This is another of those days when I am painfully reminded that I am single. And it seems permanently so. I have never had a date even when I had the nerve to ask (which is rare) and it is a bitch to watch others have that companionship on nights like tonight. New Years Eve! When people will celebrate the new year with someone special and maybe even share a kiss after midnight.
I have no idea what that is like. I wish I did so I could just get over it. But there are no plans for this evening. No one is interested. I can't even get the time of day if I asked. Because when people see me, they run in the other direction at a very rapid pace. So no date for me on New Years Eve. Never had one. And that is not going to change tonight.
I don't even want to see midnight come around. I have no one to share it with so I might as well go to sleep.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Former employer to close shop
For a decade I worked at a facility in Macon Georgia and when I resigned from there earlier this year I felt as if I wasted a huge chunk of my life. That's because my former workplace had slowly and painfully deteriorated due to poor management AND the Macon area's pathetic work ethic. Education quality and individual egos also played a part in making an average workday difficult to deal with.
My former workplace was ripe with gossip over anything from someone's personal life to the possibility that our jobs would be eliminated. Most of the time, the gossip was just that. But the gossip did have many fearing that our workplace would close. And many who worked there would not be prepared for that possibility. Well today those fears came true as the announcement was made that First Data would move the Macon operations to facilities in Omaha Nebraska and the 300 positions in Macon would be eliminated. By spring, the facility that was originally opened in 1990 will be history.
(News Article)
When I heard this on the evening news today I was not surprised. First Data bought the Macon facility from GE Capital in 1999 and kept the Macon employees, adding us to the First Data payroll and maintaining all tenure. It was a promise of growth and prosperity. But instead things went downhill. There were promises of work and new clients that never materialized. An entire building at the facility remained empty for years. Then there were cutbacks and reshuffling of staff around the facility. When work volume did increase, people were worked to the max. We were forced to work lots of mandatory overtime and had fewer options in taking vacation days even when you had them available.
Outdated technology at the Macon facility created many problems and may have led to the loss of clients and work being given to the other locations within the company. Even regular maintence of the Macon facility itself became sub-standard. The floors were no longer as polished as they used to be. The employee cafeteria was reduced to a bunch of pricey, unreliable and unhealthy vending machines. Restrooms were unsanitary. Climate control of the facility was a constant challenge. Moral within the workplace reached an all time low. Few people cared about anything and those who did were ridiculed.
Life had become so depressing at work that many people who had given years of their lives to working there started to leave. Even if it meant relocating to another area. It was a tough decision for many reasons. Many First Data employees started working there when the facility opened in 1990 as Monogram and later GE Capital Credit Card Services. For some, it was a family. For many, this was the only job they had as an adult. And some may not have the right skills needed to find new work that will compare to the job and salary they were leaving behind. Also jobs in Macon are very hard to find. So leaving a job in Macon Georgia has to be a careful decision.
Many of us kept our jobs as we made a decent salary and feared the prospect of having to start over at the bottom somewhere else. But for some of us that prospect was worth more than working in a dead-end environment. Some retired completely. Others quit to focus on family businesses that were already in progress. And some just simply quit if they had no bills, a savings and/or a spouse who earned enough money for the family to get along.
I quit to attempt my own business and for peace of mind. I needed to make a change in my personal life. And my experience at First Data has converted me into someone who just cannot work for others. Because most of the time, my superiors there were bumbling idiots. I am not ashamed to say that I despised most of the management there. It happens to be that the members of management that I did like never stayed long. (go figure) One retired after she saw her department reduced by corporate management. And other members of management that I actually liked just wanted to take on new challenges somewhere else. And I should have learned from them much sooner. I would be in a better place if I did.
Instead, I hung on like everyone else to the one good job that I had. I put in my time, did my best and collected my paycheck. I accepted some of the "gifts" from the company, even though we would find them heavily taxed on our next paystub. And I had fun with many of the people that I worked with. That is the only good thing I felt when I left First Data in March, 2005 after 10 1/2 years.
So with the news of the closing of First Data Macon I must think about the people that I got along with over the years. I can call some of them friends. Mainly the ladies of the Card Services department. I won't mention anyone's name online but I will directly e-mail this blog to them and they will know who they are. These were working mothers who not only raised children at home but raised ADULTS at work who acted like children. But we all had fun working together. We shared music to keep the peace at work, we ate many great potluck dinners, celebrated our personal occasions and came to support those when they were sick or suffered a loss. Even after I left the company, these ladies supported me and my sister during the death of our mother which was only a month after I left the company. I never properly told them thank you for that! I do thank them all for that and many great memories.
There were a few gentlemen as well, but we were definitely outnumbered by many strong women. They have young families to raise and they have the smarts to move on to bigger and better things. Thanks guys! Be strong and be well.
I wish my former co-workers well and hope that this change in their lives will turn into a great blessing. Many of these people are people of great faith. I hope that faith will carry them through this.
There are more people who I don't feel sorry for at this time but they are not worth mentioning. Many of my co-workers know who I speak of. But this really affects everyone. It will be rough for everyone and it is time to move on with lessons hopefully learned.
Now lets say it all together "Free at last, free at last, thank god almighty, we are free at last". Now take your freedom, go forward and prosper!
My former workplace was ripe with gossip over anything from someone's personal life to the possibility that our jobs would be eliminated. Most of the time, the gossip was just that. But the gossip did have many fearing that our workplace would close. And many who worked there would not be prepared for that possibility. Well today those fears came true as the announcement was made that First Data would move the Macon operations to facilities in Omaha Nebraska and the 300 positions in Macon would be eliminated. By spring, the facility that was originally opened in 1990 will be history.
(News Article)
When I heard this on the evening news today I was not surprised. First Data bought the Macon facility from GE Capital in 1999 and kept the Macon employees, adding us to the First Data payroll and maintaining all tenure. It was a promise of growth and prosperity. But instead things went downhill. There were promises of work and new clients that never materialized. An entire building at the facility remained empty for years. Then there were cutbacks and reshuffling of staff around the facility. When work volume did increase, people were worked to the max. We were forced to work lots of mandatory overtime and had fewer options in taking vacation days even when you had them available.
Outdated technology at the Macon facility created many problems and may have led to the loss of clients and work being given to the other locations within the company. Even regular maintence of the Macon facility itself became sub-standard. The floors were no longer as polished as they used to be. The employee cafeteria was reduced to a bunch of pricey, unreliable and unhealthy vending machines. Restrooms were unsanitary. Climate control of the facility was a constant challenge. Moral within the workplace reached an all time low. Few people cared about anything and those who did were ridiculed.
Life had become so depressing at work that many people who had given years of their lives to working there started to leave. Even if it meant relocating to another area. It was a tough decision for many reasons. Many First Data employees started working there when the facility opened in 1990 as Monogram and later GE Capital Credit Card Services. For some, it was a family. For many, this was the only job they had as an adult. And some may not have the right skills needed to find new work that will compare to the job and salary they were leaving behind. Also jobs in Macon are very hard to find. So leaving a job in Macon Georgia has to be a careful decision.
Many of us kept our jobs as we made a decent salary and feared the prospect of having to start over at the bottom somewhere else. But for some of us that prospect was worth more than working in a dead-end environment. Some retired completely. Others quit to focus on family businesses that were already in progress. And some just simply quit if they had no bills, a savings and/or a spouse who earned enough money for the family to get along.
I quit to attempt my own business and for peace of mind. I needed to make a change in my personal life. And my experience at First Data has converted me into someone who just cannot work for others. Because most of the time, my superiors there were bumbling idiots. I am not ashamed to say that I despised most of the management there. It happens to be that the members of management that I did like never stayed long. (go figure) One retired after she saw her department reduced by corporate management. And other members of management that I actually liked just wanted to take on new challenges somewhere else. And I should have learned from them much sooner. I would be in a better place if I did.
Instead, I hung on like everyone else to the one good job that I had. I put in my time, did my best and collected my paycheck. I accepted some of the "gifts" from the company, even though we would find them heavily taxed on our next paystub. And I had fun with many of the people that I worked with. That is the only good thing I felt when I left First Data in March, 2005 after 10 1/2 years.
So with the news of the closing of First Data Macon I must think about the people that I got along with over the years. I can call some of them friends. Mainly the ladies of the Card Services department. I won't mention anyone's name online but I will directly e-mail this blog to them and they will know who they are. These were working mothers who not only raised children at home but raised ADULTS at work who acted like children. But we all had fun working together. We shared music to keep the peace at work, we ate many great potluck dinners, celebrated our personal occasions and came to support those when they were sick or suffered a loss. Even after I left the company, these ladies supported me and my sister during the death of our mother which was only a month after I left the company. I never properly told them thank you for that! I do thank them all for that and many great memories.
There were a few gentlemen as well, but we were definitely outnumbered by many strong women. They have young families to raise and they have the smarts to move on to bigger and better things. Thanks guys! Be strong and be well.
I wish my former co-workers well and hope that this change in their lives will turn into a great blessing. Many of these people are people of great faith. I hope that faith will carry them through this.
There are more people who I don't feel sorry for at this time but they are not worth mentioning. Many of my co-workers know who I speak of. But this really affects everyone. It will be rough for everyone and it is time to move on with lessons hopefully learned.
Now lets say it all together "Free at last, free at last, thank god almighty, we are free at last". Now take your freedom, go forward and prosper!
Clean up on aisle 5, aisle 6, aisle 7.............
Last night after work I went to the supermarket to get a few things. Mainly I needed to buy greeting cards for a friend's wedding anniversary and another friend's birthday. But while I was at the store I decided to buy some grocery items. I did not really need anything. Actually, I wanted some Ben and Jerry's Butter Pecan Ice Cream!
It was almost midnight and as usual there was only one cashier on duty. There were several people with full shopping carts in line. Also, school is out this week for the holiday, so the teenagers are out having a little fun. There were several teens at the checkout line and their party was definitely in progress. That is until one of the teenage girls vomited AT the check out line. No warning, just a simultaneous movement of people moving out of her way along with the sound of a big splash onto the floor.
After a chorus of "ewwwws" from everyone present for this nasty occurrence one of the giggling teenage boys ran to look for another teen, and told his friend "We need you! Your girlfriend just puked! Right on the floor dude!" And the giggling teenage girls actually wondered IF they needed to find the bathroom while the girl who vomited looked as if she was ready for an encore performance.
Well, some of us weren't laughing. Actually I was quite disgusted by the episode. So I got the hell out of there! I suddenly lost interest in buying or eating any food after what happened and no one seemed to be in any hurry to clean up the mess. And that little girl covered some great territory. What (or shall I say how much) did she eat or drink to create such a large mess? Disgusting! Simply disgusting!
So I saved some money last night thanks to a teenage girl getting sick in the store. And it will be a while before I will shop at that store again. I have to get over the trauma of what happened last night. Yuk!
It was almost midnight and as usual there was only one cashier on duty. There were several people with full shopping carts in line. Also, school is out this week for the holiday, so the teenagers are out having a little fun. There were several teens at the checkout line and their party was definitely in progress. That is until one of the teenage girls vomited AT the check out line. No warning, just a simultaneous movement of people moving out of her way along with the sound of a big splash onto the floor.
After a chorus of "ewwwws" from everyone present for this nasty occurrence one of the giggling teenage boys ran to look for another teen, and told his friend "We need you! Your girlfriend just puked! Right on the floor dude!" And the giggling teenage girls actually wondered IF they needed to find the bathroom while the girl who vomited looked as if she was ready for an encore performance.
Well, some of us weren't laughing. Actually I was quite disgusted by the episode. So I got the hell out of there! I suddenly lost interest in buying or eating any food after what happened and no one seemed to be in any hurry to clean up the mess. And that little girl covered some great territory. What (or shall I say how much) did she eat or drink to create such a large mess? Disgusting! Simply disgusting!
So I saved some money last night thanks to a teenage girl getting sick in the store. And it will be a while before I will shop at that store again. I have to get over the trauma of what happened last night. Yuk!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
How to know what your neighbors got for Christmas without asking.
It is trash day and I am reminded of an easy way to learn a few things about my neighbors without asking them. I don't even have to know them.
If I were curious about what "gifts" my neighbors got for Christmas (which I am not) all I have to do is look outside before the garbarge truck arrives. And I'll have plenty of time today as the garbarge truck will be late. They will have plenty of extra work to do this week.
Lets see, one neighbor got a Dirt Devil vacuum, a cheap 32 inch TV from Wal-Mart, a DVD/VCR combo, a microwave oven, and one of their kids got an Easy Bake Oven (I always wanted one of those when I was a child!) and a new pink "Barbie" VW Beetle with flowers all over it. That Barbie bimbo has everything. Shouldn't she be settling into an old folks home right about now?
Another neighbor got a shelf stereo system, a SONY home theatre receiver with speakers, plus additional speakers AND an entertainment center big enough to hold a flat screen TV. I didn't see a box for the actual TV, perhaps they'll get that later. They even got a DVD Recorder!
Many neighbors got new computers this year. Most are the usual all-inclusive desktop PC packages you can get at Wal-Mart or Sams. I bet some of them were purchased the day after Thanksgiving in one of those really cheap sales.
And that house with all of the loud rugrats? Well there are toys galore for the kids including a radio controlled Hummer truck and the latest Playstation video game set, DVD/TV combos (probably for each child's bedroom), boombox CD/radios AND some small kitchen appliances. A blender, a toaster oven and a microwave (they got one of those last year too). And they must love Old Navy in that house. I see several Old Navy shopping bags full of trash too.
There are many who have new TV's and some who even got new VCR's! (They still sell those?)
I can tell that most of my neighborhood had a gift filled Merry Christmas. Sadly, many thieves also know who had a gift filled holiday. As usual, many households have given free advertising to anyone interested in knowing what's available to steal and someone will have their home burglarized in the very near future. The new trend is to have an increase in thefts AFTER the holidays instead of before. Instead of taking wrapped gifts of unknown value the thieves now know what's inside the home. Need to steal the new PlayStation? The house down the street has one. Or how about a Barbie Volkswagen? If you stole that from the house across the street will it be missed? You know Barbie has so many cars. Corvettes and such. And she could borrow Ken's Miata IF Ken's boyfriend doesn't have a hissy fit.
By the way, I wonder if Ken got a Hummer for Christmas? Yeah, the truck too!
Hey! Inquiring minds want to know. And I bet Barbie gets the Hummer Truck next year!
But I digress...
People should never put boxes outside that show anything! You should break those boxes down and take them to a recycling center or tear them apart and put them in your trash can or at least hide them in trash bags. Or do like I do, use them for stuff stored in the attic or re-use them as shipping boxes whevever I have to ship a large package to anyone. Just don't put these boxes outside with the trash where anyone could guess what expensive items may be inside your home.
Am I a nosy neighbor? Naw.
If I were curious about what "gifts" my neighbors got for Christmas (which I am not) all I have to do is look outside before the garbarge truck arrives. And I'll have plenty of time today as the garbarge truck will be late. They will have plenty of extra work to do this week.
