Gordon is cold

Ok, today is nippy - 21 right now.

In California, I can run errands with shorts and a tee. Today, I really, really did feel the cold get to me a bit. My finger tips are cold. This truly does feel like winter now.

Speaking of that - you wouldn't believe it - and I almost found it hard to believe either:

Dunkin Donuts makes a great coffee. No kidding. Yeh, the logo sucks, but man - it's toe-to-toe with Starbucks.
Check them out and throw the savings into a bank for your retirement.

COST OF BEAUTY AND DEPENDING ON MAKE-UP too much

HOLLYWOOD MAGIC MAKEUP BEFORE AND AFTER




VS. My fiance BEFORE AND AFTER MAKEUP


Ok, short blog entry. I just love Michele - why? She doesn't use alot of a makeup. I recently saw how J-Lo, and some movie stars looked WITHOUT makeup. I was shocked.

I've seen Michele get up late and eat breakfast, and she looooks fine still. Maybe she'll throw on some lipstick, but I can't help crack Will Ferrel from his movie, "Thank you Baby Jesus for my hot wife."

Of course beauty is inward projected outward. You should see how radiant Michele is when I surprise her with flowers or a note * Yeh, Gordon has a flower budget and and endless supply of notes telling Michele the woman she is: radiantly gorgeous. J-LO ...bet your husband doesn't do that eh??? Yeah, I didn't think so.

What's on the TV VIEWING LIST of Gordon and Michele?

It was amazing, six Brazilian policeman trying to contain a 20 foot anaconda. One of the officers let the snake's 100 curved teeth of the snake wrap around the officer's arm! We both winced and squirmed under the blanket.

A typical viewing night for Gordon and Michele - something educational, wondrous and sometimes squirmy. TV is usually not the big thing for Michele, but I'll put in a few extra hours for NFL football. However, when Michele and I get together we watch things that normal couples wouldn't.

A quick-rundown:
Discovery Channel: Man vs. Wild - every week former British SAS (elite super Brit version of SEALS) gets dropped off in some remote place and has nothing more than a knife to get back to civilization. Saw the guy climb trees in the Ecuador rainforest, and Rambo in Alaska. Didn't know you should go "YO BEAR!" to alert bears - (tip) never surprise one in the wilderness...they will attack.

National Geographic: Explore- Oh yeah, we watched the case study from EXPLORER on rats - a hilarious and scary tale of a Detroit woman who found a rat in her toilet to the amazing possibility of super snakes eating people! We actually did see a picture of a man with his head in the snake's mouth. These super snakes can exert enough squeezing pressure (per square inch) equivalent to the weight of a school bus on a person - literally breaking every rib in the body. Michele and i thought it was both creepy and facinating: 300lbs, 20 to 30 foot long and incredible jaws.

History Channel: Revolution - We got hooked on the beginning tales of the American Revolution. The founding fathers literally put everything on the line for freedom. Great reminders that our fundamental freedoms came with a cost. Also don't mess with George Washington - he may be on the currrency today, but the man was a holy terror in war.

On a side note - Michele wanted to get a new (high def Michele) TV after we get married. I'm game for ESPN HD, but I think Michele just wants to see science terror in greater detail.

Gordon,
I just opened your note...thank you is not a big enough sentiment to express my gratitude of having you as a friend and encourager. You have been there quietly encouraging me and praying me through my trials and grief...

***

Wrote a simple note to a friend back in California. She's a great lady going through some struggles right now, and I'm still amazed and encouraged as to how powerful a letter can be. It wasn't even me who really wrote it...God just placed it in my heart to write a three or four sentences...that's it.

Some people thought I was joking about the power of a letter on the last post. I wasn't.

The New Testatment was compromised of letters written by Paul - and to this day pastors preach from Paul's letters. Yes, Paul's letter gave guidance to the confused, strength and hope to the weary, and a fervor faith to a people that would carry the good news to all the lands.

Or think of how much hope, strength and refreshment that tired, young USA soldier gets when he reads a letter from his wife with a hint of purfume and it says: "I love you baby. Miss you much. Praying you come back to me and kids safely." That simple letter means so much to that soldier leaning on his M-16 in his small bunk after a night patrol in Iraq.

A million women out there tonight would walk on clouds for a few minutes if their husband slipped a note under their pillow that said, "After all these years, I'm still in love with the most beautiful woman."

That down-on-his-luck teen would find reneweal if he got a note from his parents that read, "We believe in you son, and we are proud of you."

WORDS ARE POWERFUL.

Gordon's tips for keeping your sanity for T-Day Sale.

With the 'crazy deals' offered by stores the Day After Thanksgiving for shopping I thought I would offer a few tips to keep your sanity. BUT before I do that, I like to suggest that the T-Day sale is a US government-initiative to save Americans.

Think about it from last night at THAT moment you swore to yourself there isn't possibly another bite of Grandma's pumpkin pie you could take. You just stuffed your face with turkey, stuffing, beans, cranberries, rolls and gravy. You slyly unbuckled that jean button and let your belly flop over the waistband like a cascading waterfall. The soles of your shoe just compressed a bit more under that weight. Hello Jenny Craig!!!

