"There are a lot of things I'd rather do. Choosing between them is the challenge!"
I’d rather be at home drinking a Coke and watching the Rangers play baseball.
I’d rather not be too fat and all that goes with it.
So I’m working out instead.
I’d rather have pizza for dinner.
I’d rather not wake up at night with acid reflux.
So I’m eating grilled chicken and salad instead.
I’d rather have a cigarette.
I’d rather not have trouble breathing and all that goes with it.
So I’m Vaping instead.
I’d rather go to work at 10:30 and take a nap in the afternoon.
I’d rather not be so far behind and all that goes with it.
So I’m there early tomorrow.
I’d rather spend money and not worry about it.
I’d rather not be up to my eyeballs in debt.
So I’ll save up and pay cash.
I'd rather keep the money I earn and let the rest of the world fend for themselves
I'd rather not live in a world where hunger and poverty are the norm.
So I'll give when I can with a heart to help.
There are a whole lot of things I think I’d rather do until I think through the consequences, the long term results of habits and behavior that I participate in without question. Then I realize I’d just rather not. We don't usually have to choose between doing the right thing or the wrong thing. I'm not 14, and I'm way over that. Now I just have to choose between the things I'd rather do.
I’d rather be healthy, well, strong, financially stable, on top of my responsibilities at work and in my relationships with others. I’d rather eat right, work out, clean house, breathe deeply and sleep soundly. I'd rather be a good friend and a man of faith. I'd rather earn the respect of the people who know me (whether they give me that respect or not). I'd rather hear, "Well Done..." at the end of it all.
We all need to think about what we'd rather do.
(HaHa, I know...I'd rather not too.)
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Two Cool Things:
"It's fun when more than one great thing happens at once."
This weekend, I had the honor of watching this hummingbird feast on one of my potted flowers in my yard. I couldn't see him very well, so I got my camera to zoom in a little. I must've watched this beautiful little guy for at least 20 minutes. That was cool.
And it was even more cool that I had the time to actually sit there and watch - without worrying about what I needed to be doing instead or how far behind I am right now.
Life is Good! That is all.
And it was even more cool that I had the time to actually sit there and watch - without worrying about what I needed to be doing instead or how far behind I am right now.
Life is Good! That is all.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Bixology
"Eating in San Francisco is a pleasant adventure!"
I ate too much really good food from all kinds of places in San Francisco to highlight any particular venue or restaurant. So I decided to write about the dining experience overall. It was wonderful.
I ate everything from ball park food at the Giants game to seafood (which I avoid in Oklahoma due to some irrational phobia about how far we are from the nearest ocean). I enjoyed food from mobile trucks that set up for lunch at various locations to places I should have dressed nicer to go in. There was 'diner' fare, complete with delicious breakfasts and rude waitresses. There was bar food from the Irish pub just down the street from my hotel where I had the best fish and chips I've ever eaten and not one but three Irish Coffees for desert.
"Don't leave San Francisco without going to The Bix", says my cousin who lived there for many years.
The Bix is a dinner club with a jazz flare in some inconspicuous alley somewhere that I would have never found without a recommendation. And it was a really cool place. I didn't eat dinner, just their Crab Rolls. I had the Crab Rolls and two Grey Goose martinis, and my friend had two Scotch concoctions and the bill was $73! Not exactly fast food prices. But the food was good and the club was incredible.
But so were a lot of other dining establishments.
The story that makes The Bix unique happened a couple of days later as I browsed through a local store looking for souvenirs. I tripped on to a book called 'Bixology', written by the cofounder. He tells the story of the club, how it came to be, who they intended would eat there, etc. He also tells the story of their specialty drinks, and drinking in general. Then he starts in on their food, the music they bring in and the concept of how all of these work together to create the experience they intend.
It's cool to find a good place. But it's even more cool to find a book about that place that explains what it is to eat there and all about the kind of people the Bix was designed for. I'm very much enjoying being inside the head of the guy who created this awesome place.
And Bixology is the perfect "Thank You" gift for my cousin. What else could I get her from SF that she doesn't already have after living there so long. She will love the gift - and will receive it promptly, right after I finish reading it!
I ate everything from ball park food at the Giants game to seafood (which I avoid in Oklahoma due to some irrational phobia about how far we are from the nearest ocean). I enjoyed food from mobile trucks that set up for lunch at various locations to places I should have dressed nicer to go in. There was 'diner' fare, complete with delicious breakfasts and rude waitresses. There was bar food from the Irish pub just down the street from my hotel where I had the best fish and chips I've ever eaten and not one but three Irish Coffees for desert.
"Don't leave San Francisco without going to The Bix", says my cousin who lived there for many years.
The Bix is a dinner club with a jazz flare in some inconspicuous alley somewhere that I would have never found without a recommendation. And it was a really cool place. I didn't eat dinner, just their Crab Rolls. I had the Crab Rolls and two Grey Goose martinis, and my friend had two Scotch concoctions and the bill was $73! Not exactly fast food prices. But the food was good and the club was incredible.
But so were a lot of other dining establishments.
The story that makes The Bix unique happened a couple of days later as I browsed through a local store looking for souvenirs. I tripped on to a book called 'Bixology', written by the cofounder. He tells the story of the club, how it came to be, who they intended would eat there, etc. He also tells the story of their specialty drinks, and drinking in general. Then he starts in on their food, the music they bring in and the concept of how all of these work together to create the experience they intend.
It's cool to find a good place. But it's even more cool to find a book about that place that explains what it is to eat there and all about the kind of people the Bix was designed for. I'm very much enjoying being inside the head of the guy who created this awesome place.
And Bixology is the perfect "Thank You" gift for my cousin. What else could I get her from SF that she doesn't already have after living there so long. She will love the gift - and will receive it promptly, right after I finish reading it!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
I'm Not A Fiddle. Don't Play Me!
"San Francisco has more social services than anyplace I've ever been. Why so many homeless?"
"Do you believe in Karma?" The homeless guy following me down the block toward my hotel in San Francisco last week obviously didn't care whether I did or not, he just wanted me to give him money. He didn't appreciate my pointing that out, but I hate to be played. Ask me for something and I'll answer 'yes' or 'no', but don't manipulate me into doing what you want, then get mad when I won't play along.
That was one of many encounters I had with the panhandlers and pigeons during my five days in SF. The pigeons were actually more fun. The pic above was taken during my day hike through the city. We stopped for lunch and ate outside. The pigeons were all around. As it turns out, they were just waiting for us to get up from the table. We didn't make it five steps before they invaded. It was like an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
I'm not really comparing homeless people to the pigeons, even if their actions were similar. Neither were the least bit afraid of us, or bashful about engaging us to get what they wanted. But I do have a heart to help people who are having a hard time in life. I worked for a year with the homeless on Wednesdays, taking them food and such.
The odd thing is that San Francisco has a vast array of social services. They will help people there. But, of course, with strings attached. They'll help people find jobs, get educated, break their addictions, etc. But not the ones who stay on drugs, etc.
I get that. There's a big difference between a hand up and a hand out.
It's a worldwide, culture wide, history wide, human conundrum. What do we do with people who can't or won't do what they need to do to get by in life?
One guy said, "I just do two things: Drinkin' and women. That's it. Just drinkin' and women. I'd really appreciate any contribution you could make."
"Yeah," says me. "I should support you so you can drink and chase women? Good luck with that." I don't think the poor guy had a clue why I wouldn't give him money.
Anyway, the gauntlet of homeless folks, brave enough to engage people repeatedly, tenacious enough not to accept 'no' and genuinely expecting people to give them money was both annoying and depressing. I really hate being hard hearted and callous - almost as much as I hate being played like a cheap violin.
That was one of many encounters I had with the panhandlers and pigeons during my five days in SF. The pigeons were actually more fun. The pic above was taken during my day hike through the city. We stopped for lunch and ate outside. The pigeons were all around. As it turns out, they were just waiting for us to get up from the table. We didn't make it five steps before they invaded. It was like an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
I'm not really comparing homeless people to the pigeons, even if their actions were similar. Neither were the least bit afraid of us, or bashful about engaging us to get what they wanted. But I do have a heart to help people who are having a hard time in life. I worked for a year with the homeless on Wednesdays, taking them food and such.
