History, is one of the most unenjoyable subjects of all time. In home school high, history test were all about remembering dates. I remember thinking, how will I apply this to my life? Then I was told, “Learn from history. You will past the test of life.”

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It is hard not to admire our 16th president. After watching Lincoln the movie and reading Killing Lincoln my respect for him is at an all time high. Learning about his struggles and challenges has given me a new perspective on leadership. Here are a few lessons that will help you during the test of life.

“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”

Abraham Lincoln

6 Takeaways:

  1. Leadership is pain. It is better to know this up front.
  2. A moral compass needs a map. His take on ethics was interesting. He bribed other politicians to vote against slavery.
  3. Change others perspectives.  It can be hard if not impossible. Some thought he was going to cripple the nation. They knew slavery was wrong but said it simply wasn’t the right time. He did what was right no matter the cost.
  4. Stories are great. Use them to communicate.
  5. Seek fame & be remembered a fool.  As a famous actor, Booth thought being the first man ever to kill a president was going to make him remembered as a hero. The assassination only brought him pain and an early death.
  6. Use your gifts for good. Lincoln and Booth had passion, determination and brilliant minds. The difference was how they used them.
  7. Have vision and give yourself to it completely.
  8. Unity requires grace. This is one I have struggled with and am trying to improve on.

Watch the movie and read the book. Then these takeaways will make more sense.

Buy the book

Buy the movie

CEILING & TRIM

Pure White (SW 7005) or Benjamin Moore equivalent

WALLS

Ivory Lace (SW 7013) – Entry Way, Dinning Room

Realist Beige (SW 6078) – Living Room, Guest Bedroom (upstairs right), Study

Natural Choice (SW 7011) – Sun Room, Master Bedroom (upstairs left), Master Bathroom

Perfect Greige (SW 6073) – Kitchen

Gateway Gray (SW 7644) – Laundry Room

Creamy (SW 7012) – Downstairs Bathroom (near Study), Middle Bedroom, Garage

Zircon (SW 7667) – Half Bathroom, Guest Bathroom (upstairs right)
Here are the colors we (Courtney) picked out for the new house.  They have finished everything so I hope to have more photos soon!

CABINETS

Rare Gray (SW 6199) – Master bathroom

Alabaster (SW 7008) – Kitchen and Laundry

Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) – Downstairs Bathroom (near Study)

Guy Walker Baby Photo Courtney Caradine Walker Baby Photo

Inspiring People
Quotes by Emil Zatopek (I found them here)

Emil Zatopek
“There is a great advantage in training under unfavorable conditions. It is better to train under bad conditions, for the difference is then a tremendous relief in a race.”

“When a person trains once, nothing happens. When a person forces himself to do a thing a hundred or a thousand times, then he certainly has developed in more ways than physical. Is it raining? That doesn’t matter. Am I tired? That doesn’t matter, either. Then will power will be no problem.”

“You can’t climb up to the second floor without a ladder….When you set your aim too high and don’t fulfill it, then your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that’s reasonable, and then gradually raise it.”

Jason's wedding from the groomsmanMy friend Jason got married yesterday! I was a groomsman but didn’t give a speech at the rehearsal dinner. Jason I wanted you and your bride to read it so I posted my speech here.

My Groomsman Speech

When I learned Jason paid rent 6 months in advance so he could get a better deal, I knew we were going to get along just fine. After living with him for awhile I have identified some qualities that will make him a great husband.

1. Clean

Margaret, first off, he is clean. Even if everyone else’s room was a mess Jason’s room and the common area were spotless. You will always have a clean house.

2. Cook

Second. He knows his way around the kitchen. Once he made breakfast sandwiches at the beginning of the week. He ate one each morning before work. I never told him, but I really wanted to try one of those sandwiches.  He will feed you well.

3. Cash

Since most arguments in a marriage are about finances it is a good thing he knows how to handle this one. He will be a provider.

While we were roommates I also got to see him create some cool stuff.

He created a water balloon launcher. We could hit people at the pool from our driveway. They never saw it coming.

He also created a pulley system in the garage to lift his bike to the ceiling.

I’m really grateful for the blog he created for me. (You are reading it right now.)

If he can create that by himself then I’m sure (pause for effect) together you will create a great marriage.

Jason I’m excited for you and your new bride. Best wishes!

Here is how we bought a car.

Step 1: The Wreck

“Whoa!”  I saw the car coming into our lane as I sat in the passenger seat. There wasn’t time to react.  We smashed into the driver side door of the Mustang Salen.  As we came grinding to a stop, Courtney and I were staring at each other in shock.    Everyone needs an incentive to purchase a new car, this wreck was ours.

Courtneys Wrecked Honda Accord Car

It took awhile for the insurance company to assess the damage but they said it was a total loss.

Quick Lesson Learned: Don’t rush the mechanic.  He was $2,000 from marking it as a total loss but didn’t have the equipment free to checkout the rest of the car. We had to give him a few days but that just meant we had more time to drive the Impala from Enterprise rental car!

Make sure you have a reason when buying a car.  Did you know that 40% of parents buy a new car because a new child is born?

Step 2: Set a Budget and Identify your Target

We received a check from ALFA insurance. Then used the amount of the check to help set our budget.  Courtney also started searching the web for “Safe SUV’s.”  Her top picks were:

  • Lexus RX 350
  • Honda Pilot
  • Volvo XC 90 (It wasn’t considered long.)

Step 3: Create a Wish List

You want to be specific and realistic.  Ask yourself, “What is most important?” Does color matter? Know what you have to have. Need an example? This was our wish list.

Car wish list:

  • Lexus RX 350
  • 2008 or newer
  • Color: white, silver, grey or black Interior: Tan or grey. Not black
  • Prefer: heated seats
  • No smoke
  • Low miles (under 50,000)
  • No wrecks

Step 4: Search Auto Trader

sample search on Autotrader.com

We searched autotrader.com for cars.  The site was great because it gave us the ability to do detailed searches.  After searching by make, model and year we were able to visit a few dealers.  Our goal was to find a Lexus RX 350 and Honda Pilot each within our price range.  Then we would decide which one we wanted.  After a few test drives we really liked the Lexus.

Step 5: Make Purchase

We kept searching auto trader. We thought we were never going to find a car.  After increasing the distance search field we found a car that matched our wish list.

Finally the dealer came off to a price we were willing to pay.  We tried to get him lower.  We even drove off the lot but he didn’t come off.  It was a little embarrassing going back but we did and bought the car.

whe bought a car lexus

I hope this helps next time you decide to buy a new car.

We just got cable tv! For you this may be no big deal but I have lived most of my life without cable tv.  There are so many shows to watch. Here are a few of my favorites:

Top Shot

Top-Shot-Season-3-Banner

Rocket City Rednecks (Just saw it for the first time tonight.)

Rocket city rednecks

Spirit of the Wild Starring Ted Nugent

Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild banner

Each of the banners link to the show’s website.  Check them out and let me know what you think.

Here is a video to leave you with….

Guy and Lucas on the Lake

Just like I used to do with my uncle. Me and my cousin Lucas when fishing.  We had a blast!  Here are some photos of the day…

Lucas Riley with Large mouth bassGuy walker with large mouth bassGuy Walker and Lucas Riley hold a great catch.

Bags of BlueberryToday, after celebrating my cousin Lucas’s Birthday, we went out to pick one of my favorite berries.

Freezing blueberries

Here is a helpful tip… Freeze blueberries individually before bagging. That way to can pullout a few at a time.  If your lucky your spouse will make some of these.

Blueberry cupcake