As year end nears, so does this season of life. Blogging on The Combs Crew has been a delightful way to capture the memories since 2008. I am proud to have this as a keepsake for Chandler.
Thanks for being a faithful follower! Grateful.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Dealer Academy in DC
Blake and I are going to Dealer Academy in/near Washington, DC throughout this next year. It is basically a masters program. We are learning/ working/ practicing every detail of a Dealership. You cannot imagine the loads of materials we are learning. We just finished the Financial Management Class. TOUGH...and then some. INTENSE! Glad for this working opportunity. Dad is my hero even more for all the knowledge he has in the biz, and teaches us.
We got to get away for a bit one evening and went to Georgetown to eat and then went to a few monuments. Lovely, especially at night.
where a few of my fav President's have lived (Bush, W, Reagan)
just a few members of our class...there are 40 in all.
Lincoln was HUGE...especially when you stood up next to him
We got to get away for a bit one evening and went to Georgetown to eat and then went to a few monuments. Lovely, especially at night.
where a few of my fav President's have lived (Bush, W, Reagan)
just a few members of our class...there are 40 in all.
Lincoln was HUGE...especially when you stood up next to him
by the way, I got to run every evening after class....fit in 20 miles in all. I found such a perfect running route for the next year...and a few solid running buddies. hooray! who could ask for anything more? Car Biz + Running! haha....
Labor Day weekend
spent labor day weekend with our labor day crew aka 'the govs get-away' crew. if any of these pics scream CHAOS...it's true. our group keeps growing every year. had fun in Indy.
ckc and Major Qualls/ some of the group
ckc and Major Qualls/ some of the group
Jake.Q.Scott about to play golf/ CHAOS
ckc and allie 'organizing'/ Q and Major
andrew jumping off the board
ava jumping/ ckc 'being brave'
Monday, August 29, 2011
'Congratulations Scott Combs from Clarksville TN! You ARE an Ironman!'
Thanks for your support, encouragement, prayers, thoughts, good vibes, and energy! Scott had a 16 hour workout and completed the Ironman Endurance Event. He was in the top 1/3 of swimmers (2.4 miles of open water swim) and did excellent on the hilly bike (112 miles) and survived the run (26.2 miles)! That was his first marathon, by the way. He is now one of the few in this unique and prestigious fraternity. Knowing about your support, carried him through the race. Thank you for your friendship!
Although it is an individual sport, it sure takes a community to help an athlete preserve in training, preparation, and the event itself. I know I’ve said this before, but if you have never had the pleasure of witnessing a Triathlon, make it your goal! The Tri community is like no other sporting community. In ways, I think it is even more tight-knit. Also, the fans are relentless. Fans will NOT let you give up in a Tri.
The one aspect I love is the unspoken bond of triathletes…..especially Ironman Triathletes. They give each other a certain nod as if it was a secret handshake. And sometimes, words are not spoken but energy and acceptance is. It’s a fraternity of an elite few who choose to test the limits of the human body, defy the odds and bleed with determination, guts, and stamina.
If you ever see the Ironman symbol, congratulate that athlete. Not only did that person endure such a fantastic event, but also a year+ worth of intense training. Ironman is a journey, not a destination! The ‘M-dot’ symbol is that of determination, endurance, and hope that anything is possible. Anything! Obstacles are just excuses…and neither have to stand in the way of goals and dreams.
I’m proud of Scott for enduring this. It’s an amazing life goal and huge accomplishment! I am counting down the seconds till it’s my turn! (PS. If you recall to a blog post a year ago, I lost the coin toss on who was going to participate in this event! Ah!)
Thanks again! If you are ever near me and my lap top, let me know and I’ll walk you through detail by detail with the 400+ pictures that were taken=) The 20 hour day went by incredibly fast, and Scott says the same. It was fantastic. I can’t wait till the next Ironman I get to witness or participate in. Definitely a huge highlight in life!
Although it is an individual sport, it sure takes a community to help an athlete preserve in training, preparation, and the event itself. I know I’ve said this before, but if you have never had the pleasure of witnessing a Triathlon, make it your goal! The Tri community is like no other sporting community. In ways, I think it is even more tight-knit. Also, the fans are relentless. Fans will NOT let you give up in a Tri.
