Fisher of Men

As sporadic as my visits have been this summer, I have to say I didn't notice you were gone either. But welcome back, Ed!! I completely enjoy seeing your videos and hearing about your success. Don't EVER get the feeling that you are not wanted here again. As far as most of us, we'll tell you straight up if we don't approve of something (in a very nice way of course). Glad to see your with us again. God bless, Fisher

"Closer into the summer"- Hmmm. That's exactly the opposite of what we're doing in Texas. This year we all have to start the year the last week of August (we teachers go back the 20th). The Texas tourism industry and comptroller are in cohootz over this. The comp. claims the utilities will cost less and the tourism industry is looking for a longer season. It's just as hot here in Sep. as Aug. and too hot for many to take vacations in August. The funny thing is that the football practices are still going on early. One of our coaches said that they wouldn't get in all their games if they didn't go back to practice the same time. I don't know about IN, but football is king here in Texas. No offense, but heaven forbid us to have one less HS football game this year. I love football just as much as the next guy, but academics have taken the back door to sports here. I, too, hope for the best with the football boys. It's good to hear that you are giving lots of breaks and plenty of water. I'm afraid that some get so caught up in winning that they neglect the well-being of their players. -Fisher

Just more proof that you can take the kid out of the street, but you can't take the street out of the kid. I don't want to sound racist, but if you've ever watched MTV cribs, nearly every rap artist and professional athlete has a kennel of Pit Bulls in their back yard. I have to agree with what one former athlete said on ESPN the other day. This is probably quite a BIGGER problem than we know and may involve MANY professional athletes. I, like others, will try and keep an open mind about this. But, if Vick and others are implicated, they should have the book thrown at them. Just my .02. -Fisher BTW, that photoshop pic of Vick being chased by a pit bull is funny! ;D Perhaps a hint of the punishment he might receive for this (if he's guilty, of course).

Give me a break! I've drank milk all of my life and will continue to drink it. I attribute drinking milk to helping heal a clean break (both bones) in my ankle in three weeks (back in HS). These people are full of the poop that comes out of the dairy cows. As for the price of milk. . . yes, that really concerns me. I'm afraid that inflation is really about to set in for lots of things.

Wheeeeeew! Guys, I've been so busy this summer and only visited a few times. I had been out of pocket for quite a few days and came to get on-line the other day. I, for a while, was worried that the site had been taken down for good. Man, I'm happy to see it back. GREAT JOB, Glenn!! Thanks for all you do!! -Fisher <><

Amen to that!!!!!! At least if you do, take seperate cars. That can sometime ease the tension a bit. I'm glad your trip went well, logger. Did you guys do anything else in Branson (Shepherd of the Hills, Silver Dollar City, etc.)? -Fisher

I can pretty much concur with everyone else. It's all about selling you stuff. I'm a member of The Bassresource.com Club and it's pretty much the most awesome club in the world. The best part of it is that it's FREE!!!!! 8-) Thanks, Glenn!!

Thanks, Glenn! I'll be on the look-out.

Hey Flech, We just motored through you're home town on Wednesday and Monday on our way down to Padre for Student Life church camp. Sorry I didn't bother to stop and say "hello", but we were in a caravan of four 15 passenger vans. We almost thought we might be delayed in that highway 287 into Decatur was shut down for awhile due to high water. We happened to be delayed enough that the waters had receded by the time we got there. We got about 7 inches of rain here over the last 48 hours. Lake Bridgeport is finally full (or .1 foot low according to the news). I'm sure after some runoff, it will be full in the next two days. My little 12 acre pond/lake has been more full than I've ever seen it, although I can't get to it for the mud. I am very thankful for all the rain and will not fuss about it. I know that this time last year, we were praying really hard for it. I do however feel bad for all those who are flooded out and wish to continue praying for them. -Fisher <><

Middle school teacher (7th and 8th grade) and bi-vocational music minister.

So far I've liked them, although not testing out their amphibious capabilities. We're going to South Padre Island (Texas Coast) on Thursday, so I might try them out.

A friend of mine said to put wet cell phones in the freezer for a couple of days (said it worked for him once and not the other/yes, he's had two in the drink). Something about the frost free freezer evaporating the moisture away. Unless someone else provides something better, what have you got to lose by trying it? -Fisher

Hey! We've got to keep our membership up somehow!! ;D

I, as always, didn't expect anything from my family. I am just glad to know (every day) that they love and support me. However, my daughter came in and gave me a card and a BIG hug which made the day worth it. My wife baked me a cake. I also got some Texas Aggie Crocs. (well, I was getting them anyway, but they came in on Friday).

That's just hilarious, Avid. . . you handsome devil you!!

And the Congregation spoke in unison AMEN Tipp, There ARE better places to pick up women than at the bar. Like Frogtog said (and as I have suggested before) alot of churches have singles ministries. You'll find alot better quality women there. It sounds like you are more interested in the women than the extra-curricular activity anyway. Avid is dead on with other activities as well (perhaps a birding group, hiking, etc. . . heck, you might even want to join a scrap-booking group [i'm sure there's nothing but women there, LOL, JK]) The grocery store might be full of a bunch of married women, so beware! We've been telling you to find a new group of friends and go at this from a new angle. Why not try something different! -Fisher

