Well it has been....to quote my father..."A hell of a year!" However, hell year is over. My brother and I are official MBA graduates of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. It still really hasn't sank in yet that a long tumultous year of breaking in a new job and going to grad school is over. As I'm typing this blog it's a Sunday night and I'm watching Celebrity Apprentice. My usual routine for Sunday has been watching this show and pouring over notes, doing school projects, or taking online quizzes. But no more!
I can take a deep breath and catch my breath....done. Now its time to get to my list of things that I've been neglecting.
Back to my horses- too long with out riding and running down the road. Rebel's been sitting in a stall all year and he's about as bored as I have been. Time to hit the back pasture and the arena for lots of tuning up. Being on the back of a horse is still better than being behind my big desk...anyday.
Pick up my guitar- No, I'm no John Rich with a guitar but I do enjoy picking out the lyrics that float through my head.
Enjoy the peace- I can't remember the last time I had some thoughts that didn't revolve around my school schedule and work load. Looking forward to all those going away.
Hit the lake- Time to get the fleet out and enjoy the water. Hello Medina (at least till the drought doesn't let us launch)
Friends and Family- Let's BBQ. Time to hangout, catch up, and enjoy life.
Write- maybe a novel, maybe a short series, but at least more on this blog.
Thanks for the support y'all!
LB
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Guess that wasn't Love!
The clear resonating tone of "F you and go to hell!" is sounding through my brain as I slip my phone back into the pocket of my old blue jeans. I'm thinking to myself, "guess that wasn't love" as I'm ransacking the veterinary supply box looking for a needle, syringe, and the Banamine! No, it's not for me ....I promise.
Banamine, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for horses. (No, it's not for me...I promise.) That's exactly what it is being made for today. It's aspirin for horses. But, it's for a sick little cow pony that I just temped at 104 degrees. That's pretty hot for any kind of mammal....including Ice. My brother's prized cutting horse. I'm giving him the shot to start bringing down the fever before making an after hours call to the vet. Ice had a recent sinus infection and apparently is having allergic reactions to the drugs he was given. Taking Ice to the vet means I won't be picking up this beautiful woman that I had evening plans with.
I'll call her Katie for this story...and well that's her name. Anyways, I met Katie while Christmas shopping the other day. It was the highlight of a long, exhausting, miserable day! Seriously, when did so many people quit buying their Christmas presents in July. The last two days before Christmas should be reserved for just us guys. Because we've finally made up our mind to what we want to buy and for whom, and we have formulated a plan of attack. Even planning a backup gift list for the ones that we can't find. Anyways that's another topic.
So the last stop on my tumultuous shopping expedition are some new shirts for my brother Andrew. I walked into the Cavenders Western Wear store and there she was.....a true example of physical beauty....and there I was...tongue on the ground and tripping over every line I wanted to approach her with. That's right..."approach" because it wasn't a question of if I would speak to her, it was what was I going to say? You don't win the gold buckle unless you back into the box and nod. And, I was nodding....physically nodding I think, because the next thing I know this goddess of Eden is asking me if I'm ok. As I stutter a hesitant "yes" and am trying to pull every ounce of focus to continue standing upright and not become a puddle of wasted humanity at her feet...I think to myself....this might be LOVE! I quickly gather my thoughts break the eye contact and retreat (well not retreat exactly) but to observe and gather intelligence. "The Art of War" teaches that you should know your enemy before attacking your enemy.....and there is one thing I've learned....if it's love or lust...the rules of war always apply! So I slink away to find Andrew's shirts, and size her up.
These are my thoughts as I size up the hunt. "Damn she's pretty..no beautiful...like straight out of a magazine ad! Blonde hair, straight shoulder length, kinda like Jennifer Anniston...check. She's definetly into fashion as I notice the big bright glitzy belt buckle around that little black mid thigh high dress....damn...check. Are those designer square toe cowboy boots? Yeap... Not too tan and not too white...and is that small mole on her right cheek....YES...check. Green eyes...and wow they sparkle....Ok I'm in...ALL IN! Like a bad poker player I'm flailing my chips into the center of the table in hopes of drawing the proverbial ace in the hole!"
In the meantime I've picked out a couple of shirts that I know Andrew will like, but I've figured out my icebreaker. I'm holding the shirts as I make my approach...Maverick call the ball! Roger, Maverick has the ball....."Excuse me Ma'am, but I'm having some trouble deciding on these shirts for my brother....what do you think of them? That's it...there's the ice breaker...nothing extravagant or jackassish...(it's taken alot of practice) but letting a woman have a say so in a decision you make is such a play maker. The intro works and we're talking, and I introduce myself. Ask a few questions about her, and close with an "always leave them wanting more" attitude. In thanking her for her help and good taste I ask for her number...."the gold buckle" in this instance and for some reason she gives it. Life is good, as I mentally skip gleefully away planning June weddings under green oak tress in back pastures with cold kegs of beer and brisket!
