Honesty part 1

So I've decided to start being honest with myself in a few areas and stop beating around the bush. I am a Boston Red Sox fan. There, I said it. I'm tired of feeling guilty about it and feeling disloyal to the Cardinals but it's true.

I went to my first "real" baseball game in 1977 at Fenway Park. I saw Jim Rice hit a homer over the green monster. Yaz played along with Fred Lynn, Dwight Evans, Rick Burleson, and Carlton Fisk. It was awesome.

In 1986 I skipped some classes to watch the ALCS. I loved Wade Boggs. I cried when Boston lost game 7 to the #(!^**#!** NY METS.

I get excited when the Cardinals do well and I still like them. Pujols is a stud. But I'm more passionate about the Sox. They have something that most teams dont: chemistry. These guys are just cool. You can tell they like and respect each other. From Big Papi to Manny to Youkilis. Mike Lowell does the job at 3rd and stayed with the team this year when he could have gotten more coin. Josh Beckett is a stud pitcher who plays in a band. Papelbon does Irish jigs for the crowd before games. Schilling pitched while bleeding. The fans sing "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond after the 7th inning. Dustin Pedroia and Mike Lowell passed out sandwiches to the crowd waiting in line for tickets last year for the playoffs. Would A-ROD do that??? They have character. And Jason Varitek is the captain that quietly keeps them all in line.

So, if your still reading this, there you go. I had to get it off my chest. Most of you could'nt care less. Some will think I'm Benedict Arnold. But they are a blast to watch and it's even better to be there in person.

A Good Name

So earlier today I spoke with an older lady at our Home Office. She had been one of my dad's underwriters back in the 70's. I had to unfortunately tell her my dad had passed away five years ago. We talked about the company for awhile and her working with my dad (via phone) for many years. She told me what a fine man my dad was at the end of the conversation.

For the last five years I will occasionally run into people like her that tell me the same thing. Proverbs 22:1 says "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..." I've always thought of that verse when I think about my dad now and how it's reinforced by people I talk with.

I put a picture of a garden up top because this time of year my dad would begin his. I love spring but sometimes it's a little melancholy. If you've ever lost someone close to you it's funny how little things will remind you of them. Sometimes they are unexpected. My conversation with Carolyn this morning was unexpected, but sometimes unexpected encouragement goes a long ways. I miss my dad.

So I got that going for me...........which is nice.

So Caddyshack is a absolutely one of the best movies from the 80's. Period. I can watch it anytime, anyplace, and at any point within the movie.

Call outs: Cox/Blaine -- Let's see a review on it

Doug Lee -- This is your favorite clip

Roywife -- "I was born to .........."

Somedays you just need a little John Denver

So last night with Teri gone and the kids wanting to spend a little time together before bed we got out a little John Denver (with the Muppets). I know, my kids are a little old for it but the Muppets still make us laugh. They asked about John Denver and I told them what kind of music he did and explained how he died in a plane accident. They were a little sad. But it was time well spent.

So whether you think he's cheesy and a little too homespun or maybe you love him, you have to admit, there arent too many singers you can listen together as a family and everyone enjoy it.

Favorite JD songs:
1)Country Roads
2)Rocky Mountain High
3)Calypso
4)Thank God I'm a Country Boy
5)Grandma's feather bed

Proud

So Nathan has been shooting a 20-gauge and target practicing waiting to go turkey hunting. First time he fired it he just looked at me and smiled. NO PAIN.

Yesterday he fired a 12-gauge. Bigger boom, bigger kick, bigger smile. And he nailed the target.

Baseball starts tonight. Everyone needs a son.

The Shield is getting worn out

Tornadoes in January, ice in February, floods in March........now it's freakin hailing!

If someone is hiring that interests me (waiter, gas clerk, truck driver, etc) let me know. Im getting sick of this insurance gig.

And no.........flood aint covered under your Homeowners Policy. I wish it was really!

Happy Birthday Ben!

So who hasnt seen Star Wars? I mean come on..........name another movie that had more impact on a generation than this? It was the first movie I ever saw in a theater. My dad fell asleep.

So today would have been Ben Kenobi's (Alec Guiness) 94th birthday. You gotta like Obi-Wan right? That always present stable wisdom kinda guy when you need him. I've had many Ben Kenobi's in my life over the years. The guy you call up at midnight for advice or to bail you out of jail. Which has never happened to me....but still.
So who's a Ben Kenobi in your life??