Press On

2007-12-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

A little motivation for the playoff push. Saints need to win out and need a little help. I will have half an eye on the Vikings/ Redskins (Go skins) and the Giants/ Bills (Go Bills).
Other than football, we have just gone through a season of sickness; the poor kids were hammered by inconsistent weather to the tune of a double ear infection and wierd rash for Makenna, and Cayden had 1. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (Only the mouth part) and 2. Pneumonia/ ear infection. Tam and I both fought colds... Actually she fought I whined (Moms aren't allowed to get sick!). It looks like we are on the flip side of that though.
All right, until next time... enjoy the season that we celebrate the birth of God's perfect gift for mankind!

2007-11-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

I always try to include a picture with each new post to enhance the aesthetics of the blog... but I am just giving a quick shout out to my peeps, holla' back. Anyway, I will blame lack of blogging on a few things 1. Lack of anything interesting to say. 2. Uncertainty of Saints' games outcomes (The coin failed as did Madden predictions) 3. A busted up hand.
Alright, more posts and pictures to come, stay tuned and spread the word.
To the billions still readingl ove ya'

2007-09-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

For 2 reasons I will not be doing another Madden simuation this week 1. It appears they are inaccurate from time to time and B. I am currently heavily medicated on pain medicine. Therefore I will pretend to flip a coin, if it's heads Saintswin, tails they win big.

The coin was flipped after I entered the text of this blog so there is no disputing the validity. In fairnrss, I should add that it took a good two minutes to find the coin afte I flipped it due to my medicated state.

*EDIT* I would also like to add, that i proof read this multiple times because of the original numerous mistakes.from the caring heart of my wife's lips, I understand I missed a few more... let that be a lesson that pain meds and good judgement often don't hang in the same group.

2007-09-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

I ate at one of the most amazing places on the green earth; Fire of Brasil... or as I now like to call it, Casa de gluton!
I ate.... Shrimp, chicken, Sausage, Turkey, Filet Mignon, Flank Steak, Bacon wrapped Sirloin, Garlic Sirloin, House Special, Ham and Lamb.
All I can say now is ouch, but mmmmmm

2007-09-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Poor little guy! Cayden had a little accident the other night when he got in a fight with the bathtub. It gave us a little scare but he was actually pretty tough. He cried a little, until something good was on TV then he was OK. He got a little cut on his eyelid and as you can see a black eye to let everyone know he is no one to be trifled with.
Sorry about the side ways thing with the pictures, I can't get them turned. (Edit: got it!)

2007-09-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

Time for the 2007 weekly Saints projected score as calculated by Madden. As you can plainly tell by the graphic this weeks opponents are the Buccaneers.
Before we get to the prediction a little analysis of week 1 for both teams. The Bucs opened the season the road in Seattle. The aging Bucs defense looked good. The offense on the other hand was... offensive. Starters Jeff Garcia and Cadillac Williams were hampered by the ole injury bug. The Bucs weren't able to score outside of two first quarter field goals and dropped the contest 20-6.

The Saints opened the season in what was supposed to be an offensive showcase with the defending champs ,the Colts, at the RCA Dome. After a half of football where it looked like two heavy weights feeling each other out in the early stages of a fight and a 10-10 score, it was the Colts who landed the first heavy blow, and the second and the third, and the fourth... actually if this were a boxing match someone would have had to throw in the towel mid third quarter. It is my theory that at half time the sneaky Colts spiked the Saints liquid refreshments with some heavy duty hard liqour. I'm talking the kind someone's granpa used to make up in the hills, old fashioned moon-shine! The final count was 41-10.

It's my hope that this beating will serve as a wake up call and if my simulation is any indication it will!

So with out further delay here's what the results were from my Madden simulation...
Drew Brees passed for 287 yds on 9 completions and 4 TDs
Deuce McCallister ran for 209 yds and 3 TDs
Reggie Bush ran for 156 and 2 TDs and caught another TD
Colston had 123 yds receiving and 1 TD
Charles Grant 2 Sacks
Will Smith 1 Sack 1 INT (Nice zone blitz)

Jeff Garcia went 2 for 12 and -3 yds 1 INT
Cadillac 3 rushes for -15 yds

Final score 70-0 Saints... call your sports book now.

