I have strived to keep politics out of this blog. I want it to be about daily life. But today, I beg your indulgence. Its important.
Many people are afraid to look at the past. To look at the human conditions and frailties. To see the horrors that have been perpetrated by man upon other men (and women and children) is often beyond comprehension.
There are so many examples, I don't know where to begin. The crusades. Uganda. Iran's gassing of the Kurds. The American slaughter of the American Indians. More recently, Sudan gassing their political rivals. The list goes on and on.
Today is holocaust remembrance day. Six million Jews exterminated. "Exterminated" seems too polite of a word. Even "gassed, shot, stabbed, abused, raped, humiliated" seems too polite. How about murdered. Plain and simple.
In high school (1972) I read Elie Weisel's book entitled, "Dawn." A brief, poignant account of the holocaust. It has stuck with me all my life.
If nothing else, that book gave me a distrust of all politicians. All of them. When a person is in charge of another person, has control, their true character can come through. We see it over and over. Abuses can run rampant.
So forgive me today, as I run the events of the day through that filter. Have we learned?
A quote I learned long ago from my parents, "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
This is why the framers of the American constitution had three equal levels of government. Each was to watch the other. To keep them honest. It seems as though that is being corrupted. We must stand strong against corruption. And learn from the past. David
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Today
Today promises to be a good day. I feel good. I have much to do. And I get to spend it with my sweetie.
Trash day. Shipping day (four to ship out today!). Build dolls day (2). Maybe picture day.
The weather should be pretty nice. Clear skies and warming.
Maybe, just maybe, I can get it all done.
I like busy days. It gives me meaning and purpose.
Looking forward to it.
David
Trash day. Shipping day (four to ship out today!). Build dolls day (2). Maybe picture day.
The weather should be pretty nice. Clear skies and warming.
Maybe, just maybe, I can get it all done.
I like busy days. It gives me meaning and purpose.
Looking forward to it.
David
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Eden
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=121326556709&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
The auction start time is 4:45 PST. Thanks for looking! David
Sunday, April 20, 2014
What a difference seventy years can make
Last night, I read and article about an elderly couple in Nashport Ohio. These two fell in love, eloped, and got married. They were married seventy years. Now, to get a perspective, I am only fifty eight years old. They got married twelve years before I was born. Sometimes I feel old at this age!
Here is the text:
Son Dick Felumlee said his parents died of old age, surrounded by family.
"At Dad's bed we were singing his favorite hymns, reading scriptures and praying with him," he told The Associated Press in an email. "It was a going away party, and we know he loved it."
The pair had known each other for several years when they eloped in Newport, Ky., across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, on Feb. 20, 1944. At two days shy of his 21st birthday, Kenneth — who went by Kenny — was too young to marry in Ohio.
"He couldn't wait," son Jim Felumlee said.
Kenneth worked as a railroad car inspector and mechanic before becoming a mail carrier for the Nashport Post Office. He was active in his Nashport-Irville United Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher.
When Kenneth retired in 1983 and the children began to leave the house, the Felumlees began to explore their love of travel, visiting almost all 50 states by bus.
"He didn't want to fly anywhere because you couldn't see anything as you were going," Jim Felumlee said.
Although both experienced declining health in recent years, Cody said, each tried to stay strong for the other.
This made me cry. Every day I tell Rita, "thank you for spending another day with me." I am so blessed that she decided to be with me. She didn't have to. But she did and still does. I am grateful.
To be fair, this is my source: http://news.yahoo.com/ohio-couple-married-70-years-die-15-hours-145159516.html
Here is the text:
NASHPORT, Ohio (AP) — A couple who held hands at breakfast every morning even after 70 years of marriage have died 15 hours apart.
Helen Felumlee, of Nashport, died at 92 on April 12. Her husband, 91-year-old Kenneth Felumlee, died the next morning.
The couple's eight children say the two had been inseparable since meeting as teenagers, once sharing the bottom of a bunk bed on a ferry rather than sleeping one night apart, the Zanesville Times Recorder reported (http://ohne.ws/1in7erG).
They remained deeply in love until the very end, even eating breakfast together while holding hands, said their daughter, Linda Cody.