Lets see, one neighbor got a Dirt Devil vacuum, a cheap 32 inch TV from Wal-Mart, a DVD/VCR combo, a microwave oven, and one of their kids got an Easy Bake Oven (I always wanted one of those when I was a child!) and a new pink "Barbie" VW Beetle with flowers all over it. That Barbie bimbo has everything. Shouldn't she be settling into an old folks home right about now?
Another neighbor got a shelf stereo system, a SONY home theatre receiver with speakers, plus additional speakers AND an entertainment center big enough to hold a flat screen TV. I didn't see a box for the actual TV, perhaps they'll get that later. They even got a DVD Recorder!
Many neighbors got new computers this year. Most are the usual all-inclusive desktop PC packages you can get at Wal-Mart or Sams. I bet some of them were purchased the day after Thanksgiving in one of those really cheap sales.
And that house with all of the loud rugrats? Well there are toys galore for the kids including a radio controlled Hummer truck and the latest Playstation video game set, DVD/TV combos (probably for each child's bedroom), boombox CD/radios AND some small kitchen appliances. A blender, a toaster oven and a microwave (they got one of those last year too). And they must love Old Navy in that house. I see several Old Navy shopping bags full of trash too.
There are many who have new TV's and some who even got new VCR's! (They still sell those?)
I can tell that most of my neighborhood had a gift filled Merry Christmas. Sadly, many thieves also know who had a gift filled holiday. As usual, many households have given free advertising to anyone interested in knowing what's available to steal and someone will have their home burglarized in the very near future. The new trend is to have an increase in thefts AFTER the holidays instead of before. Instead of taking wrapped gifts of unknown value the thieves now know what's inside the home. Need to steal the new PlayStation? The house down the street has one. Or how about a Barbie Volkswagen? If you stole that from the house across the street will it be missed? You know Barbie has so many cars. Corvettes and such. And she could borrow Ken's Miata IF Ken's boyfriend doesn't have a hissy fit.
By the way, I wonder if Ken got a Hummer for Christmas? Yeah, the truck too!
Hey! Inquiring minds want to know. And I bet Barbie gets the Hummer Truck next year!
But I digress...
People should never put boxes outside that show anything! You should break those boxes down and take them to a recycling center or tear them apart and put them in your trash can or at least hide them in trash bags. Or do like I do, use them for stuff stored in the attic or re-use them as shipping boxes whevever I have to ship a large package to anyone. Just don't put these boxes outside with the trash where anyone could guess what expensive items may be inside your home.
Am I a nosy neighbor? Naw.
Monday, December 26, 2005
The last visit with a smile.
Today marks the first anniversary of the last time I saw my mother alive. It was during my Christmas visit to her nursing home in Ft. Lauderdale. I was still working for an employer and had a difficult schedule. So I could not travel as often as I would have liked to see her. My next planned visit was to be for Mother's Day. But that weekend would become the time of our memorial service for her.
After my visit, her health rapidly declined and she died in April. Much to the dismay of a few, I chose not to be with her in her final days. I did not want to watch my mother die. I enjoyed my visit with her last Christmas as she was smiling and in a happy mood. And I am glad that is my last physical vision of her. I believe that helped in accepting her death. She would no longer suffer and I was pleased with that.
I don't mourn the loss of my mother. I celebrate her life by living. But I must take a minute to reflect and confirm my utmost gratitude for all that she means to me and my sister.
This is also the week of my final visit with my grandmother two years ago. Again, that last vision of my grandmother was one of a smiling old woman in a very happy mood. A time of laughing and joking. And I am happy that she is also no longer suffering.
I have had my time with my Mother and grandmother here in this world. They did all that they could do and more. For that I am forever thankful and glad they are now at peaceful rest.
After my visit, her health rapidly declined and she died in April. Much to the dismay of a few, I chose not to be with her in her final days. I did not want to watch my mother die. I enjoyed my visit with her last Christmas as she was smiling and in a happy mood. And I am glad that is my last physical vision of her. I believe that helped in accepting her death. She would no longer suffer and I was pleased with that.
I don't mourn the loss of my mother. I celebrate her life by living. But I must take a minute to reflect and confirm my utmost gratitude for all that she means to me and my sister.
This is also the week of my final visit with my grandmother two years ago. Again, that last vision of my grandmother was one of a smiling old woman in a very happy mood. A time of laughing and joking. And I am happy that she is also no longer suffering.
I have had my time with my Mother and grandmother here in this world. They did all that they could do and more. For that I am forever thankful and glad they are now at peaceful rest.
R.I.P.-People lost in 2005
At the end of every year, we often remember people who died during the year.
I grew up listening to my mother's favorite music entertainers. People like Tyrone Davis, Little Milton, Lyn "The Female Preacher" Collins and Luther Vandross.
Other music legends you may not know of and we lost in 2005 include:
Reynaldo "Obie" Benson, one of the original members of The Four Tops.
Ray Davis, one of the founding members of Parliament-Funkadelic
Willie Hutch, singer and songwriter best known for his soundtrack for "The Mack" (1973)
R.L. Burnside , blues singer
Bobby Short & Shirley Horn, famous jazz vocalists
In mother's later years, they called her "Miss Ellie". I don't know how that started. Her first name was Elerwene. Maybe thats how it started. Anyway, speaking of "Miss Ellie", the matriarch of the Ewing family on my mother's all time favorate TV show "Dallas"...Barbara Bel Geddes died in 2005. And Peter Jennings died just four months after discovering he had cancer.
THE king of comedy, Richard Pryor died in 2005. So did comedian Nipsey Russell,
actors Brock Peters and the great Ossie Davis
History makers and pioneers lost in 2005 include:
Shirley Chisholm, 1st black woman elected to congress in NY.
John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazine
And Rosa Parks died in Detroit.
She was mourned from Montgomery to Michigan. And all points in between.
The year 2005 lost Pope John Paul II, Ruth Warrick, Johnny Carson, Bob Denver, Don Adams, Frank Perdue, August Wilson and Anne Bancroft among others.
For me, this year really was personal as I lost my mother in 2005.
She had suffered from diabetes complications including a severe stroke in which she never fully recovered.
Along with my mother were many notable people who died this year. Many of these people were cherished by my mother and me while I was growing up.
She had suffered from diabetes complications including a severe stroke in which she never fully recovered.
Along with my mother were many notable people who died this year. Many of these people were cherished by my mother and me while I was growing up.
I grew up listening to my mother's favorite music entertainers. People like Tyrone Davis, Little Milton, Lyn "The Female Preacher" Collins and Luther Vandross.
Other music legends you may not know of and we lost in 2005 include:
Reynaldo "Obie" Benson, one of the original members of The Four Tops.
Ray Davis, one of the founding members of Parliament-Funkadelic
Willie Hutch, singer and songwriter best known for his soundtrack for "The Mack" (1973)
R.L. Burnside , blues singer
Bobby Short & Shirley Horn, famous jazz vocalists
In mother's later years, they called her "Miss Ellie". I don't know how that started. Her first name was Elerwene. Maybe thats how it started. Anyway, speaking of "Miss Ellie", the matriarch of the Ewing family on my mother's all time favorate TV show "Dallas"...Barbara Bel Geddes died in 2005. And Peter Jennings died just four months after discovering he had cancer.
THE king of comedy, Richard Pryor died in 2005. So did comedian Nipsey Russell,actors Brock Peters and the great Ossie Davis
History makers and pioneers lost in 2005 include:
Shirley Chisholm, 1st black woman elected to congress in NY.
John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazine
And Rosa Parks died in Detroit.
She was mourned from Montgomery to Michigan. And all points in between.
The year 2005 lost Pope John Paul II, Ruth Warrick, Johnny Carson, Bob Denver, Don Adams, Frank Perdue, August Wilson and Anne Bancroft among others.
And I lost my only pet as an adult
My cat Sterling.
(2000-2005)
It was fun having a cat around the house but Sterling wanted to be outside more than inside. And Sterling ruled the back yard for 4 years.
May everyone who passed away in 2005 rest in peace.
Thanks to every one of you for your contributions to the world.
My cat Sterling.(2000-2005)
It was fun having a cat around the house but Sterling wanted to be outside more than inside. And Sterling ruled the back yard for 4 years.
May everyone who passed away in 2005 rest in peace.
Thanks to every one of you for your contributions to the world.
The worst of 2005
Now that we have reached the end of 2005, there will be some "Worst of" lists for the year. And I thought that I would do the same. And the list may change before January 1, 2006. So if you read this before then, please check back to see if I have edited or added anything to the list.
For me my personal worst of 2005:
The Spectacle that was the funeral services for the great Rosa Parks.
Mrs. Rosa Parks died in Detroit. Her body was flown like a trophy around the country, to Montgomery, Washington DC and back to Detroit to lie in state in each city. Thousands had the chance to walk past her coffin and pay their respects. And she definitely deserved some respect. I feel anyone from the civil rights movement deserves honor. But what happened to Mrs. Parks was a marathon of grandstanding that was insulting.
My main complaint is the day long funeral service held in Detroit. This was the grand finale after the world tour. They shipped Mrs. Parks around to put her on display for the people and at the grand celebration of her life. It seemed that anyone who had a pulse and held political office got their chance to "be seen" at the funeral of Mrs. Rosa Parks.
Guest speakers (or should I say performers) included The Mayor, The Governor, The city council member, the state Senator, The Mayor's mama, and The United States Senator. No, not the senator from Michigan where Rosa Parks lived. Not the senator from Alabama where Rosa Parks is originally from. But the senator from New York...Hillary Rodham Clinton! And there were people from one association to another, or a relative of someone from one association to another. Or a relative of a relative of whoever. There were probably more speakers in line for the microphone at the funeral than there were people who walked past Rosa Park's casket while she was lying in state.
A common thread among the speakers: They never met Rosa Parks! They did not know Rosa Parks. They only heard about her. Well guess what, I did not personally know Rosa Parks either. I only have heard about her. And I heard a little more from family who happen to be from Montgomery and lived there during the civil rights movement. If only I held political office, I too could have spoken at the funeral of Rosa Parks. I wouldn't have much to say just like those who did speak, but I could repeat everything we already knew with a personal twist. Just like those who spoke at the funeral.
One thing I learned from the funeral marathon of Rosa Parks is that it must be a rule when you get to the microphone at the funeral of someone important in society that you have to acknowledge EVERY person involved in the church, the family, and significant politicians in attendance by saying each of their names before you get to the gist of your meaningless speech. You also have to give a lengthy introduction of the next speaker. And not to be outdone by any guest speaker is every member of the clergy who spoke. When a Black member of the clergy speaks, expect to sit a while. The Reverend train included Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton as well as clergy from Mrs. Parks own church. And one minister had the nerve to remind the guest speakers that "Time is of the essence". He says this in the FOURTH hour of the service....ONE hour after the time that the service was expected to end and THREE hours before it was actually over.
My question after spending a day watching this funeral marathon on TV was where the hell were all of these people in Mrs. Parks later years? Like when she faced eviction as her rent was behind. Why are all of these millionaire preachers and politicians getting "photo ops" at the funeral of a woman who was never as wealthy but did more with one event than these bigshots could do in a lifetime?
There was nothing wrong with having a memorial service for Rosa Parks. But there was everything wrong with the FUNERAL they had for Rosa Parks. I think they used her and I am ashamed of my country for allowing it. But sadly it is all forgotten now. About as fast as those politicians forgot about Mrs. Parks....as they walked away from that podium.
The rest of The WORST of 2005 (In no specific order)
The Miami Dolphins: It has been over 30 years since my hometown football team has won a Super Bowl. Why, because we get these "star" players who belong in a toilet bowl. For years we had the overrated and highly ego(ed) Dan Marino. And this year we had to deal with an idiot (who is too sickening to even mention his name!) who quit the NFL to go "find himself" or to get high or something. (He had to be "on something") And then the team accepts him back later in the season and we still have nothing to show for it. And as a lifelong "Dolfan" I remain dedicated but I am fed up at the same time. We need a winning team in South Florida with real players who are serious about getting the job done.
Monday Night Football: The 2005 season is the final season of the traditional "Monday Night Football" telecasts on ABC. Starting in 2006, "MNF" will be seen on ESPN only if you have cable or satellite TV. After 35 years on ABC and "free" TV, it just won't be the same.
Hurricanes: Proving in 2005 that they are nothing to play with. Hopefully people will take the Hurricane season of 2005 into consideration and prepare themselves for ANY possible emergency.
Hurricane Aftermath: There's a lot of complaining about government response and services provided after a hurricane disaster. Even months after the tragic storms of 2005 people are still complaining. But many people are also not doing much to help themselves. These are the same people who were not prepared for the storm or any other emergency. You can't expect others to give you everything. YOU have to be able to take care of yourself and your family. It is called self-responsibility! And what I have seen in 2005 is that so many people neglect their responsibility and expect someone else to be responsible for their problems. Sorry, but I have my own problems to deal with. I can't always afford to deal with your problems too.
And some did help themselves: Sadly, some did "help themselves" after the hurricanes of 2005. Among the images of the storms aftermath we saw people looting stores in the damaged areas. Many tried to legimize looting as a way for survival in after the storm. People needing to feed their families and such. I say BS!
If you were prepared for an emergency and lived on a budget you would not need to STEAL food for your family. If you were prepared for an emergency and lived on a budget, you may have been able to leave the area when the warnings were issued when you knew that you were facing danger.
The truth is most looters see an emergency as the perfect opportunity to take whatever they want. To create lawlessness when law enforcement officials are weakened and overwhelmed in an emergency. They did this with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the urban riots of Los Angeles and Miami and the New York City electrical blackout of 1977 just to name a few examples. These are thugs and other low life types taking an opportunity to kick their fellow man when the community is down and un-prepared. And they shamefully believe that there was nothing wrong with this. They even believe that they were "owed" the very things that they stole. To me, when I see looting, I see madness and sadness as deep as the deaths that occurred within the same emergency. Not only have people lost lives, but people lost their minds as well.
My career move: I only include this as the worst of 2005 because of the financial mess that has resulted from my quitting my job in 2005. Overall, I am still glad I left.
My sorry ass brother: I'll be nice and not say his name, but family members will know exactly who I am talking about. This brother really showed us just how trifling he really is YET he is too stupid to realize it.
The religious @#$%! : 2005 has proved that the religious community is more hyprocritical than ever. If their really is a god, then please teach these co-called followers to accept ALL of their neighbors.
Politicians: These idiots who run the United States of America would make any worst of list. You name them, Republicans AND Democrats alike. If you have an open mind and think clearly then you would see that neither political party is working in the best interest of anyone.
They are all liars who will say anything to get your vote. And like good little slaves, you follow the "Massa's" orders by only voting for these two political parties.
People, please get off of the Democratic AND Republican political party plantation!
