"Happy 3rd Blogiversary to me."
I just realized that I started my blog 3 years ago last week. And actually, my very first post was one of my best:
My Grandfather's Best Quote
"How do I know what I think about something until I hear what I have to say about it?" [my late Grandpa Jones]
I know what I think about a lot of things. This blog (if it actually is a blog) is about all of the things I don't know what I think about. Believe me, it's gonna be a long blog.
I'm gay. I'm Christian. I'm relatively smart for a complete idiot. I'm a good friend but I'm pretty much a social recluse. I have better conversations with the lake, the stars and a bottle of booze (although I don't drink much) than I do with most people. Basically, I'm your average train wreck, but you would never know it we met. My life is very organized, categorized, locked and loaded for a totally disorganized, mixed up, uneventful guy.
I think in circles, and it sometimes takes years to get out of the circle on a particular issue. I journal pretty regularly, but there is no possibility that someone else will ever read it so what's the point? So I'm gonna try this blog deal and see if, by pretending that someone else may actually see it, I can make myself say what I think so I can know whatever it is.
If that makes sense to you, please explain it to me. In the mean time, I'll try to write something that perhaps someone else will enjoy.
Here's to another few posts, anyway.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me
"I got fired."
I guess two months of working with me is all that my trainer could stand. He resigned at the end of my monthly contract. But I'm not taking it personally. He got an offer to go play baseball again. He is now a player on the Edinburg (Texas) Roadrunners, doing what he loves. I wish him every success.
I looked up the team and the city too since I've obviously never heard of them. The Roadrunners have a web site. Player roster and stats were last updated in Sept, 2012. But they do broadcast the games on the internet. I actually listened to part of one the other night. My former trainer came up to bat. At a 2-2 count, the announcer simply ran out of things to say, so I could hear the ball park in the background. The organ music that was playing between pitches was, "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands."
I hope the guy is happy. But how can you take something seriously with that particular song playing in your ear?
He did manage to single to right field and get on base. He got left on third two batters later. But at least he's out there playing, doing what he wants to do in life, and doing his very best to do it well.
Now I just have to figure out how to keep the momentum going on the training front by myself. I didn't have enough torque to start it, but so far, I'm keeping the concept alive. I've lost 12 lbs., and am getting closer and closer to the 200 lb. mark.
I'm challenged just now to at least put as much effort into continuing my progress as my old trainer is putting into playing baseball.
I love baseball!
I guess two months of working with me is all that my trainer could stand. He resigned at the end of my monthly contract. But I'm not taking it personally. He got an offer to go play baseball again. He is now a player on the Edinburg (Texas) Roadrunners, doing what he loves. I wish him every success.
I looked up the team and the city too since I've obviously never heard of them. The Roadrunners have a web site. Player roster and stats were last updated in Sept, 2012. But they do broadcast the games on the internet. I actually listened to part of one the other night. My former trainer came up to bat. At a 2-2 count, the announcer simply ran out of things to say, so I could hear the ball park in the background. The organ music that was playing between pitches was, "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands."
I hope the guy is happy. But how can you take something seriously with that particular song playing in your ear?
He did manage to single to right field and get on base. He got left on third two batters later. But at least he's out there playing, doing what he wants to do in life, and doing his very best to do it well.
Now I just have to figure out how to keep the momentum going on the training front by myself. I didn't have enough torque to start it, but so far, I'm keeping the concept alive. I've lost 12 lbs., and am getting closer and closer to the 200 lb. mark.
I'm challenged just now to at least put as much effort into continuing my progress as my old trainer is putting into playing baseball.
I love baseball!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
To The National Security Agency Monitoring Blogs
"The Gestapo wasn't all bad, right?"
I'm not sure whether the NSA folks are monitoring blogs like they supposedly monitor emails and phone calls. But if by chance any of you nice folks happen to read this, I want to be probably the very first to wish you a great day.
