From Facebook to Galatians

 
A longtime family friend wrote a beautiful piece on Emilys life and her ability to connect with people from all sides. I thought it was a fitting tribute to her.

From Facebook to Galatians.

A life Less Ordinary.

Emily Lauren McQueen-Borden, 35, died at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, La. on Aug. 21, 2012 from complications of multiple sclerosis. She was born on March 19, 1977 in Laurinburg to Dr. James and Linda McQueen. Emily was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Raleigh, Wake Forest University, and the University of Illinois in Chicago. Emily resided in New Orleans where she was lead physical therapist at the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine. A loving mother, partner, daughter, sister, and friend, Emily touched many lives with her unique personality and infectious sense of humor. Survivors include her partner Kara Kinser McQueen-Borden and daughter Margaret Kinser (Greta) McQueen-Borden of New Orleans, her parents James and Linda McQueen of Kill Devil Hills, and her brother Jason McQueen of Austin, Texas. Tulane University President Scott Cowen will be hosting a gathering of local friends and family at the president’s residence at Two Audubon Place on Thursday August 23, from 6-8 pm. A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 27, 2012 at the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church in Laurinburg. The family will greet friends following the service. Emily’s legacy of providing exceptional care to athletes of all ages will continue through Emily’s Hope Fund for Sport-Related Brain Injury Rehabilitation. The fund will assist in keeping hope alive for high school student-athletes with sport-related brain injury by making grants available to charitable causes and to progressive physical medicine and rehabilitation research. Direct gifts may be made to Tulane University, Emily McQueen-Borden/Emily’s Hope Fund, PO Box 61075, New Orleans, La. 70161.

summery song

Really?

I love that Nancy Pelosi has the time to speak to Richard Gere about Tibet even more than I love the fact that CNN considers this a "developing story". Who gives a &^%*%) whats going on in Tibet and while I'm at it, why is Richard Gere even being received in Washington after the comments he's made in the past? Why Nancy isn't spending EVERY WAKING HOUR trying to sort through the nations financial crisis is beyond me.

I look forward to one day understanding what planet some liberals are living on. Until then, Ill remain tortured by their in-your-face obliviousness to the important issues.

Damn!

if this doesnt scare you..im not sure what will..

worth a watch.

Click Here to Watch Frontline's "Inside The Meltdown"

The Kids Got it.

I admire Forrest in many ways but his work ethic really shines the brightest. Unlike many people his age (or mine) he works consistently not only to keep his head above the rising financial waterline but to prepare himself for a completely debt free, well financed future. Not only does he have a 9-to-5 career level job, he also works 30+ hours a week slinging flora and fauna at Lowes outdoor, something he has a real passion for. The most amazing part, I rarely (if ever) hear him complain about his jobs. In fact, he loves them both, even on the 16+ hour days, and he continues to rack up “gold stars” from all of his employers for jobs (more than) well done.

I don’t know many 25 year olds who were “anxious” to start contributing to their 401K’s at the highest level or who have less than a small car’s worth of debt to their name, but Forrest remains a shining example of responsibility in both those areas. I have told him many times that he is a rare breed and his exercising such responsibility will position him well for whatever life throws at him.

I’m embarrassed to say that I did not start contributing to my 401K until I was 30 and even then it was in menial doses, and god knows my debt load was much higher. I am proud to say that I am now 100% debt free, a homeowner and feel much better about my position on the dollar trail to retirement. I must say that witnessing Forrest’s hard work and determination makes me appreciate the financial freedoms I enjoy that much more. The best part is, I get to share them with someone who appreciates them just the same, but who would be just as happy eating beans from can on the wrong side of the tracks.

random jamz

Wordsmithing 101

I found this lead story writeup on CNN a bit odd.... "tasted the flesh"? How about "attacked", bitten, scratched, tickled, anything else...

"Giant panda mauls third victim at Beijing Zoo
Gu Gu, a panda at the Beijing Zoo, has tasted the flesh of an unwitting intruder to his pen for the third time. Zhang Jiao, 28, told CNN he fell into the panda pen Wednesday while trying to catch a small toy thrown by his young son...."

So i've rewritten the story....

Giant Panda bites deserving idiot at Beijing Zoo.
Gu Gu, a panda at the Beijing Zoo attacked an idiot tourist who felt it necessary to sacrifice his life over a small Chinese toy (full of lead) that was thrown into the cage by his unruly child. Zhang Jiao, 28, told CNN he refuses to teach his child a lesson about losing toys and would rather risk his life and limb by leaping into the cage himself to retrieve it. He's optimistic that the 5000 videos taken of the incident by the other Chinese tourist in attendance will make their way onto YouTube and make him an Internet sensation. He hopes to soon join the ranks of other idiot Chinese Internet sensations such as "William Hung" and all time favorite "Tina Chen" .

