oh boy!
I got a good one today!
Apparently my eldest daughter was unwell last night, so I jokingly, because school has been out for a month now, said "Well then I guess you don't get to go to school today."
Her Nostrils flared, her lips pursed, her eyes narrowed and she said "I don't HAVE to".
I want to make clear here that she was not "sassing" me, she was referring to the fact that school was out, and honestly she was quite cute. REALLY. And My wife and I laughed.
Sometimes it seems that they grow up altogether too fast. but then there are the moments when you can "live forever" in the moment.
I am a true fan of Science Fiction!
I love Star Wars and, oddly, Star Trek.
I say Oddly because usually star wars fans and star trek fans are at loggerheads so it is rare to find one person who enjoys both as much as I do.
But I digress...
One of my favorite Star Trek movies is Insurrection.
In this movie there is a point where Captain Picard and his current "female person of interest" share a moment which is really cool.
And everything around them slows down.
I often find myself wishing that I could do that. but it is moments like the one this morning that come the closest for me.
In those moments we establish the memories which we can relive over again at our leisure.
And sometimes that is enough.
live, laugh, love, and learn!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Should Security Officers be memorialized?
On 6-23-09 I was listening to the radio as I worked (as usual) when I heard something interesting.
The host of the show I was listening to asked his listeners how they felt about the idea of the security officer (Stephen Johns), who was killed recently, having his name memorialized on the law enforcement memorial in D.C.
(for more on the funeral service for this officer click here)
Apparently on the one hand the argument is along the lines of… “He worked in a form of law enforcement and he died in the line of duty, thus his name ought to be on there.”
Of course THAT would mean we would have to put ALL the names of ALL the security officers who died in the line of duty on there also.
On the other hand, the other side says… “Security officers are not held to the same standards, do not have the same level of responsibilities or receive the same training as law enforcement, so they do not belong on that memorial no matter how similar the sacrifice.
There is an implication in that. That statement says, because it is “less difficult” they must not be as dedicated to their jobs.
I have worked as a security officer and indeed it is work that I am, even now in. And I know as well as any what kind of dedication it really takes. But I thought I would be the odd one in this argument. Because I think that he should not be memorialized on that monument.
It is there specifically for officers employed by civilian governmental law enforcement. (That’s Right Military police are not allowed to be on it either.)
What was interesting to me was that I was NOT the odd one. Every other Security officer who called in agreed! What’s more they even agreed with my idea that, if anything, they ought to create a whole new Memorial for private security.
See even though security officers are not “as dedicated” or whatever we do a great service. And we are often made fun of even though we do provide such an important service.
That was my original thought but then I thought a bit further and I realized something, even better than a memorial would be… RESPECT.
Security officers DO provide an important service and they often take on the brunt of a really dangerous position, and they are not the only ones.
What about the Janitors, the Waiters/waitresses, the plumbers, teachers, Bus drivers, dishwashers and taxi drivers, the mechanics and train engineers.
All of these people perform important tasks and they get little respect for it. They seldom receive thanks from those who most depend on their service, BUT the first time there is a mistake everyone is all too eager to jump on them and punish them for not doing the job well enough.
Do you ever stop to think about what they do?
When you finish your day and go home, that is usually when they start working.
As you help your daughter with her homework the Janitor is trying to make your office a pleasant place to work in for tomorrow, and his daughter is struggling in school without him around to help because of your needs. In return you make fun of him and declare how easy it would be to replace him… after all anyone can push a broom right? Try looking at all he really does, taking out your trash, cleaning the windows, putting up with whatever you didn’t want to.
Or what about the Security Guard? While you are letting the stress of your day wear off by playing catch with your son he is laboring to make sure your stuff at work is safe. And his son wonders if dad is even going to be there in the morning to say hi to.
The school bus driver usually goes to work before you even think of waking up for work and he might even won’t get off until way after you have been home and had dinner. His day is longer but because it is broken up in ways you never experience he gets paid a lot less.
But All too often we make fun of these people when they are only doing their best to make our lives easier.
What would you do if there weren’t someone to make sure your water was clean and that you toilets worked?
How nice would your life be if you had to clean your own office?
What would happen if there were no teachers to help your kids learn? How would you teach them the basics and still make a living?
How would you get around a strange town without the bus drivers and taxi drivers?
See all these people, whom you take for granted, work hard 24 hours a day in order to make your life easier.
They make sure that YOU do not have to deal with the stuff that comes out of you on the toilet once you have flushed it down.
They bring you food (hopefully not the SAME people as in the last example) so that you can eat well.
They bag your groceries and they take away your trash.
And in return what do “you” do?
Do you make jokes at their expense? Do you call them incompetent? Or say they are too lazy to get “real” jobs? Do you laugh about their lack of education? Do you poke fun at their hopes and dreams?
I hope not.
But that is what many DO go out and do.
So maybe what would be better is for us all to respect them. And even make sure they are paid well enough that they can get a tutor for their kids… or at least enough that they can afford to live and even take a little time off once in a while to be with their families.
The host of the show I was listening to asked his listeners how they felt about the idea of the security officer (Stephen Johns), who was killed recently, having his name memorialized on the law enforcement memorial in D.C.
(for more on the funeral service for this officer click here)
Apparently on the one hand the argument is along the lines of… “He worked in a form of law enforcement and he died in the line of duty, thus his name ought to be on there.”
Of course THAT would mean we would have to put ALL the names of ALL the security officers who died in the line of duty on there also.
On the other hand, the other side says… “Security officers are not held to the same standards, do not have the same level of responsibilities or receive the same training as law enforcement, so they do not belong on that memorial no matter how similar the sacrifice.
There is an implication in that. That statement says, because it is “less difficult” they must not be as dedicated to their jobs.
I have worked as a security officer and indeed it is work that I am, even now in. And I know as well as any what kind of dedication it really takes. But I thought I would be the odd one in this argument. Because I think that he should not be memorialized on that monument.
It is there specifically for officers employed by civilian governmental law enforcement. (That’s Right Military police are not allowed to be on it either.)
What was interesting to me was that I was NOT the odd one. Every other Security officer who called in agreed! What’s more they even agreed with my idea that, if anything, they ought to create a whole new Memorial for private security.
See even though security officers are not “as dedicated” or whatever we do a great service. And we are often made fun of even though we do provide such an important service.
That was my original thought but then I thought a bit further and I realized something, even better than a memorial would be… RESPECT.
Security officers DO provide an important service and they often take on the brunt of a really dangerous position, and they are not the only ones.
What about the Janitors, the Waiters/waitresses, the plumbers, teachers, Bus drivers, dishwashers and taxi drivers, the mechanics and train engineers.
All of these people perform important tasks and they get little respect for it. They seldom receive thanks from those who most depend on their service, BUT the first time there is a mistake everyone is all too eager to jump on them and punish them for not doing the job well enough.
Do you ever stop to think about what they do?
When you finish your day and go home, that is usually when they start working.