The odd thing is that San Francisco has a vast array of social services. They will help people there. But, of course, with strings attached. They'll help people find jobs, get educated, break their addictions, etc. But not the ones who stay on drugs, etc.
I get that. There's a big difference between a hand up and a hand out.
It's a worldwide, culture wide, history wide, human conundrum. What do we do with people who can't or won't do what they need to do to get by in life?
One guy said, "I just do two things: Drinkin' and women. That's it. Just drinkin' and women. I'd really appreciate any contribution you could make."
"Yeah," says me. "I should support you so you can drink and chase women? Good luck with that." I don't think the poor guy had a clue why I wouldn't give him money.
Anyway, the gauntlet of homeless folks, brave enough to engage people repeatedly, tenacious enough not to accept 'no' and genuinely expecting people to give them money was both annoying and depressing. I really hate being hard hearted and callous - almost as much as I hate being played like a cheap violin.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Walking Tall
"I'm 50 years old. I guess it's time I learned to walk."
Speaking of Habits for Wellness, and on the heels of my trip to San Francisco, I realize that I need to learn to walk. I walked miles and miles last week in SF. There's no way I could have survived that a year ago. As it is, I was worn out every day.
But as I walked my poor feet off, I began to notice how other people walked. The guide on the walking tour I took had a beautiful walk - and never got tired. But he grew up in SF and is in his 20's. Still, there was something about his walk that got my attention, so I started watching the others on the tour, then others after the tour. I observed that most people don't walk very well but some do. There really is a difference.
We all learn to walk when we're one or two years old. But we learn to get it done. We are never taught to do it right. It makes sense that there are bad walking habits just like there are bad eating habits or bad social habits. Hmmm...I might need to learn to walk better.
I did some research on it, and discovered that I'm not the first person to notice this. But every article I read on the subject said something different. Now, that's strange. Doesn't anybody know how to walk correctly?
If there is a general consensus, it starts with posture. The general idea is to walk with shoulders back, chest out (but not too far), tail untucked (whatever that means) feet pointing forward instead of out, etc. Basically, just the opposite of everything I do.
In general, it was easy to see who lives in SF and who the tourists are. And the Europeans tend to do a much better job than Americans. And fat people really screw it up, probably necessarily.
I (along with most Americans) rely primarily on my quads for walking. This evidently leads to dominant quads, weak muscles in the back of the legs and butt, hip issues, lower back issues and knee problems. Shoot! All this time I just thought I was too fat. Now I need to learn to walk? Cool. I'm in.
So I've been experimenting with walking better. Amazing results already. Sightseeing in San Francisco, I learned that something I've done wrong every single day of my life without thinking about it can be easily improved.
But I still wonder how to it right!
But as I walked my poor feet off, I began to notice how other people walked. The guide on the walking tour I took had a beautiful walk - and never got tired. But he grew up in SF and is in his 20's. Still, there was something about his walk that got my attention, so I started watching the others on the tour, then others after the tour. I observed that most people don't walk very well but some do. There really is a difference.
We all learn to walk when we're one or two years old. But we learn to get it done. We are never taught to do it right. It makes sense that there are bad walking habits just like there are bad eating habits or bad social habits. Hmmm...I might need to learn to walk better.
I did some research on it, and discovered that I'm not the first person to notice this. But every article I read on the subject said something different. Now, that's strange. Doesn't anybody know how to walk correctly?
If there is a general consensus, it starts with posture. The general idea is to walk with shoulders back, chest out (but not too far), tail untucked (whatever that means) feet pointing forward instead of out, etc. Basically, just the opposite of everything I do.
In general, it was easy to see who lives in SF and who the tourists are. And the Europeans tend to do a much better job than Americans. And fat people really screw it up, probably necessarily.
I (along with most Americans) rely primarily on my quads for walking. This evidently leads to dominant quads, weak muscles in the back of the legs and butt, hip issues, lower back issues and knee problems. Shoot! All this time I just thought I was too fat. Now I need to learn to walk? Cool. I'm in.
So I've been experimenting with walking better. Amazing results already. Sightseeing in San Francisco, I learned that something I've done wrong every single day of my life without thinking about it can be easily improved.
But I still wonder how to it right!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Good Habits Bring Good Luck
"Wellness and Strength is much more than weight loss."
As my 2013 emphasis is 'wellness and strength', I have been focusing on the physical side of life...weight loss, not smoking (so much), etc.
But the physical fitness picture is only a small part of wellness and strength. I've also been reading more, working hard to implement some long overdue changes at work, and a ton of other activities that lead to good results.
I just finished "Rich Habits - The Daily Success Habits Of Wealthy Individuals", which is a short, easy to read, concise overview of a thousand other self-help books out there. For me, it served as a good reminder of the concept that good habits lead to successful outcomes. (The book is not nearly as much about money as the title indicates. It's about life.)
The concept is this: There are four kinds of luck. Random good luck and random bad luck just happen. But our daily habits (good or bad) put us in the right place at the right time for situational luck - good and bad.
For example, random had luck might mean that I get hit by another car while driving. Sometimes, that's just random luck.
But if I am texting while driving, following too closely, fumbling with the radio or other electronic equipment, etc., my chances of being in an accident go up exponentially. That's different than random bad luck. An accident that happens in part because I am using bad driving habits is situational, not random.
If I am using good driving habits, I very possibly avoid the accident that would have been inevitable if I was busy texting or fighting with someone while driving.
All of life is that way. Good living habits by definition help avoid situational bad luck. And good living habits create a fertile environment for situational good luck to flourish. It's a simple concept, but easily overlooked when life gets busy and we operate mostly on autopilot.
But the physical fitness picture is only a small part of wellness and strength. I've also been reading more, working hard to implement some long overdue changes at work, and a ton of other activities that lead to good results.
I just finished "Rich Habits - The Daily Success Habits Of Wealthy Individuals", which is a short, easy to read, concise overview of a thousand other self-help books out there. For me, it served as a good reminder of the concept that good habits lead to successful outcomes. (The book is not nearly as much about money as the title indicates. It's about life.)
The concept is this: There are four kinds of luck. Random good luck and random bad luck just happen. But our daily habits (good or bad) put us in the right place at the right time for situational luck - good and bad.
For example, random had luck might mean that I get hit by another car while driving. Sometimes, that's just random luck.
But if I am texting while driving, following too closely, fumbling with the radio or other electronic equipment, etc., my chances of being in an accident go up exponentially. That's different than random bad luck. An accident that happens in part because I am using bad driving habits is situational, not random.
If I am using good driving habits, I very possibly avoid the accident that would have been inevitable if I was busy texting or fighting with someone while driving.
All of life is that way. Good living habits by definition help avoid situational bad luck. And good living habits create a fertile environment for situational good luck to flourish. It's a simple concept, but easily overlooked when life gets busy and we operate mostly on autopilot.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream?
"I've read several books lately that I don't like."
I really don't want my blog to be a book review, and I've only commented on a couple of books I've read in the past three years. But I've had a run of books lately that I really don't like. The latest is a book by David Platt called, "Radical: Taking Your Faith Back From The American Dream." The book is well written, and there's a hint of something valuable and obvious in it. As Americans, we need to realize that Christ is Lord of the whole world, not just our little self-centered, greedy, all consuming part of it.
But the book goes to far in demonizing the American perspective. The author seems to want us to feel guilty because we're not spending our last dollar and ounce of energy taking the gospel to the ends of the earth, because we spend more time making money than we spend giving it away, because we have so much in a world that has so little, etc. Evidently, we're supposed to put down our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness in order to make the world a little less miserable.
I am reminded of the Zambian pastor/farmer that we support, who is building a farm to support an orphanage and ministry. He pretty much despises American thinking, but tolerates it, of course, because we give him money. I love they guy, and his heart is right on. He spends every bit of his energy trying to spread the love of God both conceptually and physically to a world that needs basically everything.
But when he gets on his, "Americans are screwed up" bandwagon, I always end up thinking, "Yeah, but the things you say we're wrong about are the specific things that enable us to come over here and help you."
I get America's problems. Debt, greed, self saturation, etc. But as a nation, we also have a heart to help, to love, to equip and teach and to help the rest of the world rise up and be all that they can be. Why despise us (or why should we despise ourselves) for wanting our lives, our nation, and the whole world to be more successful, to have more and to do more?