With all the caloric intake Americans took in on T-Day, the government created a retail media madness blitz to get you out like a runner at the Boston Marathon. Some federally funded think-tank created a program to save our lives!

Of course, we all don't have the discipline to get out that early so there has to be great deals to get you out at 5am feeling like a bear woken up in the middle of winter. You got to get up to save $10 on that shirt made by some skinny child in some country you cannot pronounced, and of course you have to buy that HDTV that's $200 off, but the name brand of the tv sounds like a Korean restaurant dish. AND yes, yes, buy DVDS of movies that no one wants, but the 2 DVDs for $8 just feels good to stick it back to the big man...doesn't it?!

Well, here's my tip: plan early, and sleep in and watch tv of consumers who runs into poles:
http://www.themilwaukeechannel.com/video/10339676/index.html

Or do something so old fashioned as a gift: write a beautiful letter of reflection of someone you love and send it them.

It will brighten their day more than that DVD movie, "Steven Seagal saves the Brown family - a Thanksgiving Tale".

Thanksgiving is more than food. The word THANKS should remind us what we should be thankful for.

THANKSGIVING:

I am thankful to God Almighty, for all the things I have and experienced this year. I am thankful for His Grace, Protection, Mercies, and Forgiveness and that He loves mankind. Without you - I would be alone with no future... adrift.

I am thankful for my new home church Heartland. It has been truly inspirational - transformational teachings and heart-felt worship. Without you - I would not have the guidance, strength and joy to move in life.

I am thankful for a fiancee, and all the the experiences she has given, and all that she means to me. Michele, you're my angel princess, and you are truly a gift from heaven. Without you - I would be a wandering knight looking for his princess...I found mine.

I am thankful for my family and my immediate family. The Wongs, Tarquinis, Skolroods...of course, I am grateful for my mom and dad and siblings, but am also for the family that has accepted me with opened arms. God has blessed me with you all.
Without you - I would be lonely wondering what a family is about.

I am thankful for my country, the USA. I am thankful right now for the soldiers who serve abroad and are away from their families. You're in my prayers. Without my country and the men, women who serve - I would be without the taken-for-granted freedoms we enjoy in this country - a freedom to be a better human being and dream big dreams.

I am thankful for company, and the job I have. The people in the company from the executives, to my creative team and my friends there - I am thankful for you all. I prayed for you all. Without you, I would not know the model of a Christian worker and team.

I am thankful for my friends back in California, it shows distance doesn't matter. And my great fantasy football buds...life is not boring with this bunch. Without you, there wouldn't be those moments of laughter and commonality of living life.

I am thankful for my upcoming wedding - and the celebration in can be - God puts on a great wedding!

I am thankful for my doctors, and everyone who have prayed for my knee. This year long skin condition from surgery has tested my faith.

And most of all - none of this world's events, blessings, and life itself is random. It is full of purpose - and for that I am faithful to God. The life, the very breath I have is from Him. I know I've disappointed you, but you always have been there. Always forgiven, and always drawn my heart back to yourself. You are truly amazing God.

AMERICA

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black (so to speak).
Conservative Republicans and/or Neo-Cons calling Dems/Liberals 'mean-spirited'.....
.....when youse folks have the likes of:
Rush Limbaugh
Ann Coulter
Sean Hannity
Bill O'Reilly
Matt Drudge
Laura Ingraham
etal.

Spewing their hate-mongering drivel!!
Geesh.....check in with reality, will ya, huh?!
Posted by: Mark Young | Nov 22, 2006 11:05:04 AM

To Proud Liberal. That's Vietnam and he should have gone there. Not went there.
Exactly what I would expect.
Posted by: Mike in Loganville | Nov 22, 2006 11:04:42 AM

***

Some of the emotional-charged comments on a blog on USA TODAY. The blog was about the story of a series of mishaps suffered by the White House. Bush's daughter got robbed in South America, the motorcade for Bush had an accident with some officers - this wasn't even a story of politics and people jumped all over each other just for a chance to rip into the conservative, or into the liberal.

America, you are NOT like this.

I can't help but think of my father telling me the stories after he immigrated from China - running away from the Communists and the bombs of the Japanese. Then he talked about America - yes, America - as this oasis - this dream that people talked about across the shorelines of other countries.

Other countries:

1) Where you couldn't vote....much less speak.
2) Where your entire family could be kidnapped and there wasn't any answers where they are.
3) Living in a mud hut eating salted-soybean curd without modern heat or air conditioning.
4) Eeking out a living as nothing more than poor farmer under the mercies of the weather.
5) Sucking on herbs because there wasn't any modern hospitals.

I still believe in America - as a land of opportunity, as the last place on earth where dreams can be made if you pursued it hard enough. Where can a 6-1 Austrian bodybuilder who can't say his 'r's become governor of California?

I maybe a registered Republican, but I have to think of a Democratic president who echoed one of the finest challenges to the American people, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

I

Whatcha listening to Gordon AND WHY DO YOU SMELL FUNNY??!

