I recently had AT&T U-verse installed at the home. Thus far, way better than Comcast. But last Friday after it was installed, I was checking out the new features and was flipping through the channels when Julia Stiles graced my screen.

I love Julia Stiles. Now I'll be the first to admit many think she isn't that great of an actress. I'll also acknowledge that some do not find her all that attractive. But I don't care. I am not sure what it is about her, maybe her Scandinavian-vibe (even though she isn't), but I'll watch just about anything she is in.

• 10 Things I Hate About You
• Save the Last Dance
• The Omen
• All the Bourne movies

You are probably now questioning my sexuality (which would not be valid) - as well as questioning my taste in movies (which would probably be valid).

But I had never seen the movie that was on my TV screen, so I watched it. Later I learned it was called The Prince & Me. A classic, chick-porn story of a college pre-med student who unknowingly falls in love with the Prince of Denmark. Of course. Happens all the time, right?

The movie was alright, but it was this scene that made watching the movie worth it.



What do you know now that you wish you would have known 10 years ago?

We had John Izzo on the show back in June and he talked about his new book The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.

One thing he said that hit me really hard is that most of the people he interviewed for the book said they wish they had taken more risks in their life. Few regretted risks they took that failed, but many regretted not taking risks at all.

I have thought about this a lot over the past six months.

I usually consider myself a risk taker. I certainly have taken risks professionally. I even took perceived risks in education and travel (i.e. studying abroad in the middle east, flying immediately after 9/11, etc...). Learning to fly is a risk. Many would say my driving style is a risk.

I am less inclined to take risks when it comes to the interpersonal side of life. I am not really sure why that is.

The older I get the more I realize how much you don't get opportunity back. Cliché I know. But true nonetheless. It is one of the most depressing things I find about age. And while most of the time, I take the risk and it pays off, my mind still draws to occasions where I failed to do so. I'd give almost anything to do it over again.

Izzo and his people were right. As the proverbial clock that is life counts down, I think less about my failures and more about the risks that weren't taken - the opportunities missed. I am just hoping this realization at the beginning proves valuable by the end.

The largest hurdle I have in believing that there is a God is the existence of evil. I know this doesn't make me unique, or profound.

I was watching Dirty Sexy Money earlier this week and resonated so strongly with the following clip. Brian is the religious one - but by no means the Saint - in the family. As the show develops, one realizes he really is the metaphorical example of all of us struggling with good and evil.



I love the honesty. The rawness. The emotion. It reminds me of when Jeremiah laments in the Bible by saying, "You deceived me, LORD, and I was deceived. You seized me and prevailed..." As an Old Testament professor once said, deceived is a "soft translation." Deceived, should be raped. But you never hear that story in Sunday school.

I once preached a sermon in Indiana where I read the passage where Jesus said that "his burden is easy and his yoke is light." I followed up by saying, "yeah right!" Had I been bolder I think the better phrase would have been, bullshit.

There is nothing about this world that seams easy - and I say that having lived on both sides of the faith continuum. Why is there so much pain if an Omnibenevolent Being is behind it?

Here's the truth, I don't know.

As much as I love Robert Frost's poem, I think there are really three roads that can be taken in life.

There are those who take the road of naiveté. They say things like, "all works out for the good in the end" or "evil is just a byproduct of a fallen and imperfect world." Meanwhile ignoring the true sense of injustice in the world. Not recognizing that there is legitimate, undeserved suffering in the world.

There still others that say fuck it. They take the road of bitterness. There can't be a God. They don't understand evil, it makes no sense, therefore the only logical conclusion is there is no intelligence or compassion behind this world. Meanwhile ignoring the good that some how comes from nowhere, and the beauty all around us, and all the benevolence that can be generated by them.

And then there is the third road. This road gets traveled the least. It is a road that freely admits they don't have any answers on this one - but wish they did. It is a road that doesn't offer up cheesy clichés in the face of injustice or sorrow, but will cry with you when it happens. It is a road that doesn't become bitter at the evils society face, but recognizes there is work to be done to help overcome them. It is a road that humbles, but also empowers one to do something about it - even if little impact can be made - which is tough to accept.

And while I know the one taken less, I freely admit I do not know which will make all the difference in the end. But I know which one I have chosen.

On Monday my dad was in the paper. On Tuesday, my step-mother - Lisa Blosser - was in the paper with a glowing review of her career as a politician and some conjecture on what she will do next (which I don't even know - so don't ask).

Lisa is a fantastic politician. She streamlined the court system when she was the Clerk - something I witnessed personally. In 2003, she became the auditor and helped Allen county achieve it's first ever AAA-Bond rating. She helped secure a rainy-day fund. She got rebate checks out before Christmas in 2007 - only county in Indiana to do so. And most recently she and her staff saved Allen county taxpayers $6 million dollars by catching a State error.

