SOS & HANGIN' LOOSE
Friday November 30, 2012 9:18 am
38 years ago today on a Saturday morning I
awoke as I had my previous nineteen years: s.o.s. (same-old-stuff).
However, early the next morning, Sunday December 1, 1974 when I woke
up there had been the first snowfall of the season and there was a
lot of snow on the ground. But, that is not particularly what I am
wanting to write about this morning. There was a reason why I had
woke up so early that Sunday morning... Deb had gone into labor! And
on that day she had a daughter, and I became a dad (:
What started me thinking about it this
morning is that I'm off work today and I have to work tomorrow, so I
was sitting here and basically waiting on some stores to open so I
can go out and get a gift for Tammy's birthday tomorrow: and as I was
trying to figure out what to get her (I'm not that good at picking
gifts) I couldn't get beyond the thought that 38 years had passed! I
mean, talk about ancient history... no offense Tam (lol) but Gerald
Ford had taken the oath of office just a few months before. Gerald
Ford!!! I mean, that sounds like ancient history even to me (:
Thinking back on that time I also
thought of something else I hadn't thought about in years.
Dangerfield used to tell a joke about his parents not wanting him
when he was a kid and many times after he had left for school, they
would move... and he would have to try and find them. They did it so
often that he started wrapping his sandwiches in a road map so he
could look for them easier. (lol) While Deb was in the hospital
giving birth to Tammy, I sort of tried that? I moved... no kidding!
Well, it's probably not what you might now be thinking (: We lived in
a small duplex and I figured we now needed something bigger. So, on
the second morning she was in the hospital I found a much larger
place for us to live and I rented it: then I went back to our
apartment and packed everything, rented a truck, moved everything,
and (mostly) unpacked everything... and all within a space of 48
hours!
Driving Deb and Tammy home from the
hospital I drove past our “old” apartment and I casually
mentioned that we don't live there anymore. I proceeded to our newer,
and much larger place and within an hour of us being home, Deb broke
down and cried! Apparently she couldn't find anything? Our new
apartment was nicer, newer, much larger and I thought she would like
the fact that she didn't have to do any work at all to get us
there... she didn't (:
Sometimes in my life it has been like
the joke of the man carrying a case of beer under his arm. It's an
early Sunday morning and this guy is walking down the street carrying
a case of beer and his friend sees him. He asks, “What did you get
the case of beer for?” The man said, “I got it for my wife.”
His buddy thought for a second, and then he said, “Wow, great
trade!”
Where does life go??? Wasn't it only
last week that my life seemed to be just beginning? If my life was
ever broken down into important events, then certainly the birth of
all three girls would be red-letter days for me. Salvation... another
wonderful event! And subsequently, now having thirteen grandchildren
would all be days of happiness and remembering each special occasion.
But I was also thinking it must be true that red-letter days should
include the times I have loved as well. However, if I include those
then my scale of happiness tips away from favoring me: because I have
loved, and lost, loved again, then again, and lost... but I don't
want to think about that right now ):
Now that I have bummed myself out this
morning I think I am going to quit writing. (I know... using a word
like “bummed” to describe how I feel also dates me and reminds
everyone who reads this that I really am ancient.) Now instead of
stopping I think that I will write just a few more things to really
show my age.
I was a teenager when my life was cool, groovy, boss,
neato, and outta sight! Back then a couple of my girlfriends
wore pedal pushers, and my least favorite car to take from my dad's
lot was any of them that had the birth-control seats. With our cars my friend Doug and I would lay many patches, and we also thought it was
great fun to have carloads of young people with us and we would do
Chinese fire-drills at traffic lights. (I might add that this type of
fun was much to the annoyance of some of the old chrome-domers
behind us.) Back then a fag wasn't a queer... but a queer was a
queer, can you dig? I think that mostly back then I just liked to
hang loose. lol
Well, thinking about some of those
things I can write about, and a few others that I can not (lol) I feel a
little better: so, I am going to shower, dress, and go and buy some
gifts. I hope everyone who reads this has a great day!!!
ANOTHER QUESTION
Tuesday November 27, 2012 7:43 pm
Unlike yesterday, this question is for anyone to answer. First though, I'll tell you what made me want to ask it. Today, as I do many times, while at work and on my lunch hour I go to my car and listen to music.
Sometime during my lunch I laid my head back on the head rest and I FELL ASLEEP! Now, I wasn't out very long because when I awoke I looked at the dashboard clock and only twenty minutes had passed since the last time I had checked the time. Anyway, here is my question. I suppose you might not be able to answer it unless you also have trouble falling asleep at the times you are supposed to? So, maybe I ought to ask it of any or all insomniacs? "Why can I apparently fall asleep in the middle of an afternoon... without even trying: and yet I lay awake in my bed tossing and turning when I should be sleeping?"
I did hear a really nice song while in my car today. After I got home I checked for it Online because I wanted to read the words and I learned it has been out for awhile. I liked all of it really, but there was one line I liked more than any other... and I'm not even sure why? The line I really liked is: "I think it's strange you think I'm funny cause he never did." (Probably I am one of the last people on Earth who had not heard it... but if you haven't, it's called Begin Again.)
I hope everyone who reads this has a great night!
I HAVE A SERIOUS QUESTION... FOR GUYS ONLY!
Monday November 26, 2012 6:02 pm
Here is my question, and you will know immediately why I said this was only for the guys to answer. "What do you do if you have a wife who is crazy?" Seriously... what?
About ten minutes ago I was (as usual) minding my own business when Deb called out from the rear door and wanted me to come quickly! As usual... I didn't. "What is it," I asked?
She said there was a strong smell of gas outside and she thinks it is coming from our meter? "Do you hear anything... like hissing?"
"No," she admitted... "but it's really strong and you need to call the gas company!" I cautioned her that if I call them they will take it seriously and send someone out... so, you had better be certain it really is something? She again assured me that this was real!
So, I called them and I began by first blaming her... and I explained that I had lost my sense of smell long ago... but, SHE (I added extra emphasis here) says she can smell gas in the air. Naturally they don't know her, so they are taking it very seriously and as I type this we are waiting on them to come.
About five minutes ago she came into my office (I'm working on school work) and she said the smell is not nearly as strong now as before? I'M SHOCKED (:
Now, she says that she can hear the neighbors doing something in their backyard? I said, "Do you suppose they could have been... I don't know, maybe lighting a grill?" Sheepishly she told me that such a thing was possible? I assured her that she will get to be the one who meets the gas men who I am quite certain are even now rushing to our house!
If I sound a little perturbed, or like I am not taking this very seriously... there is a reason. I'll give you just one (of oh so many) example(s) of why? Several years ago I pull into a Thornton's gas station and they have four islands and each island has four gas pumps. It is not uncommon to see this particular station (because it's just off the Interstate) to be full and 16 cars taking gas at the same time.
I get out of the car and I begin gassing up my car, along with a dozen other drivers... then, I hear an alarmed cry from the front seat, "ROB, I SMELL GAS!"
Good one... I thought, until I looked inside the car and she is genuinely concerned! "Uh... do you see where we are and what I am doing? I am putting GASOLINE into my car, and so are all of them." At that point I gesture with my hands to point out the whole parking lot full of cars getting gasoline.
She said, "You know what I mean... it's a lot stronger than usual."
Okey-dokey then... we'll be on our way. So, if I seem a bit underwhelmed by the thought of going up in a big fireball from a gas explosion, now you know why. Also, from the other room she just called out to ask if they will just look at things outside or will they want to talk to ... "somebody?"
Not, "somebody" I said... "they will want to talk to
you!" (She just got real quiet.)
