So I begin this new year on a sad note... I was watching TV last night and a commercial came on promoting "ChristianMingle.com", a Christian dating site. Being a Christian man I listened and was surprised to hear that the partner that God wants for me is found on Cheistian Mingle. This is sad, because currently I thought I was quite happy in the relationship I am in, but if I am to believe this ad then clearly my relationship is not the one God wants for me... Or, Christian Mingle is taking a very liberal licence with the truth. Hmmm...
So, do I believe television, or more specifically, the "Christian" dating organization that says that the partner God has for me is found on their website, which in turn means I must break off the relationship I currently find myself in, one which brings me joy and contentment, or do I believe that my relationship is good and God can ordain it despite the fact that it wasn't birthed through Christian Mingle? If I opt for the latter then I must conclude that TV allows obvious mistruths to permeate the airwaves, which, by extention, calls into question the truth and validity of virtually every "political" report I hear. Personally, I'm happy where I'm at, and I wish Washington would learn how to be forthright and truthful to the people who put them there...
Food for thought...
THOUGHTS OUTSIDE THE BOX : Issues and Thoughts... A Journey toward Spiritual Attainment...
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Resolutions- Think Carefully!
Happy New Year to all! But before you all start making New Year resolutions consider them carefully. Personally, I've resolved not to make any more resolutions...
For those of you who resolve to lose weight this new year consider this: I have this theory- there's only so much weight in the world and when one person loses weight another person ends up gaining it... I figured this out because so many of my friends lost weight this year and I just kept packing it on. So to all you dieters I plead with you, I beg you, give me a break! I can't afford to put on any more weight! Perhaps, in the spirit of fairness, some of you will resolve to put on weight so I might lose a bit... Either that or I'll be forced to relocate to a country that needs some fattening up... So Happy New Year, and eat hearty all this 2013!
Food for thought...
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Obama- Arrogant or just Clueless?
I watched the exclusive Obama interview with David Gregory on Meet The Press this morning, and then the subsequent round table discussion by the normally "liberal" side of the media... I was amazed to listen to our president, who campaigned five years ago on change, on bringing our "broken" country back together, once again this morning throw Republicans under the bus. He said that he was a man of compromise, that the Democrats were willing to compromise, but Republicans just can't say yes to compromise- despite his willingness to "go more than half way". As a fiscal conservative, and an independent voter, who votes for both Democrats and Republicans, I say this to you Mr. President- You have been the most divisive, polarizing president that I have ever experienced in my 50+ years. You have continually blamed your failure to lead on "Republicans", you have repeatedly and publicly ridiculed and demagogue them, either because you are too clueless in your ability to understand how to work with people, or because you are so arrogant that you feel you don't have too. What a way to "bring people together". And believe it or not, my liberal media friends agree!
Personally I don't believe you are clueless. I believe you are one of the most arrogant, deceptive, self-centered people I've ever seen, and, as a voter and tax-payer you technically work for me. Had I the power I would fire you, and put someone in your place that really understands negotiation, who doesn't allow his ego to get in his way, and perhaps some of this Washington gridlock would dissipate. But I don't have that power, nor are there enough like me to do it. You see, I'm a small business owner, who, during your administration has taken a 75% paycut in order to keep my key employees on, who believes our country will one day rebound despite your attempts to spend us into bankruptcy. As a business owner I understand the principle that you can only spend what you bring in, I understand how important it is to balance a budget- do you know what a budget is Mr President? It's that Constitutional thing you've ignored passing during your entire administration. Instead, you continue, in your arrogance, to spend like there's no accounting, no tomorrow to worry about. Then you go on TV and tell all those people you've given handouts to just how wonderful a job you're doing "protecting" them.
Tell me Mr. President, where does all the money come from that you want to spend on all these handouts? Let me tell you- it comes out of the pockets of the hard-working minority of Americans like me, who have to support not just myself, but also almost half the country you've got on one kind of" entitlement" or another. You talk about the everybody needs to sacrifice, the rich need to pay a little more, and you talk the talk but don't walk the walk. You just came back from a "family vacation" in Hawaii. When I go on vacation I pay for it. Your little family vacation cost the taxpayers over four million dollars. Was it really worth that kind of money for you and your family to go on yet another vacation at my expense? You have taken more vacations than any other preceeding president! You and your family spend taxpayer money like you're entitled to it! And when criticised, throw out the race card. No one wants to be considered a racist, but here's a newsflash- you and Michelle are clearly two of the most public racists ever!
No Mr. President, you clearly aren't getting the job done. You are lining the pockets of your friends and allies, you are mortgaging my children and grandchildren's future with your reckless fiscal policies, and you certainly aren't helping small businessmen like me. Perhap if you had ever actually had a private sector job you might understand my frustrations with you, but all you've ever done is "worked" in the government- leeching off taxpayers to gain your wealth and prosperity. Perhaps we need a Constitutional amendment that makes it a requirement for one to actually have held a job outside of government before they can run for political office. Either you would be disqualified or you'd have to forge another document...