Reality TV: I think this whole genre' has become a cesspool of television confusion. It started with a NON MUSIC show on MUSIC TELEVISION, aka "MTV" way back in the early 1990's. And now includes a so-called talent show and countless shows where you eat anything disgusting, go camping, get locked inside a glass house for a day, wife swapping, or just acting like an ass in front of the cameras. And you gullible couch potatoes are hooked on this mess.
There is not a damn thing "real" about "The Real World", it is nothing but a youthful fashion show. Put a bunch of pretty kids into a circus mansion, let them get naked but you'll blur the screen so that we don't really see them naked BUT you don't blur the screen when one of those brats vomits? You can't show their bare ass but you let us see the disgusting results of their having drank too much booze the night before? And why bleep out the "bad" words? Why waste the time in the editing room. We already know what they are saying.
American Idol: Which is more disgusting? The drunk girl vomiting on "The Real World" or the whole American Idol craze? I think it is a cookie toss up.
Add to the stomach churning ANY washed up or wanabe celebrity who has a TV camera "documenting" their bullshit lives. Paris and Nicole, Bobby and Whitney, Bobby and Whitney (I had to say that twice!), Nick and Jessica (will they merge their show with Divorce Court?), The Osborne circus, Bonaduce, Brady, and Flava Flav!
Actually, that the girl vomiting on camera for The Real World may be more interesting than watching Flava Flav. One can result in the other. Or vise versa.
For me my personal worst of 2005:
The Spectacle that was the funeral services for the great Rosa Parks.
Mrs. Rosa Parks died in Detroit. Her body was flown like a trophy around the country, to Montgomery, Washington DC and back to Detroit to lie in state in each city. Thousands had the chance to walk past her coffin and pay their respects. And she definitely deserved some respect. I feel anyone from the civil rights movement deserves honor. But what happened to Mrs. Parks was a marathon of grandstanding that was insulting.
My main complaint is the day long funeral service held in Detroit. This was the grand finale after the world tour. They shipped Mrs. Parks around to put her on display for the people and at the grand celebration of her life. It seemed that anyone who had a pulse and held political office got their chance to "be seen" at the funeral of Mrs. Rosa Parks.
Guest speakers (or should I say performers) included The Mayor, The Governor, The city council member, the state Senator, The Mayor's mama, and The United States Senator. No, not the senator from Michigan where Rosa Parks lived. Not the senator from Alabama where Rosa Parks is originally from. But the senator from New York...Hillary Rodham Clinton! And there were people from one association to another, or a relative of someone from one association to another. Or a relative of a relative of whoever. There were probably more speakers in line for the microphone at the funeral than there were people who walked past Rosa Park's casket while she was lying in state.
A common thread among the speakers: They never met Rosa Parks! They did not know Rosa Parks. They only heard about her. Well guess what, I did not personally know Rosa Parks either. I only have heard about her. And I heard a little more from family who happen to be from Montgomery and lived there during the civil rights movement. If only I held political office, I too could have spoken at the funeral of Rosa Parks. I wouldn't have much to say just like those who did speak, but I could repeat everything we already knew with a personal twist. Just like those who spoke at the funeral.
One thing I learned from the funeral marathon of Rosa Parks is that it must be a rule when you get to the microphone at the funeral of someone important in society that you have to acknowledge EVERY person involved in the church, the family, and significant politicians in attendance by saying each of their names before you get to the gist of your meaningless speech. You also have to give a lengthy introduction of the next speaker. And not to be outdone by any guest speaker is every member of the clergy who spoke. When a Black member of the clergy speaks, expect to sit a while. The Reverend train included Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton as well as clergy from Mrs. Parks own church. And one minister had the nerve to remind the guest speakers that "Time is of the essence". He says this in the FOURTH hour of the service....ONE hour after the time that the service was expected to end and THREE hours before it was actually over.
My question after spending a day watching this funeral marathon on TV was where the hell were all of these people in Mrs. Parks later years? Like when she faced eviction as her rent was behind. Why are all of these millionaire preachers and politicians getting "photo ops" at the funeral of a woman who was never as wealthy but did more with one event than these bigshots could do in a lifetime?
There was nothing wrong with having a memorial service for Rosa Parks. But there was everything wrong with the FUNERAL they had for Rosa Parks. I think they used her and I am ashamed of my country for allowing it. But sadly it is all forgotten now. About as fast as those politicians forgot about Mrs. Parks....as they walked away from that podium.
The rest of The WORST of 2005 (In no specific order)
The Miami Dolphins: It has been over 30 years since my hometown football team has won a Super Bowl. Why, because we get these "star" players who belong in a toilet bowl. For years we had the overrated and highly ego(ed) Dan Marino. And this year we had to deal with an idiot (who is too sickening to even mention his name!) who quit the NFL to go "find himself" or to get high or something. (He had to be "on something") And then the team accepts him back later in the season and we still have nothing to show for it. And as a lifelong "Dolfan" I remain dedicated but I am fed up at the same time. We need a winning team in South Florida with real players who are serious about getting the job done.
Monday Night Football: The 2005 season is the final season of the traditional "Monday Night Football" telecasts on ABC. Starting in 2006, "MNF" will be seen on ESPN only if you have cable or satellite TV. After 35 years on ABC and "free" TV, it just won't be the same.
Hurricanes: Proving in 2005 that they are nothing to play with. Hopefully people will take the Hurricane season of 2005 into consideration and prepare themselves for ANY possible emergency.
Hurricane Aftermath: There's a lot of complaining about government response and services provided after a hurricane disaster. Even months after the tragic storms of 2005 people are still complaining. But many people are also not doing much to help themselves. These are the same people who were not prepared for the storm or any other emergency. You can't expect others to give you everything. YOU have to be able to take care of yourself and your family. It is called self-responsibility! And what I have seen in 2005 is that so many people neglect their responsibility and expect someone else to be responsible for their problems. Sorry, but I have my own problems to deal with. I can't always afford to deal with your problems too.
And some did help themselves: Sadly, some did "help themselves" after the hurricanes of 2005. Among the images of the storms aftermath we saw people looting stores in the damaged areas. Many tried to legimize looting as a way for survival in after the storm. People needing to feed their families and such. I say BS!
If you were prepared for an emergency and lived on a budget you would not need to STEAL food for your family. If you were prepared for an emergency and lived on a budget, you may have been able to leave the area when the warnings were issued when you knew that you were facing danger.
The truth is most looters see an emergency as the perfect opportunity to take whatever they want. To create lawlessness when law enforcement officials are weakened and overwhelmed in an emergency. They did this with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the urban riots of Los Angeles and Miami and the New York City electrical blackout of 1977 just to name a few examples. These are thugs and other low life types taking an opportunity to kick their fellow man when the community is down and un-prepared. And they shamefully believe that there was nothing wrong with this. They even believe that they were "owed" the very things that they stole. To me, when I see looting, I see madness and sadness as deep as the deaths that occurred within the same emergency. Not only have people lost lives, but people lost their minds as well.
My career move: I only include this as the worst of 2005 because of the financial mess that has resulted from my quitting my job in 2005. Overall, I am still glad I left.
My sorry ass brother: I'll be nice and not say his name, but family members will know exactly who I am talking about. This brother really showed us just how trifling he really is YET he is too stupid to realize it.
The religious @#$%! : 2005 has proved that the religious community is more hyprocritical than ever. If their really is a god, then please teach these co-called followers to accept ALL of their neighbors.
Politicians: These idiots who run the United States of America would make any worst of list. You name them, Republicans AND Democrats alike. If you have an open mind and think clearly then you would see that neither political party is working in the best interest of anyone.
They are all liars who will say anything to get your vote. And like good little slaves, you follow the "Massa's" orders by only voting for these two political parties.
People, please get off of the Democratic AND Republican political party plantation!
Reality TV: I think this whole genre' has become a cesspool of television confusion. It started with a NON MUSIC show on MUSIC TELEVISION, aka "MTV" way back in the early 1990's. And now includes a so-called talent show and countless shows where you eat anything disgusting, go camping, get locked inside a glass house for a day, wife swapping, or just acting like an ass in front of the cameras. And you gullible couch potatoes are hooked on this mess.
There is not a damn thing "real" about "The Real World", it is nothing but a youthful fashion show. Put a bunch of pretty kids into a circus mansion, let them get naked but you'll blur the screen so that we don't really see them naked BUT you don't blur the screen when one of those brats vomits? You can't show their bare ass but you let us see the disgusting results of their having drank too much booze the night before? And why bleep out the "bad" words? Why waste the time in the editing room. We already know what they are saying.
American Idol: Which is more disgusting? The drunk girl vomiting on "The Real World" or the whole American Idol craze? I think it is a cookie toss up.
Add to the stomach churning ANY washed up or wanabe celebrity who has a TV camera "documenting" their bullshit lives. Paris and Nicole, Bobby and Whitney, Bobby and Whitney (I had to say that twice!), Nick and Jessica (will they merge their show with Divorce Court?), The Osborne circus, Bonaduce, Brady, and Flava Flav!
Actually, that the girl vomiting on camera for The Real World may be more interesting than watching Flava Flav. One can result in the other. Or vise versa.
The best of 2005
Now that we have reached the end of 2005, there will be many "Best of" lists for the year. And I thought that I would do the same. And the list may change before January 1, 2006. So if you read this before then, please check back to see if I have edited or added anything to the list.
The BEST of 2005 (in no specific order)
Actually, I will declare this the best move of 2005, quitting my job! Leaving the madness and disorganization behind. It became a decision between life and work. Work had been physically and mentally draining for me. I was very close to a breakdown and I realized that it was not worth it. I had to get the hell out of what had become an insane workplace before I ended up in an insane asylum. I wanted to actually have time (and sanity) for having a "life" and being able to do things socially. This would not be possible if I had continued with the job that I had. Ironically, as I am editing this, that former employer has announced its closing in early 2006. I guess the insanity has finally caught up with them.
Quitting my job could also be the worst move of 2005 as it did cause a destructive meltdown of my finances. But at least I am happier.
The Return of Piggly Wiggly! Hey, I live in the South! And having a Piggly Wiggly grocery store in your Southern hometown is a birth right. OK not really, but it is just fun saying "Piggly Wiggly".
There are many owners of stores called Piggly Wiggly. The owners of the "local" Piggly Wiggly chain where I live changed the name of their stores in the mid 1990's. And many older Piggly Wiggly stores were closed. Now under new ownership, the crappy stores we knew as "FoodMax" were all changed back to the old Piggly Wiggly name. And the stores actually improved some.
But again, I just like saying Piggly Wiggly.
Friends: I know I have friends and I am lucky. They know who they are and I appreciate all of them. And just before Christmas I made a connection online with an old friend that I had lost contact with at least 15 years ago. And it was great to make that contact and to know that he is doing fine. I hope we will keep in touch.
My family reunion: I was definitely stressed out because of my career change and resulting financial problems. But the family reunion was a great break for me. We traveled to the family home in Alabama and later to a concert at the Alabama Music hall of Fame featuring my father Eddie Floyd. It turned out to be a great weekend getaway.
The inspiration of youth: A group of high school students in Gainesville Georgia started a Gay-Straight Alliance at their High School and faced stiff opposition from their school and their community. But these teens, their family and friends fought against that opposition bringing the discussion of gay issues in school and the small town south to the forefront. One of the teens, Kerry Pacer was declared "Person of The Year" by The Advocate magazine. And her mother is president of the new PFLAG chapter in the area.
The teens from White County GA stood up for themselves. And there are many who are inspired by their courage.
My mother's rest: Although I miss my mother. I am much happier that I don't have to see her suffering again. She is at rest now.
My own personal peace: I have always had this personal turmoil within over anything. But now I really don't care. I accept things as they come and I deal with it. Every year I develop a new level of peace with many issues. And I feel stronger about them.
"Weeds": My brand new favorite TV show! (On Showtime) debued in the summer of 2005 It may only be 30 minutes long, but it is a well written and funny program for those of us with unique senses of humor. I guess you have to have "grown up" in a variety of areas to really understand why I love this show.
The end of "Six Feet Under" & "Queer As Folk": Two TV shows I watched regularly ended their runs in 2005. I loved both of these shows for different reasons. And both shows left as strongly as they came. They stayed on exactly as long as needed to avoid becoming stale. For many of the actors, doing these shows was a bold and courageous move that could haunt them in their career. But they played their roles well. And I wish all of the actors on both shows much success in their future roles. And same for the producers and writers of these programs. Thanks for taking those bold steps! I will be enjoying DVD collections of these TV programs for years to come.
Earth, Wind & Fire: I saw this legendary music group in concert this year. It was just what I needed-to see one of my favorite groups in concert for the first time. And I am a long time fan! I was buying Earth, Wind and Fire record albums 30 years ago with money I earned delivering newspapers and running errands for elderly neighbors but never saw them live. I do own their live albums so I knew they would jam. But this was the greatest concert I have attended! Mostly original and they still got it! And they have a great album this year too!
The BEST of 2005 (in no specific order)
Actually, I will declare this the best move of 2005, quitting my job! Leaving the madness and disorganization behind. It became a decision between life and work. Work had been physically and mentally draining for me. I was very close to a breakdown and I realized that it was not worth it. I had to get the hell out of what had become an insane workplace before I ended up in an insane asylum. I wanted to actually have time (and sanity) for having a "life" and being able to do things socially. This would not be possible if I had continued with the job that I had. Ironically, as I am editing this, that former employer has announced its closing in early 2006. I guess the insanity has finally caught up with them.
Quitting my job could also be the worst move of 2005 as it did cause a destructive meltdown of my finances. But at least I am happier.
The Return of Piggly Wiggly! Hey, I live in the South! And having a Piggly Wiggly grocery store in your Southern hometown is a birth right. OK not really, but it is just fun saying "Piggly Wiggly".
There are many owners of stores called Piggly Wiggly. The owners of the "local" Piggly Wiggly chain where I live changed the name of their stores in the mid 1990's. And many older Piggly Wiggly stores were closed. Now under new ownership, the crappy stores we knew as "FoodMax" were all changed back to the old Piggly Wiggly name. And the stores actually improved some.
But again, I just like saying Piggly Wiggly.
Friends: I know I have friends and I am lucky. They know who they are and I appreciate all of them. And just before Christmas I made a connection online with an old friend that I had lost contact with at least 15 years ago. And it was great to make that contact and to know that he is doing fine. I hope we will keep in touch.
My family reunion: I was definitely stressed out because of my career change and resulting financial problems. But the family reunion was a great break for me. We traveled to the family home in Alabama and later to a concert at the Alabama Music hall of Fame featuring my father Eddie Floyd. It turned out to be a great weekend getaway.
The inspiration of youth: A group of high school students in Gainesville Georgia started a Gay-Straight Alliance at their High School and faced stiff opposition from their school and their community. But these teens, their family and friends fought against that opposition bringing the discussion of gay issues in school and the small town south to the forefront. One of the teens, Kerry Pacer was declared "Person of The Year" by The Advocate magazine. And her mother is president of the new PFLAG chapter in the area.
