Reindeer Rustling

If you don’t hear from me it’s because I’ve been hauled in for reindeer rustling. Someone decorated the office lobby for Christmas. Very nice – lots of greenery and poinsettias. A wicker reindeer stood between two chairs.

I thought it would be fun to move the reindeer across the lobby, to peek out from behind a different chair. I did notice that a couple of wicker sticks had broken off from the reindeer, but it wasn’t my doing. The next day (after the reindeer had been moved back) I moved the reindeer to a different hiding spot. I likened this to the ever popular Elf of the Shelf – every day people could look to see what happened to the deer. I kept this up for about a week, never yet getting too adventurous with the placement of the reindeer. I did think it would be fun to move the deer into other offices, and eventually upstairs next to the Christmas tree in the breakroom.

I thought the decorators would think the reindeer movement was all in fun. Thursday a note appeared on the reindeer, saying “please don’t move Bambi.” I just moved the deer back about a foot. By now my third-floor co-workers were discussing the adventure with me. When I was down in Macon on Wednesday Chris almost moved the reindeer herself, but someone was leaving at the same time. I went downstairs to Purchasing and mentioned the decorations, but no one said anything about the reindeer. But I was just talking to certain people.

Monday in the breakroom Chris mentioned the mysterious reindeer movement to Jan and Teresa. They said three ladies were upset about the reindeer, about the broken sticks as well as some poinsettia leaves that had broken off. They enlisted operations to review the security camera to detect the perpetrator, but the camera didn’t cover that part of the lobby. Guess I’ll have to come clean. We’ll see if today’s Christmas lunch they serve to me is tampered with.

PROTESTS: interesting that the NBA is allowing players to wear those T shirts in protest – it’s anti-police. The League doesn’t want to ruffle feathers with a large portion of their fan base, but instead they’re making their security forces mad. It’s a microcosm of the country we live in. Same with college players wearing those shirts.

Seems like Satan has blinded the eyes of a large percentage of not only our country, but the entire world. Evil is being allowed to come in and take over society and governments – without much of a protest. The government supports the protesters and leave law enforcement no method to defend themselves, much less defend the public and businesses that pay the very taxes that run the government. ISIS publishes guidelines on who to make women sex slaves and there is little outcry or government response. Surely we are living in the end times. But who am I to talk, with all the reindeer rustling I’ve been doing.

Was at NPCC last Friday night for the first time since they built that big glass foyer area between the east and west. M’s school had their Christmas service in the Attic, which had also been expanded since the last time I was there. M sang in the school choir and read a Bible verse. Afterwards we ate at El Felix at the Avalon. Nice place. Ceil bought a real tree at Lowes on Friday. She hooked up the lights before meeting me at Matthew’s Christmas service. She finished decorating the tree on Saturday. The mantle is also decorated. Not sure what happened to the stockings.

Saturday night I drove M out to his friend’s house in Douglasville. Since I’d have to pick him up in a few hours I went to Arbor Place Mall and walked for 1-1/2 hours. Then he decided to spend the night, so I drove home alone. Thought of you when I was creeping on a cool Hispanic dude wearing a Georgia Tech cap – a rare sight. My wise friends would say to keep my distance, but I snuck a photo anyway. I’d love to go to the Tech / Syracuse game. Guess I shouldn’t wear my orange shoes.

Worked til six Monday night then hung around later to pay some bills. Ceil baked chicken and scalloped potatoes. Also salad. Anna had a Christmas dinner at her church leader’s house. C and M ran to Trader Joes. I cleaned up some emails, researched the bowl picks, and cleaned the kitchen. Wrote the 2014 Murphy Christmas letter on Monday. Will did go to Cartersville for a couple of days, but returned to Athens late Saturday to study for two more finals. I’ll take his Jeep to Tire Deals some time over the break. Ceil is working the Passion Conference at Phillips Arena Jan 2-3-4. That Sunday PCC will have one big worship service there. Ceil thought last year worked out well with me driving her down there and picking her up, so I’ll be doing that again this year.

Bowl picks - I did some research for mine Monday night while Ceil was snoozing on the couch, and am almost finished typing up the first half – all the games through Dec 29. Need to crank out the second half of my bowl picks and create my 2015 computer calendar. Already have my 2015 scrapbook calendar, but I still have plenty of work to do to finish my 2014 scrapbook. Early in the year I had worked on 2014 a bunch, but haven’t done much since things got busy in late August.  

Saw a TV news story about the Hawks players bagging groceries before Thanksgiving. I didn’t recognize any of the players faces. Had meant to tell you that Louie Giglio has jumped on the Hawks bandwagon. Several musicians and other leaders have been long time fans – that’s who took Matthew to a game the past two years.

We had a decent Christmas card this year because Anna took charge. All I had to do was address the envelopes. I’ve been starting to formulate 2015 goals but have had plenty of 2014 stuff to finish. Things are just starting to slow down and I’m starting to make a little headway.

BRAVES: Seems like Hart bought some goodwill with his 27 Yankees statement. The offseason fans are worse than those in season. My next tweet: Parking at the new Braves stadium shouldn’t be a problem if all the fans stay away that say they’re staying away.

Living the Facade

Matthew 6: 2-4

So when you give to the needy,

do not announce it with trumpets,

as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets,

to be honored by others.

Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

But when you give to the needy,

do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

so that your giving may be in secret.

Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret,

will reward you.

Why I don’t make a big deal about every little thing that I do. I figure these verses aren’t just talking about giving money to the poor. It’s when I give my time or do something for anyone who needs it. Why I don’t post on Facebook every time I exercise or brush my teeth. However affirming it is to have friends compliment me or like my Facebook status, the only reward I want is from my Father in heaven.