Food for thought...
Personally I don't believe you are clueless. I believe you are one of the most arrogant, deceptive, self-centered people I've ever seen, and, as a voter and tax-payer you technically work for me. Had I the power I would fire you, and put someone in your place that really understands negotiation, who doesn't allow his ego to get in his way, and perhaps some of this Washington gridlock would dissipate. But I don't have that power, nor are there enough like me to do it. You see, I'm a small business owner, who, during your administration has taken a 75% paycut in order to keep my key employees on, who believes our country will one day rebound despite your attempts to spend us into bankruptcy. As a business owner I understand the principle that you can only spend what you bring in, I understand how important it is to balance a budget- do you know what a budget is Mr President? It's that Constitutional thing you've ignored passing during your entire administration. Instead, you continue, in your arrogance, to spend like there's no accounting, no tomorrow to worry about. Then you go on TV and tell all those people you've given handouts to just how wonderful a job you're doing "protecting" them.
Tell me Mr. President, where does all the money come from that you want to spend on all these handouts? Let me tell you- it comes out of the pockets of the hard-working minority of Americans like me, who have to support not just myself, but also almost half the country you've got on one kind of" entitlement" or another. You talk about the everybody needs to sacrifice, the rich need to pay a little more, and you talk the talk but don't walk the walk. You just came back from a "family vacation" in Hawaii. When I go on vacation I pay for it. Your little family vacation cost the taxpayers over four million dollars. Was it really worth that kind of money for you and your family to go on yet another vacation at my expense? You have taken more vacations than any other preceeding president! You and your family spend taxpayer money like you're entitled to it! And when criticised, throw out the race card. No one wants to be considered a racist, but here's a newsflash- you and Michelle are clearly two of the most public racists ever!
No Mr. President, you clearly aren't getting the job done. You are lining the pockets of your friends and allies, you are mortgaging my children and grandchildren's future with your reckless fiscal policies, and you certainly aren't helping small businessmen like me. Perhap if you had ever actually had a private sector job you might understand my frustrations with you, but all you've ever done is "worked" in the government- leeching off taxpayers to gain your wealth and prosperity. Perhaps we need a Constitutional amendment that makes it a requirement for one to actually have held a job outside of government before they can run for political office. Either you would be disqualified or you'd have to forge another document...
Food for thought...
Monday, December 17, 2012
Merry Christmas!
Now, you really need to try this way of bathing your cat...
Too cute!
And there's always some type of scam going today isn't there? The internet is full of them, and, for just $19.95 I'll be happy to send you a complete list to watch out for! (Sorry- couldn't resist that!)
Thanks to all who read and peruse my bits of wit and occassional wisdom. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I do in sharing!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Connections...
I thought I'd lost this post, but somehow it mysteriuosly returned in my drafts- so here it is!
I was sitting on my couch this past week, watching another exciting episode of Big Bang Theory, and was suddenly overcome with the desire to communicate to my grown children that I loved them. Now they know that already, but all being grown and out on their own, making their own homes and families, it's easy to forget... So I called my son out in Nebraska, and got his voice mail, so I left him a message that I wasn't calling for any particular reason, just wanted to tell him I loved him. Then I called my second son and, of course, got voice mail, aand left him the same message. Knowing my daughter I knew she's notoriously bad at listening to her messages so, being the tech savvy dad that I am, I texted her. I just reminded her how extrordinary she was and that I loved and missed her.
I didn't hear anything for a while, then got a text from my daughter that said she really needed that. she was in the midst of an especially tough week and was really feeling overwhelmed, then my text came and she just went into her office and cried. The next day my second son called and updated me on things and told me he loved me. I never did hear from my son in Nebraska, but I know how busy he is, and I know he loves me... All this made me realize how important staying connected is, how important just a moment of our time and attentions could be to one we love. As families spead farther and farther apart it becomes even more imperative to make those small efforts to stay connected.
It doesn't take much to stay connected. The toughest part is being the instigator, or remembering to act. But the fruits of that action, when fruit is realized, can be so sweet, so fulfilling to the soul.
Instigate. Reach out. Connect. Your relationships will thank you...
Food for thought...
I was sitting on my couch this past week, watching another exciting episode of Big Bang Theory, and was suddenly overcome with the desire to communicate to my grown children that I loved them. Now they know that already, but all being grown and out on their own, making their own homes and families, it's easy to forget... So I called my son out in Nebraska, and got his voice mail, so I left him a message that I wasn't calling for any particular reason, just wanted to tell him I loved him. Then I called my second son and, of course, got voice mail, aand left him the same message. Knowing my daughter I knew she's notoriously bad at listening to her messages so, being the tech savvy dad that I am, I texted her. I just reminded her how extrordinary she was and that I loved and missed her. I didn't hear anything for a while, then got a text from my daughter that said she really needed that. she was in the midst of an especially tough week and was really feeling overwhelmed, then my text came and she just went into her office and cried. The next day my second son called and updated me on things and told me he loved me. I never did hear from my son in Nebraska, but I know how busy he is, and I know he loves me... All this made me realize how important staying connected is, how important just a moment of our time and attentions could be to one we love. As families spead farther and farther apart it becomes even more imperative to make those small efforts to stay connected.
