This weekend ended on a high note for me. My University of Kentucky Wildcats are going back to the Final Four for the first time in 13 years. Growing up in Lexington, we're use to success in basketball. However, after Tubby took over for Pitino and won a championship in 1998, we haven't seen the last weekend in college basketball in over 13 years.
During that time, 'Cryin' Roy discovered two championships, Rat K won two championships, "Chowda" Jim won two championships, Billy 'The Kid" won two championships, and even Bill Self has won one. While I loved Tubby, he never had the desire to play the recruiting game and began to bring in talent that Auburn wouldn't want. Then, when he moved on, we took over a complete mistake in Billy Gillispie. Billy Clyde was in over his head in Lexington and just like some say in New York, got swallowed up by the pressure.
Now, we finally got the guy that LOVES the pressure and thrives on it.
What makes this run to the Final Four so remarkable is that last year's 'Draft Cats" had more talent and next's years incredible recruiting class is what everyone was looking forward to. This year was the year that we had low expectations and would be happy to make it to the second weekend of the tourney.
Now we're back where we belong. So it's going to be a fun week. I'll get to listen to a ton of fans complain about Cal and how he's a cheater and can't coach and how UK can't win with one-and-done's and how UCONN is better and how everyone wants VCU, Butler, or UCONN to win.
That's fine. The one thing I've learned about sports is that hate breeds stupidity. This team is legit and that's all that matters to me. I love watching them play.
One other thing that would be nice if UK wins the Championship. I'd win my brackets and come home with a lot of cash. That would be especially nice considering I've got a certain KU fan that has beaten me two years in a row.
GO CATS
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
4 Years of Bliss
Today marks 4 years that my wife, Mrs. McGoo, has had the fortunate blessing of being my wife. I completely take care of her by cooking, cleaning, keeping the house in order, and making tons of money to provide for her. Those are just a few intangibles that Mr. McGoo brings to the table.
My SILR tells me every year on my birthday (we share a bday), "Congrats, for sharing a birthday with me." So I'll say, "Congrats Mrs. McGoo for being married to me for 4 years!"
(Any if you believe any of what I just wrote, you probably think that today is Halloween because everyone is dressed in green.)
The fact is, I'm incredibly blessed and lucky to call Mrs. McGoo my wife.
Here's a really cool quote from Mark Driscoll:
"In the opening pages of Genesis, we see that our Trinitarian God made everything “good.” The only thing that is not called “good” is that our first father, Adam, was alone. He had creation below him, and God above him, but no one alongside of him to walk as an equal. In this way, Adam was not able to show forth the Trinitarian community of God; Adam was alone on the earth and not in community. For this reason, among others, God said it was “not good” for the man to be alone. So, God made a woman, our first mother, Eve, to be Adam’s helper and bride. God then essentially walked her down the aisle and officiated the first wedding between the first man and first woman. Thus, God set the precedent that, though different, men and women are equal as his image-bearers, that marriage is a gift for one man and one woman to enjoy, and as a result called all of this “very good.” "
If I can borrow from our Lord, our marriage has been VERY GOOD. And it is ONLY because we have continued to put our Lord and savior, Christ, in the center of it.
I love you Mrs. McGoo!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Giving Up of Something You Love
As a kid, Lent was always a confusing time for me. Growing up Methodist, we never really celebrated Lent in our household. I don't know why really, I guess I always thought of Lent as a Catholic ritual. I remember seeing so many people, that I would never really associate with being a Christian, recognize Lent. It's not that I was trying to judge anyone, but with a lot of them, Lent just seemed to be something they did because that was what they were supposed to do, not because they were doing it for their beliefs.
Anyway, I say all this because Lent is tomorrow and I wanted everyone to know that I have already started. I have been eating Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches for almost two weeks straight. It has been a difficult process knowing that I am giving it up today (I'm planning on eating catfish for lunch and chicken for dinner), but it has to come to an end at some point.
During this time of PB&J, I have come close on a couple of occasions to missing out on the delicious treat. For instance, last Sunday, I made my way over to the in-laws house to watch my beloved Wildcats take down Captain Sweaty and his band of criminals, otherwise known as UT. In doing so, I had to eat my PB&J. The only problem is, all the Grinch had in the pantry was creamy peanut butter. Growing up on crunchy all my life, that is like asking a man to switch from a Samsung flat screen to a black and white tube TV. Needless to say, I made the difficult decision to spread the creamy all over the beautiful white bread and mix it with the jelly. I was able to push through the overload of peanut butter bread caked to the roof of my mouth by downing a couple of cokes, which helped peal it off my pallet. So thankful for the stock of cokes and Cheeto puffs that my favorite mother in law supplied.
