I was reminded that I have not posted any blog entry in over a month. My last blog entry was about a competition at the Atlanta Sunday Scrabble club. I really left my readers hanging on the outcome.
The final week of the competition was my best yet. By this time I already had an idea of who the stronger and weaker players are. Fortunately for me I was not paired against some of the stronger players on this day. The first game was against Patricia and I won 348-268. The second game was against Fred whom I had never before seen at the club, but was apparently a regular before some health problems. I beat Fred 321-288. My opponent for Game #3 was Lisa. I made 87 points for STRIFES and won the game 408-285. The final game of the day was against JJ. It was a tight game and then she challenged VIG late in the game. Four plays later I had won 330-303. I was able to turn the day into four wins. I still finished out of the money though.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
My friend has a blog!
One of my good friends has finally published some of her writings into a blog. Check it out!
From Caterpillars to Butterflies
From Caterpillars to Butterflies
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Atlanta Sunday Scrabble
For the past few weeks I have been attending a scrabble club on Sundays. You can read about my first experience at the club on this previous blog post.
At my second time to the group, the organizer Artis had decided to host a month long competition for the regular attendees. To be eligible you had to have attended at least three previous meetings. Only games against other eligible participants would be counted for the competition, so I was a bit concerned that no one would want to play scrabble with me. After I finished my first game, Artis came to me and said since she had the power to make up any rules she wanted that she would allow me to participate in the competition. She said I was good enough to compete fairly with the others and I helped even out the numbers.
The first game that week was against Cynthia. Cynthia is actually from another club, but said she wanted to get in as many games as she could before she went to the National Scrabble Championship the next week. She played very quickly and very well. I was a bit intimidated honestly. I do not remember the outcome of the games from that week, other than I lost most of them, maybe all of them.
The next week things ran a little more smoothly as far as moving from table to table for each game. We all played four games apiece. I challenged my first word and was successful. I actually challenged a few words that day successfully and one unsuccessfully. I also had a good word that I played challenged. When you opponent takes a zero for a turn, it helps your chances of winning. I won one of four games that week.
The third week in August was a disaster for me. I lost all four games I played. I had no bingos. I lost two word challenges.
Today was week four. My best week yet. The first game I played JJ and won 387-318 with a bingo. Game #2 was against Lisa whom had barely beat me the previous weeks. This time I came out on top 356-344 with a bingo. I almost lost at the end trying to play too conservatively. Game #3 was against Bright. I successfully challenged two of his bingo attempts. However I did not challenge his third bingo attempt. I knew the word was good, but I failed to pay enough attention to the hook. After the game we checked and his hook VEGS was invalid. I did not have a bingo myself in this game, although I did have a double letter J in a triple word score in JOINS hooked by the S to make SHAGS on another triple word score for 81 points. I lost this third game 341-368 and I am still kicking myself. The final game of the day was against Pearl and she beat me handily 315-428. I did manage another bingo though. So for the day I was 2-2 with three bingos.
Today I tried some of the pizza for the first time. I had a slice of Oz Special and a slice of Veggie Deluxe. The pie was thin and slightly doughy underneath the heap of toppings. The crust at the edge was thick and chewy and well done. The veggie certainly had some interesting flavors on it with the baked eggplant and artichoke hearts. The Oz Special was very good. They served the pizza with a knife and fork and I tried to use it, but the bottom crust did not cut very well. At the same time it was not stiff enough to really pick up and eat by hand, at least not while trying to play a game of scrabble.
Next week is the end of the competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for most cumulative bingos, highest cumulative score, and highest word score. I am really not in the running for the first two prizes, but it only takes a one shot deal to win the third. Wish me luck next week.
At my second time to the group, the organizer Artis had decided to host a month long competition for the regular attendees. To be eligible you had to have attended at least three previous meetings. Only games against other eligible participants would be counted for the competition, so I was a bit concerned that no one would want to play scrabble with me. After I finished my first game, Artis came to me and said since she had the power to make up any rules she wanted that she would allow me to participate in the competition. She said I was good enough to compete fairly with the others and I helped even out the numbers.
The first game that week was against Cynthia. Cynthia is actually from another club, but said she wanted to get in as many games as she could before she went to the National Scrabble Championship the next week. She played very quickly and very well. I was a bit intimidated honestly. I do not remember the outcome of the games from that week, other than I lost most of them, maybe all of them.
