Musings...or is it Rantings?

Reliving the Past...

2008-10-17T21:12:00.002-04:00

Reprinted with permission from the author...

That "author" being me. I wrote this two years ago. No comments were allowed, or available, or whatever the correct term is back then. Blogspot was being difficult.

Anyway... I read this again and liked it. Yes, it's a little self serving. Sue me.

If anyone is still reading the blogs, or cares to comment, here you go. This was me at my best. I think. Enjoy.

On Help...The notion of "helping" others is more theory than reality... I’m afraid. The paradox of helping others is evidenced by the willingness of the person needing or requesting help and their ability to actually accepting what the consequences of receiving that help might be...What the hell am I talking about? Ok, fair enough. Let me try to explain.Most people need help with something at some point in their life. Most of us need help on a regular basis. But, we must first differentiate between help and assistance. If for example, I need a heavy piece of furniture moved, or a chore accomplished, then I’m not really in need of help, I’m wanting assistance.Help is defined several different ways. Twenty three ways on the online dictionary site that I like to use. The "help" I generally refer to in the post that has inspired this drawn out "rant" is not the "assistance" definition that is included with the rest of the definitions.I’m talking about really helping someone. That is, making their quality of life better, or situation in life more liveable because of something I have helped facilitate. I’ve alluded, in past posts, that I can’t "fix" situations that have gone unchecked for several years. I’ve also ranted that I shouldn’t be expected to help you with situations that you’ve allowed to perpetuate for lengthy time periods...Simply because, I am not a miracle worker.Now, that being said, my idealistic attitude that our purpose here is to help people is not necessarily flawed. I think that the amount of energy any of us is allowed to expend to help someone is directly proportional to the amount of change that they are willing to accept in their lives. The flaw, if that’s even the correct term, is that most people are comfortable, to a certain extent, with their lives. Even if the life they lead is not conducive to healthy, happy living. We all are creatures of habit and we become comfortable with our habits, and ultimately, with our lives.People who try to change other people’s lives, even with the best of intentions, even when invited to attempt change, are often viewed as controlling and egotistical. Unfortunately, when things in your life have reached a point where you are able to acknowledge a need for help, you still might not be willing to accept the change in that life that will inevitably come about if you accept the help you so desperately require.So, where does that leave the "helper"? In a precarious position to be sure. We can give up on the notion that we have the ability to positively affect another life (or lives), or we can trudge on, doing the best we can with what we possess. We can try very, very hard to improve the quality of the lives of others assuming that we, at the same time, are improving our lives. Or, we can accept the alternative...that is, do nothing and allow situations to atrophy to a point where they can never be saved.Ultimately the choice is ours. I have made mine...How about you?

Still funny...

2008-10-02T23:31:00.001-04:00

This is funny stuff. Seriously.

2008-10-02T00:27:00.002-04:00

The Best Years of Your Life

2008-07-30T00:12:00.009-04:00

Another entry just full of photos...

Humor me. I'm in a good place. It took a while, but it was worth the wait.

Summer of 2008.

Fun in Michigan and fun in Wisconsin.

I've given up trying to compete with the intellect of Gregg and Erin.

I have not given up on posting photos of the people that I love dearly.

So there!

Florida Keys...Here's looking at you kid...Part 2

2008-05-06T23:42:00.013-04:00

This is where I fell in love with my wife.

And then... I got to go back with my best friend.

It's just as beautiful...and so is she.

On Men and Women...

2008-03-06T23:26:00.001-05:00

What is the difference between a man and a woman?

That's it. One question. Please. Don't read too much into this question. Seriously. But...

I need to know.

There are books written on the subject. I don't want to read them. Even though I have read some of them.

I don't want some deep philosphical debate.

I just want to know why there is such a vast difference in the expectations between the two.

Why there is such a distinct difference in views on things.

Why there exists some type of monumental difference in what we need, want, feel, and how we relate to things...

Or. Is it just me?

That's it. Really.

No "troubles in paradise." No problems in the household.

Just thinking out loud.

And, in need of a post.

And, really need some intelligent insight.

Somebody please enlighten me.

I'm getting too old to still be confused by all of this.

Thank you.

ANTIGUA, a few more photos...just for fun.

2008-01-27T22:36:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful island, and what a beautiful partner to share it with. Life is good. Seriously.

ANTIGUA...Marrying your best friend

2008-01-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are a few thousand "words."

I spent eight days with my best friend in paradise. Then she became my wife and I became her husband.

I am a lucky, lucky man... 'nuff said.

I Almost Started Liking Two Rivers again...

2007-09-04T21:40:00.001-04:00

But then.

We arrive on Sunday, it's a beautiful 80 some degree day. The kids have school starting on Tuesday. A perfect "last adventure" before school starts. We need them to relax....we need them to tire themselves out...we need them to just go to bed early...it's been that kind of weekend.

So....

We decide to take them to the beach. One more time. One last chance to beat themselves up in the surf.

We turn onto Zlatnik Drive (that would be the goofy street name of the road that parallel's the lake, for those unfamiliar with the "Triver's" layout) and wow....WOW.

Total overstimulation. Kids screaming, pointing, gasping, yelling, shouting...(you get the picture)

Kites.

Kites?

Yes, kites. KITES!

Lots of them....

LOTS OF THEM!

It was terribly cool. The kids really, really enjoyed the show.

The whole concept of "chilling out" with the kids at the beach was suddenly lost. But...we did actually enjoy the spectacle of the KITES...

I guess.

Ok, we really did.

Things have changed at Neshotah beach since I left..

And, they may have actually changed for the better.

Good for TR.

God, am I being positive? Say it ain't so...

A PICTURE'S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS...

2007-08-13T19:27:00.001-04:00

Thought it was due time to share some of the stuff going on.

If anyone is actually still reading this dreadfully neglected blog, I offer a peek into the crazy world that is "Brad"...

My blogging ability is somewhat limited so you may have to put the photo descriptions with the appropriate pics...but, you're all smart, you can handle it.

March. Tanya decided that my interior decorating skills were somewhat, um..."lacking", so she repainted damn near half the house in a weekend.