"We knew when one went, the other was going to go," she said.
According to Cody, about 12 hours after Helen died, Kenneth looked at his children and said, "Mom's dead." He quickly began to fade and was surrounded by 24 of his closest family members and friends when he died the next morning.
"He was ready," Cody said. "He just didn't want to leave her here by herself."
Son Dick Felumlee said his parents died of old age, surrounded by family.
"At Dad's bed we were singing his favorite hymns, reading scriptures and praying with him," he told The Associated Press in an email. "It was a going away party, and we know he loved it."
The pair had known each other for several years when they eloped in Newport, Ky., across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, on Feb. 20, 1944. At two days shy of his 21st birthday, Kenneth — who went by Kenny — was too young to marry in Ohio.
"He couldn't wait," son Jim Felumlee said.
Kenneth worked as a railroad car inspector and mechanic before becoming a mail carrier for the Nashport Post Office. He was active in his Nashport-Irville United Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher.
Helen stayed at home, not only cooking and cleaning for her own family but also for other families in need in the area. She taught Sunday school, too, but was known more for her greeting card ministry, sending cards for birthdays, sympathy and the holidays to everyone in her community, each with a personal note inside.
"She kept Hallmark in business," daughter-in-law Debbie Felumlee joked.When Kenneth retired in 1983 and the children began to leave the house, the Felumlees began to explore their love of travel, visiting almost all 50 states by bus.
"He didn't want to fly anywhere because you couldn't see anything as you were going," Jim Felumlee said.
Although both experienced declining health in recent years, Cody said, each tried to stay strong for the other.
"That's what kept them going," she said.
This made me cry. Every day I tell Rita, "thank you for spending another day with me." I am so blessed that she decided to be with me. She didn't have to. But she did and still does. I am grateful.
To be fair, this is my source: http://news.yahoo.com/ohio-couple-married-70-years-die-15-hours-145159516.html
Saturday, April 19, 2014
lost in the translation
In our reborn doll business, we sell many dolls all over the world. I have found that translating into different languages can be fraught with peril.
For example, eye colors. There are many different shades of blue. Cornflower, water sapphire, newborn deep blue sky to name a few.
These often don't translate well.
The one thing I have not been able to figure out is bangs. Bangs. Translate this word into other languages and it comes up with explosions or loud noises. We try to use pictures whenever possible, but it can be tricky.
No wonder international diplomacy can be so tricky. I hope God watches over those translators for the diplomats and international leaders. Scary how international relations can rest upon something so very risky.
David
For example, eye colors. There are many different shades of blue. Cornflower, water sapphire, newborn deep blue sky to name a few.
These often don't translate well.
The one thing I have not been able to figure out is bangs. Bangs. Translate this word into other languages and it comes up with explosions or loud noises. We try to use pictures whenever possible, but it can be tricky.
No wonder international diplomacy can be so tricky. I hope God watches over those translators for the diplomats and international leaders. Scary how international relations can rest upon something so very risky.
David
Friday, April 18, 2014
Him
In this day and age, we see all kinds of atheist banter. It is proclaimed from on high there is no God. It is even in our capitol buildings all in the name of fairness. Okay fine. Have your say. But here is mine.
Today is Good Friday. For those of you who do not know, today is the day we Christians celebrate the death of Christ. We celebrate his death. The death of our King. Go figure. You would think we would want Him alive.
His death was foretold in the Old Testament.
He was born of a virgin birth.
He was sinless.
He healed.
He gave sight to the blind.
He gave hearing to the deaf.
He gave life to Lazarus.
He walked upon water. Really.
He turned water into wine.
He made those that did not believe afraid.
They killed Him in the worst way.
They tortured Him.
They humiliated Him.
They forced a crown of thorns on His head.
They stabbed Him in His side.
They forced Him to carry his own cross through the streets to be mocked.
They nailed Him to the cross.
Nails in His hands and feet.
Nails. Big ones.
He was left to die of blood loss and exposure.
And He forgave them.
After all that, He forgave them.
And He died.
He was buried in a tomb.