2007-09-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, my goose-pimples of anticipation turned into heart-burn and a lump in my throat. If you don't know what I am referring to read my post immediately below this one.
A note on my Madden simulation: OK I may have jacked up all of the stats to 99 for all of the Saints which may account for why the score was a little off. For the next game I will modify all of the Saints stats to 98, which is probably, if I'm fair, closer to accurate (except Reggie, Deuce, Colston, Devery, Grant, Smith, Harper, Fujita and Drew, they are still 99s across the board).
I would also like to make a public apology for my friend Dale.... I mean to my friend Dale, who claimed my Madden simulation would be inaccurate. He was correct, and I was not; he is very smart and I am not bright; he is better looking....
I think you will find more accuracy in my future Madden predictions.

2007-09-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

I got the goose-pimples. What better way for the Saints to start the season then go up against the champs. I guess we will see what kind of team this is. Should be a great game. If my Madden Simulation is any indication Peyton Manning will finish the night 1-18 for -27 yards 5 int and 0 TDs; Brew Brees 12-12 378 yds 8 Tds, Deuce 7 attempts for 230 yds 3 tds,Reggie 5 rushes 370 yds 5TDs 3 receptions 130 yds 2 TDs
Final score Saints 154 Colts 0
Real life might be slightly closer.

2007-09-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

OK let's give this another shot. Sept. 19 a new Dr. is going to fillet my hand and rearrange some stuff and see if that fixes the problem.
I really would appreciate some prayer.

2007-08-29T09:17:00.001-07:00

Do you ever want to ask God why?
I know I have. Right now is one of those times...
Here's the thing; I know God has a plan, I know He is in control, I know things will be fine...but it's the whole midst of the journey, living in the now where I don't know what he is doing, what the future holds and what He is trying to teach me.
If you look at many of the giants from the Bible they all had wait times, Noah waiting for what God told him was going to happen, David being chased by a madman, hiding in caves waiting to be King, Joshua in jail waiting for his dreams to culminate, Elijah being fed by birds, alone, waiting.
What God reminds me of daily is the growth happens in the wait and the pain. So I wait.

Earn It Saints

2007-08-28T10:38:00.001-07:00

Foundation for Faith: John MacArthur on the Emerging Church pt1

2007-08-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Foundation for Faith: John MacArthur on the Emerging Church pt1
From my friend Dale Thackrah

2007-08-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

People who bug me and why...
this one is for Dale!

2007-08-21T10:51:00.001-07:00

I made this for Tamara

2007-08-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Campnastics!
Makenna spent a week at Gymnastics camp a couple of hours each day. We asked her how she liked camp and she told us she loved campnastics, where she got to jump on the jumpoline.
I like her words, they make good sense to me. Etymologists eat your heart out!

2007-08-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here's our little guy, he stayed like this while Tam went and got the camera... who was supervising the baby? Anyway, since mastering crawling he never stays still so this is a special picture!

Marques Colston hands are crazy

2007-08-11T18:53:00.001-07:00

7th round draft pick out of Hofstra!

2007-08-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

What Now...
Tam and the kids have been in California, in all they will be gone 9 days. Since they have been gone, I have realized a few things:
1. Dishes don't clean themselves
2. Clothes don't magically disappear from the floor and re-appear in the hamper
3. Clothes don't clean themselves
4. The dog can't poor it's own food
5. The garbage can fills up normal but it doesn't vanish like it usually does
6. If you want clean underwear, sometimes you have to plan ahead
7. If you want a meal beyond plain tuna and triscuits you also have to plan ahead
8. "I love you daddy" makes any day happy
9. My wife is under appreciated
10. Without them I would go nuts
11. The mere sight of my wife smiling is contentment
12. God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve with Tamara, Makenna and Cayden!

Me on You Tube

2007-08-04T11:13:00.001-07:00

My video for my new website www.teamthree23.com

tunak tunak tan

2007-07-27T17:14:00.001-07:00

Enjoy!

