Looks like alot of things are broken on my blog. Blogrolling is inactive and may be closing up shop. Haloscan comments was taken over and now I have to pay for it?
Hmmmm...any ideas for a blogroll would be greatly appreciated. I hate having to code in sites and such. Maybe I'll completely overhaul the whole site. I dunno...
In other news...its FALL here in Indiana finally!
Not much else to report...move along folks, dead body has been removed...nothing to see here.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
A Post Revisited-September 11th Tribute
4 years ago I wrote the following post. Amazingly, my cousin is deployed once again. I had the pleasure of visiting with his family this past Wednesday. My how the children have grown. I had mixed emotions visiting, as it wasn't quite the same without their Dad. But I gathered myself and embraced the warmth and innocence of the children. It lifted a heavy cloud off my soul and reminded me yet again how precious our life can be.
I am still saddened that 4 years later and we are no closer to resolving the world conflicts.
Repost
Today my thoughts are obscure. I’ve shielded myself from the outside world for reasons undefined. Occasionally my mood dictates this reclusive behavior and typically has no lasting malcontent. I find myself searching for answers to issues that aren’t directly affecting my every day life. Today, one thought is focused on past family members who served in the military. The one who comes to the forefront of my thoughts is my Granddaddy. He died when I was young and although I retain memories of him, I still wonder what amazing stories he told of World War I. My parents often reflect on how he loved to tell his stories. He would talk for hours on end recounting his days. If memory serves me correctly, he fought in the Battle of Belleau Woods. He was an infantryman for the U.S. Army and served his country proudly. To my knowledge, the only wound he received was a Mustard Gas stain on his legs he proudly displayed. My parents tell me I would sit and listen to his stories, focused on his every word as if I understood the abyss of his nightmare. I cannot recall those stories but have memories of sitting with him in his rocker or sitting at the kitchen table eating Raisin Pie. I often hear my parents recall his stories and wished they’d documented them.
The only relative, I’m aware of, that served in World War II was a cousin of mom’s that fought on Iwo Jima. He carried around a picture of her sister during that campaign and later told the family how he viewed that photograph often. It brought his mind home and surrounded him with an aura of peace and comfort. I sometimes contemplate just how such a small object can bring forth a calm amongst the storm.
I had hoped writing this would liberate my thoughts. I believe the imprisonment of my thoughts revolve around my cousin’s coming deployment. I have no qualms about his deployment as he will proudly serve God and Country. Although I haven’t received any information, I cannot dwell upon the missing facts. He deploys sometime this week or next.
The only consolations are the memories of those relatives who served their country and returned safely. We, as a Nation, must honor those who gave some and those that gave all. We must unite in our honor, regardless of our opinions, to those that have and will preserve our nation’s freedom and liberty. We, as a Nation, mustn’t view this war as an atrocity. We must view this as the world democracies, as we know it, stand against a belief having powerful similarities to the Axis of Evil from World War II. Our forefathers served and died protecting our freedoms and liberties. We, as a Nation, are poised to cross that threshold once again. We must see the parallels between Pearl Harbor and the Twin Towers. We shouldn't hide behind our political beliefs nor our misguided attempts to rationalize our dissent. Our American History clearly defines our resolve and present day shall not be an exception. We, as a Nation, shall not stand cowardly towards our aggressors. Our fellow countrymen fight bravely each day and we, as a Nation, shall honorably support their efforts. I fear that if we abandon our fellow countrymen who are patriotically providing the ultimate sacrifice, we shall reap the bitter harvests that were sown.
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
Abraham Lincoln
I am still saddened that 4 years later and we are no closer to resolving the world conflicts.
Repost
Today my thoughts are obscure. I’ve shielded myself from the outside world for reasons undefined. Occasionally my mood dictates this reclusive behavior and typically has no lasting malcontent. I find myself searching for answers to issues that aren’t directly affecting my every day life. Today, one thought is focused on past family members who served in the military. The one who comes to the forefront of my thoughts is my Granddaddy. He died when I was young and although I retain memories of him, I still wonder what amazing stories he told of World War I. My parents often reflect on how he loved to tell his stories. He would talk for hours on end recounting his days. If memory serves me correctly, he fought in the Battle of Belleau Woods. He was an infantryman for the U.S. Army and served his country proudly. To my knowledge, the only wound he received was a Mustard Gas stain on his legs he proudly displayed. My parents tell me I would sit and listen to his stories, focused on his every word as if I understood the abyss of his nightmare. I cannot recall those stories but have memories of sitting with him in his rocker or sitting at the kitchen table eating Raisin Pie. I often hear my parents recall his stories and wished they’d documented them.