Three days later, He was risen to be seated at the right hand of God.
And He forgave me. He loves me.
And he can forgive you. He loves you too.
I hope this helps. David
Today is Good Friday. For those of you who do not know, today is the day we Christians celebrate the death of Christ. We celebrate his death. The death of our King. Go figure. You would think we would want Him alive.
His death was foretold in the Old Testament.
He was born of a virgin birth.
He was sinless.
He healed.
He gave sight to the blind.
He gave hearing to the deaf.
He gave life to Lazarus.
He walked upon water. Really.
He turned water into wine.
He made those that did not believe afraid.
They killed Him in the worst way.
They tortured Him.
They humiliated Him.
They forced a crown of thorns on His head.
They stabbed Him in His side.
They forced Him to carry his own cross through the streets to be mocked.
They nailed Him to the cross.
Nails in His hands and feet.
Nails. Big ones.
He was left to die of blood loss and exposure.
And He forgave them.
After all that, He forgave them.
And He died.
He was buried in a tomb.
Three days later, He was risen to be seated at the right hand of God.
And He forgave me. He loves me.
And he can forgive you. He loves you too.
I hope this helps. David
Monday, April 14, 2014
Love me or leave me....
One of the things I first told my sweetie as we were first getting to know each other, "I am who I am.
Love me or leave me, just don't bore me." For me this was a sign of strength. I accepted who I was, and was not going to change in order to be loved. This is it. Just me.
Luckily Rita liked what she saw. She loved me for who I was. Pretty amazing.
I write of this in the past tense because I have changed over the years. Immensely. But my change came from within, because I wanted to. I wanted to become a better man for her.
Yesterday I wrote of my sarcastic wit. That turned out to be harmful to our relationship. So, one day at a time, I will work on that. For me and for Rita. That is a very healthy attitude.
I want to be a better man. For myself, and for her.
To summarize, Rita loved me for who I was, but I want to be more. We all change over the years, its best to change in positive ways. David
Love me or leave me, just don't bore me." For me this was a sign of strength. I accepted who I was, and was not going to change in order to be loved. This is it. Just me.
Luckily Rita liked what she saw. She loved me for who I was. Pretty amazing.
I write of this in the past tense because I have changed over the years. Immensely. But my change came from within, because I wanted to. I wanted to become a better man for her.
Yesterday I wrote of my sarcastic wit. That turned out to be harmful to our relationship. So, one day at a time, I will work on that. For me and for Rita. That is a very healthy attitude.
I want to be a better man. For myself, and for her.
To summarize, Rita loved me for who I was, but I want to be more. We all change over the years, its best to change in positive ways. David
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sarcasm
One of the things I admire most about my dad was he said what he meant and meant what he said. Added to that, he was not hurtful. He was careful to not hurt feelings, yet could get his point across. He could be very direct in a kind way. I want that.
Yesterday my sweetheart Rita brought up a few things I have been doing. I can be pretty sarcastic at times. I learned this as a matter of survival in my previous marriage. It became a oneupsmanship competition. It was a way for me to save face. It became almost habit.
Sarcasm caused people at work to stay away from me. If they would do something, my attempt at humor would cause them to be embarrassed. I looked like the funny guy for a moment, they felt worse for a long time. After a while they would stay away.
So, today I did some research. I found an article on the effects of sarcasm. It wasn't pretty. If someone is already stressed, sad, lonely, etc. and faced with my dose of sarcasm, it made things even worse. All for me to look funny for a moment. Here is a quote:
"Though it’s often camouflaged as humor, sarcasm is really just a convenient way for people to express hurt feelings, criticize others, or disapprove of some action without actually coming out and saying what’s on their minds."
Powerful stuff. I need to say what is on my mind, in a kind way. Period. Like Dad. Another quote:
"When you resort to sarcasm to get a point across in a disguised manner, it demonstrates a lack of conviction and courage to say what you really mean. Although an occasional sarcastic remark may seem harmless, remember that people judge your character every day by what you say as well as how you act. The collective result of those judgments is your reputation."
I taught my kids sarcasm. I am sure I hurt some people all while trying to be funny.