2007-07-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Exciting times!
Next Saturday I have been granted permission to hand out samples of some of the products I sell at a city race. I am working with a marketing firm and have received tons of support from corporate and some of the other people that also sell the products. I think this is going to ramp up my business to another level.
The timing of all of this has been amazing. I found this opportunity when I wasn't looking for it but needed it the most. I had just gotten surgery on my gun hand, which meant hours were going to be cut back and I couldn't work any extra jobs. AdvoCare (The company) has more than met our needs... actually God has through that avenue. I think of:

Matt 6
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Seek Him, He knows your needs, and will provide. Time and again God has shown me this thank you!
With my hand continuing to hinder my current job, AdvoCare looks to be a very viable option.
If you are in debt (Time or money) talk to me about this.
Mark

Supa Saints Offseason Conditioning Program 2007

2007-07-26T04:11:00.001-07:00

This flick is in my top 5 of all time. Supa encapsulates a Saints fan.

Big Daddy Weave - Every Time I Breathe (Video)

2007-07-22T11:58:00.001-07:00

I am sure all of heaven's heard me cry
As I tell You all the reasons why
This life is just too hard

But day by day
Without fail
I'm finding everything I need
And everything that You are
To me

Chorus:
Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it's true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You

Now how could I after knowing One so great
Respond to You in any way
That's less than all I have to give
But by Your grace I want to love You not with what
I say
But everyday
In a way that my life is lived

Chorus:
Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it's true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You

Wrapped in Your mercy I want to live and never leave
I am held by how humble
Yet overwhelmed by Your majesty
Captured by grace and now I'm finding
I am free
You are marvelous God
And knowing You is everything

Audience Of One

2007-07-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

Are you still?

2007-07-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

Powerful song with powerful lyrics.
I love forgiveness.

COWBOY MOUTH - This Much Fun

2007-07-19T15:27:00.001-07:00

Read absolutely nothing into this! I just love this band.

The Fray - How to Save a Life (new music video version)

2007-07-19T15:12:00.001-07:00

Be a super hero!
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
You begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
[How To Save A Life Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com]
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life

Third Day - Your Love Oh Lord

2007-07-19T08:58:00.001-07:00

2007-07-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Pray for Me
Hey y'all (southern thing), I have to make a decision soon about what I should do with my hand and it could do to my career. I don't want to dwell on it but I could use your prayers.
On the lighter side, I got to see my family this past weekend and we had a great time. Tamara will get a chance next month to head to California, which she is excited about. She will get to return to her home and visit dear friends and family.
Many thanks to my good friend Dale who is an encouragement in the smallest things.

2007-07-11T19:57:00.001-07:00

Anybody there?
It's very possible that in this vastness that is the world wide web I am wandering alone in the desert.
Enough for my self pity.
Cayden is crawling like a little spider-monkey, Makenna is as cute (and dramatic) as ever. My wife is still out of my league and my wrist is still in recovery. We are starting to make some profit from the little side-action business we got going and we are about to launch a marketing campaign to really hit it.
God is good, he reminds me of His control daily in my frustration, and re-adjusts my myopic point of view. I miss my friends and can't wait for the next re-union. Speaking of which my family is getting together this weekend for the yearly meeting of us all (didn't want to be redundant and say re-union again). So that should be fun.
To whoever is out there in the desert with me, thanks for reading!

2007-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

I've edited the google video bar with some David Crowder worship, click on it and check it out!

2007-06-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Good times. I have had a great week of workouts! I started taking some of the stuff I'm pushing, specifically muscle fuel and catalyst.... wow, I ran for 45 minutes three times this week, the only reason I stopped was because I got bored. Of course I was running at a slow pace but it felt great!

U2 and Green Day - The Saints Are Coming [2006]

2007-06-29T13:15:00.001-07:00

I happened to be at the Superdome the night they played this with my dad. I must say it was one of the most emotional nights. I felt it a great honor just to be there and witness the joy that that game, this performance and the 2006 Saints brought to a city.

Sleepless In Seattle : Recut as a horror movie

2007-06-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

See comments below the Shining

2007-06-25T15:32:00.001-07:00

Oh how things can be taken out of context, very smart!