April. We got a dog. Well, kind of a dog. It's like a dog, just smaller. She decided to take a nap on my shoulder...apparently. I am way too tough to ever let this happen conciously, she took advantage of my tired state. So did the photographer.

June. Zoo time. We took the whole gang to the NEW Zoo. The mini train ride was the best, we filled up the entire train. Thought it was a little odd that the monkeys were pointing at all of us and laughing....damn monkeys.

July. Trip "back home." That would be the UP. We had a blast. They have a thing called "Pioneer days" that resembles "Snowfest", but on a larger, grander scale. Golf cart tours of the old mining city and the week was topped off with Tanya's 20th class reunion. And yes, I know she looks much younger than me. It's an illusion. Or I'm just old...whatever.

August. Beach excursion to Neshotah park. Back to the roots. Back to the badlands. Back to home. That lake was never, never as cold when I was a kid. Never. Or I'm just old...whatever.

It's July 3rd already...???

2007-07-03T00:57:00.000-04:00

“There's always something to be thankful for. If you can't pay your bills, you can be thankful you're not one of your creditors.”

Things that I'm thankful for...

1) My wife..err, fiancee, um fiance, um fianceee, err...whatever... That special woman named Tanya.

2) My kids. There's Austin and Alex and Hailey and Seija and Ryne and Mila and...wait, that's all of them....I think. Wow, that's alot... But it's all good!

3) My parents. And Tanya's parents. Good solid people. Parents that everyone should have been as lucky, as we were, to grow up with.

4) My job...I guess. I do like doing what I do...I just get so frustrated and disappointed with the whole human existence sometimes...seriously.

5) Our true friends. People that know us...really know us...and continue to be our friends.

6) My blog buddies. Those that continue to check this site even though there have been months of inactvity at times. Thank you for still caring enough to stop by. You all are included in number "5" above...

7) Beer. I really like beer. Really.

I promise to have something more complex and deep soon...really. Happy fourth of July to all of you!

“Be thankful for hard times in your life. Try not to look at them as badthings, but as oppurtunities to grow and learn”

2007-06-18T00:30:00.000-04:00

"Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway."

Hey...

I've been absent. I apologize. Sincerely. My lack of attention to this blog is not in any way related to my lack of interest. I'm just so damn busy. REALLY.

I've been reading and enjoying all the other thoughtful and thought provoking anecdotes that have been written by my counterparts, and I'm awed by the intellect and insightfulness displayed by these fine authors. That would be you guys...Greg, Gregg, Erin, Burt, and Nicole.

I want to write something profound and deep. I really want to share with you the bizarre thought process that bounces around inside my head. But. But. But. I just haven't had the time to filter everything out and put it in a written form.

Having said this... I am not wearing a wedding ring. Not yet. Not until January. In Antigua, on a white sand beach...with someone who's my best friend.

My children are growing and changing every day. I'm so very proud of both of them.

My "step-children"(to be) are wonderful kids, I'm also so very proud of them...all four of them.

My, err, our house is busy. Noisy at times, quiet rarely, but always busy...and I love it.

I am doing well. I now own a dog and a Harley. I love the Harley...did I mention I own a dog...?

I'm still a cop. I wish I would win a lottery. Then I might not be a cop. Probably.

Thank you all (both of you) for still checking in, and making sure I don't give up on this.

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it."

On Procrastination...

2007-03-19T05:27:00.000-04:00

I do my work at the same time each day - the last minute. ~Author Unknown

I apologize for my lack of attention toward this endeavor.

I also promise that something very profound is looming...maybe.

It's becoming terribly difficult to compete with lady E, Walrus, and Greg...and GGG. We have some very smart people writing some really intelligent posts....

I'm still here, I promise. Alive and well.

Life has changed a bit for this author. I've spent the better part of the last three months trying very hard to get things in order, so to speak.

More to follow. I promise.

No "APB'S" neccesary. Really.

For now, keep reading Greg's stuff...or Burt's...or Gregg's...or Erin's. It's all better than mine anyway.

I will have something soon...I think.

"Someday is not a day of the week." Author Unknown

Steve Irwin...Take that!

2007-02-28T19:02:00.000-05:00

Ok, that Title was in poor taste. I apologize if I offended anyone. When this "Stingray" (more commonly known as a horeshoe crab) swam up to the beach-goers, you would have thought Jaws himself had made an appearance.

So...I did the only rational thing. I walked up to it and petted it. I figured if I made friends with the creature, it might spare me. If not, well then I die in paradise. A win-win if I ever came across one.

I later found out that this sea-monster is actually harmless. But I didn't tell any of the bikini-clad women that!

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Friedrich Nietzsche

Here's looking at you kid...

2007-02-27T16:07:00.000-05:00

February 25th, sunset. Key West, Florida. Yes, I actually took these photos...well, captured these digital images.

I also took 205 additional photos, images, whatever. Not bad for three days, huh?

We ventured down through all of the Keys of Florida and spent one beautiful sunset on the west coast of Key West. People (by the hundreds) come out of the bars, hotels, and businesses to watch the sunset...really.

When it finally dissolves into the ocean, people clap...really.

I highly recommend this type of vacation to, well, everyone. Spending three or four days in 85 degree weather does wonders for the mind and soul.

Coming back to a foot of snow and 25 degree temperatures also does wonders...incidentally.

Bertie Higgins was the featured singer on the home-made CD for the ride to the airport, he serenaded us a minumum of ten times...I really like that song...really.

Why do people live in Wisconsin...?

While I'm away...

2007-02-22T22:23:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm leaving.

Temporarily anyway.

You see, I'm cold. I hate winter. No, I detest winter. I'm tired of it. So, I'm leaving. I'm going to Key Largo for four days. I'm going to get warm. Then I'll be happy...well, as happy as I get.

In my absence, I'm leaving the post up to a bunch of folks that are pretty damn smart and really well spoken.

I've compiled about a dozen (or so) quotations. I enjoyed reading them and thinking about them. So, now I'm posting them. May they bring you some enjoyment, insight or at least something to read for the next few days.