Needless to say, as stories drop of Illinois Governors taking bribes, and Alaskan Senators taking gifts, and San Diego Congressman committing tax evasion, and Detroit Mayors having sex parties, it is people like my step-mother who give me hope in politics and government. We are very proud of you Lisa.

But because I am self-centered, upon reading the vast openings of political offices in Allen County, my mind drifts to my own political ambitions and wonder if 2010 is when I should start?

I know I would focus my campaign on two things: streamlined efficiency and wise financial policy. It's how I live my life and it is how I would govern.

I'd tell the heart-warming story of how, even at 18, in the summer of 2000, Lisa brought me in to help with tax warrants - something they were swamped with - and how I streamlined the process 4x faster than before.

I'd also share how I have traveled the world - lived in Los Angeles and Jerusalem and Atlanta - and there is still no better place to live and raise a family than Fort Wayne, IN - which I truly believe.

But with all the pros that would probably make me a good politician, here are the cons.

1. I am not a good ass kisser (ask Allen) - thus fundraising would be difficult.
2. I have no tact what-so-ever - and take an opinion on everything - even if it does not pertain to my elected position
3. I live an incredibly open life - which means the media would love me but sooner or later I'd do something the public wouldn't like
4. I'd have no base. I'd piss off Social Liberals because I am pro-life. I'd piss off Social Conservatives because despite being pro-life I support Planned Parenthood and I support gay marriage (Actually I support the government getting the hell out of marriage altogether). I'd piss off Fiscal Conservatives because I support programs for the alleviation of poverty. But I'd piss off Fiscal Liberals because I do think low taxes (and therefore government cuts) are essential. You see - no base!

I'd probably do alright on the local level, but not sure how I would transition that into the State and National level. But then again, one day you might be calling me President Borgmann - and I'll give you a ride on AirForce One.

If you have read this blog for more than 10 minutes you know that I am pretty anal when it comes to my finances. No, that's not strong enough. What is beyond anal? Hmmm....got it. The large intestine. I am entering a new phrase into the English vernacular. I am large intestinal about my finances.

We learned back in March of '07 after the student loans were paid off that 4 years of college cost $148,671.84.

Want to know how much I have spent on fuel since 2001: $9,355.99

Or travel since graduating college (2005): $7,040.60

Or movies in 2007: $266.60

Have I proved that I am large intestinal?

But as precise as I get, I still have those months where I say, "Holy crap I spent too much money. How did this happen?"

Enter November.

I typically spend between $700-$900 a month on non-bill expenditures. This includes going out to eat, travel, fuel, movies, groceries, etc...

Now I knew November was going to be higher than normal because I spent one weekend in Chicago (figured it would push to the $900 range) and then Mom and Cassie came into town (figured it would push to the $1100 range).

Needless to say, after I entered all my receipts and realized I spent $1360.32 - I was a bit surprised.

Now as anal large intestinal about finances as I am, I don't really like budgets. This comes as a shock to most. But I find them too claustrophobic. I'd rather deal with "spendable income per day or month."

Now I do a pretty good job of keeping this in my head and controlling spending. But not in November. So what am I to do to make sure I stay within my present budget range? Duh...what everybody does right, build an iPhone app?

I enter the date my credit card bill recycles (January 3, 2009).

I enter the amount I want budgeted for the month ($700.00).

Then I enter my transactions - and it automatically figures out "where I am" in the month.

And I have it anywhere I take my phone.

So even though it is December - which means Christmas presents (done!) - I can stay on track to not have another November.

But this post isn't about my large intestinal habits that I should probably see a psychiatrist about. Nor is it about my nerdiness. Here's my question to all you 20-somethings (and probably beyond) out there: how do you keep your finances in check? Do you set a budget? Do you keep stuff in Quicken or Mint? Or do you just play it by ear and hope it turns out?

It amazes me how quickly money can go if I am not on top of things. And I am guessing we are all in the same boat on that one. Making sure your finances are in check is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your future, your marriage (or future marriage) and your family (or future family). Get in the habit now of spending and saving correctly - it will pay off in the long run.

I got word this morning that my father - Dan Borgmann of Helmke, Beams, LLC - was named to the 2009 Best Lawyers in America list.

I checked the Best Lawyers in America website but they don't have the 2009 directory up - but this article in the Journal-Gazette confirms it .

My dad isn't really one who likes seeing his name in the paper - something where this apple fell far from the tree - but he should be very proud of this accomplishment.

Dad has always been a great model of what it means to be a hard and honest worker - in a field where honesty is hardly the reputation. We have known he was one of the best attorneys in America for some time, now so does everyone else.

