http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78 recent pleonast.com entries by user emersonk78 en-us http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=616006 So, most folks I know got some device over the holidays that allows for mobile internet access and/or other assorted handheld goodies: Macbooks, Iphones, Ipod touch, GPS devices, PSP, etc. All the while, I kept thinking: man I'd love to have mobile web on wifi at least, but there were reasons to pass on all options: Macbook (have a laptop already) ; Iphones (locked into cell contract til Sept.) ; Ipod touch (too expensive) ; GPS devices (got basic model for B-day); PSP (have a DS). And then, this morning, Luke walks downstairs with a Dell Axim x50 handheld computer that my parents gave me a few years ago and I'd just stashed in a drawer. Luke said, "dad, can I have this?" I said, "surrrrrre.... wait a minute, let me see that." Sure enough, within 3 minutes I was checking the weather and screening emails via wifi. No, mac. nuts, I cannot enlarge or shrink text with the patented "index/thumb sweep." But it is still touch screen and was a nice find.... 2009-01-05 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=615188 (Spoiler Alert for Eastside Members) Sunday night sermon will revolve around the faith of Daniel. There is something Daniel possessed in any and all situations that I am resolved to build stronger this year: BOLDNESS. He stood up for the right to eat proper food as a teenager. He prophesied hard truths to 2 powerful kings. And told one of them to stop sinning. He worshipped God in that window, even after the edict was signed. There are things that need to be said and done. How many times in '08 did God look down at me, waiting on me to say and do them? I am resolved to be bolder for Truth and tell people what God desires them to hear, confess Christ more readily, and be a light in this world that reflects more brightly the Light of the world. Anybody else have spiritual resolves for this new year? 2009-01-02 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=613688 3 kinds of people in this world: 1) Those who are glad when x-mas is over 2) Those who are sad when x-mas is over 3) Those who are mad about the question, since they really don't care. Which one are you? (I'm going with #2) 2008-12-29 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=611640 How many Christmases will you have this year? 4 for the Emersons: Monday Night - Sommer's aunts and uncles and cousins on her mom's side at her grandpa's house. Wednesday Morning - Our house, just the four of us. Thursday Morning - Sommer's parent's house, with her mom and dad and 5 siblings. (Will stay Wed. night with them) Thursday Night - My parent's house, with parents, two brothers and sis in law. Can anyone beat that? (competitive disclaimer: must be opening of multiple gifts to count as an x-mas.) 2008-12-21 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=611248 Does anyone remember the speech by Donald Rumsfeld in 2002 concerning "intelligence" from Iraq? If not, you can youtube it under "rumsfeld known unknowns." If you have heard the 1 minute portion on knowns in Iraq, please help us clearly understand these three levels of information: (or just guess) Known Knowns Known Unknowns Unknown Unknowns 2008-12-20 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=610806 But I need to move the golf posts down, so here is a random thought/question out of absolutely nowhere: What was your favorite sitcom growing up? (warning: could be a telling age indicator). I have a two way tie: Saved by the Bell (Sat. A.M.) and Fresh Prince of Belaire (Mon. P.M.). 2008-12-18 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=608408 I have been required to add that David Dickerson shaved 15 strokes, from 103 to 88. I have to tell you. We were on a par 4. David had 175 yards left to a green surrounded in the front by water. He was behind a small tree, eliminating his natural slight draw. I had 150 yards left to the pin and was nestled in a grove of trees, eliminating my natural fade. -- Did I mention there was water under a bulk head in front of the green? -- Anyway, it rained. David and I sat under a tree in our cart for 20 minutes. The rain lightened up and we both traveled out to hit our shots. David nails a 5 iron, high with a slight fade, clears the water and sticks it 4 feet from the pin. I sweet stroke an 8 iron, draw around 2 trees and land 12 feet from pin. With water trails behind our respective golfballs, we both sink the putts. Highlight of the day. 2008-12-11 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=607772 Have you ever been so determined to do something that... you throw aside all smart judgment, disregard the weather, work load, or anything else that logically tells you to rethink? Not me...  ... ... Except for today of course.  I woke up determined to play a round of golf.  It had been a couple weeks since my last round, and I've been dying to try a new swing I learned from a recent golf lesson. So, David Dickerson and I went for it.  We got wet. But... we had a lot of fun.  We got through the round.  And, thanks to my new golf instructor, I shaved 20 strokes off my last round.  (Last round went veeeerrrryyy poorly.) 3 Best Parts: 1) Made a crazy improbable birdie on 12 at Evergreen. 2) Still got back to the office and got a little work done. 3) Starbucks Pike's Place rocks when ur cold and wet. 2008-12-10 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=604888 Indeed, "the woman whom you love" is truly a great reward in the fleeting life under the sun. Our days are uncertain, unpredictable and fleeting, but a good wife is like a fine jewel that brings sparkle and richness to every day. 13 years ago (on Dec. 20th, 1995), I went out to a little fast food restaurant in Porter, TX after Wed. Bible class with a girl named Sommer. It was our first "date." She didn't eat a thing. 11 Years ago (on Nov. 29th, 1997), I married that girl. I'll never, ever forget the sweet smile on her face as I recited my vows to her. It's funny how meals tie down stakes in our memory. While I don't remember a ton from our wedding day, I remember how we checked in to the Wyndham shortly after and ate a Canadian Bacon / Pineapple Papa John's pizza while watching an episode of Lois and Clark. It was nice. 1 Hour ago (on Dec. 1st, 2008), I kissed that woman on my way out the door. It made me feel as loved and rewarded as ever! ---BTW--- T... 2008-12-01 http://www.pleonast.com/user/emersonk78?l=5&entryID=603121 Herb and Ann Lorfing are fairly new members at Eastside. On an almost weekly basis, Mr. Herb gives me packets of religous material: articles, magazines, bulletins, etc. I even have a file in the cabinet simply labeled: Lorfing. Anyway, I was going through the most recent stack today, and ran across a cutout from the Chronicle. Thought everyone could use a laugh: "Greta was an old, grandmotherly type. She was well-known for her faith and talked about it. Every morning she would go out on the front porch and shout, 'Praise the Lord!' Her next door neighbor would shout back, 'There ain't no Lord!' Greta was very poor, so the neighbor decided to prove his point by buying a large bag of groceries and placing it at her door. The next morning, she went to the porch, and seeing the groceries, she shouted, 'Praise the Lord." The neighbor stepped out from behind the tree in the yard and said, 'I brought those groceries, and there ain't no Lord.' Greta smiled and shouted, 'L... 2008-11-25