I look at it this way:
God created the earth. Built in to that creation are whole systems of ocean currents, weather patterns, natural resources and ecosystems that - despite no little abuse of man - are able to continue to produce fresh air, clean water and food to feed the whole world. Yes, there are environmental issues. But creation still produces in abundance.
God created America. Built in to that creation is a belief that all are created equally and have certain inalienable rights, a belief that ingenuity and forward thinking risk taking is rewarded richly. And the good things that America has brought to the whole world are really good.
From an American perspective, the whole world should have food to eat and water to drink, a nice house to live in and a quality education system for their kids, a 7-11 on every corner and a gym on every block, a career that they can invest themselves in and a retirement plan for when they get done working. It's not like America strives to have these things at the expense of the rest of the world. We think everyone should have them. What's so wrong with that?
I really don't want my blog to be a book review, and I've only commented on a couple of books I've read in the past three years. But I've had a run of books lately that I really don't like. The latest is a book by David Platt called, "Radical: Taking Your Faith Back From The American Dream." The book is well written, and there's a hint of something valuable and obvious in it. As Americans, we need to realize that Christ is Lord of the whole world, not just our little self-centered, greedy, all consuming part of it.
But the book goes to far in demonizing the American perspective. The author seems to want us to feel guilty because we're not spending our last dollar and ounce of energy taking the gospel to the ends of the earth, because we spend more time making money than we spend giving it away, because we have so much in a world that has so little, etc. Evidently, we're supposed to put down our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness in order to make the world a little less miserable.
I am reminded of the Zambian pastor/farmer that we support, who is building a farm to support an orphanage and ministry. He pretty much despises American thinking, but tolerates it, of course, because we give him money. I love they guy, and his heart is right on. He spends every bit of his energy trying to spread the love of God both conceptually and physically to a world that needs basically everything.
But when he gets on his, "Americans are screwed up" bandwagon, I always end up thinking, "Yeah, but the things you say we're wrong about are the specific things that enable us to come over here and help you."
I get America's problems. Debt, greed, self saturation, etc. But as a nation, we also have a heart to help, to love, to equip and teach and to help the rest of the world rise up and be all that they can be. Why despise us (or why should we despise ourselves) for wanting our lives, our nation, and the whole world to be more successful, to have more and to do more?
I look at it this way:
God created the earth. Built in to that creation are whole systems of ocean currents, weather patterns, natural resources and ecosystems that - despite no little abuse of man - are able to continue to produce fresh air, clean water and food to feed the whole world. Yes, there are environmental issues. But creation still produces in abundance.
God created America. Built in to that creation is a belief that all are created equally and have certain inalienable rights, a belief that ingenuity and forward thinking risk taking is rewarded richly. And the good things that America has brought to the whole world are really good.
From an American perspective, the whole world should have food to eat and water to drink, a nice house to live in and a quality education system for their kids, a 7-11 on every corner and a gym on every block, a career that they can invest themselves in and a retirement plan for when they get done working. It's not like America strives to have these things at the expense of the rest of the world. We think everyone should have them. What's so wrong with that?
Monday, July 22, 2013
Getting There
"I just realized it's been more than a month..."
My focus this year is on Wellness and Strength. And I haven't forgotten about it for a minute.
But I realized today that it has been a whole month since I said anything about it. Fear Not, All Is Well.
It's been a little slow going since my trainer left to go play baseball. I confess that I haven't spent as much time at the gym as I need to, and the time I do spend there is not as productive. I don't really like the gym anyway. I don't belong there, and often feel like a gay boy in a Baptist church. I don't really know what to do or how to act. But I am doing the same stuff that I was doing with the trainer - 'cept the hard stuff. It's so easy to talk myself out of that.
Anyway, I'm still going, and still losing fat.
And, life has been extraordinarily busy lately, which is why I haven't had much to say on my blog in general. I'm never busy, but now I am always busy. I'm usually pretty good at slowing life down when it gets this way, but I'm unable to figure out how to do so just now. I'm working on it.
But the good news is that I've now lost 20 lbs. Wow. Within a couple of weeks, I expect to drop below 200! I'm not sure how to act when I feel proud of myself for something I've accomplished physically. I think this may be the first time in my whole life that I'm going to get to feel that way. Kinda weird.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. More to come soon, I promise.
(And kudos if you noticed before now that the July calendar is from 2003. That's not an accident. I'm just that far behind at the moment.)
My focus this year is on Wellness and Strength. And I haven't forgotten about it for a minute.
But I realized today that it has been a whole month since I said anything about it. Fear Not, All Is Well.
It's been a little slow going since my trainer left to go play baseball. I confess that I haven't spent as much time at the gym as I need to, and the time I do spend there is not as productive. I don't really like the gym anyway. I don't belong there, and often feel like a gay boy in a Baptist church. I don't really know what to do or how to act. But I am doing the same stuff that I was doing with the trainer - 'cept the hard stuff. It's so easy to talk myself out of that.
Anyway, I'm still going, and still losing fat.
And, life has been extraordinarily busy lately, which is why I haven't had much to say on my blog in general. I'm never busy, but now I am always busy. I'm usually pretty good at slowing life down when it gets this way, but I'm unable to figure out how to do so just now. I'm working on it.
But the good news is that I've now lost 20 lbs. Wow. Within a couple of weeks, I expect to drop below 200! I'm not sure how to act when I feel proud of myself for something I've accomplished physically. I think this may be the first time in my whole life that I'm going to get to feel that way. Kinda weird.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. More to come soon, I promise.
(And kudos if you noticed before now that the July calendar is from 2003. That's not an accident. I'm just that far behind at the moment.)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
OK, I've Had It!
"I have a blog and an opinion. The two are destined to meet."
First, I'm soooo sorry for writing this post. I thoroughly intended to let this whole episode pass without comment. The two people involved in this incident are both belligerent idiots with chips on their shoulders, and I have no sympathy for either, or interest in the case at all. Anytime two belligerent idiots meet and one or both has a gun, there are going to be problems, aren't there?
Having said that, I've been watching Facebook and social media, as well as the news media, get all worked up about the case. People are trying to make racial issues out of it or using it as a platform to support open carry laws and "Stand Your Ground" laws, etc.
I call "Bullshit"!
In my oversimplified opinion, here are the undisputable, clearly documented facts:
The rest of the saga is TBU information (True But Useless). What difference does either person's skin color make? What difference do Zimmerman's or Martin's background make? What does this have to do with race, gun control, etc?
Is Zimmerman guilty of Murder 2 or something else? I dunno. That's what the trial should have been about. The shooting may have been justified - but not under the 'self defense' umbrella. You can't pick a fight and claim self defense.
The rest - and there is so much of it I 'm going crazy - is just noise.
There. It's out of my system. I feel much better. Sorry again.
First, I'm soooo sorry for writing this post. I thoroughly intended to let this whole episode pass without comment. The two people involved in this incident are both belligerent idiots with chips on their shoulders, and I have no sympathy for either, or interest in the case at all. Anytime two belligerent idiots meet and one or both has a gun, there are going to be problems, aren't there?
I call "Bullshit"!
In my oversimplified opinion, here are the undisputable, clearly documented facts:
- Zimmerman picked a fight.
- He shot the guy he picked the fight with.
- He claims self defense.
The rest of the saga is TBU information (True But Useless). What difference does either person's skin color make? What difference do Zimmerman's or Martin's background make? What does this have to do with race, gun control, etc?
Is Zimmerman guilty of Murder 2 or something else? I dunno. That's what the trial should have been about. The shooting may have been justified - but not under the 'self defense' umbrella. You can't pick a fight and claim self defense.
The rest - and there is so much of it I 'm going crazy - is just noise.
There. It's out of my system. I feel much better. Sorry again.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
San Francisco
"I'm not leaving my heart there..."
But I am going. A friend of mine already has a hotel room at the Union Square Hilton, and I'm crowding in. It should be a great trip. He'll be busy doing stuff for his job, and I'll be exploring and taking it all in.
I'll be going the first part of August, and I'll only be there five days. Just looking around the internet, I've already found about three weeks worth of stuff I wanna do and see. Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, the City Tour, a Giants/Orioles game Friday night, the big fish tank, Chinatown, little Italy, Alcatraz maybe? Wow. I'm tired already.
