VIRGIL
Thursday February 28, 2013 1:34 pm
I'm not going to write much today. In a
couple of hours I will be taking Virgil to the vet for an x-ray. For
any who reads this, knows how to pray... and if you are a person who
would acually hold an animal up in prayer before God then I would ask
you to pray for Virgil today. Thank you.
I think I said the wrong date on my video... I'm not sure? Regardless what I might have said on this morning's video... it really is the 28th. lol
My only excuse is that I am operating right now on sort of long hours with not a bunch of sleep. So, I might be a little "punchier" than usual? I hope all who reads this has a blessed day!!!!!!!
JUST A THOUGHT ABOUT GOD AND ANIMALS PLUS VIDEO
Wednesday February 27, 2013 5:08 am, 2:36 pm
So far, it has been a long night. I haven't yet slept as
Virgil wasn't doing so well last night so I stayed up with him. I used a couple of blankets and I made us a bed on the floor in the living room and sat beside him and just petted and talked to him throughout the night. As I
type this he is laying beside me in my office and licking his paws. He just came
back inside from making his toilet and his paws are wet :)
Although I tried to be quiet I suppose
Deb heard the outside door opening and closing as I had to let him
out many times and she is now up and in the kitchen fixing food for
them. A little while ago I ran to Meijer's to pick up chicken and a few other
things for them to eat. Thankfully we live nearby several stores that
are open 24 hours.
Yesterday when we were at the vet's and
in the waiting room there were three of us waiting with our pets to
be seen. There was an elderly lady with a very old and small dog of
mixed breed, she sat near the entrance door. There was a young “farm girl” with a crate and four
small boxer pups in it and there was me and Virgil. The other two
were already waiting when Virgil and I came in. After signing in I
moved to the farthest point from the door and sat down just in case a
dog came into the room that Virgil might take exception to :)
This put me beside the girl with the
crate full of puppies. She was cute with that great big box of
puppies and I said that she was a farm girl because she had boots on
and they had mud on them, so you could tell she really does live in
the country. We exchanged stories about our dogs to pass the time.
The reason I am telling this story is
to explain what happened next. A very old man came out from one of
the examination rooms and he had two small dogs on a leash: a very
old poodle and another dog that I am not certain of its breed. As he
was walking toward the exit door I called out to him because
his poodle had its legs wrapped in its lead and that was making it
hard for it to walk. At first he didn't hear me so the girl beside me
called out to him and got his attention.
Anyway, at this point he
stopped and looked over and then he came over to us instead of
heading out the door. I can give you some idea of his age, at least
compared to me by his opening statement: he began, “Son...” At my
present age, only those older than dirt could rightly begin a
conversation with me and start it with the word, “son.”
He said to me, “Son, I want to tell
you a story. I died last year and I went to heaven...” At this time
I had been looking at his face and smiling, now I looked at the
baseball cap he had on his head and it had JESUS written in script
across the front.
I looked back at his face as he was
continuing with his story, “... and I saw Jesus and everything was
so beautiful... and there were animals everywhere! So, don't let any
preachers tell you that there are no animals in heaven... because I saw 'em there.” He finished with, “I just wanted to tell you that.”
I thanked him and told him that was a nice thought. Then he turned and
left with his two little dogs leading the way. Just as he finished
his story the girl with the boxer puppies was called in to be seen by
Dr. Moore.
I will upload my video sometime later
today. I hope all that I love has a wonderful day today!
Virgil's sweet face!!! (After a long night.)
"THANK YOU" AND A FEW OTHER THOUGHTS PLUS VIDEO AND PICTURE
Tuesday February 26, 2013 7:09 am, 4:11 pm
First, “Happy birthday... Leni” who
turns four today! I guess that means a meal sometime today at her
place of choice. All of the grandchildren have so many “things”
and toys that it is nearly impossible to buy them anything different for
their birthdays that would really get used or was needed. So, this
year, for the first time, we decided that on each of their birthdays
instead of buying toys or other gifts we would have them choose a
place they like to eat and we would take them there. Hopefully they
might enjoy this more? However, I am also cognizant of the fact that
there is only a very narrow window in a child's life when doing
something with Grandpa or Grandma might be more enjoyable than
getting something tangible. So, I had made the decision to try and
take advantage of this now, rather than wait for the day when friends
and others have become more important to them.
I called in to work a few minutes ago
because there is something I have to take care of today... so I
thought I would just pass along bits of information this morning and
then sometime later today I will upload whatever video I record.
First, I would like to thank everyone
who prayed for a much loved one who had been sick and is now getting
better... I do want to ask that everyone who is saved and really
knows how to pray to please continue until this person is completely,
and (hopefully) once and for all healed from this!
In addition there are so many others
who are also sick and my heart is heavy for them as well. Last
evening my wife showed me a picture of one of the finest and most
humble men I have known in my lifetime and he looked very ill indeed.
