Is anyone still here?

I had forgotten about Pleonast and then it came up on a google search and I figured I would see if anyone still checks this site. My life has changed a lot. I'm now married with an 8 year old son. Let me know if anyone is still on here.
  • andtheking
    Hey Charlie! I still read pleonast, but have also kept up with you on facebook. So happy for you and Elizabeth and Trenton!
    by andtheking at 10/11/11 9:53PM
  • sparky
    I still read the 2-3 people that I know that post on here occasionally. Sounds like you to my approach. I'm married now also with a 12 and 15 year old daughters.
    by sparky at 10/11/11 10:21PM
  • michelle
    I'm here sometimes...mostly a lurker. It was fun meeting your lovely wife in Tampa!
    by michelle at 10/15/11 9:50AM
  • aucowgirl
    hey charlie. don't really check it. just read every once in a while
    by aucowgirl at 10/17/11 3:39PM
  • cbonk
    Hey, I'm here - what's up?
    by cbonk at 10/17/11 11:44PM

I hate trying to come up with a witty title

I am staying in Accra, Ghana at a house with Freddy and Anna Adams. They are from California, but have been living in Ghana for the past 2 years. Prior to that time Freddy was working a schedule of 28 days on 28 days off, but it became necessary to have a full time person in Ghana and so they decided to make the move. It has been a great experience getting to know them. I've also had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with the house help that they have. This includes Dennis, the driver, Esther, the master of the house, and her daughter Gifty. The opportunity to hear their stories and ask them questions about the Ghanian culture has been enlightening.

Tuesday we took a trip to the driving range (yes they have golf in Ghana, I was shocked) and one of the ghanian artist markets. The driving range was like nothing I've ever seen. We were hitting from an area that was about 75% mud and even keeping your balance was quite an achievement. So as I was trying not to fall in the mud there was a caddie standing with me who would both tee up my ball as well as give me tips on my swing. At one point in the afternoon, Sunday, my caddie, made the comment that I was "The new Tiger Woods in town". I now have a new friend named Sunday. If anyone else wants to grossly overstate my golfing abilities you can be my friend too. The craziest part about the whole experience was that down range, where we were hitting the golf balls, there was a guy a couple years younger than me picking up each ball I hit between my shots! There were a couple of times he had to move out of the way of my shots. I also need you to note that this was not a little golf course. This is the oldest and nicest golf club in the entire country. It was started in 1932. It is shocking how some things are so similar and yet so different.

Today we drove around town and saw more of the different types of art that are produced in Ghana. The wood furniture that they produce is especially beautiful and inexpensive, but shipping cost make it prohibitively expensive. I'm still just getting my feet wet with the culture of Ghana. I'm hoping to attend a concert at some point during my trip. They have a type of music over here that is known as Hip-life. It sounds like a cross between Jamaican music and hip-hop, which if you don't know sounds like something right down my alley.

While I've been experiencing the Ghanian culture I've also had the opportunity to bring a little American culture to the Adams family, in the form of necesseties from home and some knowledge in helping Anna get her Ipod running with the correct songs and pictures. It is nice to think that I am able to do something useful for them since they are doing so much for someone that they didn't even know until Sunday.

The people here are very religious. On almost every car/store/house you will see some type of religious saying. It strikes me how much we have removed religion not only from our government but from our lives in general. It makes me realize how much extra effort we must put into our lives to ensure that we maintain the proper focus. In light of that there is a ghanian symbol that I was told meant "accept God". I found later when reading about this symbol it actually means "except God" or more specifically "I fear nothing except God". The concept behind this symbol reminded me of Rom 8:35-39. We only have a reason to fear that which can separate us from God's love. The rest of life is all part of his plan.

