The Well-Adjusted Penguin

New things coming.

2011-12-02T16:44:00.001-06:00

I'm headed on a trip right now. It involves a plane, and maybe its just coincidence.
Coincidence that I think of Dad. See, I bought my ticket two weeks ago, choosing a seat at the time, a window seat (I prefer those sometimes), the first open seat on the left side of the plane. Without a thought.
So today, I got to my seat, got settled in, ate a snack, and didn't open the closed window shade until we were moving from the gate.
I just took a glance at where we were, looked out a bit as we crossed over the road entrance to the airport, and then I realized I'm in the very seat that I used to sit in when I was a wee-tot. I can imagine like it was yesterday on trips when I'd get upset if I wasn't in a window seat, or how Dad could tell me again what was gonna happen to the wing before it happened.
"Why does the wing do that, Daddy?"
And then I can hear his voice again, explaining things with whatever-age-I-was-at-the-time words and phrases, and always amazed at how he knew every question was coming. And how I got older, and asked more questions, and him still knowing every answer. And me giddy watching the wing "come apart" just to "go back together" after we landed.
At a certain point, maybe high school age, we stopped flying for vacations. I learned later that since Dad flew airplanes for a living and stayed in hotels all the time, and really despised eating out. My parents bought their first motorhome, and we started driving on trips.
He still worked, now getting enough seniority to pick his own trips, and enjoying the flying part. I knew that the bullshit-of-life stuff happens everywhere, and it was really getting to him toward the end of his career. This year after he passed on, I learned a lot about what Dad accomplished in his career.
I didn't quite realize until he was gone, of course, just how much he worked to get there. How much he wanted it. How he studied. Over and over. How he got re-certified when it was due, and always seeming to pass with every question right. Perfection.
When we cleaned out the storeroom, my sister and I found stacks and stacks of all kinds of crap from years and years back. One of the things on the shelf, been there for years, and I knew they had been there for as long as I can remember. But I didn't know that even training manual for every plane he flew was there. His old scores. His notes. Over and over. His old log books of the years he flew, including the fuel calculations and other figures that pilots had to make happen before flying.
My Dad was a worker, and he worked for everything he obtained. Growing up on a farm, and driving lime trucks across state lines at night at 14, with crap on the pedals so he could reach them. That was because he had to; he flew because he wanted to. And he did with pride.
I have his brainbag. This is the bag that pilots carry with them, usually rectangular in shape, with stickers or insignias or whatever in the side, containing flight maps, a mask, and other stuff. I actually haven't opened it in since I got it, and now am curious about what other crap is in his brainbag.
I wonder if his 'change' is in there. Dad carried change with him for the Stewardesses, and always told them he had change if they needed it. Back when you bought drinks on flights with cash (I say back then because the one I'm on just takes plastic) people would buy drinks with a $20 bill, hoping that the drink lady wouldn't have change, therefore scoring a free drink.'. So, Dad made change.
He told me of one time ran out of change. There was a guy buying drinks, and using twenties to get them. The stewardess would come get change for a twenty, twenty $1 bills. The stewardess would then go back to the guy, and promptly count out 17 $1 bills to him.
Now I don't know if it was just the one guy drinking six drinks on that one flight hellbent on receiving a free one, but he "lost" 102 $1 bills somewhere in his shirt. Or somewhere else. Who knows? But I know that's a pretty thick stack of bills when folded over.
Or the time when I was a wee-tot that he used a favor to get his son into the mechanics shop where they had the model plane he was flying at the time completely torn apart for overhaul. They had the floor panels torn out along with the seats so you could see through the floor into the baggage area, and the flight stick out of the floor followed by a rats nest of wires, and some panel boards off; that was really cool. And I know I had questions, and he had all the answers for me in how-ever-old-I-was-then words and phrases. He never seemed irritated. I know now it was his love. He love flying.
He knew all those answers partly because he was a mechanic in the Army, and worked his way up through Delta Air Lines. He was a mechanic for 12 years and then drove planes for 25 after that.
I am reminded of the day he flew last. On your last flight, before you reach the gate, the fire trucks and sprayers and emergency vehicles escort you, and then they 'wash' the plane. It is evidently a sight to see. I want to say there's a picture somewhere, framed, of his actual plane getting the bath, It was a day to behold evidently.
I guess all these emotions came out of me because I want to ask him just one more question. And then maybe a few more. I want to tell him about how proud I was. I want to tell him how much I love him. And I want to tell him about my plans, my dreams, about what I'm doing so he can be proud of me like I know he was.
I don't however, want to tell him that I, subconsciously, maybe, was taking advantage of being able to support him in the last year, or two, and delaying my life (in a small way, of course) from moving on like he encouraged me to do. But I do want to tell him what I'm doing now.
I miss you Dad. And I love you still.

Sometimes things just wear out.

2011-11-13T22:39:00.000-06:00

I was just reading my last post, and this one kinda starts out the same as the last. The last day and a half has been very interesting indeed.

Friday I decided that the side of the house nearest my bedroom looks horrible. When my outside salesman told me to get the hell out of the office on Friday, I jumped. And had some of the siding torn off the house by the time my roommate made it home.

I've been looking at that corner of the house since I bought it four years ago, and just kinda let it go until something drastic came up. Well, the corner trim separated from the brick on the adjoining wall, and when I took off the trim to look under, it did not look good. At all.

So I decided that I would take on the project myself, replacing the siding on the house on three sides to start. It's actually about six hundred square feet of surface area or so, and encompasses some 14 foot high siding, some on roofline, five windows and a door.

So by Saturday afternoon, we had all the siding peeled off the house, less some areas heavily nailed and screwed (and whoever thought screwing siding to get it to lay down and painting over it can go to hell). Discoveries included totally rotted through window trim, an electrical outlet literally stapled to the old siding (no electrical box to speak of anywhere) a totally rotten inside wall corner (with the splices funneling water into the wall), absolutely no drip edge, and covered in disintegrating tar paper.

The siding in the front part of the house (that you can see from the street) looks in really good shape in comparison. I don't plan to touch that siding in its current configuration.

I'm replacing wood siding with Hardie plank. I'm having to do some things to take care of the extra 3/4 inch of surface to match the windows, which I probably would replace if I was going to stay here, but with my current plans that probably isn't worth it. The siding probably wasn't worth it either, but it needed to be done.

One thing that I didn't plan on was my computer motherboard giving up the ghost on the same day that I decided to rip off the siding of the house. But, I do now own a processor that was approximately 8 times faster than before, have four times as much ram as I had before, and my computer stays running for more than five minutes now because I replaced the outdated capacitors that were blowing up.

Those are just two of the things that are wearing out on me this week. It seems I've been upgrading, replacing, and just generally bringing things up to current conditions since I've started working again. I'm actually getting my dental situation up to date, with a crown and two cavities since the first of November. I get my permanent crown installed Tuesday, and I should be good for awhile.

So, for anyone in the area that feels like you're wearing out, or at least all your stuff is, I'm right there with ya. Sometimes things just wear out. And what can you do?

Drive on. Next week will be better. At least that's what I'm planning for me!

Getting back to it.