She also showed me a picture of a baby I know and the family I know
even better... and this baby is also extremely ill with a disease
that, according to human doctors, there is no hope for a cure and it
is just a matter of time... and that “time” is not long. I could
only look at her sweet and innocent face for just a few seconds
before I turned away. Life can be very sad!
At times life can be so good and so fun
that you can only marvel at God who could create such things as this!
Then, there are the other times when it is apparent that this world
is NOT God's kingdom and we know who is actually in charge of this
place. Jesus clearly stated that, “...satan is the god of this
world...” and we know that is true also because in the temptation
of Christ the old devil tried to get Christ to worship him and he
said that if Jesus would do this then he would give, “... all the
kingdoms of the world...” to Christ. (I see that truth also in the
sick faces and the hurting bodies of those I love.) I also have a special unspoken prayer
request to ask people to pray for as well... thank you!
I hope everyone has a good day today!
One more thing: a couple of hours ago I awoke from a very deep sleep
to the sounds of a real thunderstorm! At first I thought it seemed
awfully early in the season for that sound I like so much, then I
realized it is really right on time as we are just a few days away
from March! Are you wanting to know what I was dreaming... as I was
awoken? Vampires!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I had fallen asleep
about two in the morning and shortly after an episode ended on a
series I have been watching, and I suppose I dreamed that way because
of that show?
Alright... I'll stop this now and add
my video later. Everyone... try to do something “good” today and
also find a way to do something that is also enjoyable... because
life is short!
Virgil and Stella are asleep coming back from the vets and Virgil has his head resting on her back. They look cute together :)
PRAYER... ASKING AND RECEIVING PLUS VIDEO
Monday
February 25, 2013 8:15 am, 10:10 pm
Before
posting today's thoughts I would just like to ask everyone I know who
is saved and who often prays to pray for a friend of mine who is
sick. This is a person who is not often sick and they feel terrible
right now, and both of us would greatly appreciate it if you would
pray for their healing! Thank you!!!
The
video I am posting was one I took on my way to work yesterday. I
close tonight and I will upload today's video of whatever I record
after I get in from work. Yesterday, after I had crossed tenth street
and started up the hill I could see off in the distance police cars
on both sides of the road. My first thought was a spot check for seat
belts. So, not wanting to pay a $25.00 fine I pulled mine on.
However, once I got closer I could see it was something else
entirely.
I
turned my car around and recorded what I thought was happening? Later
in the day on a newscast my suspicions were confirmed. I still have
not yet heard the name of the person whom they found... only that
this was a male that the police found.
I am also adding a picture of Virgil yesterday morning when I was walking him in our neighborhood.
PROCRASTINATION, TEMPTATION AND TEN SUNDAYS!!!!!!! ... PLUS VIRGIL VIDEO
Sunday February 24, 2013 8:43 am, 10:42 am
For the last 3 or 4 weeks I have
been waiting until the very last day to get all my school assignments
done, and this week is no different. I have to leave for work about 11:30
and I still have two tests to take. One of them I am going to take in
a few minutes (after breakfast) and the other one I will do as soon
as I get home tonight.
I am still losing weight, but slower
now... even though I am working out regularly. My body just does not
respond to me like it used to do: getting old is for the birds :) Day
before yesterday while at the gym part of my workout included leg
presses... so naturally, yesterday and now this morning my left knee
is aching. However, I remain undaunted! Lol
There is some good news to report...
yesterday for my lunch I had a Starbuck's caramel macchiato :)
Actually, that is the first one I have had in awhile. I had gone to
Starbuck's to pick Stephanie up a gift certificate which we included
with her main gift and while there I could not resist the temptation, so I caved and got one :)
I mean think about it: you couldn't
parade a prostitute in front of Hugh Grant, or a joint in front of
Willie Nelson, or a jelly donut in front of any cast member on
Biggest Loser, or another tax hike in front of Obama... and not
expect all of these addicts to not indulge, right? So, why would any
person imagine I could be inside a Starbuck's and not get a
macchiato? You are just asking too much :)
Sometime later today I will record my
video and upload that once I am in later tonight... I hope everyone
has a great day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE, PLUS VIRGIL VIDEO
Saturday February 23, 2013 9:05 am
Our
youngest daughter, Stephanie, turns 32 years old today... my, how time
flies! “Happy birthday Stephanie!!!”
Well,
I have a short hike planned 4 weeks from today and another trip after
that which is only (nine weeks) 63 days from today. The way time
passes it will seem like both dates will be here before I realize it.
I
am going to tell you a short story about dialect and idioms and then
I will finish this and upload my video tonight after I get home
from work. I close again so it will be a late one... ugh.
Yesterday
after I dropped Deb and three of Steph's girls off at church for
their school field trip the preacher and I started talking and
exchanging funny stories about people we know and how they talk. That
is, their speech patterns which are exclusive to the area they were
raised. He asked me if I remembered??? I did, it was hilarious! I want to tell you about it.