It doesn't take much to stay connected. The toughest part is being the instigator, or remembering to act. But the fruits of that action, when fruit is realized, can be so sweet, so fulfilling to the soul.
Instigate. Reach out. Connect. Your relationships will thank you...
Food for thought...
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Communication in Commitment
I wrote what I considered a wonderful blog a bit over a week ago, and being so tech-savvy, I managed to delete it somehow, despite the fact that it is supposed to automatically save itself as I go along. I guess if there's a way to mess it up I'll find it...
The gist of the blog was the importance of remaining committed in our relationships. By that I mean we shouldn't take them for granted. All too often we tend to do just that, forgetting to do the little things, to take initiative to keep our relationships special. We often forget to tell those who are precious to us just how precious they are, or what makes them so special. We somehow expect them to know how wonderful they are without us telling them. And yet, just taking the initiative to drop them a note, or text, or a quick call could make all the difference to them. A couple of weeks ago I texted my daughter a reminder of how incredible she is and that I loved and missed her. A while later I got a response- "You are wonderful.I needed to hear that today. I'm so discouraged and I feel like today has been a day from hell... Your text made me cry in my office..." Sixty seconds or less to send a brief message that completely lifted a day. Isn't it worth our effort?
Communication is so critical in healthy relationships. All too often we expect the other half of our relationship to just "know" what we think or feel. But none of us are mind readers and we need to learn to take initiative to share what is important to us with those who are important to us. So why don't we? Because sharing can make us feel vulnerable. We tend to share with others with the expectation of reciprical sharing. When it doesn't happen we feel vulnerable and withdraw, at least mentally and emotionally. We begin to refuse to put ourselves out there until we get something first. And communication breaks down. And commitment is threatened.
When we learn to overcome the onus of going first, of taking the chance, communication stands the best chance of flourishing, of growing. And our relationships get healthier. Learn to share what is important with those who are important in our lives. Food for thought...
The gist of the blog was the importance of remaining committed in our relationships. By that I mean we shouldn't take them for granted. All too often we tend to do just that, forgetting to do the little things, to take initiative to keep our relationships special. We often forget to tell those who are precious to us just how precious they are, or what makes them so special. We somehow expect them to know how wonderful they are without us telling them. And yet, just taking the initiative to drop them a note, or text, or a quick call could make all the difference to them. A couple of weeks ago I texted my daughter a reminder of how incredible she is and that I loved and missed her. A while later I got a response- "You are wonderful.I needed to hear that today. I'm so discouraged and I feel like today has been a day from hell... Your text made me cry in my office..." Sixty seconds or less to send a brief message that completely lifted a day. Isn't it worth our effort?
Communication is so critical in healthy relationships. All too often we expect the other half of our relationship to just "know" what we think or feel. But none of us are mind readers and we need to learn to take initiative to share what is important to us with those who are important to us. So why don't we? Because sharing can make us feel vulnerable. We tend to share with others with the expectation of reciprical sharing. When it doesn't happen we feel vulnerable and withdraw, at least mentally and emotionally. We begin to refuse to put ourselves out there until we get something first. And communication breaks down. And commitment is threatened.
When we learn to overcome the onus of going first, of taking the chance, communication stands the best chance of flourishing, of growing. And our relationships get healthier. Learn to share what is important with those who are important in our lives. Food for thought...
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Post Election Rant...
It's a sad day today, for the private sector in our American economy. By the narrowest of margins Obama was re-elected to a second term in the presidency. The Senate remains under the control of the Democrats, the House under the control of the Republicans. It is exactly the same dynamic we had prior to the election- and look how well that worked. Now the private sector is faced with the most divisive, polarizing racist president we've ever had, one who is determined to raise taxes on the private sector businesses- for that is the only place he can get more revenue from.
Don't believe the lies about making the top several percent "pay their share", for that's just all smoke and mirrors. If we went back to the Clinton rates for those top people the additional income is estimated to be able to run the government an additional eight days... Not the win-fall the president tried to lead the country to believe. So why raise those rates? Because that indiviual rate tranfers over to the business income tax rate and that means a huge tax increase for private small businesses. One estimate said that 97% of all small businesses will be adversely affected... Again, certainly not the champion of small business he (Obama) tried to present himself as being...
Small business drives job growth. Squeezing small business, as this administration is doing, is a job killer. Is it no wonder this has been a jobless recovery? I'm tired of hearing about how many jobs are being "created". The reality is it takes an additional 125,000 jobs per month just to keep up with the population growth. I wish the general population would take the time and effort to educate themselves- we might be able to dig ourselves out of this mess with proper knowledgeable leadership. Instead, almost half the country is getting government haandouts or assisstance of one kind or another and they won't vote for change if it means it might hinder that.
