A Disturbingly Good Read

One of my Christmas presents was the book "The Innocent Man" by John Grisham. I have really enjoyed many of his fiction novels, so it was nice to see him expand to this non-fiction story.



But wow is it disturbing. If you think you are innocent until proven guilty in America....think again.

I recommend this one.

Jade's New Earrings!

We took the girls to the mall today to see Enchanted. And after the movie we went directly to Claires to get Jade's ears pierced!

She was nervous...but was a trooper. Now she is very excited to show them off!

My Christmas Beard

So I took a few days off and have not shaved. After a few days I gave it a few more...and soon I had the very beginnings of a beard. The fact is...I really do think I look good! Unfortunately by wife and children hate it. My lovely bride won't really kiss me. And the girls ask me each day when I am going to shave.

Then Georgia Brown (our neighbor and friend's daughter) yesterday told me I look like a homeless person. Hmmm.

It is not exactly like I was looking to create a new look...but here it is.



So take a good look...it's not long for this world.

More Christmas Day!

Okay...so the big secret at the Hasseman House for the last couple of weeks is that we have been housing the gift for my mother-in-law. Sure...no big deal you say! That is of course until you realize that she received a PUPPY for Christmas! That's right...Connie got a 10 week old Shitzu on Christmas morning!

Not only did we keep the puppy...we kept the secret! It was no small task with a 9 and 6 year old. We did our best simply to avoid them all together for at least the last week!



She was understandably excited and surprised.



And in the end...I think she was pretty happy too! So there was my Christmas good deed this year!



The rest of the day included some fun with family. Here are a couple shots with the girls!

Introspective

Like many of us, I am a work in progress. And each year I take a look back and see what I have accomplished...and what I have not. This is not a unique trait this time of year, I know.

I will say that I prefer not to make "resolutions" but rather goals for the coming year. I am a big believer in goals and committing them to "paper" or internet as this would be. And I have also noticed in the past that I have made goals for business...but have not done the same with personal goals. So I have decided to post my personal goals for 2008 on the blog. I think these are the type that they don't recommend for the most part. Many are not quantifiable...but I think simply by working at them...they are attainable.

1. Be a better Dad
2. Be a better Husband
3. Pay off credit card debt and truck (and hey more if possible!)
4. Continue to grow Hasseman Marketing
5. Complete 2 Triathlons (at least)
6. Make a lasting, positive impact on Coshocton County
7. Drink less alcohol
8. Eat Better
9. Take 2 Great Vacations
10. Do something "really cool" (i.e. sky dive, mountain climb or something like that).
11. Finish a book.

As you can see, some of these are not easy. But as one of my favorite writer/songwriters, Jimmy Buffet says..."Life is not a dress rehearsal. We only get one chance to get it right."

Good luck with your goals for 2008. We are all a work in progress. Let's make sure the work is being done.

Christmas Morning

Christmas day means a day of visiting relatives and seeing loved ones. But first we were woken this morning at 6:30am to find that Santa had truly come to the Hasseman house.



The girls were very excited about the many gifts they recieved.



But both were elated with the one thing they had asked for...the Nintendo DS.



There are many places to get to today...but wanted to give this update before we hit the highway! Merry Christmas to all...and here's wishing you get everything you want this year!

A Christman Tradition

If you read this blog last year you know that we helped with the luminary project here on the heated hill. This year we were back at it. On Thursday night several of us filled hundreds of jugs with sand and candles.



This morning there was a larger group of us to put the jugs out to be ready for lighting! It's a great tradition that even got us on Channel 4 news last night. (One of those rare times we got on the news for a good reason!)



One of our neighbors highlights the luminary with a live manger scene. Very cool stuff!

And now...we have some pictures from tonight to show us the work!

Santa Visits The Hasseman House

Each year we ask Santa to come over and visit before the big day. Some years it has been much larger...but this year we decided to keep it small. We had two Christmas parties yesterday...so it was tough to fit in. But it is a holiday tradition we all enjoy.

Each year we get together to laugh and joke...and we get a visit from Old Saint Nick!



Each of the kids get a chance to have a turn on Santa's knee.



My personal favorite with the big guy this year was Heather and Chad's nephew Gavin. Coming from last year, when he was afraid...this year he was all business. "Do you have toys for me?" he quickly asked!



My darling children were pleading their case for being on the "nice" list. I think we all know better.



The adult girls tried to make the same argument...to no avail.



And finally I got my turn to plead for great gifts. "How do you spell Porsche?" I asked him!



All in all it was a bit tamer this year...but fun nonetheless!

Ringing The Bell

So today I took my turn at ringing the bell for the Salvation Army here in Coshocton County. It seems like a small commitment to give an hour of your time in order to help an organization charged with helping the hungry. And as is the case with most endeavors like this one, it is very rewarding.

I manned the post at Buehlers today with a bell and a smile...and I made it a goal to wish every person who came out a "Merry Christmas." It was funny how many folks who were immersed in the holiday season who looked less than festive. So I attempted to spread some joy while raising some funds.

Salvation Army is also a United Way agency here in Coshocton County...so I think it's important to note the the United Way is still raising funds!

So here's my wish that you keep the holiday spirit festive. And that you find it in your heart to give of your time or blessings this holiday season.

Pictures from the Rotary Party

As you may have read earlier...my wife and I attended the Rotary Christmas Party last week at Ravens Glenn Winery. It was a good time...and they had "Coshocton Idol." It was a contest where Rotarians "sang" to see who was the best...and they even handed out an award.

Well Amy and Heather Guess were asked to perform. And since they don't sing...they decided to lipsync and dance to Santa Baby. It was entertaining...and I finally got my hands on some photos!