DC (Dismal City)

I decided to turn on the 11 o'clock news before winding down the evening here in Washington and was SHOCKED at the top story. 7 shootings, 4 stabbings and 3 new body discoveries all today. Holy shit..who actually wants to live here? Ok, Don't answer that.

In other news...be glad you're not coming to the Inauguration. They have shut down the city, making it near impossible to get in or out on that day. Not sure how the 4+ million folks are planning on attending. My boss is talking about WALKING to the capital from his house in Alexandria, others are actually spending the night in our offices on the hill. Ok, so HOPE shines Eternal but not bright enough for me to sleep on a corporate hard floor and brave negative temperatures to catch a glimpse of the president elect a jumbo tron 1/4 mile from the Capitol Steps while dodging bullets.

In fact, ill probably just tivo the whole thing and watch it in between Oprah and The City episodes. That sounds stomachable.

One bright moment of my trip was sitting 1 row behind Mrs Barbara Bush on my flight from Houston to DC on Wednesday. Loaded to the gills with secret service and her personal staff, I eavesdropped into her conversations for the entire 2.5 hour flight. Yeah shes a complete bitch, but probably the last true "first lady" to hang her fabulous hat in the White House. Despite her dapper appearance my sick mind couldn't help but to think about one of my favorite MAD TV moments:

Praha ha ha

Many Euros call New Years Eve "Sylvester". It has something to do with Saint Sylvester...whoever that is. despite the funny name, we had a great time. In Prague, new years starts off with a big meal at local restaurants or hotels. Odd food items like salted cod sashimi and bacon dumplings (disappointing) and goulash accompanied more traditional fare like Ham and roast beef. You can expect 3 to 4 hours of food and random entertainment before you venture out into the streets for a fireworks display that will put your personal safety in jeopardy.. Everyone heads out on the town after the fireworks and we followed suit. We stumbled home around 5am. Drinks and conversations with Russians, Englishmen, Germans, Canadians and surprisingly kept us busy and time got away from us. Despite the freezing cold and choke-worthy smoke filled bars, a good time was had by all

Munich Math

This......


Plus This.......


Equals this:

Table for 2

Maple/Ginger glazed pork crown roast
Spinach Souffle
Steamed Green, White, Purple Asparagus with balsamic and garlic reduction
Roasted root vegetables with sea salt
Rosemary Bread

Neckin it

I'm sure this is going to make me unpopular with the "fashionistas" but I'm going to go out on a limb here and declare the cleverly-tied-wintry-scarf an annoying fashion item. My only caveat is for those of you living in (or visiting) frigid winter temperatures, where this woven piece of fabric does actually have purpose, namely keeping your neck from freezing solid. To all the austinites (epically the ones I saw today donning scarves at the post office in 70 degree weather) who have been anxiously tooling their wardrobes for the 5 below freezing days a year we get in this town, you look ridiculous. 360 days to plot a wardrobe results in an overly-styled walking GAP billboard that looks like it's tried too hard.

All comes crashing down..

Things have kicked into high-gear at my new house. Walls coming down, new foundations being poured, roofs being raised...just in time for the holidays. Panic attack anyone? Anyone?

Eurotrash Schizophrenia!

Which is it? I must know.

Holidaze

Forrest and I decorated my Christmas tree last night and then sat by the fire. We were talking about how lovely it would be if it were snowing outside...and low and behold... it was. It snowed in Austin last night. Granted not a flake stuck to the ground, but I saw it with my own eyes.

It made the inside feel that much cozier....

The mantle aglow

I insisted.

Tracktastic

Want to know what that catchy tune is running in the background of an online commercial or video.

Try TRACKIT

I love technology... really.

Tour De France

Pardon me!

Slate.com is reporting the most likely candidates for Pardon by George bush in anticipation of his exit from power this winter. The usual suspects are all there. The Enron guys, Michael Milken, some sleazy republican ex-congressmen, and other shamed non-notables. Even Marion Jones and Michael Vick could grab themselves a get-out-of-jail-free card, although unlikely.

There is, however, one person on the short list who I fully support even though I know she was guilty as hell. A momentary lapse in greed for an otherwise fine purveyor of household taste.

PARDON MARTHA!