Here's a bit out of the normal discoveries this week:

Two albums that I had to get - Diana Krall - smooth as silk jazz vocals and a reminder that I'm still a California boy - Jack Johnson (surfer, filmaker, songwriter, and Mr. Talent). * I bought these songs on ITunes on the cheap.

Jack does such a great job with his music...so simple and so laid-back it's unbelievably relaxing listening to him. He came up with a few great tracks on the Curious George soundtrack. I highly recommend checking it out for the kids. The soundtrack is pure, guileless, and a beautiful dash of naiveness (something this pragmatic world needs). I DARE you to listen to Jack Johnson and NOT feel chill! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...makes me feel California even in the Winter. Absolutely cool and original!!! The CD ya'll should check is IN BETWEEN DREAMS.

As for Diana, what can I say about a lady that upon stumbling her first album - I predicted a Grammy. And I was right - for once in my life. Diana just ebbs classy, smooth and silky jazz - something I am not presently.

I have my doctor putting 18 patches for finding what I'm allergic to and haven't taken a shower for four days now. I get to take a shower after today, but my the doctor is going to smell MAN. Yeh, I did a few bath sponge dips, but nothing like a shower. Feelin' grungy for sure.

Michele, what??? No hugggg???

Legacy

This morning Michele was crying again - we were talking about her grandmother.

I was telling Michele as to how I was amazed in the simple ways her grandmother's faith endured and left a legacy. Michele wept, and softy through her tears, "You don't realize how much you missed them til their gone."

"But she left so much more ..." as I pointed out.

Michele and I couldn't help but smile weakly at the poems, bibles, letters her grandmother left behind. We laughed at the old 1968 article of how to clean mildew off your luggage to the laminated confirmation message at Michele's baptism and confirmation.

I told Michele, "I hope our children finds our lives filled with legacy not of money, or items, but a legacy of character, faith and hope."

I guess this is one of the reasons beside writing for family and friends, is to leave a legacy of who I am to my children.

***


So, to my child(ren), before you are born:

Before you are born, I wanted to say, how much I wanted to welcome you into this life, and to say how I how proud, am joyful I am that you will coming to this world. I've waited for quite a bit of time to become a father, and you are truly heaven's gift - and I am already praying you know the Creator of this world to whom all majesty and praise belong.

I hope you will realize the beautiful love, bond, and intimacy between a man and woman in marriage is the beautiful bundle of joy a child can be. I'm a bit frighten and insecure of what's to come, but I know the moment I hold you my child, you're going to make this world briefy fade away and take me to a place of miracle. I know alot of diapers are coming, but the many moments of trials will not compare to those brief moments of smiles, laughter and seeing you grow like a seed to a blooming flower.

Your mother and I have prayed for your health, and your soul. I pray you will be a person that will leave and affect this world for good. I hope you live your life with integrity, and know how precious of a soul you are. You are a valued child of mine and the most High God. You will always be loved...even in your times of doubt. Your mother and I have loved you now, and always.

If you're a girl, you will always be daddy's princess, and don't let the world dictate to you your beauty. The eyes, the smile, the personality that you are have crested you to the heavens and you are a princess and always beautiful. Don't let anyone steal your heart, but God. Shine in this world so that people will know what's truly behind your life. I think I'm going to turn into a sack of sobbing mess when I give you away at your wedding. Advance apologies from daddy.

If you're a boy, you will always be daddy's knight, warrior...and I am so proud of you, and love you. You are my son, and you will be a man one day. Make me proud by being a provider, protector and spiritual leader. Don't be a man who lives selfishly, but live as a man who lays down his life for what is good, what is noble, what is just...and love God simply with all your heart. There's nothing in this world you cannot do if you set your mind on it. I hope you are a 'Braveheart'...live for things not seen or touched, but for nobler things. What is said and done here is echoed into eternity. Yeah, daddy stole that from a movie, but I had to pass onto my beloved son.

Lastly, life is not a life worth living without knowing you are forgiven and loved. John 3:16.

And don't take yourself too seriously...laugh at yourself.

IMing your Father-in-Law.

Micheles's dad and I have been having a bit of fun.

With the Bears just thrashing the league and leaving little drama, I decided to play with Craig a bit. I sent him an instant message on the phone telling him I heard from ESPN that the Bears' star QB was out with an ankle injury.

Craig replied: ESPN sometimes gets it wrong...

My reply: Sent some panic didn't I (he caught the drift now)

Craig: I lost a bundle on the stock market, cut the guest list (our weddding) in half

My reply: (I laughed at that reply) We can drop annoying relatives then

***

I know I make a poor sub for Craig's dad on football, but I couldn't help but rib Craig a bit on his team. It was too tempting to have some fun with your father-in-law. It's like a hot apple pie on the window sill cooling off on a summer's day. Toooo tempting.

I should now tell Craig, "Did you hear Urlacher is out for the season because he went back to school to become a cheese maker for Wisconsin? I heard the school is in GREEN BAY!"