Nobody's #1

I'm gonna make this a fairly brief post. Mostly, I just wanted to take the opportunity to apologize for not posting much in the past few days. As my blog title suggests, things have left me a bit "bothered" lately.

There's been a lot going on, for me, for family, for church, for friends...and I've been involved in all of them. At times, it's been a rough journey...so I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and overall well wishes.

I can't get into specifics...some of it is very personal (and not just for me, but others.) But, I appreciate all who venture by and take a moment to offer up a prayer.



I hate to have a post that will be completely depressing, so....

here's just another way I'm "bothered." Last Friday was "Cow Appreciation Day" at Chick-fil-A restuarants nationwide. Anyone who came in wearing something "cow-related" got a free sandwich. If you dressed "head-t0-hoof" as a cow, you received a free combo meal...sandwich, fries and a drink.

Yes. I have two cow costumes. Well, I have one. My wife has the other. (don't ask.)

So, I coerced my co-worker and all-around-fun-person Mary to don the other outfit. Our other co-worker, Jared, came along and got a few shots. Enjoy.

And, yes, I am very "bothered." (or "disturbed," whichever way you want to put it. And, yes, I'm the one wearing the udders. (don't ask.)

Seems like there's a lot of trouble going down the last couple days, and I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all.

A lot of it has to do with things going on at church. Things that remind me of why I am turned off by organized religion. Things that make me question why I would even want to be a part of that type of work. Things that hurt my family. Things that aren't easily solved. Things that make me wonder if the next few weeks and months for church could be really bad.

And, I'm getting a greater sense that Changes Come....for me. I don't have a clue right now what it is. I thought it might be ministry-related. Now, I'm seriously doubting that. But, I still get the feeling that something is about to change in my life--drastically. I'm not even worried about it; I just wish it would happen, or be clear as to what it is. And, I pray it doesn't hurt my family and friends. (or me, actually, but ya know I'm less worried about me...)

Seems like a lot of "plans" I had in my head are either falling apart or dangling by a thread. Seems like I'm discontent and maybe just a little depressed about it.

So, yeah. Trouble.

...in the meantime...
Shout out! to The Lost Dogs....Terry Scott Taylor, Mike Roe, Derri Daugherty, and Steve Hindalong. You guys rocked last night, and provided a nice get-away from the "trouble."

So, last night was the big night for me. It was our 9th annual family and friends get-together and 4th of July fireworks extravaganza. Seeing friends and family was great, but my main focus was on blowing stuff up!

It was raining on and off most of the day, so I knew that there would be a chance we might not get any fireworks in. However, in looking at radar, it appeared we would be in the clear by nightfall.

Around 7, we had a major downpour, which one attendee said was God's way of making sure I didn't burn down our house. Once that wave of storms passed, I knew we'd be good for most of the show.

Around 8:45 or so, we started making our way out to the yard for the big show. This year, I had set aside about $120 for mostly large-shell fireworks. So, I knew we'd have a nice show. I try to up the ante every year, and this was, by far, the most airborne artillery I've ever purchased for the show.

We had a few fountains as well, and of course Sarah and Amy's annual Pyrotechnic Ballet, where they run around the yard twirling sparklers in each hand. It is, of course, a tradition that draws crowds. And laughs.

We got several "oohs" and "aahhs" throughout the show. My cousin Phillip was there to help in lighting off the big stuff, and we promoted Leigh this year to Pyrothechnician 1st Class.

We shot off fireworks for a good 45 minutes to hour, when a few sprinkles began to fall. And then, the skies opened up. Major downpour, and everyone rushed to get back in the house. The "crew" worked feverishly to get the remaining fireworks back in the garage. We were able to salvage everything that was left, I believe.

We only got about 1/4 of the large artillery off, and we're hoping to find a weekend soon that we can light a few more off. Otherwise, we'll save 'em for next year....the 10th anniversary. And, oh, what plans I've already got stirring in my mind! (insert evil laugh here.)

I'm uploading videos to YouTube now, and once they're done, I'll compile them and post them below.