"The power of accurate observation is frequently called cynicism by those who don't have it."
- George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

"I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth."
- Sherlock Holmes (by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 1859-1930)

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true."
- James Branch Cabell

"Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech."
- Martin Fraquhar Tupper

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

"Sanity is a small price to pay for happiness." --Marabeth Madsen

"I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy every minute of it." --Unknown

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On." --Robert Frost

"Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible." --Doug Larson

"Somewhere, someone is practicing, and when you meet him in face to face competition, he will win." --Unknown

"Some people are so afraid to die that they never begin to live." --Henry Van Dyke

"Everyone makes mistakes. It is what you do afterwards that counts." --Unknown

"The highest of distinctions is service to others." --King George VI

I like reading things smart people have said or written, guess that's why I enjoy all of your comments and respective blogs...

Now it's time to go get an unhealthy amount of UV rays on this pasty body of mine. Stay safe!

St. Valentines Day

2007-02-13T11:42:00.000-05:00

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown

In the spirit of the great debate of the "unconditional love" days... I submit to you the following-

Valentines Day is that special day that I always thought some dolt at Hallmark created to generate revenue during the "slow" months of winter. I was sadly mistaken. A little bit of research later, and I now stand humbled, by having some knowledge of the very roots of this slighted holiday.

Let's face it... The mail service doesn't get a vacation. I don't get paid overtime on this day. No Turkey, no mistletoe, no popping champagne at midnight... This is really a holiday?

But, that aside, there is some interesting history behind this potentialy fateful day...

For those interested, this is one of several "informational" links-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine

Ok, history established and my two cents worth later, I should probably get to the point of this muse, or rant, or ruse, or mant, or well...whatever.

The idea, or belief that we all have a soulmate. This soulmate is inhabiting the same planet as us and we are supposed to find this person, this soul and therefore find true love and happiness.

Now, before I get blasted for submitting another post on what might or might not be, when it comes to the complexities of love, allow me this disclaimer. I believe in love, I believe it exists. I believe that romance and lust and all the components of love surround us and embody us...I'm just not so sure about this whole "soulmate" thing...

Here's my take on it...

Rather than blindly accept the notion that there is one person i.e. (soul) out there that is a perfect match for each of us, I believe that human beings function on certain levels of compatibility. What I mean by that is, if one were to list personality features, likes and dislikes, fears and concerns, morals and values, etc. to a ten point scale, one might find that their significant other falls somewhere on this scale. I may find myself functioning on one level at an "eight" on this scale but in some other level at a "three" on this scale. I might be, overwhelmingly, physically attracted to someone but find that our moral scale is completely different, for example.

This person intrigued me with their physical attributes, but once I really got to know the person, I realized that we shared little in common given our social values. This is where past relationships come from...maybe. A continual "search" for someone whose compatibility is consistent on all, or at least, most levels. A search that continues until this person is finally found. These are all just hypothetical examples, of course...

I like the notion of each of us having a "soulmate." I really do. I'm just not sure I believe that it exists. The longer I live the more I support the theory that there are many, many people that would fit into our desired range of compatibility.

The soulmate notion seems too perfect and cosmic and flighty for this bitter author...

But there I go again...

Trying to apply logic to emotion. I'm starting to think the two have nothing to do with one another.

Life is just one fool thing after another; love is just two fool things after each other. -Anonymous

Decisions, decisions...

2007-01-31T17:02:00.000-05:00

The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.
- David Russell

I've been musing, so to speak, on the effect of, or outcome of, the decisions we make. What influence does the choice(s) we make have on every other choice or decision?

It's somewhat sobering to think about life as a series of choices, simply because that then forces us to accept the idea that life isn't really about fate or destiny, it's about us controlling our end by the choices and decisions we make every day...

If we make a choice, or decision, and it turns out to be wrong, can we ever right that wrong? Or is the ripple effect too great to stop that wrong from perpetuating?

I have a unique occupation that forces me to make decisions for other people. I suppose we all have situations, employment-wise, that would put us in that category, but I suspect that the choices I make with regards to others has some long term effects and consequences. If I put someone in jail, for instance, this substantially changes the course of their life...at least it should. This isn't something that should be taken lightly, and it isn't.

But what about the choices we make every day. Decisions like- Should I date this person...? Should I love this person...? Should I marry this person...? Should I have children with this person...? Think how your lives would be different if you changed any one of these situations.

All decisions most of us have made. Were they the right ones? Would we do it differently? What would our lives be like if we chose a different path...

Should I be concerned about the decisions I have made?...I don't know. I think I have led a decent life, granted there are things I would like to be different, but then again, who amongst us is 100% happy, content, thrilled, whatever with their own lives...

Something to think about...at least it is for me.

"Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death."
Anais Nin

Mmmm...

2007-01-17T12:14:00.000-05:00

Here you go Greg...enjoy.

The last few posts have been the subject of some pretty decent debate and hopefully they made us all think a little more about some pretty serious topics.

This post won't make you think at all...

I have some other ideas rattling inside my head, but this is just "filler."

I've had a sick little boy home for two days now and he's decided that the best way to start feeling better was to watch the entire ninth season of "The Simpsons."

So, with Greg suggesting a post about food and Homer being a bit zealous about food, I did some research and found the top ten Homer Simpson foods...

Top 10 Favorite Foods of Homer Simpson

From Nancy Basile

Homer Simpson loves foods. But which are his favorites? I've made a list of Homer Simpson's top ten favorite foods based on the number of times he has said,"Mmm," or referenced a food on "The Simpsons." You may disagree, but the results are based on math and statistics.

