So earlier this year I started something I’ll probably end up regretting. I was on the way back to Houston on I45 and pulled over at a truckstop to get some gas and happened to wander by the “gift area”. Being someone that always loves to give gifts and play jokes, my prayers were answered all in one stop. I picked a “handcrafted texas snow globe” complete with roadrunners in a glass globe and swirling sand.
The Texas Snow Globe
And so begins the game. We’ve given all kinds of truckstop gifts back and forth, including a glass unicorn on a mirror, an eagle, snowglobes and most recently… a frog serving dish. Given as an anniversary “present” to us with the assumption that we would indeed use it during a nice dinner we are left with the following picture which was taken immediately following the question “Is that a frog?”
The bar was just raised friends. And just FYI, they do sell clothes at these truckstops too…
It’s amazing what I have to go through just to get one good picture. Thank goodness for digital.
Mile 1 – This is going to be the best Marathon ever!
Mile 2 – I should do the Iron Man!
Mile 3 – Gotta pass that skinny girl in the red.
Mile 4 – I’m totally going to beat last year’s time.
Mile 5 – How can that man smell so bad already?!
Mile 6 – Where is Ryan?
Mile 7 – What did that shirt say?
Mile 8 – Someone just won?!?!
Mile 9 – What time is it?
Mile 10 – Where is the pace setter?
Mile 11 – I think their clocks are wrong.
Mile 12 – I’m totally fine with not beating last year’s time.
Mile 13 – Half way, man my legs feel strong.
Mile 14 – How did that skinny girl in the red just pass me?
Mile 15 – I’m hungry.
Mile 16 – Look how weird that girl runs.
Mile 17 – I’m bored.
Mile 18 – I’m hot.
Mile 19 – I shouldn’t have eaten that power bar.
Mile 20 – My legs hurt.
Mile 21 – My ankles hurt.
Mile 22 – That girl just said, “Only four more miles” She needs to shut up.
Mile 23 – I can’t do this anymore.
Mile 24 – Oh my good Lord.
Mile 25 – I just need to stop for a second.
Mile 26 – Oh I see balloons.
.2 – I think I’m going to cry.
20 miles of Hope…6.2 miles of Truth.
Run a marathon, it will change your life.
About a month ago Chrsty and I took a Saturday and went out and helped repaint a womens shelter down in Richmond. This was part of an effort of our local church, Crossbridge, to show the city.. the community… the people… that the church is part of more things than just looking at themselves. Every year, they shut down services and spend the weekend being the church to whoever needs help. This year it was a Saturday only, but included repainting a womens shelter, fixing several other buildings and structures for various non-profits and spending some time with the elderly at a local nursing home.
We had a great time getting out with others and really making a difference around where we live. Hopefully this targeted weekend reminds everyone that “Showing The Love” isn’t just a one weekend per year thing, but rather a constant day-to-day part of our lives. Here’s a video of some of the stuff that went on.
Every year we get together with a bunch of friends and throw a big front yard party for Halloween at the Nilsson’s. We go all out with a bounce house, free hotdogs, free cokes, games for the kids, music, candy, candy and more candy! It’s a great time to meet neighbors and show kids and families that we care about our city and them.
