Fair Disappointment

After several years of no change, there is a new sign at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. And I'm not impressed.

Growing up, this sign would change each year with the theme of the fair. Then it would stay up until the following year. We would anticipate it.

A few years ago, they adopted a new logo for the fair, and the sign remained unchanged. There was no theme, just the logo and text. Unfortunately, thanks to the weather and sun, the colors faded and it was looking pretty bad. There was peeling around the edges and it appeared like the fairgrounds was rundown.

Just last week, the city moved to allow beer as part of the fair experience. Of course, this was for the revenue it would bring. Then on Wednesday, the day before the fair starts, they fix the sign with Budweiser logo and add a electronic sign. That was fast!

Now, I'm disappointed for several reasons. There is no theme, no art, not even the logo for the fairgrounds. Instead, beer is more prominent on the banner! I realize that Budweiser obviously paid for it. But it is very dull. Not even appealing.

Of course, I'm also not too happy about beer being 'allowed' on the grounds either. But having worked there as a teenager, I don't really seeing it being any worse. Folks who wanted to get liquored up would do so before walking in the gates, and would often party at their vehicles. However, I can guarantee that security will be beefed up for the next few years. There is no way that the fairgrounds will want there to be any chance of trouble, otherwise they'd have to reverse the decision and lose out on this great revenue.

I don't favor the idea of alcohol at a place that should have a "family atmosphere". But truth be told, I've never really thought the fair to be the most family-oriented event. It's fun, but I personally think the zoo or circus to be better. Going to fair is like the rennin for "people of Walmart"…. or worse!

Will we go this year? I'm not sure. We weren't impressed last time. And truthfully, I'd rather spend any extra money we have on something more enjoyable.

~Matt

Taking Up Taekwondo!

This year, I have taken up Tae Kwon Do with my kids. It’s not something I was really looking forward to. Sure, there are several positive aspects in taking up the activity. But knowing that it was going to take time, energy, and exercise… I can’t say it was a thrilling motivation.

When I was starting college, both my brothers decided to take up Tae Kwon Do. I was interested, but brushed it off. I convinced myself that I didn’t have the time. I was working a job that kept me busy and active. With family, I attended the testing demonstrations and on occasion, watched them practice. It was neat watching them break boards and spar. I often took my camera, and would video the entire session. To some extent, I was disappointed I had not taken up the sport.

Lydia’s brothers also took up the classes with my brother Sam. Lydia and I got to see quite a few of their classes and tests as the years went by. I had again entertained the idea of joining, but didn’t see myself committed to it.

As Mysia got older, we thought about her and I joining, but I ended up continuing to brush it of. Finally, as my brother Sam advanced in art, he was able to become an instructor. At the beginning of the year, he started asking around to see if any would be interested if he started a free class. By this time, my kids were old enough. Lydia and I discussed whether it would be worth the effort, and came to the conclusion that it would be great in teaching them discipline, control, and respect. There was one catch… I would have to join.

For the first several weeks, things were going good. Mysia, Malachi, and I worked on learning the basics. Stretching and exercise was a killer though. My personal goal was to get fit and work on my strength. However, it seemed that I was sweating more than anything. If there was any weight to be lost, it would be because of dehydration.

I was determined to press on. I was going to show everyone that I could make it through. Even though there were a few times my kids wanted to give up, I had to show them that we could do it. We made a commitment, and we weren’t going to back down. I was in the lead.

I pulled our resources together and bought the uniforms. The kids looked great. I looked like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man”!

Now that it is summer, and college classes are over, Lydia has joined. She is now caught up with the rest of us. We will be testing as a family to become yellow belts soon. It’s exciting that we’re able to do this as a family.

My goals are to keep with the self-discipline, control, and respect. Of course, keeping fit would be an absolute bonus as well. This journey is new, but perhaps I will do well in keeping up!

~Matt

I'm a "Geek"… not a "Nerd"

I have been called names throughout my life… no too surprising. Most of the time, I just brush it off. However, I believe that if you're going to label me as something, at least get it right.

For example, I'm a "Geek"… not a "Nerd"! For those who know me, this is a topic I address often. In my opinion, there is a difference between the two words, and I will often go through great lengths to explain my position on their definition.

In short, a geek is someone who is interested in a subject (usually intellectual or complex) for its own sake. It describes someone who is crazy about a certain hobby, usually an expert or enthusiast in things that would be considered obscure interests.

I see Nerd as something different than geek. In fact, I like the definition given on Wikipedia: "overly intellectual, obsessive, or socially impaired. They may spend inordinate amounts of time on unpopular, obscure, or non-mainstream activities, which are generally either highly technical or relating to topics of fiction or fantasy, to the exclusion of more mainstream activities." Someone who thinks that they're so knowledgeable in certain subjects, they don't consider others.

Given these two definitions… which would you classify me? Remember, I'm crazy about technology, southern gospel, good books, etc.

~Matt

Time to Grill!

It's summer, so lately, Lydia has added things to our menu that requires me to use the outside grill. Now, I'm not complaining. I love the challenge of making great food, grilled to perfection! Yum, yum!

As a teenager, I worked at the local fairgrounds and was trained on the grill to make hamburgers. I enjoyed it, and am happy to say that I took those skills and put them to use throughout the year. However, I really like making cheddar bratwurst. Those are fantastic.

Of course, I have certain techniques when grilling certain food. For example, I do not like my chicken breast dry. I like to have them really juicy. So, after grilled, I'll put them in hot water until ready to serve. 

I also get seasoning for things like pork chops. It just helps lock in that delicious flavor when the food is put on the grill. Oh yeah!

Hungry yet???

~Matt

Being a Hero and Saving the Day

One of the responsibilities of being a parent is making sure that you're their for you kids. Of course, in doing so, you want to be recognized with each feat that you accomplish along the way. Each dad dreams of that one great act that makes you the best dad your child could ever have.

I have found a way to impress my son. I can easily become a 'super dad'!

All I have to do is beat a level on one a gameboy game Malachi has trouble with! YES... it's that simple.

Sure enough... I've saved the day. Mission accomplished! :)

~Matt