Tim Cash

For the record I am conservative in my thinking but try hard to keep an open mind and give all an opportunity to voice their opinions. Many of my friends have differing views than mine when it comes to politics, but very few who disagree that much of what our Country was founded on is disintegrating before our very eyes. In the end, whether of liberal beliefs or conservative – we are ALL AMERICANS.

This did not just start yesterday, there has been an eroding of America for many years now. Those of you who are 30 or older need only look back to your years as a child, when we all said the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom. Many of our children have never pledged allegiance to our Flag:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Many of our children are not learning values in the classroom or at home – the days of going to the principle’s office for a smack on the rear are gone and ‘just wait till your father gets home’ means nothing. For me, either of those options merely needed to be mentioned to keep me on the straight and narrow growing up. There is almost a twisted sense that each person is owed something from those who have been successful in life instead of getting up off the couch and finding a job. What’s that you say? There are no jobs out there? Unemployment is at 9 percent? HOGWASH!

The problem with Americans is that we feel that the jobs that are available are beneath us. We are quick to complain about the immigrants who are moving into our country – guess what folks – they are here because there is WORK. Work, that is right, I said it! They are doing the manual labor or menial jobs that many of us would not even consider as a viable option. They are here because of the promise for a better life! One free from persecution where the sky is the limit. I hate to say it, but these same immigrants place more value of being in America than many of those who were born in America.

Whoa is me! Whoa is me! Folks we have not seen bad. Bad is the Great Depression. Bad is persecution of women and children living under Taliban law years ago in Afghanistan. Bad is being of Jewish decent in Germany during Hilter’s brutal reign. Bad is being one of the victims of 9/11. Bad is the Widow and Children of one of our Fallen Heroes. Need I say more?

We have many issues in our Country in this day and age. No one person can be blamed for the financial crisis that hit us. We probably will never know how many or even who was to blame as the powerful in our country seem to protect their own – from corporate America to our elected leaders. You only need to look at the billions of YOUR tax dollars that have been given to numerous corporations that were deemed ‘Too Big To Fail’ to realize this. There have not been, nor will there be any accountability – let alone any repayment (well, unless you consider repayment by you, me and our children as repayment).

Only today I received an email from a lady who wanted to let me know that I should refrain from supporting a group of mothers who cared about their children in the Armed Forces. She was polite in her dissent, but wanted to state her dissatisfaction with me publicly supporting them as this was viewed as a group that was partisan. Partisan? REALLY? Mothers fearing for their children’s safe return is now partisan? COME ON!

This last week saw closed door meetings with political leaders and the attack on a news organization by our very own administration. All the while, our Generals charged with carrying out combat operations in Afghanistan are desperately awaiting a decision from our government. I got it that there are those of you who disagree with our presence in Afghanistan but this is a battle we must fight there and that we must win. If we do not, we will only see more tragedy on our own soil.

If you really want to participate in the direction of this great country, I strongly suggest you do so by exercising the rights that our founding fathers gave us (and no I am not talking about the right to bear arms):

• The right of free speech
• The right to vote

These two PEACEFUL means granted to all Americans by our Founding Fathers are so very powerful. They have been there since day one but sadly many choose not to exercise either right. Rather, the remain silent in terms of speech and vote. Only after the fact to they choose to cry foul – knowing all along that they were simply too busy or afraid to speak out or stand in line at the polls to cast their ballot. Those who fill the halls of our local, state and federal capital buildings are there because those who believed they could make a difference went to the polling stations and voted them in.

It is time for everyday Americans to wake up, to give notice of their displeasure or support of the direction that our elected leaders are taking this Great Country. Being an elected leader means that you are prone to having people who both support you and oppose you – it comes with the job! At no time should they be calling for the banishment of free speech or free press.

I will leave you with the words of The Star Spangled Banner which was composed by Francis Scott Key in 1814:

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

1. Roof repairs: If you can safely get onto your roof to inspect for missing shingles or other factors that may lead to a leaky roof, now’s the time to do it! If not, call in a professional organization and have them take care of the rooftop work for you.
2. Seal it off: Inspect doors and windows to ensure that the weather-stripping is in good condition. This will keep your house warmer and cozier in the winter months.
3. Hot stuff: Make sure that your heater and ventilation systems are in good working order! Clean out accessible ducts and replace filters where necessary.
4. Chimney sweep: Creosote, a black substance that builds up in the chimney when wood is burned, can cause chimney fires. Inspect your chimney for creosote and call a chimney sweep to keep your fireplace safe and functional.
5. Gutter check: Now’s the time to clean out those rain gutters again! If you want to do it yourself, make sure that you can safely access the gutters and then scoop out any debris, blast the drains clean with a high-powered hose, and repair any leaks you may find along the way.

