Author: Wick

Addison will be 2 in August. The “terrible two’s” as some refer to them, began a while ago, and will probably last well beyond the age of 2. But it’s not so terrible so far. In fact, even at her worst, she’s still pretty easy to love.

For a long time, her vocabulary was limited to pretty much the word “no”. Probably because she heard it so much, and eventually learned it’s meaning. It’s still there.

Over the past year, she’s learned more words. Words like “Amen”, “Thank you”, “Please”, “Hockey”, “Nemo” and the names of several TV characters, and her friends and family members.

She’s even begun to put sentences together: “Where mommy go?”, “Thank you daddy!”, etc.

Of course, most of these are said sounding like she has a mouth full of cereal…and doesn’t have the greatest oration, but we’ll get there.

One word we’ve noticed evolving over the past few months is the word “Yes”. It began just like mommy and daddy would say it, “yes”.

Over time, she learned the very similar “uh-huh” (accompanied at times by a nod).

Then about a month ago came the “okay”, and sometimes “yeah, okay”, or simply just “Kay!”. We laughed, and thought it was cute.

But now, as you can see here…”yes” has become “Oh”. Hoping we can guide her back to the “yes”, as a more concrete positive response. (watch to the end, it’s worth it.)

So with the Redwings making it to the final round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, I suppose it deserves at least one post purely dedicated to it.

Most of the people who are saying something about the match-up are quick to bring up the fact that Detroit and Pittsburgh haven’t met at all this season, so there’s no way to tell how things are going to go. (except that Detroit has faced tougher teams to make it here)

They compare offensive stats, and it’s a pretty close match-up.
They compare defensive stats, and Detroit kicks Pittsburgh’s butt.

Too bad they haven’t met in over 19 months, so we can highlight a recent competition between the two.

Oh wait….they have. Twice actually.

During this seasons’ pre-season action…the teams met each other in exhibition games. The first one wasn’t much to talk about. It was early in the pre-season, both teams were just warming up. Both used 2nd-string goalies, and just warmed up. Detroit won 1-0.

But the second game, Pittsburgh’s pre-season home opener, says something. Detroit had most of their lead players pulled, saving their strength for the first games of the regular season. Pittsburgh had ALL their best players on the ice, showing them off in front of a home crowd.

I’ll highlight again, just so you see. Detroit was missing all their best players. (all are still on the team) Pittsburgh had all their best players on the ice. (all are still on the team, plus Hossa) Detroit won a decisive victory that night, 5-2.

Detroit won in shots on goal, penalties (and killing), dominated faceoffs, and even scored a short-handed goal.

Granted, both teams are better today than they were then. But remember – those stats are with Detroit missing Helm, Cleary, Datsuk, Lebda, Drake, Chelios, Rafalski, Kopecky, Franzen, and Holmstrom.

Needless to say. I’m saying Detroit wins the cup. Game On.

So if you’re like the rest of the world, you probably have already heard about KIVA. If you’re anything like me, however, you may have heard the word “micro-finance” and thought for sure this was something you had no interest/ability in. After all, “finance” and words associated with it are for people with money. Right?

Turns out, it has nothing to do with investing to make a financial profit.

Also turns out, it’s not that difficult to understand.

Also turns out, I really like it…and I think although God has called us to GIVE our money to the poor, this could be a lazy man’s (most of us) first easy step in the right direction. Plus there’s the whole “teach a man to fish” metaphor…etc.

There are A LOT of people in very poor areas of the world who have dreams of doing something more. But most of the time, it takes a little money to begin some sort of business venture. Money they don’t have, but that they would probably make once they’ve started.

Unfortunately, banks make the same amount of money off a $10,000 loan as they do off 10 $1,000 loans. But they have more fees/labor involved in 10 loans…so they’d rather focus on the larger ones.

This is where companies like KIVA step in. They connect average people like us, who would be willing to loan (at no interest) a specific amount (even just $25!), with people who need a small amount to start a business of their own. Most money is returned within 10 months, and usually you’re able to hear the story of what’s happened.

Of course, Kiva does end up charging a small percentage themselves, in order to continue running as an organization. But compared to the over 80% interest the local lenders in most of these places charge (and intentions with them)…it’s a great option.

Don’t have $25 or more to start lending now? Go in on it with a group!! A small group, class, Sunday School class, church, family group, or whatever! Pool some money together, and change someone’s life NOW! When you’re repaid, you can take your money back and run, or loan it out all over again!!