Merry Christmas

We have been living in Colorado Springs for exactly one year now. What incredible changes have happened in 365 days. Life is good!

December Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made in January 2007, I have withdrawn $200 from my poker bankroll this month. I have also taken out an extra $200. YTD=+$2,600. '06-YTD=+$6,900. '05-YTD=+$4,800. Looking at the yearly trend of money won, I believe that there are 3 reasons for the drop off: 1)I am playing much less. 2)I am not receiving any bonuses from the poker sites that were available to me in the earlier years. 3)I have moved up in levels (both in ring and tourneys), and the competition is a little better. My next withdrawal of $200 from my winnings is due by January 31, 2008. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

300 Game

I was never able to (and never will) bowl a 300 game in 'real' bowling. I did bowl my first 300 game today playing on the Nintendo Wii. Weeeeeeeee!

Redemption > Win

At the last 5th grade soccer match against another local private Christian school, our Divine Redeemer Cardinals lost 2-0.

However I heard the most amusing cheer from our bench. During the game, our substitute players on the sidelines were chanting, "WE WILL, WE WILL, REDEEM YOU!" I got a big chuckle out of that one.

Spam-O-Rama

Last night we attended a party given by co-workers (Forrest and Nancy) of Lisa. It was the 5th annual Spam-O-Rama. Everyone was supposed to bring a spam dish to be judged by previous winners of the contest. Lisa made Spam corn muffins and I made Spam musubi (rice/spam/rice wrapped with seaweed). Some of the other entries included; Spam pot stickers, Spam and beans, Spockets (Spam Hot Pockets), Spasta salad, Spam-ghetti, Spam-a-cotti, Spesto Dip, among others.

Judging was based upon three categories (I believe). Originality, Presentation, and Taste. From what I understand from the judges comments, I won for originality (while not original to me, I suppose my dish looked very exotic) and presentation (all I did there was to place the musubis neatly on a pizza pan). I think that my dish was very close to the top in taste (the Spockets were very tasty). So, based upon my placing in the three categories, I won! I take home the 'coveted' and very nice looking Spam perpetual plaque. It will be engraved with my name and the name of my dish. As winner, I am obligated to be one of the judges next year and pass on the plaque (a la 'green jacket') to the new winner. I'll post a picture of the plaque when I receive it.

There was also a Spam Toss. About 8 pairs competed in this event. You toss a whole slab of Spam to your partner. When it is caught, you take 2 steps backwards. Continue until it is dropped. Lisa and I won this event. Here is the trophy that we won (and can keep forever!):

First Month of School

After 4 weeks of school, it seems that both Alex and Marisa are thriving in their new environments.

We were a little bit worried that Alex would be an outcast since we placed him in 5th grade rather than 4th. He is doing alright academically. In fact, his math teacher has placed him with a few other students who are working a little bit ahead of the rest of the class. He also seems to be making friends. He is playing on the 5th grade soccer team even though he has never played organized soccer in his life. He still does not totally understand what 'offsides' is and how to prevent it from happening.

Marisa absolutely loves school. Every time that I pick her up, she says, "I love school!" She is doing well in her studies. According to her progress report, she is averaging very close to 100% in all of her subjects.

The only thing that I do not like about the school is that the mascot is the Cardinals. As a life-long Chicago Cubs fan, you can probably understand the reasoning. Nonetheless, I must cheer, "Go Cardinals!" while watching the soccer matches.

September 11th Remembered

In Alex's social studies class, the students paid tribute to those who are sacrificing themselves for our country. The entire 5th grade had 'lunch with a soldier'. It was written up here in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Each student was asked to write a thank you letter to a member of our military overseas. Alex wrote a very touching letter that I could not have done any better writing. He wrote:

Dear Servicemember,
Thank you for fighting. I am appreciative for what you do for a living. I am aware of the many sacrifices you make for our country every day. Thank you for putting your life on the line for our freedom.
Sincerely,
Alex

Ditto.