As you help your daughter with her homework the Janitor is trying to make your office a pleasant place to work in for tomorrow, and his daughter is struggling in school without him around to help because of your needs. In return you make fun of him and declare how easy it would be to replace him… after all anyone can push a broom right? Try looking at all he really does, taking out your trash, cleaning the windows, putting up with whatever you didn’t want to.
Or what about the Security Guard? While you are letting the stress of your day wear off by playing catch with your son he is laboring to make sure your stuff at work is safe. And his son wonders if dad is even going to be there in the morning to say hi to.
The school bus driver usually goes to work before you even think of waking up for work and he might even won’t get off until way after you have been home and had dinner. His day is longer but because it is broken up in ways you never experience he gets paid a lot less.
But All too often we make fun of these people when they are only doing their best to make our lives easier.
What would you do if there weren’t someone to make sure your water was clean and that you toilets worked?
How nice would your life be if you had to clean your own office?
What would happen if there were no teachers to help your kids learn? How would you teach them the basics and still make a living?
How would you get around a strange town without the bus drivers and taxi drivers?
See all these people, whom you take for granted, work hard 24 hours a day in order to make your life easier.
They make sure that YOU do not have to deal with the stuff that comes out of you on the toilet once you have flushed it down.
They bring you food (hopefully not the SAME people as in the last example) so that you can eat well.
They bag your groceries and they take away your trash.
And in return what do “you” do?
Do you make jokes at their expense? Do you call them incompetent? Or say they are too lazy to get “real” jobs? Do you laugh about their lack of education? Do you poke fun at their hopes and dreams?
I hope not.
But that is what many DO go out and do.
So maybe what would be better is for us all to respect them. And even make sure they are paid well enough that they can get a tutor for their kids… or at least enough that they can afford to live and even take a little time off once in a while to be with their families.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
PARENTHOOD
I know that this is supposed to be my "light" blog, but, with father's day on the way it occurs to me to bring up a point that is very near to my heart.
See I believe that being A dad is more than just making a baby.
I feel I am very well qualified to judge on the subject for several reasons.
First on the basis of having been a son.
Second on the fact that I have had Three "dads".
Third, even with the first two qualifications, I feel that I never had a GOOD male role model while growing up.
And Fourth, I am a dad. And what's more in my honest opinion I am doing a fair job (maybe even a good one) in being a dad to my children (at least a better job than was done by the role models I had.)
I have actually classified the different names of a dad.
First, there is a father, this is the guy who gives life. A father helps to "create" the child but there is not much more than that.
Second, you have Dad, a guy who is there when needed, sometimes fun, you can "pal around" as it were, with him.
Third is Daddy, this is a close relationship, daddy is a friend and supporter of you, daddy is who you run to for love and comfort when you are hurt in body or heart.
So, if you are a male parent, which are you? You can be all three or any combination of the three. But you probably do fall under one of these.
My advice today is geared towards fathers but mothers can benefit too.
First take the time to be with you kids.
You need to take the time to show them that they are more important than the video games or T.V. set or the baseball game or work or...
Well I think you get the idea.
Second help them to grow! my male role models never bothered to teach me the simple stuff like how to shave, or how to talk to a girl. (They never even bothered to show me how the things they cared about worked; let alone the things I needed to function in life. I never learned about base ball, cars or football from my dad, let alone Shaving, job hunting, Dating...I had to go out and figure these out on my own.)
Third let them know you love and care about them. None of my Male role models ever saw fit to let me know that I mattered.
The message I got from ALL of them was they were the important one, they were the one that mattered And I was generally little more than a useless blob of tissue taking up space in their presence (or that I was there as their personal servant.)
Out of all of them the best I got was my adoptive father who at least cared enough to adopt me.
The first man, the one who fathered me, told my mom effectively that he wanted nothing to do with me when they divorced.
My adoptive father (or dad from now on.) didn't know how to show love to more than one person at a time. (In fact I was constantly in a state of what is called sibling rivalry with him since he was always fighting with me for my mother's affection.)
As for my Stepfather, well to give him the benefit of the doubt he did have a daughter of his own and a lot of difficulties linked with that, and a REALLY bad relationship with his own father, not to mention his ex-wife.
But still the most memorable thing I got from him was A BUNCH of really LOUSY birthdays.
The first one after he became my stepfather was a party that he decided (probably with my mom's help) needed to be their wedding reception.
Even though they got married weeks before, they chose to celebrate on my birthday.
Making me feel left out because, in the end, the party was for them and their friends, not me.
And I or my feelings Or my birthday didn't matter (My friends were all made to feel unwelcome and they left after spending VERY little time there).
Then there was the Birthday where his grand gift to me was to kick me out of the house. His great contribution to me was to make me homeless.
He might have thought these things were in my best interests but he didn't think it through.
In fact when I finally confronted him and mom about the first example the response I got was "well you didn't have all that many friends and we wanted a good party besides you just need to grow up and learn how to make friends".
The end result though was that I now have an even harder time interacting with people; even the ones I am close to because all I expect is disappointment.
(It is true I have suffered from a mild depression ever since.)
As for my second example... I do not like to talk about it much. Suffice it to say that I was hurt. Badly.
See they were never the kinds of role models I needed. I think I said more here than I intended but maybe it's good to get it off my chest anyway.
Please be a good dad! if you are a single mom I would encourage you to find a good man to be a role model for your child.
What is a good role model?
If you have a son, a good role model is one who will teach the little things to him, shaving, sports, Finances, etc.
If at all possible this should also be a man who shows the boy how to love and care for a wife (When I say love I do not mean have intimacy with, I mean do loving things for, thinking of her needs first).
A Man who will encourage (not push) and support (not name call) the boy.
He shows the boy how to defend himself appropriately.
Someone who will make it unequivocally clear that no matter what the boy does he is loved unconditionally.
And Showing the boy there does not need to be competition for the mother's love.
However if you have A daughter, a good male role model shows her how to expect to be treated by a boy.(WELL)
He will give her the sense of self that allows her to be equal in her relationships.
Again He will encourage (not push) and support (not name call) the girl, he will make it unequivocally clear that no matter what the girl does she is loved Totally and unconditionally.
And he will protect her from the dangers that are out there that are relatively unique to girls. (He can even show her how to defend herself too.)
A positive male role model offers protection to the child (Son or Daughter)A man who will defend the child and child's mother, standing up for what is right.
A man who knows how to control his appetites not becoming addicted or abusive.
And he would also be a man who takes the time to learn about the child he is role modeling for.
He figures out What it is that makes the child tick, He is then ready to teach that child in the way that the child can learn NOT in the way that "father" "knows" how to teach.
(Yes that's right a good father keeps learning and growing putting others first.)
See I had a "Father" who gave me life, then rejected me, I know what that is like.
I had a "dad" who adopted me, but was never a good role model (until after he divorced my mom and the rivalry ended but then he died of cancer a few years later.) I even had a step father. but I never had a daddy.
Please help your child to have a better childhood than I had. Please give your child a daddy.