One woman interviewed said Obama was her hero, and when asked why she said, "Because I get Obama money". Obama money? Lady, that money doesn't come from Obama- it comes right out of the wallets of every hard-working American who pays their taxes... Obama just delegates it to those who's vote he can buy... When more than half the country is on government assistance of one kind or another then each working person is saddled with supporting two peeople. Want to fix the system in a hurry? If you don't pay taxes you don't get to vote. How will you be elected then Mr President?
Now I have to go. I have an "Obama Drove Me Out of Business" sale to plan...
Food for thought...
Don't believe the lies about making the top several percent "pay their share", for that's just all smoke and mirrors. If we went back to the Clinton rates for those top people the additional income is estimated to be able to run the government an additional eight days... Not the win-fall the president tried to lead the country to believe. So why raise those rates? Because that indiviual rate tranfers over to the business income tax rate and that means a huge tax increase for private small businesses. One estimate said that 97% of all small businesses will be adversely affected... Again, certainly not the champion of small business he (Obama) tried to present himself as being...
Small business drives job growth. Squeezing small business, as this administration is doing, is a job killer. Is it no wonder this has been a jobless recovery? I'm tired of hearing about how many jobs are being "created". The reality is it takes an additional 125,000 jobs per month just to keep up with the population growth. I wish the general population would take the time and effort to educate themselves- we might be able to dig ourselves out of this mess with proper knowledgeable leadership. Instead, almost half the country is getting government haandouts or assisstance of one kind or another and they won't vote for change if it means it might hinder that.
One woman interviewed said Obama was her hero, and when asked why she said, "Because I get Obama money". Obama money? Lady, that money doesn't come from Obama- it comes right out of the wallets of every hard-working American who pays their taxes... Obama just delegates it to those who's vote he can buy... When more than half the country is on government assistance of one kind or another then each working person is saddled with supporting two peeople. Want to fix the system in a hurry? If you don't pay taxes you don't get to vote. How will you be elected then Mr President?
Now I have to go. I have an "Obama Drove Me Out of Business" sale to plan...
Food for thought...
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Remedial Math...
So I'm watching Jay Leno and the Tonight Show last night and President Obama was on. Because I was angry with myself I decided to punish myself by making me watch. At one point Leno asked the Prez questions pulled from Facebook and the audience. One question was, "When you help your daughters with their homework what subject gives you the most trouble?" Obama's answer was, "Math. When my daughter's were younger I had no problem. I was good up to about 7th grade. Now my oldest daughter is a freshman in high school and quite frankly, I'm lost".
Wow. Now perhaps it's just me, but when I keep hearing him say "The math just doesn't work" when criticisng Romney's economic plan perhaps it's because he has a remedial 7th grade math education.
Yesterday Donald Trump offered $5 million to the charity of Obama's choice if he would release his passport and college transcripts. Of course Obama declined, for usually when someone works so hard to hide something there's usually something to hide. But now I wonder, did Obama not take him up on it because he's so poor in math and would have to ask for help counting the money?
I think even a remedial 7th grade math education should be able to grasp the concept of expanding the base to raise revenues. Perhaps Mitt Romney needs to give him a visual aide:
Obama- 45% of 1,000,000 = $450,000 in tax revenue.
Expand the base by lowering taxes and giving business an incentive to invest and spend-
Romney- 20% of 10,000,000 = $2,000,000.
Mr President, based on an economic model where the base is expanded you would receive over 4x the revenue with less than half the tax rate. It's called Economic Growth.
Food for thought...
Wow. Now perhaps it's just me, but when I keep hearing him say "The math just doesn't work" when criticisng Romney's economic plan perhaps it's because he has a remedial 7th grade math education.
Yesterday Donald Trump offered $5 million to the charity of Obama's choice if he would release his passport and college transcripts. Of course Obama declined, for usually when someone works so hard to hide something there's usually something to hide. But now I wonder, did Obama not take him up on it because he's so poor in math and would have to ask for help counting the money?
I think even a remedial 7th grade math education should be able to grasp the concept of expanding the base to raise revenues. Perhaps Mitt Romney needs to give him a visual aide:
Obama- 45% of 1,000,000 = $450,000 in tax revenue.
Expand the base by lowering taxes and giving business an incentive to invest and spend-
Romney- 20% of 10,000,000 = $2,000,000.
Mr President, based on an economic model where the base is expanded you would receive over 4x the revenue with less than half the tax rate. It's called Economic Growth.
Food for thought...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Spam Responses...
I've decided to answer some of this repeating spam mail that I get via my blog...