As our convoy departed Clarksville heading East down I-24, the rain slowly intensified.  By the time we reached Edwin Warner Park, we were met with a steady rain that showed no signs of stopping.  My first thought was that our participation in the Soldier Ride was going to be cut short due to the rain,  which would be disappointing to say the least.  As we staged our bikes and gear in a dry spot under a nearby pavilion, the vehicles just kept coming.  Walking to the registration area I quickly realized that we were not alone;  the rain had not dampened the spirits of the hundreds who turned out to ride with some of our Wounded Heroes.

After the National Anthem, Chaplain Glazner gave a blessing over the Ride, our soldiers and their families. We headed off into the rain.  The route selected by the Wounded Warrior Project Team simply could not have been more beautiful.  We rode through the neighborhood where many of the Country Music stars reside, and were periodically met by folks standing at the end of their drives paying their respects to our Wounded Heroes who led the way on this wet day.

The first leg of the ride took us to the fair city of Franklin Tennessee, where we were met by a large crowd and the Franklin Fire and Police Department.  Tears welled up in my eyes as this showed that America still does care; even though our media has done their level best in this Country to make it seem as if America no longer supported the war, or our Soldiers.

After a break of approximately 20 minutes,  and with many of us starting to get chilled, we  “saddled up,” and peddled off into the sunset rain.  Most of the riders decided to finish the 25 mile trek with some of our Wounded Heroes.  A few of us took a left and headed out to complete 52.71 mile trek.  I had thought of only doing 25 miles and struggled with whether to finish with our Wounded Heroes; or to take that left.  Since I had made a promise to those who had contributed to my 50+ mile ride, I felt that I had an obligation to finish the route regardless of the weather (I must admit there were times that I wondered just what had I been thinking).

The 50 mile route took us through the Natchez Trace, which was again some of the most beautiful country I had seen.  It was also some of the hilliest country in Tennessee that I had ridden on (not a good thing for a novice cyclist doing his longest ride yet).  Somehow I must have missed the note about the hills on the route.  Now folks, I can hold my own and believe myself to be in pretty good shape for 40 years of age, but these hills put the wood to me (country folks the meaning of this phrase).  There was one particular hill during the ride that I am sure has a name, I called it many which can’t be repeated here! I certainly thought that it would never end, and everyone, regardless of their level of cycling was out of the saddle and spinning for all they were worth.  I still don’t know how I managed to make it without getting off the bike, or passing out.

After conquering the hill from hell, I felt no other hill could ever match that one.  We stopped for a quick break at a small country store in Leapers Fork, and were again greeted by members of the local community.  I asked them about the remainder of the route, and a couple of them smiled to my dismay and stated, “‘oh there is only one more hill like that one.” NOOOOOOO!!!  Surely they were just joshing me! But at this point it was too late to cry over spilled milk, so we cycled on!  The hill that was still out there weighed on the three of us in my group, all of us dreaded facing another challenge such as the one we had already faced.  At the sight of any new incline, we wondered “Is this the hill?”

We never did figure out which hill was “the one,” on the back side of the route.  Possibly it was there, and we were just too focused,  or perhaps we were in a daze,  to realize that we had gone up it.  Possibly it was one that Kurt’s two flat tire stops  had given us the legs we otherwise would not have had to make it up “the hill.” Whatever, we never experienced another hill like the first.

Our ride was not a record shattering event, quite the contrary we were near the last in. Mainly due to mechanical failures that simply could not be avoided.  It does not matter though, we finished!  For that we were all proud both as individuals, and as a team.  Two of us had never ridden that distance on a in one day, and being that it was done in honor of our friend and comrade MSG James ‘Tre’ Ponder, that made the experience much more than these simple words can describe.

Special thanks to all of those who made the Soldier Ride Nashville 2009 possible.  While I do not know many of you, I know the vast amount of work makes events such as this come together.  To Leslie and the Girls – Tre’s memory lives on ladies.  Thank you for making the day ever so special by gracing us with your presence, It was great seeing you!

Thanks, to Tim Moore, the owner/operator of Bikes and Moore in Hopkinsville Kentucky. He is an avid supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and the Soldier Ride.  Without Tim’s volunteer efforts to ensure that every cyclist with a mechanical issue was taken care of, many of the riders would not have been able to complete the ride.  Tim goes around the country to support, and ride in Wounded Warrior Bike Rides.