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, do your work heartily,

as for the Lord rather than for men,

knowing that from the Lord

you will receive the reward of the inheritance.

It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

I never get to do what I want to do. I often selfishly think this to myself, however untrue it may be. I am so often doing things for other people: driving people places, washing and folding other people’s laundry, loading other people’s dishes in the dishwasher. To get to the root of the matter, I am doing these things by choice. Years ago I decided to get married and live with my wife for richer and poorer. We decided to have children, knowing little of the hardships and inconveniences that would come our way as a result of these decisions. Others made different decisions a long time ago, which have set up the life they now lead.  

From a distance my life may seem glamorous. Beautiful wife, good-looking homeschooled kids, nice job. House in the burbs, four cars in the garage, nice clothes, attend sporting events, take vacations at the beach. This is all a façade. Ceil may be beautiful, but she has struggles of her own. Our house is in need of major repairs, as do our high-mileage cars. Two cars were gifts and a third is ten years old. The bank owns the car with 90,000 miles on it. The kids need expensive glasses and braces and tuition. In-laws pay for the beach trip. We are graciously given football tickets, and I buy the dollar tickets at Braves games. My job requires long hours and involves stress. We live paycheck to paycheck. I buy my clothes at thrift stores. I know I’m not the only one.

Reminds me of the parable of the talents. God doesn’t give to everyone equally. He just wants us to use the gifts He gives us. I’d like to think I’m somewhat using God’s gifts to me. Others may be doing more and others may have more, though I see others I know not making the best decisions – literally throwing away what God has blessed them with. Do they feel guilty? Do they realize what they’re doing?

Unlike many in the world today, I’m not out to impress people. I may get to do things, some of which are fun. Some may see me doing these things and be jealous. They don’t see which things I’m doing by myself because no one wants to go with me. My life is not filled with close friends doing fun things of my choosing. There are reasons I’m not as active at church or with friends. My life is not a beer commercial. But I ain’t complaining. Though I often forget, my family is blessed beyond measure.

I do get to do SOME things I want to do. Sneak out to a Braves game. Play on the computer. Watch something on TV. Not everything I want to do, but some. There is so much more that I should do – but don’t. Help out more around the house. Exercise. Iron my shirts for work. Paint. Spent time with the kids. Take Ceil out on a date. Instead I make excuses why I don’t, or just sit around at night.

Sometimes I am jealous of others. Cool cars, cool clothes, cool jobs, cool families. Then I remember that perhaps their life is all façade as well. That car may be rented. They could be in debt. Things might not be so cheeky at home. Others aren’t in the same place as me. Even their façade isn’t as nice as mine. Perhaps for them the attention Facebook garners is a bigger deal. I shouldn’t begrudge them that.

Anger Management

Being away from home 15 hours on Friday, five hours on Saturday, and six hours on Sunday can drive me crazy. The time is spent serving others. Selfishly I get mad because no one is serving or giving to me. My stuff doesn’t get done. ME ME ME. It is so hard for me to put others ahead of myself. My blood pressure rises when others don’t do the things I want them to do, or do them the way I want them to. It is so easy to forget that God made everyone different on purpose. To want everyone to be just like me is to tell God that He is wrong. God wants me to love and serve the people around me – to put them ahead of myself. To be able to love and serve others instead of forcing them to be a certain way.

 

I really fight this needless selfishness and anger. Holding in thoughtless, berating statements that would ruin the day (and ruin the relationship). Then traffic makes me mad. Instead of not worrying about things I can’t control I let it ruin my day – and everyone around me. It makes Ceil and the kids not want to be around me. It doesn’t matter who is right. What good is being right when people don’t want to be around me?

 

When I got home Sunday afternoon I was worn out – from my anger. I was useless the rest of the day. Is this anger and selfishness within me getting worse as I grow older? I sure hope not. Perhaps I’m sensing and fighting the anger more lately – which is both good and bad. I need to continually be asking God to fill me with His Spirit, to live and love through me, instead of letting my emotions destroy me.

 

Monday morning I needed to get out the door and on the way to work. The Tupperware top didn’t fit, and I was enraged. Was it really worth it? I could’ve organized the drawer this weekend, but didn’t. Then I tried to dive with an icy windshield instead of first cleaning it off. Wasted ten minutes. Made me angrier. Whose fault was this? MINE! What a waste of time and energy. Satan is winning. How I so need God in my life.

        

Left work Friday and drove to North Point Church for M’s school’s family worship service. Very good. His choir sang, and he read a verse. After the service to celebrate we had a late meal at El Felix, the fancy new upscale Mexican restaurant in The Avalon, that huge new live/work/shop development at 400 and Old Milton Parkway. Lots of people were there. The food was good, though the portions were small. Great chopped chicken and a hilarious waiter – similar to Keanu Reeves in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Anna and Brittany only ate cheese dip. Ceil and I shared a plate. Had to stop by Kroger on the way home. Long day.

 

Cleaned upstairs Saturday morning, and came downstairs to find that College Gameday had gone off early. Did laundry and cleaned more. Ceil went Christmas shopping. Anna went to art. Later M and A went to a party and I drove Ceil to Target and Whole Foods. Then I drove M out to Douglasville. Thinking I’d need to pick him up later, I went to the nearby mall and walked for 1-1/2 hours. People-watched and entertained myself taking pictures and such. Then M decided to spend the night, so I drove home.