I spent many years travelling around the country installing software and training medical offices. But our business was almost always rural. I only made it to Chicago once, got as close as Newark to the Big Apple, never touched Boston, Seattle or LA. I did make it to Atlanta, Houston, Philly, Denver, San Diego and, of course, Missoula, Montana. But I've never spent any time at all in San Francisco. I know only its reputation.
I think there won't be time to go see the Redlands (which I have seen before and really love) or do the wine country tour. If it weren't for all of the crazy people out there, I could love living in California. But I can take them for a few days, I'm sure.
So, if anyone has anything to add to the must see list, especially some off the beaten path restaurant or super eclectic bar in the area, feel free to let me know.
I'll be going the first part of August, and I'll only be there five days. Just looking around the internet, I've already found about three weeks worth of stuff I wanna do and see. Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, the City Tour, a Giants/Orioles game Friday night, the big fish tank, Chinatown, little Italy, Alcatraz maybe? Wow. I'm tired already.
I spent many years travelling around the country installing software and training medical offices. But our business was almost always rural. I only made it to Chicago once, got as close as Newark to the Big Apple, never touched Boston, Seattle or LA. I did make it to Atlanta, Houston, Philly, Denver, San Diego and, of course, Missoula, Montana. But I've never spent any time at all in San Francisco. I know only its reputation.
I think there won't be time to go see the Redlands (which I have seen before and really love) or do the wine country tour. If it weren't for all of the crazy people out there, I could love living in California. But I can take them for a few days, I'm sure.
So, if anyone has anything to add to the must see list, especially some off the beaten path restaurant or super eclectic bar in the area, feel free to let me know.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
I've lived This More Than A Few Times
"All American Boy by Steve Grand."
Give him some love (yeah, money) if you like it...Steve Grand's Bandcamp Page
Give him some love (yeah, money) if you like it...Steve Grand's Bandcamp Page
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Hey, I'm Three Years Old!
"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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
When All Is Stripped Away
"Christ did not come to end human suffering, but to redeem it."
The recent tornado in Moore encapsulates what I believe to be the single biggest obstacle to faith. It has many expressions, and examples are not hard to find.
The issue is, "If God is really who He claims to be, how can He let this happen?" the question is valid. The same question applies to parents losing children, disasters, sickness, any bad thing. God is Love. God is Good. God is all powerful. God is all knowing. If He knows some bad thing will happen, has the power to stop it and doesn't intervene, He becomes basically culpable. He is not Good, and this is not what Love is.
The issue drives Christians crazy, and they have a zillion ways to excuse, defend and support their faith. Most of them make no sense at all, and some are just funny.
I have a tendency to oversimplify everything. My simplistic resolution to the question is that God never promised stop all bad things in and around our lives. He promised to walk through those times with us. He promised to use even the worst things life can throw at us as opportunities strengthen and deepen our relationship with Him (and His with us).
Like the trailer park scoffers from two days ago, many scoff at the concept. For those people, there is no benefit to God. Their life is what it is, and nothing more. I'm sorry for them, but I honestly don't blame them. I think that is the wrong conclusion, but everyone has the right to reach the conclusion they are comfortable with.
For me (and countless others whose well documented stories are much more interesting than mine throughout history), I know that the bad times in life are already redeemed by what Christ did. The peaks and valleys in life are equal opportunities to experience God's presence, wisdom and power - even if the valleys are very deep and treacherous.
In this way, all things work together for Good (for God) for those who trust in the process and believe in the higher calling of the destiny and purpose He promises. Nothing is meaningless or incidental to that process, and every situation we can ever face in this life becomes a 'teachable moment' in which we learn more about Christ, personally and individually.
And honestly, a healthy separation from all of the stuff we accumulate, mansions we build and empires we think we control is not a bad thing.
So does God do bad things to us to teach us? Nope. Bad things happen and good things happen, to those who walk with God and to those who don't. That part of life is part of creation. Cause/Effect is a powerful part of that creation. Random events are also part of it. They happen to everyone, and the difference between people of faith and people without faith is in how they respond to each episode that life presents.
My working theory is that those of us who focus on our God will always be able to process, overcome and benefit from bad events in life better than those who deny God's existence at all. As a Christian, no matter what I face in life, I can say, "I know whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed to him against that (or any) day."
That's what it is to be a Christian.
The issue is, "If God is really who He claims to be, how can He let this happen?" the question is valid. The same question applies to parents losing children, disasters, sickness, any bad thing. God is Love. God is Good. God is all powerful. God is all knowing. If He knows some bad thing will happen, has the power to stop it and doesn't intervene, He becomes basically culpable. He is not Good, and this is not what Love is.
The issue drives Christians crazy, and they have a zillion ways to excuse, defend and support their faith. Most of them make no sense at all, and some are just funny.
I have a tendency to oversimplify everything. My simplistic resolution to the question is that God never promised stop all bad things in and around our lives. He promised to walk through those times with us. He promised to use even the worst things life can throw at us as opportunities strengthen and deepen our relationship with Him (and His with us).
Like the trailer park scoffers from two days ago, many scoff at the concept. For those people, there is no benefit to God. Their life is what it is, and nothing more. I'm sorry for them, but I honestly don't blame them. I think that is the wrong conclusion, but everyone has the right to reach the conclusion they are comfortable with.
For me (and countless others whose well documented stories are much more interesting than mine throughout history), I know that the bad times in life are already redeemed by what Christ did. The peaks and valleys in life are equal opportunities to experience God's presence, wisdom and power - even if the valleys are very deep and treacherous.
In this way, all things work together for Good (for God) for those who trust in the process and believe in the higher calling of the destiny and purpose He promises. Nothing is meaningless or incidental to that process, and every situation we can ever face in this life becomes a 'teachable moment' in which we learn more about Christ, personally and individually.
And honestly, a healthy separation from all of the stuff we accumulate, mansions we build and empires we think we control is not a bad thing.
So does God do bad things to us to teach us? Nope. Bad things happen and good things happen, to those who walk with God and to those who don't. That part of life is part of creation. Cause/Effect is a powerful part of that creation. Random events are also part of it. They happen to everyone, and the difference between people of faith and people without faith is in how they respond to each episode that life presents.
My working theory is that those of us who focus on our God will always be able to process, overcome and benefit from bad events in life better than those who deny God's existence at all. As a Christian, no matter what I face in life, I can say, "I know whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed to him against that (or any) day."
That's what it is to be a Christian.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Moore Is Less
"Like a thief in the night - in broad daylight."
Wow. Yesterday I was pissed at the people who ignored all of the warning, stayed in a trailer park as a tornado approached and died.
Today I am overwhelmed at the destruction and loss of life in the aftermath of a tornado that came without warning, that was apocalyptic in nature and that changed the landscape of a very populated part of the Oklahoma City metro area.
Even folks that did things right died. Kids and teachers at school, in the basement below ground right where they should have been, perished as the school collapsed on top of them and the flooding rainwater drowned them. There is no word in English to describe that.
The tornado yesterday in Moore, OK cut a path 20 miles long and up to two miles wide. It picked up houses, people, cars, pets, trees, grass and even dirt and hurled it up to 75 miles away.
The guys in the trailer park yesterday might say with some legitimacy today, "See. It doesn't matter. When it's your time, it's your time. There is no difference between those who do things right and those who ignore every sign and scoff at every warning."
This is a common argument used against those whose worldview incorporates faith, destiny, living for something bigger than oneself and believing in God.
And today it is hard to argue with them. Just sayin'.
Today I am overwhelmed at the destruction and loss of life in the aftermath of a tornado that came without warning, that was apocalyptic in nature and that changed the landscape of a very populated part of the Oklahoma City metro area.
Even folks that did things right died. Kids and teachers at school, in the basement below ground right where they should have been, perished as the school collapsed on top of them and the flooding rainwater drowned them. There is no word in English to describe that.
The tornado yesterday in Moore, OK cut a path 20 miles long and up to two miles wide. It picked up houses, people, cars, pets, trees, grass and even dirt and hurled it up to 75 miles away.