We talk....we text...and we make a date! I've flirted....and poured it on thick at every chance I could...trying not to overdue it, but at the same time being my honery self. Seems like we may get along pretty good. Until, I make a call from my cell phone saying that I can't make this evening because I'm taking Ice to the vet! Before even getting to explain what's going on..I'm hearing that pretty little mouth say that dirty word....and it might have been a turn on if it wasn't directed towards me. I say I'm sorry and wish her the best!
I load Ice and we trudge out the ranch road to the highway. I stop to check the tires, glance in on how he's doing and climb back in the cab. Shift 'Ol Blue into drive and pull out on the highway, reaching for the radio dial and the song playing is Dan Seals, "Everything that Glitters is Not Gold", couldn't make it up if I tried. In my mind a saying my father instilled in me is beating away...."you take care of your horse, before you take care of yourself"
If she was as much go as she was show...well then she would've known that. When you have responsibility sometimes things change. Like any single mother or father who ever had to change plans to deal with a sick child....The same is true with horses! They come first in times of need....And Dad, that's still true. So it wasn't love....just lust. Oh well, there's always another down the road.
A few hours later and Ice is responding well. His temperature is down, he's moving better, and by tomorrow the swelling in his neck should be almost gone. All thanks to a beautiful, vivacious, talented vet....Dr. Collins. She wasn't on call...but she took the call. Thanks Doc. I'm not sure what oath a vet takes, but I know it's based on taking care of the horse, before you take care of yourself!
LB
Banamine, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for horses. (No, it's not for me...I promise.) That's exactly what it is being made for today. It's aspirin for horses. But, it's for a sick little cow pony that I just temped at 104 degrees. That's pretty hot for any kind of mammal....including Ice. My brother's prized cutting horse. I'm giving him the shot to start bringing down the fever before making an after hours call to the vet. Ice had a recent sinus infection and apparently is having allergic reactions to the drugs he was given. Taking Ice to the vet means I won't be picking up this beautiful woman that I had evening plans with.
I'll call her Katie for this story...and well that's her name. Anyways, I met Katie while Christmas shopping the other day. It was the highlight of a long, exhausting, miserable day! Seriously, when did so many people quit buying their Christmas presents in July. The last two days before Christmas should be reserved for just us guys. Because we've finally made up our mind to what we want to buy and for whom, and we have formulated a plan of attack. Even planning a backup gift list for the ones that we can't find. Anyways that's another topic.
So the last stop on my tumultuous shopping expedition are some new shirts for my brother Andrew. I walked into the Cavenders Western Wear store and there she was.....a true example of physical beauty....and there I was...tongue on the ground and tripping over every line I wanted to approach her with. That's right..."approach" because it wasn't a question of if I would speak to her, it was what was I going to say? You don't win the gold buckle unless you back into the box and nod. And, I was nodding....physically nodding I think, because the next thing I know this goddess of Eden is asking me if I'm ok. As I stutter a hesitant "yes" and am trying to pull every ounce of focus to continue standing upright and not become a puddle of wasted humanity at her feet...I think to myself....this might be LOVE! I quickly gather my thoughts break the eye contact and retreat (well not retreat exactly) but to observe and gather intelligence. "The Art of War" teaches that you should know your enemy before attacking your enemy.....and there is one thing I've learned....if it's love or lust...the rules of war always apply! So I slink away to find Andrew's shirts, and size her up.
These are my thoughts as I size up the hunt. "Damn she's pretty..no beautiful...like straight out of a magazine ad! Blonde hair, straight shoulder length, kinda like Jennifer Anniston...check. She's definetly into fashion as I notice the big bright glitzy belt buckle around that little black mid thigh high dress....damn...check. Are those designer square toe cowboy boots? Yeap... Not too tan and not too white...and is that small mole on her right cheek....YES...check. Green eyes...and wow they sparkle....Ok I'm in...ALL IN! Like a bad poker player I'm flailing my chips into the center of the table in hopes of drawing the proverbial ace in the hole!"
