2010 started off with a Monthly Feature on the film, “Mr. Destiny”, reminding us that our past choices might bring us a life we desire, but only at the cost of the one we’ve already achieved.

Weekly Blogs talked about establishing genuine unity and teamwork in “The New Adventures of Flash Gordon”, which included YouTube links to the TV cartoon series intro and to Queen’s title song from the live-action movie. Remember, the coolest way to view them is to open both and mute the TV cartoon intro, then watch the intro while listening to Queen’s song at full volume!

We also were challenged to step out into something new through the film, “Julie & Julia”.

Other blogs took on a country-western theme, with Barbara Mandrell’s “I Was Country (When Country Wasn’t Cool)” about staying true to ourselves, regardless of the fads that surround us. We also found new hope through Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home”, for persevering through difficult times with an eye to the future, and we learned from Christian comedian Dennis Swanberg how to keep an argument from escalating into ridiculous actions!

I hope your year is off to a wonderful start!

- RAD

After a long and agonizing wait, I’m very happy to say …

Welcome back, Chuck! Last night’s season premiere was … awesome!

Nice guys still finish!

OK, so I read Abby some stories and put her to bed so that Nicki and I could watch some TV. Then Abby calls down, “I can’t sleep. I’m scared.”

We know this is a trick. She has a night light, a ladybug toy that sprays a field of star-shapes across the ceiling, and a Tinker Bell clock with glowing colors. Plus, the door’s open and the hall light is on. “Go to sleep,” Nicki calls back.

“I need some water!” Abby replies. Another well-worn trick.

“You had water. Go to sleep.”

“WATER!”

“Abby, go to sleep right now.”

A pause. Then, “… I WON’T … until you say the MAGIC WORD.”

We stifled our laughter, then went upstairs to deal with her.

Before we entered Abby’s room, Nicki reminded me to stop smiling and put on my game face.