1) Beer
Though I don't have exact numbers for this, but I think Homer drinks Duff beer at least once in every episode. He visits Duff Brewery and Duff Gardens. He drinks fancy Duffenbrau and just plain ol' Duff.
More: "The Simpsons" Archive Food List

2) Burgers
Whether they're flamed on the grill, or fried on Marge's stove, burgers are Homer Simpson's number one favorite food. I counted over fifty references on the food list at "The Simpsons" Archive.
More: Recipes for Homer Simpson-Style Burgers

3) Hot Dogs
Homer eats hot dogs at home, at picnics and at the ballpark. There are forty references on the food list at "The Simpsons" Archive.
More: "The Simpsons" Archive Food List

4) Pizza
Homer will eat pizza hot or cold. There are thirty-seven references on the food list at "The Simpsons" Archive.
More: "The Simpsons" Archive Food List

5) Chocolate
Homer said "mmmm" to chocolate in "Bart's Dog Gets an F," "Radio Bart" and "Krusty Gets Busted." He daydreamed about a world made of chocolate in "Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk."
More: "The Simpsons" Episode Guide

6) Donuts
Who would Homer Simpson be without donuts? These treats are referenced in "Homer at the Bat," "Treehouse of Horror IV" and "Simpson Tide."
More: "The Simpsons" Episode Guide

7) Sprinkles
Homer drools over sprinkles in "Treehouse of Horror VI" and "Treehouse of Horror II."
More: "The Simpsons" Episode Guide

8) Pancakes
Oh, yes, pancakes. In "Blood Feud" and "Stark Raving Dad" Homer describes his desire for flapjacks.
More: "The Simpsons" Episode Guide

9) Beer Nuts
Homer says "Mmm" to beer nuts frequently at Moe's, specifically in "A Star Is Burns."
More: "The Simpsons" Episode Guide

10) Free Goo
Okay. Maybe free goo is a stretch. It's so funny I had to put it on the list. Homer says "Mmm" to free goo in "Boy-Scoutz N the Hood."
More: "The Simpsons" Episode Guide

There you have it. I don't expect much debate on this topic. We've all probably had enough for now anyway.

Something more serious is coming, for now grab a "Duff" and relax...

Can You Relate?

2007-01-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

On relationships...

I suspect that one of the most important aspects of the human existence is how we interact with each other. I also suspect that most human beings have a desire, maybe even a need, to be involved in an intimate relationship with another human being.

I've had my fair share of success and failures with my own personal relationships...Who hasn't, right?

Now, where am I going with this? Well, I'll tell you. It's a concept and term that gets tossed around way too frequently, in my opinion.

The notion of Unconditional Love.

Does it exist? If yes, how?

If no, why not?

That being said, I submit to you the following two views-

"Unconditional love" is a concept for the fairy tales; not reality. For those of us living in the real world, it is time that we accept that all true, healthy, clean love is conditional--within the bounds of reason. Just as we cannot have true love under unrealistic conditions, we cannot have it without conditions either. You shouldn't say that you can't love your significant other if he or she doesn't buy you gifts every week. But you should say that you can't love your significant other if she or he verbally and physically abuses you and treats you like a slave and a trophy. The ideal we should be striving for is not unconditional love; it's conditional love with a firm touch of reason and reality in mind.

Stuart Hayashi

Unconditional Love is a dynamic and powerful energy that lifts us through the most difficult times. It is available at any moment by turning our attention to it and using its wonderful potential to free us from our limitations. It requires practice and intent to allow this energy to fully permeate our daily experience. It begins with ourselves, for without self-love, we cannot know what true love can be. In loving ourselves, we allow the feeling to generate within us and then we can share it to everyone and everything around us! That which we send out, returns to us in greater measure. If you have not thought about how you feel towards yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally, or spiritually, we invite you to do so now. Begin the journey that changes everything. Begin the journey of unconditional love...

Harold Becker

Two seperate and different approaches to the same concept.

Ok, I have my own opinion on this topic...

But what I really want to hear are your opinions.

Hey, that's what you get for being such deep thinkers. You inspire me to challenge each of you!

I love you all unconditionally...If that's even possible...

The Secret of Life...?

2007-01-09T16:57:00.000-05:00

I wish I held the answer to this question. But, I don't. Although, I do believe that the "secret of life" is not really a secret at all. Maybe...

I had some free time today, well kinda like every day, but anyway, I happened upon this song that I had downloaded some time ago. I stopped and listened to it, and then listened to it again and again.

Faith Hill is not really my top choice, but this song is pretty good. No, it's really good. I think...

Well, check out the lyrics and if you feel compelled, download the song. It's worth it, in my opinion.

The Secret of Life

Couple of guys sittin' around drinkin'

Down at the Starlight Bar

One of 'em says, "You know I've been thinking"

Other one says, "That won't get you too far"

He says, "This is your life, and welcome to it

It's just workin' and drinkin' and dreams

Ad on TV says 'Just Do It

'Hell if I know what that means"

The secret of life is a good cup of coffee

The secret of life is keep your eye on the ball

The secret of life is a beautiful woman

And Marilyn stares down from the barroom wall

"You and me, we're just a couple of zeros

Just a couple of down-and-outs

But movie stars and football heroes

What have they got to be unhappy about?

"So they turn to the bartender, "Sam, what do you think?

What's the key that unlocks that door?

"Sam don't say nothin', just wipes off the bar

And he pours them a couple more

'Cause the secret of life is in Sam's martinis

The secret of life is in Marilyn's eyes

The secret of life is in Monday Night Football

Rolling Stones records and Mom's apple pie

Sam looks up from his Sunday paper

Says, "Boys, you're on the wrong track

The secret of life is there ain't no secret

And you don't get your money back

"Hey

The secret of life is gettin' up early

The secret of life is stayin' up late

The secret of life is try not to hurry

But don't wait

Don't wait

The secret of life is a good cup of coffee

The secret of life is keep your eye on the ball

The secret of life is to find the right woman

The secret of life is nothin' at all

Oh, it's nothin' at all

The secret of life

Couple of guys sittin' around drinkin'

Down at the Starlight Bar

One of 'em says, "You know I've been thinking

"Other one says, "That won't get you too far

""That won't get you too far"

Does Faith Hill really hold the answer to the most quintessential question of all time...Probably not. Of course, she just sang the song, she didn't write it.

It couldn't possibly be this simple, right?

But, then again...maybe it is this simple.

A Person's Character...

2007-01-08T21:32:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of the "Damned if you don't" post and maybe even the "Damned if you do" post , I submit to you the following...

I stumbled across this story several years ago, and it stuck with me. Take it for what it's worth.

This is a parable, I suppose, that captures the spirit of human nature, and the frailties of that same nature.

Perhaps you've heard this before, if not, read it, think about it, then decide for yourself what it means...

