Almost 30

Well, tomorrow I turn 30 years old. It feels strange, and that's about all. I guess I sometimes get in these deep thought sessions and reflect on life. What did I accomplish over the last decade? Am I where I thought I'd be? Am I being faithful to God, and all the opportunities He's given me?

Turning 30 has gotten varying reactions. Yesterday, at the YMCA, the topic came up on the sauna. The sauna! It was two high schooler's, and older guy, and me. Here's the scene:

OLDER GUY (turning to high school kids): What high school do you guys go to?

KID #1: Green.

OLDER GUY (looking around the room, wiping sweat off his forehead, turns to me and says): Are you in high school?

ME: You are awesome!

KID #1 (turning to me, with a huge smile) : How old ARE you then?

ME: I'm twenty-nine (not mentioning that I'm only 29 for about 40 more hours).

KID #1: Man, that's not bad at all. my cousin, man - he's THIRTY!

To a High Schooler, 30 is ancient.

But I have found that everyone else thinks I have a lot of life ahead of me.

Since I'm getting sentimental, here's a brief review of the last 30 years...

- No Cleveland team has won a sports championship. Not in my lifetime. The 1995 and 1997 Indians at least made it to the World Series, and the '86, '87, and '89 Browns made it to the AFC Championship those years. But nobody remembers second place. We Clevelanders cope by pretending like there are more important things in life (like getting married, having a kid, and talking to God personally).

- A few weeks ago, I saw a yearbook from our church in 1974. That's right, 30 years ago. My picture is in it, and I am barely a couple months old. I have spent about 2/3 of my life attending or serving or being involved with The Chapel. God has really blessed me and my family with so many friendships, memories, and important moments in life.

- As I mentioned in a previous blogger, marrying Jennie was quite a coup - an enormous gift from God. One of the purposes inherent in a man's soul is that he has to rescue the beauty - he has to find a great woman who stirs his heart and complements him. If you haven't read Wild at Heart, you need to check out some of the stuff John Eldredge has written. Anyhow, I am grateful everyday for the terrific, loving, intelligent, giving, forgiving, hilarious, strong Christian woman God has blessed me with.

- I'm still proud to be a Lake High grad (1992). It's amazing how much of your life, personality, and relationships are shaped by those younger and adolescent years. I do hope we have a 15-year reunion. Unbelievable how fast those 12 years went. I remember the torment I went through as a 6-year old, hating to leave Cuyahoga Falls, but it was a great move. I think being in a public high school and making so many friends there helped strengthen my Christian faith even more, and love people who are different than me too.

- In high school, I adopted a life-mission to live a "no-regrets" life. I wanted to give my life to God and others in such a way that I wouldn't pass up opportunities, I would do the things I know are right, and never give God or others anything less than my best. Well, I still have that passion or heart inside me, but I have regrets about lots of things. I think we all miss opportunities, and we all fall short of our goals at times. However, those that keep fighting... that keep the faith... that persevere... I want to be one of those.

- Can't believe I went to Grace. I was excited about Taylor and the great people and beautiful campus there... I was accepted at Miami (Ohio), and really wondered if I should pursue a "tougher" degree at a more acclaimed university.... but then I visited Grace. And loved it. I spent 7 years of my life in Indiana - College and Seminary - and wouldn't trade it for anything. Jennie and I will secretly hope that Allison (our daughter) falls in love with Grace, and it wouldn't surprise me if we lived out there again someday.

- You know, maybe I should have started this list with the ones who got it started. Now that Jennie and I are parents, I know I'll gain a much greater respect, admiration, and awe at the job my parents did. I am eternally grateful to Jack & Rita for their amazing love, faithfulness to each other, encouragement to me, commitment to teaching me right & wrong, allowing me to be independent, and for changing all those diapers. "Thanks" will never do - and it's amazing how much parents do - it is an awesome task.