I have many more adventures to experience since my trip still has about 15 days remaining in Ghana. The adventure continues and I cannot wait.
  • thedelmccouryband
    You're title below was indeed witty, Tiger!
    by thedelmccouryband at 11/05/07 7:33AM
  • tickets
    hope you had a merry christmas & happy new year! i'll be in NYC! :o)
    by tickets at 12/27/07 6:33PM
  • michellelb
    Happy New Year!!
    by michellelb at 01/01/08 1:42AM
  • flossy
    Hey, charlie! hope eveything is going ok..? You might not remember me, but I'm one of michelle's friends from camp...
    by flossy at 02/25/08 4:48PM
  • jacobreaves
    Party at the Reaves house... Check it out. http://pleonast.com/jacobreaves
    by jacobreaves at 04/23/08 6:40PM
  • the_girl_next_door
    I'm very jealous! What are you doing now? I was looking at your facebook page recently and noticed you are in the Netherlands...
    by the_girl_next_door at 05/20/08 8:11AM
  • the_girl_next_door
    WOW - it's a small world. When I was at PwC, Roper was my main client. Tell Charli Maxwell and Paul Soni "hey" for me next time you see them!
    by the_girl_next_door at 07/16/08 3:03PM
  • emmaroo
    I hear I'm going to see you at camp. WOOHOO!
    by emmaroo at 07/17/08 9:55AM
  • flossy
    thanks alot! I will... how are you doing?
    by flossy at 07/18/08 2:11PM
  • michelle
    Awww...too bad we'll miss you! Maybe we'll just have to cross paths back on the other side of the pond.
    by michelle at 07/22/08 7:41AM
  • sunnylee
    you need a new post ..bad
    by sunnylee at 07/27/08 3:28PM
  • adamgamble
    unfortunately we're having a family weekend that weekend because for thanksgiving we'll be in new york... so its a no go.
    by adamgamble at 08/08/08 12:44AM
  • auamy
    Wow, you still remmeber your pleonast login. I'm impressed. I'm glad we could talk on the phone the other day - we just needed more time. I'll be calling soon!
    by auamy at 08/15/08 11:03AM
  • michelle
    I sent you a couple texts. Let me know an e-mail address to send you the info if that works better! We went to Wembley church of Christ, which is in Wembley and accessible by the tubes. 92 Barnhill Road, Wembley, London HA9 0AJ
    by michelle at 09/19/08 10:56AM
  • dorkhistory101
    Hey Charlie, this is Tricia Emery. It was good to see you at 1000 Voices!
    by dorkhistory101 at 11/10/08 12:03AM
  • sarahisaretard19
    just in case you do check this.. happy 27 :)
    by sarahisaretard19 at 01/19/09 11:14AM
  • adamgamble
    10-10-07 thats way too long man.
    by adamgamble at 02/16/09 2:11PM
  • say_no2unibrows
    Yeah that was me. Yes, you do. I didn't know he was getting married. Need a place to stay? We would love to have you!
    by say_no2unibrows at 05/26/09 3:01PM
  • mre
    update!
    by mre at 06/21/09 2:51PM

I'm Ghana have a great time

I cannot claim that pun. It was given to me, but I will not disclose the origin to save the author the shame and scorn. I arrived in Ghana yesterday morning. I slept for most of the flights and all my bags made it here safely. I'm not a great verbal guy, but I'll try to give you an idea of what it is like to be over here.

I'm staying at a house that is beautiful. The house seems to be many rooms put together randomly to someone who is used to the cookie cutter houses of the suburbs, where every available space is used in the most efficient manner. This house seems more like different rooms that were randomly spliced together. While this may not be the most effective way to put a house together it does make it much more interesting. As you walk around you randomly find steps between rooms and so many different levels. It has eight foot high walls around it and barbed wire over the top of the fence as well as 24 hour guards who open and close the gate whenever we come and go.

After you leave the gates you find the town to be very different than anything I've ever seen before. On one side their neighbors have a nice house that appears to be very similar to the one I'm staying in, while on the other side there is a lot with a couple families that live in a makeshift house that appears to be made of plywood walls and an aluminum roof. That seems to be a microcosm of this area. You'll find a nice office building surrounded by the small huts that line many of the streets. I better get going. This afternoon we're going into the market to get a closer look at the Ghanian culture.