Dear Cheap Auto Insurance,
Thank you for your concern over the possibility of my over-paying for my auto insurance. Your concern is touching. I know I don't pay the absolute cheapest for my insurance, but I like the service of both my provider and my agent. I think I'm going to stay put. Regards.
Dear Credit Score Time;
I do agree that 550 is a low credit score, and I appreciate your concern that mine might have changed. Rest assured, I do pay attention to my credit score and it hasn't drop below 800 in years. And an FYI, that's a GREAT credit score. Feel free to focus your attentions on someone who needs it.
Dear Amy,
Thank you for sending me a link to your "pics". I think I'd better pass though, for my girlfriend might be upset if I were to peruse them. And for the record, I have no clue who you are or why you would want to degrade yourself by sending your pics to a stranger. Would you like me to send you some links that offer help for people with moral issues and no self esteem? Let me know...
Dear Ms. Carman L. LaPointe,
I am so sorry to hear about your devestating terminal desease. I'm touched that you would trust me with distributing your wealth while allowing me such a generous percentage. However, I'm not sure my banker is quite so trusting and recommends that you just add me to your banking accounts and send me your personal information so that I can access your accounts and distribute your wealth per your desires. I await your personal information...
Dear Blue Sky Auto Loans,
Thanks for the offer of a car loan for less than 3% despite the possibility of me having bad credit. Good news for you- my credit is excellent. Bad news for you- I don't need a car loan from you because my credit is excellent. Perhaps if my credit goes in the toilet I'll give you a shout...
Dear Match.com, Christian Singles, and SpeedDate Singles,
I really appreciate your interest in me as a single guy in my area. Although your interest is very flattering if I were to take you up on your offer it could create a real problem for my relationship with the wonderful woman I am currently seeing. Perhaps if I screw up my life again and lose this one I'll need your services, but for now I have to take a pass...
Dear Bed Bugs,
Thanks for your infestation warning. Here's a suggestion- clean your homes better! Mine is fine.
Dear Natasha,
I'm glad you got your Russian Brides webcam up and going, and are willing to share it with me, but I am not interested in a Russian Bride. Quite honestly, I remember those pictures of Russian women from the 50's Olympics and am frankly scared to death of Russian women. Go 'Roids!
Thanks to all who didn't get a mention, though you continue to fill my spam folder with your ceaseless offers... Perhaps one day I will have a brain fart and actually click on your link, and then, who knows?
Food for thought...
Dear Cheap Auto Insurance,
Thank you for your concern over the possibility of my over-paying for my auto insurance. Your concern is touching. I know I don't pay the absolute cheapest for my insurance, but I like the service of both my provider and my agent. I think I'm going to stay put. Regards.
Dear Credit Score Time;
I do agree that 550 is a low credit score, and I appreciate your concern that mine might have changed. Rest assured, I do pay attention to my credit score and it hasn't drop below 800 in years. And an FYI, that's a GREAT credit score. Feel free to focus your attentions on someone who needs it.
Dear Amy,
Thank you for sending me a link to your "pics". I think I'd better pass though, for my girlfriend might be upset if I were to peruse them. And for the record, I have no clue who you are or why you would want to degrade yourself by sending your pics to a stranger. Would you like me to send you some links that offer help for people with moral issues and no self esteem? Let me know...
Dear Ms. Carman L. LaPointe,
I am so sorry to hear about your devestating terminal desease. I'm touched that you would trust me with distributing your wealth while allowing me such a generous percentage. However, I'm not sure my banker is quite so trusting and recommends that you just add me to your banking accounts and send me your personal information so that I can access your accounts and distribute your wealth per your desires. I await your personal information...
Dear Blue Sky Auto Loans,
Thanks for the offer of a car loan for less than 3% despite the possibility of me having bad credit. Good news for you- my credit is excellent. Bad news for you- I don't need a car loan from you because my credit is excellent. Perhaps if my credit goes in the toilet I'll give you a shout...
Dear Match.com, Christian Singles, and SpeedDate Singles,
I really appreciate your interest in me as a single guy in my area. Although your interest is very flattering if I were to take you up on your offer it could create a real problem for my relationship with the wonderful woman I am currently seeing. Perhaps if I screw up my life again and lose this one I'll need your services, but for now I have to take a pass...
Dear Bed Bugs,
Thanks for your infestation warning. Here's a suggestion- clean your homes better! Mine is fine.
Dear Natasha,
I'm glad you got your Russian Brides webcam up and going, and are willing to share it with me, but I am not interested in a Russian Bride. Quite honestly, I remember those pictures of Russian women from the 50's Olympics and am frankly scared to death of Russian women. Go 'Roids!
Thanks to all who didn't get a mention, though you continue to fill my spam folder with your ceaseless offers... Perhaps one day I will have a brain fart and actually click on your link, and then, who knows?
Food for thought...
Friday, October 19, 2012
Listen Your Way to a Better Relationship...