 

Watched the NFL Network’s specials about Barry Sanders and Doug Flutie. Both were excellent. Sanders hated the spotlight and retired early, like Jim Brown. Had he played one more season Sanders could’ve easily broken Walter Payton’s all-time rushing record. Had he played two more seasons Sanders would’ve put the record out of Emmitt Smith’s reach. Barry’s son plays football at Stanford. Some call Flutie the greatest player in Canadian Football history. In four years Flutie led his team to four division championships and three Grey Cup appearances. Few know that Flutie has an autistic son, and has raised millions for the cause. Similar specials about Roger Staubach, Sayers and Butkus, and Bill Bellichek were also good.      

 

Went to the 10 am Passion service with Ceil. Wanted to eat over in the Westside, but the restaurant was closed. Drove to Perimeter Mall and ate at Chuy’s. Afterwards Ceil shopped as I gassed up the Civic. Got home at 3 and watched the end of the Falcons game. Gassed up Anna’s Jeep – a trip that took over an hour because I had to fight WalMart traffic for a tire pressure gauge and drive to TWO QuikTrips to find a working air hose. Anna had a babysitting gig and Ceil went to fetch Matthew at church. I really didn’t do much the rest of the day, and went to bed early.

 

No one expected the Falcons to win, but for the second straight week they hung tough against a tough opponent – without their best player. So often fans call out players for laying out due to injury, when in fact they’ve been playing hurt for several games. They forget Johnny Unitas lived the rest of his life with arthritis so bad his hands turned to useless claws. That Raiders center Jim Otto and Colts lineman Bubba Smith needed crutches and wheelchairs from the destruction football did to their bodies. That Junior Seau and former Falcon Ray Easterling paid the ultimate price for the numerous concussions suffered on the gridiron. Even Tommy Nobis has lost a great deal of his memory.

Mall Walking

Saturday evening I drove M way out to a campfire at his friend Jaimen's house in Douglasville. Figuring I would have to pick him up, it did't make sense to drive the 35 miles back home. With 2-1/2 hours to kill, I decided to spend the first 1-1/2 hours walking at the nearby Arbor Place Mall. After that I'd grab something to eat. Little did I know how entertaining mall walking could be.

When I walked in at 8:30 the mall was crowded, but starting to thin out. I quickly settled into a routine of walking west on the first floor, climbing the escalator to the food court, circling past Sears and Johnny Rockets and around the food court. From there I'd walk east on the top floor back to the Belk end. I stopped in just a couple of stores, and spent the rest of the time walking.

There was plenty of great people watching. Lots of cool kids (male and female) wearing various sneaker styles, rednecks in camo, and fans in Alabama gear. Plenty of UGA apparel as well. One sign of the times stood out - a cool Hispanic dude wearing a Georgia Tech cap. I stealthily snapped my first blurry photo of the night (above). Later I was able to take a better picture (below). Maybe he's a regular reader of my blog and won't be too mad at me for stalking him.

Strolling through the food court, I noticed several establishments handing out samples. I didn't want to come off as needy, but every time a sample was offered I took one. Two place were handing out generous sized portions of orange or mango chicken - much better than the puny Japanese sample. I also sampled some popcorn. During my 1-1/2 long stroll I downed about eight samples. After that I really didn't need supper.

Why are the coolest rides always out of order? During my walk I wound up having so many hilarious ideas and took so many pictures. I didn't want to clog up social media with them, so I decided I'd combine them all in a blog post. I needed something to post on Sunday anyway.

Stopped my the calendar stand to snap a photo of the 2015 Taylor Swift calendar for Anna. Later I noticed the One Direction calendar next to it. I passed.

Belly Rings: Buy 2 Get One Free. Just how many belly rings does one need? I suppose you could shop for all your friends. Again, I passed.

French Fry Heaven (above). From around the world they come to America, manning mall carts and fast food joints and feeding us unhealthy food. We're becoming so slothenly that one day they'll be able to take over. Perhaps it's the latest ISIS strategy. Note the small chalkboard at the lower left with the special of the day: chocolate covered fries. I rest my case.

A fuzzy Santa photo, near closing time. He looked bushed, but there was no line while I was there. Next time I promise to take better pictures.

One shoe store carried the line of Duck Dynasty sneakers: camo uppers, neon yellow sole, and antler logo. Comes in sizes for both men and women. I'll pass.

Matthew texted me at 9:55 - right when the mall was closing. He was spending the night. So I made the long drive home by myself. But I had an eventful evening of mall walking to reflect on.

Christmas Concert

Not the greatest photo of Matthew's school choir, singing with Six Steps Records recording artist (and Matthew's friend's mother) Christy Nockles. Matthew is on the back row behind his friend in the blue striped shirt. Friday night the 38 member choir was a big part of Legacy Community Academy's wonderful family worship service held in The Attic at North Point Community Church - the same room where Anna was baptized a few years ago. If a better picture comes along I'll post an update.

My Heisman Vote

My Heisman pick: Oregon’s Mariota has it locked up. Was excellent for four years. A high QBR every year – perhaps the highest career QBR in history, considering the number of games he’s played. Leads the nation this year and his team is ranked second.

The Wisconsin RB came on too late, but he’ll probably come in second.

Alabama WR Toomer has the greatest stats for any Alabama receiver, but is lucky to have been invited to the party. He’ll come in third. Will be interesting to see how many votes Todd Gurley gets, if any. Had Gurley stayed healthy and eligible he would’ve given Mariota a run for the money. UGA would’ve beaten Florida and Tech and possibly Alabama. But he didn’t.

Used a Hardees coupon on the way back from Macon Wednesday night. BBQ burger was ok but not great. Same with this morning’s bacon and egg biscuit. Had leftover baked chicken for lunch yesterday. Worked til 7 pm. Ceil cooked boneless chicken in rice and gravy, and green beans and potatoes. Cleaned part of the kitchen and knocked out most of the Christmas cards.

