"Mat's Ride" for teenage depression 2008

This is an annual motorcycle ride to raise money for and awarness of Teenage Depression.

I have never ridden in a large group like this. So it was a new experience for me. The group dynamics of this event were palpable. From the ponytail feller who was the ride marshall to the outriders who ended up being truly anoying, the group ride thing is not my favorite.

All that stuff aside it was a pleasure to be there and to participate in a worthwhile event. I heard about this ride last week and decided that it would be a good thing to attend. My intention was to attend and then go out and do a rippen' ride somewhere west of Calgary. With that in mind we all 'rondez voused' at Parkland Stake Center. Staging for the ride was cool, I met some great folks and looked over some very cool rides. There were some treats provided and good schmoozing with some quality folks.

With road construction all around us some folks were a little tardy. So we waited for a few extra minutes. Thad Manden, Brent and Juli Fairbanks were there, allong with Frank Stanford and some of his offspring. I got to thinkin' maybe I should break from the group and round up Nola and we can go out together. So I did. When I got home Nola was making breakfast, which she promptly abandoned and got ready to go. Carter was home too, so I asked him if he wanted to go, he made some calls and decided it would be a good idea. Just as we were ready to take off Nola said "Lets see if Auz wants to go!" He did want to go. So Auz went with me on the Adventure, and Nola was with Carter on the Boxer Cup.

Top: This is an Auz picture from the back of the Adventure with Carter and Nola just in front of us. Bottom: A long group of folks in front of Carter and Nola... Great picture Auz!

We caught up with the group as they went through Bragg Creek, and headed out to the Trans Canada and then out to Rafter 6 Ranch. Food was underway by the time we got out to the Ranch and it was GOOD. Steak and Beans and all the other fixin's to go with it... MMMMMM.... good

We then listened to Jeremy Kroker's motorcycle escapades in the Middle East. Great stuff Jeremy. I bought Jeremy's book called Motorcycle Therapy, and read it right away, good read, and Jeremy gives a fantastic presentation.

This was a wonderful day for me, and the family. It was so nice that we could all get together and share the experience. The impressive thing for me is that Nola, Carter and Auz were flexable enough and impulsive enough to take off for the day and have a 'Family Adventure' together, unplaned, unrehearsed and totally impromptu. Auz on the big streach with Nola and Carter in the background...

Thanks for the early Father's Day present ... (Your impulsive and adventuresome attitudes are a blessing to me.)

Grad Banquet.... Auz=Cool Guy? You be the judge.

This is "The Auz Man" in his formal banquet attire. With a style all his own Austin is headed out the door to pick up his date for the evening and meet up with a few friends to climb on a hugeLimousine for the glory ride to the Round Up Center for a Galla Banquet.

White shoes? A cane? White Fedora? Black Tux..... Looks good son.

In the imortal words of PickBrad.... "you have a solid self esteem don't you Auz?"

This looks like co-ordinated outfits. You two look fantastic together. Make sure to make a wonderful evening of formal fun and informal "Rock Band etc. at the Dry Grad".... Wow you really look great. Way to go. This Dad is very impressed.

Here are the Limmo Bunch ... A bunch of tidy young adults ready to paint the town. Good lookin' group!

Limmo Gals. Young Adults with high standards and high expetations. Go get 'em.

This is a 21 seat Limmo with 3 big flat screen TV's and plush seating for everyone. Credit for the organization of this Limmo ride goes to Shelly Johnson and probably many others. On behalf of all our offspring.....Thanks
This is Nola and Auz doin the Grad Dance with their parents.

This picture is of two of the Mullen girls and Mr. P. A wonderful teacher (Drama teacher) and mentor at Centenial High School. Mr. P, I know I speak for many when I offer you a humble thank you for the time and energy you spend with these young folks, you genuinly care and it shows. Your daily acts of random kindness are not un-noticed. Again Thank You.

In case you were wondering the Banquet was good. Prime Rib with good horseradish, potatoes, and all the fixin's. It was facinating to watch the servers getting everyone (about 1500 grads, dates and parents) fed and happy. I was impressed with the food quality and the amount of personal service that each table recieved. We had a very good night over all.

The Grads continued the evening and the next day with round the clock fun and comraderie, but that's not my story to tell.

Austin Tanner Bishop graduates from High School "go figure"

In every significant event of my life, whether it was a big outdoor adventure or a business venture or even raising a family, I have at one time or another questioned my sanity, and my ability to complete the task. There have been times where quitting and giving up seemed like the wisest and most prudent option. However in our own fashion it seems like we just keep plodding allong doing our best and eventually..... there is a light at the end of the tunnel and ....... a positive conclusion to the event.

Auz's grad is one of those significant events that we were not sure we would ever see. Nola and I have had dreams of and knew/hoped we were going to eventually see all our kids finish High School and move on to other lofty pursuits which is now unfolding before our eyes …. It looks like Auz will actually make it through high school and even pass … You don't believe us .... Well.... Here’s some proof!

The ceremonies were very nicely done. With 600 grads it was a lengthy ceremony, I was expecting some drama as these youth crossed the stage, (a back flip, or the worm or jumping off the stage) nada… nothing happened, the only unique antic was when Auz got down on one knee and took his Principal's hand as she handed him his graduation certificate. Only Auz..... a classic moment, and nicely done.

This is Auz, Kimberly Mullen, and Josh Hunter, great kids and now graduating into young adulthood.
Here's Auz and his great friend Luke Rogers. This picture speaks volumes, no words required.

Here are a pleased Mom and Dad, with an elated Son. You can see it in his face, Auz is really pleased to be here and to have accomplished something significant. Way to go Auz. Nothing brings a parent more joy than to see their children making good choices and progressing toward the eternities in the order that is required for them to grow and to sink deep roots of understanding and implementation of their goals and dreams.

Fiddler on the Roof.... AUZ = Rabbi

Auz has been rehearsing for what seems like “forever” for his part as the Rabbi in the High School production of Fiddler on the Roof. We went to the play and were expecting to be entertained by a “High School” production. You know the kind of production where you are able to say "that's my boy". However, Nola and I were shocked and impressed at the quality of the entire performance… Wow it was fantastic. The singing and acting were absoutly first class. Here are a few pictures of the ‘after’ production poses.

This is Rabbi "Auz" and Brooklyn Mullin posin' fer the camera...

Nola, congratulating her son on a GREAT performance. Auz owned the part.... Brookie is in the background.

Hmmmmm???????
Congratulations to the entire crew that were responsible for this wonderful production…

Great entertainment.