2011-10-26T21:23:00.001-05:00

The last day and a half has been pretty weird. Well, not weird, but kind of unexpected. Or at least I thought I was done with some things for awhile. Like grief.

Surprise!

For the last few months, I've been working toward getting my professional engineer license back active. A few years ago, I was granted inactive status, as I was going through some personal issues, family issues, lots of issues. I didn't really know if I 'wanted' to be an engineer anymore.

So, anyway, the short is that I finally got enough hours to meet the continuing education requirement for inactive engineers, and submitted it to the board yesterday.

I took it to the post office, got one of those tracking things applied, came back to the car, and cried.

Lost it right there in the parking lot.

Then came home, after a mind full of jumps and jukes and jibes, to stand in my kitchen and think of how the goolash my Mother used to make tasted. And I wanted some. And then lost it again. Glad I was home alone at that moment. Letting it out and hearing yourself echo through the house does one good.

Yesterday, I think I know what set me off. Parental grief is weird; some things come out of nowhere. When I put my PE license on inactive, it was one of the last things Dad and I really argued about. Dad was from the old skool, where you worked or you didn't eat. I know that he was proud of me for making it through the Corps at Texas A&M; I know that he was proud of me for graduating; I know that he was proud of me obtaining that PE license, and putting it on inactive really disappointed him.

I know I broke down becuase I knew he'd be proud of me for moving forward.
And I wanted to call him and tell him and then......I remembered.

Sometimes it just kicks you square in the face, knocks you down, and chokes you.

One of the sales guys I support questioned me today. Thought I wasn't myself. And I wasn't. It carried through to today. I went for 26 miles today on my bike with my friend Rick; he's motivating me to ride this week because he has a fairly long ride this weekend. Getting a few stretch rides in. It was good to blow off some steam on about a 5 minute stretch at 180 bpm, and all together a good thing.

Maybe tomorrow I'll be back to normal. I know it is possible.
And I know Dad knows; no phone call required.

Miss ya Dad.

Let the Jobs Flow!

2011-10-23T09:13:00.000-05:00

I have to be honest, I really didn't have any interest in the President's latest speech on jobs, but found myself reading it this afternoon at work. As I continued to read, I found myself talking to myself. So, I thought I would try something new. It might take awhile, especially after I add Jose's comments. This will probably tell a lot about my politics, and some of you might not care for that spin.

And now since it has been awhile since this speech, and it's already been voted down once, I find this even more interesting. What did the President say that night?
But, you don't get if you don't ask, and you don't have to read it. If you don't want my politics, then you can read some of America's Finest News Source. The President's remarks are in Blue, and my comments, of course, look like this.

(I've been fighting the blogger to get the format right, and it looks like my comments aren't all the same color. However, the speech text appears to be blue no matter.)

Let's begin,shall we?

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, and fellow Americans:

Tonight we meet at an urgent time for our country. We continue to face an economic crisis that has left millions of our neighbors jobless, and a political crisis that has made things worse.

I have to agree here. This is an urgent time. We continue to face an economic crisis that rivals the 1980's I've heard a number of times, when jobs were thin. And absolutely, we have a political crisis. Politics has invaded every single facet of life as we know it, and in my opinion, is out of control.

This past week, reporters have been asking "What will this speech mean for the President? What will it mean for Congress? How will it affect their polls, and the next election?"

And I personally think they were balls on.

But the millions of Americans who are watching right now: they don't care about politics. They have real life concerns. Many have spent months looking for work. Others are doing their best just to scrape by - giving up nights out with the family to save on gas or make the mortgage; postponing retirement to send a kid to college.

I agree. Millions of Americans haven't really cared about politics. I believe now, since things are so uncertain, people are paying attention. The trust is gone, if there was any trust to begin with.
These men and women grew up with faith in an America where hard work and responsibility paid off. They believed in a country where everyone gets a fair shake and does their fair share - where if you stepped up, did your job, and were loyal to your company, that loyalty would be rewarded with a decent salary and good benefits; maybe a raise once in awhile. If you did the right thing, you could make it in America.

I can't help but pick out all the political terms in there already. Like fair share. Makes me think of taxes right off the bat.

But for decades now, Americans have watched that compact erode. They have seen the deck too often stacked against them. And they know that Washington hasn't always put their interests first.

More than ever, Washington. I think he might have rolled over in his grave.

The people of this country work hard to meet their responsibilities. The question tonight is whether we'll meet ours. The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy; whether we can restore some of the fairness and security that has defined this nation since our beginning.

I would love for Congress to grow some responsibility, in my opinion, of course. The political circus will never stop; just do something meaningful.

Those of us here tonight can't solve all of our nation's woes. Ultimately, our recovery will be driven not by Washington, but by our businesses and our workers. If you get out of the way. But we can help. We can make a difference. There are steps we can take right now to improve people's lives.

I disagree. The recovery can be driven by Washington.

I am sending this Congress a plan that you should pass right away (1). It's called the American Jobs Act. There should be nothing controversial about this piece of legislation.

Nothing controversial. Yep.

Everything in here is the kind of proposal that's been supported by both Democrats and Republicans - including many who sit here tonight. And everything in this bill will be paid for. Everything.

I don't think that 'paid for' has the same meaning in Washington than everywhere else.

The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple: to put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working. This sounds like a...I thought we couldn't afford...

It will create more jobs for construction workers, more jobs for teachers, more jobs for veterans, and more jobs for the long-term unemployed. What's 'It?' The Bill, the part we can't afford to do, like....

It will provide a tax break for companies who hire new workers, and it will cut payroll taxes in half for every working American and every small business. He said it. Tax Breaks. And, in 2008, payroll taxes were over a third of Government Income, or approximately $800 BILLION. This link, even though it has figures from 2008, has some good history on what tax revenues have come into the government. A graph from that same website:

"People don't hire people to give them money, they hire people to provide a service or make a product based on the rules of supply and demand." -M. Tucker.

Now, I realize there are some in my party who don't think we should make any changes at all to Medicare and Medicaid, and I understand their concerns. But here's the truth. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare in their retirement. And millions more will do so in the future. Until 2026, or somewhere around there. And I'll be 52. They pay for this benefit during their working years. They earn it. For those that work. But with an aging population and rising health care costs, we are spending too fast to sustain the program. Agreed. And if we don't gradually reform the system while protecting current beneficiaries, it won't be there when future retirees need it. We have to reform Medicare to strengthen it. How about we set it up where you don't get benefits if you don't pay in? You don't work, you don't get? Now, I know some of us out there can't work. I'm talking about the ones that can work but don't. I'm talking about those on perpetual government support. Those that are lazy? I mean, why not just sit and get a check?