The only relative, I’m aware of, that served in World War II was a cousin of mom’s that fought on Iwo Jima. He carried around a picture of her sister during that campaign and later told the family how he viewed that photograph often. It brought his mind home and surrounded him with an aura of peace and comfort. I sometimes contemplate just how such a small object can bring forth a calm amongst the storm.
I had hoped writing this would liberate my thoughts. I believe the imprisonment of my thoughts revolve around my cousin’s coming deployment. I have no qualms about his deployment as he will proudly serve God and Country. Although I haven’t received any information, I cannot dwell upon the missing facts. He deploys sometime this week or next.
The only consolations are the memories of those relatives who served their country and returned safely. We, as a Nation, must honor those who gave some and those that gave all. We must unite in our honor, regardless of our opinions, to those that have and will preserve our nation’s freedom and liberty. We, as a Nation, mustn’t view this war as an atrocity. We must view this as the world democracies, as we know it, stand against a belief having powerful similarities to the Axis of Evil from World War II. Our forefathers served and died protecting our freedoms and liberties. We, as a Nation, are poised to cross that threshold once again. We must see the parallels between Pearl Harbor and the Twin Towers. We shouldn't hide behind our political beliefs nor our misguided attempts to rationalize our dissent. Our American History clearly defines our resolve and present day shall not be an exception. We, as a Nation, shall not stand cowardly towards our aggressors. Our fellow countrymen fight bravely each day and we, as a Nation, shall honorably support their efforts. I fear that if we abandon our fellow countrymen who are patriotically providing the ultimate sacrifice, we shall reap the bitter harvests that were sown.
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
Abraham Lincoln
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Yes...Summer Has Come and Gone
Not much has changed since my last post. I am still unemployed and its getting tougher as the days continue to maintain a level of hope. I was close to having a job, albeit part-time, with a corporation. But miscommunication on their part has left me unemployed. Seems we can't resolve this dilemma to their liking. Notice its all "their" and I'm the one paying the consequences. And anymore, all applications are handled/created on-line. This is very frustrating since you have no clue of your status. And when someone does call...guess what? They don't leave a message. If you're like me, I don't answer a number I'm not familiar with.
What happened to the good ole days when you visited a potential employers office, handed your paperwork to a receptionist and if you got by the receptionist you were virtually guaranteed at least an interview? I guess this old dog still hasn't mastered the new tricks for todays technology based hiring process. Very frustrating...
In other news, my son broke his wrist last week playing football in gym class. He still played on though and didn't complain until after gym class. Guessing he wanted to save face in front of his classmates. Which it worked since some now have a new respect for him.
Still coaching soccer when I can in-between looking for employment. Our team this year is young and our chances of winning are pretty slim. But we are having a good time and I'm just an assistant this year, so the pressure is off me. Basketball gears up soon and I hope to be able to assist again. I do enjoy teaching these Junior High kids about the game and life. Its amazing what impact I can have in their lives. Sometimes just having a conversation with them is all it takes to fulfill their desires of acceptance. I had two parents comment last week that their child was excited by what I said to them. I don't recall what was said but if it made a difference, then its all worth it.
We took in our two nephews aged 2 and 5 over the summer. Mom is struggling with life and these boys need a chance. Yea its tough being without income to make ends meet with two extras in the house. But I'm sure God has a plan, I hope he hurries up before my sanity cracks. lol
And my 4th year was this past June 30th. I don't consider it a celebration since my postings have diminished greatly this past year.
Until next time...be safe and always be true to yourself!
BTW...I have a FB account. Email me if your interested in friendship there.
What happened to the good ole days when you visited a potential employers office, handed your paperwork to a receptionist and if you got by the receptionist you were virtually guaranteed at least an interview? I guess this old dog still hasn't mastered the new tricks for todays technology based hiring process. Very frustrating...
In other news, my son broke his wrist last week playing football in gym class. He still played on though and didn't complain until after gym class. Guessing he wanted to save face in front of his classmates. Which it worked since some now have a new respect for him.