The Frog and the Scorpion

A scorpion who couldn't swim asked the frog to carry him across the river on his back. The frog said, "Do you think I'm crazy? Halfway across the river, you'll sting me and I'll drown." "That's not reasonable," said the scorpion. "If I sting you and you drown, I'll drown too." Frog thought about it, he said, "Climb on." Halfway across the river, the scorpion stung the frog, and as the frog was drowning, he said to the scorpion, "But now you'll drown too." The scorpion said, "Yes. I know." "That's not reasonable," said the frog, and the scorpion replied, "Reason has nothing to do with it. I'm a scorpion. It's my character."

We are what we are. Kind of scary, actually...

Musings...or is it Music?

2007-01-07T05:42:00.000-05:00

Time for a jump into the time machine. When did the music we listened to, danced to, and presumably fell in love to, become oldies?

But, the fact of the matter is, we're not the youthful, young, attractive kids that we once were, with the exception of course being Erin. But, I digress. We've all grown up and now we're sophisticated, succesful adults, with the exception of course being me...damn, life's not fair.

That being said, here are the top 100 songs from that long time ago year of....You guessed it, 1989.

1. Look Away, Chicago
2. My Prerogative, Bobby Brown
3. Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Poison
4. Straight Up, Paula Abdul
5. Miss You Much, Janet Jackson
6. Cold Hearted, Paula Abdul
7. Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler
8. Girl You Know Its True, Milli Vanilli
9. Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird, Will To Power
10. Giving You The Best That I Got, Anita Baker
11. Right Here Waiting, Richard Marx
12. Waiting For A Star To Fall, Boy Meets Girl
13. Lost In Your Eyes, Debbie Gibson
14. Don't Wanna Lose You, Gloria Estefan
15. Heavan, Warrant
16. Girl I'm Gonna Miss You, Milli Vanilli
17. The Look, Roxette
18. She Drives Me Crazy, Fine Young Cannibals
19. On Our Own, Bobby Brown
20. Two Hearts, Phil Collins
21. Blame It On The Rain, Milli Vanilli
22. Listen To Your Heart, Roxette
23. I'll Be There For You, Bon Jovi
24. If You Don't Know Me By Now, Simply Red
25. Like A Prayer, Madonna
26. I'll Be Loving You (Forever), New Kids On The Block
27. How Can I Fall?, Breathe
28. Baby Don't Forget My Number, Milli Vanilli
29. Toy Solider, Martika
30. Forever Your Girl, Paula Abdul
31. The Living Years, Mike and the Mechanics
32. Eternal Flame, The Bangles
33. Wild Thing, Tone Loc
34. When I See You Smile, Bad English
35. If I Could Turn Back Time, Cher
36. Buffalo Stance, Neneh Cherry
37. When I'm With You, Sheriff
38. Don't Rush Me, Taylor Dayne
39. Born To Be My Baby, Bon Jovi
40. Good Thing, Fine Young Cannibals
41. The Lover In Me, Sheena Easton
42. Bust A Move, Young M.C.
43. Once Bitten, Twice Shy, Great White
44. Batdance, Prince
45. Rock On, Michael Damian
46. Real Lov, Jody Watley
47. Love Shack, B-52's
48. Every Little Step, Bobby Brown
49. Hangin' Tough, New Kids On The Block
50. My Heart Can't Tell You No, Rod Stewart
51. So Alive, Love and Rockets
52. You Got It (The Right Stuff), New Kids On The Block
53. Armageddon It, Def Leppard
54. Satisfied, Richard Marx
55. Express Yourself, Madonna
56. I Like It, Dino 5
7. Soldier Of Love, Donny Osmond
58. Sowing The Seeds Of Love, Tears For Fears
59. Cherish, Madonna
60. When The Children Cry, White Lion
61. 18 And Life, Skid Row
62. I Don't Want Your Love, Duran Duran
63. Second Chances, .38 Special
64. The Way You Love Me, Karyn White
65. Funky Cold Medina, Tone Loc
66. In Your Room, Bangles
67. Miss You Like Crazy, Natalie Cole
68. Love Song, Cure
69. Secret Rendesvous, Karyn White
70. Angel Eyes, Jeff Healey Band
71. Patience, Guns N' Roses
72. Walk On Water, Eddie Money
73. Cover Girl, New Kids On The Block
74. Welcom To The Jungle, Guns N' Roses
75. Shower Me With Your Love, Surface
76. Stand, R.E.M.
77. Close My Eyes Forever, Lita Ford
78. All This Time, Tiffany
79. After All, Cher and Peter Cetera
80. Roni, Bobby Brown
81. Love In An Elevator, Aerosmith
82. Lay Your Hands On Me, Bon Jovi
83. This Promise, When In Rome
84. What I Am, Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians
85. I Remember Holding You, Boys Club
86. Paradise City, Guns N' Roses
87. Iwanna Have Some Fun, Samantha Fox
88. She Wants To Dance With Me, Rick Astley
89. Dreamin', Vanessa Williams
90. It's No Crime, Babyface
91. Poison, Alice Cooper
92. This Time I Know It's For Real, Donna Summer
93. Smooth Criminal, Michael Jackson
94. Heavan Help Me, Deon Estus
95. Rock Wit'cha, Bobby Brown
96. Thinking Of You, Sa-fire
97. What You Don't Know, Expose
98. Surrender To Me, Ann Wilson and Robin Zander
99. The End Of The Innocence, Don Henley
100. Keep On Movin', Soul II Soul

There it is, the best songs of that year... that list took me years of research and countless hours to compile...or maybe I just stole it off a website. Either way, I thought it would be fun to read through the song list and reminisce.

This is about as melancholy as I get...I think.

Damned if you dont...

2007-01-06T05:35:00.000-05:00

On love...

Well, this venture is supposed to be about musings too, not just rantings. I've spent a decent amount of time sharing my thoughts (rantings) on just about everything absolutely not related to this topic. In order to remain believable as a being with a soul, I've chosen this post to potentially redeem myself. I'm going to set aside some of the rantings and "muse" poetic, so to speak. At least for a few moments...

Here's the "softer" side...deal with it.

Lucky is the man who is the first love of a woman,but luckier is the woman who is the last love of a man.

It takes a minute to have a crush on someone,an hour to like someone, and an day to love someone...but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

I have a very strong feeling that the opposite of love is not hate -- it's apathy. It's not giving a damn.

Find the person who will love you because of your differences and not in spite of them and you have found a lover for life.