I am planning on training for some of the longer rides in the coming year.  Hopefully I can join Tim and others in Soldier Rides in other parts in the South, as it is such a worthy cause.  It is also a great opportunity to share with those who have overcame the adversity of  a life changing injury.  The ultimate goal will be a seven day ride spanning four states, in a couple of years!

I hope to see you all at next year’s Soldier Ride Nashville 2010.  I can guarantee you that you will never forget the ride, nor those who you will meet along the route.  To all who contributed to this worthy cause I say thank you. God bless our Soldiers, their Families and our Great Nation!

When you are speaking about residential real estate, you are speaking of the largest financial transaction that most American families will make in their lifetime. You are speaking about a families home where dreams are supposed to come true, where warm, fond and lasting memories are supposed to originate. The Christmas, the Birthdays, the Anniversarys, etc.

This is HUGE folks – make no bones about it. The responsibility that we have is inherently to guide families and to assist them in finding the best home for the best price when serving as the buyer’s agent. It is not to see how fast we can get them under contract and to the closing table. The repercussions of screwing this up are far reaching. Granted, some do not care and granted once you hand over the keys and walk out of the closing room your ‘obligation’ ends – or does it?

I like my sleep as I am sure many of you do. I simply could not sleep at night if I felt that Pam or I did not do everything within our abilities to assure our clients needs were met and their concerns were answered. I just could not do it – simply not in my nature. Our obligation doesnt end when the keys are handed over – in our mind it is just the beginning of a long and lasting relationship. One that was build on client’s trust and confidence is us as Realtors and as people.

This is one of those ‘if the shoe fits – wear it’ scenarios. A lot of times, only the client and Families that were left with questions or left with unanswered calls after they left the closing know which Real Estate professional wears this shoe. Many feel they have no recourse and sadly many times they do not depending on what issues may arise. I can guarantee you that this shoe does not, nor will it ever fit my foot or Pam’s.

Think about it. On your journey to be top dog in your area of expertise – SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. By doing so, I can assure you that your clients, both past and present will remember you and you will reap the benifits of providing a service that was both personal and professional, and you will get a great nights sleep.

When I retired from the Army two years ago the VA Doctor told me that my days of running were behind me. This was disturbing to me as I always enjoyed running and it was something that I was rather good at, but years of pounding the pavement and trails, along with ruck marches, and the art of jumping out of perfectly good aircraft for no particular reason had taken its toll.

Perhaps it was my turning the big FOUR ‘O’ that pushed me back to the gym, and taking a fresh look at cycling, or it could have been my giving up a bad tobacco habit (yet again) that was making me a tad restless. I suppose I will never know. I broke down and bought me one of those Road Bikes that many of my friends have along with the bright and flashy jersey, spandex shorts, and the whole NINE YARDS. I must admit I was kind of excited to start in this hobby, although it was just as expensive as many of the other hobbies that we get into, the difference I suppose is that this is ‘good for you’.

We won’t get into the high cost of entry into this sport/hobby was other than to say that I am starting at ENTRY LEVEL which those familiar will know is still a sizable amount of money – but again it is worth it right? After all, didn’t everyone of my friends who cycle here in Clarksville frequently tell me just how INCREDIBLE it feels after taking a short ride of 10 – 15 miles, and that unlike running they can go out and ride EVERY DAY. Oh yeah, that is what I need, I need to FEEL INCREDIBLE in my old age.

I bought the bike and all associated items needed to get started this past week, but did not get the bike fitted until yesterday evening. I must say I was anxiously awaiting my initial Clarksville Tennessee cycling experience. I plotted my route using www.mapmyride.com on Thursday. After talking to a few different cyclist of varying experience I decided a 13 mile trek was appropriate for my first ride through the Clarksville and Sango.

This morning, without fail, I jumped out of bed just after sun-up,  dressed in full ‘cycling’ regalia to include gloves, sunglasses, reflective belt and helmet and set out on my journey! My biggest fear was that the shoes have to be snapped into the pedals. I had heard enough horror stories about simply falling over from a cyclist’s inability to get their shoe out of the pedal in time, this was not a problem for me, I was an INSTANT PRO.

SO OFF INTO THE VAST UNKNOWN I WENT. Um, folks, friends, BUDDIES, you forgot to tell me about the hills and the fact that no matter how much I down shifted it simply did not make the incline go away. Also, you forgot to mention that the searing pain in my thighs (not to mention my buttocks) would feel like somebody slapped me with a 2×6! It was all I could do to make it, but make it I did.

Now ‘friends’, ‘buddies’, ‘PALS’, let’s talk about this INCREDIBLE FEELING that you all described. I would certainly like to know your definition of incredible. I guess you could call what I am feeling as incredible – INCREDIBLE FATIGUE! Not to mention the discomfort when I sit!

