What a way to begin the new year! An inaugural post from Jefe!

In the spirit of New Year's Hubris...here are some of my goals for 2004:

- Win the Masters
- Learn to play the guitar
- Breathe less
- Grow to 6' 6"
- Have the most dramatic prayer request at every devotional
- Find the good in people and belittle it
- EITHER Repair the hole in the ozone OR clean out the garage
- Win the World Series of Poker
- Pancakes
- Increase my bone density
- Become a Navy SEAL
- Reverse engineer McDonald's secret sauce
- Refer to at least one person in every business meeting as Chachi

blog on...

KO

so good to have jefe check in with us.

as we seek purpose and clarity in our lives -- particularly with the promise of a fresh, new year at our doorstep -- here's a wonderful and powerful challenge. from our friend landon saunders. check it.

--------------------

Someone has said, "Life is the living you do. Death is the living you don't do."

There is something exciting about a human being who's born, walks with great purpose and dignity through life, and completes her life feeling she has finished her work. But how does one do this?

I believe there is a way to put all your energy into a great purpose that will never leave you feeling sorry about "the living you don't do." I can sum it up in nine words: Spend your life fighting for people, never against them.

Do you see the bigness of this plan? Can you sense the depth of its challenge? Can you let yourself be engaged and excited by it?

Think of the petty squabbles you can avoid because your mission is so large that only heroic struggles are worthy of you. The fight for people will call forth your best, will create your best, will demand your best.

It's a challenging plan, and it will disturb you at times. And yet, it will also help you get up and really get going every morning.

Best of all, no matter what happens, you'll be able to complete your life, one day at a time, with dignity and style. This is something you can do-anywhere, anytime, everywhere, all the time, including the last day of your life.

happy new year, my funegro friends. sitting here with a special guest star who has something to share with the blogging community.

Humbly I come to you - as I have been a somewhat reluctant Funegro user.. in fact my memory was that of frustration and anger... Alas that is for the Old Year and not the NEW! I finish up this holiday season here in Texas w/ Biggs - having spent time with all involved during the time here and thankful that I was able to see everyone.

And here is my parting sentiment for today, this of a first ion the New Year... may this year bring peace and blessings to each of you and your families and may we each know the favor of The Lord. (See, I get too maudling (sp?) once I start to write - but I guess it;s better than the profanity that was spouted at last posting.) I feel welcomed back to the fold... Thanks to Dr. Biggers... by the way this is Jefe

I am totally perplexed by that. Do you know anyone who would paint a picture of me with Woody from the Bay City Rollers?

in case you're stumped about what to get me for christmas:
http://www.johannas-art.com/Portraits.htm

i imagine that no-necked guy from peanuts. the one who danced around schroeder's piano by shuffling his feet and shifting his head from shoulder to shoulder. genius! that service sounds rich. would love to check it out.

scattershooting . . . wondering why the networks didn't pick up the new orleans bowl.

shouldn't we plan a weekend matinee viewing of lord of the rings. can't wait. you in, e?

did you see rolling stone's 500 best albums issue? seems a bit ambitious.

let it be the inspiration for our list of best albums of 2003. note: since i own exactly three albums from 2003, let's say these works don't have to have been released this year. rather, what are the best albums you've heard in 2003?

my short list:
1. radiohead - the bends. rediscovered this early 90s gem last month. glorious.
2. cocteau twins - blue bell knoll. been on my list 15 years and counting. the ultimate saturday morning coffee ambience.
3. pixies - bossanova.

Worship Ministry - Farmers Branch Church of Christ

Don't miss an opportunity to see me sing...I intend to overemphasize my diction to the point I look like a Peanuts character singing at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This will be my first Christmas Eve candlelight service...

OK, I'm back. Unfortunately, I don't have much to say.

Reading recommendations - if you haven't read Count of Monte Cristo, or if you haven't read it in a while, it's worthy. The Great Gatsby is always fun to read, just for the sheer pleasure of the way Fitzgerald uses the language.

Here's an update on my previously stated belief that no one deserves to be independently wealthy more than me. I still find myself singularly worthy. My recent vacation and time off from work while convalescing have convinced me that I am prepared to truly embrace a lifestyle of wealth and leisure. With the advent of Texas Mega Millions, can my dream be far away?

in anticipation of a little holiday time, i need some reading recommentations. and really what i need is some fiction. got enough historical and spiritual stuff to keep me going.

doesn't have to be current. looking for a good page-turner. it's been a while since i've enjoyed one of those.

bigs

p.s. rejoiced at the stranglehold in my voice mail box, courtesy of e. if only briefly, i was transported to the abilene convention center and blissfully listened (among the skanks and the $5 t-shirts)

i shall pay heed to your groanings, major tom. so here's a modest posting. a reflection on the day.

which started with a genius breakfast at the preston center metro diner. classic. ko and i marveled at the threadbare christmas decorations, rounded out by the artificial six-foot tree, flocked in diner white. some yuletide oatmeal warmed the body. meaningful conversation and time with a dear friend warmed the soul. true story. the highlight of the day.

the rest of the day was good. some creative confidence restored. encouragement from surprising places.

home to some wrestling with children and an oversized puppy. alas, my energy level is no match.

goal this weekend: to install the wireless router for hands-free postings on blogger. perhaps i'll keep a blog of my installation progress. it promises to be quite messy.

news item: grad student discovers the largest prime number in the world, the result of a three-year quest.
practical application: my life has renewed purpose.