StumpTown Blog

Someday, this subject will take up an entire volume in my 50 volume manifesto that I am sure I could finish writing if only I had the courage and commitment to do absolutely nothing else. Ironically such a decision would contradict my own personal philosophies outlined in depth in the manifesto. So, I’ll just stick to a cursory treatment of a complex issue, blame it on the blogging format and call it good. All of that to say, I have more to say, but just can’t find the time to say it…much less people who actually want to hear/read it. Today’s rant? The wussifying of America’s youth. Recently, Gibson’s small private school announced that it would be handing out awards for students at the end of the year. Predictably, this did not sit well with some of the parents who believe that no awards should be given unless every child gets an award. At that moment, I awarded those parents the first ever “Dash Incredible Award.” Don’t worry, I’ll come up with awards for all the parents. In th...

I’ve been the “sports guy”, “that guy”, the “short guy”, the “old guy”, the “lawyer guy” and probably a bunch of other “guys” that I can’t even call to mind right now and even more that others say about me behind my back (oh yeah, and “paranoid guy”, I’ve been him too). But yesterday I became a different kind of guy. My family has never really had this guy despite my having 4 brothers. I’ve had friends who were this guy, but never really expected to be one myself. Yesterday, I finally traded in my reliable, but finally dying 1997 Honda CRV for a GMC Sierra full size pickup truck. So now, in addition to all the other guys I’ve been, I’m now a “truck guy.” Also, I have to say, it’s a truck guy’s truck. Not all rounded and pretty with glamorous accessories. It is perfectly boxy and seems to scream out “standard equipment.” I’m still very new at this so I’m still trying to figure out what it all means to be a truck guy. Do I need a gun rack? How close am I to becoming a NASCAR Dad? Will th...

No good reason, just thougth I would share.... Oh wait, this is a blog, you already knew that. 1. Got a great card from a good friend whose name rhymes with Peggy that said, "when the popsicle hits the floor, we're there for you." Totally made my day. 2. On a sunny day Portland, Oregon may be the most beautiful city in the world. If you disagree, prove it. 3. I think it is one of the best things in the world that my youngest son thinks it is one of the best things in the world when I run over and tackle him unexpectedly in the middle of the living room. 4. My new Directv DVR is almost as good as Tivo and with the HD picture, I don't even miss Tivo. Never thought I would see the day when I could say that. 5. My wife wore her hair short for years and now wears it long. Sometimes it is straight and sometimes it is super curly. Sometimes it has reddish highlights and sometimes it is dark chestnut. Sometimes she wears it up, sometimes down. In every instance s...

Well, I am happy to report I already have some information and it is good. If you had told me that the Blazers were going to get the number one pick in this year’s NBA draft yesterday, I would have assured you that would be the best news of my day. Now, though, it seems rather trivial compared with the news about my Dad. The drug he is taking appears to be working. The results are preliminary, but it appears that the cancer has not spread and there is some indication that the existing tumors are shrinking. I can’t express how good that news is. I can’t properly express the praise for God I feel in my heart. It is just wonderful. Like I said, the results are only preliminary, but all the signs at this point are positive. My Dad still has cancer, but the one drug that might work appears to be doing its job. If you are the praying sort, join me in thanking God today. If you are not, you have my deepest sympathies. That’s all for today. Nothing to top that. Nothing even close.

Quick update and picture of one of my children... My Dad had a CT yesterday that may reveal whether the medicine is working. It really needs to be working as it is really the only option. Not sure when he will get the results. Keep us in your prayers. Otherwise, Dad is doing well. Not getting hit by the side effects of the drug and not suffering symptoms from the two new tumors. That is something to be thankful for. Nothing else new to report right now except for a complete lack of time to write or read blogs. Hopefully that will change soon.