I'm also well aware that there are many Republicans who don't believe we should raise taxes on those who are most fortunate and can best afford it. But here is what every American knows. While most people in this country struggle to make ends meet, a few of the most affluent citizens and corporations enjoy tax breaks and loopholes that nobody else gets. Like GE? Or what about Buffett? I guess since he owes a Billion in back taxes, must not be a problem. A discussion with my girlfriend got into this. Some can't afford it because they don't have enough to pay bills. Some have to pay more because they can afford it. Loopholes and tax breaks. The system is so complicated the ones that can afford to skirt the laws and create loopholes. Like Warren Buffet? Right now, Warren Buffet pays a lower tax rate than his secretary - an outrage he has asked us to fix. I don't believe it's the government's problem to fix things that aren't the government's business. How about a list of those 'things that aren't the government's business?' Oh wait, I guess this government doesn't count. Governmnent is into everything. And anyone that knows me knows I believe Government is too big. But really, the Federal Government is worse. We need a tax code where everyone gets a fair shake, and everybody pays their fair share. You can't have both. And I believe the vast majority of wealthy Americans and CEOs are willing to do just that, if it helps the economy grow and gets our fiscal house in order. You are asking for $400 BILLION. After charging $400 Billion on the US Credit Card on August 3. Why didn't we use that $400 Billion to do this Jobs thingy here?

We have to stop spending. Forget everything else. We have to stop spending.

I'll also offer ideas to reform a corporate tax code that stands as a monument to special interest influence in Washington. By eliminating pages of loopholes and deductions, we can lower one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. Our tax code shouldn't give an advantage to companies that can afford the best-connected lobbyists. But it does. Every day. And it shows here in this plan. Right here. It should give an advantage to companies that invest and create jobs here in America. It should. Absolutely.

So we can reduce this deficit, pay down our debt, and pay for this jobs plan in the process. I thought this was a jobs bill? Where did this "pay down our debt"come from? But in order to do this, we have to decide what our priorities are. We have to ask ourselves, "What's the best way to grow the economy and create jobs?" How about reducing government restrictions, let business decide for itself? How about getting out of the way? How about not playing politics like you guys do? That will start to fix the problems. A huge part of the speculation that keeps uncertainty out there is the threat of Government changing the game again. It's already expensive to hire someone, but you probably wouldn't know that's the case.

Should we keep tax loopholes for oil companies? Yep. You mean the profit for doing business? What kind of tax rate do they pay? I know they make biliions, but what ROI? Oh, right. Fair share. Forgot. Sorry. Or should we use that money to give small business owners a tax credit when they hire new workers? Because we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. It's called less spending. Why don't we just cut the spending by $400 Billion? Check this out. Let's play a game. Click on that link, and then take note of the debt. Take note of the amount (you might concentrate on the hundred thousand column). Take minute,then compare. Should we keep tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires? Yep. Or should we put teachers back to work so our kids can graduate ready for college and good jobs? Right now, we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. And we should. But we can't get there by spending like we're spending.

On the right side of that website, there's a vertical bar with numbers. The top two: Citizens, Taxpayers. I've never understood the fair share argument.

This isn't political grandstanding. Yes it is. This isn't class warfare. Yes it is. This is simple math. Yes it is. These are real choices that we have to make. Yes they are. And I'm pretty sure I know what most Americans would choose. It's not even close. And it's time for us to do what's right for our future. Yep. It's time.

The American Jobs Act answers the urgent need to create jobs right away. It doesn't address anything. $4000 credit for employers isn't enough initiative. But we can't stop there. No, you really should. As I've argued since I ran for this office, we have to look beyond the immediate crisis and start building an economy that lasts into the future - an economy that creates good, middle-class jobs that pay well and offer security. Then how about something about educating the unemployed and underemployed? How about credits for going back to college? How about credits for finishing a new degree? We now live in a world where technology has made it possible for companies to take their business anywhere. And they absolutely do because we make the decision for them. It's way cheaper to move overseas then do business here. If we want them to start here and stay here and hire here, we have to be able to out-build, out-educate, and out-innovate every other country on Earth. And look at how we're driving companies elsewhere. How about a study about why that is?

This task, of making America more competitive for the long haul, is a job for all of us. For government and for private companies. For states and for local communities - and for every American citizen. All of us will have to up our game. All of us will have to change the way we do business. I'm assuming you are still talking to Congress. You just have to change how you do business. That would have far more effect than anything this jobs bill could do, can do, or might do.

My administration can and will take some steps to improve our competitiveness on our own. For example, if you're a small business owner who has a contract with the federal government, we're going to make sure you get paid a lot faster than you do now. We're also planning to cut away the red tape that prevents too many rapidly-growing start-up companies from raising capital and going public. And to help responsible homeowners, (and what about the irresponsible ones?) we're going to work with Federal housing agencies to help more people refinance their mortgages at interest rates that are now near 4% -- a step that can put more than $2,000 a year in a family's pocket, and give a lift to an economy still burdened by the drop in housing prices. This is a great idea. Let's go ahead and sign that program up today. It won't cost a thing, and it would help quite a bit. It would help me, for sure. I've not worked in two years, and have made every payment without fail. I can't refinance because I haven't had employment for long enough.

Good point. If we just gave people money, well, that's called an entitlement. And we're talking about jobs, right?

It will provide a jolt to an economy that has stalled (and why is that?), and give companies confidence that if they invest and hire, there will be customers for their products and services. You should pass this jobs plan right away (2). Fortunately, I drank Jolt in high school, and it had "twice the caffeine" and it gave a jolt. Then you lose your high after a brief stint of energy. I'd rather the feds don't jolt anything of mine. I don't believe a jolt will do much. To make this thing better, something has to be sustained for the duration. Something significant and meaningful.

Everyone here knows that small businesses are where most new jobs begin. Um, no. Everyone here, well that would be Congress, wouldn't it? This statement is directed to Congress quite obviously. This is a cool graphic based on a report done by J.P. Morgan:

Now, let's be somewhat skeptical of the graph. There's probably 3-5% error. This administration isn't heavy on the appointed cabinet members with private sector experience.

And you know that while corporate profits have come roaring back (really? roaring back?), smaller companies haven't. So for everyone who speaks so passionately about making life easier for "job creators," this plan is for you. I'm not really all ears.
Pass this jobs bill (3), and starting tomorrow, small businesses will get a tax cut if they hire new workers or raise workers' wages. Pass this jobs bill (4), and all small business owners will also see their payroll taxes cut in half next year. So, cutting the payroll taxes above didn't include small business owners? I guess they aren't workers. But I seem to remember that businesses pay half the payroll tax, right? So I guess a portion of the $800B above wasn't really accurate. But this brings it up to snuff, I guess.

If you have 50 employees making an average salary, that's an $80,000 tax cut. And all businesses will be able to continue writing off the investments they make in 2012. It's not just Democrats who have supported this kind of proposal. Wow. Democrats supported cutting the payroll tax in half? That's a 18% cut! And when did this happen? Congress supported a cut?

Fifty House Republicans have proposed the same payroll tax cut that's in this plan. You should pass it right away. (5)

Pass this jobs bill (6), and we can put people to work rebuilding America. Everyone here knows that we have badly decaying roads and bridges all over this country. Congress knows this? Our highways are clogged with traffic. Our skies are the most congested in the world. I think a great way to take care of this is to just let the individual states keep the 38 cents a gallon tax to use as each sees fit. That would be kick ass. Then the State governments could decide. We don't need a big bill to do this. Actually, each thing up to this point could be done individually.

This is inexcusable. Building a world-class transportation system is part of what made us an economic superpower. And now we're going to sit back and watch China build newer airports and faster railroads? At a time when millions of unemployed construction workers could build them right here in America? Well, since we sent all our manufacturing over there, why not? They can build all the bridges over there, ship 'em over, and we can install them. They have fewer governmental restrictions, no child labor laws, and can probably build it cheaper. That federal government red tape is a lot less plentiful over there!

