Writing for most people like me is a way of expressing my feelings and also a release sometimes in dealing with day to day frustrations. Often it is both. Actually it is usually both. I’ve done a bit of travelling in the recent past some for pleasure and some for family losses.
Travel in all of its forms is resplendent with good material. I don’t care if you are flying or driving there is no end to the frustrations that can surface. For me it usually centers on poor service or people with very little courtesy or common sense. It is hard to narrow down bad drivers and try to come up with one area of the U.S. that has the worst drivers but I think I’ve got my own opinions developed from driving over a good portion of this country. Florida you win. Put a turn signal on in Florida and you are basically a laughing stock. You want to change a lane….just do it. Red lights? They are only mere suggestions. Speed limit? What?? Where??? My area is not exempt from bad drivers as are most parts of the country, especially around metropolitan areas, but after driving in and living in for 5 years I might add, Florida is the winner. I actually felt relaxed driving in Raleigh coming home from Florida and that is a pretty scary thought on its own!
Let’s talk about flying a bit. Frankly as the TSA continues to clamp down on everyone flying is becoming about as inconvenient as driving and in some cases worse. So it may be about a 10 hour drive from here to Orlando. The flying time is about an hour and a half. Flying time that is. Now let’s add the time it takes to get to the airport; 30 minutes. Oh wait turning in the rental car; better give it an hour. God forbid actually checking in a bag instead of trying to cram a weeks worth of clothes into a carry on and then getting through the most heavenly experience of the security line. Better give that an hour. Oh and you need to be at least an hour early before the flight and most people shoot for two hours unless you are those 1 or 2 people who are hell-bent on holding up your plane and arriving within minutes of closing the hatch.
So now you are on the plane. This can be a real cornucopia of human experiences. I always seem to get someone that sounds as if they should be in an oxygen tent sitting right behind me seething out their glorious germs upon my already stressed body. I may as well just call in sick before the plane takes off. I know I’ve said this before but why are they telling people how to put on their seatbelts as they are taxiing down the runway? If someone just can’t understand how to work those suckers will they stop the plane or turn around and go make them get off? It seems that should be the very first briefing before the plane leaves. BY the way, if I ever need a flotation device I am going to grab the big zip lock baggie that the foreign guy took on the plane that had some sort of God awful smelling, indeterminate food in it that he felt he had to share with everyone else on the plane. I digress.
The next pleasurable experience flying is retrieving your bags. The baggage claim area has a kind of Las Vegas feel to it. As the bags begin to show themselves, which could easily add another 30 minutes of frustration to this experience, I seem to envision a roulette wheel as you are waiting for the ball to drop on your number. Then you finally beat the house and get your bags, usually looking like they were thrown 20 or 30 feet on the pavement, and then you need to either call a cab, or find your car and get away from the airport. I think you get my drift. Flying is not the fast and efficient experience it once was. I know…I know…we live in a different world.
So there we have it. Another installment or should I say indictment on travelling. I actually enjoy driving. (in most states) My wife; not so much. As I get older I may just stop moving altogether and my travel will consist of the recliner to the refrigerator to the bed, which incidentally my wife would say I have already perfected. Here’s hoping I got a chuckle out of you and by all means fly the “friendly” skies and good luck!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Death and Dying
A subject that has been visiting itself upon me more regularly, not to my liking, is death and dying. I understand as you get older, which some people like to point out, that the topic of mortality becomes more in the forefront but just the same it is a difficult issue for many to deal with and I am no different.
It becomes more clear to me as the years go by that this simply can not be all there is. Your life here is only temporary. That being said your life here has permanent impact on your next stage of life. I am a Christian therefore my belief is my next stage is with Jesus Christ. Am I a “saved” Christian? I was saved when I was baptized and to my way of thinking my life should be centered around the stark realization that I should live in a way to show thanks for that fact.
I don’t want to turn this into a religious discussion but as far as I’m concerned death should at its very core be a religious discussion. I am not naïve enough to know that there is a large faction of people out there in this world that are atheists and I am still confounded how you can live your life believing that it is a one and done kind of existence. What a truly depressing way to live.
I choose to not believe I am quite so important on this Earth and that my purpose in this life is to try and convince others that your real future as a Christian is not getting into the best retirement home or having the fattest bank account but to prepare yourself for the eventual meeting with your maker. If I am doing that, I am doing something far greater than earning 7.5% in my IRA (I know a pipedream).