Don't find love, let love find you. That's why it's called falling in love, because you don't force yourself to fall, you just fall.

Love is fire. But whether it's gonna warm your heart or burn your house down you can never tell

True love never lives happily ever after - true love has no ending.

People who are sensible about love are incapable of it.

So...in the spirit of the quickly fading holiday season, let it never be said that I didn't at least make one attempt at some sort of positive post.

I wish I could take credit for even one of these quotes, but I can't. That doesn't mean they aren't worth reading and reflecting upon.

Love each other folks, that's why we're all here...I think.

Resolutions anyone?

2007-01-02T19:02:00.000-05:00

I've never been a big fan of New Year's resolutions, and I didn't make any this year...but what the hell. I need a post and this seems like as good of an idea as any.

Here's a list of the Top Ten resolutions, according to someone, somewhere.

1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends

2) Fit in Fitness

3) Tame the Bulge

4) Quit Smoking

5) Enjoy Life More

6) Quit Drinking

7) Get Out of Debt

8) Learn Something New

9) Help Others

10) Get Organized

Seem like some good ideas. Except for number six...And didn't I do a post on number nine?

Any thoughts?

Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T18:13:00.000-05:00

It's time to say goodbye to 2006...Thank God.

It was a roller-coaster of a year for me and I'm not sorry to see it go away. But alas, it is the eve of the new year and I shall rise above my personal struggles to bring some positive out of all of the nonsense. Now, here are some thoughts on the spirit of the "New Year." Brought to you by people much smarter than I (or is it me..?) Anyway, enjoy.

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~Mark Twain

He who breaks a resolution is a weakling;He who makes one is a fool.~F.M. Knowles

Happy New Year to everyone! I have to go get drunk and celebrate the end of this year...A task that I think I can handle.

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

TV Police

2006-12-27T05:20:00.000-05:00

I've submitted my humble opinion of the best quotes ever. Hell the Simpsons, specifically Homer Simpson, have taught me everything I know about parenting. Well, almost everything.

But, there is a show, ok was a show, that certainly rates as my favorite ever.

It ended in early 2005, and it ended as good as it started. A guy named Steven Bochco was responsible for this magnificent endeavor...

Figured it out yet?

NYPD BLUE

The finest police drama possibly ever televised. I expect, no, demand comments on this post. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Either way...I want to hear.

Now, in the spirit of this blog, here are some of the quotes.

Lt. Arthur Fancy: The future keeps telling us what the past was about. You make the past mean different things by the way you use the time that comes after.

Katie Sipowicz: He could use God's help now. Andy: Short term he oughtta settle for getting his head out of his ass.

Det. Danny Sorenson: All right, into the cage for a while. Julio Diaz: For what? Det. Danny Sorenson: For breaking balls. You give me no cooperation, I'm gonna run you for warrants in every jurisdiction in America. Julio Diaz: Man, go out and get shot in the street. Det. Danny Sorenson: Yeah, why don't you write that up for Reader's Digest? "My Worst Day Ever So Far" by Julio.

Andy: You got a lot of morons in your family? 'Cause that could be genetic.

Andy: [while examining the body of a decapitated man whose head is sitting in his own lap] You don't often encounter this method of suicide.

Katie Sipowicz: I heard something in your voice, Andy, when you called me. Andy: I guess what you heard didn't include the words coming out of my mouth. Katie Sipowicz: I heard something and I checked my intuition, afterwards by prayer. Andy: Katie, this has gotta stop. After God tells you what to do, if I'm involved in the message, you check back with me.

This is, of course, just a tease. There are a whole lot more quotes out there. I'm guessing this show and it's content and topics might come up in future posts. I was inspired by an early morning re-run on TNT at four am...Let me know what your thoughts are on my views of the best police drama ever...

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

It's finally here! The birth of Christ, the christian Savior of the world. Marked by an enormous amount of over-priced presents, gluttony and drunkeness. Joy to the World.

Ok, so that is really being cynical, even by my standards. I did have an enjoyable Three days of Christmas cheer, and now it's back to the grindstone. Yes, I get to "go back" to work on Christmas...something doesn't seem right or fair about that.

The purpose of this post wasn't to whine about, arguably, the most important holiday of the year. My intent was to wish all of you a happy holiday season. I hope you are all spending time with the people that mean the most to you and remembering to let the ones you can't spend time with know how much they mean too.

Stay warm, safe and keep the spirit of Christmas well tended in your hearts.

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~Dr. Seuss

B. "Grinch" Strouf.

I'm still here...

2006-12-21T23:17:00.000-05:00

It's almost Christmas once again...are the years going by faster as I get older? Sure seems that way...

Here are a few more observations.

Have we become "Social Workers with guns…?" It’s looking like it more and more. This is not what we’re supposed to be doing.

I don’t like eating in restaurants in my uniform. I thought at some point I would get used to doing it, but I never have.

Some people are really as dumb as we think they are...Some are even dumber.

Once you smell a decomposing body, you never forget that smell. The next time you smell "that" smell, you know what you’re about to discover.

If someone runs from you and you yell, "Stop"…they won’t.

I don’t know everything, I’m not even sure I know a lot about anything. But I can make you believe I do. I think that makes me good at what I do; it’s worked for me this long.

We now carry tasers on our belt. There is something strange about shooting electricity into people in order to overcome resistance. We’re getting awfully close to the "Star Trek" stuff here folks…

Some "musings" to ponder. Sorry I've been a bit "absent". I hope to have a Christmas related post up in the next couple days. Happy holidays everyone.

The Best Quotes Ever

2006-12-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

Well, maybe not the "best" ever, but they're ones I really like. Since this is my blog, they therefore became the "best".

Homer: Are you saying you're never going to eat any animal again? What about bacon?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Ham?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Pork chops?
Lisa: Dad, those all come from the same animal.
Homer: Heh heh heh. Ooh, yeah, right, Lisa. A wonderful, magical animal.

Homer: Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.

Lionel Hutz: Well, he's kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace "accidentally" with "repeatedly," and replace "dog" with "son."

Homer: Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel.

Chief Wiggum: Uh, no, you got the wrong number. This is 9-1... 2.