Their truck just pulled up... I want to go outside and watch this! lol
I will give you an update... no gas leak above, or underground! However, maybe there was a reason for him to come here. I had a Christian friend from my last store who (when he heard I was putting a cross on my house) wanted to be the one who made it for me. Anyway, Pete (the guy from the gas company) saw the cross and he told about his wife (Lynn) who has pancreatic cancer. Pete and Lynn also have a sixteen-year-old daughter at home. So, I asked him if it was okay if we had prayer for him and we would ask those we know to pray for her healing as well.
That is what I am doing now... would all of you please pray for Pete and Lynn Vogt, and their daughter! Thanks!!!
E IS AT IT AGAIN!
Sunday November 25, 2012 1:21 pm
This morning at Sunday School E decided to eat a little healthier, as during the Thanksgiving holiday (apparently) she was eating things she shouldn't? That might all be well and good... but why is she eating off of a coffee filter instead of a plate? Now I know for sure E is a girl because she is impossible to figure out!
After that, she was on to teen class where she told a fairly funny joke... however, it seemed that only the boys really appreciated it? Here was the joke E told. "It is a fact that a girl will always forgive and forget... but, it is also a fact that she will never let you forget that she has forgiven and forgotten!" You can tell by the crossed arms of the girl on the right... she didn't think it was all that funny (:
The next one though is where her willful attitude might end up getting me into trouble? It is the main service and Tammy is upfront and singing and because of that I was wanting to take a picture. E is crazy about the camera and she must have known my intent, and before I could stop her she is on the top of the head of the young girl directly in front of me! (I suppose I have many things to be thankful for this holiday season, but one of them must surely be that she was wearing a hat. Imagine the ruckus that might have ensued if all of a sudden a parishioner felt something in their hair?)
After I had snapped the picture and I "very carefully" retrieved E I noticed that the two very old ladies who were at the opposite end of my pew were looking at each other with their brows knit together. I waited until I caught their eye and I sort of shrugged my shoulders and grinned and showed what I hoped was an expression of, "... girls... what are you going to do with them?" I'm not sure why, but both of them immediately turned away from me.
I guess that's what I mean, regardless of age... I just can never figure girls out (:
Just Some Stuff (Added Another Picture)
Saturday November 24, 2012 9:32 am
I thought I would write this morning with just some odds-and-ends of happenings. I was at work and sitting at my desk and looking up an item for a customer when something very strange happened? Out of the corner of my eye I saw a young (well-dressed) girl walk by and all of a sudden something happened which hasn't happened to me in more than 20 years. I smelled her perfume... or at least, I thought I did?
One of the girls from another department was waiting on her so I turned to her and I asked her to see me once she was done waiting on the girl and before she left my department. So, after both of our customers left I explained to her that I had lost my sense of smell more than two decades before... and yet, when the young girl she was waiting on had passed near me I could smell a really nice perfume. So, I asked her if she could tell if the girl had been wearing anything unusually sweet, or strong? She thought for a second and then said, "No." So, I guess it was just a fantasy smell?
I have been taking a zinc supplement for several weeks and I thought it might actually have caused my abrupt turnabout. But, that doesn't appear to be the case ):
Three of Steph's girls stayed overnight so I picked up a movie that they could watch, it is called Big Miracle and it's based on a true story... and it was pretty good.
I guess I haven't been paying a lot of attention to E lately and she must be feeling neglected? Anyway, as I was typing this I glanced over and saw where she was climbing on my thermal conductor... so, I snapped her picture (:
Finally... after closing (again) tonight, I get tomorrow off! I hope all of you have a great and fun weekend!!!
Hazel, the only one of the three girls who is awake is behind me and pulling on a set of resistance bands I have hooked to my closet door. Even though they are not set for high resistance as she is reaching high for them they are still trying to pull her small frame off of the floor. She is giggling... and very cute! Now, she is trying to tell me a story about Hallie... and something about "Sonic" and just because he is on t.v. thinking he is real? But, with her lisp and bouts of laughter I am not altogether sure what she is saying? Regardless though, still awfully cute (:
I had already finished typing and had uploaded this blog and was checking my email when Hazel came back in and was wearing a pair of reading glasses that belong to "Grandma" and she had apparently taken my watch from my desk and she had it on. She was standing nearby and waiting on me to notice.
She was so cute I asked her to sit in my chair and I would take her picture... and yes, she is even more ornery than you might imagine from her picture (: Only a child growing up in our day and age would say what she next said. I was grinning at her as I watched her run out of my office and at the door she turned and said, "Don't put this on Facebook!" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Not only was the remark very funny, she has this great lisp that is hysterical. Honestly, I am still laughing as I am typing (:
GOODNIGHT... FRIEND(S) & MUCH LOVED ONES!!!
Thursday November 22, 2012 11:51 pm
Well, I suppose like many others this day I have been busy (: Earlier this afternoon we were at our youngest daughter's house and with all of us there and the pastor and his children... I believe there were 20 children, ranging in ages from a few months to 13 years, and I think there were 11 adults: the kids are taking over! lol
It was a fun and happy day for me... yet, I will always and forevermore have this feeling of melancholy. (I think most especially this time of year, though it is always my constant companion.) I know that for some they might not believe that any normal person could experience both feelings at once? Wouldn't happiness chase away melancholia and would not the opposite also be true? How can anyone feel sad and yet experience good or happy times? But, hey... I have never pretended I was normal (:
"I only wish .............." will always be my unspoken lament! However, wishing does no good ): I like the old proverb: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." That would be me!
To any and all who might read this blog: "If wishes were (?)" What would your earnest wish be? I didn't really have anything important to say, I just didn't want to let this day pass into another without saying "Hello" to my friends and to let them know they are always in my heart. Please, take care.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, & ... TATTOOS!!!
Thursday November 22, 2012 12:37 am
Alright...
everyone ready? I am going to begin with just seven questions and I
need you to answer them for your preacher. It will be easy to answer
for him because my questions will all be of the observable type. (So,
this will be easy to do.) Before I begin though I need to state that
this blog will only apply if your pastor has taught against tattoos for
the Christian. So, for this blog I am going to assume that they have?
Does
your pastor closely shave his face? If not... does he maintain a
trimmed beard? Is his hair unkempt and long, or is it kept nicely
trimmed? Does he preach and ask the congregation to observe all (64)
Sabbaths as taught in the Old Testament? Do you remember if he has
ever publicly commanded that people who have been overtaken in
a certain sin needs to be brought before the church and scourged with
a whip? Have you ever seen him at a church picnic eating meat that is
known to you not to be kosher meat, i.e., without blood?
Now,
I am trusting that you have answered those questions so I can now
record the only place in the entire Bible that is teaching against
“tattoos.” Before I record that verse let me also state that as a
person who believes the Bible in its present form and in its
entirety... even a single verse is enough to teach doctrine. Of
course, we will be looking at all of the verses and teachings found
within the entire chapter the verse which is teaching against tattoos
is taken from. I will not be guilty, as some pastors are, of lifting
out single verses from chapters in order to try and preach a personal
preference or a particular prejudice rather than, “What saith the Lord.”
The
chapter in question begins this way. Leviticus 19:1-2: “And the
Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the
children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the
LORD your God am holy.”
The
chapter ends with this verse. Leviticus 19:37: “Therefore shall
ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them, I am
the Lord.” Keep in mind, from the first verse until the last
verse (37) everything that God told Moses was to be observed. No one
in their right mind would imagine that the Israelites could pick and
choose which verses to follow and which ones they would choose to
disregard. I will show you though that is EXACTLY what your pastor is
doing with the entire chapter. (That is: disregard every single verse... except verse 28!)
Then,
there is verse 28. Leviticus 19:28: “Ye shall not make any
cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I
am the Lord.” (… nor
print any marks upon you …)
That's it... in all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, 31,202 verses, and
773,693 words... there are exactly six words which state, “ … nor print
any marks upon you...” That, my friends is the sum total of what
God had to say on the subject of tattoos. Again though, if that verse
is relevant for today... those six words would be enough. Now, let us
look at the relevance of Leviticus nineteen for today.