      

Read about the SPdL Christmas musical. We don’t have a tree up. Tonight Matthew’s school choir sings at their Christmas service. Should be good. Saturday is laundry. Need to make one last eBay push.  

Been slammed at work – will hopefully get caught up as things should slow down starting today. Plenty of year end stuff to do – work, insurance, bills. Haven’t started my bowl picks. We have a week.

I love how DOB calls out people who misquote him.

ROB ON THE BRAVES: You are right, they have too many good players locked up to go into a full on rebuilding mode like they were in the late 80's. They underperformed last year.  If the season started today, I think they would be a better team than last year, simply because they have a more complimentary mix of players.  Markakis and Callaspo will put the ball in play more than Heyward and the cast of revolving 2B's.  I still think they will trade J Upton, but if they don't, I am okay with it.

Speaking Without Thinking

PROVERB: Be sure your brain is engaged before putting mouth into gear.

Tuesday afternoon I went into tell my boss that I would be out Wednesday due to my mother's surgery. We chatted for a while. He said something and I agreed. Then he chuckled "you didn't hear what I just said, did you?" I realized that I hadn't and confessed. He had joked that if anything bad happened he would blame it on me. We had a good laugh, but the story rings true: I'm not the greatest listener in the world. But I'm not alone.

It's so hard for people to change. Or listen. Or to speak without thinking about what the ramifications will be for what they're saying. I'm the worst.

People just have to have the last word. They can't let the other person have the last word. Does it really matter? Why do people always have to convince everyone else that they are right?

Why can't people just let others be wrong? They'd rather have a 30 minute argument (that doesn't resolve anything) than just let the matter drop.

I write this to remind myself, as well as others in my life. I hate to see people I love arguing all the time. Not that my method of staying quiet and withdrawing is perfect.

Relationships between two imperfect humans are tough. People may read these words. My prayer is that we could all implement these words into our lives. Let God live and speak through me instead of being so selfish and putting myself first. It's not easy.

More Jeter Trivia

More Derek Jeter trivia from Answers.com. Some we already knew.

1. Started 99.5% of the games he played in.

2. Never played another position other than shortstop.

3. Only player to win the All Star Game MVP and World Series MVP in the same year.

4. He never won the AL MVP but finished in the top ten an amazing 12 times.

5. As a kid future big leaguer Todd Frazier met Jeter on the field before a game. They were reunited before the 2014 All Star game.

6. Michael Jordan often texts Jeter to remind him that Jeter has one less ring than Jordan.

7. Jeter’s parent’s attended many of his games. Each time they do Jeter makes eye contact with his mother before his first at bat. He’s done this since Little League.

8. Jeter played basketball in high school – against future NBA stars Chris Weber and Jalen Rose.

9. To this day Jeter roots for the Michigan Wolverines.

10. Jeter ranks fifth all time in most times hit by a pitch.

11. Originally did not want to become the Yankees team captain.

12. Was the 14th team captain in Yankees history.

13. In 1996 the Yankees almost traded Mariano Rivera to the Mariners for veteran shortstop Felix Vermin. Instead they went with the rookie Jeter.

14. First in playoff games played.

15. Most playoff hits in history.

16. His 3000th hit was a home run. Only one other player did that.

17. Only struck out once in his last two years of high school.

18. Paul O’Neill, Tim Raines, and Jeter became the first Yankees to hit back to back to back home runs.

19. Only hit .198 during the 2001 World Series but hit the game-winning home run in one of the games.

20. Had his own locally distributed sugar frosted breakfast cereal.

Pink Slip Perry

You hate for anyone to lose their job (especially in December) but 680AM's Perry Laurentino went out his way to be a jerk. The AJC article was spot on – Dimino refused to put up with his panderings and wouldn’t let Perry so rudely interrupt him. Northerners may like that crap but it’s not the way we do things down here in the South. Along with Chuck Oliver, Chris Dimino is the most knowledgeable sports guy on the radio – especially about baseball. Just wish he’s shave that devil goatee, even if he’s ugly underneath. No shame in that. 

With Perry gone I’m not sure who Rude will make fun of. Brandon Leak is a nice guy and Atlanta native, but he’s not one of my favorites. I like Chuck and Chernoff best, Dimino and Rude, Leo, and Buck. Also Tony Barnhart and Wes Durham. Not crazy about Sandra Golden, Brian Finneran, or John Kincaid. Steak has before a caricature of himself, made fun of by everyone else.  

I agree with Cowhurd. The conference tried to jiggle the system. Baylor isn’t the little Baptist college they used to be, which is good and bad. Nike runs things now. They wear a different uniform every game. Good fans though. Former Buckeye Kirk Herbsreit really did some lobbying for Ohio State on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoyed watching David Pollock take the opposite stance. How could TCU score 55 points and drop from 3 to 6? Did Wisconsin flop for the sake of the conference?

Wanted to make a joke about how you hadn’t seen protesting until Baylor and TCU got left out of the playoff, but figured it would be in poor taste. If they increase the playoff to 8 there would still be arguments. I never get to watch or hear Cowhurd here at work, so I’ll take your word on him. Sounds like a good guy. Chuck Oliver attends Buckhead Church. He has mentioned it on the air. Several other radio guys go there as well.

Lots of people are sick. I still have my headache – a literal headache and a few figurative ones.