Belt Test

Alex and Marisa had their first belt test here in Colorado Springs. They were able to get promoted here without taking tests because of their previous experience. Congratulations on passing your tests and receiving your purple belts!

August Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made in January, I have withdrawn $200 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+1,800. '06-YTD=+$4,900. '05-YTD=+$2,400. My next withdrawal of $200 from my winnings is due by September 30, 2007. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

First Day of School...

...EVER! Alex (5th grade) and Marisa (2nd grade) had their first day of school after being home schooled their entire lives. We have enrolled them at Divine Redeemer Catholic School. Does this mean that I have to get a job?

July Poker Winnings

I have had my best month at online poker since June of last year. However, I am only withdrawing $200 this month because I want to build up my playing bankroll again. Perhaps if I have another comparable month, I will raise my withdrawal goal to what it once was at the peak ($500/month).

As per the updated resolution that I made in January, I have withdrawn $200 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+1,600. '06-YTD=+$4,300. '05-YTD=+$2,100. My next withdrawal of $200 from my winnings is due by August 30, 2007. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Welcome Sarah

(official stats coming) My brother and his wife had their third child born today. A 6+ pounds, 18+ inches, girl was born at around 2:05 PM in Denver. Mother and baby are doing fine. Pray for the their new addition to the family.

Welcome to the world, Sarah!

Karate

We finally decided on a karate studio to continue the kids' quest for a black belt. It is called Champions MMA (mixed-martial arts).

The Harry Potter Book Adventure

Last night, we all went to Border's to get the new Harry Potter book. The party started at 9:30. Most of the people there dressed up as some character in the series. Marisa dressed up as Harry. Alex didn't dress up.

Some of the characters we saw were Fluffy (3 people in the costume), Dobby, Hagrid, Madame Maxine, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Trelawny, and of course Harry. One of the best tha I saw was a Dad dressed as Harry and he had his newborn baby dressed as Hedwig the owl (very clever).

When we pulled a number for the official line when they start selling the book at 12:00am, I was informed that I could start lining up at 2am. We hung out awhile at the store, but we all decided to go back home at around 10:30. Alex and I came back to the store a little before our time. Another hour in line, and Alex finaaly had his book (and free commemorative poster).

I found Alex still reading the book at 4:30, when I happened to wake up and check up on him. He wanted to stay up to continue to read, but I told him to get some sleep.

My Eighth Royal Flush

I hit my eighth royal flush today playing a $10+1 Limit Omaha H/L 9-player tournament at Full Tilt. This was my first royal flush in a tournament. With seven left, I was severely short-stacked with 435 chips. The person who was sixth in chips at the time had over 1200. I was dealt [As, Js, 2h, 6d] in middle position. I raised and re-raised all-in pre-flop with one other player. Board came out [Qh, Qs, Ks, Ac, Ts]. Other person ended up having a full house, queens over aces. I needed that ten of spades on the river to win (a one outer!). I played well and came back to finish the tourney in second place for a $27 payout.

6/22/05-My First Royal Flush
12/01/05-My Second Royal Flush
12/22/05-My Third Royal Flush
3/14/06-My Fourth Royal Flush
4/30/06-My Fifth Royal Flush
11/19/06-My Sixth Royal Flush
4/22/07-My Seventh Royal Flush

OK, I'll Stay

One of the things that I miss about L.A. (and Hawaii) is a good local Hawaiian plate lunch. Hooray! L&L Hawaiian BBQ is coming soon!

Flag Display Rules and Regulations

To celebrate the Fourth, I bought an American flag to hang by our front door. I kept bringing it in and out because it looked like it was going to rain. I thought that we shouldn't display the flag in the rain. I found out that it was OK to display the flag in the rain because I had an all-weather flag. I just need to make sure that I take it down before sunset. I also discovered that I really shouldn't be wearing t-shirts with an American flag on it (I have two). It is not like the flag police will come out and arrest me, it is just a sign of respect.

please see: Flag Rules and Regulations

Hugh is Home!