It has been said the greatest weapon we have is our mouth. In a moment we can hurt feelings, cause anger and resentment, and build distrust.
I don't like that about myself. This article also states:
"Keep a mental or written list of the reactions and consequences you notice when those around you are the target of sarcasm. This awareness alone will be a powerful motivator to change your own behavior.
Think before you speak. Considering how your words will be received is a very effective way to monitor your speech.
Enlist a trusted friend or partner who is willing to enter a sarcasm-free zone with you. Agree that you will hold each other accountable when you hear the other person using sarcasm. "
I do not want my reputation to be some that hurts, but someone to say what he means. To be someone people can trust. I'm going to work on it. One day at a time. David
Yesterday my sweetheart Rita brought up a few things I have been doing. I can be pretty sarcastic at times. I learned this as a matter of survival in my previous marriage. It became a oneupsmanship competition. It was a way for me to save face. It became almost habit.
Sarcasm caused people at work to stay away from me. If they would do something, my attempt at humor would cause them to be embarrassed. I looked like the funny guy for a moment, they felt worse for a long time. After a while they would stay away.
So, today I did some research. I found an article on the effects of sarcasm. It wasn't pretty. If someone is already stressed, sad, lonely, etc. and faced with my dose of sarcasm, it made things even worse. All for me to look funny for a moment. Here is a quote:
"Though it’s often camouflaged as humor, sarcasm is really just a convenient way for people to express hurt feelings, criticize others, or disapprove of some action without actually coming out and saying what’s on their minds."
Powerful stuff. I need to say what is on my mind, in a kind way. Period. Like Dad. Another quote:
"When you resort to sarcasm to get a point across in a disguised manner, it demonstrates a lack of conviction and courage to say what you really mean. Although an occasional sarcastic remark may seem harmless, remember that people judge your character every day by what you say as well as how you act. The collective result of those judgments is your reputation."
I taught my kids sarcasm. I am sure I hurt some people all while trying to be funny.
It has been said the greatest weapon we have is our mouth. In a moment we can hurt feelings, cause anger and resentment, and build distrust.
I don't like that about myself. This article also states:
"Keep a mental or written list of the reactions and consequences you notice when those around you are the target of sarcasm. This awareness alone will be a powerful motivator to change your own behavior.
Think before you speak. Considering how your words will be received is a very effective way to monitor your speech.
Enlist a trusted friend or partner who is willing to enter a sarcasm-free zone with you. Agree that you will hold each other accountable when you hear the other person using sarcasm. "
I do not want my reputation to be some that hurts, but someone to say what he means. To be someone people can trust. I'm going to work on it. One day at a time. David
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Mmmm......
One more time, a big fat guy talking about food. Not just any food, manna from heaven.
For the most part, I like most of it. Some of it I love. I am motivated by a good sandwich. Or spaghetti. Or meatloaf. Or a really good salad. Or a pickle. You get the idea.
Last night I had a new twist on an old favorite. My sweetheart made fried chicken. I have always loved her fried chicken. It was the best. Until now.
She did her magic, using panko bread crumbs. I don't know all the details, but she says she remembers how, and it was really easy. All I know was that first bite made my eyes roll. Ecstasy.
Crunchy, sweet, salty, chicken-y, tender morsels of yum. Holy cow.
The Good Lord sure must love me. He sent me this wonderful woman that loves me, puts up with me, and makes this epicurean delight. My mouth will never be the same.
Once again, thanks Jesus. David
For the most part, I like most of it. Some of it I love. I am motivated by a good sandwich. Or spaghetti. Or meatloaf. Or a really good salad. Or a pickle. You get the idea.
Last night I had a new twist on an old favorite. My sweetheart made fried chicken. I have always loved her fried chicken. It was the best. Until now.
She did her magic, using panko bread crumbs. I don't know all the details, but she says she remembers how, and it was really easy. All I know was that first bite made my eyes roll. Ecstasy.
Crunchy, sweet, salty, chicken-y, tender morsels of yum. Holy cow.
The Good Lord sure must love me. He sent me this wonderful woman that loves me, puts up with me, and makes this epicurean delight. My mouth will never be the same.