Now,
if you are from or have ever lived in West Virginia, Kentucky, or
Tennessee, then you will immediately recognize, understand, and most
probably be fluent in “hick speak,” and this story will be one you
have probably heard even among your friends, and (or) relatives :)
Several
men were gathered at our church early one Saturday morning preparing
to go out two-by-two for soul winning. Before everyone left there was
casual talk among the guys and one of the older men (from this area)
was telling about an upcoming family reunion his, rather large,
family was having. He finished by saying that this event would take
place in a couple of months. (The time this conversation was taking
place would have been in the month of May. Believe it or not, that is
an important thing to know to be able to understand the rest of this
story.)
Now,
the older (local) guy who had been talking about this reunion was
Brother Hubbard. Also in this group of men was a man (Brother Randy)
who had recently moved down from Michigan. Apparently, he neither
spoke, nor understood, “Hillbilly.”
So,
after hearing Hubbard's story he casually asked, “July?”
To
which, Brother Hubbard indignantly replied, “No Brother, I'm
telling the Gospel truth!”
Now,
every man there, except the two who were now engaged in the
conversation burst out laughing... the other two didn't even know
what was just said that was so very funny!
Randy,
hearing this conversation during the month of May had rightly figured
that if the reunion was, “in a couple of months” it was probably
taking place during the month of July: so, he had politely asked...
“July?”
Mr.
Hubbard, having grown up being proficient in “hick” had only
heard, “Did you lie?”
To
which he immediately said, "No brother, I'm telling the Gospel truth!”
HAHAHAHAHA
I'll
tell you one more and then I'll quit this for today. Not long after I
had left the Hurricane area I was teaching a Sunday school class in a
small church in Bardstown, Kentucky. On my way to church one Sunday
morning I had a flat tire which caused me to be a few minutes late to
class. As I was entering I apologized to the class and explained the reason I was
late... “flat tire.”
Immediately after
class I had Lathan's youngest daughter approach me, she was fluent
in hick :) and she asked me why I was late? I (again) explained that
I had a flat tire on my way to church.
You
could see understanding beginning to dawn in her eyes as she revealed
to me... “Ohhhh, I thought you said you were 'flat tired!'”
HAHAHAHAHAHA
(Now
for those who don't speak country, 'flat tired' means that a person
is completely worn out! Country dialect is so much fun!)
As I was ready to post this I saw Virgil... again faithfully laying in my doorway so I thought I would record him for today's video :)
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A PROFESSOR THESE DAYS? PLUS TWO VIDEOS
Friday February 22, 2013 6:52 am, 10:48 am
To be fair, I have been poking the bear. (How do you like my rhyme? lol) I suppose to get past some of my boredom I have had fun taking the opposite side to that of some of my professors and their position on world views. Because of that, I fully expect that all papers I write will be viewed and graded sternly.
Really I don't mind, because they have to give me the grade I earn on my tests and those are not subject to their whims, and because of that fact I will still earn high enough marks to receive a decent grade. Anyway, on my last paper I just turned in I was corrected by a particular professor and told that I am (in the future) to, "...write your papers...". Wait, that is not exactly what this professor wrote to me. I am going to copy and paste their exact phrase: here it is: "...In the future, right your papers with a very brief example..." HAHAHAHAHA, I can't stop laughing. In the future I am to "RIGHT" my papers. LOL
Oh well, I guess this professor isn't pretending to be an English major? In a little while I am going to the gym for my first workout of the day and I will probably record my video from there. Then, once I am back home I think I will
right a little more on my blog. I was just thinking... in order to get to the gym from my house I only have to make two
write turns. Huh, I never thought of that before :)
I got in a fairly good 12 station workout with three sets per station. Hopefully, later today after I finish my dental appointment at 12:00 (teeth cleaning) and do some school work I will go back again this evening to the gym.
I hope all my friend(s) and loved one(s) (especially) has a fun day and weekend!!!
The first video is of some of the grandkids and others getting ready for a school field trip, and the second one I took of an almost empty Planet Fitness.
NOW, MY TWO DOG VIDEO PLUS HALLIEISMS
Thursday February 21, 2013 7:24 am
Night before last all of Steph's kids
came by the house for a few hours in the evening while Steph and
Roger had to drive some place to pick up some runs for their dogs. I
was in my office writing a paper for school when Hallie came in. Now,
my little office is directly across from the room Deb fixed up for a
playroom so the grandkids would have a place to play whenever any of
them come for a visit.
The reason she came in was that she and
Rachel had been arguing over the choice of television shows they were
watching. I told them that each one could make a pick (in turn) and
watch that. Hallie assured me that was what they were doing, but...
“Whenever it's Rachel's turn she is picking shows (on purpose) that
are boring to me.” Hallie said.
From across the hall Rachel opined,
“Well, what Hallie watches is boring to me!” lol
Hallie asked if she could stay in my
office while Rachel watched the last of her “boring” show and
then Hallie would go back in. I told her that was fine but I wouldn't
be a lot of company because I had a paper I had to turn in. She
assured me that was okay because she was going to “work out”
anyway :)
Hallie has always had a way about her
that makes me laugh even when she is being serious! She is so cute.
