Still got a 4.0

I find it interesting how I'm going to get yet another A in a class I struggled with at a 4-year institution. My limited experience has been that the education I've received at Community Colleges has been better than that I received at a 4-year institution. Oh well, life moves on.

I'll get a month break from class and almost a 3 week break from work soon. It is some much needed R&R for me. I can't wait.

I'm getting a lot of praise for my efforts at work. The new site is turning a lot of heads and we are getting noticed by other organizations. I hope this recognition turns into some salary leverage. It would be nice to be able to afford a newer car or to eat out once in a while.

Well, that's enough for now. Maybe more in a week or two. If not, have a Merry Christmas.

AMVs & Christmas

I looked at one of my unfinished AMV projects last night. I think I'd like to spend a little time working on finishing it over the holidays. I wish I had more time to put into fun projects like that, but I don't. I wish I had more talent for projects like that too.

If you don't know what an AMV is, click here to find out. Good ones are very time consuming and not-so-good ones are time consuming when you don't know what you're doing. ;)

Christmas is coming. I'm partially excited. I really do have mixed feelings about it these days. I know Chloe is going to have a good Christmas -- I can't wait to see her face when she opens all the cool presents everybody is giving her.

Salve asked me what I wanted, but I honestly don't know. The only things I can think of are big ticket items and not really things I need. If I get a new laptop, that will probably be good enough. I did already get her gift (which I know she'll like and won't expect) but she's easier to shop for than I am.

At least I have a couple weeks off work (4 days vacation and 8 days holiday) -- SWEET! I guess I can't complain too much. Merry Christmas (in case I don't get back to the blog before then).

Thanksgiving

My favorite holiday is here. However, I'm not exactly looking forward to it this time around. The strife in my wife's family is going to make it an interesting affair to say the least. For me, Thanksgiving has always been about food and family, but seeing the troubles on my wife’s side over the past year makes me realize that America has forgotten what this holiday is all about. It’s “Thanks”-giving, not “Complaint”-giving.

Maybe America just doesn’t care. Maybe that’s why people put up Christmas decorations after Halloween and think of Thanksgiving as the day all the big sale ads come out. Watch a little football, eat a lot of food and complain about anything and everything. Can you imagine what America could do if we channeled that energy into something constructive?

My family isn’t perfect, but they can come together for a holiday (generally speaking). So many families are filled with anger that they can’t even get together for a simple holiday. One issue or another has caused pain that is perpetuated by pride, guilt and/or shame. People don’t know how to truly forgive and let live – to move on. They are unable to except the fact that we are human, and we make mistakes. No one likes to be blamed for everything and rarely is it fair to even do so – most of the time there is plenty of blame to go around. Sometimes people can’t accept their own faults though and it’s much easier to imagine someone else caused it. Facing our own faults, excepting our own flaws and taking responsibility is difficult to do – very difficult. That’s why so few people do it.

If people would just stop and pray – or even just be thankful – for a few seconds on Thanksgiving, America would be a much better place to live. I know I'm going to do my part.

Get ready for no changes

One of the candidates I voted for lost again. Oh well, I can't pick a winner every time. If I could, I’d go to Vegas more frequently. ;)

The thing I find so amusing is the way it's being touted as such a huge victory. Democrats are claiming that the country is fed up with the administration and the GOP. If that were the case, then why wasn’t the election a complete sweep, and why did they defeat a few Republican candidates by such small margins? No one is happy about Iraq, but Democrats are exaggerating the voters’ distaste for the GOP.

Allen was defeated – Webb didn’t win. Allen partially imploded with several snafus that could have been the only difference in the winner and loser. Webb was NOT the great alternative. If everyone was so sick of Allen, why wasn’t the margin 60-40, or greater? I would have been happy to vote for a Democrat, if they would have put someone up for election worth believing in. All I could see was another groomed politician. There are plenty of those already in Washington and exchanging one for another doesn’t change anything. Virginian’s were (once again) left with picking the lesser of two evils, and that is a matter of perspective for each individual voter to decide for themselves. If a truly good candidate were put forth, the voters would show their support regardless of party. Very few people care about party affiliation anymore. It’s more about character and integrity, but Capitol Hill hasn’t figured that out yet. They are too busy trying to stay in power to worry about what’s right and what’s good. That could explain why nothing gets done in Washington anymore. Nobody wants to take a stand, just go with what’s popular. Are we in High School here?

