Disclaimer

If you do not know me (I mean, really know me) then there is something you need to understand before you read this blog: I value the truth above everything else... except a good laugh. A good laugh will almost always beat the truth as far as I’m concerned. Everything you read on this blog will be true, somewhat true, or something I made up in an effort to get a laugh. Sometimes I will go on a rant that I don’t really mean (or only kind of mean). Sometimes I will mean what I write only to completely change my mind a year, month, or day later. Such is life. By reading this blog you agree not to get offended by anything I write (or, at the very least, you agree not to tell me or anyone else that you are offended). It is worth noting that my employer does not endorse my blog (or even read it, to tell you the truth). The Wife also does not endorse my blog (though she will read it from time to time). I am not paid to write this... it’s just my way of giving back to the community. I have, and will, touch on a wide range of subjects and will give my opinion on these subjects. Again, most of what I say is for laughs but every now and then I will say what I really think and feel (see my views on Westboro Baptist Cult). How will you know when I’m serious and when I’m trying to get a laugh? You’ll know. And if you don’t know, well... maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be reading. So, sit back, read and enjoy. Leave comments if you want and don’t be afraid to publicly follow me.



Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Chase Towne update

Don't have time for a long post, but I got some good news about Chase and I wanted to pass it along...

(from his dad... posted last night but I just saw it)...
CHASE IS SAFE, THE SURGERY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS AND CHASE IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEATING IT! I got chills typing that as our prayers have been answered! Chase went into surgery shortly after 2pm today. The surgery took a little over two hours, they were able to get all of the tumor in his abdomen. As an added bonus they were able to get the spot on his liver. No blood transfusion and he still has both kidneys! We are overjoyed with the outcome. Our little fighter never cried once for food all morning! another prayer answered! Chase is spending the night in the PICU as a precaution. Hopefully tomorrow he can move back to the HEMOC unit. When we handed Chase off to the surgeon, we kissed him and told him we loved him and to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! He is done just that. He is sitting in his mom's lap watching the nurses run around the PICU. The journey is not over but our miracle baby has just reached another apex in his journey to BEATING IT! I have seen all of the test, read all of the statistics and have listened to all of the doctors! I know without a doubt that Chase has been able to achieve all that he has by the power of prayer! I realize the importance of modern medicine and appreciate it fully. But what Chase has achieved so far is nothing short of a Miracle! We would not be where we are today without each of you and your support and prayers THANK YOU, THANK YOU, from the bottom of hearts! Please keep the prayers coming asking for healing and protection as Chase battles the aftermath of surgery! Thank you again!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Me and Jay-Z

So, I just got a chance to hear the new version of “We Are the World”. I gotta say I agree with Jay-Z... I wish they hadn’t done it. The first version was just too good. I liked the idea... do a song to raise money for Haiti. I think that was great. But don’t try to re-do a great song because it just won’t work.

Having said that, I did like the rap that is included in the new version. All in all, the song might have been better if they’d had different people singing. I mean, the people singing the original version were a great group of singers. It was like a Dream Team of singers getting together for a good cause. I don’t know who thought this new group would be a good... but they could have done better. To be fair, I didn’t think I’d like Miley Cyrus being on the song... but I she did a good job. Still, I think they could have found a better group.

Original


New


Chase Towne Updates: (from his dad on 2/12): Chase's Dr called tonight to tell us Chase's Bone Marrow is CLEAN again! She also told us the spot on his left shoulder that was labeled as new growth after the last scans was probably there since the beginning. The spot is so small and positional that they missed it on the first two scans. Incredible uplifting news! Our prayers are being answered! The journey is far from over but Chase is one giant hurdle closer to BEATING IT! A friend sent Christine text tonight that summed up today's news: "On a beautiful snowy night the snow outside is God's way of telling you that amazing things can happen." (it is snowing in Charleston). Tonight please give a prayer of Thanks for the amazing things God is doing in Chase's life! Thank You!

(from his dad on 2/14): Happy Valentine's Day! Chase has enjoyed a weekend at home, resting up for another busy week. On Monday, Christine and I will meet with the Chase's Oncologist to review the scans and test results from last week in detail. Wednesday Chase will report to clinic and Christine and I will meet with the surgeon to discuss surgery on Chase's abdomen to remove the tumor. Then on Wednesday, Chase will have a MRI done on his head and neck. This is for the neurosurgeon to review to get a better understanding on the tumor at the base of Chase's skull. If all goes according to schedule Chase will have surgery, Tuesday the 23rd to remove the tumor in his abdomen. This week will be a busy week of tough decisions and planning. Please say a prayer for continued strength for Chase and wisdom for the doctors.

Cleveland Cavs update: The Cavs are still on top of the Eastern Conference with a 43-11. Their next game is against Denver on Thursday (the 18th) at 8:00 on TNT.

Winthrop Eagles update: The Eagles are now in second place in the Big South with a 14-10 record (10-4 in the Big South). The Eagles face Gardner-Webb tonight in Rock Hill at 7:00.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The day the music died....

51 years ago today, a plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson crashed killing all three. Just one more reason I don’t fly.

Richardson was on the plane because one of Holly’s bandmates gave him his seat. That guy... Waylon Jennings. Since Waylon wasn’t on the plane, he didn’t die in the plane crash. Yet another reason why I don’t fly.

How much would country music suck if Waylon hadn’t lived to make the music he made? Not to mention the fact that The Dukes of Hazzard wouldn’t had been as good without him as the narrator.

A lot of you have been asking where I’ve been and why I haven’t posted in a while. Friends, this is going to be one heck of a semester for me. I’ve got so much work to do for this class that there’s a good chance I might not make it out. So, I won’t be able to post on here as much as I’d like. I’m going to try and post at least once a week...

I’ve also been doing some behind-the-scenes promotional work for my new favorite church. This work paid off big time this past Sunday when ARC set (non Easter, Christmas, or children choir singing) records in attendance with over 800 people at the worship service.

Oh, congrats to Bethany UMC for being named the “Best Church” in Summerville. Word is my Sunday School class was a big reason for this award.

I’m going to start a Church Consulting Firm with my friends KC & Danny. We’ve already done so much for two local churches.

If someone were to make a DVD of Ric Flair interviews I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

Wow... did I just go from Church Consulting to Ric Flair?



Chase Towne update: (from his mom) Hey everyone, Christine here this time. It was a much needed long day at clinic. Chase's counts were very low, so he received some platelets and blood. We were there from 9-4. They also put him on antibiotics because the insertion site of his central line is red and puffy. With his ANC so low they just want to stay on top of it in case there is an infection around the site. It was a long day, but we got to meet two more little boys that we have not met before. So cute !! One has newly diagnosed Leukemia and the other Neuroblastoma. They all live right here in Charleston not too far from us. You would be so surprised on how many children have cancer right near where we live. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't know any children that had cancer when I was young. What is happening? The little boy with Neuroblastoma was diagnosed at 6 months and is now almost 5. It was definately a breath of fresh air meeting this sweet little boy who gives us so much HOPE. Chase is very tired, but still full of energy, Thank you God ! Thank you for the prayers. Love, Christine

Cleveland Cavs update: The Cavs beat Memphis last night 105-89. Their next game is vs. Miami on Thursday night. The Cavs are leading the Eastern Conference with a 39-11 record.

Winthrop Eagles update: The Eagles beat rival Coastal Carolina this past Saturday in the ice covered Rock Hill. The Eagles are now tied for third in the Big South (2 games out of first) with an 11-10 record (7-4 in the Big South).