The guys in the trailer park yesterday might say with some legitimacy today, "See. It doesn't matter. When it's your time, it's your time. There is no difference between those who do things right and those who ignore every sign and scoff at every warning."
This is a common argument used against those whose worldview incorporates faith, destiny, living for something bigger than oneself and believing in God.
And today it is hard to argue with them. Just sayin'.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Tornado Alley 2013
"The East Coast has hurricanes, the West Coast has earthquakes, we have tornados."
Oklahoma is famous for severe weather, especially in May. Tornados are a fact of life here. I have lived here all my life and never experienced one until 2006. They really are every bit as scary and terrible as one might imagine. I hope I never have to ride out another one.
I used to joke that we aren't afraid of them. We just send them to the nearest trailer park. Then a few tornados hit a few trailer parks, and the joke isn't funny anymore. Why anyone in this particular state would live in a mobile home is beyond me. Why anyone would stay in one when they have a fifteen minute warning that a long track, huge tornado is coming blows me away.
Yesterday, a long track, early warned, heavily chased tornado smashed a pretty big trailer park and two people died.
The pic above was taken yesterday by the pastor of one of our mega churches here. It is supposedly authentic. It is obviously symbolic. The cross in the pic is 163 ft tall, located on the campus of the church. The tornado started a few miles west of the picture location and continued until it significantly damaged the town of Carney, OK, some 60 miles away, causing one injury and a bunch of property damage for a town of 649 people.
What does it take to get people to understand and respect a tornado? Do they really have to die? Tornados are non negotiable. You aren't going to win an argument with one, and they have no respect for whatever rights people think they're entitled to. They are what they are, and they do what they do. Ignore them at your own peril.
What does it take to get people to understand and respect the cross? It to is a force in and of itself. It can change lives. It has changed history. There's a lot of Facebook chatter this morning about the cross representing 'good' and the tornado representing 'destruction'. Some see the cross as defense against the tornados of life. I'm OK with that, BTW.
But my thoughts this morning, as I absorb the impact of the tornados yesterday, are how the cross and the tornado are alike. Both of them have intrinsic power to affect lives. Both of them are what they are regardless of anyone's opinion, interpretation, background, belief system or worldview. To think of the cross as just a symbol of some idealistic or esoteric concept of a utopian lifestyle or way of looking at things is a huge mistake.
The cross is as real as the tornado, and has already impacted people, communities, cultures and history more than any weather phenomenon ever could. Yet people ignore it, shun it and ridicule it just like some trailer park residents do to the weather reports. Huge mistake.
I used to joke that we aren't afraid of them. We just send them to the nearest trailer park. Then a few tornados hit a few trailer parks, and the joke isn't funny anymore. Why anyone in this particular state would live in a mobile home is beyond me. Why anyone would stay in one when they have a fifteen minute warning that a long track, huge tornado is coming blows me away.
Yesterday, a long track, early warned, heavily chased tornado smashed a pretty big trailer park and two people died.
The pic above was taken yesterday by the pastor of one of our mega churches here. It is supposedly authentic. It is obviously symbolic. The cross in the pic is 163 ft tall, located on the campus of the church. The tornado started a few miles west of the picture location and continued until it significantly damaged the town of Carney, OK, some 60 miles away, causing one injury and a bunch of property damage for a town of 649 people.
What does it take to get people to understand and respect a tornado? Do they really have to die? Tornados are non negotiable. You aren't going to win an argument with one, and they have no respect for whatever rights people think they're entitled to. They are what they are, and they do what they do. Ignore them at your own peril.
What does it take to get people to understand and respect the cross? It to is a force in and of itself. It can change lives. It has changed history. There's a lot of Facebook chatter this morning about the cross representing 'good' and the tornado representing 'destruction'. Some see the cross as defense against the tornados of life. I'm OK with that, BTW.
But my thoughts this morning, as I absorb the impact of the tornados yesterday, are how the cross and the tornado are alike. Both of them have intrinsic power to affect lives. Both of them are what they are regardless of anyone's opinion, interpretation, background, belief system or worldview. To think of the cross as just a symbol of some idealistic or esoteric concept of a utopian lifestyle or way of looking at things is a huge mistake.
The cross is as real as the tornado, and has already impacted people, communities, cultures and history more than any weather phenomenon ever could. Yet people ignore it, shun it and ridicule it just like some trailer park residents do to the weather reports. Huge mistake.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Another Couple of Weeks, Another Couple of Pounds
"At this rate, I'll look like a heroin addict by the turn of the century."
Well, the training, sweating, strengthening and progress continues. I wish it was faster, easier, done already, etc. But it isn't. So I'll keep after it.
It's not like the process is all that bad. But it's not impressive either. Kinda like my whole life, in a way.
But I'll get there. I won't be first. I probably won't be last. And I won't fail.
My trainer decided to up the stakes a little this week. We're doing different and harder stuff, and I'm sore all over. But I do feel like I'm accomplishing something, so that's good.
And I walked right by the box of doughnuts this morning at work to get to the fridge where I have a stash of really good, fresh blueberries. (I still want a doughnut.)
Well, the training, sweating, strengthening and progress continues. I wish it was faster, easier, done already, etc. But it isn't. So I'll keep after it.
It's not like the process is all that bad. But it's not impressive either. Kinda like my whole life, in a way.
But I'll get there. I won't be first. I probably won't be last. And I won't fail.
My trainer decided to up the stakes a little this week. We're doing different and harder stuff, and I'm sore all over. But I do feel like I'm accomplishing something, so that's good.
And I walked right by the box of doughnuts this morning at work to get to the fridge where I have a stash of really good, fresh blueberries. (I still want a doughnut.)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
A Good Sports Massage
"Great. Just what I need: Something else to spend money on."
My shoulder hurts. It hurts from my neck to my elbow. It's not constant, but varies depending on what I'm doing. Both the location and intensity change all the time. I've tried ignoring it, taking some anti-inflammatory drugs (which help, but I don't like them), working around the problem, trying to develop better shoulders over time, etc.
If I go see a doctor, I presume that rotator cuff surgery will be needed. After all, insurance companies won't argue with it, it's lucrative for the doc et al, it's routine and who cares how much the recovery hurts? Maybe I should try physical therapy first. Maybe I'll find a good sports massage therapist.
I did that today.
The guy rubbed on me for a long time and it feels better already. The therapist is from South Korea and put some patch on my shoulder and arm. I asked what it was, and he told me. I didn't recognize the name, of course. He said he brought it from South Korea, and it was a special deal. Hmmm. Outcome is everything. We'll see if it helps.
The experience was cool, but not like others who routinely get massages tell me about. I enjoyed it until the end, when I checked out and the receptionist pushed the 'plan' on me. If I buy a massage a month for a year, I save $20 each. If I want more than one a month, the second one is half price.
I suggested we see if this one helps in the gym, and she made it clear that if I didn't sign up today it would cost an extra $100 and I wouldn't get a month free. I explained that I just had my first ever massage, and I enjoyed it, and I felt better. But I wasn't quite ready to buy $750 worth of them today. She acted offended. I felt sorry for her.
Somehow I bet that if I do decide to sign up for a massage a month for a year on my next visit (if there is one), they'll do a special deal just for me and waive the fee and throw in the extra month. But my first reaction is that I will never find out.
We'll see.
If I go see a doctor, I presume that rotator cuff surgery will be needed. After all, insurance companies won't argue with it, it's lucrative for the doc et al, it's routine and who cares how much the recovery hurts? Maybe I should try physical therapy first. Maybe I'll find a good sports massage therapist.
I did that today.
The guy rubbed on me for a long time and it feels better already. The therapist is from South Korea and put some patch on my shoulder and arm. I asked what it was, and he told me. I didn't recognize the name, of course. He said he brought it from South Korea, and it was a special deal. Hmmm. Outcome is everything. We'll see if it helps.
The experience was cool, but not like others who routinely get massages tell me about. I enjoyed it until the end, when I checked out and the receptionist pushed the 'plan' on me. If I buy a massage a month for a year, I save $20 each. If I want more than one a month, the second one is half price.
I suggested we see if this one helps in the gym, and she made it clear that if I didn't sign up today it would cost an extra $100 and I wouldn't get a month free. I explained that I just had my first ever massage, and I enjoyed it, and I felt better. But I wasn't quite ready to buy $750 worth of them today. She acted offended. I felt sorry for her.