In
order to do that I need to explain for any interested parties what I
explained on my phone call of last evening. That is, there are three
basic categories of Old Testament Law. This evening in
my abbreviated study (I had to work late... ugh) the earliest
writings I could find that separated the Old Testament Laws into
three categories, “cultural, ceremonial and moral” were recorded
from the third century. However, if I had time to search more in
depth I might be able to find even earlier writings? Regardless
though, it has always been known that the laws, precepts, and statutes which God
gave were not necessarily equal: and, neither were all of His laws and ordinances to be
practiced for all times and for all peoples.
I
pointed this fact out to my friend on the phone, and he asked if I
was aware that (as far as he knew) those three words I had just used
(cultural, ceremonial, moral) weren't even in the Bible. Or, if they
were he felt they were probably not used in describing the Law? I
admitted I had never checked, however... I said that many words we
commonly use to describe Bible doctrines are also not found in the
Bible, yet the truth of the doctrines they teach are still there.
Because he had tried to use my three words back on me... I offered
three more for him (: I asked him if he believed in the Trinity, the
rapture of the church... and taking sacraments, e.g., the Lord's
Supper, or baptism? Because if he did, (and I already knew he did)
none of those three words (Trinity, rapture, sacraments) are found in
the Bible either! He said, “Touche'”
Of
course, because I had more time to think on it today I also thought
of another word that is often bandied about, especially in
fundamental circles and it also is not found in the Bible... in any
of its forms: legal, legalistic, and legalism. So, just because a
particular word is not found in the Bible it is quite okay to use
other words in order to be able to more fully expound on Bible
doctrine.
For
this blog I absolutely refuse to get into the argument of
what constitutes the difference between “ordinance” and
“sacrament” as it relates to fundamental churches. Because I knew
my audience that I had on the phone I used the word sacrament because
I knew his beliefs. (I am writing this part because I have at least
one preacher, who also reads this blog, from the “reformed”
side who holds that baptism is a sacrament... and I know of three
others, who also reads this blog, and they would teach it as an
“ordinance” … get over yourselves (: Let's pretend I only said
that Trinity and rapture were words that are also not in the Bible.
In that way none of you would have an occasion to disagree with
anything I have written so far. That will come later :)
One
of the best explanations I have ever read to help a person understand
the three types of Law God gave was Luther. At least his explanation
was the most succinct and easiest to read. “... It is
to be noted that the laws are of three kinds. Some speak only of
temporal things, as do our imperial laws . . . He (Moses) not only
gives laws that speak of natural and true sins, such as the Ten
Commandments, but he makes sins of things that are, in their nature,
no sins… all those things that the Levitical priesthood deals with
as sins—these things are not, in their nature sinful or wicked, but
they become sins because they are forbidden by the law” (Holman,
Works of
Luther,
Vol. VI, pp. 371, 375).
(Keep in mind that well-stated truth: “...
these
things are not, in their nature sinful or wicked, but they become
sins because they are forbidden by law...”)
Even
a child, literally, or figuratively as in I Peter 2:2 ought to grasp
the clear significance of that statement. Some Laws of God are
immutable, forever, and applies to all people and at all times! Yet,
there were others that He decreed which were only for a season, and
(or) a particular people. Does everyone agree so far? If you do not
agree with that last statement, and if you are a preacher... please
quit: preaching I mean. Because honestly, if you do not have that
understanding then you are most certainly doing more harm than good
to the people who are listening to what you say.
Now,
here are some questions that certain preachers need to be asked. If
you believe verse 28 (speaking against tattoos) is applicable for
God's people today... then why don't you believe verse 3 is
applicable? In other words, why are you not keeping all 64 Sabbaths? In chapter nineteen He commanded you to do that, why are you being disobedient?
As
a pastor... have you ever planted a garden? If so... once you are
done taking out what you want for yourself, do you always leave some
for the poor and the stranger among you? Or, do you do as I have
often heard... plow under what is left because “... it's good for
the soil.” Leviticus 19:9-10 commands you not to do that!
Preacher,
do you ever wear suits and other clothes which have mixed material in
them? If so, why are you defying verse 19... which commands you not
to wear clothes with mixed material.
Pastor,
who was the last person you scourged with a whip for breaking a
commandment God gave Moses that is found in verse 20.
Pastor...
are you honestly still eating meat mingled with blood? In verse 26
God commanded you not to do this! In fact, this verse was also
brought forth into the New Testament: in Acts 15 so we know for a
fact that even today eating meat with the blood (life of the animal)
is sin! I didn't intend to go farther with this point, but I believe I
will.
The
reason that this is one of God's Laws which was brought forward and
is relevant for the New Testament church is that God never wanted man (created in His image) to eat “the life” of any beast... only its flesh. Let me
explain.
Suppose you go to a surgeon and ask him to remove everything
from your body... except he can't take your life. So, he begins cutting away: both legs, both arms, both kidneys (and he hooks you up to
a dialysis machine), your spleen and appendix is taken, your eyes,
nose, ears, lips, tongue, and tonsils all gone. Your heart is removed
and a mechanical device is inserted where it was, your lungs are
taken and you are hooked to a machine that breathes for you. Finally,
he peels away your skin, at this point you look somewhat like a potato bug... yet, you are still alive! Why? It is because
your life is not found in any body part... it is in your blood!
I
mean, 8-12 pints of blood is the average amount for an adult human
being. Lose just 4 pints... and you are in grave danger... a little
more and death will occur. Why? Because according to the Word of God,
the "life" is in the blood. Leviticus 17:10-12: “And whatsoever man
there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn
among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face
against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among
his people. (11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I
have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your
souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
(12) Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you
shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you
eat blood.”
Keep
in mind that this same truth was
brought forward into
the New Testament book of Acts and chapter 15. This was commanded by the
“Holy Spirit” for all New Testament believers not to eat meat mingled with
the blood. Personally I would rather stand before God with every
single square inch of my body covered in tattoos, then face Him
having eaten a single Big Mac sandwich! Truly... I would! Look, I'm
not saying don't eat meat... just buy kosher. It is simply that easy
to keep from sinning with your food choices in this New Testament age.
Finally, ask your
pastor why he neatly cuts his hair and (or) trims his beard? Isn't he
aware that in verse 27 of Leviticus nineteen this is expressly
forbidden? And if he doubts that is what is meant by that verse...
ask him the following question. Has he ever heard of Hasidic Jews, and (or) many other sects who still follow Old Testament Law? Because they still follow the Laws of the Old Testament and particularly because of
Leviticus 19:27... they do not trim (round the corners) their beards
and neither do they cut (mar) their sideburns and hair.
Here is what you
must understand. Always, and forevermore God's “moral laws” are
for everyone and every age. But, many of His ceremonial or cultural
laws were only for a season of time and only for a particular people,
usually the Israelites. That is why in today's age we don't have
to keep any of the 64 Sabbaths, and it is okay to plow your garden under,
and to cut your beard or hair. And yes, get a tattoo if you want?
All laws that were not “moral laws” have been fulfilled in Christ
and done away with: unless, like with the “eating of blood” it was
brought forward into the New Testament and is still forbidden.
Obviously, all laws do not
have to be brought forward to be in effect... that is if they are moral laws.
An example would be bestiality. Certainly it was taught against in the Old
Testament, yet nowhere is it even mentioned in the New Testament. Yet, because
we recognize it as a moral absolute, it never needed restated.
That's why the Fourth Commandment was not brought forward into the New Testament. And, of course, it is the only Commandment of the Decalogue which was not brought forward: because it was ceremonial and we are no longer "under" Law and we do not honor particular days.
