got a new look

Here's some encouragement. I've just updated the look of my blog. Hopefully you'll like it. Also, I've changed the name of it from Textured Observations to (at the moment) common sense. We'll see how long this name lasts.

At the top are my twitter updates. Here (obviously) are my blog entries. This should be fun. I was thinking about what I said earlier about how this is all about "me." I read in Relevant Magazine how my generation is all about the blog, because blogs are selfish. I'll either find that link or post some of it (giving full credit to Relevant Magazine, of course).

The Personal Return

I have another blog. I blog for The Clinton News on usually pointless things, like how things I've learned tend to rub off on your lifestyle. I try to make it about things going on in Clinton as much as possible. Things like 5K's and festivals and the such. However, I've been slacking off of the blog for nearly two months, so I have recently picked it back up.

The thing, though, that has always bugged me about it is the fact that I can't be personal on it. Sure, readers want to see personality in the post, but the blog isn't supposed to be about my life, just my thoughts. I figured I'd pick this one back up as well, and have my blog. Textured Observations. Me.

The new year has already kicked off, and boy are the expectations piling up. Five days into it, thoughts about the new president, his financial secretary bidding farewell, a friend has died in a car wreck (though technically that was 2008, I'm sure the mourning has continued), a coworker's last day is Friday, and Meg's birthday is Saturday. Talk about a to do list.

But I kicked off 2009 by jumping in to the Gulf of Mexico with about 200 other morons at "high noon" in Perdido Key. It was cold, to say the least. People were dressed up like crazies: had a Batman, a very fat man dressed as a baby, some questionable college guys in questionable attire, and tons of Alabama fans (too bad they lost, suckers).

Anywho, this blog is back, though I don't know who'll read it. I'll post both blogs on facebook to keep everyone abreast. So, let's get personal.

People I know (I guess people I don't know as well) are having babies. Some who will be great parents, some that surprise me they know how to dress themselves, and some that live in the largest neighborhood of LaLaLand.

Recently I began thinking. Babies cost money. Birthing costs money. Mothers cost money. So, if I have to get all three, I'm thinking it's going to cost some dough. You get joy, you get a family, and you get a blessing, but my mind isn't sinking in to those ideas.

We had a scare that maybe we were going to have one a while ago. Luckily, it was a false alarm. I played the "disappointed" card but felt a bit serious. I think being a dad will be a great thing. Have someone who looks up to for the first ten years of his or her life, then spend the next 20 years thinking you're an idiot. But the love shared between parents and kids is always so strong, no matter how much they may argue or disagree. I'm huge into family. I love my family. I have two great parents who love each other and me. I have in-laws who do the same.

What I'm beating around the bush to say is, I want a family, but the overwhelming idea of my thin wallet becoming even more anorexic is the part that gets me. I know it's logical to feel this way, but I just don't want to have the stresses of life steal the fun I'll have in the future.

Can't be anxious, right? I'm going to keep trying not to be. I'm no worrier, and I'm surely not going to become one anytime soon. I'll let the joy overwhelm me instead.

* * * * *

So tonight, I'm heading back to spin class. I've missed over the past two weeks because of holidays and travel, so I'm diving in head first. In fact, one of my New Year's Resolutions is to compete and complete a triathlon. I figure I can do a Sprint Triathlon and then work up to longer distances.

Spin and training is going to be a priority. I don't know if I'll have the time later in life (with kids and all) so I'm going to use the time I have. We're not promised another minute, so I'm going to make the most of the ones I have.

I went through my calendar to plan out the next weeks and realized the next weeks need to be the next months. The first half of 2009 is going to be busy. We've got Meg's birthday this weekend, helping with friend's church function at the end of the month, Phillip's baseball games, 5K races and on and on and on.

I know we'll be busy, but I hope we'll use the business to remember it's better than being bored. Business, to me, means we've got things to do with those we love.

Speaking of busy, I'm going to get back to work. I'll keep this personal blog updated with things about me (how selfish does that sound?).

AM I COOL?

I totally used to be cool, or at least I think I was. I used to have the speakers in my car, the sweet tunes bumpin' from them, and I knew where the party was and how to get there. In fact, I was the guy who drove there (because when I wanted to leave, I didn't have to wait on someone else because I was their ride). I played in a band and rocked my heart out. I could hold people in stitches and make them laugh just by saying anything. I used to be the life of the party (once again, or at least I think I was).