Love them
Teach them
Show them
Support them
Care for them
and yes, when they get to that point where they are ready to fly the nest, Let them go.
IF you have been a good father, and taught them what they need and given them a solid foundation, THEN they will be able to FLY, and you will be able to stand there and watch them soar like eagles and you can be proud of them and all they will be able to do.
And THAT is the best thing, the best gift you can have when father's day comes around.
See I believe that being A dad is more than just making a baby.
I feel I am very well qualified to judge on the subject for several reasons.
First on the basis of having been a son.
Second on the fact that I have had Three "dads".
Third, even with the first two qualifications, I feel that I never had a GOOD male role model while growing up.
And Fourth, I am a dad. And what's more in my honest opinion I am doing a fair job (maybe even a good one) in being a dad to my children (at least a better job than was done by the role models I had.)
I have actually classified the different names of a dad.
First, there is a father, this is the guy who gives life. A father helps to "create" the child but there is not much more than that.
Second, you have Dad, a guy who is there when needed, sometimes fun, you can "pal around" as it were, with him.
Third is Daddy, this is a close relationship, daddy is a friend and supporter of you, daddy is who you run to for love and comfort when you are hurt in body or heart.
So, if you are a male parent, which are you? You can be all three or any combination of the three. But you probably do fall under one of these.
My advice today is geared towards fathers but mothers can benefit too.
First take the time to be with you kids.
You need to take the time to show them that they are more important than the video games or T.V. set or the baseball game or work or...
Well I think you get the idea.
Second help them to grow! my male role models never bothered to teach me the simple stuff like how to shave, or how to talk to a girl. (They never even bothered to show me how the things they cared about worked; let alone the things I needed to function in life. I never learned about base ball, cars or football from my dad, let alone Shaving, job hunting, Dating...I had to go out and figure these out on my own.)
Third let them know you love and care about them. None of my Male role models ever saw fit to let me know that I mattered.
The message I got from ALL of them was they were the important one, they were the one that mattered And I was generally little more than a useless blob of tissue taking up space in their presence (or that I was there as their personal servant.)
Out of all of them the best I got was my adoptive father who at least cared enough to adopt me.
The first man, the one who fathered me, told my mom effectively that he wanted nothing to do with me when they divorced.
My adoptive father (or dad from now on.) didn't know how to show love to more than one person at a time. (In fact I was constantly in a state of what is called sibling rivalry with him since he was always fighting with me for my mother's affection.)
As for my Stepfather, well to give him the benefit of the doubt he did have a daughter of his own and a lot of difficulties linked with that, and a REALLY bad relationship with his own father, not to mention his ex-wife.
But still the most memorable thing I got from him was A BUNCH of really LOUSY birthdays.
The first one after he became my stepfather was a party that he decided (probably with my mom's help) needed to be their wedding reception.
Even though they got married weeks before, they chose to celebrate on my birthday.
Making me feel left out because, in the end, the party was for them and their friends, not me.
And I or my feelings Or my birthday didn't matter (My friends were all made to feel unwelcome and they left after spending VERY little time there).
Then there was the Birthday where his grand gift to me was to kick me out of the house. His great contribution to me was to make me homeless.
He might have thought these things were in my best interests but he didn't think it through.
In fact when I finally confronted him and mom about the first example the response I got was "well you didn't have all that many friends and we wanted a good party besides you just need to grow up and learn how to make friends".
The end result though was that I now have an even harder time interacting with people; even the ones I am close to because all I expect is disappointment.
(It is true I have suffered from a mild depression ever since.)
As for my second example... I do not like to talk about it much. Suffice it to say that I was hurt. Badly.
See they were never the kinds of role models I needed. I think I said more here than I intended but maybe it's good to get it off my chest anyway.
Please be a good dad! if you are a single mom I would encourage you to find a good man to be a role model for your child.
What is a good role model?
If you have a son, a good role model is one who will teach the little things to him, shaving, sports, Finances, etc.
If at all possible this should also be a man who shows the boy how to love and care for a wife (When I say love I do not mean have intimacy with, I mean do loving things for, thinking of her needs first).
A Man who will encourage (not push) and support (not name call) the boy.
He shows the boy how to defend himself appropriately.
Someone who will make it unequivocally clear that no matter what the boy does he is loved unconditionally.
And Showing the boy there does not need to be competition for the mother's love.
However if you have A daughter, a good male role model shows her how to expect to be treated by a boy.(WELL)
He will give her the sense of self that allows her to be equal in her relationships.
Again He will encourage (not push) and support (not name call) the girl, he will make it unequivocally clear that no matter what the girl does she is loved Totally and unconditionally.
And he will protect her from the dangers that are out there that are relatively unique to girls. (He can even show her how to defend herself too.)
A positive male role model offers protection to the child (Son or Daughter)A man who will defend the child and child's mother, standing up for what is right.
A man who knows how to control his appetites not becoming addicted or abusive.
And he would also be a man who takes the time to learn about the child he is role modeling for.
He figures out What it is that makes the child tick, He is then ready to teach that child in the way that the child can learn NOT in the way that "father" "knows" how to teach.
(Yes that's right a good father keeps learning and growing putting others first.)
See I had a "Father" who gave me life, then rejected me, I know what that is like.
I had a "dad" who adopted me, but was never a good role model (until after he divorced my mom and the rivalry ended but then he died of cancer a few years later.) I even had a step father. but I never had a daddy.
Please help your child to have a better childhood than I had. Please give your child a daddy.
Love them
Teach them
Show them
Support them
Care for them
and yes, when they get to that point where they are ready to fly the nest, Let them go.
IF you have been a good father, and taught them what they need and given them a solid foundation, THEN they will be able to FLY, and you will be able to stand there and watch them soar like eagles and you can be proud of them and all they will be able to do.
And THAT is the best thing, the best gift you can have when father's day comes around.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ah I didn't know I was that far behind.
My wife was so funny yesterday, she had read one of my other blogs and she said she had seen the bumper sticker I was talking about and she wondered why I hadn't blogged about it yet. So I just wanted to say to here here, Sorry it took me so long. I will try to improve on things hun.
I love you!
any way
If you guys out there wish to hear my opinion on a subject drop me a line. I might even comply. And if I do and you let me know your E-mail address, I can even send you an E-mail telling you where to look for my response to your subject. (since I have several Blog's and it could break down into one other than the one you might follow.)
Allrighty then,
I hope all of you are well out there. I am probably praying for you too.
I love you!
any way
If you guys out there wish to hear my opinion on a subject drop me a line. I might even comply. And if I do and you let me know your E-mail address, I can even send you an E-mail telling you where to look for my response to your subject. (since I have several Blog's and it could break down into one other than the one you might follow.)
Allrighty then,
I hope all of you are well out there. I am probably praying for you too.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
oops.
I found myself at a disadvantage last night at work. Usually I take a notebook with me so that I can log anything I think of that I want to blog or that I need to take care of.
I am turning into a real list kinda guy.
Last night I spaced the notebook partly because I thought I had a chance at getting my Laptop running again finally. For the record the disk I planned to use wouldn't work, so I am still laptopless. :-(
But
Still I guess all is well.