- If you're still reading, thanks! I know this mutterings has gotten more "personal" than "funny." Early tomorrow morning, I'll be 30 years old. I am excited and curious as to what the next 30 years will hold, let alone the next 3 months.

- I wonder what sort of legacy I'll leave.

Waggy?

Today makes 32 weeks. For you math majors, that's 80% of pregnancy completed. I suppose a quick Jennie update should come from her - but she doesn't want her direct quotes to be hastily replicated on the Internet. She is looking forward to June 20 (or earlier) (uh, or later?) and meeting Allison face-to-face. Jennie will sometimes admit to some back pain, soreness, and some asthma, but overall - she's really grateful to be pregnant and excited for what lies ahead. Some people probably don't believe that it's asthma, and say stuff about normal breathing problems in pregnancy, but no - this is real asthma, just exaggerated by pregnancy. FYI, I suppose.

She loves how everyone tells her constantly "you look GREAT." Or "you look so CUTE." Or cool stuff like that. I try to give her props like that on a regular basis, pregnant or not. I mean, let's face it - as Tommy Bennardo once said, "Gar, you're marrying WAY up!"

Seriously, to have landed a wife who openly and honestly empathizes with me every year when the Browns ruin their chance to improve through the NFL Draft - I mean, she seems to really feel my pain here - I have a terrific wife. Jennie somehow shares my unexplainable concern for the Browns, connected with a growing disapproval and resentment for their stupid coach, Butch Davis. If I thought you were interested in my reasons for Butch's incompetency, I'd write them. But it's just football, and only one team matters in football (see our daughter's wardrobe... now 4 Ohio State outfits and counting. A kid can never have enough of those goodies!)

Meanwhile, the demise of the Browns, coupled with the fact that they never pick guys from Ohio State, makes me think Allison will have more Green Bay Packer genes in her developing psyche than anything else in the NFL.

On to more serious matters. With parenting, I suppose my vocabulary will need to expand to include such profound expressions as "get your JAMMIES on" - or "honey, where are the BURP-CLOTHS?"- or - "Allie, here's your BINKY." But, when we registered for baby gifts at Target, I found the baby term to end all baby terms.

"Waggy."

I love that word. "Waggy." Still not sure what it means, but it's the name for a baby stuffed animal we registered for (and received), that I think is just beautiful, CUTE, and shrouded in mystery! The "waggy mystery" is that it's a very cute animal - but I have no idea what animal it is. It looks like some toy company ran out of cute animals to make, like the standard elephant, rabbit, duck, or bear, and decided to mess with genetics, breeding a new animal - the "waggy."

Silly "waggy" looks like part lady bug, part puppy, part turtle, part beetle, and part guinea pig. Mix them all together, paint the thing pink, and you've got your "waggy." If postmodernims had a favorite stuffed animal, waggy tops the list. Click here for a visual of our wonderful WAGGY.

I had to register for that one. I know that my daughter is going to grow up in a world full of mysteries, unknowns, and questions - and I want to prepare for that. I want her to know that not everything in this world is an issue of "black or white" but that some things are complex, and we just have to be willing to live and thrive in that kind of world.

In short, the "waggy" is a GREAT gift, and I wouldn't try raising my daughter without one.

Thoughts from Chicago...

I am typing this as Jennie is driving and we're on our way home from Chicago. We had a fantastic weekend in the Windy City, and got to spend some great time with family, food, and God.

"Family?" That's right, we stayed with Grandma Walta, and had a great time with most of the family there, in town for our baby shower. I know, it's primarily Jennie's baby shower, but rumor has it that this will by my baby as well. We got to hang out, laugh, go to the park, catch up, play with our nieces (Anna & Avery), and open lots of gifts. All the gifts were terrific, but I am especially fond of the Ohio State cheerleader outfit. It's beautiful, and I'm sure to put a few pics on the web for your viewing enjoyment. Just know that this girl is going to be raised right. "Raised right" means that she already has THREE Ohio State outfits and NO Cleveland Browns stuff. Allison is on the right track. Mix in some Green Bay Packer outfits, and she'll be a heartbreaker.