In the meantime I've picked out a couple of shirts that I know Andrew will like, but I've figured out my icebreaker. I'm holding the shirts as I make my approach...Maverick call the ball! Roger, Maverick has the ball....."Excuse me Ma'am, but I'm having some trouble deciding on these shirts for my brother....what do you think of them? That's it...there's the ice breaker...nothing extravagant or jackassish...(it's taken alot of practice) but letting a woman have a say so in a decision you make is such a play maker. The intro works and we're talking, and I introduce myself. Ask a few questions about her, and close with an "always leave them wanting more" attitude. In thanking her for her help and good taste I ask for her number...."the gold buckle" in this instance and for some reason she gives it. Life is good, as I mentally skip gleefully away planning June weddings under green oak tress in back pastures with cold kegs of beer and brisket!
We talk....we text...and we make a date! I've flirted....and poured it on thick at every chance I could...trying not to overdue it, but at the same time being my honery self. Seems like we may get along pretty good. Until, I make a call from my cell phone saying that I can't make this evening because I'm taking Ice to the vet! Before even getting to explain what's going on..I'm hearing that pretty little mouth say that dirty word....and it might have been a turn on if it wasn't directed towards me. I say I'm sorry and wish her the best!
I load Ice and we trudge out the ranch road to the highway. I stop to check the tires, glance in on how he's doing and climb back in the cab. Shift 'Ol Blue into drive and pull out on the highway, reaching for the radio dial and the song playing is Dan Seals, "Everything that Glitters is Not Gold", couldn't make it up if I tried. In my mind a saying my father instilled in me is beating away...."you take care of your horse, before you take care of yourself"
If she was as much go as she was show...well then she would've known that. When you have responsibility sometimes things change. Like any single mother or father who ever had to change plans to deal with a sick child....The same is true with horses! They come first in times of need....And Dad, that's still true. So it wasn't love....just lust. Oh well, there's always another down the road.
A few hours later and Ice is responding well. His temperature is down, he's moving better, and by tomorrow the swelling in his neck should be almost gone. All thanks to a beautiful, vivacious, talented vet....Dr. Collins. She wasn't on call...but she took the call. Thanks Doc. I'm not sure what oath a vet takes, but I know it's based on taking care of the horse, before you take care of yourself!
LB
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Back To School!!!
“Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.” -Dr. Haim Ginott
To all my friends and family starting back to teaching tomorrow, I'm wishing the best of luck and hope each has a great year. Each one of you does a great job with a stacked deck! Wish y'all the best and may you each have an exciting, successful, and productive year!
Have Fun,
LB
To all my friends and family starting back to teaching tomorrow, I'm wishing the best of luck and hope each has a great year. Each one of you does a great job with a stacked deck! Wish y'all the best and may you each have an exciting, successful, and productive year!
Have Fun,
LB
Monday, July 19, 2010
32....Damn!
When I wake up tomorrow I'll wake up to the body of a 32 year old man. Well I'll say man...and some might still say boy. But to me that's a compliment! I spent this years birthday vacation going to see one of my favorite performers with my favorite brother in the world. OK, he's my only brother, but we still had a blast.
Andrew and I found ourselves in Vegas for one of the Garth Brooks concerts. I don't think I could ever actually sum up the emotions of his performance. Seated 50 feet above one of my favorite all time entertainers waiting for the show to start, I heard several people talking about what song he would start with. I knew what song it would be..because much like Garth's life, the lyrics of this song plays to my own heart....and you should have seen the necks whip around when he belted out with "Much Too Young" the song I called as being his first. I've always said that song is the story of my life, and request it be played at my funeral one day.
Much too young to feel this damned old! Turning 32 is no exception. If you are only as young as you feel and age is just a number then hell...I'm never leaving 25 in my mind. Twenty-five was a great time...but 32 won't be so bad. Hindsight is twenty-twenty and I've had enough to last most people a life time, but I'm sure up for a lot more before my race is through.
Garth's show was one that was very special to me, almost like hearing the wind whisper my name. For awhile lately, I'd forgotten how much music means to me. I guess trading the radio for graduate books, and a mountain of multi-tasking had left my soul craving a good song yearning to reconnect with my inner child. So here's a play list of some of my favorite song memories.
Tracy Lawrence- "Gonna Live Forever, If The Good Die Young" Picture this song blaring out of two old 1983 F-250 radio speakers as I flew down back roads learning to shift gears in an old diesel like she was a Porshe 911 on a Grand Prix course. Yes, that good.
Top Gun Soundtrack- "Danger Zone" in a Sony knockoff tape player lifting weights and trying to be the meanest football player that I could.
Ernest Tubb- " Waltz Across Texas" She was the best dancing girlfriend I've ever had, and we could steal the show waltzing to this song. We never made it as a couple, but this song always started fireworks.
Conway Twitty- "That's My Job" I always knew no matter how bad it got, the old man would help me out. Quite frankly the world would be a better place if every father was like that. I'm lucky to have had a father that allowed us to step out on our own and let us be who we are.