Anyway, she starts pulling on some resistance bands I have hooked on
my closet door. In reality, though they are at the highest setting
the tension is not that much... but for her size and weight I suppose
it might be difficult?
In just a few seconds of tugging on
them and stretching them out she is breathing hard and I hear her
begin to read some plaques and signs I have on my walls. After I left
the Hurricane area and for the next several years I (again) began
lifting weights. And for a period of a few years my regional (Jeff
May) in the Rainbow business and myself would compare notes as to
where we were presently lifting and at what weights? Now, several times a
year we had banquets and at one of them very early in '97 I was called
forward and presented a plaque. It was hilarious!
Jeff and Scott had paid an artist to do
a caricature and they put it in a nice frame. If a person is even
half-way successful in a large sales organization then over a course
of years anyone would accumulate a lot of awards, plaques, and trophies. In
the nearly ten years I was involved I had several boxes
full (literally) of such items. For a number of years I had all of those things
either in a storage facility or my garage. A couple of years ago I
had gone through all of those boxes and I threw away everything but
three items.
I kept a plaque entitled Heart Power,
because it has a good motivational speech on it from Vince Lombardi.
I kept a silver etched plate because of what that plate and prize
represented. And, I kept the plaque that Hallie was reading and not
because the drawing is funny, even though it is... but I kept it for another reason entirely
which I would never divulge. Today I keep it only as a reminder.
Now, to my Hallie(ism.) She's reading
the date, 1997 and she asks why they drew me instead of taking a
picture? I tried to explain what a caricature was... a cartoon
drawing people do to exaggerate something about someone. She thought
for a minute and then she said, “Papaw, I'm not saying you're old
or anything (I'm already grinning because I know her and there must
be a “but” coming) but did they not have cameras back then?”
Keep in mind she is totally serious.
Out of breath, leaning backward and stretching the bands with all her
might, she continues, “Admittedly (ADMITTEDLY!!! – now I'm already
laughing) I don't know that much about the 1900's!” (Lol) She
always makes me laugh. She has this little round freckled face and
she usually looks so serious as she is saying things like,
“Admittedly....” HAHAHAHAHAHAHA She is a hoot! (For today's blog I am going to upload the picture she was reading the date from as well as this day's video.)
Well, I close tonight and then I'm off tomorrow (yayyyyyy) and when I go back on Saturday I close three out of the next four before I get a couple of days off. After that, according to the new schedule in the following week I only have one close, and for that I am glad.
I hope everyone has a great day!
THREE DOGS VIDEO
Wednesday
February 20, 2013 8:28 am
I
thought for today's blog I will film our outside dogs. I have not yet
gone outside to do this but it is possible they will bark a lot while
I am filming them. Especially Diesel, although he is the largest of the
three he really is a big chicken and whenever I am doing anything out
of the ordinary it scares him and he barks. So, it is possible as I
am walking and just talking while holding my phone up he will not
know what is going on and he might bark?
On
the other hand it is cold outside and he might be more subdued and he
will only be curious and perhaps even quiet? Thankfully, whether it
is very hot outside or very cold... we have a garage that has heat
for winter and I put a window air conditioner in the back for the
summer, and every night we put them inside so they can sleep better.
As
an aside, last evening I listened to several songs by two different
performers I had never before heard, both were pretty good. For the
most part I like music, all types really. There are some genres and
certain artists someone would have to pay me to listen to... but
other than those few, I like most any music.
Well, I hope those I love best :) all have a wonderful day!!!!!!!
DIOGENES PLEA TO BIBLE BELIEVING PASTORS PLUS VIDEO
Tuesday February 19, 2013 8:08 am, 8:19 pm
I was thinking this morning when I
awoke that I have never yet found a church that actually follows the
Bible and its rather clear teachings. Even though all I have
attended, and (or) been a member claim to do just that. I have been a
member of one Bible church, and three Baptist churches and all four
of them are KJV only. And all four claim to follow only that Book's
teachings. Yet, whenever any person reads the church's constitution
and their bylaws, (or follows what is being practiced within the church) every one of them have either added many of their
own traditions, which have no Biblical support or they have ignored many
Bible verses in order to appoint or use men within their ministry:
this is more than disappointing. I wish for once a pastor would at
least have the courage or the decency to admit that their church is
not necessarily Scriptural, but that is how they have chosen to
operate it. That, even though I would disagree I could accept... but
to do it as all of them I know have done, is reprehensible!
I am well aware that because all men
are sinners, and there is none good... no not one (Romans 3:10) that
from every pastor to all people within the congregation the very best
that can be said is that people are sinners saved by the grace of
God. You are either a lost sinner or a saved sinner, I get that. My
pastor and yours... are just sinful men. I have no problem there
at all. Why though isn't one of them decent enough to admit that they
have an UN-scriptural church and (or) practices within that church.