To
all of my preacher friends... you can not pick and choose and lift
single verses out and decide which ones you like and want to
practice, and (or) which ones you want to preach against. If verse 28 applies to today, then
so does 3, 9-10, 19, 20, 26, and 27! So, if you still want to teach
against tattoos and do it as “...thus saith the Lord...” then I
am certainly expecting to see you begin teaching to keep all
Sabbaths, quit wearing suits with mixed blends, stop shaping your
beards and cutting your hair... and for the love of God... quit
eating your bloody meat! By the way, the first person (besides maybe
wanting to beat me for exposing your hypocrisy) you decide to
scourge... please invite me, I think I might like to see that (:
I awoke very early this morning and decided to add another thought. Just because it is okay (in our day) to get a tattoo if you like, doesn't necessarily mean you ought to rush out and get a tattoo! I would much prefer my grandchildren not to ever get one. However, I refuse to use the Bible to try and encourage them not to get one by lifting verses out of context and trying to make apply for today what was only meant for a specific time under Law.
ANOTHER REASON I'D LIKE TO RETIRE
Wednesday November 21, 2012 8:23 am
With the reason I am writing about today, I am now at one million, nine... and counting of reasons I am ready to quit work (: This reason today has to do with "time" not being my own ):
This morning I have a few things to do first, then I have to shave, shower, and get ready to go to work. I am on day three of a run of seven out of nine days closing... and I greatly dislike closing!
Anyway, with tomorrow being Thanksgiving (and the following day ... 23rd. being a special (23) anniversary day for me) I was going to write a blog about being grateful for what, or who we have known? Typically whenever I get an urge to write I just sit down and type. But, because of the holiday I thought I would plan a little better and I even had a Pooh quote ready to use: "Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would, I'd never leave."
That
was my plans for tomorrow... an early morning Thanksgiving day blog. Then, late last evening at work I get a call from a man who was also at work and he works for the same company I work for. I used to work with him at another store before I transferred (last year) to the store where I am now working. Confused yet? lol
I'm not even sure how we started out talking about what we have been doing lately, my end-of-the-world party, and then ended up (heatedly) discussing tattoos? Crazy huh? Anyway, this man who works full time at his job is also a pastor of a small church: and, I think a really good guy. Ever since I first knew him he has been one of the faithful readers of what I write.
We probably spent about ten minutes trading verses back-and-forth on the phone... it was great! Finally, when we were about done I told him that he knew I was going to have to write about our discussion and I was going to point out all of the flagrant misuses of the Bible that he and others like him had to use... in order to hold his (their) views on the subject. I finished by telling him that I was going to "...let him have it." He assured me that he was not thin-skinned and he, "... could take it." We both laughed and I agreed that of all the people I know... I do think he could take whatever I said without getting upset. (The man I am writing about was one of the lay preachers who prayed with me when I was very sick.)
My reason (# 1,000,009) for wanting to retire is that I would have the time today to write the blog about tattoos and then my other blog for tomorrow... if only I wasn't working ):
So, tonight after I get home from work I am planning on writing, probably a lengthy blog, about tattoos. I want to warn any of my pastor friends who has (at least in the past) read much of what I have written and say that you will want to skip my next blog. Because if you don't... if you actually read it, and assuming you really do believe the Bible... well, you will no longer be able to hold onto your current position on the subject... and I know how stubbornly most of you want to hold onto the traditions of men which has been passed down from previous generations. Even though they are bad traditions, and poor Bible teaching... you still want to keep them.
Knowing how much I hate confrontation and debate (: I am loathe to do it, but I feel I must (:
A FEW OF THE MENU ITEMS FOR MY PARTY
Tuesday November 20, 2012 10:38 am
I am sitting here and sipping my coffee
as I just finished a writing assignment for school and I am still in
the mood to write a little, so I thought I would give everyone an
update on my little party. I have been (again) studying the last
meals which have been served to men and women on death row and I
thought I would incorporate some of those meals into my
end-of-the-world & last-meal party.
If I decided to be really cheap, I
could serve what was requested by Victor Feguer... a single un-pitted
olive. (That last meal request was a pretty funny one.) However, some
of the others were very extravagant. In fact, one was so costly and
extravagant that it caused the state of Texas to do away with last
meal requests entirely!
A few of them have had take out foods
from Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and even KFC. So, in keeping with that
theme I will order certain food items from each of those restaurants,
and for dessert I will have on hand some mint and chocolate chip ice
cream as that is what McVeigh had for his last meal.
I will also have someone bake a pecan
pie as that was something that Rector had asked for as part of his last
meal, but he never ate it. He said that, “... he was saving it for
later.” I thought that remark was hysterically funny. I guess even
killers can have a sense of humor? I guess the idea that such men could be funny will be my segue into the “killer clown” Gacy's
last meal: his was one of the more extravagant orders and it involved
something from KFC, so I will order the same thing he did from there.
Thinking about what to serve for the
party did make me consider something? What meal would you choose...
if you knew it would be your final meal! These men and women who died
at the hands of the state (because of their own bad actions) did have
one advantage that most of us will never have? They knew that what
they were eating would be their last meal. For most of us... that
will never be true. Perhaps the coffee I am drinking, which is now
beginning to cool, yuck... might be the last thing I consume? If I
knew that were true, I feel confident that would not be my choice.
How about you, what would you choose to eat or drink if you could
have anything in the whole world and it was to be the last thing you ever had?
I suppose for me I would choose
something I have never had and would never have an opportunity to be able to
partake? For my drink I imagine it would be a certain wine. An
example of what I might choose is an Australian wine. This particular
wine I am referring is a Cabernet Sauvignon and it was made from some of the oldest
vines in the world. There are only a dozen bottles which have been
produced and they are expected to sell for more than $150,000.00
dollars apiece. Yeah... give me a glass of that!
For my entree I would like to try a
meal from the restaurant Shigetsu in Kyoto, Japan. I would especially
like to try a dish which is called, Nasu Dengaku which
is an eggplant with a miso topping. (Yum!)
Of
course, for dessert... it's a no-brainer: cake-pop! (:
Alright,
how about you? If it were your last meal and you knew it, and could have whatever you wanted... what
would you want?
I hope all who reads this has a blessed and fun day today!
THE LIFE OF "E" ... AS TOLD IN PICTURES!
Sunday November 18, 2012 4:25 pm
In times past there has been certain characters who only needed one name to become instantly recognizable to the general public. A couple of examples would be: Pocahontas and Geronimo. (No additional names are needed.) In more modern times we also have many more examples: Sting ... Cher ... Fabian ... Enya ... and, of course, Elvis.
Soon, very soon, we will have another instantly recognizable, larger than life, mononymous celebrity... "E!"
I am including a few pictures of her and some of her exploits this morning and early afternoon. Like most celebrities, E is happiest in front of the camera and having her picture taken!
Wow! What a large bite!!! E was enjoying a chocolate donut and cup of coffee during the Sunday school hour. It wasn't a cake-pop... but it wasn't too bad either!
E is waiting for the start of the main church service.
E is trying to be patient as she is waiting on her favorite carry out veggie pizza from Papa Murphy's.
E sneaked in after church and caught her favorite dog in all the world (Virgil) fast asleep (:
E so far today has had fun, but now she has to watch someone take a very long test for school... boooooooring!
E hopes all who reads this has a fun day!!!
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS I HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED
Thursday November 15, 2012 8:20 am
I have always enjoyed learning. What
seems odd about that true statement is that even though I have always
liked to learn: I was a terrible student! My grades were good, but as
a young person I was always restless and I disliked the classroom
setting. Perhaps that is why a lot of the things I enjoy and have
learned has happened away from a structured environment. The things I
enjoy learning (just like the things I collect for my office) covers
a broad range of subject matter and material. This morning for my
blog I think I will write about four things I have either studied or
learned within the last few weeks. I will begin with what I have
deemed the least important thing I have learned, then I will finish
with the fourth new truth and the most important thing I have
recently learned!