Somehow I bet that if I do decide to sign up for a massage a month for a year on my next visit (if there is one), they'll do a special deal just for me and waive the fee and throw in the extra month. But my first reaction is that I will never find out.
We'll see.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Miracle In Las Vegas
"No, we didn't win a million bucks."
Circa 1978, our family hosted a foreign exchange student from Belgium. He was supposed to stay for a school year then go home. He never left.
By 1984, he completely ran out of options to extend his visa. Against our parents' advice, he married the girl he was dating primarily to stay here. He moved to Chicago to marry her, and we never heard from him again.
Fast forward to last weekend, as I am in Vegas with my bro doing 50 proud. We wander into Planet Hollywood and listen to the final set of music from a pretty good rock band. We start a conversation with a pretty blond girl, who happens to be in Vegas with her best friend celebrating her 50th. She mentions that she is from Chicago, lives in California now, went to school at OU and married a European guy who is an aeronautical engineer. My bro mentioned our long lost student by name, and it turns out that the pretty blond is the very same girl the guy left to marry almost 30 years ago.
To say that all of our minds were blown would be an understatement. Sometimes coincidences are just too coincidental to be mere coincidence. Word travelled fast, and the blowing of minds extended to at least four states. We've tried to find this guy several times over the past 29 years and didn't have any luck. Now, without warning or preparation, here's his (now ex) wife. What a wonderful, random, unexplainable, out of the blue experience.
When we finally got to talk to him, It was really weird. I told him it was good to talk to my brother who ran away from home. We heard about his kids, career and life, but none of us had our fill of talking. Hopefully over the next few weeks and months, we'll be able to reconnect with someone who was a big part of my family during and after high school.
What a great birthday present.
And Elton John was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of that concert.
What a weekend!
By 1984, he completely ran out of options to extend his visa. Against our parents' advice, he married the girl he was dating primarily to stay here. He moved to Chicago to marry her, and we never heard from him again.
Fast forward to last weekend, as I am in Vegas with my bro doing 50 proud. We wander into Planet Hollywood and listen to the final set of music from a pretty good rock band. We start a conversation with a pretty blond girl, who happens to be in Vegas with her best friend celebrating her 50th. She mentions that she is from Chicago, lives in California now, went to school at OU and married a European guy who is an aeronautical engineer. My bro mentioned our long lost student by name, and it turns out that the pretty blond is the very same girl the guy left to marry almost 30 years ago.
To say that all of our minds were blown would be an understatement. Sometimes coincidences are just too coincidental to be mere coincidence. Word travelled fast, and the blowing of minds extended to at least four states. We've tried to find this guy several times over the past 29 years and didn't have any luck. Now, without warning or preparation, here's his (now ex) wife. What a wonderful, random, unexplainable, out of the blue experience.
When we finally got to talk to him, It was really weird. I told him it was good to talk to my brother who ran away from home. We heard about his kids, career and life, but none of us had our fill of talking. Hopefully over the next few weeks and months, we'll be able to reconnect with someone who was a big part of my family during and after high school.
What a great birthday present.
And Elton John was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of that concert.
What a weekend!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
8 Lbs, 1 Month And No Potatos
"The five food groups: Meat, Cheese, Potatoes, Pasta, Bread"
I've been working with Tylor, my trainer for a month now. I've lost eight lbs, which isn't all that good or bad. I don't miss them, for what it's worth.
It's time to sign up for another month. Here's the paraphrased conversation we had about that.
Tylor: Are we going to keep doing the same schedule this month, or do you need to cut back to two days a week?"
Me: Well, I've been thinking a lot about that. My thoughts drifted towards all of the advantages of being a couch potato. I've been asking myself whether I'm going the right direction. I could be sitting at home watching the Rangers' game, eating potato chips, drinking a Coke and smoking. That scenario offers some real advantages that I'm not going to get spending my time up here working out with you.
I would enjoy eating food from the five food groups again.
I have insurance. If I get diabetes, insurance and eventually Medicare will pay for it.
If I get really, really fat, I can get a handicap sticker from my Dr. ...
[Tylor just kept filling out the paperwork as if I wasn't saying anything. I was hoping for an argument, grimace, objection, negotiation for an order of fries now and then or something. It didn't happen.]
Me: You're not buying any of this are you?
Tylor Nope. You've come too far. Did you want to pay by check or credit card?
[I signed the form and handed over the card.]
It's time to sign up for another month. Here's the paraphrased conversation we had about that.
Tylor: Are we going to keep doing the same schedule this month, or do you need to cut back to two days a week?"
Me: Well, I've been thinking a lot about that. My thoughts drifted towards all of the advantages of being a couch potato. I've been asking myself whether I'm going the right direction. I could be sitting at home watching the Rangers' game, eating potato chips, drinking a Coke and smoking. That scenario offers some real advantages that I'm not going to get spending my time up here working out with you.
I would enjoy eating food from the five food groups again.
I have insurance. If I get diabetes, insurance and eventually Medicare will pay for it.
If I get really, really fat, I can get a handicap sticker from my Dr. ...
[Tylor just kept filling out the paperwork as if I wasn't saying anything. I was hoping for an argument, grimace, objection, negotiation for an order of fries now and then or something. It didn't happen.]
Me: You're not buying any of this are you?
Tylor Nope. You've come too far. Did you want to pay by check or credit card?
[I signed the form and handed over the card.]
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
50 And All's Well
"Turning 50 isn't the end of the world."
Well, I made it. And all is well.
For my birthday my bro is taking me to Vegas for a long weekend. We're also going to go see Elton John in concert. That will really be fun.
Other than that, the day was uneventful and routine, just like I wanted it to be.
At some point, I still need to think through what happens next. But not today.
For my birthday my bro is taking me to Vegas for a long weekend. We're also going to go see Elton John in concert. That will really be fun.
Other than that, the day was uneventful and routine, just like I wanted it to be.
At some point, I still need to think through what happens next. But not today.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
The Verdict Is In
"I'm not good enough, but I wouldn't trade places with anyone."
I think (hope?) it is normal when one crosses a milestone in life (like turning 50 tomorrow) to reflect on the past asking questions like, "What's Right?", "What is wrong?", What happens now?", etc. I've obviously been asking those questions for the past couple of months. I've found some things that are finally wrong enough to motivate me to change them - hence the Wellness and Strength focus this year.
And I think that my 50th anniversary of existence will come down the same as always where those questions are concerned.
I'm not good enough. There's a ton of evidence and more than enough witnesses to support that verdict, and there's really no defense. I've had the best opportunities, exposure to some of the best people on the planet and was provided with more knowledge of God than most people I know. I know many people who have done far more with far less. In many ways I feel like I've missed the bull's-eye in life.
But I'm in a good place. Even if I didn't do it right, life has been pretty good to me. I have less stress and am less busy than anyone I know. I have enough money, plenty of time, a heart that can still love deeply and is relatively unpolluted and undivided. And I'm happy.
I haven't done it lately, but in the past few years I've checked in on some of the people who have been the most belligerent at telling me I'm not good enough, and they got shit. I wouldn't trade places with any of them. If they're so much better than me, and I'm so not good enough, they are the ones that should have more to show off, not me.
Russell Westbrook, all star point guard for the OKC Thunder NBA team provides a great picture of life for me just now. Just a couple of years ago, everyone was on his case. They nicknamed him 'Worstbrook' and thought we should get rid of him. This week, he hurt his little knee and you'd think that the balance of power in the whole free world changed because of it. I'm glad he didn't believe in the people who said he wasn't good enough.
Anyway, who said I was supposed to be good enough? I'm a great guy, and that is good enough.
For all of those who don't think so, I'm truly sorry. Your lives would be better if you thought otherwise.
And I think that my 50th anniversary of existence will come down the same as always where those questions are concerned.
I'm not good enough. There's a ton of evidence and more than enough witnesses to support that verdict, and there's really no defense. I've had the best opportunities, exposure to some of the best people on the planet and was provided with more knowledge of God than most people I know. I know many people who have done far more with far less. In many ways I feel like I've missed the bull's-eye in life.