Still coaching soccer when I can in-between looking for employment. Our team this year is young and our chances of winning are pretty slim. But we are having a good time and I'm just an assistant this year, so the pressure is off me. Basketball gears up soon and I hope to be able to assist again. I do enjoy teaching these Junior High kids about the game and life. Its amazing what impact I can have in their lives. Sometimes just having a conversation with them is all it takes to fulfill their desires of acceptance. I had two parents comment last week that their child was excited by what I said to them. I don't recall what was said but if it made a difference, then its all worth it.
We took in our two nephews aged 2 and 5 over the summer. Mom is struggling with life and these boys need a chance. Yea its tough being without income to make ends meet with two extras in the house. But I'm sure God has a plan, I hope he hurries up before my sanity cracks. lol
And my 4th year was this past June 30th. I don't consider it a celebration since my postings have diminished greatly this past year.
Until next time...be safe and always be true to yourself!
BTW...I have a FB account. Email me if your interested in friendship there.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Summer is Here
Well not much has changed for me. Still alive and kicking! But I noticed something today as I took a few moments to run down my Blogroll. Its pretty empty of active bloggers. Yes I add myself to that category but at least I still read you all. Right?
And yes I miss the great reads you all provide. Some I've had to track down through various resources. Some have just plain gone private. Some have just plain been MIA. I realize life takes alot of turns and twists along the way. I'm a living example.
But damn...I miss you!
Thursday, April 01, 2010
No April Fools
I had given serious thought about posting an April Fool's joke. It's only natural as it's in my blood and personality to make others laugh. But tonight I think I'll pass on the foolery as I don't post often enough for anyone new to understand my sense of humor. Tonight I'd rather reflect on a year of being unemployed.
Yes it's been over a year since I last worked for the "man". I have come to loathe the system of bullshit and how the economic situation has transformed. I remember growing up relatives whom I admired and respected telling stories of how they worked and retired after 30 years from the same company. I am old school I suppose wanting to find that one job I can retire from. But these are different times the last 20 years. Nowadays if you survive 5 years within a company you are considered an icon. Me...well I've survived a year on unemployment. Am I proud of it? Not really as I've done nothing the past year to show any gains whether monetarily or through self-accomplishment. I have survived...
I've been the whole gamit of the emotions people. One of shame to self-loathing to who the hell cares anyways. And yet I tell myself each day I file for unemployment, "This will be the week I change!" and yet I continue the endless cycle of laziness and lack of motivation. Yes...it was all great being off work for awhile until the mundane routine set in. You know...the one like being at work wondering why you get paid the pennies while the "man" reaps the rewards of your labor. And yet I find satisfaction in showing the "man" I can survive.
Ironically its the "man" and the rewards of others labor that I survive. And I find it very troubling knowing this and yet I still continue the endless cycle. I accept the fact most people view me as a lazy bum. I don't dispute the fact...never have, never will. One thing I have learned is my stress levels are way down, I'm only as good as the effort I give and I really don't care what others opinions are of me. I firmly believe we spend an enormous amount of effort trying to conform to society's views on how to measure a man's worth.
Let me ask you this one question...
What have you done lately that's made your life easier?
Yes it's been over a year since I last worked for the "man". I have come to loathe the system of bullshit and how the economic situation has transformed. I remember growing up relatives whom I admired and respected telling stories of how they worked and retired after 30 years from the same company. I am old school I suppose wanting to find that one job I can retire from. But these are different times the last 20 years. Nowadays if you survive 5 years within a company you are considered an icon. Me...well I've survived a year on unemployment. Am I proud of it? Not really as I've done nothing the past year to show any gains whether monetarily or through self-accomplishment. I have survived...
I've been the whole gamit of the emotions people. One of shame to self-loathing to who the hell cares anyways. And yet I tell myself each day I file for unemployment, "This will be the week I change!" and yet I continue the endless cycle of laziness and lack of motivation. Yes...it was all great being off work for awhile until the mundane routine set in. You know...the one like being at work wondering why you get paid the pennies while the "man" reaps the rewards of your labor. And yet I find satisfaction in showing the "man" I can survive.
Ironically its the "man" and the rewards of others labor that I survive. And I find it very troubling knowing this and yet I still continue the endless cycle. I accept the fact most people view me as a lazy bum. I don't dispute the fact...never have, never will. One thing I have learned is my stress levels are way down, I'm only as good as the effort I give and I really don't care what others opinions are of me. I firmly believe we spend an enormous amount of effort trying to conform to society's views on how to measure a man's worth.
Let me ask you this one question...
What have you done lately that's made your life easier?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
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