Yesterday there was so many upsets during the first round of the NCAA  that my bracket is already toast.

Thanks Murray State :(

Outside of the NCAA tournament and my bracket we also had our weekly movie reviews from Erika Olson from Redbox.

We found out the OHSU Tram is trying to push itself as a spring break destination. I think i'll pass

and we had a conversation with Congressman Greg Walden about Healtcare.

He still plans to vote no.

Now go out there and enjoy your weekend on this Aloha Friday.

Today is the start of the NCAA Tournament and it's a group of days that should be almost a national holiday.

Bob found a website that filled out the bracket based on graduate student's starting salary. The big winner is Duke ($104,000) and at the bottom?

East Tennessee State comes in at $49,000.

We also found a campaign ad in Kentucky for Trey Grayson. He is running for the US Senate and blasted Rand Paul for going to Duke while he went to University of Kentucky.

On this special day (at least for our own Irish blooded Alisha and Pat) we had our annual playing of the Unicorn Song and then the annual telling off from Alisha about it not really being Irish.

We also talked about healthcare and how something can get passed without getting voted on.

And incase you missed the link for Oregon unclaimed property I offer it once again

At least tomorrow the NCAA tournment starts and we can take our minds off the serious stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90SdmjuCAqw

http://www.pioneercourthousesquare.org/default.aspx

Dear Friends,

A year ago today, a gunshot took me within 90 seconds of bleeding to death.   Today, my leg is in constant pain but I am reminded of how close I was to having it removed.  What have I learned?  I’ve learned to be in a constant state of gratitude.  To never again allow fear to be in my thinking.  To live each day to its fullest.  And perhaps most importantly, never to allow opportunities to slip through my fingers.

I’m going to visit the intensive care nurses today, angels really, who served me for weeks of uncertainty.  I’ll say thank you again to the doctors and say hello to Father Clifford.  I’m taking Stephanie to a nice dinner.  I’ll hug my son Perry just that much longer after he practices riding a “two wheeler”.

Right next to my desk at home is a box of cards people sent me from all over Oregon.  I’ll re-read them.  Many of my close friends in politics, people on both sides of the isle whose support meant a lot, I’ll find today.

We all have much to be thankful for and you don’t need to nearly die to recognize it.  We live in Oregon.  We have families and friends.  We have our dreams.  We are doers, not talkers.

Some of the people I admire the most went through life changing events that made them better.  The two best American cyclists of all time, one who was nearly killed by a gunshot accident and another who had cancer, both came back to win the Tour de France.  My favorite American political leader lost his wife and his mother within 24 hours and he spent the next two years in the bad lands of South Dakota trying to put back the pieces only later to become President.  And then there is Gene Covic.  A man who lost both his legs when a tractor fell on him, and yet he finds time to volunteer at the hospital in Medford.  He called me when there were thoughts I’d never walk again to tell me I would get out of my wheelchair.  The difference in people like this and so many others?  It’s how they responded.

I’ve learned during the last year of therapy, serving in the Senate, and keeping my family healthy, that rebuilding the momentum of my business and political pursuits has had nothing to do with me.  It has everything to do with how I respond, how I take time, and how I give it away.

There are many good things coming.  Like you, I have big plans, big passions, and things I will accomplish.  Today though, I encourage you not to think of my story, but to take a few minutes and be grateful.  Live today like today fully, like every moment counts, as if it could be your last.

All Best, 

Jason A. Atkinson

"Joan Miller's Peach Cobbler

1 Cup Aloe Vera Gel (w/ all the sun care out this should be easy to find now)

A couple drops of the essential oil of your choice (optional)

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Recipe Here

This is Rudy (Bob)

Raymond (Gina)

Harry (Pat)

Fritz (Pat)

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