Once again, thanks Jesus. David
Friday, April 11, 2014
Three things.....
This time of year often brings slow sales. We expect it. After Christmas people watch their pocketbook a little more closely. Usually though, things pick up a bit in April. Not this time.
In order to bring in more business, we try innovation, and new marketing concepts. By doing that, we hopefully stir some interest in our customers. We try to get some excitement going.
Lately we have put out some dolls on auction with a ninety-nine cent starting price. It doesn't usually bring in big money, but usually we break even and it brings people into our store. Sometimes a family that can't really afford one of our dolls is able to get one. Recently we sent one of these to a family in Canada.
On a quiet Sunday morning, we got a phone call from the mom. They were amazed and thrilled. It was such a boost to our morale. Rita smiled all day.
The Good Lord has His ways. He has his plans. Not me. I can make plans, but if it doesn't jive with His, it probably won't happen. Or it will fall flat.
Looking back at times like this, we have had many heartwarming stories like this. It seems like He is a pretty smart guy.
Recently, I saw an interview with a man that had been wrongly convicted of murdering his wife. After twenty-five years of incarceration, losing his wife, losing those years of watching his son grow up, he used that time for serious introspection. He used that time to counsel other inmates. He found a tremendous deep faith.
After his release he said there were three things he learned. One, God is real. He is smarter than all of us. And He loves us.
After that, what else matters?
So, we make dolls, and bless lives. We live His plan. And its pretty darned good. I am privileged to be a part of His plan. Thanks Jesus. David
In order to bring in more business, we try innovation, and new marketing concepts. By doing that, we hopefully stir some interest in our customers. We try to get some excitement going.
Lately we have put out some dolls on auction with a ninety-nine cent starting price. It doesn't usually bring in big money, but usually we break even and it brings people into our store. Sometimes a family that can't really afford one of our dolls is able to get one. Recently we sent one of these to a family in Canada.
On a quiet Sunday morning, we got a phone call from the mom. They were amazed and thrilled. It was such a boost to our morale. Rita smiled all day.
The Good Lord has His ways. He has his plans. Not me. I can make plans, but if it doesn't jive with His, it probably won't happen. Or it will fall flat.
Looking back at times like this, we have had many heartwarming stories like this. It seems like He is a pretty smart guy.
Recently, I saw an interview with a man that had been wrongly convicted of murdering his wife. After twenty-five years of incarceration, losing his wife, losing those years of watching his son grow up, he used that time for serious introspection. He used that time to counsel other inmates. He found a tremendous deep faith.
After his release he said there were three things he learned. One, God is real. He is smarter than all of us. And He loves us.
After that, what else matters?
So, we make dolls, and bless lives. We live His plan. And its pretty darned good. I am privileged to be a part of His plan. Thanks Jesus. David
Thursday, April 10, 2014
I was nearly a seventh grade dropout.....
A couple of days ago, I met a family that bought a doll from us. They live in San Bernardino. The little girls doll needed a touch up. This doll was a reward for maintaining good grades for three years. She got straight A's for three years! I can't imagine being in seventh grade and doing that well. My seventh grade experience was quite different from hers. But I digress.
My point here is that I remember realizing, later in life, that I love to learn new things. I love reading about new stuff. I am constantly amazed at the human potential. An example was seeing the International Space Station orbiting the earth from my back porch. Only a dream a few years ago. It was fantasy.
I love to learn of the world around me. I enjoy reading about people. Some I like, some I don't. But I learn from each life.
There is an old quote that I cannot remember verbatim, but essentially is says "An unexamined life has no meaning." In other words, we should all learn from one another. We learn from triumphs and travails. This is one of the key elements that separate us from other species. We learn to not repeat mistakes (some of us take longer than others to learn). We learn what worked and repeat it. We improve upon it.
We build hospitals. We develop new medicines. We build better and better widgets. Just look at the telephone. Now a tiny device that fits in our pocket, not only makes phone calls, but takes pictures, and goes on the internet. We are the only species to have made our lives better by innovation, experimentation, and tenacity.