I still survived the night, and here I am.
I hope to come up with something good to write here soon.
We will see.
I am turning into a real list kinda guy.
Last night I spaced the notebook partly because I thought I had a chance at getting my Laptop running again finally. For the record the disk I planned to use wouldn't work, so I am still laptopless. :-(
But
Still I guess all is well.
I still survived the night, and here I am.
I hope to come up with something good to write here soon.
We will see.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thinkin...
I like the Movie Forrest Gump, and not just cause I know people in it... wink wink. lol
One of the things that I find Delightful about the movie is the way it throws everything on its head and puts it all into perspective.
Here is a guy who we would all consider to be well challenged. but he has lived a life some could only dream of.
He met, what, three presidents; lived during the 60's, saw Desegregation, met John Lennon, He was a celebrity, he is rich, he served in Vietnam, and so on. o.k. o.k. I know he was a fictional character, but think about the example anyway.
When he starts telling "Jenny" about his experiences it was the creation of God's that he remembered.
He waxed nostalgic about the beauty, the way the moon would shine when he was in Vietnam and the clouds would open, or the sun setting at sea, or a reflection of a mountain in a clear Colorado lake.
I think we all could benefit from things like that.
last night as I was sitting in the van I use at work I watched the lightning of a distant storm. I saw another storm do the same thing the night before. and it was beautiful. There are no words to describe it.
I got to thinking about Forrest and what he might think. then I started thinking about the things I have been through, and you know it was easy, once I tried, to think of many beautiful things I have seen.
I remember...
in Boot I saw an Amazing thunderstorm one night when I was on fire watch.
I saw a comet early in the morning blazing in the sky as we stood at attention waiting for our Drill seargent to start us doing calisthenics.
I saw the sky turn green when a storm cell came in.
and I felt the cool drizzle of a soft rain on my face the day we had to go through the gas chamber. (and believe me I appreciated it!)
I might actually be hard pressed to remember the tough things, but those came easily to my mind when I tried.
Or how about when I was a boy watching the Dust storms in AZ coming in the awe of the forces involved there. the time I was on the Country Club overpass and saw the edge of a hail/rain storm not 6 feet away never getting wet, I was actually standing in total sunlight, watching the hail viciously pound the roadway beside me and the rain soak it.
I remember the quiet peace of a balmy night as I tried to help my Aunt Cathy (who is ten years older than me) find bugs for her high school project, and listening to the soft sounds of the crickets chirping. (that sound still brings me peace today)
Or the time Bob, my mom and I all went on a vacation in Colorado and we were driving along early in the morning. I saw the sun start lighting up the landscape and the wonder I felt at watching the dark melt to grey then the colors came blazing out.
I remember the way the sky turned red when I was on fire runs and the smoke would billow up and block the light, and I remember standing on the side of a hill in the middle of the night watching the glow of a forest fire as it approached my bus (while we were trying to get it unstuck)It was beautiful to see though it could have been deadly.
Other thoughts that came were the way the moon would light the Grand canyon when it was full, the Aspen trees north of Flagstaff turning yellow, going out cutting firewood with my wife and brother in law, midnight snow falls(especially when sitting in an outdoor hot tub), and the bright sunny days of my youth when the grass would be greener than the brightest Emerald and the sky was so blue it hurt to look at it.
Those are the things to think about I think.
One of the things that I find Delightful about the movie is the way it throws everything on its head and puts it all into perspective.
Here is a guy who we would all consider to be well challenged. but he has lived a life some could only dream of.
He met, what, three presidents; lived during the 60's, saw Desegregation, met John Lennon, He was a celebrity, he is rich, he served in Vietnam, and so on. o.k. o.k. I know he was a fictional character, but think about the example anyway.
When he starts telling "Jenny" about his experiences it was the creation of God's that he remembered.
He waxed nostalgic about the beauty, the way the moon would shine when he was in Vietnam and the clouds would open, or the sun setting at sea, or a reflection of a mountain in a clear Colorado lake.
I think we all could benefit from things like that.
last night as I was sitting in the van I use at work I watched the lightning of a distant storm. I saw another storm do the same thing the night before. and it was beautiful. There are no words to describe it.
I got to thinking about Forrest and what he might think. then I started thinking about the things I have been through, and you know it was easy, once I tried, to think of many beautiful things I have seen.
I remember...
in Boot I saw an Amazing thunderstorm one night when I was on fire watch.
I saw a comet early in the morning blazing in the sky as we stood at attention waiting for our Drill seargent to start us doing calisthenics.
I saw the sky turn green when a storm cell came in.
and I felt the cool drizzle of a soft rain on my face the day we had to go through the gas chamber. (and believe me I appreciated it!)
I might actually be hard pressed to remember the tough things, but those came easily to my mind when I tried.
Or how about when I was a boy watching the Dust storms in AZ coming in the awe of the forces involved there. the time I was on the Country Club overpass and saw the edge of a hail/rain storm not 6 feet away never getting wet, I was actually standing in total sunlight, watching the hail viciously pound the roadway beside me and the rain soak it.
I remember the quiet peace of a balmy night as I tried to help my Aunt Cathy (who is ten years older than me) find bugs for her high school project, and listening to the soft sounds of the crickets chirping. (that sound still brings me peace today)
Or the time Bob, my mom and I all went on a vacation in Colorado and we were driving along early in the morning. I saw the sun start lighting up the landscape and the wonder I felt at watching the dark melt to grey then the colors came blazing out.
I remember the way the sky turned red when I was on fire runs and the smoke would billow up and block the light, and I remember standing on the side of a hill in the middle of the night watching the glow of a forest fire as it approached my bus (while we were trying to get it unstuck)It was beautiful to see though it could have been deadly.
Other thoughts that came were the way the moon would light the Grand canyon when it was full, the Aspen trees north of Flagstaff turning yellow, going out cutting firewood with my wife and brother in law, midnight snow falls(especially when sitting in an outdoor hot tub), and the bright sunny days of my youth when the grass would be greener than the brightest Emerald and the sky was so blue it hurt to look at it.
Those are the things to think about I think.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New air
Well there Coltinians. I have some good news! I have established new BLOG's! "what???" you might ask. Yes it is true.
I wanted to be able to voice many things. SO I am only going to post lighter things here. All my deeper thoughts will go elsewhere.
If you are interested in knowing more please contact me.
I wanted to be able to voice many things. SO I am only going to post lighter things here. All my deeper thoughts will go elsewhere.
If you are interested in knowing more please contact me.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friends
I really like the song by Michael W Smith titled "Friends are friends forever" or "Friends". It reminds me to value my friends!
I find that it can be really difficult to make a good friend, especially in this hectic society.
We all get so busy, wrapped up in our things. Work, Family, Home, Sleep... you know the little things that nag at us all the time.
I sometimes wish I could have a whole bunch of friends.
Guys to hang out with all the time or people who would really like to play board games with me all the time (and yes I do mean ALL the time.)but...