The teens from White County GA stood up for themselves. And there are many who are inspired by their courage.
My mother's rest: Although I miss my mother. I am much happier that I don't have to see her suffering again. She is at rest now.
My own personal peace: I have always had this personal turmoil within over anything. But now I really don't care. I accept things as they come and I deal with it. Every year I develop a new level of peace with many issues. And I feel stronger about them.
"Weeds": My brand new favorite TV show! (On Showtime) debued in the summer of 2005 It may only be 30 minutes long, but it is a well written and funny program for those of us with unique senses of humor. I guess you have to have "grown up" in a variety of areas to really understand why I love this show.
The end of "Six Feet Under" & "Queer As Folk": Two TV shows I watched regularly ended their runs in 2005. I loved both of these shows for different reasons. And both shows left as strongly as they came. They stayed on exactly as long as needed to avoid becoming stale. For many of the actors, doing these shows was a bold and courageous move that could haunt them in their career. But they played their roles well. And I wish all of the actors on both shows much success in their future roles. And same for the producers and writers of these programs. Thanks for taking those bold steps! I will be enjoying DVD collections of these TV programs for years to come.
Earth, Wind & Fire: I saw this legendary music group in concert this year. It was just what I needed-to see one of my favorite groups in concert for the first time. And I am a long time fan! I was buying Earth, Wind and Fire record albums 30 years ago with money I earned delivering newspapers and running errands for elderly neighbors but never saw them live. I do own their live albums so I knew they would jam. But this was the greatest concert I have attended! Mostly original and they still got it! And they have a great album this year too!
Sunday, December 25, 2005
It was my peace on earth
Twas this night after Christmas and all through this house, not a creature stirred today. I never left the house. No phone calls, no visits, no noise, no food and no traffic trying to get to or from that holiday feast. Just plenty of sleep and hours of watching movies while sitting next to a lit fireplace. The fireplace helps me relax and it made sense to have the fireplace lit today. It was my own personal "yule log". So I wasn't completely "Bah Humbug" after all.
This was a very comfortable and relaxing day. It was my peace on earth and I am satisfied with the Christmas of 2005. I wanted little to do with the holiday and I achieved just that. I did plan on doing some yard work but I learned that most of my world will still be shut down tomorrow (Monday) since Christmas Day 2005 fell on a Sunday. So since I won't be able to conduct most business tomorrow, it will have to be work around the house. Weather permitting of course.
When I wake up in the morning I won't have to listen to any more "holiday" music until October when they begin that three month Christmas fest all over again. YEA!!!
This was a very comfortable and relaxing day. It was my peace on earth and I am satisfied with the Christmas of 2005. I wanted little to do with the holiday and I achieved just that. I did plan on doing some yard work but I learned that most of my world will still be shut down tomorrow (Monday) since Christmas Day 2005 fell on a Sunday. So since I won't be able to conduct most business tomorrow, it will have to be work around the house. Weather permitting of course.
When I wake up in the morning I won't have to listen to any more "holiday" music until October when they begin that three month Christmas fest all over again. YEA!!!
Friday, December 23, 2005
They make us all look bad
Ok, this is where I will rant about something that I feel needs to be said. If you see me or a photo of me after reading my rant you may think that I am a hyprocate. I tell you that is not the case!
Truth is I am just being honest. And I have learned from the actions of others. When I see something that just isn't right then I have to acknowledge it for what it is. It is my policy of brutal honesty or painful truth, for the truth shall set you free. So said the preacher.
Todays rant is long overdue! I'm talking about FAT people. Yes I am fat, but I do care. I have changed habits as I have grown older and I realize the need to make that change and to become more physically fit. And I have learned by the actions of other fat people who do stupid things and in my opinion make all of fat society look bad.
Yes, I deliver pizzas as a part time job. NO I don't eat a pizza every day. But I deliver pizzas to people who really should be ashamed of themselves. FAT people! People who frequently call and order food delivery as if they have a family to feed. A large pizza with everything on it, plus chicken wings, bread sticks and dessert. Enough food to feed several people but when you deliver this order to a house you stand and wait for several minutes while a heavy set woman opens the door, out of breath from lifting her fat ass off the couch and while paying for her order she complains that her 2 liter DIET COKE is not cold.
Yes I said DIET coke!
Why is it that I see so many fat people ordering high calorie meals and over indulging on them and they have the nerve to wash it down with a DIET soda? What's the point? Is that diet soda suppose to reduce the fat content of the food you just ate? So instead of gaining 5 pounds you drink the diet coke and only gain 4 1/2 pounds. Is this the new FAT math?
I have been delivering pizza for a long time. Too long! And I have come to know the type of customer. The obese person who calls with a list of items and specific cooking instructions. "Make sure you don't forget my dipping sauce!" or "make that double pepperoni". And you go to the house thinking there is a family waiting for dinner or the guys are about to watch the game on TV. And what you find is someone who is home alone and should definitely be ordering a salad instead of a deep dish pizza. I see it all the time and it is sad. And knowing how common this is and how bad this looks has taught me to NEVER be caught doing the same behavior.
Another FAT people rant: Fat people in small cars!
There comes a time when saving gas is NOT really important. If you are driving and your butt spills over into the passenger seat, you need a bigger car! I know a 400 pound woman who drives a KIA! The steering wheel in this car is truly her "bosom buddy". If those nipples got hard, she would blow the horn!
I know that was crass but i'm sorry. Her ass is too big for a Kia! With todays gas prices I understand the need to get better gas mileage. But get a bigger car! Something that does not lean to the side when you sit down. I know many fat people with minivans. They can drive them comfortably and have plenty of room for groceries. (Don't try to fool me into thinking that ALL fat people in minivans actually drive kids to soccer practice!)
Again, I am fat! I admit it and fully accept it. And I don't drive a Kia, Colbalt, Cavalier, Escort, Focus, Neon or any other cheap little car. I drive vehicles that don't involve having the steering wheel pressed against my gut. FAT PEOPLE, PLEASE GET OUT OF THOSE TINY CARS!!
And if I have not totally offended someone yet.........
I am so glad it is approaching winter time. It may be too cold for me, but at least I won't have to witness shirtless lard asses mowing their lawn. And I won't have to see fat heffers who think they have an ass like Beyonce's and they could wear the tightest of clothes and the shortest of shorts. Those "Daisy Dukes" become more like "Big Mama Daisy Mae's" and despite whatever these women are trying to believe, it aint pretty!
And one more thing!
It is that time when FAT people think that they are going to get fit in the new year. You count the days until January 1st and you let yourself go until then. It's that "last one before the diet" phase. You eat everything in sight. All of the holiday food favorites and you make that last run to all of your favorite restaurants. Then after the new year fat people begin searching for the GYM or Fitness club. All of which are more than eager to take your FAT money for a membership.
Read this very carefully! The real fit and thin members of the fitness clubs do not want your fat ass in their way. Your diet and weight loss plan will not last long into the new year. So why waste your time and theirs? Why waste the money? Leave the fitness clubs alone. The gym bunnies who are serious about being fit will appreciate it if you stayed away.
I know some fat people who will hate me for this blog. Oh well, they'll eat something and get over it.
Excuse me while I go check on the Ham in the oven.
Truth is I am just being honest. And I have learned from the actions of others. When I see something that just isn't right then I have to acknowledge it for what it is. It is my policy of brutal honesty or painful truth, for the truth shall set you free. So said the preacher.
Todays rant is long overdue! I'm talking about FAT people. Yes I am fat, but I do care. I have changed habits as I have grown older and I realize the need to make that change and to become more physically fit. And I have learned by the actions of other fat people who do stupid things and in my opinion make all of fat society look bad.
Yes, I deliver pizzas as a part time job. NO I don't eat a pizza every day. But I deliver pizzas to people who really should be ashamed of themselves. FAT people! People who frequently call and order food delivery as if they have a family to feed. A large pizza with everything on it, plus chicken wings, bread sticks and dessert. Enough food to feed several people but when you deliver this order to a house you stand and wait for several minutes while a heavy set woman opens the door, out of breath from lifting her fat ass off the couch and while paying for her order she complains that her 2 liter DIET COKE is not cold.
Yes I said DIET coke!
Why is it that I see so many fat people ordering high calorie meals and over indulging on them and they have the nerve to wash it down with a DIET soda? What's the point? Is that diet soda suppose to reduce the fat content of the food you just ate? So instead of gaining 5 pounds you drink the diet coke and only gain 4 1/2 pounds. Is this the new FAT math?
I have been delivering pizza for a long time. Too long! And I have come to know the type of customer. The obese person who calls with a list of items and specific cooking instructions. "Make sure you don't forget my dipping sauce!" or "make that double pepperoni". And you go to the house thinking there is a family waiting for dinner or the guys are about to watch the game on TV. And what you find is someone who is home alone and should definitely be ordering a salad instead of a deep dish pizza. I see it all the time and it is sad. And knowing how common this is and how bad this looks has taught me to NEVER be caught doing the same behavior.
Another FAT people rant: Fat people in small cars!
There comes a time when saving gas is NOT really important. If you are driving and your butt spills over into the passenger seat, you need a bigger car! I know a 400 pound woman who drives a KIA! The steering wheel in this car is truly her "bosom buddy". If those nipples got hard, she would blow the horn!
I know that was crass but i'm sorry. Her ass is too big for a Kia! With todays gas prices I understand the need to get better gas mileage. But get a bigger car! Something that does not lean to the side when you sit down. I know many fat people with minivans. They can drive them comfortably and have plenty of room for groceries. (Don't try to fool me into thinking that ALL fat people in minivans actually drive kids to soccer practice!)
Again, I am fat! I admit it and fully accept it. And I don't drive a Kia, Colbalt, Cavalier, Escort, Focus, Neon or any other cheap little car. I drive vehicles that don't involve having the steering wheel pressed against my gut. FAT PEOPLE, PLEASE GET OUT OF THOSE TINY CARS!!
And if I have not totally offended someone yet.........
I am so glad it is approaching winter time. It may be too cold for me, but at least I won't have to witness shirtless lard asses mowing their lawn. And I won't have to see fat heffers who think they have an ass like Beyonce's and they could wear the tightest of clothes and the shortest of shorts. Those "Daisy Dukes" become more like "Big Mama Daisy Mae's" and despite whatever these women are trying to believe, it aint pretty!
And one more thing!
It is that time when FAT people think that they are going to get fit in the new year. You count the days until January 1st and you let yourself go until then. It's that "last one before the diet" phase. You eat everything in sight. All of the holiday food favorites and you make that last run to all of your favorite restaurants. Then after the new year fat people begin searching for the GYM or Fitness club. All of which are more than eager to take your FAT money for a membership.
Read this very carefully! The real fit and thin members of the fitness clubs do not want your fat ass in their way. Your diet and weight loss plan will not last long into the new year. So why waste your time and theirs? Why waste the money? Leave the fitness clubs alone. The gym bunnies who are serious about being fit will appreciate it if you stayed away.
I know some fat people who will hate me for this blog. Oh well, they'll eat something and get over it.
Excuse me while I go check on the Ham in the oven.
Hoe Hoe Hoe
This is about as much Christmas as you are going to get out of me!I do wish those who celebrate well. No need to call! My phone will be OFF for the holiday and I'll do something creative like getting off of my fat ass and doing some overdue yard work.
For me, it will be Hoe Hoe Hoe while the rest of you eat too much and open your materialistic gifts of this season. Have your fun, to each his own.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
In Memory of Shealy
Today would have been the 90th birthday of Mr. John S. Pettis, the man who was married to my late grandmother for 62 years until his passing in 1998.
He was not my biological grandfather but he was the ONLY grandfather that I knew. He treated us with the same kindless (and meanness when necessary) as anyone would do for their family. My grandparents together did so much for so many. And I pay my respects to the man who everyone called "Shealy". My Grandfather Mr John Shealy Pettis 12/21/1915-10/3/1998
He was not my biological grandfather but he was the ONLY grandfather that I knew. He treated us with the same kindless (and meanness when necessary) as anyone would do for their family. My grandparents together did so much for so many. And I pay my respects to the man who everyone called "Shealy". My Grandfather Mr John Shealy Pettis 12/21/1915-10/3/1998
Old Friends
Thanks to the internet, I have made a connection with an old friend from school.
Many years ago, I signed up on CLASSMATES.com and I put all of my schools just out of curiousity about old classmates. I had few friends in school. I many schools I had NO friends and no real reason to look up former classmates. There are many familiar names that I could not put a face to. But I left my profile on Classmates.com and mostly forgot about it.
But today I got an e-mail from one of those former Classmates. And this was a friend both in and out of school. We even kept in touch after I turned 18 and moved to another state but lost contact by the time I was 21.
That happens, people lose contact and move on with their lives. Now, some 18 years later I hear from that friend and learn that he is doing well and now lives across the country.
Hearing from that old friend has truly made my day!
Best wishes to that old friend! And thanks again to the classmates.com member who made this contact possible!
Many years ago, I signed up on CLASSMATES.com and I put all of my schools just out of curiousity about old classmates. I had few friends in school. I many schools I had NO friends and no real reason to look up former classmates. There are many familiar names that I could not put a face to. But I left my profile on Classmates.com and mostly forgot about it.
But today I got an e-mail from one of those former Classmates. And this was a friend both in and out of school. We even kept in touch after I turned 18 and moved to another state but lost contact by the time I was 21.
That happens, people lose contact and move on with their lives. Now, some 18 years later I hear from that friend and learn that he is doing well and now lives across the country.
Hearing from that old friend has truly made my day!
Best wishes to that old friend! And thanks again to the classmates.com member who made this contact possible!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays or whatever
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or Bah Humbug!
What shall it be?
Folks, I have to tell you that this is not really my favorate time of year. And in 2005 I have even more reasons why.
Currently, there is a debate over whether or not people are taking "Christ" out of Christmas. The main focus of this debate is when people say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". Christians get upset when people say "Happy Holidays. And non-christians feel left out when the focus is exclusively toward Christmas.
I personally think there is nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays" to a total stranger whose religious faith is unknown to me. It is also none of my business in regarding anyones faith or religious beliefs. I think it is rude to assume that someone is celebrating Christmas, Hannukah or whatever they choose in the month of December. To me, "Happy Holidays" isnt exactly a bad thing to say as it covers everything. If I offend someone whether or not I say "Merry Christmas", then maybe it is safer to not say nothing at all. Or can I say Bah Humbug? Thats where I am leaning.
I do have a problem with businesses suddenly calling Christmas Trees "holiday trees" when they have them for sale. For years, people have profited from selling "Christmas Trees", so why change the name just to please a few who may not celebrate Christmas. I also have a problem with so-called "holiday sales" when businesses know damn well that they are selling for the CHRISTMAS holiday. Because the Christmas holiday is the most commercialized holiday of the year. Even becoming more commercialized every year with the sales and the mad rush to the malls.
