Hide Yo Hedge Trimmer, Hide Yo Backpack Blower

I was just thinking yesterday how I haven't written anything in a while. Not much had really happened that I wanted to write about. Well something did happen today, but I wish I wasn't writing about it.

I have been in this business on and off for 12 years now. In all those years I have never had anything stolen. Until today. With an open trailer, unlocked equipment, and me out of sight for periods of time, I had often thought about the possibility, but never done much to deter a potential perpetrator. Like many things in life we're reactive instead of proactive.

I was at one of my newer yards today. The client lives in a garden home community and appeared to be a very safe neighborhood. I was going through my normal routine, so after finishing mowing the backyard, which took me no more than 8 minutes, was getting ready to blow the driveway. I got to the trailer and my blower was gone. I stood there and stared at the empty blower rack for a second perplexed, but knowing in my heart what had just happened. Surely not. This must be a mistake. I then did a check of my surroundings hoping to see some sign of my equipment. Maybe I'm being punk'd? Of course all was quiet. I then called Mom for the one in a million chance Dad had used it the night before, forgot to put it back, and I was just now missing it. As I was talking to her, I noticed my hedge trimmer was also gone. No way Dad used both the night before, so I knew the answer Mom was going to give.

The helpless feeling set in. I wanted to run in all directions scouring for the low life that robbed me, dreaming of the things I would do to that person if I found them, all the while knowing it would futile. They were no doubt long gone.

I called the police to report the crime. I also needed the police report so I could file my insurance claim. Officer Johnson came to assist me. Like a scene out of the movies, as he arrived it started raining. So I was standing there, out two pieces of equipment and getting soaking wet. He let me sit in the patrol car with him as we filled out the report. The most likely result is the equipment ending up in one of many pawn shops or the thieves actually using it. Either way, only the winning the lottery chance that it would ever get reported to the authorities as stolen.

The whole process of police and insurance dealings took about an hour and half. I decided to call it a day after that. I wasn't much in the mood to work anymore and I was scheduled to trim hedges that afternoon, so that would have to be put on hold. Much like after my bike got stolen I suddenly became super paranoid and didn't want to let my stuff out of my sight until I got an extensive lock system. So my first stop on my way home was at Lowe's. There I purchased nearly $100 worth of locks.

• 4 Locks for the racks
• Cable and lock for mowers and other loose items
• Lock to keep trailer connected to hitch
• Lock to keep hitch connected to truck

It will now be several extra steps in my daily routine, but the crooks will have to work for my stuff from now on.

I then went by Riverchase Mower to price the pieces that got stolen. It will be about $850 to replace the two items with similar models. Both of the stolen pieces were about 10 years old, and I had gotten lots of use out of them. Because of depreciation I doubt I will get any insurance money for them.

It absolutely could have been much worse. Like the hard drive failure from earlier in the year, I will take it as a good reminder to better care for my stuff. When I got home Rebecca reminded me of the story of when she was just a baby and her parents brand new lawn mower got stolen during the aftermath of their house getting destroyed by a tornado. It takes a real low life to steal from a tornado victim. Despite the wrongdoing and her warranted anger, her Mom's prayer was that the thief was using that mower to feed his family. She then felt a peace about the situation. At some point later they purchased a new lawn mower. After waiting some time the amount for the check had still not come out of their account. They checked with the store owner and he had received his payment from the transaction.

It was a much needed reminder and how we should live as I came home very frustrated. In no way do I expect the same divine reimbursement Rebecca's parents received, but I do see how richly blessed we are. The Lord has given us so much to be thankful for, its not worth staying upset over a couple material losses. No matter the size of the storm in our life, he deserves to be praised.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

So Mr. Robber, as hard as it is for me to say, my prayer tonight is that those items are helping you to meet some need that you had no other foreseeable way to meet. If you ever come back though, you better bring some serious bolt cutters.

P.S. While looking for product images, I came across this photo on Stihl's website. Maybe this can be Rebecca and me someday.

Brett Long Photography

An ongoing debate in our household is whether or not I can call myself a "photographer." I've been assisting Rebecca for every wedding and been with her for 95% of all other sessions outside of Samford stuff. Am I on her level of skill? Absolutely not. However, I've picked up some stuff along the way. I can operate a camera pretty efficiently and she does actually use my pictures a good bit. She occasionally threatens to fire me, but there's no way she could find somebody to work as cheap as me. I really like taking pictures. Its always different, challenging, and a nice change of pace from my business. Its also great getting to work with my wife. A lot of shoots are at inopportune times, nights/weekends, but we're together so I don't mind.

There have now been two occasions in which I have acted completely solo. I joke that I am going to break off and start my own photography business, but that would quickly take away the fun. The first time was last spring when I shot the Southern Conference Track Championship hosted at Samford. Rebecca and Caroline were tied up with Samford stuff, so the conference photographer hired me as his side for the weekend. It was a good time, but weird being on my own.

The second time came this past Thursday night. A family friend called last minute to see if Rebecca was available to shoot a small premiere ceremony for the movie Courageous. The photographer they usually use had backed out. Rebecca was already doing something at Samford, so I called the guy back to tell him she was busy, but I was available if that would do. He would take whomever at this point in the day. So I drove to the theater and went to work.

The movie is the fourth production from Sherwood Films, a ministry of a church out of Georgia. This film is about the importance of fatherhood and depicts the lives of four sheriff's deputies. So the premise of the premiere was to honor the local police officers around the city. Along with a bunch of officers, the state Attorney General Luther Strange was there. Overall attendance was not that great, but the people there were excited.