Do I stand on the corner reading my bible to strangers? No but I find nothing wrong with that. The way you teach others is by example. It is not necessary to preach the word to everyone overtly but simply by living your life out as the best person you can be speaks volumes and might just turn a heart or two.
So lately I have seen a number of souls move on and none of them were preachers but they all lived their lives in a way, that although not perfect, displayed their belief that there was more on the other side. I salute them and am better for knowing each of them at some point in my life. When each of you eventually leave this life behind, I hope there is someone out there that can say the same about you because in my mind, if that’s the case, you lived a good life and yes even a Christian life.
It becomes more clear to me as the years go by that this simply can not be all there is. Your life here is only temporary. That being said your life here has permanent impact on your next stage of life. I am a Christian therefore my belief is my next stage is with Jesus Christ. Am I a “saved” Christian? I was saved when I was baptized and to my way of thinking my life should be centered around the stark realization that I should live in a way to show thanks for that fact.
I don’t want to turn this into a religious discussion but as far as I’m concerned death should at its very core be a religious discussion. I am not naïve enough to know that there is a large faction of people out there in this world that are atheists and I am still confounded how you can live your life believing that it is a one and done kind of existence. What a truly depressing way to live.
I choose to not believe I am quite so important on this Earth and that my purpose in this life is to try and convince others that your real future as a Christian is not getting into the best retirement home or having the fattest bank account but to prepare yourself for the eventual meeting with your maker. If I am doing that, I am doing something far greater than earning 7.5% in my IRA (I know a pipedream).
Do I stand on the corner reading my bible to strangers? No but I find nothing wrong with that. The way you teach others is by example. It is not necessary to preach the word to everyone overtly but simply by living your life out as the best person you can be speaks volumes and might just turn a heart or two.
So lately I have seen a number of souls move on and none of them were preachers but they all lived their lives in a way, that although not perfect, displayed their belief that there was more on the other side. I salute them and am better for knowing each of them at some point in my life. When each of you eventually leave this life behind, I hope there is someone out there that can say the same about you because in my mind, if that’s the case, you lived a good life and yes even a Christian life.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Respect? Where has it gone?
It seems to becoming more evident to me than ever that generally speaking we are losing our way as a people in being respectful. I’m not trying to sound old fashioned but I’m going to anyway about this topic. I was raised to be respectful. That doesn’t mean you agree with anyone but it does mean you treat others as you would want to be treated. (the golden rule ain’t so golden anymore)
So I am curious as to why it appears, to me anyway, that generally speaking people are much less cordial and respectful. Again, although this appears to be an indictment of everyone it’s not really meant to be that at all but more so a trend I am seeing. I, in fact, try to not surround myself with people who are disrespectful so likely if you are reading this it doesn’t apply to you. (How’s that for a save?)
This also may be a phenomena taking place more regionally to me but people are fast becoming all about me in their approach to most anything. If you walk in a grocery store and let someone pass by you in an aisle you are an exception. Most people move through stores as if they are all alone and no one else matters. Drive any distance across our fruited plains and you will also see this displayed on the roads. Speed limits are basically ignored unless a blue and white is parked in the median. Turn signals are merely suggestions and typically about the only time you might get a smile or a wave on the roads from a stranger it is one of those special pieces of sign language that I decipher as being number 1.
I recently had an exchange online from an individual that is obviously an atheist and tried my very best to be respectful only to get disrespected, bashed and received a supersize plate of condescension. I don’t know this person and frankly don’t ever want to know him but he is evidence of just how people’s hearts seem to be turning.
I guess my quandary is not so much what I am observing but how it can be changed. Can it be changed? Is this the path we are headed down? What sort of future does this diminished respect have for us? Am I over-exaggerating? Am I just crazy? (OK, don’t answer the last question)
This may seem as though I am whining and there could be a little truth to that but I think there is more to it than that. I go out of my way to be respectful and considerate because I was raised that way and yet I see so many people throughout my day that do not show any of those traits. I will stay the coarse and do my best to continue to smile and be respectful (even at DMV) and I invite you all to do the same!
So I am curious as to why it appears, to me anyway, that generally speaking people are much less cordial and respectful. Again, although this appears to be an indictment of everyone it’s not really meant to be that at all but more so a trend I am seeing. I, in fact, try to not surround myself with people who are disrespectful so likely if you are reading this it doesn’t apply to you. (How’s that for a save?)