One HOLIDAY gripe that I have personally is when radio stations start playing "Christmas" music before Thanksgiving. This has become a popular trend around the United States. Radio stations around the country beging their "holiday programing" sometimes well over a month before Christmas Day. For someone like me who does not care for most "holiday music" this type of programing becomes tiresome before Thanksgiving. I don't want to hear another damn Christmas song at this point and I am typing this on December 5th!
There is one reason why radio stations do this, for ratings and commercial appeal. This is the perfect chance for retailers to advertise and many of the retailers are playing these holiday Christmas music stations on radios on their sales floor. All to get people into the shopping spirit. Only problem now is that it starts earlier and earlier every year. Some radio stations started right after Halloween. Thanksgiving has become nothing more than a day off to eat too much food and plan ones stragegy for shopping the next morning.
This is just too much BS, so I think I'll sit this holiday out. (Excuse me, Christmas)
Oh hell, I'll go ahead and say it......BAH HUMBUG!!
Whew!
Bartender, I'll take that egg nog STRONG please.
What shall it be?
Folks, I have to tell you that this is not really my favorate time of year. And in 2005 I have even more reasons why.
Currently, there is a debate over whether or not people are taking "Christ" out of Christmas. The main focus of this debate is when people say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". Christians get upset when people say "Happy Holidays. And non-christians feel left out when the focus is exclusively toward Christmas.
I personally think there is nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays" to a total stranger whose religious faith is unknown to me. It is also none of my business in regarding anyones faith or religious beliefs. I think it is rude to assume that someone is celebrating Christmas, Hannukah or whatever they choose in the month of December. To me, "Happy Holidays" isnt exactly a bad thing to say as it covers everything. If I offend someone whether or not I say "Merry Christmas", then maybe it is safer to not say nothing at all. Or can I say Bah Humbug? Thats where I am leaning.
I do have a problem with businesses suddenly calling Christmas Trees "holiday trees" when they have them for sale. For years, people have profited from selling "Christmas Trees", so why change the name just to please a few who may not celebrate Christmas. I also have a problem with so-called "holiday sales" when businesses know damn well that they are selling for the CHRISTMAS holiday. Because the Christmas holiday is the most commercialized holiday of the year. Even becoming more commercialized every year with the sales and the mad rush to the malls.
One HOLIDAY gripe that I have personally is when radio stations start playing "Christmas" music before Thanksgiving. This has become a popular trend around the United States. Radio stations around the country beging their "holiday programing" sometimes well over a month before Christmas Day. For someone like me who does not care for most "holiday music" this type of programing becomes tiresome before Thanksgiving. I don't want to hear another damn Christmas song at this point and I am typing this on December 5th!
There is one reason why radio stations do this, for ratings and commercial appeal. This is the perfect chance for retailers to advertise and many of the retailers are playing these holiday Christmas music stations on radios on their sales floor. All to get people into the shopping spirit. Only problem now is that it starts earlier and earlier every year. Some radio stations started right after Halloween. Thanksgiving has become nothing more than a day off to eat too much food and plan ones stragegy for shopping the next morning.
This is just too much BS, so I think I'll sit this holiday out. (Excuse me, Christmas)
Oh hell, I'll go ahead and say it......BAH HUMBUG!!
Whew!
Bartender, I'll take that egg nog STRONG please.
I'm still here, but a little lazy.
I have had lots to say but I have been too lazy to say it. I dont want anyone to think that I have lost intrest in making this blog interesting. But I have to honestly tell everyone that I have been in a bit of a fog over the past few weeks.
A few of the things that I could have posted blogs about were the passing of Richard Pryor or my recently going to see Earth, Wind and Fire in concert.
I should have told you about my nice Thanksgiving Day and express my thanks for the friends who invited me over for dinner.
Or I could have talked about this debate over whether someone should say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" and I sware I am so sick of this debate. I just wish people would get over it.
I could talk about the American Family Association of Mississippi but I would much rather stay in a good mood today. Same for Dr. James Dobson and his "focus on the family" bullshit association.
Oops, I forgot I was supposed to be in a good mood today, so no cursing.
This is one of those rainy Sundays where I am perfectly happy staying inside and secluded from the craziness of the outside world. Put on some Johnnie Taylor and mix in some John Coltrane and Miles Davis and follow that with some Phyllis Hyman. My old school blues, Jazz and smooth R&B music to block out the holiday (excuse me, Christmas) season and just relax.
My ass is tired and this season is really dragging.
A few of the things that I could have posted blogs about were the passing of Richard Pryor or my recently going to see Earth, Wind and Fire in concert.
I should have told you about my nice Thanksgiving Day and express my thanks for the friends who invited me over for dinner.
Or I could have talked about this debate over whether someone should say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" and I sware I am so sick of this debate. I just wish people would get over it.
I could talk about the American Family Association of Mississippi but I would much rather stay in a good mood today. Same for Dr. James Dobson and his "focus on the family" bullshit association.
Oops, I forgot I was supposed to be in a good mood today, so no cursing.
This is one of those rainy Sundays where I am perfectly happy staying inside and secluded from the craziness of the outside world. Put on some Johnnie Taylor and mix in some John Coltrane and Miles Davis and follow that with some Phyllis Hyman. My old school blues, Jazz and smooth R&B music to block out the holiday (excuse me, Christmas) season and just relax.
My ass is tired and this season is really dragging.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Being Thankful (Wednesday)
I am VERY VERY thankful for the invention of the DVR (Digital Video Recorder)!
Depending on how you have it, it could be a "TIVO". But many have "DVR" machines that work with their TV service provider. Mine is with Dish Network Satalite. And I love this thing! I can record up to 100 hours of television and it is stored on a hard drive. The programing is easy to access, just highlight the program name and press select.
It was only 30 years ago that someone invented the VCR which was then called the VTR (Video TAPE Recorder). And by the 1980's, the whole idea of having to be at home to watch your favorate TV program became extinct. If you knew how to program the machine, you could watch television on YOUR schedule. Thanks to the DVR I can watch TV on my schedule AND never again have to worry about fuzzy tapes, video tapes eaten up by the VCR or mechanical problems. I don't even have to worry about power outages deleting the programs that I have already scheduled to record. The old VCR always had to be re-programmed.
Come to think of it, I am also thankful for my Satalite TV. Hundreds of channels! And I subscribe to nearly all of them! Back when the first VCR machines went on sale 30 years ago, most of us only had an average of THREE TV channels to choose from. If you had cable TV back then, your choices were an average of 20 channels. Now even with cable tv you have hundreds of options. We have come a long way!! And couch potatoes around the world are thankful!
Depending on how you have it, it could be a "TIVO". But many have "DVR" machines that work with their TV service provider. Mine is with Dish Network Satalite. And I love this thing! I can record up to 100 hours of television and it is stored on a hard drive. The programing is easy to access, just highlight the program name and press select.
It was only 30 years ago that someone invented the VCR which was then called the VTR (Video TAPE Recorder). And by the 1980's, the whole idea of having to be at home to watch your favorate TV program became extinct. If you knew how to program the machine, you could watch television on YOUR schedule. Thanks to the DVR I can watch TV on my schedule AND never again have to worry about fuzzy tapes, video tapes eaten up by the VCR or mechanical problems. I don't even have to worry about power outages deleting the programs that I have already scheduled to record. The old VCR always had to be re-programmed.
Come to think of it, I am also thankful for my Satalite TV. Hundreds of channels! And I subscribe to nearly all of them! Back when the first VCR machines went on sale 30 years ago, most of us only had an average of THREE TV channels to choose from. If you had cable TV back then, your choices were an average of 20 channels. Now even with cable tv you have hundreds of options. We have come a long way!! And couch potatoes around the world are thankful!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Being Thankful (Tuesday)
With this being my mother's birthday, needless to say that I am very thankful for my mother. Even now that she is gone I remain thankful.
There is the obious reason. If not for her I would not be here.
I am thankful for all of her intentions. Her intentions were good and she did her best. We struggled as a family but we learned to appreciate what we had. And we managed to enjoy life while finding a way out of a struggle.
When we could not afford to buy food, we had fun fishing trips. When our living conditions were less than desirable, we had picnics in the park.
Our mother showed us a positive out of any negative situation. And I will always be thankful for that.
There is the obious reason. If not for her I would not be here.
I am thankful for all of her intentions. Her intentions were good and she did her best. We struggled as a family but we learned to appreciate what we had. And we managed to enjoy life while finding a way out of a struggle.
When we could not afford to buy food, we had fun fishing trips. When our living conditions were less than desirable, we had picnics in the park.
Our mother showed us a positive out of any negative situation. And I will always be thankful for that.
Happy Birthday to my Mother
Today would have been my mother's 70th birthday. She was born in Chappells, South Carolina on November 22, 1935. Raised in South Carolina by an Aunt while her mother married and moved to Charlotte, NC and later New York for a better life than what was available for Blacks in the south. My mother would move to New York in the 1950's to attend High School. She was a graduate of Flushing High School in 1953.My mother then entered the WAC (Women's Army Corps) and was stationed at Army bases in Petersburg, VA and Ft. McClellan Alabama. She settled in Washington DC where she worked as a secretary working for a government agency. She met my father in Washington, married and moved to Memphis, TN where he was based as a singer and songwriter at STAX records.
I was born in Memphis, TN during that time. And by the early 1970's my mother moved us to Southern Florida where my sister was born. During our childhood, our mother worked a variety of jobs. Mostly as a cashier or bank teller, with additional jobs to supplement our household income. She moved our family to New York in late 1979 to assist our grandmother who was having medical problems at the time. Our grandmother recovered but family finances would not allow us to return to South Florida as we wished until 1986. By then my mother would have serious medical problems of her own. However she continued to work as hard as she could but developed diabetes and suffered a stroke in the late 1990's. By 2001 she had to be placed into full-time nursing care. She passed away this past April.
So on this first birthday after her passing, I tell you that I am always thankful for my mother. I am thankful for the respect and dignity that she has instilled in both me and my sister. And for raising us to have an open mind, to respect others for their character and not their background. To seek and enjoy a very diverse arena of life. From entertainment, to literature to travel. She encouraged us to enjoy the best that life has to offer and to break down the barriers, to accept no excuses and to never believe in the word NO.
She wanted to give us a good life and did the best that she could to provide that for us. And my sister and I are all the better for it. And most importantly. Our mother raised TWO children who NEVER caused or got into any trouble of any kind and often under the worst conditions.
I am thankful for my mother and as an old favorate song by The Intruders says it best....
"I'll Always love my mama! She is my favorate girl."
Monday, November 21, 2005
Being thankful (Monday)
This has been a rough year for me, but I am thankful for a few things. I am thankful for the lessons that I have learned in life. Those lessons have made me much stronger than most when stressful situations arise. Those lessons created a very low tolerence for stupidity and the people who display it. And life's lessons have enhanced my level of honesty and intregrity. And that is always a great thing.
Of course I would be more thankful if I didn't have to learn those lessons the hard way.ven me
Of course I would be more thankful if I didn't have to learn those lessons the hard way.ven me
Should you get your Honey where you make your MONEY?
This is a tough one. I have a policy of being very careful, but I wonder if I will ever break that policy for the right person. Hmmm....
Anyway, here is the policy and my opinion on it.
Love in workplace. It happens all of the time and in all kinds of work environments. But it is very risky. There is the very high risk of relationship drama entering the workplace. There is the possibility of distracting a worker from their responsibility. And it gives material to those who love to gossip. And we all know there is always gossip in the workplace.
I respect that people are human and when attrracted to other humans many are inclined to act on that attraction. But in the workplace, this could become a problem especially if either of the people within that "attraction" are involved in other relationships. Things can and usually do get very ugly very fast.
I must say that I too have felt some attraction to someone within the workplace. Thank god I have never shared those thoughts with anyone no matter how I wished something could happen. It just was not a good idea to even consider the possibilities with anyone. But I thought that I could quit a job for the right co-worker if they were willing to get involved with me. Hmmmmm.
(Slaps some common sense into me) I think I'll keep those thoughts to myself. I need this job more than I need to become a target of gossip. But if I find another job, all bets may be off!
I tend to mind my own business. And I will always strive to maintain that policy. So when co-workers get romantically involved, I look the other way and wish them well. It is none of my business. But if I enjoy working with either of the people involved I always hope that they will come to their senses and avoid a potential disaster. Or I at least keep my fingers crossed hoping that the relationship doesn't go sour and their personal relationship problems spill over into the workplace. Which is more likely to happen.
I don't need any drama in my life, which may be the main reason why I am and have always been single. And I prefer to not have anyone else's drama surrounding me at work.
Anyway, here is the policy and my opinion on it.
Love in workplace. It happens all of the time and in all kinds of work environments. But it is very risky. There is the very high risk of relationship drama entering the workplace. There is the possibility of distracting a worker from their responsibility. And it gives material to those who love to gossip. And we all know there is always gossip in the workplace.
I respect that people are human and when attrracted to other humans many are inclined to act on that attraction. But in the workplace, this could become a problem especially if either of the people within that "attraction" are involved in other relationships. Things can and usually do get very ugly very fast.
I must say that I too have felt some attraction to someone within the workplace. Thank god I have never shared those thoughts with anyone no matter how I wished something could happen. It just was not a good idea to even consider the possibilities with anyone. But I thought that I could quit a job for the right co-worker if they were willing to get involved with me. Hmmmmm.
(Slaps some common sense into me) I think I'll keep those thoughts to myself. I need this job more than I need to become a target of gossip. But if I find another job, all bets may be off!
I tend to mind my own business. And I will always strive to maintain that policy. So when co-workers get romantically involved, I look the other way and wish them well. It is none of my business. But if I enjoy working with either of the people involved I always hope that they will come to their senses and avoid a potential disaster. Or I at least keep my fingers crossed hoping that the relationship doesn't go sour and their personal relationship problems spill over into the workplace. Which is more likely to happen.
I don't need any drama in my life, which may be the main reason why I am and have always been single. And I prefer to not have anyone else's drama surrounding me at work.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
It is too early!
Every year I say this, but now I have a blog to document it.
IT IS TOO EARLY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!!
The Christmas holiday is so commercialized that it makes me sick!
Long before I can enjoy the thanksgiving dinner I usually have Christmas up to my ears! And one of my biggest complaints about the overdose of Christmas is when local radio stations start playing holiday music exclusively for well over a month BEFORE the holiday. Some stations around the US started at Halloween! So that is TWO months of Christmas music. It it too damn early for that! So far, only one local radio station where I live has started their non-stop holiday programing. 35 days before Christmas! There will surely be more stations to go to a holiday music marathon in the coming weeks.
And there are many people who are making early holiday profits for the power companies. Christmas lights went up all over town the first week of November. If I even consider christmas decorations of any kind, it would not be until AFTER Thanksgiving, which is supposed to be the kickoff for the Christmas Holiday. Now that "kickoff" has been pushed back to Halloween, with Thankgiving just another day off from work to eat too much while watching football.
