited.  Many are moved to tears.  If you voted for the other guy, you're probably frustrated and disappointed.  Many are admittedly scared for the leadership decisions Barack Obama may make.  I view the future as optimistic.  Can our country move in a worse direction?  Politics are very polarizing.  But I choose to trust the leadership of our public servants and believe that they will work long and hard to strengthen our country.

It's a privilege to vote in America.  It's a right to express your opinions.  But I firmly believe it's our responsibility to support our leaders and to give them a chance to do good.  

Advent Conspiracy

I love discussing with my wife how we're deciding to conduct our lives. One area is Christmas spending. Over the last couple years of marriage, we've made consistent efforts to create gifts and not focus on the price tag or the pressure to give a certain amount. We're very much on the same page here. If we see something for $85 and we know a family member really wants (or needs) that, then it's a joy to get it for them. And if we see another item for $35 that another wants, then the same spirit of giving has been present in each situation. This is obviously easier said than done.

At the same time, Katie and I are trying to give more to causes near and dear to our hearts. The biggest for me is Blood:Water Mission. Started by Jars of Clay, BW:M exists to provide clean drinking water to areas of Africa affected by the AIDS pandemic. I need to fully dedicate a post to this cause. But for now it's part of a different cause.

So Katie and I are trying to be conscious about our giving at Christmas. Then this movement called Advent Conspiracy comes out. Advent Conspiracy is best described as "taking back Christmas from the pop culture of spending more, and bringing it back to the Christian heart of giving." The videos at the right of the Advent Conspiracy blog are fantastic.

Happy Birthday Brett

I know - kind of weird that I know Brett Favre's birthday. But it's just one of those things I guess. So for his birthday Brett got to celebrate a week off (Jets had a bye last week) after throwing six TDs the week before. Career high.

In a related story, Aaron Rodgers' birthday is December 2 (I had to look that one up). If anyone's thinking of what to get him, they might consider shoulder surgery or 6 months of rehab.

Alright, I'm being too hard on Aaron. Yes I miss Brett, and Ted Thompson is the biggest idiot in the NFL - no, he's the biggest idiot in pro sports. I miss Brett, but I'm behind Aaron Rodgers. The Packers' problems haven't been the QB. Their line has been dismantled and they seem to lack the leadership that Brett provided.

Random post, but anyways -- Happy Birthday Brett.

Celebration of Life

Two weeks ago, I was supposed to meet a client at the gym at 4:30. Unfortunately A.J. had passed away the night before of unknown causes. A.J. was a very active man - 23 years old, but he was autistic. He was a bowler, golfer, runner, and he worked out with me at the gym.

Being a person with a disability, A.J. was still able participate in so many activities. He worked at Copps and had just moved into a house of his own with his long-time friend, Max. At the gym, A.J. and I would meet twice a week - once to lift weights and once to ride our bikes for cardio. My newest goal was to get A.J. to train for a half marathon. I know he would have been able to do it b/c every time we ran, he never tired out.

Two days ago I went to A.J.'s Celebration of Life. Walking into the chapel at Edgewood College I was faced with an aspect of A.J.'s life I hadn't expected. The audience was filled with other people with special needs. After I realized that this was the representation of A.J.'s life, it was warming to see friends and family gather to remember A.J.

The women's choir sang a song. His attendant and advisor talked about their memories of A.J. But what I will never forget is eight of his friends reciting a poem they put together entitled "How I'll remember A.J." When they stood up to read their section of the poem, it was often simple memories spoken in broken English. My words aren't doing the experience justice. Seeing people with special needs talk about a friend is very touching. They don't add anything that isn't supposed to be said, like many others often do. They pull every word straight from their heart. And they remember the simple things: bagging groceries at Copps, his love for comic novels, and art work. He was a good artist. Here's his painting of Favre handing off to Driver.








The hardest part of the night for me was the social afterwards in a room filled with a bunch of A.J.'s personal belongings. The first thing I saw was these two NFL jerseys which A.J. would wear to the gym. It just forced into my mind a memory of him walking into the weight room to begin our workouts. It really made me miss him. A.J. was very authentic in everything he did -- as someone stated in the service, you always new where A.J. stood on things.

I'll miss A.J.'s attitude and effort that his had in his workouts. Fully aware of his disability, he never let it stop his pursuit of sports and other hobbies. He made the most out of his years here on Earth.

So This Wasn't Really a Nightmare

I just realized that during the whole summer and preseason I was mistaken. I was under the impression that the nightmare that was the Brett Favre Saga was not really happening. Sure, Aaron Rodgers started the preseason games, but the reality of it never sunk in with me. And yesterday I was watching the Ironman while Brett was throwing a 56-yard beauty for the Jets, so I didn't see him start his 17th NFL season with a team other than the Packers. But tonight, as I tuned in my radio and heard Aaron Rodgers take the field for the Packers, I couldn't help but think of where Brett was watching the game.

We don't have cable, and I needed to be home with family tonight. But it was an amazing (yet disturbing) feeling to know that I'm tuning into the same game that Brett Favre is. He HAD to be watching. The Packers were taking the field for the first time in 17 years WITHOUT him.