I still like to think I'm cool, but sometimes there are instances that reveal to me that the age test I took yesterday (see farther down on the blog - it says I'm 29) is probably closer to right than wrong. Sure, I'm turning 23 on the 20th this month, but according to the quiz, I'm closer to 30!

People my age (according to the likes of Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan - the rehab rockers) should be going to parties and such, but I'm not down with that. Instead, I like to chill at home and enjoy the cable programing list that is not entertaining enough, but the fact that I'm overpaying for it makes me watch it, because I don't feel like being completely taken advantage of (rrrrrrrrrrright . . . ). I don't get to spend my money on fast cars, elaborate trips, pointless dates or even gifts for myself.

Instead, I get to enjoy life on the broke side. No sarcasm implied, honestly. Instead of having stuff, I have a wonderful wife, a great house, and a fat puppy that is more spoiled that rotten tomatoes. Last night I edited Megan's book review for her MS history class. I count that a blessing because there are people who don't have anyone to ask them to do something for them.

So, am I cool? Nope! But I'm loving every minute of it!

IT SAYS I'M 29

You Are 29 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

MONDAY

This weekend, I had a lot of fun running from golf tournaments, partying with 4 year olds, and going to church.

The golf tournament was great. We had tickets to the Ameristar Arena where we got free lunch and a shaded area to watch the tournament on the 18th fairway. We got to see John Daly, Boo Weekly, and Fred Funk, just to name a few.

We also took an hour break to watch Luis Bruno do a cooking demonstration. At first it felt odd to be one of three Chapman guys at a cooking demo, but it soon got really interesting and fun.

Sarah celebrated her 4th birthday at Sue Sue's house. It was the smaller version of her huge party Jason and Leah threw for her last week. It was great seeing everyone, but I think my Aunt Susan wants to kill me for playing with her puppies and them almost breaking loose. I thought it was fun and funny, she wanted to stab me.

Meg and I went yesterday afternoon to get a bale of hay to decorate our front yard for fall. We put a scarecrow and some pumpkins with it - and then we thought we should add a puppy to the mix, but she didn't last there too long. However, we did take some pictures of her and the fall decorations. Anywho, here are some pictures and the end of the post. Have a great day!

We tried to make Maggie Belle take a picture in the pumpkin wheelbarrow.

She wasn't diggin' it.

So we let her try out the pumpkins, and she wanted to eat them.

But she got tired of them and turned on Frank, the scarecrow.

But got tired and started to stick her tongue out and pant like a real bulldog.

We took her to play with Ella. She LOVES to ride in the car and stick her bowling-ball head out the window.

Earlier, Ashlea got her tail whipped by Matthew, so Maggie Belle and Ella thought they could do the same.

Meg wanted a picture of them together being sweet. God knows that's never gonna happen, so to save frustration, I picked them up and said, "Take the picture."

This is Maggie Belle about two months ago when we first got her. She would go outside and then walk to the door and look at us. All we could see were her eyes.

Needless to say, she's grown a bit. I'm gonna be such a sucker when I have a child.

CRIMINALS LOOSE IN 'STARKVEGAS (AP)

"Starkville residents raising reward for return of stolen mannequin"

STARKVILLE — Starkville Police are looking for a kidnapped polka dot-dressed mannequin that was taken from the front porch of a residence on Thursday.

Carole McReynolds Davis bought the mannequin a few weeks ago and would dress it with clothing from her own closet. The mannequin, known as Dottie, was placed on the front porch of her home.

“She brought many smiles and honks,” Davis said.

Police said no lead has surfaced on Dottie’s disappearance, but she was believed to have been stolen some time between 6 and 7 a.m. Thursday, when Davis was out biking. Nothing else was taken.

“And I just want her returned. I won’t even press charges,” Davis said.

Local real estate firm ERA Town & Campus Realty is leading a drive to raise a reward for Dottie’s safe return.

“We want to see Dottie returned. She was such a nice addition to Carole’s porch. We all loved her,” said ERA owner Debbie Nettles.

FRIDAY BLURBS (Robert Chapman)

Tomorrow, the troublesome trio (My dad, me and Phillip) will be heading to Madison to watch the Viking Classic. This will be the first pro golf tournament I've been to, so I'm expecting a good time. I'll post pictures from our fun day of watching golfers who would whip the mess out of us. Have a great weekend!