I do have some friends, like Steve A. he is a pretty good guy. and even though he is busy he made time to hang out with me to go see a movie. (thanks)
Then There is Art! this guy took out time to stop by with some software for me to try fixing my Laptop.
Also Paul R. Who even though he lives across the country he still takes the time to talk to me and try to help out with my computer issues.
And of course there is my Wife. Nuff said there... she married me... that takes quite a bit of strength and determination. (I love you hun!!!)
A good friend can be hard to find, you have to work at it a little; and quality is better than quantity. So I got a pretty good deal on the ones I have.
So real quick I want to say thank you to my friends. all of them!
If I didn't mention you I am sorry. I wanted this to be quick. But please know that if you are one of my friends I do cherish you and I hope that you are doing well as you read this. ( and if you are reading this blog chances are you are one of my friends since I am only letting my friends know about it.)
I guess this means I am more interested in having good quality friends. If I call you friend, even if you aren't on this short list, then you are a good quality friend. thank you for being in my life.
I find that it can be really difficult to make a good friend, especially in this hectic society.
We all get so busy, wrapped up in our things. Work, Family, Home, Sleep... you know the little things that nag at us all the time.
I sometimes wish I could have a whole bunch of friends.
Guys to hang out with all the time or people who would really like to play board games with me all the time (and yes I do mean ALL the time.)but...
I do have some friends, like Steve A. he is a pretty good guy. and even though he is busy he made time to hang out with me to go see a movie. (thanks)
Then There is Art! this guy took out time to stop by with some software for me to try fixing my Laptop.
Also Paul R. Who even though he lives across the country he still takes the time to talk to me and try to help out with my computer issues.
And of course there is my Wife. Nuff said there... she married me... that takes quite a bit of strength and determination. (I love you hun!!!)
A good friend can be hard to find, you have to work at it a little; and quality is better than quantity. So I got a pretty good deal on the ones I have.
So real quick I want to say thank you to my friends. all of them!
If I didn't mention you I am sorry. I wanted this to be quick. But please know that if you are one of my friends I do cherish you and I hope that you are doing well as you read this. ( and if you are reading this blog chances are you are one of my friends since I am only letting my friends know about it.)
I guess this means I am more interested in having good quality friends. If I call you friend, even if you aren't on this short list, then you are a good quality friend. thank you for being in my life.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Pushing Daisies
Apparently the really awesome show, pushing Daisies is returning briefly. ABC has decided to show (I am guessing) the last three episodes on T.V. Saturdays for three weeks starting on may 30th.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wow how quickly I fall behind.
Lately I have been thinking about all the things i want to Blog... So far none of them have made it on here.
So this is going to be weird!
I realized how busy I have been lately and how Little I have been caring lately. And this morning I had a quick thought which I will now share.
It occurs to me that What I really need is a vacation. I want to escape it all.
A real, honest, break. No worries no “need to get done's”… just a relaxing time hanging out doing nothing but what I want.
I have had to take on too much responsibility from to young an age.
But then again that is true of many today… I guess that what That means is I really need to shut up, stop whining, and get on with rushing myself to an early grave because by golly there is just too much to do and to little time to do it in.
So there you go. that is how I am feeling right at this moment. Maybe it will pass soon.
So this is going to be weird!
I realized how busy I have been lately and how Little I have been caring lately. And this morning I had a quick thought which I will now share.
It occurs to me that What I really need is a vacation. I want to escape it all.
A real, honest, break. No worries no “need to get done's”… just a relaxing time hanging out doing nothing but what I want.
I have had to take on too much responsibility from to young an age.
But then again that is true of many today… I guess that what That means is I really need to shut up, stop whining, and get on with rushing myself to an early grave because by golly there is just too much to do and to little time to do it in.
So there you go. that is how I am feeling right at this moment. Maybe it will pass soon.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Traffic issues
The other day I was listening to the Jim Bohannon show and He was talking about Traffic cameras.
The topic was very interesting and the guests he had were very informative! But I got to thinking. I come from Flagstaff Arizona. In Flagstaff they seem to really try to control traffic not just claim they want to control traffic problems while really trying to get more revenue.
One of Mr. Bohannon's guests was saying that most of the time the government that brings these cameras in are not trying to uphold the law, they just want more income for their city/state/ country, or whatever...
When Flagstaff was thinking about trying to bring in some speed cameras they ran a test first. they got a couple of portable cameras and set them up to see how effective they would be and what the general public opinion was.
Long story short, as far as I know there are still no speed cameras set up permanently in the city of Flagstaff.
They actually came up with some pretty creative ways to control the traffic though. My favorite was officer Quin.
The funny thing is that officer Quin (or as some people like to call him Manny) gets the most complaints of any other officer in the Flagstaff Police department; and most of those are about how lazy he is, that he is sleeping on the job or that he seems to be "stalking" people.
He also gets the highest number of compliments for dedication.
You see he is really a mannequin. The Police department has a life size dummy which wears a uniform and sits in a patrol car which is prominently located. When motorists see the police unit sitting there with "someone" inside they slow down. And thus the law is obeyed.
So I think that kudos ought to be offered here to the Flagstaff Police department for really caring and coming up with solutions that are... well let's say they are creative, instead of trying to follow the almighty dollar.
The topic was very interesting and the guests he had were very informative! But I got to thinking. I come from Flagstaff Arizona. In Flagstaff they seem to really try to control traffic not just claim they want to control traffic problems while really trying to get more revenue.
One of Mr. Bohannon's guests was saying that most of the time the government that brings these cameras in are not trying to uphold the law, they just want more income for their city/state/ country, or whatever...
When Flagstaff was thinking about trying to bring in some speed cameras they ran a test first. they got a couple of portable cameras and set them up to see how effective they would be and what the general public opinion was.
Long story short, as far as I know there are still no speed cameras set up permanently in the city of Flagstaff.
They actually came up with some pretty creative ways to control the traffic though. My favorite was officer Quin.
The funny thing is that officer Quin (or as some people like to call him Manny) gets the most complaints of any other officer in the Flagstaff Police department; and most of those are about how lazy he is, that he is sleeping on the job or that he seems to be "stalking" people.
He also gets the highest number of compliments for dedication.
You see he is really a mannequin. The Police department has a life size dummy which wears a uniform and sits in a patrol car which is prominently located. When motorists see the police unit sitting there with "someone" inside they slow down. And thus the law is obeyed.
So I think that kudos ought to be offered here to the Flagstaff Police department for really caring and coming up with solutions that are... well let's say they are creative, instead of trying to follow the almighty dollar.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Innocence lost
One of the "curses" I have with my work is all the time I get to think.
Last night I was thinking about... well I was getting nostalgic... O.k. O.k. I was maudlin.
I was thinking about the experiences I had as a kid and I seem to remember the world as being a lot more innocent of a place.
Now I will grant that I was a child and I was probably more out of touch with reality than most of my peers, BUT I still think it was a little more innocent of a place to be.