There are private construction companies all across America just waiting to get to work. Yep. But they won't hire becuase they don't know what it will cost to hire the workers they need. It's called Risk.

There's a bridge that needs repair between Ohio and Kentucky that's on one of the busiest trucking routes in North America. Yep. and it has ten more years of life left in it.
A public transit project in Houston that will help clear up one of the worst areas of traffic in the country. Um, I'm not sure it will help that much, since we like our freeways down here. I'm not sure you could get any more concrete out on the ground. We're concrete hogs! Just look at our new stretch of I-10! A few shovels used on or 26 lanes wide! Whoop!

And there are schools throughout this country that desperately need renovating. How can we expect our kids to do their best in places that are literally falling apart? I know. Horrible. This is America. Every child deserves a great school - and we can give it to them, if we act now (7). This is America. Every child does deserve a great school. And a great education. I can't disagree.

The American Jobs Act will repair and modernize at least 35,000 schools. It will put people to work right now fixing roofs and windows; installing science labs and high-speed Internet in classrooms all across this country. I'd be interested in learning how you plan on micromanaging. I'm a big fan of micromanagers.

It will rehabilitate homes and businesses in communities hit hardest by foreclosures. Did you mean to say that foreclosures are caused by condition of property? I think there's a few other reasons that foreclosures are an issue. Banks come to mind. Some of those that we bailed out for breaking laws.

It will jumpstart thousands of transportation projects across the country. I'm for that. Let's get the shovels out! Oh yeah. We alerady tried that approach.

And to make sure the money is properly spent and for good purposes, we're building on reforms we've already put in place.

No more earmarks. I'd take that right there by itself. Executive order, baby! Don't forget it contains nothing contriversial! Nothing at all! Use that pen and sign that order!

No more boondoggles. No more bridges to nowhere. We're cutting the red tape that prevents some of these projects from getting started as quickly as possible. And we'll set up an independent fund to attract private dollars and issue loans based on two criteria: how badly a construction project is needed and how much good it would do for the economy. Like this company? It was good for the economy. And the Feds did such a good job managing it.

This idea came from a bill written by a Texas Republican and a Massachusetts Democrat. The idea for a big boost in construction is supported by America's largest business organization and America's largest labor organization. It's the kind of proposal that's been supported in the past by Democrats and Republicans alike. You should pass it right away (8). Sounds like Texas and Massachusetts knows what they need! Let 'em keep their own money!

Pass this jobs bill (9), and thousands of teachers in every state will go back to work. These are the men and women charged with preparing our children for a world where the competition has never been tougher. But while they're adding teachers in places like South Korea, we're laying them off in droves. Why are we laying them off in droves? It can't be because the districts are doing the same thing the government does...just spends more than it takes in. It's unfair to our kids. It undermines their future and ours. And it has to stop. Pass this jobs bill (10), and put our teachers back in the classroom where they belong. That's why you need to let us keep the money we give you. Take out the middleman. Take out his take.

Pass this jobs bill (11), and companies will get extra tax credits if they hire America's veterans. How about just tax cuts, then they can hire all kinds of people, not just Veterans? That sounds, well, discriminatory. We ask these men and women to leave their careers, leave their families, and risk their lives to fight for our country. The last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home. Or fight to have their vote heard. So, let's pay them more while they're gone, and Support them while they're gone. Support our Troops.

Pass this bill (12), and hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged young people will have the hope and dignity of a summer job next year. They will have hope whether or not this bill happens. And their parents, low-income Americans who desperately want to work, will have more ladders out of poverty. They have to have motivation. Throwing money at people who can create jobs doesn't mean that they will create jobs. Didn't we just have a big bill last year that was supposed to create jobs? Oh,that was stimulus money, not jobs money.

Pass this jobs bill (13), and companies will get a $4,000 tax credit if they hire anyone who has spent more than six months looking for a job. How about a $4000 tax credit for hiring anyone? And I'd like to know how you plan to verify it's been six months they've been looking. We have to do more to help the long-term unemployed in their search for work. This jobs plan builds on a program in Georgia that several Republican leaders have highlighted, where people who collect unemployment insurance participate in temporary work as a way to build their skills while they look for a permanent job. I saw a report that says that plan is horrible. Yes, there are a few dozen people that worked more than a day, and after that we don't know. But the guy actually running the program wasn't a fan and doesn't support it.

The plan also extends unemployment insurance for another year. Aren't we doing that anyway?

If the millions of unemployed Americans stopped getting this insurance, and stopped using that money for basic necessities, it would be a devastating blow to this economy.

Think about that for a moment. If millions of unemployed Americans stopped getting this insurance, it would be a devistating blow to the economy. I heard a few theories lately. One says that unemployment is good for the economy because nemployment gives money to people, then those people go and spend that money at the businesses that paid the insurance. I'm not sure how that works. Well, I guess it works as long as businesses have money.

And I believe those people receiving benefits, when their benefits stop coming, they are going to become, well, less than happy. Just like those people in Houston that are still living in apartments paid for by the County since Hurricane Ike, that demonstrated and fought for their utility bills to continue to be paid when the County was going to turn them off. Let's just extend those benefits forever.

Democrats and Republicans in this Chamber have supported unemployment insurance plenty of times in the past. At this time of prolonged hardship, you should pass it again (14) - right away. Unemployment wasn't intended to be permanent...or maybe it was. Just like the Texas Lottery was going to Education. That went well.

Pass this jobs bill, (15) and the typical working family will get a fifteen hundred dollar tax cut next year. Fifteen hundred dollars that would have been taken out of your paycheck will go right into your pocket. This expands on the tax cut that Democrats and Republicans already passed for this year. If we allow that tax cut to expire - if we refuse to act - middle-class families will get hit with a tax increase at the worst possible time. Isn't this a jobs bill? This is not about creating jobs. We cannot let that happen. I know some of you have sworn oaths to never raise any taxes on anyone for as long as you live. Now is not the time to carve out an exception and raise middle-class taxes, which is why you should pass this bill (16) right away. But it is okay to lower the cutoff for the 'rich' from $250,000 to $200,000 right? Yay jobs bill!

This is the American Jobs Act. It will lead to new jobs for construction workers, teachers, veterans, first responders, young people and the long-term unemployed. It will provide tax credits to companies that hire new workers, tax relief for small business owners, and tax cuts for the middle-class. And here's the other thing I want the American people to know: the American Jobs Act will not add to the deficit. It will be paid for. And here's how: So wait. Now we're talking tax cuts? How does that work? Wouldn't it raise the deficit if you take in less money (tax credits, right) if we just keep spending the same amount?

The agreement we passed in July will cut government spending by about $1 trillion over the next ten years. Isn't that the one that you guys raised the credit limit? Don't you have to still come to an agreement to cut like a trillion from spending by the end of the year? Oh, its to have a plan to save 120 Billion a year for the next ten years. I wonder if we forgot we had to do that. And we're supposed to figure that out by the end of November. That's ten weeks. Well, now it's six weeks. It also charges this Congress to come up with an additional $1.5 trillion in savings by Christmas. Tonight, I'm asking you to increase that amount so that it covers the full cost of the American Jobs Act. And a week from Monday, I'll be releasing a more ambitious deficit plan - a plan that will not only cover the cost of this jobs bill, but stabilize our debt in the long run. Hm. Where's that ambitious deficit plan?