The one aspect I love is the unspoken bond of triathletes…..especially Ironman Triathletes. They give each other a certain nod as if it was a secret handshake. And sometimes, words are not spoken but energy and acceptance is. It’s a fraternity of an elite few who choose to test the limits of the human body, defy the odds and bleed with determination, guts, and stamina.
If you ever see the Ironman symbol, congratulate that athlete. Not only did that person endure such a fantastic event, but also a year+ worth of intense training. Ironman is a journey, not a destination! The ‘M-dot’ symbol is that of determination, endurance, and hope that anything is possible. Anything! Obstacles are just excuses…and neither have to stand in the way of goals and dreams.
I’m proud of Scott for enduring this. It’s an amazing life goal and huge accomplishment! I am counting down the seconds till it’s my turn! (PS. If you recall to a blog post a year ago, I lost the coin toss on who was going to participate in this event! Ah!)
Thanks again! If you are ever near me and my lap top, let me know and I’ll walk you through detail by detail with the 400+ pictures that were taken=) The 20 hour day went by incredibly fast, and Scott says the same. It was fantastic. I can’t wait till the next Ironman I get to witness or participate in. Definitely a huge highlight in life!
Ironman Pics
Ford is a proud sponser!
#1 cheerleader!
getting marked w/ his #
making last minute facebook checks
resting right before the swim
the swim course
the 3,000 bikes
survived the swim!
leaving bike transition. see you in 8 hours!
Go Scotty Go!
He's back...and still smiling!
on to start his 1st ever marathon
a view of the finish line
entering the finish line
the official finish line. 11:30 pm...16 hours of Ironman-ness!
FINISHER!
a treat I had made for him
Thursday, August 25, 2011
encouraging...WOW!
so it's not as bad as the dismal news makes it seems...Halleluiah for truth!
CLICK HERE to read whole story!
title: Autos, Aircraft Lifted July Durable Goods Orders
A surge in demand for autos and aircraft drove orders for long-lasting manufactured goods higher in July, easing fears that the U.S. economy might be on the verge of another recession. The rebound in the auto industry helped offset a decline in orders for most other factory goods. Demand for autos and auto parts jumped 11.5 percent, the most in eight years.
ALSO- what a compliment to our leader:
title: Obama calls Buffett, Ford CEO for advice
President Obama on Monday reached out to billionaire investor Warren Buffett and Ford CEO Alan Mulally for advice as he crafts a major jobs plan to be released after Labor Day.
to read the whole story CLICK HERE!
CLICK HERE to read whole story!
title: Autos, Aircraft Lifted July Durable Goods Orders
A surge in demand for autos and aircraft drove orders for long-lasting manufactured goods higher in July, easing fears that the U.S. economy might be on the verge of another recession. The rebound in the auto industry helped offset a decline in orders for most other factory goods. Demand for autos and auto parts jumped 11.5 percent, the most in eight years.
ALSO- what a compliment to our leader:
title: Obama calls Buffett, Ford CEO for advice
President Obama on Monday reached out to billionaire investor Warren Buffett and Ford CEO Alan Mulally for advice as he crafts a major jobs plan to be released after Labor Day.
to read the whole story CLICK HERE!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
catching up...some more
the newest member of our family!
our fav playgound....Centennial Park in Nashville
feeding the ducks..... can you hear the shrieks and squeals in this picture? Ducks excited for stale bread and CKC excited that the Ducks are excited=)starting early
after re-organizing my shoes 100 times, i decided to let that go..as ckc thinks that my shoes are also her shoes and she loves to play with them. the other day, in the car, as we we already late for a wedding...i looked down and noticed that i had 2 different shoes on! thanks to my little helper.... my shoes are a mess and i just grabbed 2 that i thought were the same. Ops!
A real life hero
By living in a Military town, I have the great and humble honor of being around our Nations heroes! I work alongside retired Military and get to serve Military families at work and church…I can think of no greater place to live.
When I was at YL camp in CO in 07, I got the call that one of our neighbors helicopters had crashed oversees….Gary would be paralyzed for life. Why Gary is a hero to me is that he didn’t give up on his active lifestyle. He was a part of a devastating accident and could very easily give up or atleast make excuses. Instead, he remains active and a vibrant part of our community.