I was watching a few minutes of "Two and a Half Men" last night, as I was surfing between ballgames, and noticed that the guest star, a young girl whose name I don't recall, talked incessently. No one could get a word in edgewise when she was talking. This morning, as I recalled that memory, I was again impacted by the thought that people love to be listened to, yet there are so few people who really know how to listen from their heart...
Listening is an art- the giving of one's full attention to another, taking in theire words, their tone, their body language without some part of our mind formulating responses and wanting to interupt, to interject... Listening without judgement is a lost art. But learning to listen from the heart has dual impact- listening and feeling listened to promotes intimacy and closer relationship. And who today doesn't want better relationships? Begin by becoming a better listener...
Food for thought...
Listening is an art- the giving of one's full attention to another, taking in theire words, their tone, their body language without some part of our mind formulating responses and wanting to interupt, to interject... Listening without judgement is a lost art. But learning to listen from the heart has dual impact- listening and feeling listened to promotes intimacy and closer relationship. And who today doesn't want better relationships? Begin by becoming a better listener...
Food for thought...
Friday, October 12, 2012
The Company We Keep...
I've heard several people lately talk of problems they've encountered mainly from being in the wrong company. If there's one truth I've learned in life is that stupid rubs off. Hang around with stupid people and stupid will rub off on you. Now, perhaps you think you're stronger than that, smarter than to fall prey to stupid. I have a good friend who deals with people, often people in trouble, in his profession and often has commented, "You just can't fix stupid". My friend, if you dip your toe in the pool of stupid you will get wet. You can't help it.
Just like water flowing between two containers seeks to level out so do relationships seek a level ground. Some people find themselves in relationships where they feel energized, or empowered by the other, striving to do better, to become better. On the other side of that relationship that person must "dumb down" to more cohesively bond or communicate with the other. Dumbing down can lead to stupid actions...
Now I'm not saying that we should not be in relationship with others mentally / socially / emotionally less fortunate than ourselves, I'm just saying that all our relationships should not fall into that category. We need to be in relationships that also inspire us, as well as relationships with others who are in a similar place as us, for those can also challenge us. We need to be balanced...
Food for thought...
Just like water flowing between two containers seeks to level out so do relationships seek a level ground. Some people find themselves in relationships where they feel energized, or empowered by the other, striving to do better, to become better. On the other side of that relationship that person must "dumb down" to more cohesively bond or communicate with the other. Dumbing down can lead to stupid actions...
Now I'm not saying that we should not be in relationship with others mentally / socially / emotionally less fortunate than ourselves, I'm just saying that all our relationships should not fall into that category. We need to be in relationships that also inspire us, as well as relationships with others who are in a similar place as us, for those can also challenge us. We need to be balanced...
Food for thought...
Friday, September 28, 2012
It's been a while since I blogged, and that's simply because I didn't have anything really relevant to say. "Better to say nothing and be thought a fool than speak up and remove all doubt", as the saying goes, so I remained silent. Today though, I am on my political soapbox.
A couple days ago the June sales reports came out for GM- the last reports before the November elections. Sales were up 16% for the month of June, and the best month since 2008. Why am I citing this? Because, if you'll remember, our government, our president, bailed out GM with our taxpayer dollars. So this is good news, right? Not really. You see, 79% of GM fleet sales in June was to the US government. So we taxpayers buy 500 million plus shares of GM stock to "save" them from bankruptcy, then we buy almost 80% of theeir fleet sales to inflate the numbers to make Obama look good. So what did wwe actually save?
To get out "investment" out of the shares we bought we need to sell them for about $53/share. The post-bankrupt shares debuted at $33/share, and it is currently selling at just over $20/share. Doing the math, we stand to lose over $15 billion taxpayer dollars. So what did we get for our money? Obama bought all the UAW workers votes, and all those union votes are enormous. He probably bought the state of Ohio with taxpayer money... But it's just one of many shady, seedy dealings he's had since gaining office.
Had GM gone into bankruptcy they would have been forced to restructure, to become financially viable, or to sell. Had we not bailed them out they would have become an asset to our economy instead of the billions of dollars of dead weight they currently are. Obama and unions have forced on us a "status quo" that costs us billions- this from the man who says the status quo isn't working. I guess it works okay for him...
This campaign I've heard repeatedly from Obama that he's "for all Americans". That's the biggest lie and the biggest line of BS yet. Obama has been the most divisive president this country has ever experienced. Listening to his retoric about "we" and "they" when blaming all his failures on Republicans, Congress, George Bush, his "inherited" economy, Wall Street, big business... The list goes on and on...
As an independent, but fiscally conservative voter, I pray that Obama is defeated in November. I aam afraid my small business can't afford another four years of his policies...
A couple days ago the June sales reports came out for GM- the last reports before the November elections. Sales were up 16% for the month of June, and the best month since 2008. Why am I citing this? Because, if you'll remember, our government, our president, bailed out GM with our taxpayer dollars. So this is good news, right? Not really. You see, 79% of GM fleet sales in June was to the US government. So we taxpayers buy 500 million plus shares of GM stock to "save" them from bankruptcy, then we buy almost 80% of theeir fleet sales to inflate the numbers to make Obama look good. So what did wwe actually save?