Democrats need to wake up and smell the coffee. They aren’t going to “win” the White House by running on a platform of “We aren’t Republicans, vote for us.” The American public is watching. The Democrats control the House and the Senate now. If they don’t make good on the claims that got them elected they may face angry voters as much as Republicans in 2008.

By the way, get off this “time table” BS and start coming up with real solution paths – there is no quick fix, so quit trying to sell it. I’m not buying a word of it. You better come up with a better lie if you want my vote in 2008.

Does tomorrow's results matter?

Republican, Democrat, does it matter? Do you really believe that one is for "the people" and the other is not? I'm not fooled. They're both out for themselves, and voters are just a casualty of war. We’re left with choosing the lesser of two evils (from our own perspective) – instead of supporting one candidate or the other. Arnel has a great link to a Lou Dobbs article which hits the nail on the head.

It will continue to be that way until we show them that the voters have control of the country, by voting for all Independents. The problem is that in the current climate an Independent can’t get enough support to make a viable run. That leaves voters not wanting to “waste” their vote on a lost cause. So, people vote for the candidate that is on the “right”, or should I say “correct”, side of the important issues. Of course, everyone has their own views on what the important issues are.

I’ll cast my vote tomorrow based on the “important issues” again. I can’t remember the last time I was excited about, or at least interested in, a candidate seeking office. Is it too much to ask for a competent, morally sound, upright candidate to run for office? Maybe one day…maybe.

Making ends meet again

I'm learning what it means to be tight again. It's been years since I had to really worry about how I was going to make it to the next paycheck. It's been a while since I stacked bill payments to correspond with my paydays (though I never made payments late). I thought those days were behind me.

I used to live off ramen noodles and PBJ sandwiches. I never ate out unless I shamefully allowed someone else to pay for me (without being able to pay them back). I didn't go anywhere in my car that I didn't have to and didn't buy anything I didn't really need. I soon worked my way up to a reasonable salary and forgot those days of struggling.

I’m learning those survival skills again. Now, I find myself watching every penny like a starving hawk perched above a rabbit hole. I find myself driving a less fuel efficient vehicle because it has gas and I don't get paid for a few more days. I find myself upset that I didn’t get up in time to meet my mom and carpool to save a few dollars. I find myself lusting to eat out for lunch just once, but can't bring myself to spend the $8 in my pocket on anything, but gas or groceries. It’s almost paralyzing.

I know things will improve with time, but for now I must make every sacrifice I can to make sure we do more than just get by. See, it’s not just about me anymore – I’m not alone. That’s a good thing and a bad thing. It’s good that I’m not alone. It’s bad that they have to endure it.

No, we don’t have to live this way. I could try selling the property and using that money to put us in a better financial situation. I could stop putting money into savings altogether and I could forego 401K contributions for a while. We could sell our house and move into a condo/townhouse closer to my work. In the end though, what will that have accomplished? We’ll be no closer to the end goal and these are only short term solutions that do nothing to solve the long term problem. I’ve always believed that a little short term sacrifice towards the long term goal was worth it.

So, I press on – thankful for everything that I do have. I continue to go through the monotony of each day knowing the next will bring me that much closer. When I get discouraged, I try to think about those less fortunate and remember how “good” I really have it. In the end, all our problems are relative – like so many other things in life.

I finally found it!

About 5 years ago I went to Boston on a business trip for some training. This was Microsoft training and they provided us breakfast (and I believe lunch) each day. They had the typical gourmet coffee, but since I'm not a coffee drinker, I was searching for something else and usually ended up with juice. On about the third day one of the trainers told me to check the cabinets because there was a good selection of hot teas there. I looked in the cabinet and sure enough there was a nice little stash.

I was looking for something new to try and I saw a Chinese tea I had never heard of. The name sounded interesting and I thought I'd give it a try. I got a cup and some hot water from the side of the industrial coffee maker. After opening the tea bag, I became a little concerned. The tea smelled down-right awful, but not wanting to be wasteful, I figured I'd give it a taste before giving up on it. Who knows, sometimes things with questionable smell actually taste good.

The smell became even more pungent as the tea steeped. I was getting more and more worried as I waited for it to cool and I could have my first taste. I grabbed some sugar packets, figuring it may need it (based on the smell) but I didn't add them right away (until I knew if I needed them).