Ted Thompson should be fired. I'm a Packers fan, and maybe a bigger Favre fan. The leadership of the Packers has made a huge mistake - from a business perspective. A leadership failure, that of which their large egos won't allow them to realize.

It's just not right. But it's another example for me where I need to keep in check the truely important things in life.

Sorin's Here

It is my honor to introduce Sorin Steven Schiefelbein to the Game Plan. As of right now, you won't be hearing much about him here b/c he has is own blog - (SorinSchiefelbein.blogspot.com).

He has been an absolute joy for the last 48 hours. Sorin was born Friday night:

Birth: August 22, 2008
Time: 4:41 pm
Weight: 6lbs. 8oz.
Length: 19 inches


Better pictures to follow.

Baby Prep

I haven't written about our pregnancy all summer, and I'm not sure why. I've certainly thought about it, but I think it's one of those things that's been so new for us, it's been hard to put thoughts and words to the whole process. Instead, I've been writing about sports - go figure.

Obviously I think about our baby all the time. Want to know what his name is? Stay tuned for that one... Being pregnant has been such an interesting experience for Katie and me. I guess as I write tonight I can say it's gone quite fast. But recounting the nights when sleep was at a premium reminds me that parts of this process have been very difficult.

Lately my thoughts and words to Katie have been the following: I am so proud of her in the way she's brought our son to life in such a healthy way. She's been so aware of her diet and physical activity all this time. She's read so much about pregnancy. She's found so many pieces of furniture - the crib, changing table, and car seats. And she even found some time to pick out some cute outfits for Junior. I've actually enjoyed that last part - I might be that dad who dresses his son to match himself. Picture it - I'll make it a reality this fall.

I guess I have a little regret that I haven't documented our pregnancy these last 9 months. But at the same time - an unapologetically - it's been Our Time. We've enjoyed the privacy and intimacy of a whole new life experience together. That's been very special for us. Fun, funny, hard, and educational to say the least. And now we climax with the final week. 5 days until we start a whole new experience.

Summer Olympics

I have fond memories of my first Olympics in 1988 - it was the first Games where I was paying attention and knew a little bit about what was going on. I'm sure these Games contributed to my patriotism.

The Olympics of 2008 bring a hype I haven't seen in years. Most would say the Olympics have lost the glory it once owned. And marketing the Games has addressed this, including the NY Times talking about how much the viewing audience and network coverage has increased each year. It's almost like they were telling us we're supposed to be watching this.

Well this year Michael Phelps truly gives us a reason to watch. The headlines are intriguing: Phelps could become the most decorated Olympian of all time. And as I write this, he's just broke his 4th and 5th world records, so that would mean 5 golds in 5 events. Michael Phelps is the winningest Olympic athlete ever -- ever. That's a story.

(old news) Brett Favre Saga Over

I know this is "old news," but for the sake of documentation I wanted to pull this sidebar off of ESPN (thanks guys) as a sad reminder of these last couple weeks:

BRETT FAVRE SAGA: OVER

After pushing and pushing to keep playing either in Green Bay or elsewhere, Brett Favre's storied career will continue in 2008. The unretired quarterback has been traded by the Packers to the Jets.

Embarrassed to be a Packers Fan

It is a sad day in Wisconsin. Meeting clients at the gym I work at, the tv was tuned to ESPN which was reporting that Brett Favre has been traded to the Jets.

Packers Football was so pure. It had been so great, then it was so bad, and then we got Brett Favre. Now Ted Thompson comes in and drafts Aaron Rodgers (who I think will be really good). Thompson thinks he needs to create his own legacy with his own QB. And all of Wisconsin suffers. Who in their right mind says 'no' to Brett Favre? Favre's last throw was an interception - and a stupid one at that. But he was one score away from the Super Bowl, and nothing has changed since. Yet they don't want Brett back. It's bad leadership. This never would have happened under Ron Wolf. Thompson and the Packers need to keep one eye on the future. But AT THE SAME TIME they cannot overlook what is right in front of them - a quarterback legend who wants to play a couple more years.

I'm disgusted with the Packers. I'm embarrassed to be a Packers fan. I wish Brett would have retired rather than be traded away from Green Bay. But this is the sports world we live in now. Nothing's pure. That was made clear today.

Summer is too busy

I won't even mention the line that goes something like, "Can you believe how fast summer is going?"

We haven't been all that busy with events and things like that. Our life within pregnancy has seemed to change things. We still go to the Farmer's Market, which is great. Over the 4th of July we went canoing down the Wisconsin river, near Arena and Spring Green. That was great to get on the water and be outdoors. Speaking of outdoors, we bought a great tent (well, it depends who you ask) at REI for cheap. My version of a great tent is one that can be strapped on to your backpack and fits just above your head as you're lying down to sleep at night.












Katie's version is the one that can fit a queen-size mattress and where we can fully stand up inside. We bought the latter. But we'll use that tent for the next 20 years at Family Camps at Fort Wilderness and other State parks around Wisconsin. Look at the view from inside that thing!!!













So we're doing our best to stay active. Katie gets really tired and is just wishing she could work out like she used to. No bike rides, no runs. The paddling wasn't that comfortable for her, either.