To get out "investment" out of the shares we bought we need to sell them for about $53/share. The post-bankrupt shares debuted at $33/share, and it is currently selling at just over $20/share. Doing the math, we stand to lose over $15 billion taxpayer dollars. So what did we get for our money? Obama bought all the UAW workers votes, and all those union votes are enormous. He probably bought the state of Ohio with taxpayer money... But it's just one of many shady, seedy dealings he's had since gaining office.
Had GM gone into bankruptcy they would have been forced to restructure, to become financially viable, or to sell. Had we not bailed them out they would have become an asset to our economy instead of the billions of dollars of dead weight they currently are. Obama and unions have forced on us a "status quo" that costs us billions- this from the man who says the status quo isn't working. I guess it works okay for him...
This campaign I've heard repeatedly from Obama that he's "for all Americans". That's the biggest lie and the biggest line of BS yet. Obama has been the most divisive president this country has ever experienced. Listening to his retoric about "we" and "they" when blaming all his failures on Republicans, Congress, George Bush, his "inherited" economy, Wall Street, big business... The list goes on and on...
As an independent, but fiscally conservative voter, I pray that Obama is defeated in November. I aam afraid my small business can't afford another four years of his policies...
Monday, August 20, 2012
Relationally challenged...
I've never been shy about admitting my being relationally challenged, but it's taken some time for me to figure out why there are times I just prefer to be alone than in a relationship. I've been divorced some time now and while single I have participated in several relationships, each in turn running its course. I finally figured out that which I dislike most about relationships: I hate the feeling I get when I disappoint. It doesn't matter if I've not been "wrong", per se, to cause that rotten feeling, it just matters that I failed to perform in such a way that pleased my mate... It's those times, when I felt I tried, but it wasn't good enough, that I found little pleasure in my relationship... It's those times that I felt it better to be alone...
From time to time I've shared my feelings on relationships, on occassion my opinion has been sought out by those dealing with difficulties of one kind or another, but this time, as I seek answers, who will answer me? Why does feeling that I've disappointed make me feel like a failure? Even those times I've tried, but still disappointed, when my best efforts were not enough and met with disappointment, I feel terrible. Why? Shouldn't the effort to please be acknowledged, isn't that attitude of disappointment a selfish reaction from my mate? Perhaps for some only the end product is all that matters, the destination more important than the journey. Perhaps that is a difference, for I've found that life is in the journey...
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Push a rope...
We all want what we want from others, but getting what we want sometimes seems so difficult. Why? Because it's like trying to push a rope. The rope doesn't go anywhere, it constantly veers off course, and ultimately its a mess. You just can't push a rope. Nor will you fare any better trying to push your agenda on other people. 
However, if we take time to ask others about themselves, learn from them their interests, their desires, we can "pull" them from great distances to where you want o be. Just as a pulled rope comes to the source of the pull straight and true so will others come with whom we've taken the time to put their interests ahead of our own. The influence one creates through pulling can be vast, and limitless.
It's all about learning to be more selfless in our dealings with others. Putting them first often results in our own desires being met. Just the opposite of what most people think or do... Food for thought.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
A good ribbing...
It's been a while since I last blogged, but life's not been stagnant... I went down south for a family get-together a few weeks ago and while playing in the hotel pool with extended family I landed on the edge of the pool and cracked a couple of ribs... What a miserable injury! There's nothing really to be done except wait for them to mend. I can't laay down to sleep so I sleep sitting in a chair. Coughing, sneezing, yawning are all sharply painful, like sticking a knife in my ribs. Just wrap and wait...
Needless to say, my patience has been streched pretty thin these last three weekss, but patience has never been my strong suit. Perhaps I'm going to need patience in my near future, and this is God's way of helping me grow mine... I don't know, but I won't be surprised if it works out that way. Meanwhile, I'm really getting tired of breaking bones... Lord, give me patience!
Needless to say, my patience has been streched pretty thin these last three weekss, but patience has never been my strong suit. Perhaps I'm going to need patience in my near future, and this is God's way of helping me grow mine... I don't know, but I won't be surprised if it works out that way. Meanwhile, I'm really getting tired of breaking bones... Lord, give me patience!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Life is a River...
I spent this last weekend up in Ontario, Wisconsin, canoeing the Kickapoo River on Saturday. The Kickapoo is a winding, snaking river, full of rocks, deadfalls, and other assorted pitfalls, all with the intent to challenge your skills as you navigate the river... It is a fun river to canoe, whether it's your first experience or fiftieth...