(Before I list what I have recently learned... let me give you an appropriate analogy about learning. Many years ago I used to watch a television show called Kung Fu with
David Carradine. As a youngster he was taught by "Master Po" a great
Kung Fu fighter. At some point though in the youth's training the
student became the master (teacher.) I think this is what sometimes happens with exceptional students!) Now, onto my short list of four new truths learned.
(Four.) I had been reading about UFOs
and the many sightings throughout the world. While it is true that
there are “unexplained flying objects.” However, if they had an
other-worldly beginning we might not be capable of grasping how they
are able to traverse the vast distances of space? Although there is a
theory called the “Hutchison Effect” and this might help us to
understand their propulsion technology?
(Three.) I have always enjoyed
mathematics. Recently I was reading about some work being done by Ken
Ono and his team as they are building on Euler's theories as they
related to partition numbers. Admittedly, what would seem like a
concept which one ought to be able to grasp fairly easily... some of
what Ono writes is over my head. However, it is still fun to read
about his work.
(Two.) The two things I have already
written about were things I have learned on my own because they are
subjects which hold my interest. The next one (number two on my list)
is something we have been studying in Psychology. The concept of
“mirroring” is not new: however, the way it has been presented by
our instructor has been a fun learning experience. In essence it
explains why we smile or frown, etc. as we are conversing with
someone. We are basically “mirroring” their facial expressions as
we are speaking.
If you would like to see this in practice... the
next stranger you pass, politely smile at them and they will
automatically (mirror) return the gesture. (Of course, I was thinking as I typed this that this might also be a
way to create a stalker? If you try this little experiment write to
me and let me know the outcome: friendly and warm smile returned...
or, someone you eventually have to go to court and file a CPO? lol)
Anyway, the same thing happens when we watch movies: tears, or even
laughter are usually being “mirrored” by whatever we are
watching? This has been a fun study and I rate it as number two on my
list of important things I have recently learned.
(One.) This next, and the most
important truth I have recently learned did not come to me because of
personal study. Neither did it come to me in a classroom setting: it
was just sort of handed to me in a succinct statement. This new truth I learned is that my, “chocolate
delight on a stick” is not really called that at all? I mean, go
figure. Nope, it's called a, “cake-pop.”
Really, I'm not even kidding (: I love to learn!
Well, I have to get ready for work... I
hope all who reads this has a great day!!! By the way, for my first
break I will be enjoying another “chocolate de...” I mean,
delicious cake-pop! (:
JUST THINKING
Wednesday November 14, 2012 10:55 am
Alison Krauss has such a sweet, sad
voice. I bet for the man who marries her... she would be a real
downer! Lol I was doing the final bit of work for school and she
started singing (Gravity) and I stopped again, to just listen. Then
after hearing her, I decided to give school work a rest and write a
blog (: I have been nonstop for several hours now anyway, and I have
earned a break? Etta James is singing now, very nice voice. (Before
continuing, I am going to get a cup of coffee and indulge myself once
again with a great chocolate treat! The problem for me is that my
supplies are limited... I'm down to four after this one is gone. It's
probably good that I have a limited supply though: the way they taste
there must be... I don't know... probably a bazillion calories in
each one! Lol)
I'm baaaaack. It took awhile for the
water to come to a boil. “Mmmm....good! This treat could be
addicting! I awoke this morning, basically in the middle of the
night, so I could get everything done for my school work and I could
take this day off. I am now down to one, 100 question test and I now
think I am going to save that for this evening?
I want to tell all of you a funny thing
that happened to me very early this morning... well, it might not be
that funny to anyone reading this, but it did cause me to laugh. (In
case there are people who reads today's blog and has not read my past
ones, I need to tell those people an important fact in order to make
some sense of the story I am going to relate.)
There was a time in my life, until
recently that I had some more “serious” collections and
collectibles. I sold almost all … (before I finish I want to tell
you what is playing on my eyephone. sic.
All of a sudden while typing I heard a loud and persistent heartbeat.
I pushed the menu button to see what was playing? The title read:
Leni's heartbeat... 35 weeks. How sweet! A long time ago Missy had
loaded all of the songs I have on this device and that is one of the
things on there, that was neat!)
Anyway,
today everything that I once had as a collectible which monetarily
had value, is gone. Now, my “collectibles” are what, most
probably, a collection ought to be? That is, they are “extremely
valuable,” but only to me!
So, maybe 5-6 hours ago I took a brief
respite from study and typing and I decided to look at one particular
set of collectibles. This set is small, but important to me. As I was
holding, reading... and just thinking about these items a thought
crossed my mind and I began to laugh. My door was shut to my small
office but I still tried not to laugh too loud. Have you ever seen
the movie, Throw Momma from the Train?
There are many laugh-out-loud scenes
throughout the whole thing. DeVito and Crystal's characters play off
each other nearly to perfection. There is one scene where DeVito
finds himself in a room, unnoticed, when two people start making out
nearby, his actions are hilarious!
My favorite scene though is when Owen
(Danny DeVito) is making eggs for Larry (Billy Crystal) and Owen's
mom is awakened because of the noise and enters the kitchen. The mom
is played by Anne Ramsey and she has a mug you would have to see to
believe? It's great! She wants to know who the man in the kitchen is?
Owen says it's his cousin, Paddy(?) Now, Crystal is oblivious to
what's happening because DeVito is just making things up as he goes
along. So, he is sitting at the table and just looking innocent.
Then, Owen's mom says that DeVito doesn't have a cousin Paddy. Devito
looks at Crystal, raises his voice and says, “You lied to me!”
Then he whacks him on the head with an iron skillet, knocking him
into the floor! Hahahahahahaha
Anyway... it's a funny movie. (In real
life, and to the unsuspecting I often quote lines Devito has used in
several of his movies.) DeVito is a very funny person. But, the scene
in that movie which caused me to laugh earlier this morning is a
different one.
Owen asks Larry if he wants to see his
“coin collection?” Larry is not at all interested but DeVito
ignores him and he gets it anyway. To show the value he places on his
collection he has it hid in the floor and he has to move a rug to get
to it. Lol Finally, Crystal says he will look at it. But, as he
starts showing off his “prized collection” they are valueless. A
few nickels and quarters... not worth anything? Crystal tells him
that a collection is supposed to be valuable. Then Owen tells him
that they are very valuable, and he begins to tell how he acquired
each one. Every single coin had been given to him as change and they
came from his father: a person he loved very much! The collection was
not valuable in and of itself... it was valuable only because of the
love he felt for the person who had given those few things to him.
So, this morning I tried my best to
stifle my laughter as I thought I am just like the character (Owen) DeVito
played in that movie. I pictured him laying on the floor like a
little kid and lovingly looking at his coins, and I busted out
laughing! Me an DeVito... twins. lol
There is also another hilarious line at the
end of that same scene when Crystal states that he must have loved
his dad very much... and he asked his name? DeVito said his dad's
name was Ned... and he called him, (DeVito) “little Ned.” Then he
added, that's why my mom named me Owen! Hahahahahaha. That movie
(and) So I Married an Axe Murderer has some of the funniest single
scenes in any movies ever turned out by Hollywood!
I suppose I ought to say that unless I am writing a series on a
particular subject I never have any certain thing in mind I am going
to write. Whenever I begin a blog... I just start typing. I wrote
that so that if you read this and wondered did I have anything in
mind when I started this... I didn't. I just (inanely) type whatever
pops into my head. I know... you can tell (:
Well, I have to go to the store and get
Virgil some chicken, peas, and pasta to cook for his lunch... we are
out of all three right now. I have to fix him salt-free foods, poor
little guy is getting old on me ):
I think I am going to leave E here at
home for this trip... I just looked at her and I think she looks a
little sleepy, or maybe that's how I feel and I am projecting that
onto her? Lol I suppose I probably ought not to keep writing things
like that as someone might believe I am more than just a little off?
Oh well, I suppose it's more fun to keep them guessing?
