Time flies, its April already?

Wow, its been over a month since my last post, how time flies! Let me give you an update on what is happening in the Buckman household, as well as other news and notes.

I guess you could say that I have had a bit of writer's block recently and found it hard to pick up that 1000 pound pen. A crazy schedule, some cool shows on the boob toob, and just good old fashioned laziness are the real reasons. This blog, as silly and mundane as it can be at times, is good therapy for me. I often wonder if more than a few people, (thanks Mom) actually read it, or more importantly, get anything out of it. But the real reason I write is because I like to, and have things to say. OK, I admit, I like making people smile as well, but that is just a bonus if it happens. So it's nice to be back, even if it was only a little over a month being "gone".
Oh, it would have been a bit sooner, but last week while attempting to install some new memory on our old computer, I apparently did not do it correctly, as i smelled something burning. That something was the mother-board. Bye Bye P.O.S. 2003. So named by its builder and my brother in law, Mike. Since I try and keep this blog family friendly, I will not say what P.O.S. stands for but I bet if you think on it long enough it will come to you.(LMAO.)
So far, P.O.S. 2009 is doing OK. I hope we will be BFF or at least till I do something stupid again, and blow up the Photon Tubes. JK....

Speaking of Mike and his family, they had a very memorable good friday this year, as a tornado tore through their neighborhood and destroyed several homes, as well as causing damage to 500 others. The worst part was a young mother and baby were also killed in the mayhem. While we are VERY glad you guys are well, we are also saddened by the destruction. Please accept a virtual hug from us, and know that you are loved. For those that are interested in Mikes wife, Kristen's blog journal about this tragic event, here is the address: http://gymratmama.blogspot.com/

I decided to tell our girls the truth this year, that there is no Easter Bunny. They seemed sad, until I told them there was really an Easter Pig, who brings us bacon baskets and hides ham’s in the yard. (Kosher, of course) They were not happy about not getting candy, or about finding a canned Hormel in our rose bushes, but they will come around. Let’s hope they take the news about Father’s day better. That’s right, it is now required that they give me beef jerky and rub my feet for an hour each. Ahhh, to be king is good….

Kathie celebrated her birthday last month and in honor of that special day, I wrote her a poem:

Today is your birthday so hip hip hooray.
Strike up the band and have them play.
“Happy Birthday”, or maybe “Forever young”.
Let me give you a kiss and I’m using my tongue.
You’re still in your thirties and I still find you hot.
So get over here and I’ll show you what I got.
It’s a surprise so don’t peek till you get here.
It’s my gift to you and I’m really sincere.
Now open your eyes and tell me it’s cute.
I’m here for you in my Birthday suit!

Kath, I really do love you woman, and thank you for loving me. I am so glad you are my partner. We will celebrate 18 years together later this month, and let me proclaim to the world: I love Kathie Buckman! (And still find her hot.)

An update on the Raleys/Bel Air commercial contest. My friend from work, Chris, won the contest! Way to go buddy, great job. I’m sure the 5k came in handy. OK, 3600 after taxes. (yes, a 47% tax on winnings. Ouch.) I’ll win it next time, when I remember to turn on the camera in time. (Doh!)

Recently, two events have made me reflect on earthly and eternal matters. First, one of Alicia’s assistant soccer coaches, Tony, died at the age of 40. He died in his sleep from heart failure. He leaves behind 2 daughters and a wife, and many, many friends and family. I saw evidence of that at his memorial service last week, where over 400 people showed up to celebrate his life and to encourage his family. Tony loved life and making others laugh and had so many other admirable qualities. Lots of people shared stories of how he had touched or influenced their lives in one way or another. Yes, many tears of grief were shed, but many smiles and heads nodding told the story of his life. The thing that got to me was that I had said hi to him a few times, but never really had a chance to talk with him. Or maybe I never took the chance. I wish I had, because now it’s too late. I am making a point to try and talk with those around me more, as well as listening to them. Because, as I found out the hard way, you never know when they will be gone. I encourage you to do 2 things today. First, talk and listen to those around you, as much as you can. Tell them something you like about them or a corny joke or…….anything! We live in such a hustle and bustle world that we miss out on what’s happening in others people’s lives right around us. I guess that’s why I write this silly blog, to let you peek in on my weird little world. Most of you do not have a blog, but you could call, or send an email, or if you are really brave, write a note and send it snail mail. I would love to hear what is going on in your little world, even if it’s about something you would consider mundane, or silly. Heck, you could even leave a note in the comment spot at the end of this post. Do it because you will feel just a bit more connected to my world, as well as the big world flashing by you every day. Do it, because you never know when it might be too late. As the big swoosh says, “Just do it”.
Secondly, please pray for Tony’s family. They miss him terribly, and need to be encouraged during this difficult time, as well as into the future. Also, if you are so led, an account has been opened for his girls that will help their financial future. Please contact me if you are interested. (aha, a perfect excuse to connect!) Thanks, and we’ll have that talk someday Tony. I hear clouds are comfy!

The other event was at the Easter service at Sunrise Community Church. After the sermon, Pastor Rich interviewed a young man named Eric. In May 2008, he was with a friend and his 8 year old daughter at the river enjoying the time. Some “bad” dudes were on the other side of the river cussing and threatening a woman. His friend asked them to stop as he pointed to his daughter. The men came across the river and tired attacking him. He got away, and as Eric was leading the little girl up a trail, one of the men ran after him. In spite of his asking the man to stop because the girl was right behind him, the man stabbed him in the chest. To make a long story shorter, he should have died. God kept him alive; in spite of the fact he lost 3 times his bodies’ blood level through the surgery. But his optical nerves died from the lack of blood supply and he is now blind.
You would think he would be super depressed and hate the man who did such a horrible act. But the fact is, he believes that God will use what happened to him as a greater purpose. He loves to talk, and has a sharp wit and a great smile. He is attending school and wants to see how God can use him to share His love with others. As he said Sunday, he has a pretty “interesting” story to tell people. I was encouraged and impressed as I am not sure I would have such a great attitude about something like that. Yes, I could see myself ultimately accepting my circumstances and moving on with life, after seeing to it that the man with the knife would have his eyeballs fed to the crows. Then he would be easy prey for the other prisoners.
So I guess I still have some growing to do, but I bet you could figure that out. Thanks Eric, for modeling what forgiveness is about: Mercy, when it is not deserved. See 1 Peter 1:3

Until next time,

Faith, Hope & Love
RB~