http://jamiebirch.com Luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:59:01 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Summer didn't seem like it would ever get here this year.  And it really didn't show up this weekend either.  But today is beautiful.  This weekend we had our first camping trip of the year.  AND.... no more tents!  While I loved tent camping, and until this year, always swore ... http://jamiebirch.com/first-camp-trip-with-pop-up-camper/ I originally started this blog, sometime in 2001, to chronicle my training back into shape as a single dad and a rather un-athletic individual.  I can't believe it's been ten years since then.  I'm pretty sure ten.  Since the start I married my beautiful and amazing wife, had two more ... http://jamiebirch.com/back-on-the-road-cycling-2011/ http://jamiebirch.com/some-pictures-from-a-recent-affiliate-marketing-conference/ Last year we took a trip to Cat Tails in North Spokane. Awesome trip. http://jamiebirch.com/birchs-go-to-cat-tails-in-north-spokane/ http://jamiebirch.com/random-family-photos-from-my-camera-phone/ After reading the article below here:  http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2010/08/12/idahopolitics/sullivan_says_crapo_should_return_fannie_freddie_money_crapo_dec I wrote the following letter to Senator Crapo.  I can't explain the frustration and amazement I have after reading this. Senator Crapo, After reading that I am very disappointed in this. 1.  How can you take money from an organization that is getting bailed out by taxpayers? 2.  ... http://jamiebirch.com/letter-to-senator-crapo/ The primaries here in Idaho are now finished.  Overall I was very happy with the outcome.  But not everyone is, and to be honest, I think they are blaming the wrong people.  I read again this week that the ousted Senator Jorgenson is blaming Phil Hart and some organization called ... http://jamiebirch.com/note-to-senator-jorgenson-and-the-republican-party/ A few years ago I was raising my oldest two on my own, before I met my amazing wife.  I read a book by James Dobson.  I can't recall what it was, but it basically had to to with family traditions, and building memories with your kids.  The basic premise ... http://jamiebirch.com/being-deliberate-in-building-their-memories/ My son has been practicing pretty hard to get more playing time for this game.  He comes home, does his homework and then heads to practice as soon as we let him.  I've never seen him so motivated for anything really.  It's not only refreshing, it's downright exciting!  He is ... http://jamiebirch.com/game-2-and-my-boy-is-ready-to-hit-someone/ About two months ago, my oldest son, now 13, mentioned that he'd like to play football.  We were a little late in signing him up, but got him all signed up and he's been playing for about a month now.  He loves it!  He's an offensive tackle and plays a ... http://jamiebirch.com/my-sons-playing-football/