Here is an excerpt from their website:
‘In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, a special edition Ride to Recovery Challenge event will be held and the Linfoots are participating. The ride will be 8 days and approximately 530 miles. The Ride to Recovery American Challenge will begin on 9-11-11 from Liberty State Park in view of the World Trade Center site and head west to the United 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. From there, the participants will head to the finish at the Pentagon Memorial. Along the way, riders will cross the Delaware River at Washington’s Crossing, stop in Philly, ride thru Valley Forge and Gettysburg and many other historical sites of our Country’s history. The couple is excited to see the sites and meet other warriors conquering life's new challenges.
Gary and Mari are on a mission to support some of the organizations who have helped them through the journey of recovery.’
http://www.teamlinfoot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/TeamLinfoot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ7HQOz2bTo (just a few minutes…WORTH your time.)
Join Scott and I as we support, pray for, and encourage the Linfoot Team!
When I was at YL camp in CO in 07, I got the call that one of our neighbors helicopters had crashed oversees….Gary would be paralyzed for life. Why Gary is a hero to me is that he didn’t give up on his active lifestyle. He was a part of a devastating accident and could very easily give up or atleast make excuses. Instead, he remains active and a vibrant part of our community.
Here is an excerpt from their website:
‘In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, a special edition Ride to Recovery Challenge event will be held and the Linfoots are participating. The ride will be 8 days and approximately 530 miles. The Ride to Recovery American Challenge will begin on 9-11-11 from Liberty State Park in view of the World Trade Center site and head west to the United 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. From there, the participants will head to the finish at the Pentagon Memorial. Along the way, riders will cross the Delaware River at Washington’s Crossing, stop in Philly, ride thru Valley Forge and Gettysburg and many other historical sites of our Country’s history. The couple is excited to see the sites and meet other warriors conquering life's new challenges.
Gary and Mari are on a mission to support some of the organizations who have helped them through the journey of recovery.’
http://www.teamlinfoot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/TeamLinfoot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ7HQOz2bTo (just a few minutes…WORTH your time.)
Join Scott and I as we support, pray for, and encourage the Linfoot Team!
More than a book/movie
I read ‘the Help’ a few months ago (LOVED!) and saw the movie this weekend (equally LOVED!)…. And my thought as I completed both the book and movie- I sure hope this isn’t just another book/movie/ emotionally captivating entertainment to our world….yet that this EXPERIENCE will forever touch lives. I really hope ‘the Help’ is more than a thought but instead can be an action and reminder the importance of dignity, living with a humble spirit, serving others before yourself, friendship, COURAGE, and humanity. I hope ‘the Help’ isn’t temporary in minds…yet a permanent example of taking a stand to do something right…even if it means creating a stir and making change.
Btw, movies are now $10….can you believe it?
Friday, August 12, 2011
thought this was interesting...
part of this article came from: CLICK HERE
'Whether President Obama realizes it or not, fuel efficiency does not come without compromising other aspects of a vehicle. One feature that will undoubtedly be affected by these new rules is vehicle cost.
According to a study conducted by the Center for Automotive Research, the new passenger vehicle standards could eventually cost consumers an additional $5,000-$6,000 for each new vehicle. Even if gas prices rose to $6.00 per gallon, the average American driver may not recoup that huge price increase through fuel savings. Similarly, new rules for trucks are expected to add an additional $1,050 for work trucks and $6,220 for supercab tractors.
One of the most efficient ways to increase the amount of miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of gasoline is to reduce the weight of the vehicle. Therefore, auto manufacturers will be forced to make cars that are smaller and lighter in order to meet President Obama’s new CAFE standards. Far from a win for consumers, this type of government-knows-best policy is the exact opposite of how a market economy functions. Instead of making their own demands, car buyers will be forced to comply with a federal mandate that insists on prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else—safety, comfort, size, and performance all take a back seat. Car buyers will be forced to pay more and have fewer vehicle options to choose from.