This also may be a phenomena taking place more regionally to me but people are fast becoming all about me in their approach to most anything. If you walk in a grocery store and let someone pass by you in an aisle you are an exception. Most people move through stores as if they are all alone and no one else matters. Drive any distance across our fruited plains and you will also see this displayed on the roads. Speed limits are basically ignored unless a blue and white is parked in the median. Turn signals are merely suggestions and typically about the only time you might get a smile or a wave on the roads from a stranger it is one of those special pieces of sign language that I decipher as being number 1.
I recently had an exchange online from an individual that is obviously an atheist and tried my very best to be respectful only to get disrespected, bashed and received a supersize plate of condescension. I don’t know this person and frankly don’t ever want to know him but he is evidence of just how people’s hearts seem to be turning.
I guess my quandary is not so much what I am observing but how it can be changed. Can it be changed? Is this the path we are headed down? What sort of future does this diminished respect have for us? Am I over-exaggerating? Am I just crazy? (OK, don’t answer the last question)
This may seem as though I am whining and there could be a little truth to that but I think there is more to it than that. I go out of my way to be respectful and considerate because I was raised that way and yet I see so many people throughout my day that do not show any of those traits. I will stay the coarse and do my best to continue to smile and be respectful (even at DMV) and I invite you all to do the same!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
On April 15th, 2010 there was an event that perhaps did not shake the world or get high amounts of publicity but it shook and changed my world forever. My Dad passed away. You see he was not an ex-President or royalty or even a celebrity but he was indeed my hero and I can safely say was many others as well.
He was a man that although at times live a hard life, lived it with integrity and faith. You always knew that the two most important sides of this man were his family and his faith. He could be tough sometimes but he was always fair and he was generous on many occasions. He could fix anything and had very keen analytical skills. He was sharp as a tack and if you ever dared to go down the path of battling wits with him you better be ready to get your butt handed to you.
We were pretty diametrically opposed on matters of politics or at least that’s what he seemed to profess but the more I would talk to him one on one the more we agreed rather than disagreed. I think many times he just enjoyed throwing out the hook and snagging me in a discussion and it was more his enjoyment in getting a rise out of me. I would define him as a Kennedy Democrat.
I have some very special memories of this man especially later in life when he actually did seek out my council after the death of his wife. I had, unfortunately, some experience losing a spouse that way and I think we had some very poignant discussions that I will never forget.
I could fill a book with memories but I prefer to keep many in my heart alone. So you see this man, while not worldly famous, will never be forgotten by me and many more. Dad, you made me who I am, yes both the good and the mischievous part, and while we never verbalized this enough I am sure you knew I loved and admired you and I really look forward to the day I see you again……
He was a man that although at times live a hard life, lived it with integrity and faith. You always knew that the two most important sides of this man were his family and his faith. He could be tough sometimes but he was always fair and he was generous on many occasions. He could fix anything and had very keen analytical skills. He was sharp as a tack and if you ever dared to go down the path of battling wits with him you better be ready to get your butt handed to you.
We were pretty diametrically opposed on matters of politics or at least that’s what he seemed to profess but the more I would talk to him one on one the more we agreed rather than disagreed. I think many times he just enjoyed throwing out the hook and snagging me in a discussion and it was more his enjoyment in getting a rise out of me. I would define him as a Kennedy Democrat.
I have some very special memories of this man especially later in life when he actually did seek out my council after the death of his wife. I had, unfortunately, some experience losing a spouse that way and I think we had some very poignant discussions that I will never forget.
I could fill a book with memories but I prefer to keep many in my heart alone. So you see this man, while not worldly famous, will never be forgotten by me and many more. Dad, you made me who I am, yes both the good and the mischievous part, and while we never verbalized this enough I am sure you knew I loved and admired you and I really look forward to the day I see you again……
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Progress? Really???
Droids and 3D HD televisions and iPads oh my! While I manage a communications division of a company and deal with technology of many varying types I am still amazed how far technology has come in such a short time. I see it every day in my world but then when I get home and actually have time to consider the advancements that have been made it really is quite mind boggling.
Do you remember when flat screen TV’s were introduced how everyone was so amazed how this would revolutionize the TV industry? Even when they were coming on the market could anyone have known the continuous evolution that would happen? Do you know that in about 3 years it will be the 20 year anniversary of when the HD format was approved by the FCC? How about this fact; over 60 years ago the first color TV standard was approved? How about recording formats? We started with betamax introduced by Sony almost 40 years ago and went then to VHS, then DVD and now Blue Ray with other technologies not far off. Companies seem to spring into existence with every new technology and if they don’t stay cutting edge they are soon replaced with new companies.