I am grateful God has made me a human. I love to learn. I enjoy seeing others learn. It gladdens my heart when a seventh grade girl can achieve so much. It gives me hope. David
My point here is that I remember realizing, later in life, that I love to learn new things. I love reading about new stuff. I am constantly amazed at the human potential. An example was seeing the International Space Station orbiting the earth from my back porch. Only a dream a few years ago. It was fantasy.
I love to learn of the world around me. I enjoy reading about people. Some I like, some I don't. But I learn from each life.
There is an old quote that I cannot remember verbatim, but essentially is says "An unexamined life has no meaning." In other words, we should all learn from one another. We learn from triumphs and travails. This is one of the key elements that separate us from other species. We learn to not repeat mistakes (some of us take longer than others to learn). We learn what worked and repeat it. We improve upon it.
We build hospitals. We develop new medicines. We build better and better widgets. Just look at the telephone. Now a tiny device that fits in our pocket, not only makes phone calls, but takes pictures, and goes on the internet. We are the only species to have made our lives better by innovation, experimentation, and tenacity.
I am grateful God has made me a human. I love to learn. I enjoy seeing others learn. It gladdens my heart when a seventh grade girl can achieve so much. It gives me hope. David
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Faith and perseverance
Recently our doll making business has run into a dry spell. Having been gainfully employed for thirty-five years I enjoyed a paycheck. Every week I got paid. Go to work, get paid.
Now, being self-employed, provides me a vastly different perspective of business. If your product or service doesn't sell, the bills don't get paid. The pantry and freezer dwindle. Worries intensify. We begin to pray more (isn't that what we all do, wait until there are problems to really communicate with God?).
Time after time, Rita and I have run into dry spells. We would find wood branches on the side of the road that I could bring home, cut up, and heat the house. We pinch every penny. But time after time the Good Lord helps us through. Over and over. He will help us again.
But, I need to be more faithful. I need to give more of myself. I need to be more Christ-like. It is all part of His grand design. That we should go through trials that bring us closer to Him, that teach us humility, that help us to be better people.
Our money troubles are NOTHING like some other peoples. I need to be more grateful. I need to be more aware that all our "riches" come from God. They are all blessings from Him.
Our talents, our home, the very coffee in my cup, come from Him.
I can count on Him. And I am grateful. David
Now, being self-employed, provides me a vastly different perspective of business. If your product or service doesn't sell, the bills don't get paid. The pantry and freezer dwindle. Worries intensify. We begin to pray more (isn't that what we all do, wait until there are problems to really communicate with God?).
Time after time, Rita and I have run into dry spells. We would find wood branches on the side of the road that I could bring home, cut up, and heat the house. We pinch every penny. But time after time the Good Lord helps us through. Over and over. He will help us again.
But, I need to be more faithful. I need to give more of myself. I need to be more Christ-like. It is all part of His grand design. That we should go through trials that bring us closer to Him, that teach us humility, that help us to be better people.
Our money troubles are NOTHING like some other peoples. I need to be more grateful. I need to be more aware that all our "riches" come from God. They are all blessings from Him.
Our talents, our home, the very coffee in my cup, come from Him.
I can count on Him. And I am grateful. David
Friday, April 4, 2014
wrinkles
AAAUUUGGGHHH!!!
I looked in the mirror. What happened? Dang! My baby face is of a grumpy old man! Skin sags here and there. Wrinkles! Crows feet! I think it happened overnight. Must be a virus.
I realize aging is just a fact of life. I kind of like it. But I wasn't prepared for the face to change. Holy cow.
But, here I am. I don't look too bad for fifty-eight I guess. I can still smile, laugh, get excited, get fussy, enjoy life. So I can't complain.
The aches and pains are definitely there. Getting up in the morning is a bit different than when I was twenty years younger.
I have a much different perspective than I did then. I have to watch everything I eat. Manage my salt and fat intake. And don't get me started on fiber. So I watch my cholesterol, my blood pressure, my weight (I have plenty of that), the amount of sleep I get, and on and on.
But along with that is the fun part. Farts can get really hilarious! People ask me if I need help to the car. 6' 6" tall and they ask me if I want help. Very nice of them, but generally, I can do it, thanks.