The tea finally cooled enough and I took a tentative first sip. It tasted wonderful! It had a rich, bold flavor that didn't need sweetening. I finished the cup with delight, except what was the name of that tea? I had foolishly thrown the bag into the trash, and there was no getting it now (covered in coffee grinds, used spoons, napkins and what-not).

For five years I tried to find that tea unsuccessfully. I couldn't remember the name, but I knew it was Chinese and had a decidedly Chinese sounding name. I tried Oolong and found it to be a good tea, but not as flavorful, nor did it have that pungent odor. I tried Darjeeling tea and it was good as well -- stronger flavor than Oolong -- but no terrible odor. That wasn't it either and the search continued.

A couple weekends ago, I found another tea that sounded promising in name. I picked up the box and read the description of the tea -- even more promising. I tried to smell the box (even though shrink-wrapped) in hopes of getting a whiff of that pungent odor, no matter how faint. I detected a slight pungent odor, even through the shrink-wrap. This was getting better by the minute. I had to buy it and have a cup that night to see if the search was over.

As soon as I opened the shrink-wrap, the pungent contents hit my nose like the fist of a 200lb boxer. This was it -- without a doubt. After the first sip, there was no question I had found it. I had finally found it. After 5 years of on and off searching for it, I had found it.

If you like bold flavored, hot tea, or feel a little adventurous, then I recommend you try a cup of Lapsang Souchong tea. Don't add sweetener and ignore the smell -- it is worth the experience. Twinings sells this type of tea (if you can find it) but I couldn't find many other mainstream tea brands that carry it. Next time you visit me, ask for a cup and I'll happily make us both one. Enjoy!

I'm more focused

I've noticed that Calculus seems easier this time around. I think it has to do with several aspects of instruction really, but one I've noticed more recently is that I'm focused on the task at hand. I'm not as easily distracted as when I was 19-21 years old. I have purpose in the class and do not want to waste time by not learning the material.

I also think the level of instruction at the Community College level is better for general education requirements than at typical 4-year institutions. I've gotten, and am getting a better level of instruction then I ever got in Math at ODU. I'm understanding the material without problems and I have about a 99-100 average in the class currently (after two tests).

It's also easier concentrating on one subject at a time. I work full-time, so more than one class is difficult. However, taking a second class with Calculus, while working full-time is just plain overload. Like my study partner -- nice girl -- she's crazy! The girl is taking Calculus, Physics and Organic Chemistry all in the same semester. That's 13 credit hours with only 3 classes. That's insane! But, she's a bright girl and is doing well in all three so far. She also is a full-time student.

We'll see how Calculus II goes next semester. Hopefully it will go as smoothly. At least I have the same instructor -- that will help.

Change isn't hard

It's down-right painful! I finally got plugged into the local soccer scene. I went to a pick-up game this past Wednesday (and plan to go again this week). I met some locals and heard about other opportunities to play. It felt great to play again, but I could tell I was out of shape.

I was cramping in both legs (both my quads and calves) by the time it was over. Before I had a "second" muscle lock-up on me, I decided to quit. I was sucking wind after the first 5 minutes. I still have great vision and even got a compliment on that aspect of my play afterwards -- which was nice. If I can get back in shape, I can play competively again for fun. I really do miss playing.

I hope I can keep this up, for the exercise, as much as the game. Although, I have to admit, that I was sore for several days after playing. The sad part is that I only played for about 70-80 minutes. That's not even a full regulation time period. I used to be able to play TWO regulation time periods without this kind of pain. I guess I'm not 19 anymore.

Boo Hoo

Detractors of the Randolph-Macon College decission to admit men, QUIT WHINING!!!

      There are no all-men colleges.
      The average incoming class in 2006 was more than 55% female.
      Money doesn't flow towards white, male, middle-class students.
      Ever heard of S.W.A.M.? (the M doesn't stand for male)

Here's some basic mathematics for you...for equality, both sides must represent the same value. When you're done burning your bra, move out of the way. That way people that care about getting an education can get one.

911

I still remember the morning IT happened.

Days like today, make me thankful. I'm thankful that I didn't, and don't live near any of THOSE areas. I'm thankful I wasn't visiting one of THOSE areas. I'm thankful that no close friends or relatives were present at THOSE areas when IT happened.