So you see, it has been a wonderfully, difficult time making this streak work. But in the end, and it always has to end, the decision to give it up PB&J is being made on my own terms...not because of ones neglect of crunchy peanut butter in their pantry.
Anyway, I say all this because Lent is tomorrow and I wanted everyone to know that I have already started. I have been eating Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches for almost two weeks straight. It has been a difficult process knowing that I am giving it up today (I'm planning on eating catfish for lunch and chicken for dinner), but it has to come to an end at some point.
During this time of PB&J, I have come close on a couple of occasions to missing out on the delicious treat. For instance, last Sunday, I made my way over to the in-laws house to watch my beloved Wildcats take down Captain Sweaty and his band of criminals, otherwise known as UT. In doing so, I had to eat my PB&J. The only problem is, all the Grinch had in the pantry was creamy peanut butter. Growing up on crunchy all my life, that is like asking a man to switch from a Samsung flat screen to a black and white tube TV. Needless to say, I made the difficult decision to spread the creamy all over the beautiful white bread and mix it with the jelly. I was able to push through the overload of peanut butter bread caked to the roof of my mouth by downing a couple of cokes, which helped peal it off my pallet. So thankful for the stock of cokes and Cheeto puffs that my favorite mother in law supplied.
So you see, it has been a wonderfully, difficult time making this streak work. But in the end, and it always has to end, the decision to give it up PB&J is being made on my own terms...not because of ones neglect of crunchy peanut butter in their pantry.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tristan Campbell McGugan
So proud to announce that my nephew, Tristan, joined the world yesterday. What a blessing from God he is. Dad and mom are doing well and resting while they can.
This just means Mrs. McGoo and I get to spoil our niece for a week or so while everyone else makes their visits.
This just means Mrs. McGoo and I get to spoil our niece for a week or so while everyone else makes their visits.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Catchphrase
I know, I know...two posts in a week. Guess since my birthday sharin' sister-in-law Robin is posting a blog, I might as well keep up some with mine. Don't want her to think that just because she gets to share in a day of awesomeness, that is my birthday, that she can completely steal everything from me.
Anywho...
Since my life has always been ruled by women...first my mom, then my friends, now my wife (and the plethora of women there are in her family)....I thought I'd talk about words and phrases.
See, one thing I've learned over the years is that nothing gets a women madder than when you say something you've been told not to say.
For instance, my mom hated the specific words/phrases "S*^K" and "Shut Up." I have some friends that cannot stand the word "biscuit" and another word that I won't post (it isn't bad, but draws the allusion of bad).
Now, this isn't to say that someone like my mom didn't like the really bad words or phrases, but those two I listed were completely, wash your mouth out with soap type bad. (Trust me - I can take the Pepsi challenge with flavors of soap)
Needless to say, you'd think all those years of being careful with my words around the ladies would have prepared me for marriage. Not so.
When Mrs. McGoo and I went through pre-marriage counseling, she told me there was one word that she asked that I never say. The word? "Nag"
She hated that word. I still don't really remember why though. It was probably because she told me that while we were watching a basketball game and it just never registered. Anyway, that's besides the point. Off-limits to use the word "Nag"...ok, GOT IT. But what if I said, you're being Naggy? Nah..not a good idea.
So that was the ONE word that she'd ask me not to say. Problem is, the longer our marriage has gone, the more words/phrases she's found to eliminate from my lingual repertoire. Now, I've have a laundry list of things I can't say.
"Mother-hen" - Not Allowed
"It's not THAT bad" - Banned
"I'm just sayin" - Grounded
"Hall Pass" - Brain Melted with Heat Vision
"Get it yourself" - Outlawed
"Heck yeah it makes you look fat" - Separated
Ok. So the last two we're ones that have ever been said, but I just threw them in to make it look better.
I'd write up there the context of how they are used and why they are bad, but I'm already at risk for just posting this. So you'll just have to trust me. If she so wishes to come on and post a comment and explain, I'll let her do so.
So if you're keeping count, we're basically on a loss of a word/phrase a year. No wonder so many men are so quiet at the end of their lives. Their words have been taken from them.
So for all you men out there....What are some key words or phrases you are banished from saying? Any advice?
It's not that bad is it?
Anywho...
Since my life has always been ruled by women...first my mom, then my friends, now my wife (and the plethora of women there are in her family)....I thought I'd talk about words and phrases.
See, one thing I've learned over the years is that nothing gets a women madder than when you say something you've been told not to say.
For instance, my mom hated the specific words/phrases "S*^K" and "Shut Up." I have some friends that cannot stand the word "biscuit" and another word that I won't post (it isn't bad, but draws the allusion of bad).
