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| So...I know it's been a few weeks, so here I am, at it again. Not much has been happening, so this shouldn't be another boring post about my life, although it will be different. This shall me a random conglomeration of things I have been thinking of and getting into lately. Please, enjoy. 
The book I mentioned above, Resolute. Quite a remarkable book. It gives the story of the British ship, The Resolute, headed off looking for some kind of spectacular, fabled route through the Arctic. Somewhere along the way, the captain, Sir John Franklin, and his 128 men mysteriously disappeared, leaving a top-notch British warship just floating along in the ocean. This all turned into the longest, largest, and most controversial search and rescue mission ever organized. What I found interesting is what major icon this all plays today in our own country. But you'll have to read the book for more (or just cheat and look it up on Wikipedia or something; but really, where's the fun in that?). So, if you like history regarding the 400+ year British search for the Northwest passage through the Arctic, this is your book. If you are like many others who just like British/American history, or just history in general, you would enjoy this book. If you just like to read, then go ahead and read it. Mr. Sandler does an excellent job in his research and explanation of the whole thing. However, if you are one of those people who does not enjoy history and does not like to read, then this (along with all the other good books) would not be your book. I truly pity you. You have my sympathy!
I was checking out some things the other day on the election coming up and was familiarizing myself with the candidates. So, here I am doing my research when I find myself on You Tube watching the debates. I watched a good bit of the Democratic debates and the Republican debates. As a Republican I was obviously not in agreement with alot of the things said during the Democratic debate (no matter how much they tried to sugar coat it), yet I was not exactly pleased with some of the things that transpired during the Republican debate. For instance, the (supposed) leading front runner on the Republican side not only supports abortion, sodomite rights, and gun control, but also wants to give the judges in our land more power to change and dictate laws. His answer to many of the questions posed to him were, "we'll just let the judges decide on that". I don't know about you, but I don't like the sound of that. I think our judges have way to much power as it is, they don't need any more! Besides the fact that it is down right unconstitutional. Anyway, that is not the reason I started this topic, I got a bit carried away...my apologies! However, you can be certain I will not be voting for him.
What got me a bit riled up is something that went on in the Democratic debate. Now we all know that we don't want them in office for the obvious reasons - big government, higher taxes, universal healthcare, abortion, support of sodomy and homosexual marriage, weak on defense and the war on terror, and etc. and etc. I could go on and on. These are the things that we expect from them and the things we have heard over and over. These are the things they are known for. However, an interesting question was posed to them during the debate. Their answers astounded me (maybe they shouldn't have), however I know that if they got into power and this did happen (along with all the other mess they would create), there could be serious repercussions for the future and the future of our children. I'll let you have a look and allow you to see for yourself. Now, keep in mind, they try to sugar coat it and make it look like this is a necessity and that this is what every American wants and needs, but don't let them fool you. Here's the video:
Well, I was going to try to post the video right here like alot of people like to do, but after spending a while trying to figure it out (I started typing this at 10:45ish I think), I have finally given up. Here is the link for you to look at the video yourself: DNC YouTube Debate (Don't worry, this is only a few minutes long. It is not the whole thing.)
A bit impressive isn't it? I thought so too...
Well, I was going to type some more stuff, but it got way too late on me. It is definitely way too late to be online or doing anything other than sleeping. Oh well...I should go though - I gots to get up early because I gets to preach tomorrow morning (or this morning) at the nursing home...should be fun. Anywho, until next time, have a good'un!
- Billy
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| Long time no post, eh? Well, not really. It's only been a month. I shall just write a little, seeing that it is late and I must get to bed for I have a life to live tomorrow. 
Just a few things...
I am currently looking for a place of employment. Yes, the hubcap thing in PA just didn't work out. Come to find out, I'm just not the go getter type (what a surprise  ), and to help matters, the car business is different here in PA. Oh well, at least I tried I suppose. I am currently looking at a few places. Had an interview today, have one tomorrow, and one on Monday. We shall see what shall become of them. So far, I have applied and had interviews at some really good places that would provide an excellent opportunity, but it was obviously not the Lord's will. Please be in prayer that the Lord would give me the job that He sees best.