Given the fact that this is such an important policy goal for President Obama, it is fair to look at his own driving habits. The president is chauffeured in a vehicle known as The Beast, a 10,000-pound limousine that gets 8 miles to the gallon. In order to achieve maximum safety and security for the president, the vehicle must be extremely heavy which, of course, decreases its fuel efficiency.
Nobody expects the president to trade in his Beast for a Smart Car, but he should extend that same courtesy to all American motorists and let them choose the vehicle that makes the most sense for them and their families.
The Obama administration’s latest fuel economy mandates are an aggressive step away from consumer choice and towards government control. Every day, Americans are seeing the negative consequences of the administration’s increasingly aggressive meddling in the economy—more government control and less consumer choice.'
and i laughed at this quote:CLICK HERE to read whole article
“It all boils down to figuring out what the consumer is going to do,” said Dean Drake, president of the Defour Group, a consulting firm that advises the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “They don’t value fuel economy the way the government values it.”
I laughed at that last statement...and have mixed opinions. While I want to be 'green' and be environmentally correct as much as possible....sometimes you have to take a big step back and look at the big picture. The big picture is 1) feasibility 2) cost 3) how many job this will create or destroy 5) the list goes on.
One consistent fact: people buy will buy what they want to drive. period. I'll use myself as an example...I currently drive a Ford Expedition. So, yes, driving it is somewhat contradicting to my 'green' efforts and no, it's doesn't get the mpg like a Ford Fiesta does...but I can haul my whole house...plus 7 neighbors...and not lack for space. To me, space = organizational opportunity! If there is space...then there is a place for items to go..and not be so cluttered.
I am green...but I am also in need of space. So, I'll pay the extra $$ in gas. It doesn't bother me a ton. It's just a trade off..and this stage in my life, I need space.
I do, however, recycle my plastic wal-mart bags back to wal-mart.... see, I am green-ish=) haha
'Whether President Obama realizes it or not, fuel efficiency does not come without compromising other aspects of a vehicle. One feature that will undoubtedly be affected by these new rules is vehicle cost.
According to a study conducted by the Center for Automotive Research, the new passenger vehicle standards could eventually cost consumers an additional $5,000-$6,000 for each new vehicle. Even if gas prices rose to $6.00 per gallon, the average American driver may not recoup that huge price increase through fuel savings. Similarly, new rules for trucks are expected to add an additional $1,050 for work trucks and $6,220 for supercab tractors.
One of the most efficient ways to increase the amount of miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of gasoline is to reduce the weight of the vehicle. Therefore, auto manufacturers will be forced to make cars that are smaller and lighter in order to meet President Obama’s new CAFE standards. Far from a win for consumers, this type of government-knows-best policy is the exact opposite of how a market economy functions. Instead of making their own demands, car buyers will be forced to comply with a federal mandate that insists on prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else—safety, comfort, size, and performance all take a back seat. Car buyers will be forced to pay more and have fewer vehicle options to choose from.
Given the fact that this is such an important policy goal for President Obama, it is fair to look at his own driving habits. The president is chauffeured in a vehicle known as The Beast, a 10,000-pound limousine that gets 8 miles to the gallon. In order to achieve maximum safety and security for the president, the vehicle must be extremely heavy which, of course, decreases its fuel efficiency.
Nobody expects the president to trade in his Beast for a Smart Car, but he should extend that same courtesy to all American motorists and let them choose the vehicle that makes the most sense for them and their families.
The Obama administration’s latest fuel economy mandates are an aggressive step away from consumer choice and towards government control. Every day, Americans are seeing the negative consequences of the administration’s increasingly aggressive meddling in the economy—more government control and less consumer choice.'
and i laughed at this quote:CLICK HERE to read whole article
“It all boils down to figuring out what the consumer is going to do,” said Dean Drake, president of the Defour Group, a consulting firm that advises the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “They don’t value fuel economy the way the government values it.”
I laughed at that last statement...and have mixed opinions. While I want to be 'green' and be environmentally correct as much as possible....sometimes you have to take a big step back and look at the big picture. The big picture is 1) feasibility 2) cost 3) how many job this will create or destroy 5) the list goes on.