I won't talk about IT, but I will remember.

Labor Day Weekend

Ray, Rich, Homer and Fran all came to visit us this past week at our new house. It's hard to believe we've been there almost a year now. They arrived Tuesday morning, after driving all night, and slept while I studied and went to class.

The weather could have been better for their visit, but we enjoyed our time anyway. Chloe has enjoyed having the familiar guests in the house as well. In particular, she has taken to Rich. She asks for him to sit next to her when we eat and usually wants him to hold her hand or carry her (though she still wants mommy or daddy sometimes too).

We all made the drive down to Arnel's place yesterday (after I got out of class). The rain was unrelenting, but we made short work of the distance needed to travel. Homer rode with me and we talked at length -- that really made the time go by even faster. It seemed much like old times, as we bonded by sharing life stories and chatting about life in general. It's hard to believe that Homer and I met 14 years ago. Rob and Rayne (and the kids) will come today and we'll have some good times during the next couple days.

The Labor Day Weekend will be filled with games, good conversations and good food -- like so many Labor Day Weekends in the past. I always enjoy get togethers with Homer and the guys (and now girls too). The group continues to get together, even if only one or two times a year. We all enjoy it so much that we just don't want to let go. I hope we continue to hold on to it.

Education != Intelligence

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Some things though, are necessary evils.

I have returned to school to complete the task I started years ago -- a B.S. degree. It is more difficult now than ever. I'm taking classes part-time and working full-time, I have a wife & daughter and I commute to work/school 30+ minutes. I'm still trying to do things around the house (like mowing) but I don't know how much of that I'll really get to do. I'm taking 5 credit hours this semester, so my free time is limited. I'd like to eat and sleep some of the time.

I wouldn't even bother with the degree at this point, but I would like to think I didn't waste all that time and money the first time around. I hate being wasteful. I mean, I have a decent job, I make OK money and we have everything we NEED. I do wish we were a little better off and I'd like to set an example for my child(ren). It's not ALL about me in the end.

Late-night talks

I've always been one who likes to explore a good conversation with interesting people. It amazes me sometimes how little we can know about each other, no matter how long we've known one another. It's also amazing how well you can get to know someone just through a few conversations and some observation. I learn a lot about life by listening to the people around me and soaking up their experiences.

I had a late-night conversation with Homer last week. We talked over the phone until about 3:00 AM (about 5 hours total). I had to work the next day, but I didn't care. We haven't talked at length like that in a long time. Homer and I understand each other very well and have very similar belief systems and viewpoints of the world and life. I was tired the next day, but with a little sleep the next night or two I was back to normal. It was worth every minute. I've really enjoyed our friendship the past 13+ years.

I had another late-night conversation on Saturday night with my sister, Kathryn. She has come very far in the last few years of life. It was nice to get to "know" her. We shared our beliefs and views with each other and talked until about 3:30 AM (about 5 hours again) while watching the meteor shower from my back deck. We saw some great shooting stars that night. And though we don't agree on everything, we left the conversation with respect for each other and understanding. I think we are closer than we've ever been now and I hope that can continue to grow.

Poison Oak sucks

I got into it somehow this past weekend while cleaning the undergrowth off my property in Botetourt. Saturday I felt fine, even most of Sunday, but then Sunday evening it started setting in. Now my legs itch like mad!

My shins and calves drive me crazy at times. Luckily it has stayed in that general area with only a few dots elsewhere. I've been treating it with Calamine Lotion, but I tell you, it only helps so much. I know what Poison Oak/Ivy looks like and I thought I had stayed away from it, but I must have brushed against some unknowingly.

The upside is that the lot looks much better, and we're going to try to keep it that way. Maybe I'll post a picture from up there once we get the last little bit of work done. I need to go back up there with a wood chipper and a weed sprayer to finish the job. We are still hoping to build there some day.

Selling the fairytale

When did the world get so selfish? Or, has it always been that way? I don't remember it being that way when I was a kid. I don't even remember it being this bad when I was a young adult.

Everyone is so centered on self and focused on their own plight, they can't be thankful for what they have. People don't consider those truly down and out souls that have no voice -- no ability to whine to the cameras. The media loves a good sob-story, so we hear pissing and moaning about how horrible things are for them. Sensationalism sucks! News flash, my life's not perfect either.