Summer has been busy. What's new. But like Matt Metzger talked about today at Blackhawk - we need to be intentional about taking a Sabbath, taking a day off to rest and refresh.

For me, that includes reading and writing. I started this blog to process life, and that's gotten too far and few between. I need this time to create journal memories and document and process.

I need to read b/c readers are leaders - I get refreshed when I read the paper and learn new things.

Concert on the Square

One of my favorite things about Madison is Concert on the Square. For 6 weeks during the summer, the Madison Orchestra performs on the Capital Square as people gather around the lawn with blankets and small chairs. It's actually quite and ordeal - people really go all out on this. Nice food, nice wine. Concerts are upscale events. And we love them.

Of the six concerts, the best one is near the 4th of July, when they do a patriotic concert. My dad always was playing patriotic music when I was a kid, and I developed a big sense of loyalty and appreciation for my country. When I think about the armed forces, I immediately think of the respect I feel towards their service to our country. Their efforts, along with the men and women who served before them - their efforts are why we are free and safe.

There's a point in the concert when Maestro Sewell does a tribute to all the men and women who've served their country. The song starts slow, then it goes into branch's song. As the song for the National Guard plays, anyone in the crowd from the Guard stands to a round of applause. This continues for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Seeing these men and women stand up here in Madison in their civilian clothes, I think about the time they gave to this country. When did they serve? What was their job? What did they see? Learn? Accomplish?

What I like to do after the show is walk over to one of the men I saw stand up and shake his hand and thank him for serving. Here's a couple of the men I saw last night.














This last guy was in the Air Force, and he's the one I thanked this year. I just want to do a small part to show appreciation for what he's done.

4 years and a Baby Shower

The date is one of our romantic anniversaries - June 24th. Four years ago today, I invited Katie to a Brewers' game with some church friends for an outing that I was sure to clarify was not a date. So looking ahead to June 24th on the calendar, I was excited to see that Katie had a baby shower with the women from work. That meant I could pick her up from the shower and take her on a walking date around the old neighborhood where we took so many walks during the summer of 2004.

Regarding the shower - it still amazes me the generosity of our friends. It's been such a help to get the supplies we need for having this boy!









My favorite outfit was the Wisconsin onesie and matching booties! Thanks Linda!!

Gone Fishin'

I just got back from the Robertson Men's Fishing trip in Canada. In the works since last November, I'd been waiting for this trip with eager anticipation. I'm certainly not an experienced fisherman, but any chance to be out in the wilderness on a trip like this is an opportunity for me to cherish.

The final total was 14 men on the trip - 5 uncles and 9 cousins. We had four vehicles meet up in Eau Claire and then Duluth before crossing the border to Canada at Baudett. After gearing up a few last minute supplies, we made our way to the outfitter and were able to check out the 2 houseboats that we rented. We had five small 25-horse boats for our daily fishing. The set-up couldn't have been better.




We ate like kings, thanks to Uncle Tom. How does this menu sound... pork chops, marinated chicken sandwiches, ribs, and steak. That was just dinner. Breakfast was as usual... Wranglers and Lumber Jack - eggs, bacon, pancakes. Life was good. And of course mid-day we had shore lunch, sandwiches filled with the walleye we caught in the morning.

I struggled with walleye fishing. The bites were smaller and I had a hard time with the feel of it. Now fishing for northerns is a whole different thing. That was a blast b/c the bites were rock solid - there wasn't much of a fight for the fish, but reeling in 8-12 a day was a lot of fun.






The fishing trip to Canada was a great time to spend with family, working and playing together. Everyone chipped in and we laughed a lot. What more can you ask for from a group of men?


















And as I was coming home, it begged the question --- what next?

Memorial Day

I only met Christian one time - at his wedding reception at his parents' home two summers ago. Big guy. Almost quirky, but certainly an attractive personality. I'm not that great with words sometimes and I only met him once, so you will have to trust me in my thoughts here... As I hear about what Katie and her family say about Christian, and as I hear about his funeral and what was said and who attended, I'm left in awe of the man he was.

On a training flight last fall while in Italy, Christian's helicopter went down with 9 others aboard. From the details I've read, he died in the hospital of head injuries.

It's the first time I've admired someone so much from knowing him so little. I don't mean to be trite with this comment, but people say the nicest things about people when they die. But Christian's death was different - and this I could tell from the one time I met him. He had a personality everyone was attracted to. He genuinely cared for people and naturally demanded the attention in whatever room he entered. I won't do him justice... but he's got my thoughts today.

He's survived by his wife, Liz. As I woke up on this Memorial Day, she came to mind very quickly. Patriotism is important to me. Men and women sign up for military service -- Service. And many have to pay the Ultimate Sacrifice. Is there a better way to die? Is there any more honor than dying for your country? Christian would probably say there is, and that would be to die serving your Lord. And Christian did just that. His life was lived in faith, and his death proclaimed that faith. I can't imagine the sorrow of that family, but as a brother I can relate to the pride I have for a man who was so highly regarded by everyone when he left this life. What an example, what an inspiration for any Christian man.

Well done, Christian. We honor you on this Memorial Day.