Okay, enough whining on my part. To be honest with you folks, my feeling beat down is because I did not ‘take it easy’ as I simply don’t know the meaning of such. I pushed myself as hard as I could (dumb I know) and kept a steady pace for as long as I could. The key, besides not hurting myself is to stick with it which I intend to do. I am not looking to compete with Lance Armstrong, but I would certainly like to be able to stick with the pack and join some of those in the Clarksville Tennessee cycling club on some of their rides once I build up some endurance and stamina.

For those of you who are interested in learning more about cycling or who are moving to Clarksville Tennessee and are looking for information on cycling in Clarksville Tennessee, below are some links for you. There are some wonderful routes in Clarksville and on Fort Campbell to enjoy. From the novice to the downright ‘make me scream for momma!’ routes I believe there are enough to challenge all. And who knows, maybe we will pass each other on a ride some day soon.

• http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/tn/clarksville
• http://www.clarksvillecyclingclub.com/routes.html
• http://www.clarksvillecyclingclub.com/
• http://www.clarksvillecentury.com/
• http://www.mapmytri.com/find-workout/united-states/tn/clarksville
• http://www.littlerivercyclingclub.com/

Clarksville Area Bike Shops:

• http://www.bikesandmoore.com/
• http://www.thebicyclecenter.com/

Editor’s Note: This was initially submitted on August 2nd, keep that in mind when reading dates.

This story is not about self promotion, so please do not take it that way.  I write this while I am filled with the spirit and knowing that I have helped a Family in need.  That in and of itself is worth more than any commission check in my humble opinion.

Like many Realtors who work on harnessing the power of the internet I find that the spam email I receive is a bit large.  Going through this on the road and on the blackberry is just not possible so I delete anything that looks close to it and wait till I get to the office or home to give further inspection.

Before I go any further, let me go back in time to Monday afternoon here in Clarksville.  It was a beautiful evening to say the least and Pam and I were out back discussing how we wanted to improve our outdoor living area as well as enjoying our Koi in the ponds.  We continually heard sirens and horns going off across the woods from us.  I looked up and noticed a black, billowing cloud coming from the distance.  I knew that something was on fire but figured it was a brush fire got out of hand and went on about my business.

Step forward to about an hour ago.  I just got home and said goodbye to Pam as she was headed to the office to write up an offer for some clients.  Went to my email to separate the ‘wheat from the chafe’ and noticed one that was titled ‘Rental Properties Available’.  I opened it and read the plight of a Family in need.  Again, like most who market their services via the internet the first thing I thought was just another scammer but I went on.

Something about the way it was written told me that this did not come from Africa or wherever those folks are that want to give us a million dollars and buy every property in town.  Anyway, while many Realtors don’t care to mess with rental properties other than to pass off to a rental agency I felt the urgency in the text and figured I would run a search with the information given – NOTHING.

I ran using different parameters and happened upon a home that I had inquired about for yet another couple a couple months prior.  The home was not available back then and was not sure if it was available now, but it met the schools and the area.  The young lady had left a number so I called to see what I could do to assist (if anything) and to get some more information.

As she answered, I could hear the stress in her voice and knew immediately that the rental request was sincere.  We spoke for a few moments and she mentioned what had happened.  I told her that I was sorry for the loss and asked her where and when it occurred.  Okay, by now you either know what happened or are wondering what the heck he is talking about.  Well, as it was, the black billowing cloud that Pam and I had noticed in the distance was not a brush fire, but rather the  hopes and dreams of a young Army Family going up in flames.

Bought only a couple months prior the Family had spent time renovating the property prior to their PCS to Fort Campbell this month.  Pam and I were not the agents for either party nor  do I know how it came about that they contacted Pam and I but I knew after speaking with her that I had to help this Family and had to do so in a hurry.

Thanks to many days and nights of interacting with other agents within Clarksville and surrounding communities, we have built a great network.  The first order of business was to send out a text via Twitter and then onto Facebook.  Even then, the home I mentioned before kept coming to mind, but I still pressed.

Within an instant of my last network blast my phone rang and it was the Realtor and owner of the property I had inquired about for a couple months past.  She told me that the property was available now and went on to describe some last minute items that needed to be done.  I let her finish and then told the story and told her that I knew that God had put this task before me.  She knew exactly the home I was speaking of and said that her heart had gone out to the young couple as well.  At that point I asked her if it would be alright should I give her number to the couple so that they could work direct as time was of the essence.  She agreed and said she would gladly pay a referral should this work out – I simply stated that was not necessary.