If you are reading this and are a member of a church who
does not hold the Bible up as final authority in all matters within
the church... then this blog would not be for you, and I have no
argument with you at all.
I am only wanting to take to task those
men, especially the four who I have called “Pastor” who claim to
hang on every word of the Bible, yet when they are setting forth
“their own rules” for service they either add to what the Bible
declares are qualifications or they ignore verses which would
completely disqualify certain others they have chosen for service. Please, some (supposed)
“man of God” finally show a little courage and admit that your
church, many times is nothing more or nothing less than a social club set up
with its own set of bylaws created by sinful men who have ignored clear
Bible teaching!
Basically I have quit debating with
people. Other than sometimes the fun I have with some of the classes
I am taking with my on line college courses and certain very liberal
professors who teach there. However, for this one last time I am
going to change that. Because of emails I receive I know that I still
have those men who I have known as “Pastor” who reads this blog.
Though I respect all of you... I am in a sense calling you out to
Biblically defend your position. Here is how I would like to do it,
if you have another idea other than what I am suggesting I would be
open to that as well.
Because you and I say that we both
believe the Bible... that would be the only thing which would be
permitted at our debate which we could discuss. That's it, an open
debate before the church with two men who state they believe the KJV
Bible to be the very Word of God, and is the final authority in all
matters within the church!
Now,
don't you think this is a pretty simple invitation in order for the
church to be able to clearly see if the constitution and bylaws which
have been adopted by the church are actually Biblical or not? I am
more than willing to “contend for the faith” and to defend my
position using the Book I believe to be the Word of God. I do not
need to bring to the debate a Greek Lexicon, or a concordance or
words that some other man has said about the Bible... how about you?
Remember, all of you have publicly stated that the words (in English)
found within the beloved KJV are GOD'S WORDS!!! Then, don't you think
it's high-time to find out if the church you pastor is actually
heeding those words? Or would you rather continue following the
“traditions of men” even if those traditions have falsely added
or have taken away from clear Bible teaching. If any of you agree to
this I would be willing to pay half for a local radio show, if that's
how you would choose to debate or within any local congregation would
be acceptable to me as well.
I
will say this one last thing and then I will be done with this.
Knowing that you do read my posts, your silence in this matter will
speak volumes about your position on many issues and your reluctance
to follow only the Bible instead of your church's un-scriptural
bylaws!
Just
to give you an idea of some of what I am writing about I have at
least five issues I would like to discuss in an open debate before
the church. (Although I would be more than happy to discuss any other
topics as well.)
The practice of Scriptural baptism as found in the Book of
Acts.
The consumption of wine or strong drink, in both Testaments.
The
Biblical qualifications for bishop and deacon.
Tithing, both Old
and New Testament.
Personal separation.
Please keep in mind the following truth. If you do actually believe the Bible to be the final say in all matters within the church? Then, as a pastor of a New Testament church your only right to exist and hold service would be what is found within the pages of that Book. Do you not agree? Of course, if you don't agree with that assessment then the debate ends before it starts, because you have already admitted that you will also hold to traditions passed down by other men. Of course, if that's how you choose to pastor keep in mind that Christ already condemned you along with many other pharisees when He said, "... Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." (Mark 7:9b)
I
think I am just weary... tired of listening to men hold up the KJV
and state unequivocally that the Book in their hand is the Word of
God, then by their own bylaws and practices within the church they
completely ignore it!
Honestly,
I think ever since I have been saved I have been like Diogenes,
carrying a lamp in the daylight while only searching for an honest
man. Look pastors... I know you are sinners, we all are, and I am
not expecting anything more out of you than I am any other man:
honestly, I am not. However, I do expect either adherence to the
Bible, or at the very least admit that certain teachings in that Book
you will not follow. (At least that I could respect.)
I
await your call or another of your emails. As one man only wanting
truth, to another man who says that is all he wants also... let's do
this, and soon!
Whatever
video I record for the day I will upload that this evening once I am
in from work. I hope all who reads this has a great day!
FANTASY IS OVER, BACK TO WORK ): PLUS VIDEO
Monday February 18, 2013 9:05 am, 1:38 pm
(Virgil and I are back from the doctors and he has a new round of medicine but I am more optimistic about him now... so, to our (Virgil and mine) friend(s)... THANKS for your prayers!!!)
Last evening three of Steph's girls
came over and spent the night. For the most part they entertain
themselves in the playroom eating fun things and playing dress up
with some of the dolls. I sat in the living room with Virgil and
finished a movie I had started a couple of days before. All things
considered I had a wonderful night! Once I fell asleep I even
(mostly) slept straight through until this morning.
After our vet begins to see his
patients for the day I am going to take Virgil in to see him. Even
Virgil seemed to have a good night and I think the swelling around
his middle section seems to be less this morning! So, for my
friend(s) and loved one(s) who have prayed for him I just want to
say, “Thank you” for your prayers!!!