Keith Whitley & Earl Thomas Conley- "Brotherly Love" the kid may have been a pain growing up but damn he's one of a kind! I have the best brother in the world and am proud of the young man he's grown up to be. Having him along this year for my birthday trip was special!
As I look to the next years of whatever my life brings...I've come across a song that puts a lot of it into perspective. Jason Aldean's "On My Highway"
On my highway the yellow lines, Have disappeared from time to time, And I've wound up on the wrong side of the road,On my highway I've gone to fast, Afraid that I might finish last, I hooked a curve too hard and lost control, Oh I never know which way it's gonna go,
(Chorus)
But what a feeling chasing the sun, Living my life like it's shot from a gun,Laughing a little bit more with every mile,Oh what a freedom racing the wind,Dying to know whats around the next bend, And smiling as I watch the years roll by,I'm learning how to take it day by day on my highway,On my highway I missed some signs, And left a damn good love behind,I see her in my rear view like a ghost,On my highway I've broken down,And cried when no one else was around,And prayed that God would save my soul,Ya I've paid a lot of heavy tolls,
(Chorus)
Yeah Yeah,What a feeling out on the run,Drinking up the rain soaking up the sun,Laughing a little bit more with ever mile,Oh what a freedom like a sail in the wind,Not looking back not forgetting where I've been,Smiling as I watch the years roll by,I'm moving on from my mistakes, And I'm learning how to take it day by day,On my highway,Oh oh yeah.
I'm blessed and looking forward to the next 32 years up around the bend.
Hasta compadres!
LB
Andrew and I found ourselves in Vegas for one of the Garth Brooks concerts. I don't think I could ever actually sum up the emotions of his performance. Seated 50 feet above one of my favorite all time entertainers waiting for the show to start, I heard several people talking about what song he would start with. I knew what song it would be..because much like Garth's life, the lyrics of this song plays to my own heart....and you should have seen the necks whip around when he belted out with "Much Too Young" the song I called as being his first. I've always said that song is the story of my life, and request it be played at my funeral one day.
Much too young to feel this damned old! Turning 32 is no exception. If you are only as young as you feel and age is just a number then hell...I'm never leaving 25 in my mind. Twenty-five was a great time...but 32 won't be so bad. Hindsight is twenty-twenty and I've had enough to last most people a life time, but I'm sure up for a lot more before my race is through.
Garth's show was one that was very special to me, almost like hearing the wind whisper my name. For awhile lately, I'd forgotten how much music means to me. I guess trading the radio for graduate books, and a mountain of multi-tasking had left my soul craving a good song yearning to reconnect with my inner child. So here's a play list of some of my favorite song memories.
Tracy Lawrence- "Gonna Live Forever, If The Good Die Young" Picture this song blaring out of two old 1983 F-250 radio speakers as I flew down back roads learning to shift gears in an old diesel like she was a Porshe 911 on a Grand Prix course. Yes, that good.
Top Gun Soundtrack- "Danger Zone" in a Sony knockoff tape player lifting weights and trying to be the meanest football player that I could.
Ernest Tubb- " Waltz Across Texas" She was the best dancing girlfriend I've ever had, and we could steal the show waltzing to this song. We never made it as a couple, but this song always started fireworks.
Conway Twitty- "That's My Job" I always knew no matter how bad it got, the old man would help me out. Quite frankly the world would be a better place if every father was like that. I'm lucky to have had a father that allowed us to step out on our own and let us be who we are.
Keith Whitley & Earl Thomas Conley- "Brotherly Love" the kid may have been a pain growing up but damn he's one of a kind! I have the best brother in the world and am proud of the young man he's grown up to be. Having him along this year for my birthday trip was special!
As I look to the next years of whatever my life brings...I've come across a song that puts a lot of it into perspective. Jason Aldean's "On My Highway"
On my highway the yellow lines, Have disappeared from time to time, And I've wound up on the wrong side of the road,On my highway I've gone to fast, Afraid that I might finish last, I hooked a curve too hard and lost control, Oh I never know which way it's gonna go,
(Chorus)
But what a feeling chasing the sun, Living my life like it's shot from a gun,Laughing a little bit more with every mile,Oh what a freedom racing the wind,Dying to know whats around the next bend, And smiling as I watch the years roll by,I'm learning how to take it day by day on my highway,On my highway I missed some signs, And left a damn good love behind,I see her in my rear view like a ghost,On my highway I've broken down,And cried when no one else was around,And prayed that God would save my soul,Ya I've paid a lot of heavy tolls,
(Chorus)
Yeah Yeah,What a feeling out on the run,Drinking up the rain soaking up the sun,Laughing a little bit more with ever mile,Oh what a freedom like a sail in the wind,Not looking back not forgetting where I've been,Smiling as I watch the years roll by,I'm moving on from my mistakes, And I'm learning how to take it day by day,On my highway,Oh oh yeah.