I don't want to damper anyones holiday spirit, but Christmas is in December NOT November!
IT IS TOO EARLY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!!
The Christmas holiday is so commercialized that it makes me sick!
Long before I can enjoy the thanksgiving dinner I usually have Christmas up to my ears! And one of my biggest complaints about the overdose of Christmas is when local radio stations start playing holiday music exclusively for well over a month BEFORE the holiday. Some stations around the US started at Halloween! So that is TWO months of Christmas music. It it too damn early for that! So far, only one local radio station where I live has started their non-stop holiday programing. 35 days before Christmas! There will surely be more stations to go to a holiday music marathon in the coming weeks.
And there are many people who are making early holiday profits for the power companies. Christmas lights went up all over town the first week of November. If I even consider christmas decorations of any kind, it would not be until AFTER Thanksgiving, which is supposed to be the kickoff for the Christmas Holiday. Now that "kickoff" has been pushed back to Halloween, with Thankgiving just another day off from work to eat too much while watching football.
I don't want to damper anyones holiday spirit, but Christmas is in December NOT November!
Thanksgiving week 2005
Thanksgiving is coming this week. And I have been invited to have Thanksgiving dinner with friends. And I am going. I really wanted to just spend the day in seclusion as I have for most Thanksgivng holidays for over a decade. But honestly I really should get into the holiday spirit once again. It sounds like a much better attitude to have than just staying home alone. Life is too short and I have experienced both setbacks and loss this year. So I am going to look forward to getting out for the holiday. I say thank you to those friends who have invited me to share the holiday with them.
2005 has not been a very good year for me. Spending Thanksgivng day with friends will be a great thing. At least I won't have to worry about the travel and traffic I would have faced if I were going to spend the holiday with relatives. I have no family locally.
I am going to think of all of the positive things that I am thankful for during this week of giving thanks. And I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving holiday!
2005 has not been a very good year for me. Spending Thanksgivng day with friends will be a great thing. At least I won't have to worry about the travel and traffic I would have faced if I were going to spend the holiday with relatives. I have no family locally.
I am going to think of all of the positive things that I am thankful for during this week of giving thanks. And I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving holiday!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
The Bastards of the Church
When my sister was little she had a problem pronouncing the word “Baptist”. When she would mean to say “Baptist” she would actually say “Bastard”. I first discovered this when she was about three or four years old and she proudly told a group of guests in our home that she went to Sunday School at “The First Bastard Church”. What did not help that situation three decades ago was the fact that we were a single parent household. Our parents separated before my sister was born.
For years, we joked about my sister’s speech impediment. Only now that I know the behavior of many Baptists as an adult, I wonder if my sister had a vision.
I was born a Baptist (not a Bastard). I am not happy with the behavior of the Baptists. I really get sick of people who use their faith in a way that discriminates against any individual. Whether it is based on race, other religion or sexuality.
This week, the Georgia Baptist Convention voted to cut their ties to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia because of a Gay-Straight Student Group that met on campus. The group offered a safe and friendly group of their peers in a spirit of acceptance. They were not harming anyone. But Baptist extremists are so worried about the student group “promoting” immoral behavior, they choose to punish the entire school by cutting ties to the university. By punishing the entire school, this may include full Baptist scholarships for many students who had NOTHING to do with the Gay-Straight student group on campus. (NEWS ARTICLE)
The “final straw” for the Georgia Baptist Convention was when the Gay-Straight Alliance group of students held an event for “National Coming Out Day”. October 11th of every year is a designated day of “coming out” for gays and lesbians. And events are held around the country where people can meet others who share the same sexual orientation in a safe and welcoming environment. It is because of the blatant hatred for gays and lesbians that some people need to have these events. Many of these people face rejection on a daily basis. So having a group of your peers can be a great comfort to someone who feels alone and hated for nothing more than who they happen to be if that person happens to be gay or lesbian. But really, the very existence of gays and lesbians at the school offends the Baptists.
Sadly because of the “controversy” made public by the Georgia Baptist Convention, that student group formerly known as the "Mercer Triangle Symposium" on the campus of Mercer University has disbanded. Now there is no safe and friendly support on campus and little else to offer in town. There will be some students who will feel lonely and rejected simply because of who they are if they happen to be gay or lesbian. I want to applaud the people who were part of the Mercer Triangle Symposium over its three year existance for their great efforts. Having met some of the students, I know these were great people and that open minded christians could clearly see were an asset to the community, not the threat percieved by the Baptists and other people who call themselves christians.
Mercer University was founded by the Baptists and the school has been accused of straying away from the religious faith in which it was founded. So I must say that it is the Georgia Baptist Convention’s prerogative to support or not support the school based on their beliefs. But if you want to punish the school because of a small gay organization, then why not punish schools because some of their students drink alcohol, or have sex before marriage, or who cheat on their relationships?
I could go on with many issues in relation to this, but I’ll save it for future posts. But while I think I can get away with saying it, I’ll just use my sister’s mis pronunciation of the word by saying that there are a lot of hypocritical bastards within the Baptist church.
(Yeah, I’m saying it!)
For years, we joked about my sister’s speech impediment. Only now that I know the behavior of many Baptists as an adult, I wonder if my sister had a vision.
I was born a Baptist (not a Bastard). I am not happy with the behavior of the Baptists. I really get sick of people who use their faith in a way that discriminates against any individual. Whether it is based on race, other religion or sexuality.
This week, the Georgia Baptist Convention voted to cut their ties to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia because of a Gay-Straight Student Group that met on campus. The group offered a safe and friendly group of their peers in a spirit of acceptance. They were not harming anyone. But Baptist extremists are so worried about the student group “promoting” immoral behavior, they choose to punish the entire school by cutting ties to the university. By punishing the entire school, this may include full Baptist scholarships for many students who had NOTHING to do with the Gay-Straight student group on campus. (NEWS ARTICLE)
The “final straw” for the Georgia Baptist Convention was when the Gay-Straight Alliance group of students held an event for “National Coming Out Day”. October 11th of every year is a designated day of “coming out” for gays and lesbians. And events are held around the country where people can meet others who share the same sexual orientation in a safe and welcoming environment. It is because of the blatant hatred for gays and lesbians that some people need to have these events. Many of these people face rejection on a daily basis. So having a group of your peers can be a great comfort to someone who feels alone and hated for nothing more than who they happen to be if that person happens to be gay or lesbian. But really, the very existence of gays and lesbians at the school offends the Baptists.
Sadly because of the “controversy” made public by the Georgia Baptist Convention, that student group formerly known as the "Mercer Triangle Symposium" on the campus of Mercer University has disbanded. Now there is no safe and friendly support on campus and little else to offer in town. There will be some students who will feel lonely and rejected simply because of who they are if they happen to be gay or lesbian. I want to applaud the people who were part of the Mercer Triangle Symposium over its three year existance for their great efforts. Having met some of the students, I know these were great people and that open minded christians could clearly see were an asset to the community, not the threat percieved by the Baptists and other people who call themselves christians.
Mercer University was founded by the Baptists and the school has been accused of straying away from the religious faith in which it was founded. So I must say that it is the Georgia Baptist Convention’s prerogative to support or not support the school based on their beliefs. But if you want to punish the school because of a small gay organization, then why not punish schools because some of their students drink alcohol, or have sex before marriage, or who cheat on their relationships?
I could go on with many issues in relation to this, but I’ll save it for future posts. But while I think I can get away with saying it, I’ll just use my sister’s mis pronunciation of the word by saying that there are a lot of hypocritical bastards within the Baptist church.
(Yeah, I’m saying it!)
I can always do better.
I grew up mostly in a single parent home. My parents separated around the time that my sister was born. My mother never remarried. We struggled for much of that time and dealt with the loss of a house and two apartment evictions during my childhood.
When I was in high school we eventually were without a home of our own. We spent a year moving from one friend's home to another and at one point, my mother tried to get us into a homeless shelter. And I have to tell you that was the most humilating experience of my teenage years. I am so glad that we failed to get into any shelter. I would eventually live with my Aunt and my mother and sister moved back in with my grandparents. Family tensions had prevented us from living with them in the past and those tensions made living with them quite stressful for everyone involved.
There were also times when our family was on welfare and getting food stamps. That was also an experience that I am not very fond of. Dealing with government services was and still is a hassle. You approach these agencies and are treated like a low life piece of crap. And I will tell you that most of the people seeking services from these agencies ARE low life pieces of crap. But many people are just down on their luck. Some have given up on life and some are just lazy.
The experiences I've had growing up have taught me that I could do better. I felt so low of my life at that time that I decided that I would set a higher standard for myself. And at that point I became a workaholic. Whatever it took, I had to step up to the plate. It did not matter what kind of job I had to get as long as it was legal and offered a paycheck. So for 20 years I have worked more than one job at the same time.
I have proven my abilities well enough that in 20 years I have had only 2 major employers. And I managed to earn a good income. But I got tired of having to answer to STUPID bosses. I knew that I could do better than what I was doing so in early 2005 after 11 years with my last employer I quit my job.
Today I am developing a service business. I perform a service for several companies as an independent contractor AND I work an evening job AND I work a weekly job one day per week. Eventually I will be completely my own boss. It has been a long haul and it will continue to be. But I refuse to give up or slow down.
It is because of my life experience that I work so much. My only problem is that I worked so much that I haven't gone to college yet. I kept promising myself that I would go to college by a certain date or age. First it was age 21, then it was 25, then it was age 30. But by age 30 I had some personal issues to deal with that would have made going to school a waste of money.
Well I have dealt with those personal issues and my sister and I dealt with the severe health problems of both our mother and grandmother. They are both gone now and I need to move forward. I need to step up to the plate again and work for the home run. Actually I need to make it a grand-slam home run. I may be old enough to have a kid in college now but I plan to be attending a college soon. No more promises. It's time for "a little less conversation and a little more action". (I like that song by Elvis Presley.)
A college degree will enhance my income and business abilities. Not to mention a whole lot more respect, dignity and pride in myself. That for me is more valuable than money. (well maybe)
I say all of this only to remind myself that I need to get off of my ass and do something. Anything. And I hope others will read this, take a look at their life and situation and get up off of their asses and do something.
I am not where I wanted to be at this point in my life. And there are people half my age that are twice as far ahead of me. And I must catch up. No excuses! I HAVE to catch up.
When I was in high school we eventually were without a home of our own. We spent a year moving from one friend's home to another and at one point, my mother tried to get us into a homeless shelter. And I have to tell you that was the most humilating experience of my teenage years. I am so glad that we failed to get into any shelter. I would eventually live with my Aunt and my mother and sister moved back in with my grandparents. Family tensions had prevented us from living with them in the past and those tensions made living with them quite stressful for everyone involved.
There were also times when our family was on welfare and getting food stamps. That was also an experience that I am not very fond of. Dealing with government services was and still is a hassle. You approach these agencies and are treated like a low life piece of crap. And I will tell you that most of the people seeking services from these agencies ARE low life pieces of crap. But many people are just down on their luck. Some have given up on life and some are just lazy.
The experiences I've had growing up have taught me that I could do better. I felt so low of my life at that time that I decided that I would set a higher standard for myself. And at that point I became a workaholic. Whatever it took, I had to step up to the plate. It did not matter what kind of job I had to get as long as it was legal and offered a paycheck. So for 20 years I have worked more than one job at the same time.
I have proven my abilities well enough that in 20 years I have had only 2 major employers. And I managed to earn a good income. But I got tired of having to answer to STUPID bosses. I knew that I could do better than what I was doing so in early 2005 after 11 years with my last employer I quit my job.
Today I am developing a service business. I perform a service for several companies as an independent contractor AND I work an evening job AND I work a weekly job one day per week. Eventually I will be completely my own boss. It has been a long haul and it will continue to be. But I refuse to give up or slow down.
It is because of my life experience that I work so much. My only problem is that I worked so much that I haven't gone to college yet. I kept promising myself that I would go to college by a certain date or age. First it was age 21, then it was 25, then it was age 30. But by age 30 I had some personal issues to deal with that would have made going to school a waste of money.
Well I have dealt with those personal issues and my sister and I dealt with the severe health problems of both our mother and grandmother. They are both gone now and I need to move forward. I need to step up to the plate again and work for the home run. Actually I need to make it a grand-slam home run. I may be old enough to have a kid in college now but I plan to be attending a college soon. No more promises. It's time for "a little less conversation and a little more action". (I like that song by Elvis Presley.)
A college degree will enhance my income and business abilities. Not to mention a whole lot more respect, dignity and pride in myself. That for me is more valuable than money. (well maybe)
I say all of this only to remind myself that I need to get off of my ass and do something. Anything. And I hope others will read this, take a look at their life and situation and get up off of their asses and do something.
I am not where I wanted to be at this point in my life. And there are people half my age that are twice as far ahead of me. And I must catch up. No excuses! I HAVE to catch up.
I only lost a dollar.
Well as expected I woke up today a dollar poorer than I was yesterday. And a total stranger somewhere is now a millionaire. I bought that lottery ticket last night around 10pm. Only spent a dollar as I said in the previous post. I just could not bear losing too much money for a lottery.
Not a single number on my ticket was drawn. The winning Mega Millions lottery ticket was sold in California. There was a single winning ticket worth around 315 million dollars.
I am really dissapointed is that I had a prepared "lottery winning" speech that I won't get to read. And it was a really great speech. Now I will file that speech for possible release in the future.
Oh well, I only lost a dollar. No pack of chewing gum for me this week.
Not a single number on my ticket was drawn. The winning Mega Millions lottery ticket was sold in California. There was a single winning ticket worth around 315 million dollars.
I am really dissapointed is that I had a prepared "lottery winning" speech that I won't get to read. And it was a really great speech. Now I will file that speech for possible release in the future.
Oh well, I only lost a dollar. No pack of chewing gum for me this week.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Thinking about buying a lottery ticket.
I have issues with playing the lottery. I just don't see the sense in throwing money away on a risk. Actually I have many reasons against the lottery but that's for another day. Because today the Mega Millions jackpot is over 300 million dollars. So I am thinking of making an exception to my rule of never playing the lottery. If I would ever buy a lottery ticket, this may be the perfect time to buy ONE! Only ONE DOLLAR, never more than a dollar!
I even have my speech prepared just in case I win the lottery and I have to do one of those press conferences when they present the winner with that big cardboard check.
I'll share with you the first sentence of my prepared speech in case I win the lottery. Here it is....
"The following people can kiss my........"
(I'll share the rest of my LONG prepared speech AFTER I win the lottery.)
I even have my speech prepared just in case I win the lottery and I have to do one of those press conferences when they present the winner with that big cardboard check.
I'll share with you the first sentence of my prepared speech in case I win the lottery. Here it is....
"The following people can kiss my........"
(I'll share the rest of my LONG prepared speech AFTER I win the lottery.)
Driver Alert: YUGO sighting!!