Over the years I have lost a lot of that sense of innocence. This world has been as hard on me as anyone else.
but what I miss more than my innocence is the stuff that kinda filled me even when the innocence was gone.
I miss my dreams and hopes.
Once I dreamed of being a hero to someone. I wanted to be able to look into someone's eyes and see... Admiration, adoration even. I wanted to see that I was looked up to.
I Dreamed of being a police officer. I thought that might be ideal. People count on the police to be there and protect them. (at least that is what I did)
But with the loss of my innocence I found out that no one else even cared, some people even act as if they hate the police.
I became a Scout leader. I hoped to be able to show kids how to be better, grow better...
but today's kids don't want to be better they want to idolize Hellboy or some other "not quite so bad" demonic character (by not quite so bad I mean one who is portrayed as "not as evil as the others of his kind".)
I became a soldier so I could defend my country and all it stood for. But nobody in this country cares about what the country stands for anymore, In fact they seem to want to destroy everything that men have fought for in the past.
I wanted to save people but they didn't want to be saved. I wanted to inspire but everyone is too jaded, I wanted to protect but everybody wants to endanger themselves.
I know now how Mr. Incredible must feel.
Except I never was a hero at all. I am just a washed out, washed up guy. I never got to be a hero and it looks like I never will be one.
Apparently Life is just passing me by. All my hopes and dreams are gone. I wanted to be someone! now I won;'t even get to be a has been, I will always be a never was.
Maybe this is the proof I need that I should stop working nights all alone. at least when others are around I don't have to think about how much of a waste this seems to be.
Last night I was thinking about... well I was getting nostalgic... O.k. O.k. I was maudlin.
I was thinking about the experiences I had as a kid and I seem to remember the world as being a lot more innocent of a place.
Now I will grant that I was a child and I was probably more out of touch with reality than most of my peers, BUT I still think it was a little more innocent of a place to be.
Over the years I have lost a lot of that sense of innocence. This world has been as hard on me as anyone else.
but what I miss more than my innocence is the stuff that kinda filled me even when the innocence was gone.
I miss my dreams and hopes.
Once I dreamed of being a hero to someone. I wanted to be able to look into someone's eyes and see... Admiration, adoration even. I wanted to see that I was looked up to.
I Dreamed of being a police officer. I thought that might be ideal. People count on the police to be there and protect them. (at least that is what I did)
But with the loss of my innocence I found out that no one else even cared, some people even act as if they hate the police.
I became a Scout leader. I hoped to be able to show kids how to be better, grow better...
but today's kids don't want to be better they want to idolize Hellboy or some other "not quite so bad" demonic character (by not quite so bad I mean one who is portrayed as "not as evil as the others of his kind".)
I became a soldier so I could defend my country and all it stood for. But nobody in this country cares about what the country stands for anymore, In fact they seem to want to destroy everything that men have fought for in the past.
I wanted to save people but they didn't want to be saved. I wanted to inspire but everyone is too jaded, I wanted to protect but everybody wants to endanger themselves.
I know now how Mr. Incredible must feel.
Except I never was a hero at all. I am just a washed out, washed up guy. I never got to be a hero and it looks like I never will be one.
Apparently Life is just passing me by. All my hopes and dreams are gone. I wanted to be someone! now I won;'t even get to be a has been, I will always be a never was.
Maybe this is the proof I need that I should stop working nights all alone. at least when others are around I don't have to think about how much of a waste this seems to be.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Paul Harvey
When I was a little boy, I remember hearing Paul Harvey's distinctive voice coming from the radio speakers in my Dad's truck.
Last Friday his voice was, sadly, silenced.
I liked hearing him speak.
It often seemed to me like he was talking to me. And sometimes appreciation for his show was the only thing my dad and I had in common.
He was witty, and well spoken but he sounded very down home. I will miss hearing him.
I loved his "rest of the stories" and I felt that my day had been well rounded when I heard him finally say,"good day". The way his voice would uplift on the last syllable always let me know that while he was signing off I could expect to hear him again on the next day.
He provided continuity where sometimes I didn't have much stability, and that was always a comfort.
When I "outgrew" Mr. Rogers he filled that spot and I truly appreciated it.
There is an ever lengthening list of people who I grew up with who are passing on.
I miss them all.
So this is a tribute to them, those who, I feel have enriched my life, both still living and deceased.
I would encourage my readers to also share here their favorites who have either simply retired or even passed on.
Thank you Mr. Rogers I wish my daughters could have had the chance to grow up with you.
And you too Captain Kangaroo. I really liked Mr. Greenjeans the best though.
Farewell Ladmo. I always cherished the times I was able to watch you and Wallace, even Gerald was a treat for me.
I liked Johnny Carson. very few times was I allowed to stay up late enough to watch his show. but maybe he will show up again??
James Doohan,(thanks for the autograph, you are missed)
Mark Twain, James Herriot, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Tony Hillerman (wish I could have met you guys)
Richard Dean Anderson, Meg Ryan, Still might meet you?
Kenny Rogers, Reba McIntire, keep on singing.
And Good Day.
Last Friday his voice was, sadly, silenced.
I liked hearing him speak.
It often seemed to me like he was talking to me. And sometimes appreciation for his show was the only thing my dad and I had in common.
He was witty, and well spoken but he sounded very down home. I will miss hearing him.
I loved his "rest of the stories" and I felt that my day had been well rounded when I heard him finally say,"good day". The way his voice would uplift on the last syllable always let me know that while he was signing off I could expect to hear him again on the next day.
He provided continuity where sometimes I didn't have much stability, and that was always a comfort.
When I "outgrew" Mr. Rogers he filled that spot and I truly appreciated it.
There is an ever lengthening list of people who I grew up with who are passing on.
I miss them all.
So this is a tribute to them, those who, I feel have enriched my life, both still living and deceased.
I would encourage my readers to also share here their favorites who have either simply retired or even passed on.
Thank you Mr. Rogers I wish my daughters could have had the chance to grow up with you.
And you too Captain Kangaroo. I really liked Mr. Greenjeans the best though.
Farewell Ladmo. I always cherished the times I was able to watch you and Wallace, even Gerald was a treat for me.
I liked Johnny Carson. very few times was I allowed to stay up late enough to watch his show. but maybe he will show up again??
James Doohan,(thanks for the autograph, you are missed)
Mark Twain, James Herriot, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Tony Hillerman (wish I could have met you guys)
Richard Dean Anderson, Meg Ryan, Still might meet you?
Kenny Rogers, Reba McIntire, keep on singing.
And Good Day.
ah Sweet Vindication
On the news last night I heard a little blurb that caused me to laugh sardonically!
A woman in Florida called the police department's 911 line THREE times. Apparently she felt she REALLY needed help.
Why did she call? Because McDonalds didn't give her the 10 piece McNuggets meal she ordered, and paid for. (they had run out of nuggets.)
She called 911 three times because the restaurant didn't have any nuggets to serve her.
Oh but more than that, they wouldn't refund her the money she paid for the meal.
Well that makes ALL the difference.