I'll leave you with a funny quote along
those lines. Also, it might be a fun test you can try with your
friends or work companions. Rita Brown, who was very left-wing and
someone I personally dislike a great deal... did have a very funny
quote. She said, “The statistics on sanity are that one out of
every four people is suffering from a mental illness. Look at your
three best friends. If they are okay, then it's you!” LOL
I hope all who reads this has a
blessed, safe, and fun day!
(Willie's now singing... Georgia On My Mind.)
E IS HAVING FUN!!!
Tuesday November 13, 2012 5:07 pm
Well, E has been all over the place today. I have been busy (: Right now she is chillin' while I type this just sitting atop Mickey's head, while both are on my desk. Believe it or not, today she has had her picture taken riding on a horse... and, wait for it: climbing the Eiffel Tower? Long story. lol
Today I finished with everything I had wanted to do and before I started, earlier this morning, I thought it might take most of my two days off work to get everything completed. But, even with a couple of complications I finished everything about an hour ago. Now, all that I have to do is wait on one other person to do their job, and I will be completely done. And the person I am waiting on is a professional... so I don't think I need to worry? (She has been doing the type of work I am requesting for 30 + years.)
Now, on to other news. I am going to work for awhile this evening on preparing some announcements for my end-of-the-world party on December 21st. Then, after I do that... I really do need to stop playing for a little bit and do some school work. I feel like I need to ask all who reads this a simple question. Ready? Why is it always the things we "have" to do are the least fun?
If you can give me a good and reasonable answer to this question... then please email me (clarkmatthews1@aol.com) or call: 812-406-7708. A few weeks ago I had said that I would include my phone number and email address for any person who might be overseas and reads this blog and would want to take part in my end-of-the-world party? Although you are welcome to call me on that date, or write... I am not certain logistically if there is any good way to get everyone involved?
Innocently, because of my stupidity with all things electronic... I thought it would be a simple matter to get everyone connected? However, after that post I talked with a couple of people who are not computer illiterate, like I am and I found I was wrong. What hurts the most is only this: I believe the fact that I was wrong about that was the first time I have ever been wrong about anything in my whole life! I hated breaking that streak (:
Okay, Deb wants to go for a walk now... after that, I really am going to work on my party AND do some school work, ugh!
SOMEONE IMPORTANT WAS BORN IN NOVEMBER 1955
Monday November 12, 2012 5:25 pm
I'll tell you about my title at the end of this blog (:
Today I had only scheduled a half day
(6-10) at work, so I was at first break by 7:50 am and I broke my
late fast from yesterday with a “chocolate delight on a stick.” I
guess I'm not 100% certain what it's called, but that's close
enough...it was great! I had a sugar high for the next hour (: Now, I
am off for two more days and looking forward to it! I wish I had
noticed the temperature this morning before I left for work at
5:30... it felt nice and warm and I was wearing only a pullover
shirt. (Actually, I had on pants also, my employer would frown on my
attire otherwise.) However, as I was leaving work just 4 and ½ hours
later it was raining and freezing! The temperature must have dropped
30 degrees... no kidding, and I could have used a jacket. Now, I'll
tell you all about something really important, gifts!
Along with the very tasty food treats I
got, I also received some other presents... regardless any person's
age: presents are fun! So far, and it's still early (: I have gotten
four novel-length books: that will keep me busy for awhile. And,
because I like my drinks very cold my brother gave me a couple of
metal straws as they are supposed to make your drink colder by using
them. The only problem... straws are for girls. Lol
I also got a tape from him about the
life of Tim Tebow, the Christian athlete. (I will try to watch that
later today.) I have received many (very nice) cards and I even got
one gift which might help me to avoid heart disease... now, if only
I'll use it (: In addition, I got another oddity for my eclectic
collection for my office... “E.” Because of this gift I have now
relegated the gorilla I found on my short hike on the AT to my “boat
shaped” shelf, and E is prominently displayed on my desk in the
coveted area he vacated. She now sits beside my favorite fossil that
I have left from my small collection. Although I called her a “she”
… E, really appears to be androgynous. And before you ask, “Yes,”
I peeked (:
She is sort of along the lines of Chris
Crocker, or Pat from SNL. I mean, who can tell? This is beside the
point, but when I thought of Pat I thought of a very funny line from
one of the SNL skits. Someone was always coming up with different
questions that they thought would cause Pat to reveal his/her gender?
Anyway, in this skit the person asked, “What is Pat short for?”
Of course they were hoping for an answer like Patrick or
Patricia? Instead, Pat
said, “Pat is short for, P-a-a-a-a-t!” Hahahahaha!
I think E is going to be sort of like
the buckeye I used to carry when I was a young boy. (I'm from Ohio,
so carrying a buckeye in one of your pockets comes pretty naturally.)
Anyway, the buckeye went everywhere I went: so, I think E might be
traveling around a lot? I have already had her on a short hike, and
in my pocket during work. (Yep, I hope she likes to travel.) Anyway,
I am confident that E is a “she” because as I am now looking at
her more closely... her eyes are soft. Hopefully, in the future I
will try and supply some pictures on this blog of her various
travels?
After I got off work this morning I
have been busy with a project I am attempting... and, taking the time
to register for spring classes. Between the end of fall, December 13,
and the beginning of spring classes there is just a few weeks break
): However, after that I get a nice long break until next fall, as I
will never again be doing summer classes! For the spring semester I
have signed up for Political Science and Sociology. Just from those
two titles, I feel confident I will be able to have some fun debates
with a few of the Online students (:
I hope all who reads this has a great
day and I want to thank everyone for the gifts, and the cards. There
is one (in particular) I have read over-and-over (:
Now, to that "important" person who was born in November 1955... it was Howie Mandell, born on the 29th. Fooled you, huh?
OLGA MISSES ME (:
Saturday November 10, 2012 5:51 am
Before I tell you about Olga I thought I would give a brief update. I am wearing a pull-over shirt to work today... yayyy! So, my shoulder feels a little 'tired' this morning but I'm not hurting. Apparently I just strained it a little and nothing more serious. Now, onto the important news!
Earlier I had checked my mail and I, like everyone else, have a Spam blocker in place. Well, one of my pieces of mail got sent there and the title was "Hey." Typically speaking for my Spam mail I never open any of it because I can tell from the titles that it isn't anyone I know, so I delete. This one though, seemed like it was possibly not a piece of Spam? I opened it.
Olga began this way... "Where are you, I miss you. I expected more..." LOL I hope that all who reads my blog this morning also gets emails like this one? If not, I might be in trouble?
Last year I was trying to "tidy up" my life a little and I was disposing of a lot of things I had collected over the years and I had many ads on Craig's List, Ebay, etc. Regularly, I got "very descriptive" emails from people who pretended like they wanted to ask about something I was selling? Then, after reading a little of their mail it was obvious that they were the ones who were "selling" something? lol
Anyway... I am desperately hoping that any readers of this blog also gets their fair share of, "From Russia with love, Olga" emails also. Otherwise... "Why me!!!" (:
WILL I EVER LEARN? APPARENTLY... NOPE! (:
Friday November 9, 2012 7:37 am
I don't know for sure... but maybe what
I had always needed in life was just some supervision? You know,
someone who would have just sort of shadowed me and advised me as to
what might be either a good, or perhaps a bad idea to try? I was off work
yesterday so I thought I would get in a workout and I tried a new
gym. I have been a member of the Y for a very long time, but lately
it didn't seem to matter what time I had gone it was always crowded,
and I would have to wait to use certain equipment that I like.
There is another gym in town: no pool,
no rock-wall, and none of the many frills that the Y has... but I
looked into it yesterday morning and it wasn't crowded and they
offered me a free workout to see if I would like it or not?