I will probably video him as I am
driving him there in a few hours. Dr. Moore's office opens early in
the morning but he only see “patients” twice a day: 12-1 and 5-6.
Other than those two times that he sees the animals the rest of his
day is spent in the treatment, or surgery of the animals he has
already seen. I had to pause for a minute as Deb was trying to give
Virgil his medicine and he ran back here for me to “protect” him
from her. HAHAHAHAHA
He does this every time, after awhile a
person would think that he would figure out that all I do is talk to
him and scratch his back as she is shoving another pill down his
gullet. Poor little guy ):
Well, I hope all who reads this has a
wonderful day today! As for me, I close six out of the next seven
days that I work. No fun, no fun at all! I am though looking forward
to a couple of short trips I have coming up. Were it not for the fact
that I loathe wishing time away, I would just say “hurry up” and
pass please.
One more thing. I was going to end
here, I really was... then I heard the familiar voice of Alison.
Although this song is not my favorite from her, Find My Way Back To
My Heart... still there are some poignant lines, like... “When time
gets so short 'So what?' turns to 'so long'” Then, of course the
last verse is always a hurt. And the chorus ain't too bad either?
Well, now that I reconsider... I guess the whole song is pretty good
:)
Anyway... I want a do-over!!! (lol) It
seems such a shame that we don't know what lies ahead in life and
because of that we either make decisions, or sometimes we allow
decisions to be made for us and then we are like players on a stage
with well rehearsed lines that we are forced to act out! I'm thinking
this morning that I wish that at least I could have been like some of
the better actors who were so good at doing improv that they were
sometimes better at that than following a script. If I were, I
suppose I would say I know what my role is and my lines are well
rehearsed... but I'm following my heart instead and I'm going to improvise.
I wish I could have been in life like
Robin Williams was in movies... that is, off script but good. When he is
telling Matt Damon what his wife does when she's asleep... this is in
the movie Good Will Hunting, and Matt Damon can't stop laughing because
what Robin Williams is telling him is not in the script.
Watch Damon laugh in this one... he can't stop :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tXYn2siblA
One of my favorite ones is in Midnight
Cowboy and they are shooting a scene and a real NYC cab driver
ignored the signs that they were filming and almost runs into
Hoffman. Without breaking stride he slaps the hood of the car and
shouts... “I'm walking here, I'm walking here!”
In the Dumb and Dumber movie the entire
"annoying sounds" scene is unscripted, yet hilarious! Or one of my
favorite movies and lines in all of cinema is when Bogart says,
“Here's looking at you kid.” (Unscripted.)
Even Anthony Hopkins as Lecter telling
Clarice that he ate his liver with some fava beans... then he makes
that hissing sound... unscripted, but an important part of the movie.
However, just like me the other players
on the various stages in life also have their own roles... and I
suppose it's difficult to know what is the best life anyway... for
anyone? So, I guess I will continue with my boring method acting...
yeah boring! I'm gonna side with Hopkins on this one... method acting
is boring and he and I both remain unimpressed :)
Well, you can blame these last many paragraphs on
Alison... and all of her sad songs! (Tim McGraw is now singing,
Please Remember Me.) I mean, c'mon... enough is enough is enough already :)
AN IMPORTANT QUESTION??? PLUS VIDEO AND PICTURE
Sunday February 17, 2013 7:07 am, 12:03 pm
I have a deep, probing question to ask
of any of my readers today... are you ready? Do you like a room that
has some light and is quiet to fall asleep in? Or, do you like a dark
room with background noise to sleep in? Or, is there some other
combination that you like instead of the two I offered.
The reason I am asking this morning is
that I believe I was awakened a little while ago because the house
was too quiet. I fell asleep last night on the couch in the living
room, I had been watching TV. Anyway, if I sleep in my office I
usually have a station on the radio softly playing or I have music
playing on my eyepod, (as I type this Macy Gray is singing, I Try)
and I prefer to sleep in a dark room. And if I sleep in the bedroom
there is a sound machine I bought and I have it set on “ocean
sounds.”
Last night though before falling asleep
I had switched the TV off and there was (apparently) no sound
whatsoever in the house and I believe it was that quiet which I am
not used to which brought me out of sleep this morning? So, that is
my deep question for today :)
Later today I will upload my video. I
hope everyone has a great day today!!!
TEN WEEKS PLUS VIDEO
Saturday February 16, 2013 5:53 am, 4:54 pm
Yesterday I was given confirmation at
work that the time I had put in for as vacation days has been
approved. I have a couple of quick trips planned coming up soon. The
first one in March I am hoping to be able to take Virgil with me.
Anyway, I am so very much looking forward to the things I have
planned.
Does any one reading this "mark" time like I do? That is, whenever you have a date coming up that is important to you that you countdown backwards until whatever date it is come to pass? Anyway, I think I have always done it that way.
Missy had text me a few weeks ago and
asked if we would like to go to Hilton Head with them the last week
of March. However, I had already scheduled the week prior to be off
and that is the week that (because of inventory) they have blackout
times and vacations are not approved for anyone. So, I had to turn it
down but it looks like things are worked out now and Deb will be able
to go with them.