Many times in the past I have expounded to all who would listen (oh my poor poor wife) about the evils of today's society; And here we have a single episode which totally sums up what I have been saying for so long.
In fact this incident is a great summary for MANY of my prior points. so here we go one more time.
1. People in our society today refuse to take personal responsibility, and they want the Government to fix it all for them.
She didn't want to solve this problem herself, she wanted the government, through the local police force, to fix it.
She couldn't be bothered to seek redress for her grievances in the proper fashion, which brings me to point...
2. Failure of the public school system.
She is in her mid to late 20's (I think the news said she was 27) so she is past "school age".
But she is apparently incapable of functioning in real life. The School system let her down when it failed to give her the needed skills to negotiate this annoying thing called reality.
and finally 3. Failure of Society itself.
This young lady is the summation of the product of our society. Society is what dictates the way people are taught, Society establishes the patterns by which we must live and operate. But here is this young lady incapable of functioning in the world society created because society didn't care enough to make sure the education system was worthwhile.
By the way
Yes there was a little more to the story, and as the late great Paul Harvey would say, "And now for the rest of the story."
As I understand it, She was ticketed for abusing the emergency call in line. and McDonalds' corporate headquarters admitted that she was not treated properly and sent her a gift certificate.
I imagine they also had a little something for the manager of the store where this all happened.
And now...
Good Day!
A woman in Florida called the police department's 911 line THREE times. Apparently she felt she REALLY needed help.
Why did she call? Because McDonalds didn't give her the 10 piece McNuggets meal she ordered, and paid for. (they had run out of nuggets.)
She called 911 three times because the restaurant didn't have any nuggets to serve her.
Oh but more than that, they wouldn't refund her the money she paid for the meal.
Well that makes ALL the difference.
Many times in the past I have expounded to all who would listen (oh my poor poor wife) about the evils of today's society; And here we have a single episode which totally sums up what I have been saying for so long.
In fact this incident is a great summary for MANY of my prior points. so here we go one more time.
1. People in our society today refuse to take personal responsibility, and they want the Government to fix it all for them.
She didn't want to solve this problem herself, she wanted the government, through the local police force, to fix it.
She couldn't be bothered to seek redress for her grievances in the proper fashion, which brings me to point...
2. Failure of the public school system.
She is in her mid to late 20's (I think the news said she was 27) so she is past "school age".
But she is apparently incapable of functioning in real life. The School system let her down when it failed to give her the needed skills to negotiate this annoying thing called reality.
and finally 3. Failure of Society itself.
This young lady is the summation of the product of our society. Society is what dictates the way people are taught, Society establishes the patterns by which we must live and operate. But here is this young lady incapable of functioning in the world society created because society didn't care enough to make sure the education system was worthwhile.
By the way
Yes there was a little more to the story, and as the late great Paul Harvey would say, "And now for the rest of the story."
As I understand it, She was ticketed for abusing the emergency call in line. and McDonalds' corporate headquarters admitted that she was not treated properly and sent her a gift certificate.
I imagine they also had a little something for the manager of the store where this all happened.
And now...
Good Day!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ahh how nice.
Ok so I recently reread all my posts.
I saw a few oopsies (spelling errors etc...) but overall I think I have done fairly well.
I would like it very much if all you out there would read at least one of my older posts though.
That would be my post about sandwiches. (2008)
It is a really good one and I think it deserves review.
I am not sure how I feel about the dream one... (I do not remember having the dream now)
But all in all I think I have done well.
Just remember these posts (all of them) are opinions. They are my opinion. and some of them might not match your views as well as you might like.
That is the beauty of Being an American. We are all allowed to be individuals we can each be ourselves. I hope... no I pray That this is something that will always remain true!
I saw a few oopsies (spelling errors etc...) but overall I think I have done fairly well.
I would like it very much if all you out there would read at least one of my older posts though.
That would be my post about sandwiches. (2008)
It is a really good one and I think it deserves review.
I am not sure how I feel about the dream one... (I do not remember having the dream now)
But all in all I think I have done well.
Just remember these posts (all of them) are opinions. They are my opinion. and some of them might not match your views as well as you might like.
That is the beauty of Being an American. We are all allowed to be individuals we can each be ourselves. I hope... no I pray That this is something that will always remain true!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Favorite Media
Soon theater's around the country will have the newest Star Trek Movie on their screens.
I find myself a little excited (although after getting my hopes up so much about Star wars episode 1 and being slightly let down I am wary.)
and this makes me think... what are some of my favorite movies?
I realized long ago that there wasn't any ONE movie which was my all time favorite, at least not yet.
So here is a list of movies which I have liked.
Star Trek 4 the Voyage home. A fish Called Wanda. Star Wars (the whole set overall is good with a few lapses) Star Trek Insurrection.(and pretty much all the other Star Trek movies though I have misgivings about the first one) Swing Vote. The Postman (Kevin Costner's). Dances with Wolves. Rat Race. R.V. The Chronicles of Narnia. Lord of the Rings. (the whole trilogy) Wild Hogs.
E.T. The adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Elijah Wood version) the Replacements. The Rookie. And others too numerous to count. (even if it isn't here I might still like it.)
I also have liked a lot of different T.V. Shows...
Frasier, Northern Exposure, Due South, MacGyver, Pushing Daisies, J.A.G., Emergency, the original Battlestar Galactica (not the new one though I feel they ruined the franchise), Stargate, Star Trek/DS9/TNG/Voyager/Enterprise, Knight Rider, the A-Team, the Andy Griffith show, and so on.
I like to read...
The Bible, Tolkein, Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchet, John Piper, C.S. Lewis, David Webber, David Feintuch, Tony Hillerman, Eric Flint, Harry Turtledove, Andre Norton, Piers Anthony, Mercedes Lackey, Dee Henderson, Jack Cavanaugh,and so much more.
(History, Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, etc...)
As for other favorite things you will have to wait till the next time I get it into my head to post something like this, I am tired now and ought to get some rest.
I find myself a little excited (although after getting my hopes up so much about Star wars episode 1 and being slightly let down I am wary.)
and this makes me think... what are some of my favorite movies?
I realized long ago that there wasn't any ONE movie which was my all time favorite, at least not yet.
So here is a list of movies which I have liked.
Star Trek 4 the Voyage home. A fish Called Wanda. Star Wars (the whole set overall is good with a few lapses) Star Trek Insurrection.(and pretty much all the other Star Trek movies though I have misgivings about the first one) Swing Vote. The Postman (Kevin Costner's). Dances with Wolves. Rat Race. R.V. The Chronicles of Narnia. Lord of the Rings. (the whole trilogy) Wild Hogs.
E.T. The adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Elijah Wood version) the Replacements. The Rookie. And others too numerous to count. (even if it isn't here I might still like it.)
I also have liked a lot of different T.V. Shows...
Frasier, Northern Exposure, Due South, MacGyver, Pushing Daisies, J.A.G., Emergency, the original Battlestar Galactica (not the new one though I feel they ruined the franchise), Stargate, Star Trek/DS9/TNG/Voyager/Enterprise, Knight Rider, the A-Team, the Andy Griffith show, and so on.
