New Year Update

Yep, it's 2011. Some things on my mind so far...

1. I'm the biggest freak in tracking sun rise and sun set times this part of the year. Well sort of... but I get generally excited that we are getting more sun-light as it means more outdoor activities are around the corner. Since December 13th we have gained 12 minutes of sunlight in the evening. It will get more aggressive and about 1 minute per day. Day Light Savings is on March 12th which will put sunset at about 7:14 PM and we are at 4:54 PM right now.

2. We went to the snow yesterday. It was a great experience other than Nate as he is still a bit young to go. We went to Eskimo Hill for the 1st time ever, loved it. It didn't seem nearly as dangerous as the legends have seemed over the past 15 years I've lived in Redding. I can't wait to go back again... maybe every weekend from here on out! We hope to next time to have a big fire-pit like the other families so kids can stay really warm. Anyone want to go with us?

3. We got the Xbox 360 with Kinect. We had the old system but I am going to sell it. The new system came with Kinect and wireless is built into it. I think by the time I sell the old system, we'll come out ahead with the new system as I was going to pay for the Kinect and Wireless thing. This is so much better than the Wii!

4. I took a lot of time off work the past 2 weeks. I feel blessed as I have great staff that allowed me to be able to take the time with family. But back to the grind as I have 50 hard weeks ahead of me to meet the 2011 goals for Farmers. I feel that 2011 is going to be a great year for my family, the office and the staff. I think looking ahead I'll be looking for one new staff person if Matt goes to the CHP and possibly a 2nd person if business takes off.

5. I feel I got some answers at church today and this is the year that God is saying it is time to get up and start doing something. 2010 was a year to sit back and soak things in. I need to add something to my New Years Resolution... but I need to take my guitar out once a week. Interesting today in the sermon at The Stirring of how Elijah threw down fire and killed hundreds in one day. He saw the glory of God and then his life was later threatened so he ran away in the wilderness. He was human as Nate said today like the rest of us. When we have seen God's power in miraculous ways, why then do we run away from God and not be used?

6. The Bears play in 2 weeks for the 1st playoff game! Sunday January 16th at 10:00 AM... guess I won't be attending church in the morning. Maybe time to check out the evening again that day? Ummmm, baseball starts in about 45 days with Pitchers and Catchers reporting to camp... crazy!

7. Vegas Baby! We are going for 4 days at the end of February with a promotion within our District with Farmers. I'm taking 3 of the staff as the other couldn't go that weekend :( But it'll be a fun time, really fun time! I found last time that we had a lot of fun with the shows as there is plenty to do. I think we'll have to hit up more shows this time. Our District Manager is paying for everyone's trip including air, hotel and some extra stuff. Awesome!

8. Jamie's birthday is on the 10th. For a few months she has been saying all she wants is a night by herself at a hotel with no kids and lots of peace and quiet. I'm trying to give her 2 days. Please pray for me everyone... I'm not sure I can do as awesome of a job she does.