There are events that have happened and decisions made that will never get any publicity but have made me incredibly proud to see how he managed the legacy firm he came to over 20 years ago. And I am sure - due to attorney/client privilege - there are events and actions that I don't even know about that would make me all the more proud.

So congrats Dad. If I were in Indiana right now, I'd take you out for a drink at Columbia Street street to celebrate. You deserve it.


(I was planning on blogging today about something else, but when I heard this - check back tomorrow )

I once went to Juarez, Mexico with 40 other people to build 2 houses in about 25 hours. It was July and if memory serves me correct it was 195°. It was crazy and exhausting.

We had laid the foundation. Put up the studs and drywall. Spackled. Etc. All that was left was to lay the roof. All I had to do was bend the shingles over the roof and nail them to the side of the house. Simple right?

Well I think I am doing just a fabulous job and one of the adult leaders - who mind you built his own house with his bare hands - comes up and says, "you've been working hard, why don't you take a break."

I retreat off the ladder and grab a Sprite from the cooler. About five minutes later I look over and see the adult leader ripping out what I had just done!

That's right folks, I sucked so bad at handiwork that it wasn't good enough for an impoverished family who before we showed up didn't have a home. Pretty humbling, huh?

Now I don't blame this youth leader. He was right to do it. The worked suck - despite my hard efforts. The lesson was simple: I am not good at construction.

Fast-forward 10 years later.

I buy a house. And while I have to admit I was a little nervous about the financials (who isn't?), I was more nervous about the fact that I am not real handy around the home.

It's been great though. Since buying the house I have:

• Installed a bathroom faucet
• Installed fingerprint locks
• Installed garage shelves (no pics)
• Installed a kitchen faucet

But nothing like this. You may remember the horrendous day I had back in August.

$1,100 dollars later, I had a fixed air conditioner, a de-molded ceiling and wall, and a giant hole in my ceiling.

After getting sick of spending so much money I decided to try and patch the giant hole myself. So I went to Home Depot and bought what I thought I needed. And at last, the project is done. It looks good. Not great. But good.





Two conclusions came from the project: First, I hate popcorn ceiling now more than ever. I almost didn't buy the house because of it. It aesthetically looks awful. However, I hate it even more now as it is near impossible to spread to match the current ceiling - and was surprisingly the hardest part of this project.

But the more important lesson is how important it is to do things that help us overcome our insecurities. I freely admit I legitimately feel like less of a man because of my lack of handyman skills.

Maybe I shouldn't. And I am not saying all men need to be Mr. Fix-It. Nor should they feel insecure if they aren't. But I do. And it has been very affirming completing these projects.

We all think about our insecurities a lot - that's what makes them insecurities - but how much time do with think about what needs to be done to overcome them?

There have been some heavy posts recently, and it's Friday, so I thought I would lighten it up a bit. I have been meaning to do this post for almost 2 years.

Most of you know I don't drink alcohol because I know I would be an alcoholic. There are a few reasons I know this to be true, but one of them is that I drink like a fish. Those poor waitresses at restaurants will usually refill my glass of Pepsi four times a meal. I am a good tipper - I promise.

Now, because I don't drink alcohol I have become somewhat of a connoisseur of other beverages: mainly Lemonade and CranApple juice.

Believe it or not Kroger generic brand is the best CranApple juice out there. It beats OceanSpray - which is good. Everything else out there sucks hardcore.

That is except for Minute Maid Cranberry Apple Cocktail. But here's the problem. I can never find it anywhere except while flying above 10,000 feet and served by a flight attendant (the nice ones make my day by offering the whole can). It doesn't matter if I fly Delta, United or American - they all have it.

This stuff is so freaking good, but all attempts to find it on the ground have been futile.



This picture was taken aboard my United flight from Tokyo back in April of 2006. But this stuff was still around per my last flight on Delta from Midway in November. So I know it's still being made.

So here is what I want to know. Has anybody seen this anywhere besides on a plane? If you can lead me to a sustainable source of this exact drink - not Cranberry Raspberry Apple (see that all the time) or Cranberry Grape - there will definitely be a hefty prize awaiting you.

Have a great Friday.

I was recently asked by someone what I was most thankful for this year. I pointed her towards 26 things I was thankful for, but I had to think about what I was most thankful for.

Now you may be asking, dude, Thanksgiving was a week ago, why are you writing this now? Simple. Thanksgiving doesn't get its due.

Believe it or not, I am not a big fan of Christmas. Never really have been. Don't get me wrong, I am all for the birth of Jesus and all, but modern Christmas celebrations seem erroneously selfish and insidiously stressful (future blog coming on this one).

Thanksgiving on the other hand, is the best holiday. It doesn't ask for much. And being thankful is a far more important mental/spiritual position than asking (and even giving).

But the aforementioned person's question caught me off guard a bit. What am I most thankful for?

