Saturday, August 9, 2008

Greatest of the Cubs!


Last night we were watching the Olympic opening ceremonies. First of all, I didn't realize how many countries participated in that thing. Emma was getting a kick out of all the countries names, especially Djibouti \jə-ˈbü-tē\ . It made me think about the one time I participated in the Olympics. No really, it's true, I was involved in the 1988 Summer Cub Scout Olympics. I know that does not sound like much and maybe even a little like a joke, but that was 10 grueling events. Each event placed three boys Blue, Red and White ribbons. My first Blue Ribbon was won in the "Hammering Nails" competition. I hammered in 5 nails faster than any boy out there that day. All in all, I ended the day with 3 Blue Ribbons, 4 Red Ribbons and 2 White Ribbons. For you mathematically challenged folks, I placed in 9 of the 10 events. My friend Jeff had 5 Blue Ribbons, but only 6 ribbons all together. I just knew he was going to be the overall champion, after all he finish with more Blue Ribbons than myself. When that lady called my name as overall Cub Scott Olympic champion, I was shocked, but yet ecstatic. Now you know why I have such a good looking wife, that's for dern sure!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

"Bobby Boucher Syndrome"

Time just gets faster and faster the older you get. My nephew is going to kindergarten in a couple of weeks. It seems like yesterday that we were driving the wrong way down a one way street in the snow to see Noah born at Baptist Hospital downtown Nashville. It is hard to believe he will be in school this year and it also scares me to think my little Emma will be there in only two more years. As I have been thinking about this major milestone, I tried to remember my kindergarten year. I am not known for my memory, but major events seem to mark the brain no matter what age you may be. I don't remember my first day, nor my last. I don't remember any of the friends I played with or what we even played. I do remember my teachers name...Miss Higgins. I also remember one event that left me with cold legs. As most of you know, most 5 year olds still need a nap. It was standard practice for the whole class to take a daily nap. I had what I like to call, "Bobby Boucher Syndrome". If you have ever seen the movie Waterboy, you know what I am referring too. So, nap time was not my favorite due to this little issue. I would never fall to sleep, but instead lay there nice and quiet, with my eyes shut enough to where they looked close, but I could barely see through the lashes. I am not sure why, but one day I was so tired I actually feel asleep and my biggest fear came true. Yes, I did it, I tinkled, t-t'ed, urinated, went pee pee, or however you say it in your house, all over myself and the floor. I didn't know what to do, so I just laid there until all the other kids had gone outside for play time. When I was all alone, I told my teacher what I had done and she was sweet and gave me the change of clothes my mom had brought at the beginning of the year for such an event. I thought I was safe. I didn't think anyone would notice I had changed clothes, until Miss Higgins pulled the shorts and t-shirt out of the bag. In Tennessee, when we start school it is still very hot and shorts and a t-shirt are totally appropriate. However, we were in the dead of winter and my only option was to go outside wearing shorts on a cold winters day. Of course every body noticed, wouldn't you? That is the day I became a "story teller". I know God has forgiven me for that chain of lies, but still have flash backs from time to time. After all, a reputation is a hard thing to keep, so a "story" is sometimes needed, that's for dern sure!