Where did all the White Knights, Sleeping Beauties and Seven Dwarves go? They never existed. We tell ourselves there is a fairytale life out there waiting for us, and then settle for reality when we lose hope of finding it. Some people don't lose hope. Sadly, they die never having lived life -- always searching for a false perfection -- never happy with what they have. Why do we insist on telling kids their life is going to be perfect? It's like a cruel practical joke.

Luckily I got skeptical early. I mean, come on ladies, where are you going to find a tall, dark, handsome man; that isn't rich, but not too poor; that has a good job that pays well, but doesn't work too much; that will help you take care of the kids, do all the house chores and cooks like Wolfgang Puck; be nice to and get a long with all your friends and family, but would never cheat on you with any of them; is intelligent, but not condescending; is cultured, but not snobbish; has never been with another woman, but knows everything about pleasing one; is ambitious, but not over-bearing; would never get lost, but would stop for directions; and has a perfect smile that shows through in every single portrait ever taken so much that it makes you look good? That's so much to live up to, no guy even bothers trying. The flip-side (the perfect woman) isn't any better, and may be even worse.

Salve isn't perfect and neither am I. We love and respect each other, and we do our best to make life a little better for each other and our daughter. What more could you ask for? What more could you want? What more really matters?

Random ramblings

I'm so disappointed with Zidane. I know Materazzi said something foul, even if we never know for sure what it was, but Zidane should have paid him back by winning The Cup, not in the fashion he chose. Zidane was still the best player of this World Cup and one error in judgment can’t erase that fact. Still, I’m left cheated and upset at the way The World Cup, and his career, ended.

Homer and Fran were married this past weekend and it was a wonderful event. Seeing one of your closest friends get married to an absolutely wonderful person, and knowing how much joy they bring to one another is a truly heart warming feeling. It was good to see the gang again and hang out with them. We don’t get to do that as much these days and I enjoyed it very much.

The Frontier may not be as gone as I thought. The cost of a car payment, where none was before, won’t be offset by the savings in gas by a more fuel efficient vehicle. Miles per gallon wasn’t the only factor in wanting a new vehicle, we also need something with a little more passenger room, but ultimately if we can’t afford it, we don’t have a choice. We may be stuck with the Fronty – not a bad thing, but not ideal either.

New Adidas ads

The new Adidas ads are good -- the 1+10 idea is pretty cool. It got me thinking about the best footballers of all time. It got me thinking about the current crop of players in the world. I started looking at what makes a great footballer.

Ronaldo passed Muller for the most goals scored in World Cup Finals history, but if you look just two spots below, you find a much more impressive feet. Just Fontaine scored 13 goals in one World Cup tournament (only six games) that's more than 2 goals per game average. Ronaldo has appeared in 4 World Cup tournaments (only playing in the last three).

Zidane showed why he is widely regarded as the best footballer of the past decade in France's spanking of Spain this week. Spain should have done better, but as usual left the World shaking their heads. Will Spain ever lift The Cup? Zidane is one of the best footballers of all time. He is in an elite group with Pele and Maradona. Zidane has lifted every piece of silver a player could imagine and yet his career is still not quite over.

So, back to the original thought... 1+10. If I could pick my dream team, who would it be? Here's a start (keep in mind I'm considering the players in their prime):
- Reffing the game I would want Pierluigi Colina (gotta have the best).
- Gordon Banks has to be in goal (but I would want Oliver Kahn on back-up).
- Sweeping in the back would be the great Franz Beckenbauer.
- For the backs, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini & Alfredo di Stefano (left-to-right).
- Running the midfield would be the Frenchmen, Zinedine Zidane & Michel Platini.
- On the outside of the central midfield, George Best & Diego Maradona (Garrincha & Bobby Charlton as subs).
- Would anyone argue against Pele up front?
- Alongside Pele I would want Just Fontaine (Ronaldo as a sub).

With a team like that, I could even coach to a visctory. There are so many great players I left out and who knows, maybe if conditions had been different this would be someone else's blog and my name would be on that list. Although I won't go down in any history books, I am the greatest footballer that never was.