Peace out from Africa.
  • kris
    Who are you staying with? Have a blast!
    by kris at 10/08/07 11:49AM
  • mre
    have fun!
    by mre at 10/08/07 12:34PM
  • say_no2unibrows
    Be careful and have a good time!
    by say_no2unibrows at 10/08/07 12:48PM
  • auamy
    So glad you updated! Sounds so interesting - soak it up!
    by auamy at 10/08/07 12:59PM
  • the_girl_next_door
    What are you doing in Ghana?!
    by the_girl_next_door at 10/08/07 2:50PM
  • aprilkelleymcgallion
    No - she goes to campbell rd. Have fun in Ghana!
    by aprilkelleymcgallion at 10/08/07 6:47PM
  • lastoflakewood
    Have fun!
    by lastoflakewood at 10/08/07 10:11PM
  • tickets
    have fun, i'll miss you! ;o)
    by tickets at 10/08/07 10:51PM
  • lasalsadekerry
    hi charlie, this is sarah's friend kerry. and since she hasn't updated her pleonast, i thought i might check yours! and you did! i'm glad you are having such a great time!
    by lasalsadekerry at 10/08/07 10:53PM
  • aucowgirl
    ummm imiss you
    by aucowgirl at 10/08/07 11:28PM
  • nickel
    there are parts of my new town that are like that - you see a huge million dollar home and on the next lot there is a run down shack or mobile home. And that's in America! I can hardly imagine what it's like over there.
    by nickel at 10/09/07 1:13AM
  • thedelmccouryband
    you're the man!
    by thedelmccouryband at 10/09/07 9:14AM
  • nillabarr
    I can't wait to hear more about it! Where/Who are you staying (with)??
    by nillabarr at 10/09/07 10:00AM

Motivation is running low

I need some ideas. Right now I'm unassigned at work. This means that I have lots of time in the office because I'm not working on a client. So to use this time I'm trying to study for the last two sections of the CPA exam but I'm having a very hard time getting motivated. I was thinking about how I could motivate myself and thought that maybe if there was a reward that I was saving for after I pass then I would be able to study a little harder. What I need are some ideas as to what that reward should be. I'm open to any ideas you might haves or any other ways you think I might be able to gain some motivation.

In other notes life goes on. My sister got married this past weekend. That was exciting and it was great to see a lot of faces that I hadn't seen in a long time, as well as meet a few new ones. I was a counselor at Alabama camp about 3 weeks ago. As always that was a great experience. Although it did take me a long time to recover I think I have finally accomplished that. The week before camp I was sent to training in Dallas for work. I enjoyed that as well. I got to meet lots of people from all over the country, especially Boston and Detroit. I've decided that I train much better than I work. I also vacation much better than I work. So if anyone finds a job where some combination of those two things is the primary activity let me know. I've got a roommate for the summer and things are going well. He's the preaching intern at North Boulevard for the summer. I'm enjoying the summer so far. I've been gone a lot between Dallas and a couple of trips to Alabama it's been more than a month since I have spent a weekend in Tampa. I'm still working on the Africa trip although it looks like I'll be buying the tickets very shortly as soon as we get the final word from Accra. It looks like the trip will be a few weeks in October.

That's enough for now. Don't forget to give me some motivational ideas.
  • track_bud
    oh you're welcome..i want to have another one!
    by track_bud at 07/12/07 6:24PM
  • sarahisaretard19
    surfing lessons. in california. i might be a little biased on that one :) but hey. you pass, take a trip out here and take surfing lessons in the pacific.

    i'm supposed to be meeting up with anna and freddie within the hour, i'll call you soon!
    by sarahisaretard19 at 07/12/07 6:32PM
  • rica5219
    it was so nice seeing you!!! :)
    by rica5219 at 07/13/07 12:57AM
  • the_girl_next_door
    Isn't the Caribbean great? Ahhh.
    by the_girl_next_door at 07/13/07 8:34AM
  • vav
    Sounds great! I wish I could've been at the wedding--I heard it was really nice. As far as motivation, I could make you a chart that you can fill in with star stickers every time you study! :)
    by vav at 07/13/07 9:25PM
  • tickets
    So question: Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?


    Noah - He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
    by tickets at 07/16/07 9:07PM
  • tickets
    Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible??