Without trying to type more than I have
to (and there is a reason for that which I'll explain in a moment)
suffice it to say that just a little more than 20 years ago I hurt my
shoulder (playing softball) and apparently I have never fully recovered? At the time of the injury
I should have had surgery: however, I was self-employed and I was
trying to earn as much money in as short a period of time as I could
and there was no way I was going to take that much time away from
sales. Because I never had my shoulder properly fixed, for several months after I fell I had to use either Deb
or one of the girls to go with me on my shows because I could no
longer carry in my demo kit, and the Rainbow at the same time into the
homes where I was putting on my presentation. (Both my right arm and
shoulder were almost useless.)
Just before I fell in that summer game
of softball (church league) I was physically the strongest I had ever
been in my life. Much of my life I fooled around with weights, and I
tried several different strategies depending upon what my goals were
at the time. When I was very young I was enamored with strength. I
had met Paul Anderson and I was impressed, so I lifted heavier
weights to bulk up and become stronger. Then, there was a period of
time from about 21 to 27 that I started lifting lighter weights to
exhaustion in order to have less body fat, so I could appear cut and
look nicer. Then, I quit lifting altogether between (approximately)
28-34 years of age.
Not long after we moved to Louisville I
got it in my mind that I wanted to be strong again. The Rainbow store
in Bardstown was in a small shopping complex and two doors down from
it there was a gymnasium So, for the next two and a half years every
opportunity I had I was either there or at the Y lifting weights. Now, I don't
want anyone reading this to imagine that the weights I was at that
time lifting would set any type of records... they wouldn't. But, at
least for the local gyms I was in (that is the Louisville/southern
Indiana area) there weren't too many guys in those gyms who could lift
more than me.
Then, at the end of summer in '92 I was
rounding first base and instead of watching where I was running I had
my head up watching the ball I had just hit to see if it was going to
go over the fence? My foot caught on the edge of the bag and I fell.
Instead of allowing myself to fall and roll I stretched out my right
arm in an attempt to catch myself... and I ended up with a partial
tear of my rotator cuff. There was no more lifting for me... for a
very long time!
Before that game, near the beginning of my
workouts for my bench work I would place three, 45 pound plates on
each end of an Olympic bar and I would use that weight to do several
sets and many reps in order to warm up my chest and arms. Then, once my muscles were warm I would begin to lift the more serious weights. Overnight
I went from that... to not being able to even carry my own demo kit
(weighing just 40 pounds) into a home to do a presentation.
It took many years, but over time I
started being able to lift a little more and increase the weights to
a point where the pressure on my right shoulder was tolerable and it
didn't feel like it was going to give out. I knew I could never get
back to where I once was... but I wanted to get to the place that I
would not be a complete embarrassment in a gym.
For the next 12-13 years on my bench work I
could never get above just 200 pounds before it felt like my right shoulder
couldn't support the weight? So, I thought if I had a goal...
something to shoot for that maybe I could work harder and gain enough
strength to at least lift (one time) the weight that before my injury I could do 16 reps with:
250 pounds. (That became my goal... just a single rep.)
In 2005 for my next birthday I was going to turn 50
and I thought of a plan where I could do something cumulative to
match my 50 years and maybe help people in the process? On my 50th
birthday I was going to bike, run/walk, and swim for a total 50
miles... then bench press 250 pounds! So, I started blogging about it
and signing up people to donate money to their favorite charities if
I was able to accomplish my goals? I figured this way if I knew for certain
that I was going to be helping a lot of people it would cause me to
work harder and I would be more willing to work through the pain.
Saturday, 12:01 am on the morning of my 50th
birthday I started my run in America's Place in Jeffersonville, which
was directly across the road from where we lived at that time. It is
exactly 1.3 miles around the outside lane of their complex and it is nearly flat ground. It was
a great place to get in the running and biking. Although I had gotten
a lot of different people pledging money to various charities... no
one from my blog who I had invited showed up to go with me for any of
the four events I was doing: running, biking, swimming, and lifting.
I didn't think anyone would do all of them with me... but I thought
some people might want to do some of it?
It was about 11:45 pm as I was pulling
on my sweatshirt that Tammy called and said she couldn't do all of
it, but she wanted to at least start with me. One minute past
midnight we started. Bless her heart, I know she would have rather
been in a nice warm bed on that freezing night... but she did the
first few miles with me. (Every breath we exhaled there were long
white plumes hanging in the frigid air.)
For the life of me I have tried this
morning to remember... and I can't. But, I think my goal was 20 miles
running and 29 miles on the bike with a one mile swim. I even looked
back at my old blogs to see and I never paid attention before but evidently
there are a couple of years, and many blogs which have been dropped?
I'm not sure why? Anyway, I know the one mile swim was right and the
weights were right... I'm just not certain the combination between
the running and biking numbers? I just know they had to add to 50.
And I know I would have set more miles to ride on my bike then I would have
to have done with my legs (:
Right after I finished the first two
parts I called Bob so he could go to the Y with me and I would have a
witness for my swim and my lift. I swam the mile first, then I went
into the gym. I did a couple of reps with 225 and they seemed easy
enough and then I added a measly 25 more pounds on the bar... and
I failed to lift it. All of that work, and all of the money pledged, and
I blew it! (I personally covered all of the money that had been pledged by others so my failure
didn't adversely affect any charities.)
Now, there is a reason (believe it or
not) that I wrote all of that. Yesterday at the new gym I thought I
would try the weight I had failed at nearly seven years ago on the
bench press. I started with only 135... several reps: then 185, a few
reps: then 225, only two reps: then I added two tens and 2 - 2.5
weights and I pushed it up fairly easily. I was amazed! I sat up and directly
across from me there was a full length mirror and I squinted and saw that I was stupidly
grinning... like I had really accomplished something (: There was one
girl and a half dozen guys doing different exercises nearby and I felt like
calling out, “Hey, come over here and watch this!”
It was like when I used to
preach and sometimes ask, “... Can I get a witness?” (lol)
Except, they might have looked at the weight on my bar and then fell about
laughing. Of course, then a fight would have ensued and it would have gotten messy... so I
didn't ask for anyone to watch (: It also didn't matter to me that
there was a time 20 years ago when I could lift nearly double that weight...
yesterday, I was stupidly, but most assuredly, proud of myself! (:
Just for good measure I wanted to try
it again. I think it was at this time that I could have used a shadow friend by my side who might say, "Once was enough... don't try it again." However, no one was there to say anything like that so I laid back and once more I got it up... only this time it was very slow going up and I struggled to fully extend the bar.
I didn't care though, it felt good. In fact, I felt so good
that I drove home and walked Virgil... then I got out the vacuum and ran
it, swept the kitchen and bathroom floors, and I even did a few dirty
dishes that were in the sink. Woman's work, and I did it! That's
right, I said, “Woman's work!” (LOL) Anyway... it seemed like a
good day. Which brings me to the reason I am writing this.
About an hour ago I got up and I can
hardly move my right arm. Normally on my off days I wear either a tee
shirt or a sweatshirt. However, because I can't raise my right arm high enough
to put on a sweatshirt... I am wearing a button up shirt from my
closet. I am such an idiot!
To type this blog, using my left hand I
had to lay my right hand on the right side of the keyboard and
whatever keys I can reach that way... I hit with those fingers: the rest
I am doing with my left hand (:
On one of the blogs I wrote awhile back
I now realize that I told a lie... I want to correct that this
morning. I had heard a country song by Toby Keith and it was catchy
and there was one line in particular that I liked, “... I ain't as
good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was...” On that
blog I said that was exactly like me. However, this morning I have finally
admitted to myself that is a lie. Not only am I not as good as I
once was... I'm not even as good once, as I ever was :(
Bette Davis once famously quipped,
“Growing old is not for sissies.” (I believe she said that after
she had a stroke?) Anyway, I think she was right. It's an awful
realization to know that some things which once came so easily, are
now completely, and utterly impossible to do!