My hair line receded very quickly when I was in my early twenties. I started shaving the "cul-de-sac" when I was twenty-eight. Never looked back. Makes my hair very easy to part. Still don't get discounts at the barber though.
I used to be the guy people would call to move their refrigerator. Not anymore! Those days are long gone. The old spine just ain't what it used to be.
My hands got old somewhere. They are lumpy. I look at them and wonder when that happened. Must have been looking the other way.
Age has snuck up on me. Sneaky little bastard. But I intend to live life to the fullest. I want to talk to my kids more. I need to call my friend Larry. I need to drink better coffee. I love shrimp.
I need to eat more fish tacos. I need to tell more jokes. I love dumb jokes.
Age is coming. I can't help it. But I intend to fight it all the way. I intend to go out yelling, "wahoo!" David
I looked in the mirror. What happened? Dang! My baby face is of a grumpy old man! Skin sags here and there. Wrinkles! Crows feet! I think it happened overnight. Must be a virus.
I realize aging is just a fact of life. I kind of like it. But I wasn't prepared for the face to change. Holy cow.
But, here I am. I don't look too bad for fifty-eight I guess. I can still smile, laugh, get excited, get fussy, enjoy life. So I can't complain.
The aches and pains are definitely there. Getting up in the morning is a bit different than when I was twenty years younger.
I have a much different perspective than I did then. I have to watch everything I eat. Manage my salt and fat intake. And don't get me started on fiber. So I watch my cholesterol, my blood pressure, my weight (I have plenty of that), the amount of sleep I get, and on and on.
But along with that is the fun part. Farts can get really hilarious! People ask me if I need help to the car. 6' 6" tall and they ask me if I want help. Very nice of them, but generally, I can do it, thanks.
My hair line receded very quickly when I was in my early twenties. I started shaving the "cul-de-sac" when I was twenty-eight. Never looked back. Makes my hair very easy to part. Still don't get discounts at the barber though.
I used to be the guy people would call to move their refrigerator. Not anymore! Those days are long gone. The old spine just ain't what it used to be.
My hands got old somewhere. They are lumpy. I look at them and wonder when that happened. Must have been looking the other way.
Age has snuck up on me. Sneaky little bastard. But I intend to live life to the fullest. I want to talk to my kids more. I need to call my friend Larry. I need to drink better coffee. I love shrimp.
I need to eat more fish tacos. I need to tell more jokes. I love dumb jokes.
Age is coming. I can't help it. But I intend to fight it all the way. I intend to go out yelling, "wahoo!" David
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
mooshy stuff
Warning: you are about to read mooshy stuff. If you do not want mooshy stuff, turn off your computer, and close your eyes.
A shout-out! Hooray! Whoopee! Bingo Bango Bongo! Super duper Happy Birthday to the love of my life, my sweetie, my Rita. Baby girl, sweetie, sugar plum and all that mushy rot that we say to one another but not in public.
We are with one another 24/7. We talk, work, worry, plan, tease, fuss with each other. I can't imagine it with anyone else. I can't imagine. Just you. Nobody else.
You are my whole world. The few times I go to the store alone, I can't wait to get home.
You make me laugh.
You figure out the detective show WAY before I do. You got some smarts there kiddo.
You are my best friend.
Sometimes it seems you are my only friend.
I love growing old with you. We try to keep each other young, but old age still advances. I like it with you.
I love sitting on the porch and drinking our coffee.
We talk. Well mostly you, but I get to say things once in a while. And you listen. You really listen.
It is a choice we both make each day. You choose to spend the day with me. You choose to love me. You choose me.
I love you so much it hurts sometimes. I have been sucker punched by cupid. It is incurable. And I don't ever want it to change.
You are stuck with me babe. Happy birthday!
A shout-out! Hooray! Whoopee! Bingo Bango Bongo! Super duper Happy Birthday to the love of my life, my sweetie, my Rita. Baby girl, sweetie, sugar plum and all that mushy rot that we say to one another but not in public.