2007-06-21T11:36:00.001-07:00

2007-06-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

WOW! 8 pounds in 4 days!!! I am stoked. I just had a great workout to boot. I know I lose credibility because I sell it, but if you know me you know I wouldn't try to deceive anybody for the sake of profit. For those of you who don't know I am an independent distributor for Nutritional products through Advocare. Currently I am using Spark (Energy drink, MNS Max Appetite control kit and Catalyst.
In my eyes this company and these products gained credibility when I found out that tons of pro athletes from every sport are using the stuff. That they have the choice of anything out there and put this in thier bodies to gain a competitive edge.... you say, well Mark, you man with a smaller sized brain, they pay athletes to use the stuff. No they don't, no endorser is paid, these products are thier preference.
Man I know this sounds like a sales pitch and that's the last thing I want you to think, is that I'm spewing some corporate line to earn a buck. I am sincere that I have seen real results with everything I have tried, I believe in these products and am excited about the opportunity they could bring.
OK if you or somebody you know are overweight, talk to me this product is great!
www.advocare.com/0706875/

Greatest American Hero Intro

2007-06-20T17:40:00.001-07:00

One of my favs!

2007-06-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

Must tell story... Makenna, our 3 year old came up to me yesterday with a look of conflict on her face. I said sweety what's wrong she said "Daddy I know it's not polite to kick the dog, but she was trying to get my muffin and that's not nice, so I had to kick her because she shouldn't eat my muffin, that's not polite."
One more story, she was sitting by her 8 month old brother and shoving little snacks into his mouth saying here you go little buddy, don't spit it out. It was just so cute.

2007-06-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hey... If you noticed the banner on the right (with the pictures of the ninja currently)...if you click on them there is a little video for each picture. Funny stuff!

2007-06-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I am married to a woman that is way out of my league... she's got it all, looks and an awesome personality! So it's my thought I better be in shape. So I try this stuff that I am selling.... WOW, I lose 5 pounds in 2 DAYS and energy out the wazoo!!! Maybe she'll keep me!!!

2007-06-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

OK, I am over my whiney stage (see last post). Thanks for bearing with me.
Thanks to my Dad on Father's day. You're a good man, sorry I made you lose your hair! God has paid me back for that. I love you dad!

2007-06-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Little history, I just recently had surgery on my wrist because I broke it 14 years ago (although back then the Doc said it was just sprained) and it didn't heal properly and developed bone spurs and arthritis.
Present: It has been a slow process and a little frustrating. I went to the doctor yesterday and he told me that there is no definite time as to when I can go back on the streets. My supervisors have been great but it is a little discouraging. I thought I would be back a couple of weeks ago and now I'm not sure when I get to go back.
Oh well, just roll with the punches I suppose.

2007-06-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Do you want to make 2k-9k a week? Do you want to do nothing and become a billionare in three days? Live the dream baby!
Recently I have been looking for a Business that I could get invovled with on a part time basis and add a little supplemental income (being a civil servant doesn't pay the big bucks or the middle bucks, mostly the mini bucks). I figured it would be fun to apply all the wonderfule lessons I have learned watching The Apprentice![note to self: Wife doesn't like being told "You're Fired!", dog doesn't mind.]
Needless to say in my search there is a lot of very poor "opportunities." Companies with lame products, dependant upon you shaming family and friends to sign up under you. Then when family and friends figure out how lame it is they kick you out of thier life.
Obviously I was looking for a good product that I would enjoy using. Enter Drew Brees. As many of you know, I am a huge Saints fan. I stumbled upon a product that Brees (Saints QB) was endorsing. It's an energy drink called Advocare Spark. I like Energy drinks, though often they give me no energy. I get a hold of some of this Advocare Spark, and it's awesome. For a sustained amount of time I am alert, energetic and able to multi-task (This is a huge feet for me, my wife says I should take it more at home, where apparently I am especially poor at multi-tasking). I look at some of the other products and find that everything is high quality. I look into the "opportunity" and find that there is not a major financial commitment.
So there we go, hopefully this explains a little, please don't kick me out of your life. Also if you need supplements, I'm your man! www.advocare.com/0706875/