The next week things ran a little more smoothly as far as moving from table to table for each game. We all played four games apiece. I challenged my first word and was successful. I actually challenged a few words that day successfully and one unsuccessfully. I also had a good word that I played challenged. When you opponent takes a zero for a turn, it helps your chances of winning. I won one of four games that week.
The third week in August was a disaster for me. I lost all four games I played. I had no bingos. I lost two word challenges.
Today was week four. My best week yet. The first game I played JJ and won 387-318 with a bingo. Game #2 was against Lisa whom had barely beat me the previous weeks. This time I came out on top 356-344 with a bingo. I almost lost at the end trying to play too conservatively. Game #3 was against Bright. I successfully challenged two of his bingo attempts. However I did not challenge his third bingo attempt. I knew the word was good, but I failed to pay enough attention to the hook. After the game we checked and his hook VEGS was invalid. I did not have a bingo myself in this game, although I did have a double letter J in a triple word score in JOINS hooked by the S to make SHAGS on another triple word score for 81 points. I lost this third game 341-368 and I am still kicking myself. The final game of the day was against Pearl and she beat me handily 315-428. I did manage another bingo though. So for the day I was 2-2 with three bingos.
Today I tried some of the pizza for the first time. I had a slice of Oz Special and a slice of Veggie Deluxe. The pie was thin and slightly doughy underneath the heap of toppings. The crust at the edge was thick and chewy and well done. The veggie certainly had some interesting flavors on it with the baked eggplant and artichoke hearts. The Oz Special was very good. They served the pizza with a knife and fork and I tried to use it, but the bottom crust did not cut very well. At the same time it was not stiff enough to really pick up and eat by hand, at least not while trying to play a game of scrabble.
Next week is the end of the competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for most cumulative bingos, highest cumulative score, and highest word score. I am really not in the running for the first two prizes, but it only takes a one shot deal to win the third. Wish me luck next week.
ZELDA'S QUEST FOR ZAGNUT
STAGE 1
Today I accepted a challenge for the Princess Zelda. Her kingdom is void of the rare confectionary jewel known as Zagnut. Her desire is to hold in her hands this rare jewel. I being the noble warrior that I am, have undertaken to provide her this pleasure.
My first step in this quest is to formulate a plan. To that end, I researched among the records of the Zagnut manufacturer for locations which are known to house this jewel. Alas, the villages in and around my current locale show no presence of the confection. I broaden my record search to include the closest metropolis. Eureka, there are a handful of locations known to contain the rare jewel. Each of these bear the name of a common retail merchandiser.
Suddenly my research is interrupted by an incoming signal on my communication device. My last born offspring is in dire need of transportation. I hastily discontinue my work to rescue the fruit of my loin. I speedily navigate my warship to her transmitted location. I arrive there safely only to find she has departed by the hand of her embryonic hostess without a notification unto me to abort my emergency mission.
I am now faced with a choice. Do I begin the quest with the incomplete knowlege I have already attained or do I seek nourishment for body? I opt for nourishment amidst the company of other warriors while listening to the exhortation of a journeyman.
My body and soul refreshed, I slowly traverse back to my abode keeping my eyes alert for possible places that a Zagnut may be kept. I spy a shop bearing the name of those shops encountered during my research. I slow my warship into the docking area to gain access into this structure. Time has been unkind to the environs here. I enter the shop and scour the aisles in search of the treasure. I spy another rare treat with the name of Zero and gain hope, but those are quickly dashed. The shopkeeper approaches me to offer assistance. The puzzled look as I pronounce the name Zagnut causes my heart to sink even before the word no escapes her lips.
Stage 1 has failed, but failure is only a stepping stone towards future success.
STAGE 2
I have received intelligence reports that indicate the elusive Zagnut may be found within striking distance of my weekly gaming rendezvous. I shall allot time to detour to these destinations as I make my trek in several days.
In the meantime, I searched a trio of local establishments during the hour reserved for consumption of midday vittles. Although the Zagnut jewel was not found, I did manage to corner another rare jewel known as the Clark Bar. I have provided photographic evidence of my conquest here.
Clark Bar
STAGE 3
Several days have passed since my last excursion on Zelda's Quest. Armed with the intelligence reports, I resumed my search this afternoon. Would success be mine?
I had a route planned based upon the deviation from the standard course. The first stop was just a few hundred yards from the major interchange of defense highways which are a part of my normal Sunday routine. However it has been twenty years since I last actually stopped my vehicle in this territory. Media outlets often contain reports of lethal violence at the large closed market just across the way. This is not exactly a destination for tourists.