    Pharaoh's daughter - She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
    by tickets at 07/16/07 9:07PM
  • butterflymama
    Hey Charlie! Just clicking around and saw your post! It was great to have you home for a little while this summer! My advice on motivation for studying for your test: If you study hard and go the extra mile this first time-- you'll pass it and won't have to do it again!!!
    by butterflymama at 07/22/07 9:25PM
  • butterflymama
    Have a great week!
    by butterflymama at 07/22/07 9:26PM
  • zzp
    Hi! Thanks for welcoming me to pleo. I am having a blast. I am so impressed that you are studying for the exam. Your motivation may be all the doors that will be open when you are certified. People will be begging you to come to work for them. Please call next time you are in Dallas. I guess you heard there is going to be another grandchild. I am so thrilled.
    by zzp at 07/24/07 1:57PM
  • auamy
    So, how's it coming? Think about the extra Ch-ching you'll be making with those sweet initials behind your name. I'm glad we got to hang out before you left. Maybe I can make it to Tampa sometime before the end of the year.
    by auamy at 07/26/07 2:51PM
  • bandmom
    Well, howdy, Charlie! I have fond memories of you and David and your messy dorm room! :) I hope and pray that you stay as sweet and strong in the Lord as always! :)
    by bandmom at 07/30/07 7:37PM
  • say_no2unibrows
    Are you enjoying shark week?
    by say_no2unibrows at 08/02/07 12:06PM
  • bandmom
    You're going to Ghana? How cool! I'd LOVE to go there. We have a family in our congregation who are from there. I keep hoping I can travel there with them sometime. *sigh* Let me know what you saw!
    by bandmom at 08/24/07 11:19AM
  • tickets
    by tickets at 09/04/07 12:13AM
  • nillabarr
    GO BULLS!! :)
    by nillabarr at 09/09/07 9:16AM
  • britt22
    Thanks!
    by britt22 at 09/17/07 6:08PM
  • jayhownow13
    Guess who? Wish I could be there to hold your hand for your immunizations tomorrow!!
    by jayhownow13 at 09/21/07 12:27AM
  • jenjam
    Hey Charlie! It's Jen and Jamie. I can see that you haven't posted in a while, but I just wanted to say "hi" and let you know that we have finally joined pleonast. I would love to hear from you.
    by jenjam at 10/04/07 3:48PM
  • aprilkelleymcgallion
    Did you go to church in Dallas? Did you meet my mommy?
    by aprilkelleymcgallion at 10/04/07 6:14PM

Random Thoughts

I tend to be very deliberate with my actions. Explanation: I do not normally make decisions on emotions or without first considering the consequences. (the exception is that sometimes my words kinda shoot from the hip) The majority of the time I consider an action, the consequences of that action and how it will be perceived by others before making my decision about how to act in a given situation.

I am happy with the decisions I’ve made (most of them). I do not regret them and I don’t want to change them. I’m happy with who I am, but…

I’m not sure where that thought would continue but I don’t think I want to put it on here. I’m still a pretty private guy.

So on to what’s going on in my life. I taught the high school class at church last Fall and had a great time. It was great getting to know the kids and I really enjoy now being able to have a conversation with them after church instead of just awkward forced dialogue. In the past eight months I’ve traveled to Birmingham, AL, Beaumont, TX, Cartersville, GA, Peoria, IL, Selkirk, MB, Toronto, ON, US Virgin Islands, Iowa City, IA, and Nashville, TN. Most of those were for business with a little bit of Mcgee wedding and family travel thrown in. I’m enjoying life in Tampa it got cold down here for a week, but now we’re back to flip-flop/convertible weather.