2006-12-06T00:06:00.000-08:00

OK it has been a few weeks, I apologize. For me it has been a vey exciting few weeks. We are all adjusting to the new baby, job and life in Georgia.
The baby is doing great! Every once in a while he will sleep consecutive hours during the night, that makes momma very happy. Makenna loves her little brother, most of the time. She is a pro at giving him his pacifier and she has started to imitate mommy in hushing the baby... it's adorable!
Socially we are doing ok, it's nice to be close to my sister, but we definitely miss our old friends and church family. We are making new ones to replace all the ones we lost... very hard process;~)
The job is keeping me on my toes. I love it so far. I have a couple of weeks left in training, then I'll be out on my own... scary thought! I have to say that the most surprising thing I have found so far is the amount people lie! I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise... but I am befuddled by the deceitfulness we encounter. The thing that really gets me is people lie about things that the police already know the answer to. Example scenario:
Have you had anything to drink tonight...(I ask the question though the flammability of their breath makes it obvious)
They answer
I'm going to tell you the truth ( I have learned in my limited experience that the preceding phrase is code for "I am about to lie to you) I haven't had anything
I say are you sure (opportunity to come clean)
They say OK I'm not going to lie (although they just did by claiming none) I think I had one. (I think I had one... listen if you really can't remember, you have to think the answer is at least 6)
Then my favorite... they will say I will prove it to you. ( I think that they think that I will say that's OK you must be fine because despite your glazed over eyes, breath that is more flammable than a Christmas tree in February and your inability to stand { something my 2 year old has mastered} your willingness must mean your innocent, go ahead and drive!)
But my actual response is something like, great take a deep breath, blow out until I tell you to stop.... good, that's enough.... oooo look the little box says that greater than 10% of your blood is alcohol.
And the response comes....ok I had 2 beers!

Makes me think of this verse
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22
I say to God why do they do this, lie to me when I know the answer already. I get disgusted and then God reminds me
I do this to Him. I try to conceal things I have thought, said or done. All the while God knows. I am reminded by Paul of who I am
26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised thingsÂand the things that are notÂto nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from GodÂthat is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
1 Cor 1
The only difference should be is that I know who I am and what God has done for me, therefore I strive to please him by my thoughts, words and actions.

2006-10-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'll post pictures later, but your going to have to trust me for now... Cayden Marcus is here! Tam did an excellent job last Thursday delivering him and despite his paternal genes he is adorable! Makenna has had some issues adjusting to her new baby brother (she is a tad more emotional) but all in all she is a great big sister. She loves to hold him and hates it when little Cayden cries. At first when he cried it freaked her out but now she just says, "it's ok little guy!" Very cute. Another great blessing has been Tam's mom being around to help out.
Other than that, the job is great, new and exciting every night I work. I just got a new back-up weapon, a sig p232 stainless. It's very nice! My prayer is that I would be able to keep an eternal perspective and look for ways to make an impact for eternity in this job.
To the multitudes reading this, thanks and God bless!

2006-10-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Time is ticking away until Tamara, Makenna and I get to meet the special boy that God has created. This has been an unbelievable year of transition and throughout the year God has demonstrated his supremacy, control and will. This next stage of transition for the Tappan family should be great! We sure do appreciate the prayers and encouragement we have received from our families and our former church family out in California. Praise God for all He has done.

2006-10-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have been duped!
OK, I can't believe what just happened. You have to understand that during the course of me explaining how I have been bamboozled, I will divulge characteristics of myself that may harm any previous preconceptions one may have had regarding a former Marine tri-athlete and current law enforcement officer. Therefore you must understand during the time this occurred I was acting completely outside of any relationship to any of the above.
So, I rent this movie under the preconceived notion is based on a true story, Akeelah and the BEE. As I watch the 11 year old rise from the streets of Compton, overcoming sociological barriers as well as her own fear while being coached by a man that must deal with his own tragedy, along with her own community pitching in (including notorious gang members) to help her win the Scripps national spelling Bee...I was literally audibly whimpering. I decided I wanted to find out more about this little champion who accomplished so much. Google search... return... I have been ripped off by Starbucks (producers of the movie). It's not enough that they charge me $4 for a 10 cent cup of coffee, now they want to play with my emotions too! Have you no decency you dealers of mediocre overpriced addictive fanciful drinks? There is no Akeelah, she was an imaginary character created to make me cry like a 12 month old ripped away from his mother!