After today I finish my long stretch
working and then for the next three weeks I get more time off between
work days... until I once again come around to this part of my
rotation. There is one period beginning next week where I will close
six out of seven work days, I dislike thy a lot.
I had an enjoyable evening last night
and I got to see all of the kids again. Our church holds an annual
Valentine's event by hosting a dinner and for everyone who shows up
and who has children some of the teens watches them for the evening
and plays games, etc. with them. Last night was probably the first
time in recent memory when we have a gathering that the adults
probably outnumbered the children: it is usually the other way around
:)
Then, after I got home I was able to
relax and enjoy a movie... all-in-all it was an enjoyable night for
me! I should be home around five o'clock today and whatever video I
record I will add it to my blog at that time. I hope everyone who
reads this has a great day!!!
Well, I will be stuck here at my desk this evening at least for a few hours doing some studying and taking a couple of tests for school... the fun never stops :)
VALENTINE BANQUET PLUS VIDEO AND PICTURES, INCLUDING ME ):
Friday February 15, 2013 5:44 am, 9:22 pm
I hope all of my friend(s) and loved(s)
ones had a nice Valentine's Day yesterday. Tonight once I get in from
work we have a Valentine's banquet at our church. For the past
several years (this will be the second one I have been at) our teens
have hosted this dinner as a way for them to raise money for summer
camp and other activities they do.
I suppose I will film something there
for today's video and then when I get home this evening I will add it
to this blog. I hope everyone I know has a great day today and an
amazing weekend! You, know... when I thought of that word to type
“amazing” I realized that there was a time that I had an amazing time also, I
wonder what happened?
Brian was the chef for this night so they certainly had good food for the banquet. Of course, I don't eat it but he served Kentucky Hot Brown... this was the same recipe he used when he served this dish against Bobby Flay during one of his Throwdowns and Brian and Joe's sandwiches won in a head-to-head competition. For tonight Brian also made Moroccan beef with carrot salad. What I ate was a green salad and roasted vegetables with couscous. My food is pictured below.
I have several other pictures that either I took, else someone else took and I will try and upload some of them on another blog. However, because of a promise I made to someone about including a picture on one of my blogs when the church pictures came back... reluctantly (because I hate my own picture) I am going to include that one next.
Now you know why I don't like posting my picture :) I hope everyone has a nice night!
PARLEMENT OF FOULES PLUS VIDEO
Thursday February 14, 2013 8:13 am, 10:17 pm
Happy
Valentine's Day! As with most things in life we are constantly
celebrating and practicing traditions which have been passed down to
us without even knowing why we do them? Valentine's Day is one of the
more fun holidays. I suppose at least if you are in love and I guess
most especially if your loved is returned: else, I suppose this might
be more of a sad day?
There
are far too many men in the past with the name of “Valentine” to
know with certainty which Valentine began the tradition we celebrate
(worldwide) on this day. I was birthed nine months from one
particular Valentine's Day so I guess it's not too awfully difficult
to picture what my parents were doing on that Valentine's... ewwww, I
just pictured it ): Alright, I have to talk about something different
for a minute to get my mind off of that.
The
earliest known writings about the day was a poem written by Chaucer
in the late thirteenth century. It was titled: Parlement of Foules.
(Parliament of Fowls) The poem is sort of neat in that it depicts all
of the birds coming together on that day to pick their mates. I will
type one line from it so you will get the idea. “For this was on
seynt Volantynys day whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.”
Now, I'll translate :) “For this was on Saint Valentine's Day when
every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”
Naturally,
and forever it seems that the leading female and most beautiful of
all the birds, had three male birds who loved her and she had to
choose only one: “Why God, Why???????” Of course, neither history
nor Chaucer lets us in on the two male birds who were not chosen and
what their plight in life was. So, because he didn't let us know I
have decided to make up my own ending for these two unfortunate aves.
The first one began to drink and to fight every other bird. Finally,
he was arrested and locked away in a large aviary where he soon pined
away and died.
The
other bird couldn't imagine flying solo for the rest of his life so
he found a large glass window and he flew directly into it thereby
breaking his beak and his neck. Two things, I know that breaking his
beak is not necessarily an important part of the story... however
when I pictured him flying into the glass I realized his beak
probably broke before his neck so in the interest of being factual I
wanted to include that. Also, the idea of being factual brings me to
my second thing.
I
know that glass wasn't invented fort a couple of more centuries after
Chaucer's poem... but, here is the thing. It's my ending so leave me
alone. I refuse to let history or facts sway me in what I write :)
I
certainly hope that every one I know has a great and happy
Valentine's Day today! Sometime later today I will upload my video.
It most probably will be after I get in from work late tonight.