Dec 1: Busy here at work. Supposed to let up in December, but more responsibility keeps getting heaped on my head. Ceil’s cousin’s wife’s mother passed away today, after a long illness. Over Thanksgiving C had gone to visit her, as all of the family who had come from out of town for the holiday. Steak, salad, mashed potatoes, and broccoli casserole for dinner last night. Ceil’s favorites. Whole Foods was having a sale. Watched a little of the Tom Selleck movie “Mr Baseball” on the MLB Network. Not interested in Miami or the Jets.

Dec 5: Took a vacation day last Friday. Had to run Matthew around and get the oil changed. Cleaned, laundry, blew the drive. Still lots to do. I was watching the movie version of Grishams A Time to Kill. Saw where UCF had a 2 TD lead at the half. Next update they trailed with less than 2 min but had 80 yards to go. Evidently EC got the ball but failed to get a first down. Flipped it back to see the post game interview and replays.

Dec 6: Late Saturday afternoon I took Barney out in our backyard. He had done his business and was poking and sniffing around. Thought I saw something move down by the creek, so I looked closer. Down at the bottom of the hill on my side of the creek was a female deer. Barney didn’t notice and I remained still. The deer splashed through the creek and scrambled up the bank to the other side, and disappeared into the woods. Then I noticed a buck with a nice rack of antlers following behind. He did took the same path. Barney never noticed or heard the splashing.    

Saturday the Christmas cards arrived via FedEx, but they contained a grammatical error – it read MURPHY’S instead of MURPHYS. Supposedly corrected cards are being sent. We already have plenty of cards – want two? You’ll know where you stand by whether you get a correct card or incorrect card. All collectors know the error cards are more valuable. I need to start addressing envelopes. Not sure when I’ll be able to write the annual Christmas letter. Since we have real cards this year I’ll probably only send the letter to those who usually send us a letter (and you!). One letter family sent us a card, but no letter. I brought some cards to work to see how they’d look with a red pen over the offending apostrophe. It was Anna who had caught the mistake and called asking them to make the correction. Then Ceil followed up. I was just an innocent bystander.

Dec 7: Saw the Giradeau’s at JFBC Sunday. Dug through the freezer and found some BBQ. Ate some both Saturday and Sunday. Friday I got Matthew some Chipotle. Ceil cooked meatballs Saturday night and French Toast on Sunday night. That selection show went on and on. Later I watched The Truman Show, a movie I’d never seen before. Matched over 80 pairs of socks. Dozens more already in drawers. Don’t know why more socks are bought. Sunday night we watched Elf. I flipped it over to EATEN ALIVE on the Discovery Channel but they were taking too long to get to the main course. Went to bed before both ended.

Received a big envelope in the mail. Ceil got the mail from the box and proclaimed “This one is addressed to THE MURPHYS so I am opening it!” She took everything except for the NOLA scores, which I gobbled up.

Trade Kimbrel?

During the last offseason several experts said the Braves should trade Kimbrel while his value was at its peak. While he did just fine in 2014, his season didn’t seem quite as dominant. My only concern about trading him would be who would replace him. Anyone would obviously be a downgrade. Perhaps young Shea Simmons. Locking up a big chunk of payroll in a closer could be dicey. Can Kimbrel keep up the super human pace he has set for himself, a pace previously unseen before? I don’t see how he can. Seems like he would lose velocity or get hurt. Lots move moving parts than the calmer Mariano Rivera. The press has labeled all the Braves moves as rebuilding, but to me it’s more like making normal long-term player moves to address expiring contracts and to strengthen weak areas.

Baltimore sure hated to see Markakis leave, which is a good sign. I always admired him from afar (meaning I didn’t follow him that closely). The Braves got four years of him a lot cheaper than Heyward or Justin, or most other decent, consistent, above average outfielders. Fans are acting like we traded Heyward for Markakis, forgetting Heyward was in the last year of his contract - and the Braves also got two quality starting pitchers in the deal.

Fans think Jim Johnson was signed to replace Kimbrel, when he’s really just to make the bullpen deeper. Not bad to have a bullpen stocked with former closers. Lots of silly comments by fans this week.

While hanging on to Beachy or especially Medlen at a lower cost would’ve been nice, it was senseless to throw tons of money at either. Neither would be ready in April, and there’s no telling if they’ll ever return to form.

ROB: I got bits and pieces of the Braves news all week.  I liked the Markakis signing - he won't be a superstar, but he will be a solid player.  I don't disagree with your idea of trading Kimbrel.  Trying to value a closer is hard.  The Yankees would not have won 4 WS without Rivera.  If Atlanta, had of had Smoltz closing games in 91, 92 and 96, I think they would have won more than 1 World Series.  However I think closers are more replaceable in the regular season.  I don't know if Kimbrel will ever be a Rivera-type postseason closer because I don't think Fredi would be willing to use him the same way (multiple innings). It sounds like the Braves may sign a Stephen Drew/Kelly Johnson type for a stop gap 2B.

ME: Fans hear the word rebuilding and automatically expect a last place finish. They forget that we locked up Freddie, Johnson, Kimbrel, and Simmons and have Teheran, Minor, and Wood. Washington has been too inconsistent to consider as a lock for first place. Nice that a 2B will be added. Drew is talented. Some say he is injury prone. I always like Kelly Johnson. He bounced around to several AL East teams, didn’t he? Was one of three ex-Braves to play first for the Yankees last year. No reason the Braves can’t contend in 2015.

Guess the Braves won’t be signing my man Ichiro now, huh?

GT/FSU Game Notes

I figured GT would wear white helmets. FSU has perhaps the best looking non-traditional college uniforms in the country. Ted Roof looks like Glenn Beck. Which GT defense will show up? Lots of holding by FSU offensive line. Two FSU starters out on defense plus top RB out on offense. Cook might be the better RB. The winning QB will wear number 5.