I’m planning a trip to Africa this fall. I hope that it works out. I would really enjoy seeing how different the culture is from what I’m used to. I spent a month and a half traveling through Europe and my perception is that it really isn’t that different from the States. They like to try and be pompous and talk about how they are much more sophisticated and cultured, but really they live their lives very similarly to us. I can’t imagine that being the case in Ghana or South Africa. (Those are the two countries I’m looking at visiting) Well I’ve got a busy day tomorrow. I’m waking up early to go sailing and then hanging out with friends the rest of the day (I’ll probably need a nap at some point). Good talking to you.
  • lastoflakewood
    You need to come see our house. It's almost as cute as yours.
    by lastoflakewood at 03/27/07 9:29AM
  • mritchie47
    Bible study tonight if you're free :)
    by mritchie47 at 03/27/07 9:32AM
  • aucowgirl
    charlie went gold?
    by aucowgirl at 03/27/07 1:34PM
  • auamy
    Yo. I'm going to the camp counselor meeting Saturday. Hopefully it will help me get up the nerve to ask my boss for that week off. I still need to check with them about wireless. I'm excited!!!
    by auamy at 03/28/07 10:02AM
  • auamy
    And btw, I like that you think about the consequences of your actions before you make decisions. I wish more people did that.
    by auamy at 03/28/07 10:04AM
  • sarahisaretard19
    i tagged you. i think it would be funny if you did it. but i'm not gonna hold my breath. but i can hope!
    by sarahisaretard19 at 03/30/07 9:03PM
  • say_no2unibrows
    Pluck it, shave it, wax it. That song was beautiful! I love that you shared that with me.
    by say_no2unibrows at 04/05/07 12:22AM
  • beep_girl
    I didn't know you were on here! We miss you!!!
    by beep_girl at 04/15/07 1:26PM
  • kris
    I love your best friend who talks out during church she's the cutest thing in the whole world...or at least at NB between Bearss and Fletcher
    by kris at 04/16/07 10:38PM
  • wilbur
    The link to the Bassett quotes is on my Blog in the "links" section.

    The dots mean that someone has made a comment on that particular blog since you've last seen it. The dots have only been there for 3 years. Haha.
    by wilbur at 04/19/07 11:16PM
  • ktay
    Uh, I don't know if you're still on here, but I decided to add you as a friend anyway. We definitely bonded over "The Frogs" when I was at your house for camp friends!
    by ktay at 04/30/07 1:54PM
  • pocahontas
    hey you! We go to West Main church of Christ in Lewisville. Let me know when you're in town...we'll take you out!
    by pocahontas at 05/02/07 3:22PM
  • rose
    glad that Nashville visit got honorable mention.
    by rose at 05/02/07 10:42PM
  • stringy
    yes! that would be lovely to go to the beach in tampa.. if the Lord wills I will see it in the fall
    by stringy at 05/03/07 8:47PM
  • buddabignbald
    Call, man. I'd love to hear from you
    by buddabignbald at 05/15/07 7:14AM
  • markroberts
    hello.
    by markroberts at 06/10/07 2:15PM
  • jacobreaves
    Hello fellow CHRISTIANS just wanted to remind you of the REAVES BASH!!! coming in 9days. Its a weekend party from the 29th at noon or so through Sunday the 1st. Its come and go as you please. Women and Men are encouraged to stay and spend the night/s. I, Jacob will be supervising that!!!(jk) My parents will be there. Looking for anyone in the ages of 20-30ish Married or Not. There will be fun and games and singing and food and probably a trip to the Amacalola falls in North GA. Our Address for Mapquest is 4845 Wright bridge rd, Cumming, GA 30040. Bring Friends cause its a big deal probably 50-100 people from FL,Western K, Auburn and others! Let me know how many your bringing! Questions Call Jacob 7204041671 Bring your sleeping bags. u might get a couch, bed or floor. I think I'm sleepin in the bathtub
    by jacobreaves at 06/20/07 2:12PM
  • mreid72
    Hey dude. Can't remember if I sent you a private message or not...I know I was planning on it. Anyway, in case I didn't, I wanted to say how much fun I had with you at camp. I'm really glad we got to know each other this past week. Lord willing, there will be many other opportunities. You're back in Tampa now, right? Hope you had a good trip.
    by mreid72 at 06/25/07 7:43PM
  • track_bud
    hey..this is alicia...damon's sis..u met me at my house..singing
    by track_bud at 07/02/07 12:56PM
  • mreid72
    Great seeing you at the singing. Really enjoyed seeing everyone again. Have fun this week being back home. Hope the wedding goes well on Sat.
    by mreid72 at 07/03/07 11:59AM