US team sent packing

The US guys are on the way home after playing less than spectacular football in Germany. The opening match WAS the indicator and the US-side looked lost and out-classed against the Czech squad. Ghana looked surprisingly good against the same Czech team and secured their place in the next round -- they deserve it.

Although the reffing was less than favorable in the Italy and the Ghana matches, you can't blame all of a 0-2-1 record on the man with the whistle. The fact is that we miscalculated, under-played and over-hyped ourselves this time around. For all the things that went wrong we had off-setting things go right and we still couldn't capitalize on it. Italy handed a free pass to the winner of the US vs Ghana game and we couldn't take control of our destiny. The guys played well, but it just wasn't their time.

My early picks for the final are Argentina and England. Both squads look good and have the depth to go far. The real challangers are Germany, Netherlands and, of course, Brazil. Brazil didn't look that good so far, but they tend to start slow and peek in the second round. The Netherlands may very well do the same thing. Germany looks good on their home soil, but I think they face a tougher road to the final than some of the other contenders.

Football

Most American's don't know what football is, or the joys of the game. In part, this is due to the capitalist mentality. American Football (which really should be called Handball or Runningball) is shown whenever it is on -- regardless of what would normally be shown in that time slot on network television. Football (soccer for Americans) doesn't even get shown on network television unless there is nothing else to fill the time slot.

For example, the World Cup is going on right now in Germany. The US National Men's Soccer Team is playing in the event. The World Cup is the single largest sporting event world-wide, but ABC can't show the US team playing on network television. Why? Are soap operas really that big of a deal? They will be on again tomorrow and that guy's brother will still almost marry his long-lost half-sister.

I can understand the argument not to show other countries' teams, but come on, the US national team. Football will never take hold in the US if it doesn't get some airtime. More people are watching the World Cup world-wide than watched the last Olympics -- what does that tell you?

Instead, I have to go find the games on cable. Mind you, I don't have cable at home, and while that may be shocking to some, why would I. I'm not paying $50 per month so I can watch maybe 15 channels for a total of about 7 hours per week. When you consider that I'm missing things like The World's Strongest Man of 1972, why would I pay for cable? Who cares that I could have 300+ channels when I wouldn't watch 290 of them?

I want to see Football. I want to see La Liga, Premiere League, Bundesliga, Serie A, UEFA Champions League and so on. I want to see Latin American club play (Boca Juniors, etc). I want to see current sports, not the Superbowl from 1981. If I really wanted to watch the 1975 World's Strongest Man or the Superbowl from 1971 I could buy a video. I want to see what's going on now in sports. Someone please remind me what ESPN stands for again.

New Neighbor

Baby Mantis,
originally uploaded by
wil power.

Check out this guy. I found him crawling across the grill cover earlier this week when I went to cook out. I looked closely because it didn't look like a normal fly or spider (which we see plenty of). When I got a good look at what it was and how small it was, I told Salve to bring the digital camera outside (the windows were open). She did, and this is a picture of the little guy on my hand.

Pretty cool, huh? He jumped out of my hand and fell to the grass just off one side of our deck, so I have no idea what happened to him. I'm guessing he's fine since he jumped out of my hand on to the deck earlier and was OK. You never know what you'll find.

This is the type of thing I like about living in a rural area. You don't see this stuff in the city. I can walk on to my deck and see several miles of fields and trees. The number of houses visible from there can be counted using the fingers on one of my hands. Can't say that about anywhere else I've lived.

Improvement

I seek to improve life for everyone. It's always in the back of my mind. I'm always trying to "fix" things -- to make them better. The problem is that people don't always want me to help "fix" things. So how do I go about improving the world? The only way I can, by improving myself.

I'm not perfect, and don't expect to become that way anytime soon, but I will strive to be better. I will desire to improve myself in areas of weakness. I will struggle and not give up on improving my life in order to help others. Not by fixing them or their situation, but by fixing myself, bettering myself.

This isn't a new concept; it's something that I've always done from time to time. However, it helps me to exact change by recognizing and verbalizing it. It is a process I go through, similar to other processes in many ways. You should try it some time and see the rewards for yourself.

Relay for Life

Today I help out at the local Relay for Life. Instead of telling you what I’m doing, let me tell you why – or better yet for whom. My mother’s father, my grandfather, Joe Rowe, Jr. died just over two years ago.