Now, this isn't to say that someone like my mom didn't like the really bad words or phrases, but those two I listed were completely, wash your mouth out with soap type bad. (Trust me - I can take the Pepsi challenge with flavors of soap)
Needless to say, you'd think all those years of being careful with my words around the ladies would have prepared me for marriage. Not so.
When Mrs. McGoo and I went through pre-marriage counseling, she told me there was one word that she asked that I never say. The word? "Nag"
She hated that word. I still don't really remember why though. It was probably because she told me that while we were watching a basketball game and it just never registered. Anyway, that's besides the point. Off-limits to use the word "Nag"...ok, GOT IT. But what if I said, you're being Naggy? Nah..not a good idea.
So that was the ONE word that she'd ask me not to say. Problem is, the longer our marriage has gone, the more words/phrases she's found to eliminate from my lingual repertoire. Now, I've have a laundry list of things I can't say.
"Mother-hen" - Not Allowed
"It's not THAT bad" - Banned
"I'm just sayin" - Grounded
"Hall Pass" - Brain Melted with Heat Vision
"Get it yourself" - Outlawed
"Heck yeah it makes you look fat" - Separated
Ok. So the last two we're ones that have ever been said, but I just threw them in to make it look better.
I'd write up there the context of how they are used and why they are bad, but I'm already at risk for just posting this. So you'll just have to trust me. If she so wishes to come on and post a comment and explain, I'll let her do so.
So if you're keeping count, we're basically on a loss of a word/phrase a year. No wonder so many men are so quiet at the end of their lives. Their words have been taken from them.
So for all you men out there....What are some key words or phrases you are banished from saying? Any advice?
It's not that bad is it?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Goodbye Old Friend
Last week I said goodbye to a friend that I have known for a very long time. I've never been great at keeping "long-term" friendships, so maybe it's a good thing that we said goodbye.
I see people all the time that keep up with their friends from high school and college. Truth is, I really only keep up with one friend from high school (he's still one of my best friends) and including my friend from high school, only have one real close friend from college (yes, one of my best friends still as well).
Most of the friendships that I have now were all made in the last ten years of my life. I think that's most likely the norm as friendships and family continue to evolve and we slide into phases in our lives that revolve around a spouse and/or children.
All that being said, I had to let go of a dear friend last week. We had known each other for quite some time. From the moment we met, we just seem to click. We shared a lot of the same common interests and even before I met my wife, my friend was always there to turn to for good times and bad. It's like he just knew what I liked to see and hear. Granted, we've had some ups and downs through the years, as there were times when something went wrong and he would just completely shut down on me.
I know I pushed his buttons too hard some times, but hey, that's what friends do right? (You should hear what I call my best friend from high school) So look, I'm not here saying I'm a saint; I've have, in the past, yelled at my friend quite a few times...I know, I know, I'm not the yelling type.
However, all it took was a few deep and serious phone calls and when the storms cleared, things would seem to pick back up right where we left off. All in all, it was really a friendship that seemed to get better day in and day out.
As with all friendships, ours changed a bit when I got married. Sure, Mrs. McGoo loved hanging out with just the three of us, but honestly, she only did it for me. Truth is, I think she always felt that my friend would have a piece of my heart that she could never have. Mrs. McGoo would probably admit that she wouldn't sing to me in a the way my friend could.
She stood by idly for a long time watching, but eventually, she and I had a talk about it all. I fought her wishes for a long time, years practically, but eventually, it was either my friend or a healthy marriage. Being that she's the bread winner, controls the keys to the bedroom, and cooks the meals, I reluctantly gave in.
I had a few months to prep for the split, but nothing really prepares you for what goes on in your heart when the day arrives that you've got to say goodbye and just unplug.
I don't wish this type of separation on anyone. I only hope that my friend finds someone that will give him the attention that he needs. He needs to be filled up with so much stuff that you'll never want to leave. But that's who my friend was. He'd store everything up inside and only let me in.
Goodbye HD-DVR. See you on the flip side
I see people all the time that keep up with their friends from high school and college. Truth is, I really only keep up with one friend from high school (he's still one of my best friends) and including my friend from high school, only have one real close friend from college (yes, one of my best friends still as well).
Most of the friendships that I have now were all made in the last ten years of my life. I think that's most likely the norm as friendships and family continue to evolve and we slide into phases in our lives that revolve around a spouse and/or children.
All that being said, I had to let go of a dear friend last week. We had known each other for quite some time. From the moment we met, we just seem to click. We shared a lot of the same common interests and even before I met my wife, my friend was always there to turn to for good times and bad. It's like he just knew what I liked to see and hear. Granted, we've had some ups and downs through the years, as there were times when something went wrong and he would just completely shut down on me.