I like to read...
The Bible, Tolkein, Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchet, John Piper, C.S. Lewis, David Webber, David Feintuch, Tony Hillerman, Eric Flint, Harry Turtledove, Andre Norton, Piers Anthony, Mercedes Lackey, Dee Henderson, Jack Cavanaugh,and so much more.
(History, Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, etc...)
As for other favorite things you will have to wait till the next time I get it into my head to post something like this, I am tired now and ought to get some rest.
Family
I love my Family.
I love my Wife, I love my daughters and I love having the chance to be with them.
They can be funny, they can be loving, they can also hurt me but no matter what I love them.
I am posting this because I felt the need to have something positive on here again. I want my blog to be at least a little even in such things.
So there.
BTW
I also love my friends. So if you are my family or friend I love you.
if you are not my friend... well I am sorry for that... BUT since I am a Christian, I WILL LOVE YOU ANYWAY!
And so does God.
I love my Wife, I love my daughters and I love having the chance to be with them.
They can be funny, they can be loving, they can also hurt me but no matter what I love them.
I am posting this because I felt the need to have something positive on here again. I want my blog to be at least a little even in such things.
So there.
BTW
I also love my friends. So if you are my family or friend I love you.
if you are not my friend... well I am sorry for that... BUT since I am a Christian, I WILL LOVE YOU ANYWAY!
And so does God.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Honesty and deception.
I seem to remember reading or hearing a conversation that went something like this...
One man says, "I wish I did not have to live to see such a time." and the other responds, "so do all to whom such times come."
This is something that happens a lot.
There is a Chinese curse which states "May you live in interesting times."
Life is not easy but we seem to enjoy making it harder than it has to be.
Many people throughout the past have pointed out that people who wish to deceive use "honeyed words" they speak in such a way that people like to listen to them and believe what they say.
This is the trap that Theoden, in the "Lord of the Rings," fell into. This is the trap that allowed his son to die.
Theoden didn't want to hear about war and danger. He didn't want to face reality! so he listened to Wormtongue and he paid the price for it.
He also refused to listen to the Counsel of Gandalf and much evil came of it.
Grima Wormtongue only wanted to receive ill gotten gains but he spoke the things Theoden WANTED to hear. Gandalf wanted righteousness and Justice to prevail so he spoke the truth. He was "plainspoken".
He told the truth even though it might hurt a little! because the little hurt was NOTHING compared to the result of lies told by others.
I think there is a very important lesson to learn here. Sometimes people will talk to us about things we do not wish to hear. They will tell us how much we have messed up or whatever.
But they really have our best interests at heart.
Others will tell us what we want to hear and we think they are the ones who are really loving but in the end we will hurt more than ever because of them.
I ask you all to keep this in mind. someday you too will be approached by someone who wants something from you.
They might sound good and they might say what you want to hear but they are your enemy.
One man says, "I wish I did not have to live to see such a time." and the other responds, "so do all to whom such times come."
This is something that happens a lot.
There is a Chinese curse which states "May you live in interesting times."
Life is not easy but we seem to enjoy making it harder than it has to be.
Many people throughout the past have pointed out that people who wish to deceive use "honeyed words" they speak in such a way that people like to listen to them and believe what they say.
This is the trap that Theoden, in the "Lord of the Rings," fell into. This is the trap that allowed his son to die.
Theoden didn't want to hear about war and danger. He didn't want to face reality! so he listened to Wormtongue and he paid the price for it.
He also refused to listen to the Counsel of Gandalf and much evil came of it.
Grima Wormtongue only wanted to receive ill gotten gains but he spoke the things Theoden WANTED to hear. Gandalf wanted righteousness and Justice to prevail so he spoke the truth. He was "plainspoken".
He told the truth even though it might hurt a little! because the little hurt was NOTHING compared to the result of lies told by others.
I think there is a very important lesson to learn here. Sometimes people will talk to us about things we do not wish to hear. They will tell us how much we have messed up or whatever.
But they really have our best interests at heart.
Others will tell us what we want to hear and we think they are the ones who are really loving but in the end we will hurt more than ever because of them.
I ask you all to keep this in mind. someday you too will be approached by someone who wants something from you.
They might sound good and they might say what you want to hear but they are your enemy.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thank you Mr. Bush
Today as we face the inauguration of our 44th president I tend to look back in time at the office of George. W. Bush.
I know I have said it before and I will probably say it again… I really believe that history will be far less harsh in it’s judgment of this man.
I honestly believe that George Bush is a good man and served us well, possibly better than we deserved.
I also see what he is doing/has done during this transition and I cannot help but be struck by the Dignity, respect and integrity Mr. Bush has displayed in this transition.
When George Bush took office the Clinton’s staff apparently got up to some serious highjinks. They glued down the staplers, removed the “w” off all the keyboards etc… the damage estimate was around $10,000.00 worth.
Yet here we see Bush opening the way for the staff of Obama’s to get a headstart. The two staffs have worked together in the past few weeks to understand what is going on, to make a smooth transition. This alone indicates how Bush was better than we deserved.
Too many people have gone out of their way to vilify the president; when all he was trying to do was lead our country in difficult times.
Thanks to Mr. Bush we have remained the United States of America. We have not been attacked by terrorists a second time. We have not been destroyed by the forces out there who do not like us. We still retain our sovereignty. And we did not shirk our duty as a country nor did we let the enemy see us as weak or soft. These are all important aspects.
So I tip my hat to you Sir. And I will raise my glass today in a quiet toast to The Honorable George W. Bush. I pray that you and yours will have a much more peaceful and enjoyable life. Well Done Mr. President, and thank you.
I know I have said it before and I will probably say it again… I really believe that history will be far less harsh in it’s judgment of this man.
I honestly believe that George Bush is a good man and served us well, possibly better than we deserved.
I also see what he is doing/has done during this transition and I cannot help but be struck by the Dignity, respect and integrity Mr. Bush has displayed in this transition.
When George Bush took office the Clinton’s staff apparently got up to some serious highjinks. They glued down the staplers, removed the “w” off all the keyboards etc… the damage estimate was around $10,000.00 worth.
Yet here we see Bush opening the way for the staff of Obama’s to get a headstart. The two staffs have worked together in the past few weeks to understand what is going on, to make a smooth transition. This alone indicates how Bush was better than we deserved.
Too many people have gone out of their way to vilify the president; when all he was trying to do was lead our country in difficult times.
Thanks to Mr. Bush we have remained the United States of America. We have not been attacked by terrorists a second time. We have not been destroyed by the forces out there who do not like us. We still retain our sovereignty. And we did not shirk our duty as a country nor did we let the enemy see us as weak or soft. These are all important aspects.
So I tip my hat to you Sir. And I will raise my glass today in a quiet toast to The Honorable George W. Bush. I pray that you and yours will have a much more peaceful and enjoyable life. Well Done Mr. President, and thank you.
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