Hey Valascus, I have been there before. My wife had two miscarriages before our daughter was born. One of them occured on Mother's Day morning. She sort of pulled away from me, too, so I guess that's normal. I've not been laid off (as I am a teacher) but I have been told my contract wouldn't be renewed before (I guess that's the same as being fired) after moving three hours to take a new job. Before going to work at another school, we had to go without my salary for three months. Here's some advice for whatever it's worth: #1- Trust God. I don't want to sound cliche, but I completely believe that He will carry you through this (as he has carried me many times). Grass doesn't grow on the mountaintop, AND it needs rain to grow (many times brought by storms). Your faith will grow through this and you will be blessed by remaining faithful. #2- Support your wife. Even if she's pulling away, stay close by, but don't push her. She'll come to you when she's ready. Try to help her by making her life easier during this time. Cook the meals, clean the house, do the laundry, take care of your daughter. Just stand by and wait. Perhaps write her a note about how you feel and then she can read it when she's ready. Communication is key, but it's going to take her awhile to want to again. #3- When you married her, I would assume that one of the vows was "for better or worse" or "in good times and bad". Don't just assume that she's upset for "shouldering the burden". My wife (stay at home mom and part time sub-teacher) often shares with me that she feels guilty for not contributing more. I assure her that she contributes plenty. Continue to make things easier for her around the house. If you take over her duties around there, she can focus more on her job. #4- Depending on how long you will be out of work, you might consider cutting some expenses from your budget. DSL internet, cutting back your cell/home phone service, cutting out cable TV for awhile, etc. are some things that come to mind. Have a garage sale. We have made as much as $600-800 in one sale and this could provide grocery money for your family for two or three months. #5- Seek counsel. Again, I don't want to sound preachy, but there's a lot of information in God's word that will help you through this. If you are a member of a local church, your pastor may provide some good counseling as well. If not, continue to communicate with friends (like you're doing now) and vent your frustrations. It's not healthy to hold these emotions inside. This, too, shall pass. I hope my shallow words can help a little. I will lift you in prayer. Please keep us posted as to how things are going. God bless, Fisher <><

A blonde with at least a 3.5? Good luck!! ;D JK Seriously, many have summed it up pretty well. I really never lived the "traditional" college life or lived in a dorm. I went to a JC for the first couple of years and lived at home as long as I could. I then transferred to a four year university and commuted for a year, then got married my senior year. My first response to your question was a level head. Keep in mind why you're PAYING to go there. Don't lose focus. A college degree is priceless to have. I completely agree that you MUST attend classes, no matter what junk you've heard back in high school. If you can, create a relationship with the prof. At least try to say good morning to them or tell them "hello" in the hallways, etc. This may set you apart from the other "numbers" in the classroom. If you are having trouble with the class, schedule an appointment with the prof. and go talk to them about it. In most cases, if they sense that you are concerned about your grade (and have attended classes) they will be more willing to help you out in the end. This helped me out in a VERY difficult biology class during my sophomore year. Most of all, have fun and make wise choices. Don't overload yourself, but involve yourself in extra-curricular/leadership activities. These are very helpful on your resume when you go look for work after graduation. Hope some of this information helps. God bless, Fisher <><

BTW Bucketmouth, That's some real funny stuff!! Thanks for sharing it. -Fisher

. . . and there's no way to prove how big (or how small) it was!!! "I swear it went close to 10 pounds!"

I get where you're coming from Ceph. Also, to agree with Muddy, it's probably something we will have to put up with as we grow more rapidly and that the intent of most of these posters is not to offend others, just a strong desire to "fit in". Yes, the keyboard is pretty emotionless. Because of this, I think good advice to new posters (and ALL of us) is to REALLY think twice before typing our posts. Look into them and make sure there's nothing that will offend others. Take time to read and re-read before hitting the "post" button. And remember that it takes time and credible posts to develop a good relationship with others around here, just as it takes time to be accepted in the social world. Also use the smiley's. They are the only way to indicate your emotional intent. 8-) That great consideration and respect for the fellowman is what sets the BR community apart from other places on the 'net. Let's all try and keep up this atmosphere!

This is just a sign of how unjust our justice system is. It makes me sick to my stomach. > > > You're right Tipp. We would be there awhile if we had committed this crime. As if they already hadn't done enough by cutting her sentence in half and putting her in her own cell.

Mattfly, We were in Durant, OK yesterday and they had a sign advertising it as well. Not a bad deal, even at .99 they are pretty good. They just want to get us hooked and then charge us $1.79 next month.

BTW- Regarding the topic. Tell your friend to LEAVE that jerk!! Any man who will put a hand on a woman and treat her like that is a sumbag and doesn't deserve ANY woman. She's not obligated to get him anything for his birthday and she needs to get away from him, FAST!

Hey Tipp: Muddy's right. Sometimes you just have to cut ties with the circle of friends you have and find new ones. Right about your age, I started running with a bunch of guys who drank and smoked pot. I had vowed to my "old friends" and myself that I would never do drugs. However, one thing led to another, and I tried pot one night while I was drunk. One bad choice led to another. Fortunately before I got sucked into that lifestyle, God sent me a reality check in the form of a wonderful young lady who would soon become my wife of 16 years. All of the rest of my life we have been involved in church activities and my entire circle of friends are Christian and practice pretty wholesome lifestyles. I'm not telling you to completely forget about those that you run with, but have you ever considered going to a local church or "wholesome" singles group or something? I don't want to sound preachy, but some exposure to some "good news" might be good for you. I know some exposure to some moral individuals would help. Alot of churches now have "Singles" groups and "Career and Professional" groups. These groups have socials and all sorts of activities as well as support groups, etc. You might look into one. Again, just free advice from someone who's "been there/done that". It's OK to be a "shoulder to cry on" and offer a helping hand, but you my friend have a life to live, a career to develop, etc. Think about yourself for once and do what's right. God bless, Fisher <><