I slowly proceeded along the local thoroughfare keeping my visual field attuned to my surroundings. It was only a few seconds before I spotted a tall mast bearing the name of the establishment purported to contain the Zagnut.
As I pulled into area designated for parking I was immediately struck by woeful neglect that afflicted this habadashery. A large crater with the appearance that it had been caused by an improvised explosive device interrupted the flow path of the entering and exiting ships. Sadly, I believe this crater was actually formed by the unabated erosive forces of nature over time.
The building housing the mercantile also showed signs of age and neglect and evidence that a criminal element oft lurked nearby. The glass doors and windows were protected by vertical bars of steel to prevent unauthorized access. Nothing I saw inspired peace about my expedition.
I docked my warship and proceeded on foot into the structure. Scanning the natives in the midst, I quickly ascertained that my appearance betrayed that I was an alien to these parts. Taking a deep breath I went straight to the rack containing the type of treasures that I sought. My eyes quickly caught the large yellow lettering on the bright red background. ZAGNUT it proclaimed in the bottom left corner of the rack.
I kneeled down to take my prize into my hands. I carefully felt the long rectangle of crunchy peanut butter toasted coconut throught its protective layer. The first few I felt had evidence of rough treatment and were not whole. Then I felt one that was complete. Having come so far I decided that I would not stop with just one bar. I found one for myself as well as one for Princess Zelda.
I stood in line to hand over the monetary value of these precious jewels to the woman in charge of collections. She barely acknowledged my existence as she shoved the change into my hand. My quest complete. I hurriedly exited the premises and entered my trusty warship to depart from this place.
Here is the photographic evidence of my success.
Zagnut
Today I accepted a challenge for the Princess Zelda. Her kingdom is void of the rare confectionary jewel known as Zagnut. Her desire is to hold in her hands this rare jewel. I being the noble warrior that I am, have undertaken to provide her this pleasure.
My first step in this quest is to formulate a plan. To that end, I researched among the records of the Zagnut manufacturer for locations which are known to house this jewel. Alas, the villages in and around my current locale show no presence of the confection. I broaden my record search to include the closest metropolis. Eureka, there are a handful of locations known to contain the rare jewel. Each of these bear the name of a common retail merchandiser.
Suddenly my research is interrupted by an incoming signal on my communication device. My last born offspring is in dire need of transportation. I hastily discontinue my work to rescue the fruit of my loin. I speedily navigate my warship to her transmitted location. I arrive there safely only to find she has departed by the hand of her embryonic hostess without a notification unto me to abort my emergency mission.
I am now faced with a choice. Do I begin the quest with the incomplete knowlege I have already attained or do I seek nourishment for body? I opt for nourishment amidst the company of other warriors while listening to the exhortation of a journeyman.
My body and soul refreshed, I slowly traverse back to my abode keeping my eyes alert for possible places that a Zagnut may be kept. I spy a shop bearing the name of those shops encountered during my research. I slow my warship into the docking area to gain access into this structure. Time has been unkind to the environs here. I enter the shop and scour the aisles in search of the treasure. I spy another rare treat with the name of Zero and gain hope, but those are quickly dashed. The shopkeeper approaches me to offer assistance. The puzzled look as I pronounce the name Zagnut causes my heart to sink even before the word no escapes her lips.
Stage 1 has failed, but failure is only a stepping stone towards future success.
STAGE 2
I have received intelligence reports that indicate the elusive Zagnut may be found within striking distance of my weekly gaming rendezvous. I shall allot time to detour to these destinations as I make my trek in several days.
In the meantime, I searched a trio of local establishments during the hour reserved for consumption of midday vittles. Although the Zagnut jewel was not found, I did manage to corner another rare jewel known as the Clark Bar. I have provided photographic evidence of my conquest here.
Clark Bar
STAGE 3
Several days have passed since my last excursion on Zelda's Quest. Armed with the intelligence reports, I resumed my search this afternoon. Would success be mine?
I had a route planned based upon the deviation from the standard course. The first stop was just a few hundred yards from the major interchange of defense highways which are a part of my normal Sunday routine. However it has been twenty years since I last actually stopped my vehicle in this territory. Media outlets often contain reports of lethal violence at the large closed market just across the way. This is not exactly a destination for tourists.
I slowly proceeded along the local thoroughfare keeping my visual field attuned to my surroundings. It was only a few seconds before I spotted a tall mast bearing the name of the establishment purported to contain the Zagnut.