Homer: [Meeting Aliens] Please don't eat me! I have a wife and kids. Eat them!

Homer: I'm normally not a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me Superman.

Homer: Here's to alcohol, the cause of—and solution to—all life's problems.

There you have it...My "Tribute" to the Simpsons. God bless them all.

This is what I do...???

2006-12-15T00:09:00.000-05:00

I'm still not happy with the forces that control Blogspot (what gives with the comment availabilty?) ...but, I'm not giving up on this venture.

So...Is this lighter, or is it brighter...? Nah, "It is what it is.." (Thank you to my favorite member of the class of '89 for that line.)

Here's today's nonsense...enjoy.

Guys, if your girlfriend or wife or both are mad at you, they will tell me where you hide your drugs. They will also tell me what crimes you’ve committed or are going to commit. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned...remember this, it’s true.

It’s hard to teach someone how to do this job. Most of what we do has to be experienced in order to understand. What we do changes what we are; I’m not sure you can just tell someone this and expect him or her to grasp the concept.

I’ve been sprayed with pepper spray three times on calls by other cops…I know it was accidental on two occasions.

Most cops are very good at helping people deal with their marital problems. Most cops have marital problems. I wonder how we’re going to figure out this one.

I have had to fight with more small guys then really big guys.

When deer get hit by cars we shoot them if they’re mortally wounded. If the deer gets up and runs away, it’s not mortally wounded. If you seek out that deer that ran away and shoot it, this is not a mercy killing, this is hunting. I’ve seen it happen.

Happy Friday to all of you that work normal shifts, and hours... I loathe you all.

Damned if you do...

2006-12-12T05:41:00.000-05:00

On Help...

The notion of "helping" others is more theory than reality... I’m afraid. The paradox of helping others is evidenced by the willingness of the person needing or requesting help and their ability to actually accepting what the consequences of receiving that help might be...

What the hell am I talking about? Ok, fair enough. Let me try to explain.

Most people need help with something at some point in their life. Most of us need help on a regular basis. But, we must first differentiate between help and assistance. If for example, I need a heavy piece of furniture moved, or a chore accomplished, then I’m not really in need of help, I’m wanting assistance.

Help is defined several different ways. Twenty three ways on the online dictionary site that I like to use. The "help" I generally refer to in the post that has inspired this drawn out "rant" is not the "assistance" definition that is included with the rest of the definitions.

I’m talking about really helping someone. That is, making their quality of life better, or situation in life more liveable because of something I have helped facilitate. I’ve alluded, in past posts, that I can’t "fix" situations that have gone unchecked for several years. I’ve also ranted that I shouldn’t be expected to help you with situations that you’ve allowed to perpetuate for lengthy time periods...Simply because, I am not a miracle worker.

Now, that being said, my idealistic attitude that our purpose here is to help people is not necessarily flawed. I think that the amount of energy any of us is allowed to expend to help someone is directly proportional to the amount of change that they are willing to accept in their lives. The flaw, if that’s even the correct term, is that most people are comfortable, to a certain extent, with their lives. Even if the life they lead is not conducive to healthy, happy living. We all are creatures of habit and we become comfortable with our habits, and ultimately, with our lives.

People who try to change other people’s lives, even with the best of intentions, even when invited to attempt change, are often viewed as controlling and egotistical. Unfortunately, when things in your life have reached a point where you are able to acknowledge a need for help, you still might not be willing to accept the change in that life that will inevitably come about if you accept the help you so desperately require.

So, where does that leave the "helper"? In a precarious position to be sure. We can give up on the notion that we have the ability to positively affect another life (or lives), or we can trudge on, doing the best we can with what we possess. We can try very, very hard to improve the quality of the lives of others assuming that we, at the same time, are improving our lives. Or, we can accept the alternative...that is, do nothing and allow situations to atrophy to a point where they can never be saved.

Ultimately the choice is ours. I have made mine...How about you?

Now, the Brighter side...

2006-12-10T05:09:00.000-05:00

Some positive thoughts...Hey, it's not like it's gonna last. Enjoy these upbeat moments, they're probably few and far between.

When you’re new at police work, people know you’re new. You look crisper, act more polite, and tend to care more about people’s problems. Funny how new guys want to look and act like the seasoned veteran, you would think it would be the other way around.

We can’t change our past but we can affect our futures. It helps to remember that when you’re dealing with people. As long as we’re drawing breath we can make a difference.

Say thank you to an elementary school teacher. They positively affect more young lives in any given year than I will in my entire career. I respect teachers because of that. They should be paid more, a lot more.

I don’t think all aspects of my job entail "helping" people; I think everyone’s purpose in life should be to help people though. I know this is a bit idealistic, so what.

There you have it. My idea of "positive"...with an edge.

The Lighter Side...

2006-12-09T02:31:00.000-05:00

Does he have a lighter side...? Yes, "he" does...

The posts up to this point have been a bit serious, maybe a little intense...

It's now the weekend, here are a few less serious, much less intense, maybe even enjoyable(?) observations from the somewhat recent past...

If you’re going to leave your unlocked, running car parked outside of a bar at closing time on St. Patrick’s day, at least have the decency to know your license plate number when you report it stolen to me. Thank you.

I have never met a criminal that was as smart as the ones on TV or in the movies. Never.

We are fighting a "war on crime"; I refuse to ask who is winning.

Police cars are not comfortable to sleep in. Don’t ask me how I know this.

I have driven over 100 miles per hour more times than a sane, rational person should.

If you put a burning road flare on top of those rubber traffic cones so people will see it easier, the rubber traffic cone will start on fire. Let’s say I know someone that it happened to...ok?

If you put a rope around a deer’s antlers to pull it out of a water hazard that it fell into at a golf course, the deer will not stop to let you take the rope off it’s antlers once it gets pulled out…just in case that ever happens to you.

That last "observation" can actually be substantiated by a newspaper article that my parents may still have a copy of...Thank you to the Herald Times Reporter for jumping on that "news story" many years ago...

Enjoy your weekend everyone, there's more to follow...

What are Policemen Made Of?

2006-12-08T14:13:00.000-05:00

Inspired by some reader comments, here's todays post.

What Are Policemen Made Of?

Taken from Paul Harvey...