As I get older, a Secret Police doesn't seem so bad. After all, we're not safe. There are mean people out there who want to do us harm. As freedom loving Americans, we have a social and cultural obligation to surrender that freedom whenever there is even a perceived threat, right? Freedom is overrated anyway. People misuse it all the time, and cause enough trouble to outweigh the benefits of freedom.
I don't actually think the NSA monitors blogs - just emails, texts and phone calls. If I were writing an email just now, I probably wouldn't discuss the half-acre of weed I am cultivating in my elderly neighbor's back yard. She doesn't go outside anymore anyway, so she isn't offended by it.
Nor would I discuss the three teenagers I acquired and keep in the bedroom closet to provide free agricultural labor, After all, someone has to keep the weeds out of the weed, right?
I'm not sure whether the NSA works very closely with the DEA or the IRS, but if they do and ever figure out what a criminal I am, I'll have to start watching the skies for Predator Drones.
But isn't there something we can do about taxes? I'm not sure how I feel about paying the government to listen to three billion phone calls each day. I don't know very many people, but everyone I know is constantly on their phone. And none of them have anything important to say - ever! Do I really need to pay people to listen to their mindless chatter?
Oh well, we have to be safe. Personally, I think we should all be confined to our homes after dark. And we shouldn't allow groups of more than two or three people to walk around in public. Guns shouldn't even be an issue. Nobody should even be allowed to carry scissors. Those things are dangerous.
I personally think we're doing a great job of counter terrorism. We're fighting fire with fire and creating the largest domestic terrorist organization in history. Bravo, guys. Keep up the good work!
I'm not sure whether the NSA folks are monitoring blogs like they supposedly monitor emails and phone calls. But if by chance any of you nice folks happen to read this, I want to be probably the very first to wish you a great day.
As I get older, a Secret Police doesn't seem so bad. After all, we're not safe. There are mean people out there who want to do us harm. As freedom loving Americans, we have a social and cultural obligation to surrender that freedom whenever there is even a perceived threat, right? Freedom is overrated anyway. People misuse it all the time, and cause enough trouble to outweigh the benefits of freedom.
I don't actually think the NSA monitors blogs - just emails, texts and phone calls. If I were writing an email just now, I probably wouldn't discuss the half-acre of weed I am cultivating in my elderly neighbor's back yard. She doesn't go outside anymore anyway, so she isn't offended by it.
Nor would I discuss the three teenagers I acquired and keep in the bedroom closet to provide free agricultural labor, After all, someone has to keep the weeds out of the weed, right?
I'm not sure whether the NSA works very closely with the DEA or the IRS, but if they do and ever figure out what a criminal I am, I'll have to start watching the skies for Predator Drones.
But isn't there something we can do about taxes? I'm not sure how I feel about paying the government to listen to three billion phone calls each day. I don't know very many people, but everyone I know is constantly on their phone. And none of them have anything important to say - ever! Do I really need to pay people to listen to their mindless chatter?
Oh well, we have to be safe. Personally, I think we should all be confined to our homes after dark. And we shouldn't allow groups of more than two or three people to walk around in public. Guns shouldn't even be an issue. Nobody should even be allowed to carry scissors. Those things are dangerous.
I personally think we're doing a great job of counter terrorism. We're fighting fire with fire and creating the largest domestic terrorist organization in history. Bravo, guys. Keep up the good work!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Pura Vida : : Wellness And Strength
"We had a great time."
This is what the week looked like from our balcony. It is on said balcony that I thought about the ad hoc slogan of Costa Rica, "Pura Vida".
I think Pura Vida, Pure Life, connotes something different to those in Costa Rica than it does to me. At first I really loved the thought. Then I started to see it in action, and only loved it a little instead of a lot.
To me, the word 'pure' connotes two things: Pure is unpolluted. Thoughts are pure if they are not attached to multiple or conflicting motives or impure desires and intentions. A heart is pure if it is not encumbered with bitterness, jealousy, hate, fear or prejudice. Pure also means undivided. Focused, passionate and effective.
