Several things in review for 2007
1. moved to another home – the decision itself was difficult because we loved our old home and neighborhood. But the starting over in a new place has been refreshing. We know exactly two of our neighbors. A third said hello. A fourth blows his leaves on the third. I do consider Dallas to be a very friendly city but where do they roll out the welcome wagon for you? Not on the blocks I have lived on. Guess I will have to force my way in like I always do and make it awkward for everyone.
2. Became a landlord – it was a cluster at first getting the home ready for someone to move in. this is what is sad and regrettable about this. We love the home too much to sell but we hated ourselves too much to fix it up in the least. Apparently we love our tenant more than we do ourselves because we finally fixed the kitchen floor and carpet after 8 years.
3. bought a new car. Yep, it turned out to be the year of change in the second half. And just like the house, I am keeping the bronco. It is my hunting vehicle. And I park it on the lawn at the new house (1972) to keep the WT appearances up. Ok the patch of grass is in the back next to the driveway, but still. Oh, the new car is neither really. It is a 2004 nissan Titan truck. Sure its too big and has a large carbon foot print but I love it. I have spoken of that green truck since it first came out and I was broke. Then my kind mother in law gave me a chunk of money to put down on it two years ago. So after ten years and some loving coaxing from my wife, I got over my guilt and bought the first car for myself in 10 years. Look for a theme of loving myself more in 08. 
4. Appointed Chief Marketing Officer (CMOL). No I am not bragging, I am just stating a fact. IN fact it freaks me out a bit . . .in a good way. Not since leaving California to move to Washington to start a church where LLPH and I knew NO ONE have I felt so challenged and invigorated. Anybody have the phone number for Cammie Dunaway formerly CMO of Yahoo and now Nintendo? Saw her speak at a conference and was very impressed. I would like to ask her for a little help. She seems pretty genius . . .brilliant I should say. Some joke that it is a nepotistic appointment and I half believe them. I did kick ass in sales so I deserve something, but lets just say its great to work .for a smaller company that is growing fast. As one wise boomer once said in a progressive church here in Dallas, “put your seat belts on”.
5. Saw Brent Best at the Barley House on Sunday nights. At least four times this year I rolled out with some buddies to see the best songwriter in the greater Dallas metroplex leave his band at home, pull out his acoustic, his harmonica and his sundry list of “classics”. What is brilliant and sad about these evenings is that there is normally only a dozen people there. Insiders. If you are lucky and sit at the right bar stool, Brent will pull up next to you and talk about Nascar. The other night we went where 2/3’s of the LARGE crowd were Brady Quinn’s and had no idea what they were being treated with musically. He won them over with a confusing distorted acoustic lead accompanied by foot stomping that produced a neil young and crazy horse does Powderfinger affect.
6. Became a deacon at the church. Actually signed a three year commitment. And also joined the Mission Committee just before. This was a big step as I reentered official leadership of a church for the first time in 6 years. It was a combination of complete disinterest and lack of trust that probably kept me out for sometime. I was honored to be asked, careful to say yes and not sure if I will ever do it again :)
7. Started a new tradition at our church called The Day on the Green. It was a gathering of musicians and brisket prepared lovingly by Red that made this day special for a lot of reasons. We are planning the second annual this spring. Look for a new set that will include some surprises.
8. Celebrated my fifteenth year with LLPH. You know where I took her? Kellers, yep the hamburger joint. Her idea. That is just one of the many reasons I am glad we are growing old together.
9. Went hiking for the first time since moving to Dallas. This is something I did quite regularly in the Northwest but had completely set aside since moving south. I made one phone call to this guy and off we went with my dog Jack Jack and had a great time. Arkansas is more beautiful than I would have expected. More serial killers per square mile though.
10. Kept talking about writing a book or short story but did absolutely NOTHING about it. LLPH did. She signed me up for a one-day writers workshop at SMU. I predict failure, but we will see.
11. Emceed a rock show because we could find no other talent. Getting up on stage in front of a lot of people usually sets off some nerves but honestly, when some redneck cattle called as I walked to the mic it settled me down. Of course the shouts of "EL MOL" from some stranger in the back helped too. It was a little awkward dealing with the rock stars. I mean they were completely professional and kind but I had no idea what the protocol or preferences where so I am sure I shot their wheels off at multiple junctures. Oh well, it was a fundraiser . . .for CF that is. Something that I always have wanted to be involved with in some way as my brother died of said disease and was really the driving force behind my love for music and especially southern music. It was a fullcirclemoment.com.
12. drove a truck 20 straight hours from Brighton, Michicgan with none other than placematt. I kind of volunteered myself and he was pretty beside himself with gratefulness. Honestly, I enjoyed myself. IN addition, take this and exploit it the rest of your life: if someone invites you to their hometown and to meet their family, always accept. It provides rich context for friendship and potential bits. That is why no one gets invited to my house . . .ever.
viva 08
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