Joe was a multiple cancer survivor who beat several forms of the disease in the last 30 years of his life. When he did finally succumb to Leukemia, I think his body was just too tired to fight anymore. In the end, the doctors said he would probably die in three months, but he lasted more than eight. With each year he aged though, his body was less capable to fight. His mind was still strong and willing, but the body was tattered.

He was a real role model to others because through it all he never complained and never gave up. He just kept on living; remaining ever thankful to God for everything he had -- not becoming bitter for what he did not. He continued to volunteer at the local V.A. hospital as long as he physically could and always thought of others in spite of himself.

Joe lived his life with honor and dignity and I only hope I can do half as good a job in life. I wish my children could have gotten to know him personally, but that wasn’t meant to be. He did get to see Chloe before he died and I know that made him so proud. After visiting with my grandparents years ago, he told me that I was “alright” as he shook my hand. It sounds odd, but I still consider it the greatest compliment I’ve ever received.

He was a proud, though private man. He spoke only when necessary and what little he said had great power and wisdom. I can’t remember him ever speaking poorly of anyone – choosing to live by the old motto of “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” When he would speak, it was with purpose and he made himself very clear (speaking in simple, straight forward terms).

I walk in his honor. He walked in the Relay for Life because he thought it was a great and worthy cause. For him, I continue that tradition. Please, consider helping in a local event near you (it doesn't have to be for The American Cancer Society). If we would all be a little less selfish, the world would be a slightly better place.

I'm sorry

My fellow Americans, my compatriots around the world, my children and my children's children, I am deeply sorry for the problems I have helped create. I have done absolutely nothing to improve the fuel-efficiency or environmental impact of modern motorized vehicles. I purchased and drove a gas-guzzling light truck that I could have lived without. I drove this vehicle for years while the hauling, towing and four-wheel drive capabilities went largely unused. Instead, I drove it practically everyday on local roads and highways, doing my little part to destroy the Earth's natural resources. Only now, when gasoline prices have begun to adversely affect my wallet, do I realize the errors of my ways. Please except my apologies and know that I will correct this travesty in hopes of creating a better tomorrow for all of us.

Sincerely,
wil

I love this quote

William Munny: "Deserve's got nothin' to do with it."

That quote has been stuck in my head for a week now. I like that movie. I guess I just wanted to post a short entry -- in contrast to the longer ones I've been posting.

Fair and Right

I try to live a life that's fair and good to the people around me. Some of the time though, my intentions are misread/misinterpreted. I often wonder how that can be, but I forget that everyone's perspective is different. No one can see things through my eyes and know all my intentions. Of course, everyone has their own ideas about fairness and righteousness too -- that makes it even harder.

What is fair? Is it fair that I have a job and someone else doesn't? Is it fair that I have a house and many do not? Is it fair that I have a wonderful wife and beautiful daughter? Clearly fairness can become quite relative. In fact, most people can not move beyond the relative thinking of fairness and twist it to convince themselves that things are unfair (to them). When comparing things it is rather logical though -- the two halves must remain equal (or at least roughly so).

Since all things are not equal, it is impossible for two people's lives to remain equal while living them out separately. One will win out in the end. One will recognize the other's success and desire it. Therein lies the perceived unfairness. Perhaps it is unfair, but then life is not "free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism" so how could anything be fair?

What's right is much trickier to define. Since there are disputes over the ultimate source of correctness (the ultimate truth) within humanity, how can you successfully convince someone else that you are right -- even on one point of debate? So many arguments boil down to beliefs that it is near impossible to determine a clear victor or to alter another person's view. So how do you?

Perhaps it can be as simple as living out your beliefs while they live out theirs. After all, no one likes a hypocrite. If one is more successful, then perhaps, just maybe, the successful one was right. Then, of course, you have to determine how to measure success. Each person has their own measure of success and both parties may declare themselves winners simultaneously. Who's right in the end?

Sometimes we have to look outside ourselves for what is right. Sometimes we have to look outside ourselves for what is fair. When we can do that and it echoes our beliefs, we sleep better at night.

The end of an era

I think we are going to have to sell the Frontier. Sad, but true. I'd love to keep it for a "pleasure" vehicle, but we don't have/make that kind of money. Once sold, we will put the money towards a newer, more spacious, more fuel-efficient vehicle. I'd really like to get my hands on a nice 2004-2005 Passat TDI (roughly 40 MPG) but those are rare. We will see what's out there after the truck is sold. I will miss driving on the beach, driving in the snow, being able to go off-roading if I want and the enhanced audio system. I will miss being able to tow a trailer and haul things in the bed. I will miss the aggressive styling and the roar of the tires on the pavement. An ode to my Nissan...