This approach is basically the one I've been advocating for months. In addition to the trillion dollars of spending cuts I've already signed into law, it's a balanced plan that would reduce the deficit by making additional spending cuts; by making modest adjustments to health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid (um, didn't you already try the health care adjustment thing?); and by reforming our tax code in a way that asks the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to pay their fair share. I'm still unclear on what that means. What's more, the spending cuts wouldn't happen so abruptly that they'd be a drag on our economy, or prevent us from helping small business and middle-class families get back on their feet right away. Well, the first half of this thought sounds Conservative. The second half doesn't. So I guess this one is even steven. The spending cuts won't happen so abruptly? I think that would do wonders. I don't know how spending cuts would be a drag on the economy.

This approach is basically the one I've been advocating for months. In addition to the trillion dollars of spending cuts I've already signed into law, it's a balanced plan that would reduce the deficit by making additional spending cuts; by making modest adjustments to health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid (um, didn't you already try the health care adjustment thing?); and by reforming our tax code in a way that asks the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to pay their fair share. I'm still unclear on what that means. What's more, the spending cuts wouldn't happen so abruptly that they'd be a drag on our economy, or prevent us from helping small business and middle-class families get back on their feet right away. I have a different opinion. I think abrubt spending cuts is a requirement. We can't spend our way out of this.

Now, I realize there are some in my party who don't think we should make any changes at all to Medicare and Medicaid, and I understand their concerns. But here's the truth. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare in their retirement. And millions more will do so in the future. They pay for this benefit during their working years. They earn it. But with an aging population and rising health care costs, we are spending too fast to sustain the program. And if we don't gradually reform the system while protecting current beneficiaries, it won't be there when future retirees need it. We have to reform Medicare to strengthen it. How about we set it up where you don't get benefits if you don't pay in? You don't work, you don't get? Now, I know some of us out there can't work. I'm talking about the ones that can work but don't.

I'm also well aware that there are many Republicans who don't believe we should raise taxes on those who are most fortunate and can best afford it. But here is what every American knows. While most people in this country struggle to make ends meet, a few of the most affluent citizens and corporations enjoy tax breaks and loopholes that nobody else gets. Like GE? A discussion with my girlfriend got into this. Some can't afford it because they don't have enough to pay bills. Some have to pay more because they can afford it. Loopholes and tax breaks. The system is so complicated the ones that can afford to skirt the laws and create loopholes. Like Warren Buffet? Right now, Warren Buffet pays a lower tax rate than his secretary - an outrage he has asked us to fix. I don't believe it's the government's problem to fix things that aren't the government's business. I don't think that list exists. What is out there that the Government doesn't have a hand in? We need a tax code where everyone gets a fair shake, and everybody pays their fair share. And I believe the vast majority of wealthy Americans and CEOs are willing to do just that, if it helps the economy grow and gets our fiscal house in order. You are asking for $400 BILLION. Again. After charging $400 Billion on the US Credit Card on August 3. Why didn't we use that $400 Billion to do this Jobs thingy here?

I'll also offer ideas to reform a corporate tax code that stands as a monument to special interest influence in Washington. By eliminating pages of loopholes and deductions, we can lower one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. Our tax code shouldn't give an advantage to companies that can afford the best-connected lobbyists. But it does. Every day. And it shows here in this plan. Right here. It should give an advantage to companies that invest and create jobs here in America. It should. Absolutely.

So we can reduce this deficit, pay down our debt, and pay for this jobs plan in the process. I thought this was a jobs bill? Where did this "pay down our debt" come in? But in order to do this, we have to decide what our priorities are. We have to ask ourselves, "What's the best way to grow the economy and create jobs?" How about reducing government restrictions, let business decide for itself? How about getting out of the way? How about not playing politics like you guys do? That will start to fix the problems. A huge part of the speculation that keeps uncertainty out there is the threat of Government changing the game again. It's already expensive to hire someone, but you probably wouldn't know that's the case.

Should we keep tax loopholes for oil companies? Yep. If you believe that being in business for a profit is a good thing. Or should we use that money to give small business owners a tax credit when they hire new workers? Because we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. It's called less spending. Why don't we just cut the spending by $400 Billion? Check this out. Let's play a game. Click on that link, and then take note of the debt. Take note of the amount (you might concentrate on the hundred thousand column). Take minute,then compare. Should we keep tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires? Yep. Reward them for what they have accomplished. Or should we put teachers back to work so our kids can graduate ready for college and good jobs? Right now, we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. And we should. But we can't get there by spending like we're spending.

And if you look on the right side of the page, there's a number of American Citizens, and a number of Taxpayers. They aren't even close. I'd like to know how the fair share argument applies there.

This isn't political grandstanding. Yes it is. This isn't class warfare. Yes it is. This is simple math. Yes it is. These are real choices that we have to make. Yes they are. And I'm pretty sure I know what most Americans would choose. It's not even close. And it's time for us to do what's right for our future. Yep. It's time. I couldn't agree more.

The American Jobs Act answers the urgent need to create jobs right away. It doesn't address anything. If it actually did, maybe the Senate would have scheduled your bill for a vote. Actually, I wouldn't mind it a bit. Let's vote today. $4000 credit for employers isn't enough initiative. But we can't stop there. No, you really should. As I've argued since I ran for this office, we have to look beyond the immediate crisis and start building an economy that lasts into the future - an economy that creates good, middle-class jobs that pay well and offer security. Then how about something about educating the unemployed and underemployed? How about credits for going back to college? How about credits for finishing a new degree? We now live in a world where technology has made it possible for companies to take their business anywhere. And they absolutely do because we make the decision for them. It's way cheaper to move overseas then do business here. If we want them to start here and stay here and hire here, we have to be able to out-build, out-educate, and out-innovate every other country on Earth. And look at how we're driving companies elsewhere. How about a study about why that is?

This task, of making America more competitive for the long haul, is a job for all of us. For government and for private companies. For states and for local communities - and for every American citizen. All of us will have to up our game. All of us will have to change the way we do business. I'm assuming you are still talking to Congress. You just have to change how you do business. That would have far more effect than anything this jobs bill could do, can do, or might do.

My administration can and will take some steps to improve our competitiveness on our own. For example, if you're a small business owner who has a contract with the federal government, we're going to make sure you get paid a lot faster than you do now. So fast, indeed, that you don't even track it. We're also planning to cut away the red tape that prevents too many rapidly-growing start-up companies from raising capital and going public. And to help responsible homeowners, (and what about the irresponsible ones?) we're going to work with Federal housing agencies to help more people refinance their mortgages at interest rates that are now near 4% -- a step that can put more than $2,000 a year in a family's pocket, and give a lift to an economy still burdened by the drop in housing prices. This is a great idea. Let's go ahead and sign that program up today. It won't cost a thing, and it would help quite a bit. It would help me, for sure. I've not worked in two years, and have made every payment without fail. I can't refinance because I haven't had employment for long enough. They don't trust me evidently.