But I'm in a good place. Even if I didn't do it right, life has been pretty good to me. I have less stress and am less busy than anyone I know. I have enough money, plenty of time, a heart that can still love deeply and is relatively unpolluted and undivided. And I'm happy.
I haven't done it lately, but in the past few years I've checked in on some of the people who have been the most belligerent at telling me I'm not good enough, and they got shit. I wouldn't trade places with any of them. If they're so much better than me, and I'm so not good enough, they are the ones that should have more to show off, not me.
Russell Westbrook, all star point guard for the OKC Thunder NBA team provides a great picture of life for me just now. Just a couple of years ago, everyone was on his case. They nicknamed him 'Worstbrook' and thought we should get rid of him. This week, he hurt his little knee and you'd think that the balance of power in the whole free world changed because of it. I'm glad he didn't believe in the people who said he wasn't good enough.
Anyway, who said I was supposed to be good enough? I'm a great guy, and that is good enough.
For all of those who don't think so, I'm truly sorry. Your lives would be better if you thought otherwise.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Gay, Straignt or Fifty?
"If I haven't figured it out by now, I never will."
I used to think that the world was divided between gay and straight.
As I approach 50, I realize that my world is actually divided between gay, straight and 50.
There were things I could do when I was 4 that were inappropriate when I was 20. Other things, appropriate when I was 20 are inappropriate at 50. I'm not making statements here that apply to anyone else on the planet except me. But for me, the whole gay/straight thing is no longer an appropriate subject for me to invest myself in any more.
I have no interest in being an advocate for anything, especially in the political arena, especially in a paradigm where there is so much passionate hate on both sides. I do hope that the next generation of people like me who love God and are gay have the opportunity to live life without the oxymoron. I hope that in the future they won't have to live a lie or try to be something they aren't.
I have never had any desire to live in Sodom and Gomorrah. There is a dark side of the gay world, just as there is a dark side of the straight world. I have no interest in either. I am the polar opposite of a dirty old man, and there is no way that will ever change. I have compared this part of life to the ghetto, and am sad for those who have decided to live there. I am more sad for those who (at least from their own points of view) have been forced to live there by a family, society or culture that will not tolerate them anyplace else.
I would probably try to do something to help people escape the ghetto, but I don't know anything about life there or how to relate to those who call the ghetto home. And of that I am not ashamed.
It would have been great to fall in love with someone when I was in my 20's and try to build a life together. But that's not how it worked out for me. For ten years, I have stood on the outskirts as an outsider looking in, and never found a place inside the gay world to land. I've only met two gay guys that I thought I could have a relationship with that would last longer than an evening. One went bananas and the other turned me off like a bad TV show.
So be it. This is part of who I am, but in my case it's not a very big part. I'm done and out.
As I turn 50, for me the gay paradigm becomes inappropriate. I'm actually excited to be free of it.
If I ever have to answer questions about my sexuality in the future, the answer will be, "I am alone. Just like I have been my whole life." In case that sounds depressing, it's not. Somehow it fits me and feels right. I'm good with it.
As I approach 50, I realize that my world is actually divided between gay, straight and 50.
There were things I could do when I was 4 that were inappropriate when I was 20. Other things, appropriate when I was 20 are inappropriate at 50. I'm not making statements here that apply to anyone else on the planet except me. But for me, the whole gay/straight thing is no longer an appropriate subject for me to invest myself in any more.
I have no interest in being an advocate for anything, especially in the political arena, especially in a paradigm where there is so much passionate hate on both sides. I do hope that the next generation of people like me who love God and are gay have the opportunity to live life without the oxymoron. I hope that in the future they won't have to live a lie or try to be something they aren't.
I have never had any desire to live in Sodom and Gomorrah. There is a dark side of the gay world, just as there is a dark side of the straight world. I have no interest in either. I am the polar opposite of a dirty old man, and there is no way that will ever change. I have compared this part of life to the ghetto, and am sad for those who have decided to live there. I am more sad for those who (at least from their own points of view) have been forced to live there by a family, society or culture that will not tolerate them anyplace else.
I would probably try to do something to help people escape the ghetto, but I don't know anything about life there or how to relate to those who call the ghetto home. And of that I am not ashamed.
It would have been great to fall in love with someone when I was in my 20's and try to build a life together. But that's not how it worked out for me. For ten years, I have stood on the outskirts as an outsider looking in, and never found a place inside the gay world to land. I've only met two gay guys that I thought I could have a relationship with that would last longer than an evening. One went bananas and the other turned me off like a bad TV show.
So be it. This is part of who I am, but in my case it's not a very big part. I'm done and out.
As I turn 50, for me the gay paradigm becomes inappropriate. I'm actually excited to be free of it.
If I ever have to answer questions about my sexuality in the future, the answer will be, "I am alone. Just like I have been my whole life." In case that sounds depressing, it's not. Somehow it fits me and feels right. I'm good with it.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Time Flies When You're Damn Near Fifty
"Life is too short to safely remove USB devices."
There's just one week left before I turn 50. And a busy week it is shaping up to be.
It starts tonight with an invitation to joyfully watch the OKC Thunder empty the Rockets in Game 1 of Round 1 of the NBA playoffs. We're going to be in one of the suites with people who have a lot more money and influence than I. Should be a blast. (That little Russian shit is still in custody in Boston, right?)
And my cousin is coming from Denver this week. She's always a lot of fun.
And the Oklahoma City Arts Festival is here this week. That's always the most expensive 'free admission' venue of the year for me. I always find something in my price range (barely) that I think I can't live without.
And the personal training continues. I don't get a vacation until I've been doing it full time for at least six months. Oh, wait. I'm establishing some momentum there, and don't want to disrupt it just yet.
Work is crazy busy.
Who has time to turn 50? Surely not I.
But, just as Spring is coming no matter what Winter thinks of it, I will turn 50 Monday next. Since I plan to live forever in one world or another, I don't think 50 is that big of a deal. But I have some tidbits to throw out before the event actually happens.
There are a couple of specific issues that I want to write about, but overall I think I've been fifty since I was thirty-five. I'm actually pretty excited to be able to act my age for the first time in years. With a couple of exceptions, life is good, and I'm happy with it. That's the backdrop against which I approach 50.
I don't theink the event will actually be very traumatic. And it's going to be fun to be busy enough not to worry about it this week.
There's just one week left before I turn 50. And a busy week it is shaping up to be.It starts tonight with an invitation to joyfully watch the OKC Thunder empty the Rockets in Game 1 of Round 1 of the NBA playoffs. We're going to be in one of the suites with people who have a lot more money and influence than I. Should be a blast. (That little Russian shit is still in custody in Boston, right?)
And my cousin is coming from Denver this week. She's always a lot of fun.
And the Oklahoma City Arts Festival is here this week. That's always the most expensive 'free admission' venue of the year for me. I always find something in my price range (barely) that I think I can't live without.
And the personal training continues. I don't get a vacation until I've been doing it full time for at least six months. Oh, wait. I'm establishing some momentum there, and don't want to disrupt it just yet.
Work is crazy busy.
Who has time to turn 50? Surely not I.
But, just as Spring is coming no matter what Winter thinks of it, I will turn 50 Monday next. Since I plan to live forever in one world or another, I don't think 50 is that big of a deal. But I have some tidbits to throw out before the event actually happens.
There are a couple of specific issues that I want to write about, but overall I think I've been fifty since I was thirty-five. I'm actually pretty excited to be able to act my age for the first time in years. With a couple of exceptions, life is good, and I'm happy with it. That's the backdrop against which I approach 50.
I don't theink the event will actually be very traumatic. And it's going to be fun to be busy enough not to worry about it this week.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
3 Lbs, 2 Weeks, Low Torque
"What does a scale know anyway?"
Well, it's been two weeks exactly since I started working with a trainer and following his meal plan. I've lost 3 lbs. according to the scale, and converted an additional 5 lbs. of fat to muscle (if I correctly understood the rocket science body fat machine crap).
Nothing to jump up and down about (which means I probably need to jump up and down summore).
I guess I was expecting a little more, but I probably shouldn't have. As I explained to my trainer, I am a solid 'C' student.
I have made a ton of progress that the scale knows nothing about.
The digestion issues, acid reflux, bloating, heartburn stuff is completely gone altogether. That is enough progress in two weeks all by itself.