I called the couple back and discussed the home again with them.  They had thought about what I had said and agreed that if the home was available it would meet every aspect but size that they needed.  They thanked me and I told them to call on us.  I truly hope that all works out for them and that they can rebuild their dreams soon.

I know that it is customary for a referral fee to be given, and would not be surprised if the listing agent/owner did so, but I will simply turn it into a gift card from Lowes for this couple.

Sorry for the long story, but I felt I must share with you all.  The Lord above works in mysterious ways – we all know this.  Sometimes you just know was right is.

The kids of the Dance Force of Clarksville have done it again bringing home the excel and spirit awards. Each of the children embodied the true spirit of competition. Along with the amazing honors they received 19 Gold, 37 High Gold and 21 Platinum’s.

Overall Awards were Little Bird 8th, Can’t turn You Loose 10th, Proud Mary 7th, Skat Strut 7th, Strings 8th, Jailhouse 9th, Sea Cruise 4th, Hoping & Wishing 10th, Loves Me Like A Rock 4th, Groovin 4th, I Wish 3rd, Diva Chicks 6th, Buck Wild 2nd, Swing 8th, Say 1st, Viva La Vida 2nd, Til I Get To You 7th, November 1st, Proof 1st, Touch 4th, Dream 10th, How Deep 5th, Righ Man 8th, Hardest Word 2nd.

Achievement Awards were Buck Wild (Entertainment Award), Proof (Choreography Award), Dream (Showmanship Award), Loves Me Like A Rock ( Choreography Award), Hardest Word ( Technique Award), Right Man (Diva Award), Carli Williams (1st Place Photogenic Award), Will Ladd (Mr. Stage One Senior Star).

The Shootout is the Best of the Best, only the top 8 scoring routines in each division get to compete again for the title of National Champion. 5 Routines made it into the shoot out, Petite Division Skat Strut and Sea Cruise, Junior Division Loves me Like A Rock, Teen Division Viva La Vida, Senior Division November (choreographed by Will Ladd). Sea Cruise received 2nd runner up in the petites. Loves me Like A Rock named Junior National Champions, Viva La Vida received 1st runner up in the teens, November was named Senior National Champions. This made us the only studio in the competition to place in every category.

Great Job Dance Force!!!! Another stellar performance!

I do not condone abusive punishments, but I do discipline to my daughters when it is necessary. Many times this can be done with a simple look and order to “go to your room,” and at other times it involves taking away a prized possession, or possibly more severe actions such as grounding. Fortunately for both of us, this works well and ensures that our daughter obeys her parents, and is respectful to others both elders and other children.

I believe that being a parent is one of the most important jobs that a person can ever have. The success (or failure) is your life’s work, and quite possibly carries on for generations to come. One can of course change their destiny, and many do. But no one will argue that the foundation of a person’s character begins with their upbringing.

I do not claim to be the best parent out there, but I do try to be aware of the way I act, and what I say. I want to make sure that daughter understands that life is tough, and there will be many bumps in the road ahead of her. My hope is by the time she leaves the nest, maybe when she is 30, she will leave as a honest, respectful, caring and God fearing young lady who is ready to take on the world.

Children will definitely be children, but I wonder if other parents see their children as a reflection of themselves? That is something to ponder.

As we celebrate Memorial Day this year, I hope that Americans will remember that there is more to this day than hot dogs and hamburgers. I truly hope that they remember, that as they celebrate with their family and friends, that many soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines stand in harm’s way, miles away from their families and friends.

The freedoms we enjoy today, those very freedoms that are currently being tested, are ours because of these brave soliders, sailors, airmen and marines who willingly accept the possibility of an ultimate sacrifice to secure them for you and I. From our nation’s founding revolution to the current military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, whether you agree or not with the current engagements; the REASON that we have the opportunity to exercise our God-given right to speak out is due to those who have gone before.

I hope that everyone will take a moment to reflect on the true purpose of this day. Say a prayer for those families who have lost loved ones, and for our national heroes bearing the burden of the fight even as I type this. God Bless our soldiers and our great Nation!

The VA will be accepting applications for the new Post 911 GI Bill starting 1 May. They will start paying the benefits starting 1 August. This IS NOT a reenlistment option however, you may incur a Service Remaining Requirement (SRR) to participate. Please see the link for more information: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#CH33

On Saturday May 23rd the Night Stalker Association will be holding their annual Wonsa Motorcycle and Hot Rod Rally. All proceeds from the event go to the NSA Soldier/Family Assist Fund. This is a great opportunity to bring out your cruiser or motorcycle.  Support a great cause, and have a great time while you are at it! The event flyer is included below the fold.