I continued my quest to get in shape this morning and went on my morning run. Now, if you have followed my quest, you will appreciate what I am about to say.
I RAN MY BEST TIME OF THE YEAR! I actually ran at an 8 minute mile pace!
I know that is not some national speed record, but it is a breakthrough for me!
After church, I decided to visit the neighbor of the house we are considering.
The house is far from our “dream home.” It would need to be completely updated and the back deck needs more than a little repair.
However, the house sits on 2.5 lovely acres.
The last time I spoke with the neighbor, he said that a developer was interested in buying the 30 acres adjacent to the house. If there is a possibility that we could turn a profit by living in the house for a few years, then this might be a great opportunity.
The neighbor again confirmed this and added that both residential and commercial developers were looking at it. If the land is sold to a commercial developer, I am told that the land value would double!
Hmmm, very interesting!
Frequently as a father, I find that it is my role to be the bad guy. The latest example happened today…
My son has been working very diligently at his school these past two weeks. One of his classes is an AP Calculus with a very demanding teacher. He took a test this week that would determine if he could stay in the class and did very well!
Anyway, he only had a “little” homework that “had to be done” this weekend. However, I told him that I wanted him to get ahead. All day long, he avoided the work.
So, as a parent, do I say “You worked really hard this week. Take the weekend off”…or do I press him to actually get ahead?
I think that this is where we parents of teens make our big mistake. I mean, who wants to fight with their children? Who actually likes conflict? Who doesn’t want to feel loved and appreciated?
Too often, we choose to enjoy momentary relational harmony with our children rather than enduring the conflict of pressing what we know will benefit them in the long run. Today, I chose to push him to get ahead. And that did not make me to popular.
He is just looking at his distaste for doing school work that he doesn’t “have” to do. However, I am looking at the happiness that will result from doing well in his classes. I am looking at the fact that he was getting worn out with the late nights and the early mornings. He couldn’t wake up on Friday! With wrestling season coming up and starting a new job as a waiter, he has to get and stay ahead! For his health!
It is my responsibility to guide him, guard him and govern him. If he appreciates that in the process, great! If he doesn’t, I am still responsable.
So, tonight I forced the issue. As I said, I am not to popular with him right now. But, I think his perspective will change a few days from now
But for now, I am Dad, the bad guy!
The celebration that I am now officially one year older continued today. My wife and two youngest children took me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday at Jack Stack Barbecue.
In the semi-finals of the NCAA basketball tournament, the governor of Kansas made a friendly bet with the governor of North Carolina when the two schools met in the Final Four. The governor of Kansas offered a meal from Jack Stack’s.
Their food is too good! All of that great tasting meat conflicts with my goal of staying lean and light!
tornado warnings! In fact, evidently, while we were eating, a small one touched momentarily down one mile from us. In fact, we drove right through the area on the way there!
We could hear the tornado warning sirens all the way to my daughter’s Bible study.
My son kept remarking how cool this is. I must say that there is a pretty strong temptation to go out and find our first tornado. But then I think, what if I find it and it turns my way???
Still, the clouds and the wind and the rain are pretty exciting!
Although my youngest daughter gave it away, we had a little “surprise” party this evening. My children picked my wife up after work and we all ate a piece of banana cream cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. That pie is just too good!
I usually spend the mornings alone. I and the crickets are the only ones up so it is a very peaceful, almost solitary time.
However, as I came up the stairs of our apartment after my morning thanksgiving walk this morning, I was greeted by my wife and two children holding up a sign saying, “Happy Birthday Our Champion! We Love You!” I I was truly surprised. I had forgotten…
Today is my birthday!
Yes, I was born on 9/11. I might point out that I was born on this day LONG BEFORE it became a date to remember here in the United States!
I am finally 49. I say finally because I have been thinking that I am that old for quite awhile.
Anyway, it was a pleasant greeting. It is always both comforting and encouraging to know that there are people who love and appreciate you.
We had a scheduling conflict tonight…
my son and youngest daughter wanted to go to the school football game.
I however, wanted to take my wife out to dinner, so…
My son decided to take the old F-150, named Wild Bill to the game. Before they left, they put the new seat covers that he made on and I must say that they look and fit pretty good! I am impressed!
My youngest daughter took another step into adulthood. She started her first real job.
She applied earlier in the week at a veterinary hospital directly across the street from the high school.
It definitely isn’t a glamour job…
she is cleaning up dog dirt!
Oh well, do not despise the day of small beginning!
I just finished my morning run. I only “sprinted” one time…
After that first one, I didn’t feel all that confident that i could do any more and still finish the run, so I just tried to keep a good pace.
Actually, I “sprinted” twice because I ran the last 2/10ths of a mile and finished with my second best time THIS YEAR!!!!
I nearly broke 31 minutes! That may not be fast to you but it is very good for me!
We just received the call that everyone here has been anticipating…
and the answer is an unfortunately “No”.
My wife’s father will not be able to buy the house. His stocks have dropped quite a bit this year and his CPA didn’t like the idea.
My son was really disappointed. He was truly looking forward to making that place shine!
I must tell you that I am very grateful that Grandpa took the offer seriously enough to meet with his accountant over it. I made it to him as a serious offer. I am grateful that he considered it!
So, that door seems closed so I will keep pushing until I find the one that is opened!