Why start Days at fullback after Laskey was last week's hero? Butker's pre-kick routine almost as long as the play clock. Ok with me if QB Thomas wants to carry offense on his shoulders and make big plays...which he did on the first two drives.

Buffalo Wild Wings has the dumbest commercials. After filming ESPN College Gameday in Waco announcers Fowler and Herbstreit had two change planes in both Dallas and Atlanta just to get to the game in Charlotte.

GT had 141 yards rushing in first quarter without throwing a pass...ok by me. On pace for 564 yards. Meanwhile in Indy Wisconsin gives up two big plays and trails 14-0.

Laskey starts second quarter and has a good first carry. Thomas face-masked but not called for second time. His face shield looks fogged over. False start when GT slow to snap ball. Has been happening once or twice a game lately.

Penalty negates long run by Winston, but he connects for a TD on third down. 21 all. That couple that invited the Bakers over in the Buick commercial has issues. Nice house...he must be a computer programmer based on his looks. Wife seems to have a wandering eye.

Days sure worries me the way he carries the ball so loosely. He hits the hole so slowly. Thomas running quicker than he had all year. Another false start. Nerves? Snap count? On third and long Days is stopped for a second straight time.

Wisconsin gives up a third big play. Kansas State only down one TD...Baylor not playing as impressively as TCU did earlier in the day.

Like many teams GT hasn't played against a good tight end all year. GT cannot stop FSU if they can't mount a pass rush. Need to force a turnover or three - hard thing to do when Winston has all day to throw. With less than a minute in the half it would've been great if GT could've held FSU to a field goal, but it just wasn't to be. Half ends with another no gain by Days.

Winston can have a monster game and still won't win the Heisman. Looks like Mariota has the award locked up. Marcus has a better TQBR than any recent QB Heisman winner (Winston, Mansiel, Newton, etc.). Perhaps Mariota should've been last year's winner as well.

Capital One Halftime Report sounds more like the Seminole roundtable - led by former FSU QB Danny Kanell. Before the game I spilt garnet colored spaghetti sauce on the lucky yellow Columbia PFG shirt I had worn to Grant Field for the win over Clemson...not a good sign.

Bad spot on first possession of third qtr but Days converts on fourth. Playing Days more than Laskey might cost Johnson the game. Days just got stuffed again. Laskey comes in and has three big runs. Days relieves and gets stopped before scoring. Thomas headed for a season high rushing total. Must be trying to get a thousand yards. Looks like he cleaned his windshield at halftime. 28 all.

Heather Cox lookin fly in her Shaft getup. That Jared perfectionist girl is more obnoxious than red haired Wendy or Progressive's Flo. AT&T's Lily has to add an extra comment in every commercial. And why doesn't the wife in the Georgia Natural Gas commercial that keeps turning up the thermostat just put on a sweater?

FSU is the best team GT has played this year. Winston is the best QB they've faced. Unlike Alabama's defensive players locking up ballcarriers with perfect technique tackles, GT defenders seem to throw themselves at ballcarriers hoping to knock them down. GT finally holds FSU to a field goal, but FSU forces a punt. 31-28 after three quarters.

FSU continues to get away with holding, and the frustration shows on the faces of the GT defenders. Herbstreit even mentioned it. Then GT is called for defensive holding. The ACC really wants a representative in the playoff. The Tech fans came across as loud on TV.

Could've used an interception on the second down busted play, but the third down incompletion resulted in another FSU field goal. 34-28 with 10 minutes remaining. Plays are being run at a fever pitch...a whole lot of action going on every play. QB's making lots of reads. GT again wins the time of possession battle.

Terrible call by Johnson to go for it on fourth and five with 7:23 remaining (in retrospect, it was perhaps the right call). Johnson knew the defense hasn't stopped FSU, but actually the tide was beginning to turn. Punt and make Winston drive...they were due to make a turnover. Now FSU could slow it down, but hadn't been able to stop young RB Cook all night.

Winston shows his immaturity and displeasure, unwisely wanting to go for it on fourth down when a field goal would make it a two possession game with just over four minutes to go. Jimbo's demonstrative "Let me call the game!" was priceless. 37-28.

Being held to three straight field goals, could FSU possibly be unimpressively playing its way out of a playoff berth? By playing so well, GT could actually be playing its way OUT of an Orange Bowl bid. Nice of Herbstreit to lobby for the Noles.

Terrible kickoff return by Golden, virtually stopping at the 15 yard line before getting tackled. GT really didn't need to throw, and the first down incompletion, second down sack, and third down interception were killers. Should've instead ripped off ten yards at a time with the option.

The GT defense held, thanks to a Winston interception, but FSU punted inside the five.Thomas spotted the gimpy defender and completed a pass in his area. The injury gave the announcers the chance to describe Tech's amazing comeback win in Athens. Then Thomas completed the 97 yard drive with a sweet catch and run TD pass to Waller. 37-35.

Onsides kicks are hard, and actually rarely work. Butker's didn't. Game over.

I'm happy with Tech's effort. It would've been a tough game to win, especially without Smelter. Play like this on New Years Eve and the Jackets could be Orange Bowl Champions. If Clemson's DRad and his CFP committee don't mess things up.

NOTE: Above notes were my thoughts and observations during the game. Negative opinions about players like Days and Butker have developed over the course of their entire careers, based on their performance and attitudes. Several seasons back Laskey beat out Days and has out-performed him ever since. For this reason alone I think playing Laskey gives tech the best chance of winning. I stand by my comment - Tech may very well have beaten FSU had Laskey played more.