We are with one another 24/7. We talk, work, worry, plan, tease, fuss with each other. I can't imagine it with anyone else. I can't imagine. Just you. Nobody else.
You are my whole world. The few times I go to the store alone, I can't wait to get home.
You make me laugh.
You figure out the detective show WAY before I do. You got some smarts there kiddo.
You are my best friend.
Sometimes it seems you are my only friend.
I love growing old with you. We try to keep each other young, but old age still advances. I like it with you.
I love sitting on the porch and drinking our coffee.
We talk. Well mostly you, but I get to say things once in a while. And you listen. You really listen.
It is a choice we both make each day. You choose to spend the day with me. You choose to love me. You choose me.
I love you so much it hurts sometimes. I have been sucker punched by cupid. It is incurable. And I don't ever want it to change.
You are stuck with me babe. Happy birthday!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Ain't nuthin to it....
Last night Rita and I watched "The Voice." There was a young country boy that was facing a singing challenge from his mentor. The rehearsals were done, he knew the lyrics, he knew what was expected. He had spent the whole week perfecting his craft.
It was just about time to sing for the judges. Facing his supportive family he said, "Ain't nuthin to it but to do it!"
That little phrase seemed kind of profound. Simple. But it says it all. You can prepare, plan, and strategize all you want, but there comes a time when performing counts. When you make it happen. When you give it your best shot. Win or lose, succeed or fail, its time.
If you don't do it, you will never know. You will never learn and grow.
It reminds me of a poster that asked, "What could you accomplish if you knew you could not fail?" Books have been written about facing your fears, using those butterflies in your stomach to propel you. We humans are so very different from the other species on this planet. We strive to do better, we compete, we push ourselves to the limit. We build hospitals. We race down icy luges at ungodly speeds to see how fast we can go. We do the first heart transplant. We climb that mountain to see the view from the top. We swim the English channel. We do the unthinkable. No other animal does that.
I am amazed by all we, the human species, have accomplished in my lifetime. We landed on the moon at a time when computers took up whole buildings. We have landed on Mars and explored its surface. We have looked so deep into space it is well past my ability to fathom. We found planets outside our solar system!
Our ability to achieve, to persevere, to face the odds, is what makes us unique. While you can look at wars, corruption, and other evil, its all part of the human package. But we keep achieving more, going faster, and building taller buildings in spite of all that.
As for myself, my fears do hold me back from time to time. But I see my human counterparts doing all this and I realize I can do more. I am inspired.
I have spent my life preparing. I have spent my life learning. I have spent my life hoping. Now is the time. Now is the moment.
"Ain't nuthin to it but to do it!" David
It was just about time to sing for the judges. Facing his supportive family he said, "Ain't nuthin to it but to do it!"
That little phrase seemed kind of profound. Simple. But it says it all. You can prepare, plan, and strategize all you want, but there comes a time when performing counts. When you make it happen. When you give it your best shot. Win or lose, succeed or fail, its time.
If you don't do it, you will never know. You will never learn and grow.
It reminds me of a poster that asked, "What could you accomplish if you knew you could not fail?" Books have been written about facing your fears, using those butterflies in your stomach to propel you. We humans are so very different from the other species on this planet. We strive to do better, we compete, we push ourselves to the limit. We build hospitals. We race down icy luges at ungodly speeds to see how fast we can go. We do the first heart transplant. We climb that mountain to see the view from the top. We swim the English channel. We do the unthinkable. No other animal does that.
I am amazed by all we, the human species, have accomplished in my lifetime. We landed on the moon at a time when computers took up whole buildings. We have landed on Mars and explored its surface. We have looked so deep into space it is well past my ability to fathom. We found planets outside our solar system!
Our ability to achieve, to persevere, to face the odds, is what makes us unique. While you can look at wars, corruption, and other evil, its all part of the human package. But we keep achieving more, going faster, and building taller buildings in spite of all that.
As for myself, my fears do hold me back from time to time. But I see my human counterparts doing all this and I realize I can do more. I am inspired.
I have spent my life preparing. I have spent my life learning. I have spent my life hoping. Now is the time. Now is the moment.
"Ain't nuthin to it but to do it!" David
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