I still might not know what I am most thankful for, but I know what I am most surprisingly thankful for: my family.

Now this might sound odd to you. Most people are thankful for their family. But in 2008, I have had an increased appreciation for them that I never really had before.

My brother, sister and I didn't really get along much growing up. As a whole we were definitely not a model of a "close" family. I always used to say, and I am sure they would agree, it was kind of like five people living under two roofs, with completely separate lives.

That independence continued into our adulthood. We don't seem to talk as often as other families and we all moved away. I am in Atlanta. Mom & Cassie are in Denver. Michael is in Chicago. Dad and Lisa are Indiana.

But thankfully, while that independence continued on, the relational separation has not.

There are few people I enjoy hanging out with now more than my brother and sister. We are very different people, but man is it a blast when we get together. Some of the most fun moments of 2008 were in Chicago and Denver and Atlanta just hanging out with them.

I have never in my life respected my father more than I do now. It was a respect that I errantly did not display growing up - but one that he deserved. I blogged about this back on Father's day - so I'll leave it at that.

Mom has always been, and continues to be, there for us - even at great sacrifice to her own life - and is our truest example of unconditional love and grace. If I have any grace and compassion in this life, it is because of my mother.

There's a lot more that could be said, but I'll leave it at that in 2008, I am incredibly grateful for what my family has become.

(Be sure to check back for tomorrow's post: it is a fun one)

Niki (not real name): "I thought you said your cousin is a Christian? He's so fun."

Julia: "Yeah, being a Christian isn't his problem."

Niki: "Well what's his problem?"

Julia: "He blogs."

This was a conversation my cousin had with a friend of her's after I met up with them in East Atlanta after the show on Saturday.

I had no alcohol that night and my sister was still able to get me dancing up on a pool table with everyone else - something most of my friends find astonishing.

The night was a blast, but it was the above conversation that got me the most excited. So even though they make fun of my blogging, I decided to blog about it.

Earlier that week our show was rejected by a potential station in Mississippi because, as they put it, "our show is too risque for their market." Keep in mind, they aren't a Christian station - they are a mainstream, secular station. True, it is Mississippi, but still, a mainstream station rejecting a show about faith because they are too risque. Awe-some!

My response: "Can I quote that when developing our marketing campaigns."

Both of the above statements mean much to me because they reinforce that I am living the vision and purpose I set out to live - both professionally and personally.

As my cousin said later in the above conversation, "Andy is a real Christian - he isn't judgmental."

Now at this point you are thinking, wow this post is incredibly egocentric - which I do not deny.

But I have said over and over on this blog that the judgementalism and lack of grace usually exuded by Christians is a significant problem with their ability to relate to this world.

In our attempt to make the right choice, we end up treating people with disdain with a lack of compassion that is incredibly obvious and unsupportive to loving this world.

So on Saturday night, I didn't get drunk, but refused to judge those who did.

And on Saturday night, I didn't go home with anybody - even though I am pretty sure I could have (shut up Cassie) - but didn't look down on those who did.

I just had a great time with some fun people and I look forward to doing it again.

So while there are many, many ways I fall short of the standard I attempt to live up to (like being egocentric while blogging), I find the two conversations above to be encouraging.

"I sat under a world-renowed economist in college and you know what he told me?" said the President.

"Never have an airline strike at Christmas?" replied his Chief of Staff.

"Yep. I am going to St. Louis."

This is a scene in one of my favorite movies, The American President. And if not having an airline strike at Christmas is the #1 rule of holiday travel, not having the lights on in the parking deck forcing everyone to loop has got to be #2.

That was the scene last night at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. It was a disaster. Sitting on 85 forever, only to loop around the airport and then be forced to get back on 85 south of the airport. Then only to come up Camp Creek Pkwy and sit there with out moving. Finally I had my family take MARTA up two stops and I met them at East Point.

I wish I would have thought of it from the get go as the East Point option was so amazingly easy. Ohh well.

This trip highlighted what I love about Google Maps on the iPhone (the ability to find new routes easily) and what I hate about Google Maps on the iPhone (the traffic feature isn't nearly as reliable as WSB). Thank you Mark Jackson of News/Talk 750 WSB for your traffic report last night. It was your report where I realized ATL was a lost cause and this wasn't "normal" Thanksgiving traffic. I'd still be sitting in traffic this morning if it weren't for you.

Take a look at the crazy route (you can zoom out for the entire picture).


View Larger Map

But I am thankful for my family being in town. Which reminds me. Everyone head over to the "ABCs of Thanksgiving" section at allenhuntshow.com. Every year Allen and I come up with 26 thinks we are thankful for - some profound, some trivial - and list them. We also allow you to join in the fun by listing 26 things you are thankful for as well. I'll blog on a couple of these on Thanksgiving.