MOVIE REVIEW (: ... AND A FEW UPDATES
Wednesday November 7, 2012 3:58 am
I couldn't sleep so I thought I would write this morning and tell everyone about a movie I watched... it was excellent. I have always liked movies which make you really think, and of course those which have a good twist to them: The Others (Kidman), Sixth Sense (Willis), and even more recently The Tall Man (Biel). Well, add another one to that list: "Leave," starring... no one you have ever heard of? lol That's not really true, there is Bryan Cranston and Vinessa Shaw. Anyway, if you are looking for a movie that will cause you to think? This might be the one?
Well, I close tonight and then I am off for a couple of days. I am hoping to use that time to get Virgil out for awhile... we haven't been doing many things together lately. I am also trying to put the finishing touches on my "end of the world party" in December. I scheduled off December 20-23 so I can do some fun things (: I will have another post later on where I will give some more details.
I suppose I ought to do something useful so, soon I will close this out and do some school work. Before doing that though I will write three more things.
First: on a darker note (pun intended) Obama is still in office ): Recently the French elected a Socialist and now American voters have reaffirmed the same. I am reminded of a line from the great work of Tocqueville when he wrote, "We get the government we deserve."
Well, isn't America in its present state exceedingly sinful! I suppose then it is only fitting that we have a man like Obama to be its figurehead. As of this date, November 7, 2012 America will now continue its slide into (Euro) Socialism and might never again return to its roots as American "Exceptionalism!"
Whether or not people really grasp the consequences which will follow because of yesterday's election... it really is a sad day in America.
Secondly: on a lighter note: as of last evening I am now among those in the hi-tech world of texting! lol
I was with Missy and her family and she was showing me some of the features and how to use my iPhone. At one point she had left the room to attend the baby and there was something I didn't understand (that's an understatement) and Brian said, "Morgan, go and show Grandpa how do that." The problem for me, Brian was serious... and Morgan did. While Morgan was showing me something on my phone I glanced over at their three year old and she was on another wireless device and her fingers were flying!
As Missy came back into the room, Morgan turned to me and announced she had just lost a baby tooth, and she started looking for it. (As if I needed another reminder that even the little "babies" in the room all knew more than me when it comes to all of these devices. Kids!!!)
Missy then explained that there are thousands of different "App's" available and she will download any that I want? The only problem for me... "What's and App?" lol Anyway, for now I am content to just be able to 'text and drive' (just kidding).
Finally, several days ago I had two scheduled appointments with my doctors. One is my lung specialist and it was my yearly exam, and everything looked good. In fact, he took me off of Spiriva and instead gave me Flovent, a different type inhaler. He felt that I might have been originally misdiagnosed as having COPD. Instead he believes it was always asthma. He believes this because I have no shortage of breath and I can do any of my exercises that I choose.
My other doctor's appointment was my dermatologist. They periodically check me for any "suspicious" signs? He removed (this time) by freezing five different spots on my face. In each of those locations it looks like I have been stung by a large, angry, wasp! From past experience I know that they will disappear after about ten days. However, during the time before they are gone they are quite a sight! Day before yesterday (at work) there was a cute little black baby boy, probably about three years old, riding in a cart. As I passed I grinned at him and he gave me a very sympathetic look, and as he did that he involuntarily touched a spot on his own face about where one of my red marks are on my face? I could tell by his expression that the little guy was concerned for me (:
After that happened I thought about tying a handkerchief around my face and crying out, "Unclean... unclean..." as I passed everyone.
Well, I need to quit fooling around and do some school work ): I hope all who reads this has a blessed day!!!
JUST SOME THOUGHTS FOR CERTAIN LIBERALS I KNOW
Tuesday November 6, 2012 6:10 pm
I was at work today and because it is
an election day I was trying to imagine why any person would vote for
Obama? Seriously... I was honestly wondering that very thing. Even if
you look at him from only a humanist veiw-point he has been a complete
failure.
I got home about an hour ago and it
only took a few minutes for me to print out some papers to be able to prove to anyone who reads this... what I already knew. And that is simply stated he has been a monumental failure. Let me type a few facts
about his presidency.
If you read much of the liberal press
during the George Bush presidency you would have thought he was the
worst president ever because of how deeply he put our country into
debt? Did you used to hear and read that all the time? Well, Mr. Bush
was a piker compared to Obama. In the eight years Mr. Bush held
office the national debt increased 4.899 trillion dollars. That, my
friend IS a lot of money! However, in Obama's third year and his
second month... he had already eclipsed that figure and he spent more money than Bush did in 8
years!
That was eight months ago... and Obama has spent tens of billions more
since then... at that time he had increased our national debt by 4.939 trillion
dollars! And, for the first time in history, the national debt now
exceeds 100% of our countries GDP! Obama spends like it's not his
money... WAIT, that right, it isn't his money!!!
What about gasoline prices? The eight
years George Bush was in office the average price of gasoline was
$2.14 per gallon during his entire presidency. The average price of gasoline under Obama's presidency (to date) has been $2.99 per gallon. So, under Obama it
costs nearly $1.00 more per gallon during the time he has been president than it did when President Bush was in office.
What about unemployment? 23,000,000 (23 million) Americans out of work and other millions who have been out long-term and benefits have run out... and they are not even searching for jobs anymore. Obama also has the highest unemployment numbers of any sitting president who is up for reelection since FDR!!
What about taxes? Even facts checks organizations can not argue with Limbaugh's statement that under Obama
(dollar figures only) he has enacted the LARGEST TAX HIKE in the
history of America!
Obama is lost and morally bankrupt,
so he fails in that area and he has failed in leading America in any
type of economic recovery. So, I found myself back to square one. Why
are there people who will vote for him? I know... but those who vote
for him will not much like my assessment of them. Plain and simple...
they are selfish. They are not putting anyone's agenda above their
own.
For the young and dumb who vote for
him. Many of them are in college and they like the idea that the
founder of Planned Parenthood (Sanger) had. Her thought was
that a person should be able to have as much sex as they wanted...
with no fear of pregnancy. So, no problem... if a girl gets pregnant just
run to any abortion clinic and have the baby murdered.
For the older (white) liberals who vote
for him I believe many of them have a different agenda. They are
well aware that statistically speaking there are far more black
babies being killed in those clinics than any other race. And,
plainly stated, they agree with Sanger that poor uneducated blacks
ought to have no more offspring. Oh, you won't hear them publicly
saying that, as Sanger often did, but that is why they fight so hard
to keep it legal. Can you keep a secret? Here it is... (imagine I'm whispering) "They are, 'in-the-closet' racists!") They usually don't wear a white hood, these types just hide in a voting booth and mark whatever politician's name is on the ballot and is promising to keep killing the most children they can. It is just that most of the babies who are being killed are poor and they have black faces... and their mother's happen to live in the "hood."
And, for anyone who might doubt that they do want to kill LOTS of them... just look at the DNC's statement on the matter. When speaking about abortion they used to have a three-pronged approach. This was their statement. Abortion should remain LEGAL, SAFE, and RARE. Under Obama the DNC has removed one of those three words I capped. Care to guess which one? That's right, you got it... the lost fools removed the word RARE!
Now, let me show you a marked difference about how I and many others like
me vote. (It has to do with agendas.) The most important reason we vote for whatever Republican is running for office is because they will stop funneling money overseas for murdering
the innocents, and they will curtail dollars spent here at home for
the same reason.
Now, in this election it is also a
no-brainer that only Romney has business experience and he could help
to turn our economy around, and that in turn would actually benefit
me! However, even if his past experience had been the same as Obama,
a rabble rouser... excuse me, "community organizer" I would still vote for
Romney as long as he would try and protect the unbirthed children.
Unlike certain white liberals I personally know...
I honestly would like to see all of the helpless little children who are
being killed by the thousands every day in America, (approximately 3,600 every single day) and all around the world: being given a chance at life. And, I say, "REGARDLESS THEIR
SKIN COLOR, stop killing them!!!