Hugh is home from Iraq. Safe and sound into the arms of his family. Thank you for your service for all of us! God Bless. Please check out his stories from Iraq at Defending Purple Mountain Majesties.

June Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made in January, I have withdrawn $200 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+1,400. '06-YTD=+$3,800. '05-YTD=+$1,600. My next withdrawal of $200 from my winnings is due by July 31, 2007. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

NEED WASHING???

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom. She must have been 6 years old, a beautiful red-haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring rain outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the store.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sight and sound of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running and splashing as a carefree child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, "Mom let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked.
"Lets run through the rain!" she repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied
This young child waited another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain."
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now, some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just need washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling, and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked... But, they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But, no one can ever take away your precious memories... So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

--author unknown

72 Inches

Anthony, a college student, was writing a paper on quality of life. He wanted to know what made people happy and if they were content with their lives. He did not want to question common people on the street but sought the advice of someone who had lived an entire lifetime. At a local nursing home he asked who was the wisest person there and everyone pointed to Joe.

Joe was an elderly man in his eighties with a body to match his age, sitting in a wheelchair, back slumped and head down, drooling from the mouth. But he had a sharp mind and tongue. Old Joe had fought in a World War before founding a manufacturing company and retiring a millionaire. He once bought a yacht and sailed around the world. Anthony knew he had found the man who could explain happiness and quality of life.

Joe reached in his pocket and pulled out a tape measure and handed it to Anthony and said "this will explain life." Anthony was confused. How could a tape measure explain life? Was Joe senile?

Then Joe said to pull the tape measure until 72 inches were showing. He explained each inch represents one year of life and the average person has 72 years of productive life. Many people are active after 72 years but many also die or are disabled before that time. He told Anthony to run his finger from the end of the measure to inch number 6. That is the first years of a person's life when they learn to walk, talk and tie their shoes. Next, inches 7 to 22 is the years a person is getting an education and preparing for life. Then from inches 23 all the way to 62 is when a person marries, raises a family, works a job and hopefully saves money for retirement.

The remaining inches, 62 to 72, is the time when a person can do all the things he wants to do in life but never seemed to have time to do them. Anthony looked at those 10 inches and they looked small compared to the 62 inches already consumed. The more he looked, the more he understood what Joe was trying to say.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THOSE 10 INCHES OR YEARS?

Did you always want to see the Grand Canyon, tour Europe, ride a motorcycle to Key West or write a book? Ten years is a short period in a person's life and those are the years you can fulfill your life long dreams. SO GET GOING! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

--author unknown

Remember Me

Please continue to pray for Hugh and his family.

5 minute video tribute to our troops:




hat tip: Sandy S.

May Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made in January, I have withdrawn $200 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+1,200. '06-YTD=+$3,100. '05-YTD=+$1,100. My next withdrawal of $200 from my winnings is due by June 30, 2007. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Divine Redeemer Catholic School

We were all set to enroll our children into a school for the first time in their lives. We had our applications ready for Holy Trinity. Just as we were about to submit their applications we received news that after 40 years, the school would be closing due to low enrollment.

With great reservation we accepted the news and had to make another decision: public school, continue to home school, or find another Catholic school?

We had a meeting today with the principal, Jim Rigg of Divine Redeemer. We have to admit that we were even more impressed with this school than we were with our first choice. It is a little bit further away, but we have made the decision to enroll Alex and Marisa here because of the importance of a strong Catholic education to us. God works in mysterious ways.

[On a side note: the principal screened the kids to see if they would do all right at their prospective grade levels. Alex (age 8) was screened at a 12th grade reading level, YIKES!]

I Did It!

After shopping around for over 6 months, I finally bought my first flat panel television. I cannot believe that I have gone without one for so long. What a great picture! Even Lisa likes the difference (that's big news).