Other steps will require Congressional action. Today you passed reform that will speed up the outdated patent process, so that entrepreneurs can turn a new idea into a new business as quickly as possible. That's the kind of action we need. Now it's time to clear the way for a series of trade agreements that would make it easier for American companies to sell their products in Panama, Colombia, and South Korea - while also helping the workers whose jobs have been affected by global competition. If Americans can buy Kias and Hyundais, I want to see folks in South Korea driving Fords and Chevys and Chryslers. I want to see more products sold around the world stamped with three proud words: "Made in America." I'm all for this. That patent process is really important. Why don't we speed up the Nationalization process? Let's get these guys registered and on the tax rolls! I mean, those immigrants sure do some work!

And on all of our efforts to strengthen competitiveness, we need to look for ways to work side-by-side with America's businesses. That's why I've brought together a Jobs Council of leaders from different industries who are developing a wide range of new ideas to help companies grow and create jobs. Like getting out of the way and letting industry find a way? Nature does. I personally like the story about some frogs that were getting squashed crossing the road. They were special frogs. They needed saving. So, we built a culvert for the frogs to hop through, effectively saving the frog squashing. Now, the snakes don't have as much area to hunt frogs. They just wait at the end of the pipe.

And Government finds a way, too. Here in Houston, on the west side on Beltway 8, the frontage road was built by the State of Texas. There was a special species of bird or bug or something nesting in the trees, so the southbound frontage road goes under the beltway, joins the northbound frontage road for a bit over the bayou, then comes back underneath to continue south. The frontage lanes were built before the toll lanes of the Beltway.

What's cool is that when the Toll Authority came in to build the main toll lanes with Federal money, they didn't have the same rules as a County entity as the State of Texas had to abide by. There's a exit ramp that goes right over that damn tree that had whatever was in it. It's awesome. it's the Briar Forest exit going southbound from I-10.

Already, we've mobilized business leaders to train 10,000 American engineers a year, by providing company internships and training. Other businesses are covering tuition for workers who learn new skills at community colleges. And we're going to make sure the next generation of manufacturing takes root not in China or Europe, but right here, in the United States of America. That is what I'm talking about. Training. But we're already doing that. That's not in the jobs bill? If we provide the right incentives and support - and if we make sure our trading partners play by the rules - we can be the ones to build everything from fuel-efficient cars to advanced biofuels to semiconductors that are sold all over the world. That's how America can be number one again. That's how America will be number one again. Other countries won't be able to afford our fuel efficient cars. We can't even afford them here. Plus, those efficient cars don't make a carbon footprint in production do they? I mean, I bet those batteries and all that aluminum must be straight out of the ground. And I bet disposal is a piece of cake.

Now, I realize that some of you have a different theory on how to grow the economy. Some of you sincerely believe that the only solution to our economic challenges is to simply cut most government spending and eliminate most government regulations. You caught me.

Well, I agree that we can't afford wasteful spending, and I will continue to work with Congress to get rid of it. And I agree that there are some rules and regulations that put an unnecessary burden on businesses at a time when they can least afford it. That's why I ordered a review of all government regulations. So far, we've identified over 500 reforms, which will save billions of dollars over the next few years. That's great news. Where is that list? That should be front page news. Saving Billions! We should have no more regulation than the health, safety, and security of the American people require. No more regulation on health? You mean after your regulations? Or before them? Every rule should meet that common sense test. Does that mean the common sense that isn't that common? Maybe we should check these rules, too.

But what we can't do - what I won't do - is let this economic crisis be used as an excuse to wipe out the basic protections that Americans have counted on for decades. I reject the idea that we need to ask people to choose between their jobs and their safety. I reject the argument that says for the economy to grow, we have to roll back protections that ban hidden fees by credit card companies (or make new ones), or rules that keep our kids from being exposed to mercury (breaking news in 2009), or laws that prevent the health insurance industry from shortchanging patients (like this report.) I reject the idea that we have to strip away collective bargaining rights to compete in a global economy. We shouldn't be in a race to the bottom, where we try to offer the cheapest labor and the worst pollution standards (like these). America should be in a race to the top. And I believe that's a race we can win.

In fact, this larger notion that the only thing we can do to restore prosperity is just dismantle government, refund everyone's money, let everyone write their own rules, and tell everyone they're on their own - that's not who we are. That's not the story of America. Government to a point is necessary. Government in every facet of life, employment, and control over everything to the point of stifling growth is not good. It's not about letting everyone write their own rules; it's about letting the people that know what they are doing write the rules. It's called Self-Governance. State government more effectively takes care of a lot of the issues that are done poorly at the federal level.

Yes, we are rugged individualists. Yes, we are strong and self-reliant. And it has been the drive and initiative of our workers and entrepreneurs that has made this economy the engine and envy of the world. And the economy in this rugged, self-reliant, driving entrepreneurs sucks because of a number of things. A big one is spending more than you make, or in the government's case, take in. At some point, when you overspend over and over, and lose your credit rating, for example, you should evaluate things. Or they just get worse. Or continue down the same road.

Does the US Government have a budget? That's great. I guess you need one of those before you can see how much you spend versus how much you make. Might start there.

Remember this? Budget Control Act of 2011. August 3, 2011.

From Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_budget

(Under CBO (Congressional Budget Office) scenarios:)

Continuing,

CBO estimated in August 2011 that if laws currently "on the books" were enforced without changes, meaning the "extended baseline scenario" described above is implemented along with deficit reductions from the Budget Control Act of 2011, the deficit would decline from 8.5% GDP in 2011 to around 1% GDP by 2021.[57]

The "alternative fiscal scenario" more closely assumes the continuation of present trends, such as permanently extending the Bush tax cuts, restricting the reach of the AMT, and keeping Medicare reimbursement rates at the current level (the so-called "doc fix", versus declining by one-third as mandated under current law). Revenues are assumed to remain around the historical average 18% GDP. Under this scenario, public debt rises from 69% GDP in 2011 to 100% by 2021 and approaches 190% by 2035.[56]
The CBO reported in June 2011: "Many budget analysts believe that the alternative fiscal scenario presents a more realistic picture of the nation’s underlying fiscal policies than the extended-baseline scenario does. The explosive path of federal debt under the alternative fiscal scenario underscores the need for large and rapid policy changes to put the nation on a sustainable fiscal course."[56]

CBO reported in September 2011: "The nation cannot continue to sustain the spending programs and policies of the past with the tax revenues it has been accustomed to paying. Citizens will either have to pay more for their government, accept less in government services and benefits, or both."[58]

But there has always been another thread running throughout our history - a belief that we are all connected; and that there are some things we can only do together, as a nation. Your actions don't give that impression too much weight. You haven't done much to show that at all. Just my opinion, of course.

We all remember Abraham Lincoln as the leader who saved our Union. But in the middle of a Civil War, he was also a leader who looked to the future - a Republican president who mobilized government to build the transcontinental railroad; launch the National Academy of Sciences; and set up the first land grant colleges. And leaders of both parties have followed the example he set. Agreed.