I'm blessed and looking forward to the next 32 years up around the bend.
Hasta compadres!
LB
Monday, July 12, 2010
Perseverance
Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist but the ability to start over- F Scott Fitzgerald
That seems to be my quote this summer! Persevere...or maybe...survive, endure, tolerate, move forward, and don't compromise. It's turning out to be a late night and that figures for a long day tomorrow. However, seeing as I'm awake and with a million and one thoughts running through my head I might as well write some of them here. First off...wow! Summer is flying by but its brought about some great things.
My new job is wonderful and it's pretty cool to work where you can actually say what you think without worrying about stepping on toes. I'm pretty lucky (blessed) to be where I am and what I'm doing. Now if I can just figure out all the procedures...but I'll persevere!
Summer school is flying by but I feel it's about to get a lot faster! Taking 6 hours for the last summer session, and they might be a little complicated. The pressure of taking the hours now is better than extending it another year though...so I'll persevere!
Rebel has been injured all summer but he is feeling a little better. It has sucked not being able to compete, but its better to take care of your horse and win the gold buckle another day. I'm sure we'll start several paces back of where we were when he tore his knee up but....we'll persevere!
In the meantime we're blessed with lush green grass, fat calves, beautiful weather, the best of friends and family, and perseverance. Because things won't always go perfect, the future is never known, but this game called life we endure, must always go on!
LB
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day
Congratulations to Jeff and Karen Carawan and my cousins Cody and Roxanna Moore on having their first father's day. Both couples are expecting soon and we are all praying for a healthy baby girl and boy to spoil.
Today's a special day! A day to honor our fathers, and though they are not all with us it doesn't mean their spirit doesn't live on in our hearts. I'm thankful to be from a family of great men who lead by example on both sides of my family tree. From my grandfather who can boast of only being out of work two days in his life, to my uncles whose devotion to their children is awe inspiring. These men have dedicated their lives to providing for their families and raising wholesome good hearted sons and daughters. Today is your day and I'm honored to call you family.
Days like to today are bitter sweet for me. It's been several years since dad passed and at times it still feels as if he's here. My father was the greatest man I ever knew. I never told him that as much as I could have, but I did tell him I loved him every chance I could. The older I get the more I admit to myself that he was right about a lot of things. I'm grateful though that he loved me enough to let me find out for myself. It's no secret that I miss him. He was my biggest fan and best friend.
I have several friends whose fathers have passed away and they are in my prayers today. Our fathers....be thankful for the time we had with them...cherish their memories...strive to meet their expectations...and love the world the way we were loved!
Happy Father's Day Dad,
Love
LB
Today's a special day! A day to honor our fathers, and though they are not all with us it doesn't mean their spirit doesn't live on in our hearts. I'm thankful to be from a family of great men who lead by example on both sides of my family tree. From my grandfather who can boast of only being out of work two days in his life, to my uncles whose devotion to their children is awe inspiring. These men have dedicated their lives to providing for their families and raising wholesome good hearted sons and daughters. Today is your day and I'm honored to call you family.
Days like to today are bitter sweet for me. It's been several years since dad passed and at times it still feels as if he's here. My father was the greatest man I ever knew. I never told him that as much as I could have, but I did tell him I loved him every chance I could. The older I get the more I admit to myself that he was right about a lot of things. I'm grateful though that he loved me enough to let me find out for myself. It's no secret that I miss him. He was my biggest fan and best friend.
I have several friends whose fathers have passed away and they are in my prayers today. Our fathers....be thankful for the time we had with them...cherish their memories...strive to meet their expectations...and love the world the way we were loved!
Happy Father's Day Dad,
Love
LB
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Memorial Day Quotes
As we're off to celebrate this Memorial Day, don't forget to say a prayer for the men and women that sacrifice for our Freedom. The quote below is from an old English Economist named John Stuart Mill. I discovered it when doing research for a paper years ago and it's always stuck with me.
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill
As the son of a veteran, I thank all those serving and their families for their dedication and support. Because of the American soldier I get to be who I am, a Texan and American, and that makes for a pretty good life!
Thanks
LB
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill
As the son of a veteran, I thank all those serving and their families for their dedication and support. Because of the American soldier I get to be who I am, a Texan and American, and that makes for a pretty good life!
Thanks
LB
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