The shoulder, elbow and back issues are well under control. My shoulder and arm don't hurt at all when I exercise or just move it around like it used to. I was probably more worried about this issue than my weight. I was anticipating some orthopedic surgery remedy (something about rotator cuff) if I discussed it with the doctor. I had therefore not discussed it.
But by far the most surprising aspect of my first two weeks is that I am actually having a great time. I went in to this thing thinking about taking my medicine. I need it. It's better than the alternative. I have to just put on a smile and go do this with a good heart because it's the right thing to do for where I am in life just now.
The truth is that I am having a blast.
It's not like we're doing anything I haven't done before. I know my way around the gym a little. I understand the importance and mechanics of an exercise routine. This time is different. I'm not sure why or how exactly. But I'll take it.
So, even though the scale says we're off to a slow start, I feel better. I'm having fun and seeing results.
That'll work.
Nothing to jump up and down about (which means I probably need to jump up and down summore).
I guess I was expecting a little more, but I probably shouldn't have. As I explained to my trainer, I am a solid 'C' student.
I have made a ton of progress that the scale knows nothing about.
The digestion issues, acid reflux, bloating, heartburn stuff is completely gone altogether. That is enough progress in two weeks all by itself.
The shoulder, elbow and back issues are well under control. My shoulder and arm don't hurt at all when I exercise or just move it around like it used to. I was probably more worried about this issue than my weight. I was anticipating some orthopedic surgery remedy (something about rotator cuff) if I discussed it with the doctor. I had therefore not discussed it.
But by far the most surprising aspect of my first two weeks is that I am actually having a great time. I went in to this thing thinking about taking my medicine. I need it. It's better than the alternative. I have to just put on a smile and go do this with a good heart because it's the right thing to do for where I am in life just now.
The truth is that I am having a blast.
It's not like we're doing anything I haven't done before. I know my way around the gym a little. I understand the importance and mechanics of an exercise routine. This time is different. I'm not sure why or how exactly. But I'll take it.
So, even though the scale says we're off to a slow start, I feel better. I'm having fun and seeing results.
That'll work.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Boston
"This shouldn't happen in Boston."
First off, I join the chorus of people all over the world and offer my condolences and sympathy to the city of Boston and those impacted by recent events there.
I've had a day to get acclimated to the events at the Boston Marathon, and the flashbacks from April, 1995 here in Oklahoma City have subsided. My overwhelming thought on the matter is, "Why does stuff like this happen in Boston and Oklahoma City? These places don't deserve this kind of catastrophe."
I don't think the random killing and maiming of innocent people who are just going about their days is ever a good thing. Terrorism is not warfare. There are ways to make one's point without causing such indiscriminate damage or loss of life. Humanity, with or without God, needs to mature to the point where the whole species, even the least of us, understands that this kind of thing is as unthinkable as a square circle or division by zero.
My prediction is that the perpetrator in this case turns out to be a skinny white guy that is mad at the world, just like the incident in Oklahoma City. But whoever did this is undoubtedly is proud of themselves just now. And that alone is enough of a tragedy all by itself.
As bad as this would be in any city on earth, even in places like Afghanistan or Pakistan where events like this are commonplace, the fact that this happened in Boston just makes the whole thing worse.
This stuff never seems to happen in Miami, Detroit, Newark, etc. I've been to cities all over America, and they are not created equally. Different cities have different personalities and some cities are crappy for reasons other than geography. There are many cities that I have spent some time in and would as soon never visit again.
But Boston, Oklahoma City Chicago, Denver, Houston and a host of other cities all over this country are filled with wonderful, loving, happy people that love Life and get along just fine. These cities should be immune somehow from the urges of crazy people who think they have a point to make through acts of terrorism.
Personally, I really like Boston, and would retire there if I could figure out how. It has the best of all worlds, and I really like the people there. I'm genuinely sorry for what happened there this week. It's a real shame.
First off, I join the chorus of people all over the world and offer my condolences and sympathy to the city of Boston and those impacted by recent events there.
I've had a day to get acclimated to the events at the Boston Marathon, and the flashbacks from April, 1995 here in Oklahoma City have subsided. My overwhelming thought on the matter is, "Why does stuff like this happen in Boston and Oklahoma City? These places don't deserve this kind of catastrophe."
I don't think the random killing and maiming of innocent people who are just going about their days is ever a good thing. Terrorism is not warfare. There are ways to make one's point without causing such indiscriminate damage or loss of life. Humanity, with or without God, needs to mature to the point where the whole species, even the least of us, understands that this kind of thing is as unthinkable as a square circle or division by zero.
My prediction is that the perpetrator in this case turns out to be a skinny white guy that is mad at the world, just like the incident in Oklahoma City. But whoever did this is undoubtedly is proud of themselves just now. And that alone is enough of a tragedy all by itself.
As bad as this would be in any city on earth, even in places like Afghanistan or Pakistan where events like this are commonplace, the fact that this happened in Boston just makes the whole thing worse.
This stuff never seems to happen in Miami, Detroit, Newark, etc. I've been to cities all over America, and they are not created equally. Different cities have different personalities and some cities are crappy for reasons other than geography. There are many cities that I have spent some time in and would as soon never visit again.
But Boston, Oklahoma City Chicago, Denver, Houston and a host of other cities all over this country are filled with wonderful, loving, happy people that love Life and get along just fine. These cities should be immune somehow from the urges of crazy people who think they have a point to make through acts of terrorism.
Personally, I really like Boston, and would retire there if I could figure out how. It has the best of all worlds, and I really like the people there. I'm genuinely sorry for what happened there this week. It's a real shame.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Oh Boy!
"I need a drink!"
I just wrote checks to the Federal and State Mafias for significantly more than my annual salary.
I didn't do it this year, but in the past I have taken a quick poll of coworkers in my circle of influence. First I asked if they knew how much their refund would be this year. Everyone knew exactly.
The second question is whether they knew how much they paid in taxes last year. Nobody knew.
It's not that I worked with stupid people, they just don't want to know. Their thinking is that there's nothing they can do about it anyway, and it's depressing. So it's better just not to know the answer.
But dammitt! It's important.
When I look at my own personal finances, specifically at where my money goes, the single biggest expense I have is my house. Every month I pay principle, interest, insurance and ... taxes. All of that taken together represents the single largest bite out of my paycheck every month.
The second biggest expense I have is Income Tax. I spend more money on taxes than I do on food, transportation, entertainment (even with Internet and TV) or anything else.
I'm spending more money on Taxes than I spend on anything else except my house. The expense is not optional and I am not satisfied with the value I receive for the money I spend. Outside of income tax, I pay all kinds of taxes already. Taxes out the wazoo are built into every product I buy - then I pay sales taxes on top of that. And the government is broke - and always looking for more revenue.
Personally, I think we have to shut this thing down a little. Sure, we need government. But we don't need one that's this big or this expensive. But unless and until the average American knows how much they are paying in taxes, nothing will ever change...except taxes will go up.
I just wrote checks to the Federal and State Mafias for significantly more than my annual salary.
I didn't do it this year, but in the past I have taken a quick poll of coworkers in my circle of influence. First I asked if they knew how much their refund would be this year. Everyone knew exactly.
The second question is whether they knew how much they paid in taxes last year. Nobody knew.
It's not that I worked with stupid people, they just don't want to know. Their thinking is that there's nothing they can do about it anyway, and it's depressing. So it's better just not to know the answer.
But dammitt! It's important.
When I look at my own personal finances, specifically at where my money goes, the single biggest expense I have is my house. Every month I pay principle, interest, insurance and ... taxes. All of that taken together represents the single largest bite out of my paycheck every month.
The second biggest expense I have is Income Tax. I spend more money on taxes than I do on food, transportation, entertainment (even with Internet and TV) or anything else.
I'm spending more money on Taxes than I spend on anything else except my house. The expense is not optional and I am not satisfied with the value I receive for the money I spend. Outside of income tax, I pay all kinds of taxes already. Taxes out the wazoo are built into every product I buy - then I pay sales taxes on top of that. And the government is broke - and always looking for more revenue.
Personally, I think we have to shut this thing down a little. Sure, we need government. But we don't need one that's this big or this expensive. But unless and until the average American knows how much they are paying in taxes, nothing will ever change...except taxes will go up.
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