Ask yourselves - where would we be right now if the people who sat here before us decided not to build our highways and our bridges; our dams and our airports? What would this country be like if we had chosen not to spend money on public high schools, or research universities, or community colleges? Millions of returning heroes, including my grandfather, had the opportunity to go to school because of the GI Bill. Where would we be if they hadn't had that chance? Agreed. But I don't think they wasted near as much money as we do now. Especially since we don't even track where it goes. That's embarassing.

How many jobs would it have cost us if past Congresses decided not to support the basic research that led to the Internet and the computer chip? What kind of country would this be if this Chamber had voted down Social Security or Medicare just because it violated some rigid idea about what government could or could not do? How many Americans would have suffered as a result? Agreed. But we can't continue what we're doing now.

No single individual built America on their own. We built it together. We have been, and always will be, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; (I don't believe you there, President Obama. You don't see it that way by your daily actions) a nation with responsibilities to ourselves and with responsibilities to one another. Members of Congress, it is time for us to meet our responsibilities. And those are? Are they changing? Are you guys gonna be responsible now? I doubt it. But let's see it.

Every proposal I've laid out tonight is the kind that's been supported by Democrats and Republicans in the past. Every proposal I've laid out tonight will be paid for. And every proposal is designed to meet the urgent needs of our people and our communities. But most of them will have no effect. Didn't we have the same stuff in the Stimulus last year? I don't think that worked. And I don't think this will work, either. Giving incentives for job creation in an uncertain environment like the one we have isn't affecting the real source of the problem.

I know there's been a lot of skepticism about whether the politics of the moment will allow us to pass this jobs plan - or any jobs plan. Already, we're seeing the same old press releases and tweets flying back and forth. Already, the media has proclaimed that it's impossible to bridge our differences. And maybe some of you have decided that those differences are so great that we can only resolve them at the ballot box. It's about the only recourse. And if the latest NY senate seat election is any indication, this might be telling next November. We'll see.

But know this: the next election is fourteen months away. And the people who sent us here - the people who hired us to work for them - they don't have the luxury of waiting fourteen months. Some of them are living week to week; paycheck to paycheck; even day to day. They need help, and they need it now. And you've tried to help a few times now... try to do something different than asking for $400 Billion more. And paying for this plan by 'fixing tax loopholes' while continuing to outspend income isn't really helping anything. We're still digging the hole deeper.

My Uncle told me the secret to life:

Don't Dig the Hole so Deep You Can't Get Out.

I don't pretend that this plan will solve all our problems. It shouldn't be, nor will it be, the last plan of action we propose. That is kind of a scary thought. What's guided us from the start of this crisis hasn't been the search for a silver bullet. It's been a commitment to stay at it - to be persistent - to keep trying every new idea that works, and listen to every good proposal, no matter which party comes up with it. I know this is a crazy idea, but let's start filling in the hole. How about saying no to stupid stuff? Wasn't there a test or something you mentioned about common sense or something? Or did you just say that to say it?

Regardless of the arguments we've had in the past, regardless of the arguments we'll have in the future, this plan is the right thing to do right now. Disagree. You should pass it. (17) And I intend to take that message to every corner of this country. When are you coming to Texas? We're the bottom corner, with all the fires and drought conditions, and oh thanks for the localized help down here from Fema. I also ask every American who agrees to lift your voice and tell the people who are gathered here tonight that you want action now. Tell Washington that doing nothing is not an option. Remind us that if we act as one nation, and one people, we have it within our power to meet this challenge. I'd rather ask for us to spend less than we take in. That's called savings. Let's change our attitude and save something. A penny saved is not a penny spent.

President Kennedy once said, "Our problems are man-made - therefore they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants." And as hardheaded as he wants. And act as stupid as he wants. And be as compassionate as he wants. And as overbearing and controlling as he wants.

These are difficult years for our country. But we are Americans. We are tougher than the times that we live in, and we are bigger than our politics have been. So let's meet the moment. Let's get to work, and show the world once again why the United States of America remains the greatest nation on Earth. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. Yes. God bless us, and watch over the greatest Nation on this planet.

At some point, you have to be humble. You have to put pride aside, take a different perspective, see a different view.

And, I'm not really sure what asking the same thing 17 times does for you, but I'm pretty sure it didn't work. Any of the 17 times. But, once again just my opinion.

Happy Job Searching folks!! There's jobs coming!!

The Home of the Brave?

2011-08-31T18:06:00.000-05:00

Those that know me, or if you've read some of the latest issues of this blog, you know that I recently began working again. I have a bit of a commute. I have about six miles of freeway, then I get off on a city street for six miles, make another left turn, and I'm at my office. Years ago, I was driving quite a long way all on freeway, and I learned that I needed to calm down, slow down, and take my time during my normal commute.

Yesterday evening, I was driving home, right about five o' clock, and I was merging to the right at my exit off the freeway. This particular exit has two dedicated exit lanes, or 'exit only' lanes that are actually the two lanes of the toll road that just continue to my exit. So, you have folks coming off the tollway, merging left, and you have those on the freeway trying to exit at the same time, merging right. It is no doubt busy at this particular time of day.

I checked my blind spot to make my move right, to get over to the exit lanes. I like to be in the farthest right exit lane, because it usually moves faster becuase it has less mergers. Either people are exiting straight from the toll road on the far right lane, or it has those of us (like me) that have successfully merged over through the weave of cars. Anyway, I merged in behind a vehicle in the 'left' exit lane, and I checked my blind spot for the second lane change. As I 'blinked' to move over, I got a long honk from a guy beside me; I didn't see him before. I thought that maybe I had just missed him, felt a little bad, and slowed a little to get out of his way.

He then proceeded to cut me off, move over two other lanes, accelerate at a fast rate, then slam on his brakes when he reached the point where the exit lanes exited, then cut somebody else off.

I was fairly certain he wasn't in my blind spot when I looked. He had just been hauling ass, and had to slow down for the car beside the car I was behind. What a jackass.

I hope you don't take out anyone else when you take yourself out there, pardner. It ain't worth it.

Or take out the lady that was on my radio shortly before. The one that said that they don't play the national anthem at their college, because the Bible says not to. God doesn't like War Mongers. She said the National Anthem in this country is against religion. They didn't believe in War, so they don't sing the National Anthem.

Then I learned something. The next lady that called, taught me, or maybe just reminded me. I'm sure I must have learnded about that bak in skool, when I was a youngen.

Our National Anthem is actually from a poem. And when we sing the National Anthem, we only sing the first stanza. After all, did you remember that the first stanza ends in a Question????

The Home of the Brave?

And how many stanzas are there?

Who wrote it?

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Home of the Brave.

Francis Scott Key wrote it in 1814. Enjoy the history lesson, too. I did.

Along for the ride.

2011-08-19T00:34:00.000-05:00

I've got some things on my mind, and I was reminded tonight, as I couldn't really sleep, seemed wide awake, or whatever, reminded of why I decided to write on this here blog.

I'm about to start the next chapter of my life, and have a few things kicking around in my brain. I thought of one thing in particular, and it brought me back to my very first posts, in Jauary of last year.

There's a few good ones from back then:

It's been good. This one is about friends.
Inside Happyness. One about inside reflection.
Change by force. A significant idea I discovered about me.
What I finally said. Courage to be yourself.
Looking out for NoOne. About being proactive.