One consistent fact: people buy will buy what they want to drive. period. I'll use myself as an example...I currently drive a Ford Expedition. So, yes, driving it is somewhat contradicting to my 'green' efforts and no, it's doesn't get the mpg like a Ford Fiesta does...but I can haul my whole house...plus 7 neighbors...and not lack for space. To me, space = organizational opportunity! If there is space...then there is a place for items to go..and not be so cluttered.
I am green...but I am also in need of space. So, I'll pay the extra $$ in gas. It doesn't bother me a ton. It's just a trade off..and this stage in my life, I need space.
I do, however, recycle my plastic wal-mart bags back to wal-mart.... see, I am green-ish=) haha
Saturday, August 6, 2011
yes, you are seeing this right
the temp in my Ford Expedition this week. EEK!
the next pic below: spreading awareness through school supplies and back packs. A local Foster agency needed help in collecting items for 35 local foster kids of Montgomery Co. Many of these kids have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. Jenkins & Wynne, 5 Star Radio, people from our small group at Grace Community Church, and other dear friends....pulled together and raised almost $900...plus atleast $300 in donations. Over the week, I have been humbled and amazed.... people have come together and have 1) raised awareness for such a need and 2) are helping spread hope to these kids....who basically don't have too much to call their own. I have shed many a tears in the last week....my heart has broken for these kids. A child who didn't ask to be born in such apathy....is still expected to function 'normally' in society. The chaos. The stress. I look at my own child.....and can't comprehend how parents can intentionally abuse or neglect a child. Angers me.
What I have learned over the past week- the need to help the teens. It seems that the little ones are fostered ( and most likely adopted) ....but the teens are forgotten. At 18, out into the world they go...expected to survive with not too many resources. Heart-breaking. This sentence keeps popping up in my heart this week: how can we set up a program ... like a work-study-mentoring program- to ensure that these Teens are learning life skills and are equipped with connections- and job skills- in which these kids can have every opportunity to be successful...instead of of their 18 birthday say 'well, off you go. good luck!' What can that look like? Is this possible? Surly so...Montgomery Co is full of servers...and resources.
Can you imagine being forced out at 18? hum.....can't get out of my mind.
If you know anyone who can help support/ provide for/ or even foster a child..let me know, and I'll give you contact info.
this pic is just a glimpse. donations are still rolling in!
the below are 2 different sunrise pics from my morning runs. I've been running on a local golf course....and have the awesome opportunity to watch daily sunrises...in such a gorgeous atmosphere.
the next pic below: spreading awareness through school supplies and back packs. A local Foster agency needed help in collecting items for 35 local foster kids of Montgomery Co. Many of these kids have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. Jenkins & Wynne, 5 Star Radio, people from our small group at Grace Community Church, and other dear friends....pulled together and raised almost $900...plus atleast $300 in donations. Over the week, I have been humbled and amazed.... people have come together and have 1) raised awareness for such a need and 2) are helping spread hope to these kids....who basically don't have too much to call their own. I have shed many a tears in the last week....my heart has broken for these kids. A child who didn't ask to be born in such apathy....is still expected to function 'normally' in society. The chaos. The stress. I look at my own child.....and can't comprehend how parents can intentionally abuse or neglect a child. Angers me.
What I have learned over the past week- the need to help the teens. It seems that the little ones are fostered ( and most likely adopted) ....but the teens are forgotten. At 18, out into the world they go...expected to survive with not too many resources. Heart-breaking. This sentence keeps popping up in my heart this week: how can we set up a program ... like a work-study-mentoring program- to ensure that these Teens are learning life skills and are equipped with connections- and job skills- in which these kids can have every opportunity to be successful...instead of of their 18 birthday say 'well, off you go. good luck!' What can that look like? Is this possible? Surly so...Montgomery Co is full of servers...and resources.
Can you imagine being forced out at 18? hum.....can't get out of my mind.
If you know anyone who can help support/ provide for/ or even foster a child..let me know, and I'll give you contact info.
this pic is just a glimpse. donations are still rolling in!the below are 2 different sunrise pics from my morning runs. I've been running on a local golf course....and have the awesome opportunity to watch daily sunrises...in such a gorgeous atmosphere.
speaking of running....just signed up for the Huntsville Marathon: Rocket City Marathon on Dec 10. 26.2 miles. excited!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)