I wonder if technology is actually growing too quickly for us to really get a hold off what is happening. In other words, I wonder if we aren’t setting ourselves up for our own demise by wanting to advance so quickly that we never really understand the ramifications. I’m sure Oppenheimer was made aware with great clarity after introducing a nuclear bomb as he stated the following quote from the Bhagavad Gita: "Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”
I don’t profess to know any answers about the issues I raise. I am merely an observer of some of these issues on this spinning rock but it seems the older I get, the more I reflect on what has taken place and how what we do affects what is to become. I think as a society we are so wrapped up in how to improve everything that we never really sit back and appreciate anything and that to me is the saddest thing about all of our advancements. We simply don’t appreciate what went into every step to where we are now. It is my humble opinion that the term progress is an oxymoron. In my mind, if you don’t acknowledge and consider every step you took to get where you are now and only live in the moment you are completely missing out on what your life has meant. The old saying comes to mind life is not about the outcome so much as the journey.
So consider your life. Consider where you started out and all the trials and tribulations, all the successes and some of the failures and come to appreciate what the journey has been and not just how comfortable you are now. Your life is simply not measured, nor should it be, by where you are as you sit here and read this. It should be more than that. You must consider the sum of the parts. It is my hope that you come to this realization and learn to thank your God for not what is in your bank account at this moment (although some might have a problem thanking him for that) but more so thanking your God for every breath you’ve taken and every day that has made up your life.
Do you remember when flat screen TV’s were introduced how everyone was so amazed how this would revolutionize the TV industry? Even when they were coming on the market could anyone have known the continuous evolution that would happen? Do you know that in about 3 years it will be the 20 year anniversary of when the HD format was approved by the FCC? How about this fact; over 60 years ago the first color TV standard was approved? How about recording formats? We started with betamax introduced by Sony almost 40 years ago and went then to VHS, then DVD and now Blue Ray with other technologies not far off. Companies seem to spring into existence with every new technology and if they don’t stay cutting edge they are soon replaced with new companies.
I wonder if technology is actually growing too quickly for us to really get a hold off what is happening. In other words, I wonder if we aren’t setting ourselves up for our own demise by wanting to advance so quickly that we never really understand the ramifications. I’m sure Oppenheimer was made aware with great clarity after introducing a nuclear bomb as he stated the following quote from the Bhagavad Gita: "Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”
I don’t profess to know any answers about the issues I raise. I am merely an observer of some of these issues on this spinning rock but it seems the older I get, the more I reflect on what has taken place and how what we do affects what is to become. I think as a society we are so wrapped up in how to improve everything that we never really sit back and appreciate anything and that to me is the saddest thing about all of our advancements. We simply don’t appreciate what went into every step to where we are now. It is my humble opinion that the term progress is an oxymoron. In my mind, if you don’t acknowledge and consider every step you took to get where you are now and only live in the moment you are completely missing out on what your life has meant. The old saying comes to mind life is not about the outcome so much as the journey.
So consider your life. Consider where you started out and all the trials and tribulations, all the successes and some of the failures and come to appreciate what the journey has been and not just how comfortable you are now. Your life is simply not measured, nor should it be, by where you are as you sit here and read this. It should be more than that. You must consider the sum of the parts. It is my hope that you come to this realization and learn to thank your God for not what is in your bank account at this moment (although some might have a problem thanking him for that) but more so thanking your God for every breath you’ve taken and every day that has made up your life.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Remember When???
Remember When
I have been waxing nostalgic lately and thought I would assemble some remember one liners about the past so here goes.
Remember when people were just thankful to have a job?
Remember when penny candy was a penny?
Remember when there was no such thing as a microwave?
Remember when you shared a phone line with multiple neighbors?
Remember when the only car phone was on the Jetsons?
Remember when if you had one car in your family you were pretty fortunate?
Remember when you walked to school? (And safety was never questioned)
Remember when TV dinners went into the oven and were covered with tin foil?
Remember when kids were in more trouble at home when getting in trouble at school?
Remember when Ridalin didn’t exist? (and somehow kids survived)
Remember when you respected your elders?
Remember when organic food was just food?
Remember when your Dad’s video camera had a light tree that looked like something out of Yankee Stadium?
Remember when you had maybe 3 TV stations to choose from depending on how your antenna was faced?
Remember when record albums were really albums.
Remember when a hotdog was just a hotdog? (And we didn’t care)
Remember when kids played outdoors and LOVED it!
OK, that’s it for the moment…..feel free to add your own.
I have been waxing nostalgic lately and thought I would assemble some remember one liners about the past so here goes.
