Lessons Learned in 32 years

1a.) The persuit of the simple life is extremely valuable. The fast car, huge house, or high-brand suit are not the problem, but the persuit of them is.

1b.) The appreciation of the simple life is extremely valuable. In compliment to (1a), you cannot put a dollar value on things like a good laugh, an embellished story, an army of songbirds in your backyard, or a crisp fall morning.

2.) Perserveriance and dicipline are much more powerful than brains. Doing something then doing it again taking in to account what you learned will get you more success than relying on knowledge alone. It's just like taking a walk down the road, you'll take many small steps to get there.

3.) God cursed work, but finding passion in your work surely makes it much easier!

4.) Don't get caught up in judging your friends by their "things" or accolades. I have been blessed with many friends who come from all different walks of life and are going in many different places. I just like having friends.

5.) When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. There are more fun things like strawberry lemonade or lemon icebox pie to consider.

5b.) Forget the pie or drink, lemons are a great addition to a nice blend. Try watermellon, spninch, and lemon. Note to self, if you are reading this years in the future and your Blendtec blender broke down, get a replacement. There is no second.

6.) Understanding the gospel is better than understanding high theology, but understanding high theology can be quite interesting.

7.) My strengths are my weakness and my weakness my strenght.

8.) Seeing a grandparent's love is cool. Sometimes annoying, but overall cool!

9.) T-Tom is my blog stalker and I appreciate that. Mr. Tom, I promise this will not be only an annual blog and I'll throw in a few posts through out the year.

10.) Writing down some thoughts from your past helps you feel really good about the future.

May, 2011

I'm sure you got the idea in the last post that I simply don't have the time to blog as much lately with the new not so new job. Anyway, I do embrace the opportunity to update the blog and let you know what's been going on in the Duffey household.

First and foremost, we have a superstar ballerina in Toddler O. She'd been practicing for months now at her school and as the recital approached, she ABSOLUTELY would not reveal her "moves". I also recall, that as the recital was getting near, that we were worried that she would clam up on stage and get stage fright. After all, being in front of a crowd is one of the most feared things possible to do.

I guess I assumed that she'd be scared because I was when I was younger. I remember even in high school band as the lead trumpet doing solos, my heart would beat literally out of my chest before the solo. Yeah, I admitted it to the world, I was a band nerd.

I digress... Back to the recital. Toddler O did great, and clearly was not fearful at all and worked the audience. Not only were her dance moves spot on, she hammed up the crowd with a few extras.

Great job O.

Questions about God.

Toddler O: Dad, do you like Auburn and Georgia?
Me: Yes.
O: Do you like Alabama?
Me: Well... The people who are Alabama fans are nice, but I don't pull for Alabama.
O: Okay.
Me: You know, you can pull for whoever you want... But, Mommy and Daddy are Auburn fans so that might be most convenient.
O: Is God an Auburn fan?
Me: What?
O: Is GOD and Auburn fan?
Me: Probably so.
O: Is He a Georgia fan?
Me: I'm sure he is.
O: Is He an Alabama fan?
Me: Well... You know, I bet he is probably a fan of theirs too.

On the topic of God. Toddler O, asked Hot Wife about His communication with us;

Toddler O: Mommy, does God have a cell phone?
Hot Wife: Hmm... That's a good question for Pastor Reeder.

Happy Valentines Day

As I look back on the month of February, the moment that fills my mind was Valentines day. There are two pearls of the Duffey archives that I'd like to share. First, I must brag on Hot Wife as she gave me something truly special. A blender. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear you sigh. You see it's not just any blender. This is a Blendtec blender - a blender with serious horsepower. Now I've been blending the basics, smoothies, whole food juices, and of course non-dairy ice cream, but if you are interested in all the things that can be blended in the Blendtec, check out Will It Blend. If you wish or are crazy enough, you can blend golf balls, an I-phone, lawn tools, etc. So the next time I want to have a strawberry-banana smoothie with a side of golf ball dust, I've got the right tool for the job.

Second, I want to share with you about my diva daughter's dialog on Valentines Day. Let me give you the background. Hot Wife has been telling me about how her dad, brought her and Aunt 'Tacy a single rose each Valentines day. A pink one for Aunt 'Tacy and yellow for Hot Wife. Anyway, I thought that was a good idea and bought Toddler O a pink rose (and one for Hot Wife and Momma Deb to boot). I am so excited and give Toddler O her rose and she says, "I only get one?"

I reply, "yes dear, one pretty rose".

"I wanted more than one"

"Well maybe next time", I followed.

I didn't take that too personally coming from a three year-old and went on my business as she used her rose like a sword. And just a few moments later she jabbed me again.

"I wanted a red one!"

Argh, we've got a diva on our hands!