'Pura Vida' to me therefore connotes living life to its fullest, trying to make the most of each day for the good of people, the planet and everything in between. What a cool concept.
But the more I heard the phrase used and observed how and when it was invoked, the connotation changed a little. I understood it as an expression of living life fully regardless of the consequences. It does connote saving the planet, but also includes an element of self centered, 'all that matters is my pleasure, screw anyone that doesn't like it, I am the center of the universe' mentality that I completely reject.
I want to live life, especially with my emphasis on wellness and strength this year, in my own understanding of Pura Vida. I want to attack life intentionally, desiring to do good for myself and for others. I want to be strong and well. I was amazed how nice looking and healthy people seemed to be there. (I had the same observations in Africa last fall).
If people in third world countries can eat healthy, live healthy and be well and strong, why is it such a fight here at home? This makes no sense. I want to understand this better.
I think Pura Vida, Pure Life, connotes something different to those in Costa Rica than it does to me. At first I really loved the thought. Then I started to see it in action, and only loved it a little instead of a lot.
To me, the word 'pure' connotes two things: Pure is unpolluted. Thoughts are pure if they are not attached to multiple or conflicting motives or impure desires and intentions. A heart is pure if it is not encumbered with bitterness, jealousy, hate, fear or prejudice. Pure also means undivided. Focused, passionate and effective.
'Pura Vida' to me therefore connotes living life to its fullest, trying to make the most of each day for the good of people, the planet and everything in between. What a cool concept.
But the more I heard the phrase used and observed how and when it was invoked, the connotation changed a little. I understood it as an expression of living life fully regardless of the consequences. It does connote saving the planet, but also includes an element of self centered, 'all that matters is my pleasure, screw anyone that doesn't like it, I am the center of the universe' mentality that I completely reject.
I want to live life, especially with my emphasis on wellness and strength this year, in my own understanding of Pura Vida. I want to attack life intentionally, desiring to do good for myself and for others. I want to be strong and well. I was amazed how nice looking and healthy people seemed to be there. (I had the same observations in Africa last fall).
If people in third world countries can eat healthy, live healthy and be well and strong, why is it such a fight here at home? This makes no sense. I want to understand this better.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Pura Vida
"Greetings from Jaco Beach, Costa Rica"
I guess I'm just not going to get a picture to upload from here. But trust me, it is every bit as beautiful as the internet said it was. This place exceeds all expectations. But blogger doesn't work very well from my Android computer. For what it's worth, I'm not totally disappointed in that either.
In Oklahoma, we don't have beaches, mountains, rain forests or really fresh produce. Jaco has all of the above without the chaos of a tourist place like Cancun. Everything here is perfect. We lack nothing and are enjoying everything.
Did the zip line stuff yesterday and it was kind of lame. Went swimming in the ocean until my friend saw a snake. They say this time of year even crocodiles sometimes find their way out of the rivers and on to our beach, but not very often. The pool. Is a good alternative.
I'll post a pic or two when I get back. Until then, I'm just going to enjoy the pura vida de Costa Rica.
God, this place is great.
I guess I'm just not going to get a picture to upload from here. But trust me, it is every bit as beautiful as the internet said it was. This place exceeds all expectations. But blogger doesn't work very well from my Android computer. For what it's worth, I'm not totally disappointed in that either.
In Oklahoma, we don't have beaches, mountains, rain forests or really fresh produce. Jaco has all of the above without the chaos of a tourist place like Cancun. Everything here is perfect. We lack nothing and are enjoying everything.
Did the zip line stuff yesterday and it was kind of lame. Went swimming in the ocean until my friend saw a snake. They say this time of year even crocodiles sometimes find their way out of the rivers and on to our beach, but not very often. The pool. Is a good alternative.
I'll post a pic or two when I get back. Until then, I'm just going to enjoy the pura vida de Costa Rica.
God, this place is great.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)