Junior High

My junior high school buildings were cool because they looked like those schools in the movies. The building above was called Miller B when I attended it in the early 70's. I had a few classes there. Most of my classes and homeroom were next door in Miller A. Not sure those tall trees had even been planted back when I was there.  

Back then elementary school in Macon was first through seventh grade. Junior high was eighth and ninth grade. Then we moved a few blocks east to Central High - comprised of Lanier B (boys homerooms) and Lanier B across the street (girls homerooms). At one point Miller A and B were the girls high school (junior and senior high) and Lanier A and B were the boys junior and senior high. When I was there Miller junior high was coed. In tenth grade I had very few girls in my classes, but by my senior year all but homeroom was coed.

The Miller B steps were used for pep rallies. Inside the staircases were wide, and classroom ceilings were high. As I recall there was no air conditioning, but the heat didn't seem oppressive. I always remember being in an 8th grade class taught by a football coach when he was told that head coach Steiner had passed away. We were excused early that day.

A Mercer University student recently published these pictures on an abandoned places web site here. She had no knowledge of the history of the place, except for the plaques on the buildings. Miller B had been built in 1930.

The Miller B gym (above) holds memories of PE class and church basketball games. Its where I won my two round boxing match over Rex Dooley. Good times. Outside on the now unkempt grass we'd play softball. It's where I caught the bus. I always remember the day it snowed 22 inches.

Miller A (above) is where I spent most of my time. It hasn't weathered the years quite as well.

100,000 Hits

This blog is about to pass the 100,000 view mark. Sounds nice, but considering I've been blogging for over nine years, that isn't much. Some blogs have thousands - tens of thousands - hundreds of thousands of views PER DAY. While views may have increased over the past few years and months, I have a long way to go. Of course, that's not why I blog. 

3126 posts = 32 hits per post

11000 hits per year

900 per month

30 per day

In an effort to have new content every day I've started limiting posts to one per day. For the past few months I have done well with this - I'm currently on a record consecutive days streak. Saturday afternoon I did post a second post (my GT/UGA game notes) in an effort to share hot off the press info on Facebook. Since it was my 30th post of the month I did not post on Sunday, but I still consider my streak intact. Lately I've also done a better job adding photographs to the blog. Pictures I take of my various adventures are great, though most of the pictures are swiped off the internet. When possible I'll find a Sports Illustrated cover of the subject.  

The top ten most read posts:

9745 Nike Roshe Run running shoes

1344 Braves Uniform History

1234 NFL Throwback Uniforms

949 Rounding Third (about another blog)

889 Anna Watching the YOLOers (kinda creepy)

763 Puma Elite (more shoes)

683 Fair Catch Kick (inadvertently published the same night the 49ers tried the rarest play in football)

531 Total QB Ratings for November 18, 2013

500 Eight Days the Week (typical post with a catchy title)

470 Nike Air Relentless (more shoes)

Perhaps I will post more blog posts to Facebook, but I'll pick and choose the highest quality posts for than honor. I'll be the first to admit that many of my blog posts are hastily thrown together, are not properly structured, and not completely thought through. Lists are considered poor journalism, though I like to make lists to make comparisons (and other reasons). Might as well post them. I need to reach 200,000 hits in five years or less. I could increase hits by placing every post on Facebook, but I don't want to do that. I'd rather others not do that either (I'd rather people not post my picture on Facebook either, but that's another subject).

As the kids grow there are fewer family activities to write about, so more and more of my posts are about baseball and football. The internet is already saturated with overzealous sports blogs - most long on sensationalism and negativity. Many do provide much deeper analysis than I could ever hope to offer. I have my likes (Justin Thomas, Zack Laskey, Evan Gattis) and dislikes (Synjin Days and BJ Upton), but I'd like to think I'm more positive than negative. I won't be calling for the coach to be fired after every loss.

The various pages add to the total hits:

5000 Shoes

700 UGA

550 Timeline

500 Braves Roster History 

I purposely do not write about everything that happens in our family - I post far too much personal information as it is. Perhaps next year I will try to write more about the world around me. More about my threadbare walk with Jesus. The current threat of radical Islam greatly troubles me. How Christianity's influence in America is declining. I'm starting to think about our country's racial divide, though I'm much too ignorant on the subject to offer an opinion. I'd like to think this writing helps me form an opinion, however trite that may be. I do need to post more pictures of Anna's, Ceil's, and Matthew's artwork.

Every now and then I'll have a friend start off a new blog - often in January. The first few posts are great, with insight much deeper than my usual wallowing. But soon the aspiring writers quit posting. It is understandable - putting heart and soul onto pen and paper every few days is hard work, especially with a full time job, family, and other obligations. Most days I hardly have time to proofread. Kitti shoots for one blog post per week. I may have a lower writing/depth standard, but hopefully with all the practice comes higher quality. The whole Malcom Gladwell/Outliers thing.        

This blog will soon celebrate its ten year anniversary. Where do I go from here? Like running the Peachtree Road Race for 28 straight years, it seems like I should keep on blogging for the time being. At some point I'll need to update the look of the blog. The current pictures are at least five years old. Right now I am happy with them, but I really should change them soon.

GT/FSU Chatter

Wonder if FSU dropping to number four will impact the Seminole player's outlook/motivation – making them fired up to prove they belong, or play poorly because nobody believes in them. You never know. You would've thought they wouldn't have sleepwalked through the game with rival Florida, who played inspired football themselves for at least two reasons (1) they were playing against their rival and (2) it was Muschamp's last game. Another factor might've been than as an SEC school Florida was better than most of the ACC competition FSU had faced (even Notre Dame was proved to be a patsy). Maybe FSU is so cocky that they don't realize they not as dominant as last year.

