Top Ten for week of 3/25/06

1. Hannah Bobbitt
2. Keithanne Boevé
3. Heather Sturm
4. Debbie Bobbitt
5. Carl Bobbitt
6. Sterling Shetler
7. Christian Zollman
8. Kyle Hook
9. A.D. Lewis
10. Christian Ambroson

Down with the Sickness

My last full week in March was spent mostly sleeping. I came down with some horrific crud (not sure what exactly it was yet) last Wednesday, by Thursday it became a real sore throat vs just an itch felt the day before. On Friday, I was so sick I could barely breathe. My throat was raw, I was stuffed up, and decided I had better go to the doctor. They weren't totally sure what I had either, but were sure whatever it was that it was on top of an already bad sinus infection. So here I am on Sunday (today), and I am finally on the mend. I even missed a wedding this weekend I was supposed to film -- thankfully one of my employees stepped in and took care of the job and did a good one at that. Tomorrow is Monday, and I shall hope that it will be a better week than last.

Ron Thompson Benefit

Not since I was ill have I saw such an outpouring of support for a person who was in a similar or worse situation that I was. Ron Thompson, who is about 20 years older than me was diagnosed with liver cancer about two-three months ago. Ron does not have health insurance. Luckily I did, though the insurance only covered about 80% of my medical bills.

$27,000.00 was raised at the benefit Saturday, March 18, 2006. Though that will only be a small drop in the bucket for his medical expenses, Ron, his wife Marty, and their family have witnessed how truly generous Wallowa County is.

Friends Les and Ava Bridges helped put on the benefit, and it was because of their tireless efforts (among others) that made this such a successful event. Ron and his family are blessed to have such wonderful friends.

I was blessed 8 years ago today when I finished my final chemotherapy treatment. I was blessed by 35 of my good friends, my senior class at Joseph High School, my guardian angels who chose to not have a senior trip, but instead to donate the money to my bills.

Seeing Ron Thompson and James Huffman's situations, I've been able to reminisce what was one of the darkest and brightest times of my life. -LB

Top Ten for week of 3/18/06

1. Keithanne Boevé
2. Christian Zollman
3. Christian Ambroson
4. Heather Sturm
5. Hannah Bobbitt
6. Carl Bobbitt
7. Debbie Bobbitt
8. Kyle Hook
9. Thane Shetler
10. Brooke Moncrief

Workin' For The Weekend

Oh, lord, this week it couldn't have been more true. This week was the week from hell. But I complain when I shouldn't be. My business is once again brisk after a few weeks of being slower than normal. I am keeping the staff of LB Productions hopping, and they have even showed some signs of burn out as of Friday afternoon! Let me tell you, it is great business is doing so well -- but we all couldn't wait for the weekend to be here!

My condolences go to my best pal Christian A., as he lost is grandpa this past week. I was lucky enough to meet him shortly before he passed away. I will be praying for you buddy.

A friend of Keithanne's (an employee and friend of mine) also passed away this week, so I will be thinking of that family as well.

Time for a weekend of rest! -LB

New Car

It finally happened. I got a new vehicle. Or as some would say in Wallowa County, a new 'rig.' I was really excited this time around because I finally have passenger/cargo room. With a growing business, I've found a need to haul a lot of boxes. That didn't work so well in a pickup when it was raining or snowing. In addition, when friends and I would go places, people always had to squeeze into the back of my extended cab ranger. It was VERY small. I never used my pickup bed for anything. It only made sense. I will post pictures soon!

Ben Folds

Went to Lewiston this past Sunday (March 5), to go see my good buddy Christian Ambroson. Turned out, there was a Ben Folds concert in Moscow Idaho, and in a total spur of the moment thing -- we decided to go. I was glad we did.

Talk about some dumb luck. We show up to buy tickets at the door, run into a couple guys willing to sell us floor passes (only offered to students). So we ended up being right at the stage!

I have just gotten into Ben Folds lately (primarily because of Christian), but what a talent they are. Formerly 'Ben Folds Five,' -- 'Ben Folds' is the solo act version. Ben is such a talent! This concert was shock treatment for my soul. The picture is what the concert looked like.

I am glad for once in a long time I didn't have a boring weekend! I even got to hang out with my old friend Chris Lozier. It was a weekend packed full of fun and hanging out with friends!