My Fronty

I'm sad you have to go
I wish you could stay
Through sand and through snow
We loved to play

You were a good friend
I drove you with pride
We have reached the end
It's our final ride

Don't worry, don't fret, you won't be alone
Some lucky new owner will take you home

Too funny...OK, and a bit cheesy. I needed a fun post after all those serious ones.

Take responsibility

George W. Bush is the greatest scapegoat of modern times. Don't think so? Who is blamed for EVERYTHING bad that happens in the US (and the world)? Why can't we take responsibility for the fact that we made the country what it is? It didn't happen overnight, or in the last couple years. It's been building for a long time.

But admitting that we are at fault would mean looking in the mirror and examining ourselves. We can't be at fault -- it must be someone else. We are "good people" and we would never do something like that. Give me a break! When was the last time you tried to exact change? Real, positive, long-lasting change in the world? Do you litter? Do you pick up litter? Do you throw away food? Do you recycle everything you possibly could? Do you donate to charities?

I'm not going to pretend that I'm a model citizen either. No, wait, I am a model citizen. I'm EXACTLY the model of every other US citizen. I do a little something, the most minute thing, and pretend that I've done great things. Shame on me, and shame on you. We should be better examples. Who do you think our children are going to learn their behaviors from? I’m hoping it’s not us, but I’m betting it is.

Monty Python only please

When it comes to SPAM, the only variety I like is in Monty Python skits. I love the ploys to entice, guilt, panic and otherwise trick you into forwarding a useless message. I do not forward any SPAM email -- EVER. It is a plague that I refuse to take part in. It clogs the Internet with useless data, it almost never produces useful outcomes and wastes my valuable time. Here's a great example:

I am sending this note to 30 people. If each of us sends it to at least ten more (30 x 10 =3D 300) ... And those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 =3D 3,000)...and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth group of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers. If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted! If it goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!

Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. That's all. (If you don't understand how we can reach 300 million and all you have to do is send this to 10 people.... Well, let's face it, you just aren't a mathematician. But I am, so trust me on this one.)

Now, I'm no "mathematician" or anything, but I can easily see the flawed logic here -- people actually know people. What are the chances that John Doe will receive this email several times from several different people breaking the "30 x 10 x 10..." model? It's actually pretty high, especially given the fact that most people have multiple email addresses and most people have mutual friends. The other part of the equation missing is that there are people out there (believe it or not) that don't have email. So, realistically, you can never reach all 300 million United States citizens. Even if you could reach all 300 million citizens, not all of them own cars. How can this be? The author is a mathematician and they never lie.

student: "But professor, you just proved that zero is equal to one?"
professor: "Well, that's for really high values of zero."

Know how to tell if email is SPAM or not? It's in your inbox.

Disbelief

I find myself very opinionated as of late. I had a great conversation with Arnel regarding immigration and we really touched on a lot of the issues. We both have interesting perspectives on it and we could have jabbered on about it for hours. Arnel's parents (and my wife's) are from the Philippines and my Grandfather came to the US from Mexico, legally, during the revolution, so we have a little bit of a vested interest in the topic. We just have slightly differing views and I think we learned a great deal from each other through the discussion.

The other news item that's got me in a rabid state is the whole Duke Lacrosse team incident. I'm getting really pissed at all the racists on both sides of this. It will never be enough on either side of the fence, and the radicals will continue to milk it with no "real" concern for the parties involved. Both sides of the story have huge holes and questions to answer, anyone that says otherwise is not only biased, but is a racist. I don't jump to any conclusions in this case because I don't know enough documented facts to do so. I choose to let the evidence show itself and the facts reveal themselves. I've heard/read some great arguments regarding the FACTS of the case, but most of what I've found is biased blathering.

Why not?

I'm opinionated and articulate (even if I can't spell). I have thoughts that I desire to share and grow. I love meaningful discussions and hearing points of view. Why shouldn't I blog? I just hope I actually have time to keep it somewhat up-to-date. Welcome and enjoy.