ACTING AS YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE??? PLUS TWO VIDEOS
Wednesday February 13, 2013 6:47 am, 10:56 am
Well, Virgil and I just got back home and I recorded two videos this morning so I am going to upload them now. I hope everyone has a wonderful day today! After I do this I am going to go and fix breakfast for me: this morning I believe I will be having natural granola with fresh strawberries and almond milk... sounds pretty good, huh? I am also including one picture at the bottom of our backyard and the snow beginning to fall in earnest... I hope it keeps it up!
For
my blog this morning I thought I would reproduce something I wrote
last week for a class I am taking in college. This particular class
seems to have every student in lockstep agreement on all subjects
which have come to differentiate between liberal and conservative
views.
I
have often wondered exactly how liberal professors can so easily sway
young students who have left home with certain ideologies, many times
conservative... and in just a few short years they flip-flop and
become liberal in their views of the world? If one particular class I
am taking, which is being taught by a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, is
any indication then I see how they try to accomplish this. They do it
by only talking about one side of the argument, the liberal
viewpoint.
An
example of this was last week's assignment about the death penalty in
America. All students were supposed to do their “own research”
with different papers that the professor had given as an assignment
to read... then, they were supposed to present a well-reasoned
argument (acting as if we were state representatives speaking to our
colleagues in the Senate) and stating which side of the debate we
were on? There was a problem. Every single paper that the professor
gave for the students to study... only presented one side, those who
opposed the death penalty. That is why in my first sentence of my
“argument” I included the words, “... I felt I must go well
beyond what has been called for and do further study...” Of course,
I then included links to those who were for the death penalty so
these poor unfortunate students (who have a professor who is far less
interested in students learning than he is in trying to push his own
liberal bias) might actually see that there are two sides to this
debate.
(Below
is what I wrote for the professor and the other students who are
enrolled in this class to read.)
As
a state representative and in an attempt to vote my conscience I felt
I must go well beyond what has been called for and do further study
in an attempt to understand both sides of this argument, and to cast
the most honest vote that I can.
I
have visited the Death Penalty Information Center and I read two of
the seven articles I found on the first page. Obviously, they cite
people and written works that are against the death penalty.
In
addition I also read (in its entirety), A Matter of Opinion written
by Terry Collins. Mr. Collins is a retired director of the Ohio
Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. In this article he
quotes Justice Paul Pfiefer who believes the death penalty ought to
be abolished, and he lists three main reason for this.
The
death penalty is: a. expensive. b. inefficient. c. time-consuming. If
that is the reasoning as to why the death penalty ought to be
abolished, then I might add we need to immediately shut down our
government for the exact same three reasons. It is expensive,
inefficient... and if you have ever had any dealings with our federal
government you will instantly recognize that it is a time-consuming
experience to deal with bureaucrats.
I
also read, I Ordered Death in Georgia by Allen Ault. Mr. Ault was a
former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections for a
four year period. From the opening paragraph it was difficult for me
to find any sympathy for Mr. Ault and his apparent reluctance to
execute murderers. He begins by describing a horrible crime committed
by two men, of which Mr. Ault stated, “I had no doubt that they
were guilty.”
Stevens
and Burger, who Mr. Ault incorrectly said that both were teenagers
when they decided to kill a man... were not. Thomas Stevens was 19
and ready to turn 20 and Chris Burger was already 20 when they raped,
robbed, and threw a cabdriver into the trunk of his car and then
pushed the car into a lake, thereby drowning an innocent man.
His
rationale for not wanting to execute these murderers? Apparently,
years later and with “... a little frontal-lobe development...”
they were now different people?
Throughout
every person's life we are always changing... that is true. However,
what did not change was the fact that these two young men, both old
enough to have served in our military... decided to torture and kill
an innocent man.
I
was younger than both of these men and I had a wife and two young
children and I worked a full-time job raising my young family. I
began doing this when I was 17. So, for any person (like Ault) to
imagine that because a person is young that somehow gives them a free
ticket to torture and kill, is offensive.
As
a state representative I would encourage my colleagues to consider
both sides of the argument, before making any hasty decisions. Please
consider that at present, 62% of Americans are in support of the
death penalty. Please keep in mind that as elected officials we are
supposed to be fulfilling our constituents views: not imposing our
own biases on others.
With
a clear conscious, my vote is to not do away with the death penalty.
“For
me the death penalty will always be a measure of the value of human
life. And there ought to be a clear distinction between 'guilty'
human life and 'innocent' human life.
"Whenever
a murderer decides his victim has no value, he takes his life. We,
the elected state representatives need to legislate for all innocent
victims and show that the life of the one who was murdered, had
intrinsic value. We can do that by forcing the murderer to surrender
his/her own life: in that way we set a high standard for the value of
a human life: i.e., a life, for a life!”
Hopefully, before leaving for work today I will upload my video for the day. If not, then it will be closer to 11:00 tonight before I am able to do this. I hope all who reads this has a great day. And if any of my friend(s) or loved one(s) are sad or having a hard day... please cheer up. Remember, someone in Indiana loves you :)