"Food?" If you've never been to Chicago, its food is legendary. Friday night, before entering the bountiful buffet presented to us in Chicago, Jennie and I followed the "Pizza Hut" signs to a truck-stop close to Gary, Indiana. Uh, bad move. Every person in the joint looked like they were just released from the JOINT. Honestly, there were signs all over the place that read, "Smile, you're under video surveillance." Security guards were not in short supply. "Uh, two personal pans to go - really soon, please!"

Anyhow, later that night after landing safely in Berwyn (near Chicago), Jennie's parents made a run to Portillo's. Portillo's is the home of some terrific "Italian beef" sandwiches, which I - of course - had to add hot peppers and pepperoncini's to. Unbelievable. The next day, when the ladies were ready to "shower" Jennie with gifts and "oh-how-cute" noises, the guys went to... Portillo's! If you haven't had an authentic Chicago-style hot dog, you're really missing out on the best life has to offer. Jennie's Dad (Bill Walta), a Windy City native informed me that, if you're really from Chicago, you don't eat the pickle separately. The pickle is part of the dog here. And for me, so was the jalapeno and the pepperoncini. Saturday night, Jennie and I made a run to Lalo's Mexican restaurant to snarf on some quality authentic burritos. I practiced some of my spanish with Jennie and her cousin Adrianna, when I asked, "Porque esta el banyo?" Still working on that one.

I suppose the next food bulletin from the city that Michael Jordan built goes along with the "God" section.

"God?" Yeah, Jennie and I had a terrific encounter with God today at Willow Creek Community Church. I've been there before for pastors conferences and other events, but never for an Axis service. "Axis?" Yeah, it's their church's worship service for twenty-somethings. Although, as I walked into Axis, they told me it was for "twenty-somethings... and older." I looked that girl-usher squarely in the eyes and said, "Young lady, I AM a twenty-something, and only for twelve more days, so you best respect your elders and let me enjoy it!"

Uh, okay, I didn't say that. But I did go in, and I was NOT the oldest person in the room. Axis had a tremendous feel of authentic, real, modern worship. The guest-speaker was Rev. Alise Barrymore (yes, a woman - no, not Drew's mom), and she spoke on Philippians 2:12-13, where Paul challenges some mature Christians to continue to grow and work on their faith and character. She was terrific.

Anyhow, afterwards, Jennie and I hit Willow Creek's food court - yes, this church has one.

That was indeed one of the best Taco Salads I've ever had. (Yes, with jalapenos and hot sauce - pass the Tums). But a church with a Taco Salad? More proof of God, I suppose.

Enough bloggering about Chicago. But Jennie did get pulled over on the way home.

Taxes or whatever

Aren't taxes due today? Yes, I believe I read that somewhere. Hope you all got great returns - not everyone does (including those who run this website). Certainly not a complaint here, though, we did get to use what we earned, and God has provided more than we deserve. We're not here on earth to try and grab as much money and stuff and then live as comfortably as possible.

Tomorrow we leave for Chicago, and Allison is reportedly growing hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Almost 31 weeks, and these are the details we get from "inside the womb." New life is an amazing thing. Life without eyebrows just wouldn't be the same.

We are overcome with the following thoughts... "What will she look like?" "I hope she is growing two eyebrows, not just one." "Let's hope for Jennie's sake that Allison is not getting her head-size from her daddy!" "Did we register for too much?" "Is that her leg sticking out?" "Is Allison going to be one of THOSE babies who cries and poops all day?" "Is there any other kind of baby?"

It is amazing to feel and see Jennie's stomach move and churn as Allie wrestles within.