When I saw this car in a parking lot I just had to take a photo. A real YUGO!
Wow! What a flashback! IN 1986 this foreign lawn mower that allegedly seated four was introduced to the US with great fanfare. It's sticker price was lower than that of a used car back then. It sold for $2,000 brand new compared to a $6,000 Chevy Chevette or Ford Escort without a radio or Air Conditioning.
With this "car" you could go from 0-35mph in 20 minutes depending on the wind (but don't drive uphill) Gas mileage was really cheap with this car. You only needed enough gas to drive back to the mechanic. And there were dealerships everywhere. Once respectful Ford, Chevy or Chrysler dealerships developed "import divisions" in order to sell these little gems. And later you could get one of these at your local bicycle shop, burger stand or hair salon. It got to a point when anyone could get a YUGO franchise .
By the year 1990 Yugo cars went the way of the Betamax. And I am sure that the nerd that drove this car to work has a few Betamax machines at home, still connected to a 12 inch black and white TV.
I wonder if I could sell him my old 8-track tape deck?
Monday, November 14, 2005
STOP! Please?
I am getting some feedback about my new blog. And I want to thank everyone for taking a look.
I was succesful in doing work on my brakes earlier this evening. I drove a few miles to get some chinese food take out and the car stops very nicely. No squealing! This really is a temporary fix as I need to get the rear brakes done as well. For that I will have to take the car to a mechanic. The front disc brakes were easy to work on, but I cannot and won't even attempt to work on the rear drum brakes which are also the parking brakes on this car. They are starting to get a little weak. Good thing I live on a flat street and don't have to worry about the car rolling downhill.
The chinese food that I ate this evening was horrible. We have many chinese food restaurants to choose from in this town and I normally go to three of them. Tonight I went to the newest of the three. And the food is usualy good. Tonight I just regret spending my money.
Two types of food in my area that just isn't as good as they are back home are Chinese and BBQ. More often than not I find myself disappointed.
I was succesful in doing work on my brakes earlier this evening. I drove a few miles to get some chinese food take out and the car stops very nicely. No squealing! This really is a temporary fix as I need to get the rear brakes done as well. For that I will have to take the car to a mechanic. The front disc brakes were easy to work on, but I cannot and won't even attempt to work on the rear drum brakes which are also the parking brakes on this car. They are starting to get a little weak. Good thing I live on a flat street and don't have to worry about the car rolling downhill.
The chinese food that I ate this evening was horrible. We have many chinese food restaurants to choose from in this town and I normally go to three of them. Tonight I went to the newest of the three. And the food is usualy good. Tonight I just regret spending my money.
Two types of food in my area that just isn't as good as they are back home are Chinese and BBQ. More often than not I find myself disappointed.
Mr.Goodwrench
This afternoon I am about to change the front brake pads on one of my cars. This particular car has had to be repaired several times in recent weeks. I use this car for business and for a part time job of delivering pizzas. And surprisingly enough, it does run good for a 9 year old car that has seen over 60,000 miles in only ONE YEAR!
Of course all of that driving takes a heavy toll. I had to replace the alternator last week ($140). The radiator cooling fan last month ($50 replacement part from a local junk yard) and now the front brakes were squealing so I will replace those today. ($11). Also I am close to needing 4 new tires for the second time on this car. Again, I drive a minimum of 1,000 miles a week on this car, so I have to really keep up on the maintence. Overall my experience is not bad with this car. To save money I do as much of the repair and maintence as possible myself.
Since I drive mostly General Motors vehicles, you can call me Mr. Goodwrench!
I bought this GM car, a 1996 Oldsmobile Achevia SC (2-door) for only $900 last year in a rush because of a 10 year old (Nissan) pickup truck whos engine died at 175,000 miles. The $900 Oldsmobile only had 85,000 miles on it when I bought in November, 2004. That car now has 148,566 and despite having to replace a few parts in recent months, I think this little car is holding up pretty well. If you don't know this car, it is basically the same thing as a Grand Am.
I do have a "good" car, one that looks nice and I don't like to put too much mileage on it. And if I could finally catch up on my bills without emergencies popping up I will finally get a new engine in my truck. I kinda like my cute little pickup. And would like to drive it again and maybe even add a couple of nice tricks to it. Nothing extravagant. Just some larger tires and to raise the profile a couple inches. Maybe even a nice bedliner and tool box on the back. Sounds kinda butch doesn't it? Well, thats the way I really like my truck. Functional and attractive at the same time.
I really want a new Chevy truck. If the gas prices were lower I'd surely get a Silverado, but I fell in love with the new Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon trucks. I rented one for a couple of weeks earlier this year to check them out and was really impressed. But there is no way in hell that I will ever get into making monthly car payments again after my last car purchase. So the new truck is a very long way in my future. Better get my still good looking old truck back on the road for a few more years.
Of course all of that driving takes a heavy toll. I had to replace the alternator last week ($140). The radiator cooling fan last month ($50 replacement part from a local junk yard) and now the front brakes were squealing so I will replace those today. ($11). Also I am close to needing 4 new tires for the second time on this car. Again, I drive a minimum of 1,000 miles a week on this car, so I have to really keep up on the maintence. Overall my experience is not bad with this car. To save money I do as much of the repair and maintence as possible myself.
Since I drive mostly General Motors vehicles, you can call me Mr. Goodwrench!
I bought this GM car, a 1996 Oldsmobile Achevia SC (2-door) for only $900 last year in a rush because of a 10 year old (Nissan) pickup truck whos engine died at 175,000 miles. The $900 Oldsmobile only had 85,000 miles on it when I bought in November, 2004. That car now has 148,566 and despite having to replace a few parts in recent months, I think this little car is holding up pretty well. If you don't know this car, it is basically the same thing as a Grand Am.
I do have a "good" car, one that looks nice and I don't like to put too much mileage on it. And if I could finally catch up on my bills without emergencies popping up I will finally get a new engine in my truck. I kinda like my cute little pickup. And would like to drive it again and maybe even add a couple of nice tricks to it. Nothing extravagant. Just some larger tires and to raise the profile a couple inches. Maybe even a nice bedliner and tool box on the back. Sounds kinda butch doesn't it? Well, thats the way I really like my truck. Functional and attractive at the same time.
I really want a new Chevy truck. If the gas prices were lower I'd surely get a Silverado, but I fell in love with the new Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon trucks. I rented one for a couple of weeks earlier this year to check them out and was really impressed. But there is no way in hell that I will ever get into making monthly car payments again after my last car purchase. So the new truck is a very long way in my future. Better get my still good looking old truck back on the road for a few more years.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
"Hello Chunky Chunky!!"
OK, so I stopped at the supermarket for a few things. I only do this on Sunday if I absolutely need to get something. And today it was Toilet Paper. (I know, too much information.) And while I was walking to my car there was this car full of children and they were looking at me. I didn't think much about it but then I heard a child's voice laughing and yelling "Hello Chunky Chunky" and then it was repeated with a few more voices. "Hello Chunky Chunky!" those "cute" little kids sang with great amusement.
I don't dislike children, but I don't have any either. You see I would probably end up in jail for hurting one of those rugrats. It's called "Old School-down-in-the-country-southern style-black family parenting". I am an adult and those children spoke out of line toward me. And "back in the day" if I had said to someone "grown" what those brats said to me? I'd get the mess slapped right out of me. And in some cases, the adult you spoke out of line to would get you first, then you got it again from your own parents. You can't do that today. You can't even think about slapping a child in the mouth today. But whats really sad is that children are so out of control now. They can get away with so much that previous generations could never dream of.
So when a child decides to make comments about an adult like me who happens to be a little "Chunky Chunky" as they call it, I just have to smile, pretend that I think those little brats are cute and go on my merry way.
Those brats better be glad that I never give out halloween candy. I'd be the one who slips some ex-lax inside a choclate candy wrapper. That'll teach them!!
Would someone please tell parents to teach their little rugrats how to respect adults, regardless of their size!
I don't dislike children, but I don't have any either. You see I would probably end up in jail for hurting one of those rugrats. It's called "Old School-down-in-the-country-southern style-black family parenting". I am an adult and those children spoke out of line toward me. And "back in the day" if I had said to someone "grown" what those brats said to me? I'd get the mess slapped right out of me. And in some cases, the adult you spoke out of line to would get you first, then you got it again from your own parents. You can't do that today. You can't even think about slapping a child in the mouth today. But whats really sad is that children are so out of control now. They can get away with so much that previous generations could never dream of.
So when a child decides to make comments about an adult like me who happens to be a little "Chunky Chunky" as they call it, I just have to smile, pretend that I think those little brats are cute and go on my merry way.
Those brats better be glad that I never give out halloween candy. I'd be the one who slips some ex-lax inside a choclate candy wrapper. That'll teach them!!
Would someone please tell parents to teach their little rugrats how to respect adults, regardless of their size!
Sunday is MY day
My ideal Sunday morning is one that where I only get up if my body tells me to. The sound of jazz music softly fills the air. The house is dark with the hint of sunlight peeking through the cracks of the window blinds. But I don't even think of looking outside that window unless it is into the back yard just to look at a tree or my overgrown grass. If I really need to do any yardwork I'll get to it late in the afternoon. But Sunday is MY day. Yardwork is not a priority on Sunday.
Many Sunday mornings I may have a telephone conversation with my best friend of over 20 years. His name is David and he lives in another state. We usually call each other before David and his family go to church. Mostly it would be David calling me and waking me up! But since he got married he now has a larger extended family and now he and his wife also have a baby girl. So his life is busy with family on Sundays. I do my best to respect that. I am happy for David and his family.
In my ideal Sunday morning, I don't have to go anywhere. I might get dressed about 11 or 12. And I will have the CBS Sunday Morning recorded on TIVO just in case I did not wake up earlier to watch it at 9am. I have been watching this great laid back newsmagazine since the early days when the late Charles Kuralt hosted the show. If I wake up any earlier on Sunday I'll watch the local TV News to see any local band they may have perform in the studio, or the cooking segment or the animal segment. The local Sunday morning news here can be fun to watch. And I know the main news anchor from many events that we both have been a part of over the years. She is really a cool person.
While I am watching TV I may go online for no real reason at all. I might read the news, do a little reasearch on something or catch up on my e-mails but it is not likely that I will respond to any e-mails today. I really don't feel like communicating that way on Sundays. Then somewhere after noon I prepare something to eat. It could be breakfast food or I'll just get a good Sunday dinner kind of treat ready and that may be the only thing I have for the day.
If I have to go out at all, it has nothing to do with Church, or shopping. The church I occasionally attend has services on Sunday evening, so I have the entire day to fill or to do absolutely nothing. Sunday is mostly a day of rest for me even though I work most Sunday evenings. And today I have a monthly meeting that is held on the second Sunday at 2pm. So I have to get ready to go to that. You'll know more about those meetings with future posts, I dont have time to get into that right now.
Right now as I am posting this, am listening to one of my favorate jazz bands, The Crusaders were popular mostly in the 1970's.
I did look outside the window, it is another Chamber Of Commerce type of day outside. Sunny, not too cold or too warm and not a cloud in the sky. On Sundays like that I just may venture outside, but the pleasant feeling of that occasionally rings hollow for me for the reasons that I mentioned yesterday. But today I'm not going to think about being what I call "terminally single". Sundays in solitude are actually great for me.
Many Sunday mornings I may have a telephone conversation with my best friend of over 20 years. His name is David and he lives in another state. We usually call each other before David and his family go to church. Mostly it would be David calling me and waking me up! But since he got married he now has a larger extended family and now he and his wife also have a baby girl. So his life is busy with family on Sundays. I do my best to respect that. I am happy for David and his family.
In my ideal Sunday morning, I don't have to go anywhere. I might get dressed about 11 or 12. And I will have the CBS Sunday Morning recorded on TIVO just in case I did not wake up earlier to watch it at 9am. I have been watching this great laid back newsmagazine since the early days when the late Charles Kuralt hosted the show. If I wake up any earlier on Sunday I'll watch the local TV News to see any local band they may have perform in the studio, or the cooking segment or the animal segment. The local Sunday morning news here can be fun to watch. And I know the main news anchor from many events that we both have been a part of over the years. She is really a cool person.
While I am watching TV I may go online for no real reason at all. I might read the news, do a little reasearch on something or catch up on my e-mails but it is not likely that I will respond to any e-mails today. I really don't feel like communicating that way on Sundays. Then somewhere after noon I prepare something to eat. It could be breakfast food or I'll just get a good Sunday dinner kind of treat ready and that may be the only thing I have for the day.
If I have to go out at all, it has nothing to do with Church, or shopping. The church I occasionally attend has services on Sunday evening, so I have the entire day to fill or to do absolutely nothing. Sunday is mostly a day of rest for me even though I work most Sunday evenings. And today I have a monthly meeting that is held on the second Sunday at 2pm. So I have to get ready to go to that. You'll know more about those meetings with future posts, I dont have time to get into that right now.
Right now as I am posting this, am listening to one of my favorate jazz bands, The Crusaders were popular mostly in the 1970's.
I did look outside the window, it is another Chamber Of Commerce type of day outside. Sunny, not too cold or too warm and not a cloud in the sky. On Sundays like that I just may venture outside, but the pleasant feeling of that occasionally rings hollow for me for the reasons that I mentioned yesterday. But today I'm not going to think about being what I call "terminally single". Sundays in solitude are actually great for me.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
My Sunny Saturday NOT!
This is one of those mornings that I really hate. It is a peaceful morning and a beautiful day outside. And as I have for all of my adult life I don't have anyone to share this beautiful morning with. I have never truly experienced that companionship. Someone to make breakfast for or to make breakfast for me. Or to share this Saturday while shopping, doing yardwork or finding something fun to do. And I know some who do get to enjoy that type of life. They seem to enjoy their day well.
I try not to envy those who share life with someone, but it is hard when I am alone on days like this. Not that I have to have anyone around. I do like the peace and quiet. But I did not ask for it to be a lifetime of that. I have been single for my entire adult life, never having any luck in finding that "relationship". I think I came close once, but that turned out to be a joke on me.
A few people that know me know that this is an old issue that I have and occasionally rant about via e-mail. And I'll probably rant about this often in my blog. At least until my luck changes.
Sometimes I give up on the bullshit process of meeting people and that is because of the bullshit that you have to go through. And the bullshit reasons that people use in their rejection of me. Everyone wants someone with model good looks and I certainly dont have that. And I think that so many are stuck up and full of themselves because they may be attractive and or successful or have one of those happy-everythings beautiful kind of lives. And I may not have a place in that life. Almost always, I am "not their type" so I am told. Well how the hell would you know that if you don't take the time to know ME? (I can never get anyone to answer that damn question!)