Don't credit me with this mongrel prose. It has many parents - at least 535,000 of them. They are policemen. A policeman is a composite of what all men are - a mingling of saint and sinner, dust and deity. Culled statistics wave the fan over the stinkers and underscore instances of dishonesty and brutality because they are "news". What this really means is that they are exceptional and unusual, not commonplace. Burled under the front is this fact: Less than one-half of 1 percent misfit that uniform. That's a better average than you'd find among clergymen. What is a policeman made of? He, of all men is at once the most needed and the most unwanted. He's a strangely nameless creature who is "sir" to his face and "the fuzz" behind his back. He must be a diplomat so that he can settle differences between individuals in a way that each will think he won. But, if the policeman is neat, he's conceited. If he's careless, he's a bum. If he's pleasant, he's a flirt. If he's not, he's a grouch. In an instant, he must make decisions that would require months for a lawyer. But if he hurries, he's careless -if he's deliberate, he's lazy. He must be first to an accident and infallible with a diagnosis. He must be able to start breathing, stop bleeding, tie splints and, above all, be sure the victim goes home without a limp. Or, he must expect to be sued. The police officer must know every gun, draw on the run and hit where it doesn't hurt. He must be able to whip two men twice his size and half his age without damaging his uniform and without being "brutal". If you hit him, he's a coward - if he hits you, he's a bully. A policeman must know everything and not tell. He must know where all the sin is and not partake. The policeman must, from a single human hair, be able to describe the crime, the weapon and the criminal - and tell you where the criminal is hiding. But if he catches the criminal, he's lucky - if he doesn't, he's a dunce. If he gets promoted, he has political pull. If he doesn't, he's a dullard. The policeman must chase bum leads to dead ends and stakeout 10 nights to tag one witness who saw it happen but refuses to remember. He runs files and writes reports until his eyes ache - all in order to build a case against some felon who'd get dealed-out by a shameless shamus or an "honorable" who isn't. The policeman must be a minister, a social worker, a diplomat, a tough guy and a gentleman. And, of course, he has to be a genius, for he has to feed a family on a policeman's salary.

Sick of me yet?

2006-12-07T22:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this is new to me and I feel an almost desperate need to fill this blog with all that litters my mind. I know that five or more posts a day is impossible to keep up with, so that being said, enjoy this while it lasts.

There's no way I'm going to keep up with this pace, but for now it's fun and I feel almost obligated to share my deranged insight with my loyal following...(all three or four of you, who can count when it gets to this level...)

I appreciate the kind words and encouragements thus far hopefully it will continue.

Now...here's the last couple of observations for December Seventh, 2006 (also my youngest son's birthday, incidentally)- Enjoy-

There are a lot of very crazy people in the world. I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but that’s what some people are, just plain crazy.

Seasonal depression is scary. The longer the winter lasts, the more mental illness issues I have to deal with. Mine included.

I worked a fatal motorcycle crash one time where I found part of a person’s brain on the side of a highway. People who are not cops have a hard time appreciating that story.

I have seen people die in front of me. I have had to tell people that someone they love is dead. I have spent hours in houses and apartments waiting for medical examiners to remove dead bodies…these are the things that make you "look like a cop".

So...there you have it. My introduction to the wonderful world of blog ownership(?). There's more to come, if you can handle it...

What the hell was that?

2006-12-07T16:04:00.000-05:00

The previous two post were some random thoughts and observations that I had typed and saved a couple of years ago...there are more. I thought maybe someday I would "turn them all in" and have them published. I guessed that a book deal would make me millions. Since that will probably never happen, I figured I'd share them and see what comes of that. The rest will get posted in some fashion in the near future. Enjoy them, despise them, laugh at them or simply ignore them... At least someone other than me is reading them.

A few more thoughts...

2006-12-07T15:57:00.000-05:00

I hope that when my life is over, doing this job will mean something, because it doesn’t always seem to mean anything while I’m here on earth.

Seventy five percent of cop’s marriages end in divorce. I’m one of those statistics; I don’t like being a statistic. But I guess there are worse statistics to be.

Adore and appreciate your children. Most "bad people" don’t…and then I have to deal with their kids later on in life.

Don’t expect me to be able to fix your life when you’ve spent years screwing it up. I’ll put a Band-Aid on the particular problem you’ve called about; I don’t have the time to actually fix it though.

Don’t call me to raise your kids. That’s your job. I don’t call you to raise mine.

If you want your teenager to listen to you, you have better have been there to love and discipline him when he was five…If you didn’t, it’s too late now. I can’t fix that either.

Some random thoughts...

2006-12-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

If someone tells you that you "look like a cop", it’s not really a compliment. Cops see a lot of bad things and it shows in their eyes. When someone says you "look like a cop", what they really mean is that you look like someone who has seen a lot of bad things.

Why is it that some people go their entire lives without having to call the police once and some people feel the need to call the police almost daily?

There are two sure signs in life that somewhere you took a wrong turn. If you have ever had Huber privileges that’s one sign. If you have ever been served a restraining order, that’s the other.

I’ve been to a lot of one-vehicle "rollover" accidents. How does that happen? You’re driving down the road one minute, the next your car is upside down. You didn’t crash with another car, yet your car is now on its roof…it happens a lot, it’s weird.

Here we go...

2006-12-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

I was encouraged to engage in this endeavour. So for all my readers (both of you), I will begin this journey by first giving credit where credit is due.

Burt- You have been an inspiration. Your blog has become something of a legacy. You have endured conflict, potential threats and at least several attempts on your life. Ok, I made that last part up, but it sounded cool in my head.

Erin- You're view on life is a positive, enriching and enjoyable spin on your world. I relish your insight and enthusiastically read every word of your posts...you better keep supporting me in this task!

Gregg- First, your name has way too many g's in it. Let's get that fixed then we can go on. Oh, and I like your posts an awful lot. You're smarter than I remember. That's funny, I don't care who you are. (Credit to Larry the Cable Guy)

If in fact I have any readers, here's my disclaimer.

I don't profess to be any type of real writer or author or whatever a person who types on a laptop for the whole world to see calls themselves. I will be sharing my view of the world. It will certainly be cynical, sarcastic and facetious. Hang on, it might be an interesting ride. Or not...