And while the lawyers did most all the work, Winston's having to respond to the rape charges against him this week could have an impact on his game preparation and performance. Again, he be distracted, or he could play above his head. As talented as he is, it just seems like he could be an NFL bust like Cam Newton and Geno Smith and the Raiders number one draft pick from LSU – old what's his name Jarmarcus Russell.

Saw where GT is better statistically than most every other team FSU has played all year. GT QB Thomas has thrown four interceptions to Winston's 17. WR Smelter tore his ACL and will miss the last two games. At least the other two receivers are tall. To win Tech will have to play its best game of the season, especially without Maconite Smelter. The unreliable Butker can't miss. The defense will have to force turnovers. Good thing Laskey is back.

Vegas odds had UGA a two touchdown favorite over Tech. What they did not factor was (1) the rivalry and (2) UGA being let down after Missouri clinched the division championship. Vegas odds did not factor the two goal line fumbles and poor coach's decisions (short kick and calling timeout to ice the kicker even though he wasn't ready to kick).

GT had been on a winning run wearing the white helmets, so it surprised me when they brought back the gold helmets in Athens. Since FSU also wears gold helmets and pants, Saturday night Tech could very well dress in white head to toe. The players pick the unis, so there's no rhyme or reason. Like having the inmates run the asylum.

Why is Army going to a bowl? I suppose Army and Navy goes to bowls because special bowl games are set up especially for them. I really don't know. Did Air Force have a worse record than Army? Army is slotted for a January 2nd bowl - the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Ft Worth) AAC vs Army. Navy is also already slotted in a bowl game, as is Brigham Young. Sounds like UCF will play in the Dec 26 bowl in Tampa. Clemson is rumored to go to either the Citrus or Russell bowl – both in Orlando.

There are at least 80 bowl-eligible teams but only 78 slots. Georgia Southern won 9 games AND the conference championship, but is ineligible for any bowl because this was the first year they had moved up into their new conference. So many rules, and the bowls greedily wrangle to get the teams that will buy the most tickets. That why schools with few fans (like Tech and Duke) always get shoved to the worst bowls. Last year the Chickfila Bowl hated having Duke. I'm sure the Orange Bowl isn't thrilled about hosting Tech. There will be empty seats.

The AJC says Tech fans are buying up tickets for the ACC Championship game. There are probably lots of GT grads that live in the SC/NC I-85 corridor, from Greenville to Charlotte to Raleigh. One Tech fan that might go to the Orange Bowl is Coach O'Leary's daughter. She'll already be in Florida for the UCF bowl game in St Pete. Also coworker Thomas, who lives in Jacksonville and had season tickets. Probably coworker Jeff from Hilton Head as well. Orange Bowl is a Wednesday. I have to work on Friday January 2!

MONDAY: Worked until six. Steak, salad, mashed potatoes, and broccoli casserole for dinner last night. Ceil's favorites. Whole Foods was having a sale. Watched a little of the Tom Selleck movie "Mr Baseball" on the MLB Network. Not interested in Miami or the Jets.

TUESDAY: Ceil cooked grilled chicken and tossed a salad last night. Also fixed hot wings for M and A. I worked until 7 pm and got home late. Edited Anna's essay and cleaned upstairs. Also watched the end of the game. Couldn't believe the announcer thought they should foul while they were up three. Ceil's cousin's wife's mother passed away after a long illness. Over Thanksgiving C had gone to visit her, as did all of the family who had come from out of town for the holiday.

WEDNESDAY: Went to a focus group at noon to taste test smoked ham, so I didn't need any more lunch. Forgot there was a step and almost tripped. Now my back is starting to hurt.

M had a Christmas party to attend, so I left work a little early (5:35). Stopped by Chickfila on the way home to cash in a coupon. Service was quick and pleasant. Ceil's CRV was almost out of gas so I had to fill up. Had M meet me in the driveway, and we left. Service at the drive-thru-only CFA just south of the river was horribly slow, and there was a wreck on 400 south. After I dropped off M at 7:30 I supposedly didn't have time to go home, so I took 75 up to Marietta to hit a store I rarely visit. Bought a huge red & black golf bag for Will and a pair of Nikes to sell on eBay. Long line of cars at two different Taco Bells. Drove down Cobb Parkway to 285, then back over to pick up M. The party went 30 minutes over, which wasn't surprising. Got home at 10:30 – then took Anna's Jeep to get gas. Listened to the Tech game on the way. Long day.

My weekends have been so busy it will be nice to have a few of them at home. Way behind on my eBay.

UGA TQBR

In the past eleven years UGA has had eight QB's ranked at least 16th in the nation - and in the top ten in each of the past three seasons. Over these years the rating has continued to trend upward.  

87.1 Aaron Murray 2013 (3) senior
78.8 Hutson Mason 2014 (9) senior
78.6 Aaron Murray 2012 (10) junior
77.4 Matt Stafford 2008 (11) junior
75.3 DJ Shockley 2005 (9) senior
73.4 Aaron Murray 2010 (16) freshman
73.3 Aaron Murray 2011 (15) sophomore
68.6 David Greene 2004 (13) senior
68.5 Joe Cox 2009 (22) senior
64.8 Matt Stafford 2007 (27) sophomore
50.7 Matt Stafford 2006 (56) freshman

With the exception of Justin Thomas' 2014 season, every UGA QB in the past eleven years has finished the year with a higher rating than ALL Georgia Tech QB's were able to post.