We had already planned on going the following night with our small group, so I did not stick around for the movie. So my payment for my time was free tickets for Rebecca and me on Friday night. With movie prices these days, its a decent amount for my skill level.

Rebecca touched up my photos when I got home. She even said they were acceptable enough to but her company name on them for media release.

So Brett Long Photography is available for all your photography needs.

The extremely tall man is Attorney General Luther Strange coming in at 6'9"

The First 100

I'm a big Chick-fil-a fan. During two years of high school I worked at a store in Birmingham while I wasn't mowing grass. Longscape eventually won out in 11th grade. Nevertheless, I still really enjoy their food even though I ate it about everyday those two years. Its my go to place for quick, cheap, and good food. Its a beautifully run company with great Christian values. I kind of baffled other companies haven't tried to copy their business model.

After my years working there they started a promotion called "The First 100." The idea behind it was whenever there was a new store opening, the first 100 customers would receive free Chick-fil-a for a year. The fine print reads 52 #1 meals, so still a good deal. Well, naturally the popularity of this grew tremendously so they had to modify the rules a little to ease early crowds. So the gist of the contest is you have to show up 24 hours before a store opens. It doesn't matter if you get there any earlier than that. So at 6AM everyone who is there registers. If there are less than 100 people, everyone wins. If there are more than 100 people, then they have a drawing and pick 100 people. Those 100 people are winners. So you immediately you know you are a winner, however the contest is just beginning. In order to claim your prize, you have to stay on the property for 24 hours and you can't leave for any reason. They open up the store bathroom and give you some snacks, but other than that you are on your own including sleeping in the parking lot. Then the next morning as the store opens, the winners are the first 100 customers and then they give you your prize.

I had heard of this contest a couple different times, but finally decided to look into it. I found there was a store opening up in downtown Birmingham in a couple months. So I put it on my calendar. That Wednesday morning I went to the location and arrived at 5:15. People started filing in and at 6:00AM they let everyone into the parking lot. I was amazed at the number of repeat contest participants there were. About 75% had already done this before. One guy claimed this was his 44th time. He was a big fan with lots of cow gear. There were 125 people there. Most everyone came in groups and planned to split winnings among the group if not everyone got picked. I was on my own, but still thought my odds were pretty good. Every store opening brings in a specified crew to help, so the whole process was very well run. They started drawing numbers and sure enough mine was called at #73. Kind of cutting it close.

The wrist band we had to wear to indicate we were the chosen ones.

I went into the store and filled out some paperwork. They give us some basic instructions and then take us out in groups to our campsites (or parking spaces). They give you about 30 minutes to get your stuff and park your car for a longer stay since we're downtown. I got all my gear and claimed my space. They wanted two tents per parking space so I shared mine with Dave and Kate. A super nice couple about the same age as me. They looked familiar to me and soon realized we go to the same church. So they were great companions throughout the day. I got my tent set-up and my chair out and got comfortable for the next 23 hours.

Hanging out in the store, waiting for instructions.

My 1/2 of the parking space, right on the edge of the parking lot.

Pictures aren't as exciting when you're by yourself.

Tent city on the north side of the store.

Throughout the day they had role call to make sure you were there. I think only one person left during the course of the day. They fed us three meals, of course Chick-fil-a. I was expecting it to be kind of boring just sitting around all day, but it actually ended up being a lot of fun. Everyone there is in the same boat, but a very diverse group of people. Everyone quickly becomes friends and starts to like the little community. I brought some stuff to occupy myself, but ended up just hanging out with everyone instead. It was a beautiful picture of community and fellowship, rather than isolation.

One of our role calls.

The most enthusiastic participant. He drove from Tampa and claimed this was his 44th store opening.

Chick-fil-a employee who led some of the games.

Our neighbor Kevin. Kevin provided a bunch of laughs throughout the day. He was probably the only person who just happened to be awake walking down the street at that hour of the morning and inquired what was going on. When everyone else went to their cars he ran home and got a sleeping bag and bike. He followed the 2 parking spaces per camper rule. His mom brought him a tent that afternoon. Everyone knew Kevin by the end of the day.

Kevin was real tired since he never went to bed the night before.

That night Rebecca came and joined me. She had to work that day or else she also would have participated. She quickly got acquainted with my corner of the parking lot. That evening they brought in a DJ and had ice cream. We settled into our tents about 11PM. Unfortunately the downtown atmosphere is not real conducive to sleeping outside. Throughout the night there were all kind of noises including trucks, trains, deliveries, drunks yelling, and whistles. This contest isn't for the weak though.

Ice cream with M&Ms

Rebecca amazed by the awesomeness of the day.

She also got a band to indicate she wasn't a chosen one.

Gearing up for the unseasonably cool evening.

I thought camping under a parking lot light would be good for safety. It also meant it was very bright in our tent all night.

Visions of Chick-fil-a dancing through my head.

They woke us up at 5:30 and lined us up for last role call and a t-shirt. We then got to go through the store and get our prize. They wanted us out of the parking lot pretty quick to make way for paying customers. We all said our goodbyes and went back to our routines. I was really tired and then had to go to work, but it was well worth it. I plan on doing more in the future.

Almost time to go inside and get our loot.

Shaking hands with the operator and getting the free stuff.

Dave, Kate, and myself holding our coupons. They came in nugget boxes naturally.

52 big ones. Making it rain.

Not sure if this was a yawn or an excited face.

It ended up being a beautiful morning.

Since it was so pretty we decided to go by the Railroad Park for some pictures since we're never really down there at 6:30 AM

Alabama Theater