Here is a shot of all the contestants. Amy and Heather did a great job. Casey Claxon sang "Santa looks a lot like Daddy" and Todd Brown sang "I'll be Home For Christmas with Todd Brown winning the trophy!



Great job to all!

My Home Brew

I have nearly always wanted to make my own beer. If you know me, not a big surprise. I like my beer. But I will say that recently I have gotten the urge again...and hope that my patience and wisdom have grown enough for me to actually do it well.

So I had been recently researching this online and was ready to buy it there. The next day Amy showed me an ad in the paper for the same "kit" that I was researching for less money...here in Coshocton. It's a beautiful thing!

So we went down to CVS and we got the kit. I began the process that day (nearly 3 weeks ago) and last Sunday we had our first batch to try. (Special thanks to Jim Brown who assisted me in the entire process).



I actually had a a nightmare the night before that it was going to be awful...so I was nervous. But the verdict at the end was...well...not bad!



The rest of the batch we are letting age one more week. But by all accounts it should be a little less sweet this week. So I am looking forward to that.

But all in all...a success! My own homebrew!

Holiday Event at Ravens Glenn

Last night was the Coshocton Rotary Club's holiday party at Ravens Glenn. If you have not heard me rave about this place before, please allow me to do so now. You really MUST check it out if you have not. They are branded at Ohio's Crown Jewel of Winery for a reason.

I am just finishing up a video for them (and the one on the site is one of the first videos I did when I got into the business on my own) and it is such a cool business. They grow grapes right around there. They bottle the wine there. They have a restaurant and wine tasting there. Very cool.

Please check out the website...and you can even buy their wine online now!

And it is worth mentioning that the Rotary Club did "Coshocton Idol." Several members of the club gallantly got up and sang. My lovely bride and our friend Heather Guess were asked to sing as well. Though I would say Milli Vanilli would best describe the singing, the costumes and choreography were great. Fun stuff.

And I hope to have pictures to post here soon!

Check it out!

It's beginning to feel a lot like...

Okay so it's finally starting to feel like Christmas to me Each year put up two trees. One of them is the "pretty" one that Amy decorates. The other tree is the one that we go and cut down and put up together.



Because of time, holiday commitments and Amy's energy level, we had not decorated it yet. Tonight we decorated our family tree!



Amy spent the evening pointing out that this is the ugliest tree we have ever had. We pointed out to her (all of us did) that we chose it because we were afraid she might just drop over if we had to walk any further. So in essence, this tree was her fault.



However, I think it's great. And there really is nothing like putting the ornaments on and discussing when and where we got them. I even read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to the girls before hanging that ornament! That's right...my Grandma Peg and Grandpa Tom got a tiny version of the story as an ornament. Kinda cool.

Anyway...after all the discussion about the tree's deficiencies, I decided to give it a little love!



Happy Christmas to all! And to all a good night!

Holidays in Full Swing

Though we neglected to take a camera yesterday, we treked out on a hill and cut down our family Christmas tree yesterday. Each year, we have one tree that we choose as a family and decorate with family ornaments.

We have not had a chance to decorate it yet (I hope to tonight) but it stands in our living room as we speak.

In addition, the girls have their church Christmas program tonight as well. I hope to have some pics from tonight to post later here. But these traditions are starting to make it feel like the holidays for me. Some years it is easier than others to leap into the holiday spirit.

Hopefully tonight will help me make that leap!

The First Snow Day

So today was the first substantial snow fall of the winter...and of course the kids were home from school. The weather outside was frightful...but playing in the snow was apparently delightful!



Amy stayed home with the kids...and I came and relieved her in the afternoon. And of course had to do some shoveling...and the a sled ride or two!



All in all it was fun. Now let's hope they head back to school!

Holiday/Mud Bowl

So I got an email a week or so ago from Matt Miller saying that we would be playing in a football game on Sunday December 2nd. It was not an invitation, as much as a declaration. Our team would be taking on an equally determined, passionate, experienced (i.e. old) team.

I read the email and quickly composed a response to the rest of the team. "This is possibly the stupidest idea I have ever heard," I wrote. "I am of course, in!"

So today at 2:30 we gathered at the high school to have this epic battle. Though a few of the fairer of us did not show due to weather...we had a nice turn out. It was fun.



Here is a group picture with the most of us at half time. And if you want to get the winner...keep reading A photographer from the Coshocton Tribune happened by...and I will have more from this game later!



And so with the rain, the cold, the weather, and the competition...there was much excitement. As is the case with any competition like this...the men quickly regain their competitive fire they had as a youth.



But knowing that fire burns deep...we worked hard to have a good time as well.



And of course it is important to note that the black shirts won. (Yes that was our team!). And if you visit the Coshocton Tribune online you will find this picture...that captures us celebrating the final touchdown...and my reception that ended the game!



Yeah...baby!

Rules of Life

In driving around this holiday season I (as do many) see things that make me shake my head and smile. So it got me thinking about my rules of life. I have often quoted my rules of life (especially the first 2) to anyone who would listen. The most famous Kirby Hasseman rule of life is #2. (By the way, they are less rules than observations and suggestions).

So with that on my mind I thought I would print the new and improved list here for you to think about...and comment on!

1) Close your eyes and imagine how stupid the average person is. Now by definition...half of them are dumber than that!

2) Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.

3) Every person dies. Not everyone truly lives.

4) Find out what every person is doing financially...then do the opposite. "Every one" is broke.

5) The Lottery is a tax for people who are very bad at math.

6) If you need to wear a toboggan...it's too late to mow!

7) Don't take a laxative and a sleeping pill (or heavy alcohol) on the same night.

Okay...so that's a start! Happy Holidays!