I know I pushed his buttons too hard some times, but hey, that's what friends do right? (You should hear what I call my best friend from high school) So look, I'm not here saying I'm a saint; I've have, in the past, yelled at my friend quite a few times...I know, I know, I'm not the yelling type.
However, all it took was a few deep and serious phone calls and when the storms cleared, things would seem to pick back up right where we left off. All in all, it was really a friendship that seemed to get better day in and day out.
As with all friendships, ours changed a bit when I got married. Sure, Mrs. McGoo loved hanging out with just the three of us, but honestly, she only did it for me. Truth is, I think she always felt that my friend would have a piece of my heart that she could never have. Mrs. McGoo would probably admit that she wouldn't sing to me in a the way my friend could.
She stood by idly for a long time watching, but eventually, she and I had a talk about it all. I fought her wishes for a long time, years practically, but eventually, it was either my friend or a healthy marriage. Being that she's the bread winner, controls the keys to the bedroom, and cooks the meals, I reluctantly gave in.
I had a few months to prep for the split, but nothing really prepares you for what goes on in your heart when the day arrives that you've got to say goodbye and just unplug.
I don't wish this type of separation on anyone. I only hope that my friend finds someone that will give him the attention that he needs. He needs to be filled up with so much stuff that you'll never want to leave. But that's who my friend was. He'd store everything up inside and only let me in.
Goodbye HD-DVR. See you on the flip side
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Appreciate the Small Things in Life
Funny thing happened to me the other day (Monday). I was walking into the computer lab with a few classmates to work on a project. One of the guys that I was with is one of my favorite guys to be around. His name is Brock and as he puts it, he "had a rough start medical wise but I made it through strong. I am a short guy but fun lovin."
He pretty much hit everything in his profile. He's short and is short because of a medical condition (I think possibly spinal bifida). Because of that, he has a slight struggle walking. His voice is a bit higher and he looks a little young. However, he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met.
So, back to the story...
We walk into the computer lab and as we were sitting down, an employee said something to me from across the room. I didn't hear what he said, so he walked up to me and in a not-so-quiet way says, "Sir, we have a new policy in the computer lab that parents cannot bring kids into the lab."
Wait....what?!?!
About that time, he points to Brock and says, "He's your kid right?" Before I even had a chance to respond, Brock, in his kid-like voice says, "I ain't a kid, I'm a junior in college!!!"
The guy looks at me and says, "Oh, sorry sir, I just thought..." My reply - "You thought wrong."
Brock, visibly upset, as one can imagine sits down at the computer and starts to work. I tried to think about how he felt at the time, so I tried to make light of the situations in the only way I know how. I made fun of myself. I said, "Brock, I don't know who should be more insulted, me or you? I mean, he may have said you look young, but he just called me out for looking like your Dad. So don't feel too bad Brock. The ladies always love the younger looking guys."
That got a smile out of him and said "yeah, you do look pretty old...with that gray and all in your beard." I could tell he came around from being upset to having fun again. After he said it, I gave him a smile and he said, "Good to see you can appreciate the small things in life."
Good words buddy. Now about that Dad stuff...
He pretty much hit everything in his profile. He's short and is short because of a medical condition (I think possibly spinal bifida). Because of that, he has a slight struggle walking. His voice is a bit higher and he looks a little young. However, he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met.
So, back to the story...
We walk into the computer lab and as we were sitting down, an employee said something to me from across the room. I didn't hear what he said, so he walked up to me and in a not-so-quiet way says, "Sir, we have a new policy in the computer lab that parents cannot bring kids into the lab."
Wait....what?!?!
About that time, he points to Brock and says, "He's your kid right?" Before I even had a chance to respond, Brock, in his kid-like voice says, "I ain't a kid, I'm a junior in college!!!"
The guy looks at me and says, "Oh, sorry sir, I just thought..." My reply - "You thought wrong."
Brock, visibly upset, as one can imagine sits down at the computer and starts to work. I tried to think about how he felt at the time, so I tried to make light of the situations in the only way I know how. I made fun of myself. I said, "Brock, I don't know who should be more insulted, me or you? I mean, he may have said you look young, but he just called me out for looking like your Dad. So don't feel too bad Brock. The ladies always love the younger looking guys."
That got a smile out of him and said "yeah, you do look pretty old...with that gray and all in your beard." I could tell he came around from being upset to having fun again. After he said it, I gave him a smile and he said, "Good to see you can appreciate the small things in life."
Good words buddy. Now about that Dad stuff...
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