On the fantasy basketball front, I finished 3rd out of 12 or 14 teams. Not bad, but I'd rather be a winner - you know? Being this close to Cleveland, I have really no concept for winning. The Cavs and their 35-47 record is the best team this town has had to offer in a few years. The Browns are terrible, and I wonder if I would ever allow my children to wear orange. The Indians are worse, but at least they know what direction they are going. Sports is so overrated - why waste your time following these spoiled millionaires as they either throw pieces of leather really fast, hit each other, or try to stuff a ball through a rim. Who cares?

I'm sure parenting will put everything in perspective. People say parenting really makes you grow up, but you and I both know people who refuse. They refuse to do the right thing, and they refuse to set good examples and boundaries for their kids.

How much money would people save if they stopped eating out?

But we're headed to Chicago, and I love Giordano's pizza. If you've never had Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, you're missing out on the finer things in life. Check out that link - look at the stuff!

Since we're talking Pizza, there's a chain in Northern Ohio called Zeppe's that is really, really great. We had dinner there the other night, and are forever grateful to Josh & Kirsten Smith for introduicng us to the world of Zeppe's pizza.

Happy Easter!

Yes, today is Easter. I hope that means you had a great time with family and friends. I did, and I'm here to tell you about it.

Even more importantly, I hope you've grasped the real meaning of Easter and that Jesus is your answer to the problems of evil, mortality, and truth.

Today, Brian Hunt is in town from Chicago, where he is a "relationship banker" for Bank One. Drop him a line and say hello! Brian and I were roommates at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. It is great to have a friend where you can always "pick up where you left off" and just enjoy each other's company. Brian is generally one of the most easygoing guys I've ever known, and he always makes life interesting and humorous. Props to Bennigans for being open on Easter night, while Damon's was not.

Bennigan's has the best Baked Potato Soup you'll ever have. Unless you like some other kind better.

We spent Easter with much of the Underwood clan, and had a terrific feast. I might even post some footage of said feast later in the week. However, I did feel a tad guilty having a "deviled egg" on Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, why do we give Satan credit for a good-flavored egg? It would seem the "devil" description should be given to moldy or decaying eggs, not flavored ones.

So, I think I am going to finish second in the FBL - again. I could blame my players for missing lots of free throws and not playing defense this week, but why not just give Dave Pacheco the credit he deserves? Nice job, D-pac - you've earned it!

If you saw the video on our front page, you know that Jennie is 30-weeks pregnant today. One of our readers spoke out for many of you, when she mentioned, "Could we please see some picture of JENNIE?" Well, our website aims to please, and there's the evidence, front and center. Any other ideas or requests? We'll try to make it happen!

At 30 weeks, you get a whole new set of "things people say that you hear a dozen times a day." The answers to those questions (you'll know them when you hear the answers) go as follows:

(1) Yes, we are ready for this baby.

(2) Yes, we are trying to get sleep now while we still can. We're not really afraid of this one, and we understand the life-change that is inherent to parenting. Quite honestly and personally... we have lost a lot of sleep over a child that did not survive pregnancy... so we're more than happy to lose whatever sleep necessary to actually meet this one face to face.

(3) Yes, Gary is trying to be more of a helper around the house. He is doing most of the heavy lifting, and often really tries to get Jennie to relax and put her feet up.

(4) No, Gary still has not changed a diaper yet. And no, he's not interested in changing your baby's for you as practice. This is a special moment for me and my family, and only ten weeks to wait.

(5) Yes, Jennie is feeling fine, except when Allison kicks her in the ribs or bladder. Allison kicks and moves a lot during the day, especially after Jennie eats.

(6) You get get into any of our registries by searching for "Jennifer Underwood" at Target, Babies R Us, and Burlington Coat Factory.

(7) Yes, the baby's room is all finished, and it's yellow. We are hoping to make the rest of it as pink as possible. Our theme is the "Isabella" design from the KidsLine brand. That theme has pink and yellow and blue in it. We have video footage of this room being painted - available upon request.

(8) Yes, we know it's a girl. 100% chance.

(9) Yes, we have a name.