Now I have to admit that there are many things that I could do and many have suggested going to bars and clubs to meet people or to move to a larger city where the potential dating pool would be larger. But I dont drink and cannot stand the bar/club environment. Also, I grew up in the larger urban environment. No luck there at all, the bitches in the city are more evil in their rejection than the country folk. Its all about attitude and I have little tolorance for the attitudes of the city. And I can't afford the high cost of living in the city. Not to mention the traffic. So with all of that that I wont put up with here I am....still single with little chance of changing that status anytime soon.
Please don't tell me that "special person" will finally come into my life! I heard that shit back in my mid 20s. Then again in my early 30's. Now I dont even tell my age because at this point it could be embarassing for people to know that I have never been involved with anyone. Never dated, no long term relationships, nothing. Only a couple of times when I may have met someone online only to fool myself into thinking that maybe that could turn into something. At least there I did make a couple friends who I do maintain contact with.
I spend way too much time complaining about being single, but 20 years of trying and failing are taking a toll. I dont even have an "ex" to talk about. Everyone I know at least has that much to reflect on. Not me!
Well enough of my "sick of being single" rant for today. I have to go out and run some errands along with the happy couples and families that I will see at the bank, the shopping centers and Home Depot. They'll be working together in their lives and I'll wish that they stop holding up the line at the cashier counter! And I better not go anywhere near the Starbucks. The happy couples sitting there enjoying their latte' really depress me. I'll get a "crapaccino" from the gas station instead. My boring single life as usual.
At least the weather is nice today.
I try not to envy those who share life with someone, but it is hard when I am alone on days like this. Not that I have to have anyone around. I do like the peace and quiet. But I did not ask for it to be a lifetime of that. I have been single for my entire adult life, never having any luck in finding that "relationship". I think I came close once, but that turned out to be a joke on me.
A few people that know me know that this is an old issue that I have and occasionally rant about via e-mail. And I'll probably rant about this often in my blog. At least until my luck changes.
Sometimes I give up on the bullshit process of meeting people and that is because of the bullshit that you have to go through. And the bullshit reasons that people use in their rejection of me. Everyone wants someone with model good looks and I certainly dont have that. And I think that so many are stuck up and full of themselves because they may be attractive and or successful or have one of those happy-everythings beautiful kind of lives. And I may not have a place in that life. Almost always, I am "not their type" so I am told. Well how the hell would you know that if you don't take the time to know ME? (I can never get anyone to answer that damn question!)
Now I have to admit that there are many things that I could do and many have suggested going to bars and clubs to meet people or to move to a larger city where the potential dating pool would be larger. But I dont drink and cannot stand the bar/club environment. Also, I grew up in the larger urban environment. No luck there at all, the bitches in the city are more evil in their rejection than the country folk. Its all about attitude and I have little tolorance for the attitudes of the city. And I can't afford the high cost of living in the city. Not to mention the traffic. So with all of that that I wont put up with here I am....still single with little chance of changing that status anytime soon.
Please don't tell me that "special person" will finally come into my life! I heard that shit back in my mid 20s. Then again in my early 30's. Now I dont even tell my age because at this point it could be embarassing for people to know that I have never been involved with anyone. Never dated, no long term relationships, nothing. Only a couple of times when I may have met someone online only to fool myself into thinking that maybe that could turn into something. At least there I did make a couple friends who I do maintain contact with.
I spend way too much time complaining about being single, but 20 years of trying and failing are taking a toll. I dont even have an "ex" to talk about. Everyone I know at least has that much to reflect on. Not me!
Well enough of my "sick of being single" rant for today. I have to go out and run some errands along with the happy couples and families that I will see at the bank, the shopping centers and Home Depot. They'll be working together in their lives and I'll wish that they stop holding up the line at the cashier counter! And I better not go anywhere near the Starbucks. The happy couples sitting there enjoying their latte' really depress me. I'll get a "crapaccino" from the gas station instead. My boring single life as usual.
At least the weather is nice today.
I just want to walk, Thank You!
The other day I decided to take an extended walk. I was walking to work to retrieve one of my cars which had broken down at work. The car was repaired and I drove my good car home and had to go back to get the older car that had to be repaired. It was parked at work. And instead of getting a ride for the 3 mile trip or paying for a taxi I decided to walk. Besides I need the exercise! I am fat! And walking is not a bad idea for fat folks. I need to lose weight, so I need to get off of my fat rump and walk some pounds off.
So I take off for my walk and I cant go 10 minutes without being offered a ride. It seemed to shock everyone that I was walking somewhere. First, my neighbor who knows that I have two cars and a truck. "What happened? Why are you walking? Get in, I'll drive you" the neighbor pleads with me. He was concerned that I had broken down since he noticed that one of my vehicles had not been around for a couple of days. I told him that everything was ok I was walking to enjoy the beautiful day and a little exercise.
About half way to my destination a familiar truck passes by. I held my head down hoping that the driver won't recognize me because I really did not have time to talk and I wanted to continue my walk. But about three minutes later I hear a horn blow and I turn and there is that truck. Inside is this couple that I know. I have great respect for the both of them for their generousity and their intelligence. And I appreciate that they took the time to check on me and to ask if everything was ok. I assured them that I was fine and explained why I was walking. And even though I wanted to avoid them at first, it was good to see them as I know they plan to eventually leave the area. I continued on my walk.
I made it FIVE minutes before the next interruption in my walk. This one by a co-worker who was dropping her daugher off at the babysitter. By now I am less than a mile from work. I really wanted to continue my walk and I told my co-worker "Thanks, but I can make it the rest of the way and I will see you there soon." And I was sure that I would make it.
But then I arrived at the big intersection where I would have to cross a major highway during rush hour. I waited for the traffic light, but could not get across as todays drivers really dont give a damn about pedestrians. I want to walk but I don't want to get killed crossing this highway so I waited a few minutes. Then came two different co-workers. One a young guy barely into his 20's and the other a mother just a few years older than I. They both saw me at the same time and they both tried to get my attention. It was the motherly one that yelled "GET IN" and she must have meant it since she stopped in the middle of the street and held up traffic waiting for me! At that point I said "OK" and gave up on the idea that I was going to walk all the way to my destination.
Folks, I appreciate the kindness of offering me a ride while I walked in this not-so-small-town that behaves like it is a small town. But I just wanted to walk for a change. And it is a habit that I plan to get into once again and begin to lose weight.
I just want to walk, thank you!
And thank you for caring.
So I take off for my walk and I cant go 10 minutes without being offered a ride. It seemed to shock everyone that I was walking somewhere. First, my neighbor who knows that I have two cars and a truck. "What happened? Why are you walking? Get in, I'll drive you" the neighbor pleads with me. He was concerned that I had broken down since he noticed that one of my vehicles had not been around for a couple of days. I told him that everything was ok I was walking to enjoy the beautiful day and a little exercise.
About half way to my destination a familiar truck passes by. I held my head down hoping that the driver won't recognize me because I really did not have time to talk and I wanted to continue my walk. But about three minutes later I hear a horn blow and I turn and there is that truck. Inside is this couple that I know. I have great respect for the both of them for their generousity and their intelligence. And I appreciate that they took the time to check on me and to ask if everything was ok. I assured them that I was fine and explained why I was walking. And even though I wanted to avoid them at first, it was good to see them as I know they plan to eventually leave the area. I continued on my walk.
I made it FIVE minutes before the next interruption in my walk. This one by a co-worker who was dropping her daugher off at the babysitter. By now I am less than a mile from work. I really wanted to continue my walk and I told my co-worker "Thanks, but I can make it the rest of the way and I will see you there soon." And I was sure that I would make it.
But then I arrived at the big intersection where I would have to cross a major highway during rush hour. I waited for the traffic light, but could not get across as todays drivers really dont give a damn about pedestrians. I want to walk but I don't want to get killed crossing this highway so I waited a few minutes. Then came two different co-workers. One a young guy barely into his 20's and the other a mother just a few years older than I. They both saw me at the same time and they both tried to get my attention. It was the motherly one that yelled "GET IN" and she must have meant it since she stopped in the middle of the street and held up traffic waiting for me! At that point I said "OK" and gave up on the idea that I was going to walk all the way to my destination.
Folks, I appreciate the kindness of offering me a ride while I walked in this not-so-small-town that behaves like it is a small town. But I just wanted to walk for a change. And it is a habit that I plan to get into once again and begin to lose weight.
I just want to walk, thank you!
And thank you for caring.
DAMN the SPAMMERS!!!
I created a blog a couple of hours ago. I posted my second thing about the jackass nose picker cell phone driver and then I get two comments from the blog. And they are spam messages!
I just cant get away from the parasites who plague cyberspace with their unwanted crap!
DAMN THE SPAMMERS!!!
DAMN THEM STRAIGHT TO HELL ON A ROCKET!
I just cant get away from the parasites who plague cyberspace with their unwanted crap!
DAMN THE SPAMMERS!!!
DAMN THEM STRAIGHT TO HELL ON A ROCKET!
What finally made me start this blog thing
OK, I had wanted to start a blog for a while. It is a great way to express my true thoughts. And often I wish I could tell the world about the things and/or people that totally piss me off. I am not mean enough to tell the person directly, otherwise I'd slap them.
Today, while driving I confronted my usual pet peeve. PEOPLE WHO DRIVE WHILE TALKING ON THEIR CELL PHONES! I'm sure you will read often as I express my disgust with people who commit this crime against safe driving. But today, I witnessed what had to be the most disgusting example of "Driving while Talking".
Many people hate to see what many of us do while alone in our car. Some of us pick our noses. It happens at the traffic light and some unfortunate driver who just happens to glance into their rear view mirror to find the driver behind him just digging away for the golden booger. Today I was that driver. and the guy behind me was digging up his nose with one hand and cell phone was in the other hand!
I wonder if the person on the other end of that phone conversation had any idea what was going on. The whole idea of picking ones nose while talking to someone on the phone is creepy. Just as creepy as if you were sitting on the toilet while talking on the phone. But some people just cant let go of the phone.
Now whats really bad about this is that when the traffic light turned green, the driver behind me continued to multi-task. He was still picking his nose AND talking on the phone! HOLDING THE PHONE WITH ONE HAND and picking the nose with the other hand! Occasionally his nose picking hand would manage to reach the steering wheel for a few seconds, but the telephone hand remained firmly pressed against his hollow head.
I fear this kind or driver and for good reason. I have had TWO separate incidents where people who were driving and talking on their cell phone at the same time collided with MY car. Fortunately there were no injuries, but in both cases I had to deal with the inconvience of having a car in the body shop and dealing with insurance companies for thousands of dollars in repairs.
People who drive while talking on the cell phone are a menace to society and you rank equally with those who are DUI! Some of you should not even talk on the phone using any hands free device. You just cannot carry a conversation and safely drive a vehicle at the same time. You need to focus on your driving and stay off of the phone!
Blogs are great! I feel like I can say anything. So I will give you an idea about the jackass I am talking about. He was driving a blue Honda Civic (with a University of Georgia "G" Sticker in the back window), BIBB County Georgia License plates and traveling along GA HWY 247 near the Macon Georgia Regional Airport. I first saw this idiot at the traffic light just south of the airport. After the light turned green I tried to speed away from this car, but he kept up. Then I changed lanes and hoped that he would pass and go away, but he did not. I could not pull over as we were about to cross a narrow bridge. Eventually I got a safe distance from him. But later this idiot nose picking-cell phone talking driver made a right turn WITHOUT USING A TURN SIGNAL onto Watson Blvd in the city of Warner Robins, Georgia. and he used two lanes of traffic to make that turn!
That phone never left the side of his head!
I wish people like that would run themselves right into a tree and save the rest of us from their carelessness.
Today, while driving I confronted my usual pet peeve. PEOPLE WHO DRIVE WHILE TALKING ON THEIR CELL PHONES! I'm sure you will read often as I express my disgust with people who commit this crime against safe driving. But today, I witnessed what had to be the most disgusting example of "Driving while Talking".
Many people hate to see what many of us do while alone in our car. Some of us pick our noses. It happens at the traffic light and some unfortunate driver who just happens to glance into their rear view mirror to find the driver behind him just digging away for the golden booger. Today I was that driver. and the guy behind me was digging up his nose with one hand and cell phone was in the other hand!
I wonder if the person on the other end of that phone conversation had any idea what was going on. The whole idea of picking ones nose while talking to someone on the phone is creepy. Just as creepy as if you were sitting on the toilet while talking on the phone. But some people just cant let go of the phone.
Now whats really bad about this is that when the traffic light turned green, the driver behind me continued to multi-task. He was still picking his nose AND talking on the phone! HOLDING THE PHONE WITH ONE HAND and picking the nose with the other hand! Occasionally his nose picking hand would manage to reach the steering wheel for a few seconds, but the telephone hand remained firmly pressed against his hollow head.
I fear this kind or driver and for good reason. I have had TWO separate incidents where people who were driving and talking on their cell phone at the same time collided with MY car. Fortunately there were no injuries, but in both cases I had to deal with the inconvience of having a car in the body shop and dealing with insurance companies for thousands of dollars in repairs.
People who drive while talking on the cell phone are a menace to society and you rank equally with those who are DUI! Some of you should not even talk on the phone using any hands free device. You just cannot carry a conversation and safely drive a vehicle at the same time. You need to focus on your driving and stay off of the phone!
Blogs are great! I feel like I can say anything. So I will give you an idea about the jackass I am talking about. He was driving a blue Honda Civic (with a University of Georgia "G" Sticker in the back window), BIBB County Georgia License plates and traveling along GA HWY 247 near the Macon Georgia Regional Airport. I first saw this idiot at the traffic light just south of the airport. After the light turned green I tried to speed away from this car, but he kept up. Then I changed lanes and hoped that he would pass and go away, but he did not. I could not pull over as we were about to cross a narrow bridge. Eventually I got a safe distance from him. But later this idiot nose picking-cell phone talking driver made a right turn WITHOUT USING A TURN SIGNAL onto Watson Blvd in the city of Warner Robins, Georgia. and he used two lanes of traffic to make that turn!
That phone never left the side of his head!
I wish people like that would run themselves right into a tree and save the rest of us from their carelessness.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Welcome to my blog
Well, here I am. And the things that I may say on this blog may cause many emotions. But I promise that I will be completly honest in my opinion. I may even reveal some really personal stuff here.
If anyone reads my blog, I say to all readers that I appreciate you taking the time to read whatever is on my mind. Some of what I say may shock you. Some of what I say may offend someone, but the truth hurts and I am all about the truth! Accepting the truth no matter how painful it may be may help someone grow. And continued growth and learning is always a good thing.
Anyway, welcome to my blog, this has been my first post. Created ust an hour before my sister's 34th Birthday. So happy birthday to Erika.
If anyone reads my blog, I say to all readers that I appreciate you taking the time to read whatever is on my mind. Some of what I say may shock you. Some of what I say may offend someone, but the truth hurts and I am all about the truth! Accepting the truth no matter how painful it may be may help someone grow. And continued growth and learning is always a good thing.
Anyway, welcome to my blog, this has been my first post. Created ust an hour before my sister's 34th Birthday. So happy birthday to Erika.
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