As I was sitting out on the porch of our rented log cabin Saturday night, just reminicing the trip, it occurred to me that life is alot like that river... Despite gravel bars, or deadfalls, or whatever, blocking the river, the river still managed to find its way over, under, or around whatever obstacle it might be. It occurred to me that that's how life is; no matter what obstacles are thrown in our path life continues on. It becomes our task, our job, to overcome the obstacles and continue on in the flow of life.
When we stopped for lunch we put over to the side of the river, tight against a rock face, and I remember how the river continued to flow by, constantly pulling at us to engage "the flow", and it took an effort on our part not to slip back into the current. Life is like that, always engaging us, inviting us to join in. When we decide to remove ourselves life will continue on, it will pass us by, until we re-engage ourselves and enter its flow once more...
Life is a flow, and we can ride with it and experience it in all its glory, or we can remove ourselves and stagnate off to the side, alone. Whatever the obstacle in our path, whatever is hindering you from experiencing the flow, work to overcome it and rejoin us in life... It's worth the effort!
Food for thought...
As I was sitting out on the porch of our rented log cabin Saturday night, just reminicing the trip, it occurred to me that life is alot like that river... Despite gravel bars, or deadfalls, or whatever, blocking the river, the river still managed to find its way over, under, or around whatever obstacle it might be. It occurred to me that that's how life is; no matter what obstacles are thrown in our path life continues on. It becomes our task, our job, to overcome the obstacles and continue on in the flow of life. Life is a flow, and we can ride with it and experience it in all its glory, or we can remove ourselves and stagnate off to the side, alone. Whatever the obstacle in our path, whatever is hindering you from experiencing the flow, work to overcome it and rejoin us in life... It's worth the effort!
Food for thought...
Thursday, June 07, 2012
React or Respond?
I came into work this morning and found a note that an old "friend" called and wanted me to return his call... It was someone I knew for many years through business dealings, but about a year ago he really cheated me in a business transaction. I called many times to see if we could try and rectify the situation, but despite several dozen calls, he would never talk to me. Finally, his bookkeeper told me that he knew I was upset and he wasn't going to talk to me.
So here's this note. My first reaction was that he needs something again so he wants to patch things up. Well, he can call another dozen times if he wants to talk with me. It turns out that that wasn't necessarily my response. Here's the difference: When we react to a person or situation we are allowing external circumstances to control us. When we respond we choose to control our actions and/or feelings. What responding does, in essence, is allow us to live in the solution rather than in the problem. It is an act of emotional maturity, and most always helps the other person to respond in kind. Learn to respond, rather than react, and you will raise the level of the situation.
Now I have a difficult call to make. Food for thought...
So here's this note. My first reaction was that he needs something again so he wants to patch things up. Well, he can call another dozen times if he wants to talk with me. It turns out that that wasn't necessarily my response. Here's the difference: When we react to a person or situation we are allowing external circumstances to control us. When we respond we choose to control our actions and/or feelings. What responding does, in essence, is allow us to live in the solution rather than in the problem. It is an act of emotional maturity, and most always helps the other person to respond in kind. Learn to respond, rather than react, and you will raise the level of the situation.
Now I have a difficult call to make. Food for thought...
Friday, June 01, 2012
My heart...
I ran across this poem, written some four years ago, in my drafts.
While it isn't necessarily relevant today I still thought it was pretty good poetry,
if I do say so myself... So I thought I'd share it...
I believe that love does play with the emotions of my heart
Seldom does it act the way that I believe is smart.
It binds my heart to someone who doesn't really care
Watching while my heart's ripped out, opened and laid bare.
Why does love choose to pierce my heart, why is it my fate
To fall in love again, again with one who won't reciprocate?
Is love so cruel , is life so cold, to enjoy my broken heart?
Is it better to love and lose, or better to never start?
There is no promise of happiness, no guarantee from above
That things will work out wonderfully if I fall in love.
All that promised, all that's sure, is that the chance for pain
Is an overwhelming certainty if I choose to fall in love again.
All I can say to the one I love, "You chose to run away,
I wish you weren't so afraid, and that you chose to stay.
To experience a depth of love that would carry to a new height
To learn how love doesn't have to hurt, how it could be so right".
While it isn't necessarily relevant today I still thought it was pretty good poetry,
if I do say so myself... So I thought I'd share it...
I believe that love does play with the emotions of my heart
Seldom does it act the way that I believe is smart.
It binds my heart to someone who doesn't really care
Watching while my heart's ripped out, opened and laid bare.
Why does love choose to pierce my heart, why is it my fate
To fall in love again, again with one who won't reciprocate?
Is love so cruel , is life so cold, to enjoy my broken heart?
Is it better to love and lose, or better to never start?
There is no promise of happiness, no guarantee from above
That things will work out wonderfully if I fall in love.
All that promised, all that's sure, is that the chance for pain
Is an overwhelming certainty if I choose to fall in love again.
All I can say to the one I love, "You chose to run away,
I wish you weren't so afraid, and that you chose to stay.
To experience a depth of love that would carry to a new height
To learn how love doesn't have to hurt, how it could be so right".
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