(10) (And I always stall between question 9 and 10 to wait for people to ask...) Oh, her name is Allison Joy Underwood. "Joy " is Jennie's middle name, and "Allison" is a name we both really liked, and it made the cut. We started with about 10 names and kept cutting. Names on the "cutting room floor" include Hope, Rachel, and Tresselle (after a certain college football coach).

(11) I guess people never really get to question eleven, and I'm fine with that. I'd rather they didn't ask. Ten questions is enough - don't you think?

No title necessary

Hard to believe this site has been up for almost two months! Seriously, I am having a great time doing this, and look forward to making many more memories online. We do look forward to giving some pictures here of Allison and our new family.

However, this won't be a site that says stuff like "1,020 visitors since February 15th of 2004." I mean, that would be pretty self-promoting. And deceptive - since probably 250 of those visitors have been ME, checking my own site! Quality control checks, to be sure. I wouldn't just keep clicking "reload" just to up the visitor statistics for my site. That would be a pointless waste of time.

Rest assured, I am not doing this website to get your money, or to put silly advertisements on here from Yahoo, Geico, or anyone else.

I do, however, like to mention friends who are doing websites, or special events or things that I have noticed in my travels online. Kary Oberbrunner, Josh Smith, and Jeremy Bear are just a few of the guys I know doing fun websites. I could add Jon Schweitzer's link, but I'm not giving you my password.

Mad props to Becks & Lee (Jeff & Leanne Becksfort), two of our close friends from The Chapel who moved to Oregon over two months ago, and have signed the guestbook. I do think this is a great way to keep in touch with people, and I hear that Becks is considering a website. Can anyone validate those rumors?

Well, I got to speak Sunday night at The Chapel's "Illuminate" service - the 5:30pm version that is geared for a louder, faster, younger crowd, I suppose. The talk was about the various miracles or "signs" that took place while Jesus was dying on the cross - things like darkness, an earthquake, a torn temple curtain, and people coming back from the dead. All very shocking events that would make for a great movie. But this stuff happened in REAL LIFE, and we've all got to reckon with it. Who was Jesus? Anyhow, it is always a privilege to speak, and I always feel nervous like it's "game day" for an athlete or something.

Speaking of athletes, I am doing the "devotional" at this Friday's "Good Friday Prayer Breakfast" at the YMCA. Did you know that I have been a card-carrying member of 4 different YMCAs in 4 different states? I bet you can't name them.

Well, the Green YMCA is obvious now. I always get in great conversations with people there, and one guy recently asked me, "What's the difference between being 'spiritual' and being 'religious.'?" Well, what would you say?

When I lived in Michigan, I was a year-long member of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor YMCA. I think that was the first YMCA I really got serious about. That one was always a 15-minute drive from home, with Subway as a nice halfway point. I'm not sure there's a better workout plan than going to the Y before a nice Turkey Breast Sub.

In Milwaukee, I actually WORKED at a YMCA for three months. "Front Desk Personnel" or something cool like that. Had several good friendships develop, and met a bunch of Russian-speaking guys. Never really played hoops there, but it was nice to get a free membership with the job.

By far, my favorite Y of all-time is in Winona Lake, Indiana. I'll probably tear up if I start to recount all the memories. For three years as a seminary student, I spent a great deal of time there. Played tons of basketball there...and got in the best shape in my life there. In case you wondered, that's how I landed Jennie. Think I could swing dance now? Hah!

Then again, even if I "could" swing dance today, doesn't mean I would.

I am a man of principles, you know.

Principle #1: Type whatever comes to your mind.

Principle #2: Once you're married, don't go swing dancing.

Principle #3: Be willing to give up principle #2, if the wife asks.

Principle #4: Honor principle #1 more regularly, to keep the "mutterings" current.

Principle #5: Don't assume people are actually reading this stuff.

Principle #6: Don't assume they aren't - make sure you don't say anything you'll regret.

Principle #7: Lists of principles often make for boring reading.