As many of you may know, Naomi was up for most of the month of June. It was good to get to see her again (don't know if she can say the same). It had been a difficult 6 months between when we last saw each other in December and now. However, I am going to venture out and say that I think it is more difficult now than it was those last six months. Strange, huh? While she was here, we finally got a few things settled. I hope she doesn't mind me saying this (and I suppose if she does, it is a bit late now  ), but before she came up we were toying around with a wedding date and had finally settled upon one. When she did come up, we changed a few things around and modified the date. I believe at this junture that we have finally settled upon a date for the wedding. With that said, it's exciting now to have something to look forward to. We have decided (with the blessing and consent of both sets of parents) to be married on December 7, 2007. To this I say, it sure is about time (although if we got married yesterday it still wouldn't have been soon enough for Naomi...) Anyway, that's the big news. I'll give you more info regarding activities both before and after the wedding as the plans develop. But, if you already haven't guessed it, PLEASE pray for us! There are several things to get worked out before then. Your prayers for the both of us will be greatly appreciated!
I said I was going to keep it short, and I have already said too much. There is much more I could say, but I shall refrain from such temptations. With all of that said, I wish you all adieu.
~ Billy
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| I went and changed her all up. What do ya think? The colors and layout and stuff were getting a bit old, so I changed em to something a little more softer, smoother, and...well...you get the point. Changed the music as well. No more down to earth, hillbilly, hoedown, Gospel singin; just a little pleasant piano. You may recognize it. If you are the average American and you visit Walmart, you may have heard it playing. That is where I heard it playing and yes, they got me and I bought it. Oh well... Anywho...onto more recent history....
My family and I did a little something different on Memorial Day last week. My dad had off that day (for the holiday) and the next day as well (for his "normal" day off). So, while you all were probably at home eating hamburgers and watching the baseball / football / basketball game or whoever was probably playing (you can tell I am really into sports! ) my family and myself went over to Philadelphia. This was my first time over there and really, I didn't know it was that big. Of course I had to do my homework on it and I found out it is the fifth largest city in our beloved country with some 1.6 million people. Makes me feel all the more safe knowing that not only is Washington D.C. 1.5 - 2 hours away, and New York 3 hours away, but now another large city only 2 hours away. Anyway, to get back on subject...where were we.......oh yes, Philly... We made our way over there and just toured the city a bit. We saw Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, The Franklin Institute, China Town (which particularly interested me), and some other things. Here...have a peak...
We'll start off with the Liberty Bell along with Mom and Dad. You can see Independence Hall in the background where it hung from March 10, 1753 until the Centennial Bell replaced it in 1876. I like a good many things about this bell, but one thing I particularly like that I wasn't aware of before was the inscription of Scripture. Across the face of the bell is inscribed Leviticus 25:10: "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."
The Front of Independence Hall
The formal entrance of Independence Hall. This is where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were written and signed and also served as the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress (1775-1783).
The Old City Hall of Philadelphia. It is actually in the center of the city and takes up and entire street block. In the old days Market St. (Main St.) ran straight through it, but now the street goes in a complete square around the building. The building was constructed from 1871 - 1901 at a cost of $24 million. With over 700 rooms, it houses all three branches of Philadelphia's government. To this day it is still one of the largest municipal buildings in North America.The picture does not do this building justice. The pictures of the inside didn't turn out quite right, but the detail and architecture is superb both inside and out. It is quite the epitome of grandeur.
Benjamin Franklin in the Grand Foyer of the Franklin Institute
Here is an exterior view of the Institute
A small glimpse of the city
Chinatown. There are over 10,000 Chinese that live in Philadelphia.
And last but not least.....
The breakfast of Champtions!
That was how we spent our Monday and Tuesday around Memorial Day. We went over on Monday morning and spent the night in New Jersey (which is right across the river from Philly) and then spent all day Tuesday in Philly. It's a fun city, I think I wouldn't mind going back.
Until next time,
Billy
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So I went today and did something crazy. You see, there is this ladies meeting at church tomorrow night (you know, the kind where they have women preachers...). Anyway, because of that I did something absolutely absurd. Some might think so, but if you actually think about it, I ruined something. Anyway, I should just show you a picture (or two)...
I took these very lovely specimens that God made (most perfectly and nutritiously I might add)....
And I turned them into these (as unhealthy and unnatural as they may be)....
 However, as odd as this may sound, most people in general would rather eat the man-made version than the God-made, perfect version. Go figure. I think I would rather eat the natural version (had a hard time keeping the blueberries in the container and out of my mouth while they waited to be used). Although, I do have to confess that I am slightly drawn to the cares of this world...aka, the pies (the spirit truly is willing but the flesh is definitely weak).
Anywho...while we are posting pics of good looking (or bad looking, whatever your opinion) food, here's what I made for dinner tonight.
 I used three pounds of meat to make 6 burgers. Now, that's a real burger!!
Anybody hungry?
- Billy
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