Remember when people were just thankful to have a job?
Remember when penny candy was a penny?
Remember when there was no such thing as a microwave?
Remember when you shared a phone line with multiple neighbors?
Remember when the only car phone was on the Jetsons?
Remember when if you had one car in your family you were pretty fortunate?
Remember when you walked to school? (And safety was never questioned)
Remember when TV dinners went into the oven and were covered with tin foil?
Remember when kids were in more trouble at home when getting in trouble at school?
Remember when Ridalin didn’t exist? (and somehow kids survived)
Remember when you respected your elders?
Remember when organic food was just food?
Remember when your Dad’s video camera had a light tree that looked like something out of Yankee Stadium?
Remember when you had maybe 3 TV stations to choose from depending on how your antenna was faced?
Remember when record albums were really albums.
Remember when a hotdog was just a hotdog? (And we didn’t care)
Remember when kids played outdoors and LOVED it!
OK, that’s it for the moment…..feel free to add your own.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Union Vs. Marriage
This is a topic that sends many running for cover. It is an emotional issue and although viewpoints tend to be very polarizing, I don’t feel like it should be ignored. The topic is gay unions.
I know the arguments on both sides. Some would also say I am arguing semantics and if you feel that way there’s not much use in reading on because I don’t think of it simply as that. You have two words that seem to be the crux of the controversy; marriage and union. Some would say there’s no difference. I would say there’s a hugs difference. You see I have a faith background that has taught me that the bible is the word of God and that fact alone makes me understand that marriage is a sacrament, a sacred bond between a man and a woman. If you believe you are a Christian and you hold the bible to be the ultimate law then you can not deny this. If you do deny this fact then you hold man’s beliefs and culture to be the supreme law.
This is not an indictment against homosexuality. That really is a different discussion altogether. This is taking a sacred event and calling it whatever you want to satisfy human emotions and so called progressive culture.
I think this discussion is really a reflection of what is happening to our world and what is happening to people of faith. We do not define God’s laws as much as we would like to do that. In other words you either live under a set of rules and laws or you make them up as you go just to make life easier for everyone.
As far as the term civil union I do think that is an appropriate description of what it is gays are involved with. That does not discount their love for each other but merely defines what their bond is. I don’t believe they should be denied the legal aspects of what marriage provides but to call it a marriage in my mind is not correct.
So I know I’ve ticked off about half of the people that read my drivel because this topic has split society. I can hear many saying so what’s the big deal? To me it is a big deal specifically because to me God’s word is a big deal.
I don’t pretend to know all the answers but I do know what I believe and as distasteful as it is to some whom would rather I just shut up and go along I will share my opinion. The one really great thing left in our country (at least as this time) is that we are free to express our thoughts without fear of retribution. That could be changing but for now it still exists and as long as it does you will have to suffer through my thoughts.
I know the arguments on both sides. Some would also say I am arguing semantics and if you feel that way there’s not much use in reading on because I don’t think of it simply as that. You have two words that seem to be the crux of the controversy; marriage and union. Some would say there’s no difference. I would say there’s a hugs difference. You see I have a faith background that has taught me that the bible is the word of God and that fact alone makes me understand that marriage is a sacrament, a sacred bond between a man and a woman. If you believe you are a Christian and you hold the bible to be the ultimate law then you can not deny this. If you do deny this fact then you hold man’s beliefs and culture to be the supreme law.
This is not an indictment against homosexuality. That really is a different discussion altogether. This is taking a sacred event and calling it whatever you want to satisfy human emotions and so called progressive culture.
I think this discussion is really a reflection of what is happening to our world and what is happening to people of faith. We do not define God’s laws as much as we would like to do that. In other words you either live under a set of rules and laws or you make them up as you go just to make life easier for everyone.
As far as the term civil union I do think that is an appropriate description of what it is gays are involved with. That does not discount their love for each other but merely defines what their bond is. I don’t believe they should be denied the legal aspects of what marriage provides but to call it a marriage in my mind is not correct.
So I know I’ve ticked off about half of the people that read my drivel because this topic has split society. I can hear many saying so what’s the big deal? To me it is a big deal specifically because to me God’s word is a big deal.
I don’t pretend to know all the answers but I do know what I believe and as distasteful as it is to some whom would rather I just shut up and go along I will share my opinion. The one really great thing left in our country (at least as this time) is that we are free to express our thoughts without fear of retribution. That could be changing but for now it still exists and as long as it does you will have to suffer through my thoughts.
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