As I pulled into area designated for parking I was immediately struck by woeful neglect that afflicted this habadashery. A large crater with the appearance that it had been caused by an improvised explosive device interrupted the flow path of the entering and exiting ships. Sadly, I believe this crater was actually formed by the unabated erosive forces of nature over time.
The building housing the mercantile also showed signs of age and neglect and evidence that a criminal element oft lurked nearby. The glass doors and windows were protected by vertical bars of steel to prevent unauthorized access. Nothing I saw inspired peace about my expedition.
I docked my warship and proceeded on foot into the structure. Scanning the natives in the midst, I quickly ascertained that my appearance betrayed that I was an alien to these parts. Taking a deep breath I went straight to the rack containing the type of treasures that I sought. My eyes quickly caught the large yellow lettering on the bright red background. ZAGNUT it proclaimed in the bottom left corner of the rack.
I kneeled down to take my prize into my hands. I carefully felt the long rectangle of crunchy peanut butter toasted coconut throught its protective layer. The first few I felt had evidence of rough treatment and were not whole. Then I felt one that was complete. Having come so far I decided that I would not stop with just one bar. I found one for myself as well as one for Princess Zelda.
I stood in line to hand over the monetary value of these precious jewels to the woman in charge of collections. She barely acknowledged my existence as she shoved the change into my hand. My quest complete. I hurriedly exited the premises and entered my trusty warship to depart from this place.
Here is the photographic evidence of my success.
Zagnut
Friday, August 20, 2010
Be a Blessing
This morning as I was praying for the people in my life to be blessed, I felt like God said that I need to be a blessing unto them. Part of God's blessing for Abraham was that he would be a blessing to others.
Genesis 12: 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
And the blessing of Abraham has been passed on to us through the work of Jesus on the cross as it says in Galatians.
Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
I need to meditate on this. It could be revolutionary! Can you imagine living life to be a blessing to everyone? Most of us just hope to not be a bother to anyone. Me anyway.
Genesis 12: 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
And the blessing of Abraham has been passed on to us through the work of Jesus on the cross as it says in Galatians.
Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
I need to meditate on this. It could be revolutionary! Can you imagine living life to be a blessing to everyone? Most of us just hope to not be a bother to anyone. Me anyway.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Big Boss Man
I stumbled upon this article about the Big Boss Man when I was looking for something else.
I considered Ray Traylor a friend. Our daughters were close friends through elementary and middle schools, frequently spending the night with one another. I never knew him as a wrestler, but rather as a man. He was probably the nicest, friendliest man I ever knew. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly greeting for everyone he met. Kids loved him.
I remember one time when our daughters were in middle school and were going on a field trip to Perry for the state fair. Somehow when I dropped her off, I got talked into going along as a chaperone. Ray went too, but not before trying to convince me that we should follow behind in his truck instead of riding the bus. I refused the ride so Ray climbed his huge frame onto the bus too. At the fair, the teacher let the kids pick which chaperone they wanted to stay with to walk around the fairgrounds. 90% of the kids went straight to Ray.
His life ended much much too early. It is hard to believe he has been gone almost six years now. Our daughters just graduated high school together. You are still missed Ray.
I considered Ray Traylor a friend. Our daughters were close friends through elementary and middle schools, frequently spending the night with one another. I never knew him as a wrestler, but rather as a man. He was probably the nicest, friendliest man I ever knew. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly greeting for everyone he met. Kids loved him.
I remember one time when our daughters were in middle school and were going on a field trip to Perry for the state fair. Somehow when I dropped her off, I got talked into going along as a chaperone. Ray went too, but not before trying to convince me that we should follow behind in his truck instead of riding the bus. I refused the ride so Ray climbed his huge frame onto the bus too. At the fair, the teacher let the kids pick which chaperone they wanted to stay with to walk around the fairgrounds. 90% of the kids went straight to Ray.
His life ended much much too early. It is hard to believe he has been gone almost six years now. Our daughters just graduated high school together. You are still missed Ray.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Look Past the Distractions
Yesterday morning at church during a prayer before the service, I prayed to myself that God would remove any distractions that would hinder us from worshiping. I felt like God replied to me that He wouldn't do that, but rather that I need to learn to look past the distractions and look to Him. There will always be things in this life that can distract us. If He removed one distraction, but our focus is upon distractions rather than on God, then pretty soon we will be distracted by something else because we live in an imperfect world. We need to be focused upon Jesus and leave the other stuff where it is.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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