2006-10-03T03:17:00.000-07:00

A whole lot of nothing...
I figured it was time for an update, but really wasn't sure that anything in my life has been exciting enough to actually warrant one. The way that my wife loves and supports me is always worthy of note; the cuteness of my little girl deserves notation and the overwhelming grace that God shows me day after day deserves praise. I really have so much!
Other than that... I can't figure out how to get my wireless connection up and running and I keep breaking cell phones.

2006-09-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

I was there!
The homecoming of the New Orleans Saints to the Superdome was an amazing event. The emotion was overwhelming, not a single person in the Dome could have possibly not been moved by the evening. Two things really stood out to me; 1) U2 & Green Day singing "The Saints are coming" the fans were rocous! 2) 23-3, complete domination.

2006-09-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, I need to be much better about keeping this up. I really plan on it and now it should be easier, THE ACADEMY IS FINISHED! That's right, I am finally done. Last night were the graduation ceremonies. My goal from the beginning was to glorify God by my attitudes and actions throughout the academy. It is my prayer He was. The experience to me was invaluable. I met some remarkable people that provided me with an example of what Law Enforcement Officers should be. As I was telling a family member today, the most significant thing that I learned during the academy didn't come from one of the classes or defensive tactics or driving or shooting... it came from the lives of the Lieutenants that worked with us daily. Thank you, you know who you are, but you could never know the impact you had on me.
I know this was brief, but it will have to suffice until next time.

2006-08-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

OK I missed a week, but I think it's ok, because I'm pretty sure no one knows about this yet. In the last two weeks some entertaining things have happened at the academy. First, I got chosen for my second stint as class guide ( aka: the whipping boy that is held responsible for every mistake the class makes). I am actually enjoying it. The second thing that happened was the pistol range. Now that was fun! Oh how I wish we had more time there. I was sooo close to shooting a perfect score, I missed it by one inch. I am having trouble getting over that inch! 6 weeks down 3 and a half to go...
Other than that life is good at home, Tamara and Makenna continue to be a huge support for me in the academy. I couldn't do it without them. Tam and I will be celebrating our 5th anniversary on the 19th. Tam's mom will also be coming out next week, which should be great. It will give her a "grown up" to converse with rather than just the rivoting usual conversation she has with Makenna day after day.
Another thing, if by some wild chance there is someone out there that does read this and you happen to be a follower of Christ, pray for us, it looks like we will be looking for a church home again.

2006-08-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

How modern of me I'm blogging. Well, here are the Tappan's on the flip-side of one of the largest life-change I have ever had. I never saw it coming, but at the same time it seems like it has been planned since my birth. After nearly a decade of time spent in vocational ministry in Southern California, here I am in a suburb of Atlanta chasing after a career in law enforcement.
You would think that after a month solid of being yelled at, put down, and worked tirelessly I would be asking myself "Why?', but really I'm not... I'm loving it. I just completed the first month of the Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy, known state-wide for it's difficulty and atmosphere. Beside the commute and the hours it has been great. Speaking of the commute, I think I moved to the only place on the planet with worse traffic than Orange County. I sure can pick 'em. This past week has been by far the most exciting week I have had during my time in the Academy...EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course). It was like Disney Land for gowm men. Imagine a large, water soaked, teflon coated assphalt area; a 1993 Crown Victoria with over-inflated, bald tires; keys to said car; a four point harness and helmets that look like they were left-overs from the prop room from the movie SpaceBalls. Oh the fun! Next week gets even better, a shiny new Glock 22 and near unlimited rounds and targets that light up and twirl... beats it's a small world any day!
Alright, I will try to remember to keep up with this, maybe an update after the range...we'll see. I'll also try to get Tamara to throw in some updates as well. Until then
...Press on toward the goal to which we have been called.