I bought the Philips 42" LCD HDTV. I had been looking at a Sony, but after seeing the picture and the price of the Philips, I used part of my lifetime poker winnings that I have been saving to purchase it. I probably saved $600 over the Sony and I just did not feel like the Sony was worth the extra cash.

I got it at Costco Online for around $1150, including tax, shipping, 2-year extended warranty, and Costco's liberal 90-day return policy. I just couldn't pass this one up. Hooray!

Here it is on Amazon.com (not available at Costco anymore).

Life is a Gift

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything. Including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind, too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears and later wrote a letter to her saying, "Just take good care of my eyes, dear."

This is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only few remember what life was before and who's always been there, even in the most painful situations.

Today, before you think of saying an unkind word, think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife, think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today, before you complain about life, think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house because someone didn't clean or sweep, think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive, think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet, and, when you are tired and complain about your job, think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But, before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin, and we all answer to one Maker.

And, when depressing thoughts seem to get you down, put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift. Live it, enjoy it, celebrate it, and fulfill it.

--author unknown

One Reason Why...

...we love our new home. THE VIEWS.

Sunrise on Pikes Peak

April Poker Winnings

As per the updated resolution that I made in January, I have withdrawn $200 of my goal of $200 from my poker bankroll this month. I am back on track after last months loss. YTD=+1000. '06-YTD=+$2,300. '05-YTD=+$800. My next withdrawal of $200 from my winnings is due by May 31, 2007. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Idol Gives Back - To Abortion

Please think twice about voting after tonight's show.

from LifeSiteNews.com:

In a statement released to the media on March 9, 2007, Douglas R. Scott, Jr., president of Life Decisions International (LDI), expressed his disappointment over the decision by "American Idol" to include two pro-abortion groups among the charities that will benefit from its "Idol Gives Back" project.

On April 25, several celebrities will appear on the show to promote "Idol Gives Back." Americans were invited to call a toll-free number or go online to make a donation to CPEF, which will turn the money over to UNICEF, Save the Children, and several other groups.

"It is laudable that the people involved with 'American Idol' want to help the poor," Scott said. "But it is tragic that they would choose to do so through groups like UNICEF and Save the Children. These groups have far too much deadly baggage." Scott urged Americans who do not believe killing preborn human beings is an acceptable "solution" to poverty and other "adult-created problems" to contact the corporations that own "American Idol."

The most comprehensive list of UNICEF's anti-life moves is available on LifeSite here: War on Family

In the Campaign Life Coalition pamphlet featured on the site, author Winifride Prestwich wrote: "For years UNICEF spokesmen denied promoting contraception or abortion." In "UNICEF: Guilty As Charged" she said records prove that "step by step over a 30-year period UNICEF has tied itself to the population controllers and to the anti-life, anti-family attitudes of such organizations as the International Planned Parenthood Federation."

In 2001, Save the Children worked with pro-abortion groups Planned Parenthood, the Population Action Council and the pro-abortion National Audubon Society on its five-year "Planet Campaign." Funded by the rabidly pro-abortion/population control David and Lucile Packard and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations, the purpose of the campaign was to "raise awareness of the connections between international family planning and the health of children, women and the environment."

"Ask the corporate officials to take whatever steps are necessary to drop UNICEF and Save the Children from the list of charities that will be supported through the 'Idol Gives Back' project," Scott said. "Tell them you want to participate in this admirable effort but your deeply held beliefs do not allow you to do so. Pro-family people should not be left out. We want to help, too." Pro-family Americans are also urged to include a few personal lines explaining why they want corporate officials to drop UNICEF and Save the Children.

See complete story here.

Anyway

Martina McBride was the guest on American Idol last week. She sang her song, 'Anyway' on the show. It was an incredible performance. She probably was inspired to write the song from the poem entitled, Anyway, that is attributed to Mother Teresa. It was a fitting song choice for the remaining contestants on the show, but especially for the massacre at Virginia Tech two days earlier.