And there's also some good ones along the way since then:

Wednesday drive. Enjoying life.
And Then I Realized. When the head fog is thick.
Shiner-epic! A spectacular experience.

And then, just life:

Sometimes you gotta take the hit.
Everyday life.
Decisions Decisions.
This is why I'm here.
Ready, set, grieve-Celebrate life.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. I hope that I have given some of you something to think about. Or maybe you just enjoy reading. But I hope that maybe some of you have thought about something differently because of something you read, or something you felt because of the way I felt.

It is really neat to go back and read about some of my experiences that have long left my brain. If you know me, right now I'm having a tough time remembering much at all, but with a little reminder, it's much better. This thing has helped me remember.

So loyal readers, press on, fight the good fight, speak your mind, be yourself, and don't forget to write.

You can do that at least.

2011-08-03T18:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes things just wear out.

And sometimes things seem to wear out all at one time.

My hiatus from the working world was just awesome. At the time I decided to take time off, it was the best thing for me at that time because I was able to reflect. I was able to step back. I was able to see things from a different view. I was able to take care of family issues, personal issues, and was able to be there for those that needed me. Namely, I was able to spend time with Dad when I didn't have a job to worry about taking time off or any of those job concerns.

I started a new job a few weeks ago. It is pretty low key, pretty reasonable at this time, as I'm learning new things, and there's a learning curve there. I'm actually getting a few items on the radar, but they don't take very long to do, so it's good for me to ease into the cubicle life again.

And I think it's starting to get me moving in my mind again. Every night this week so far, I've thought, "I wonder what I should do tonight..." type thoughts. Well, gardening has been on my mind the last few weeks, as my yard has a few patches of dead, and my trees aren't looking spectacular, either. And I'm learning that things take a little bit of time to get back to where they were after you haven't paid that much attention to them at all.

Like work clothes, for example.

I had three pairs left in my closet that didn't have rips or worn holes. One was my 'fat pants', and they are three inches too big for me as I stand today. They work with a belt, but look retarded. Another pair was about an inch too small, and was uncomfortable to wear all day (leveraged around my waist with said belt).

Then there's the shirts that I've worn for years. Little tear there, worn out on the collar, just not professional looking anymore. Really should clean out a bunch of those.

Then I noticed my favorite t-shirts are doing the same thing. And my shorts that I've been wearing for years. And then my dress socks, and other socks. And undies. And undershirts. It just seems everything wore out at once.

Then there's the other stuff. My mp3 has a cracked screen, and plays through the songs by name instead of random and I can't change it. I've got a few things to do to my teeth; two fillings and a crown. I'm in need of some new sunglasses; I just haven't taken the time to find some. My road bike just got new pedals and shoes in March 'cause I'd worn them out. My 12 inch skillet is peeling. And my gas can for the lawn mower is just about empty.

Oh, and the car registration is due. But what got me thinking about all this was a conversation with my sister on Monday. About how we seem to be indecisive in the same way, over some of the same things, wondering about the same issues.

And then I have realized over the last few days that I am getting into a routine again with this job. And, it's a good thing in a number of ways. Making me get up and having something to do. Something to look forward to, or at least look forward to in the evening.

I did go and get two sets of casual business attire, pants and shirts, and I'm pretty happy with them. Tonight I'll go get some more gas, and mow the yard (I've been watering to keep it alive, and to try and get some of those dead spots back sooner than later), maybe look for some sunglasses, and maybe start getting on the elliptical every other day like I suggested to myself talking with Sister. Maybe that will help with things.

I cleaned my desk Monday and got a bit more organized; found my desk. Found the floor Tuesday. Maybe I'll find some sunglasses by the weekend. And maybe run to Goodwill. Then I'll be able to see the closet floor then.

I know some friends that are in a similar spot as me, having their own issues, working through what life has dealt them. And it's hard, and you have to do what you can when you can. I should know. I've kept a lot to do, and I'm starting to work through the pile. This will take awhile, and I'm ready.

So work through it. Do something. Find something to look forward to. Something to enjoy, especially by yourself if you haven't in awhile. You can do that at least. It will help.

This is Why I'm Here.

2011-07-27T22:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I got back to Texas.

I started a new job on July 11, then took a week long trip on July 19. And I'm really glad that I did. I negotiated it before I accepted the job, and it was a good fit for everyone.

I've discovered that right now, with everything going on, and the way I feel about things, I'm probably a little depressed. Not like I was a few years back where I didn't care about anything; this time it's hard to decide what to do. So what I've decided to do is think about what I would feel if I didn't go on my trip.

This was my 5th year to ride the Courage Classic in Summit County, Colorado, a fundraiser for the Denver Children's Hospital. It is a three day ride, and goes over Vail Pass, Teneessee Pass, Swan Mountain, Battle Mountain, and Fremont Pass. Over the tour, there is 10,000 feet gain in elevation. It starts in Leadville, elev. 10,200 feet. And it's gorgeuous. And we had the best weather in years. Partly cloudy and cool, no rain, no extreme heat. And no flats!

I signed up for the ride in Feburary. And then I did nothing.

I didn't fundraise. I didn't buy a plane ticket until the last minute. I started a new job. I probably didn't need to spend the money for the trip.

I hadn't trained. Heck, I hadn't been on the bike since May 1st. I knew I needed to train, since I'm at sea level, and altitude is an issue. What's 10,000 feet difference anyway, right? There were lots of reasons not to go. Probably shouldn't have gone.

But I knew that I would miss it; I knew that I would regret it.

So I decided a week and a half before I needed to go, that I would go.

I paid higher plane fare. I figured all the logistics of staying with my Sister at their new house, but without a car. I rode three times the week before, in the heat, for a total of 100 miles. I rode the Katy Flatland in 108 degree heat, and made it 78 miles, planning for 100.

Even on the plane to Colorado, I still wasn't convinced. Still wasn't all that excited.

The next day (Wednesday) I weed-eated for a few hours. The yard around the house that my Brother-in-law and Sister bought hadn't been mowed, well, maybe never. Weeds as tall as my nephew.    Gave me something to do.

I probably would not have gone at all had I not met Steve and Rob.   Steve and Rob I met a few years ago, and have rode with them the last two years in the Classic. I knew that I'd miss riding with them. Rob called me before I got there, and we hooked up for a ride Thursday morning. My bike had not arrived yet, but I was able to borrow my Sister's bike for the ride. We rode for a few hours, did 20 miles, and caught up a little. And I realized that maybe I had 'trained' enough, or well, maybe just got lucky. I could breathe.

Friday came, and Rob picked me up mid afternoon. We got to Copper Mountain around 5 pm, and got camp set up. And then I started thinking it.

"This is why I'm here."

I knew I liked camping at Copper in July. Cool nights. Mid 40's at night. Just a sleeping bag.

Saturday morning, we drove to Leadville. And I realized that I had made the right decision. I would have been very dissapointed if I had decided the other way.

I did the passes fine. My cardio was a little behind my legs, and I had to stop a few times to catch my breath, but I found myself enjoying myself. Except Swan Mountain. That sucked. It's on the second day, and really the only challenge for Sunday. I really don't acknowlege it until that morning, and I dislike it. Dont' know why, but I do. And I was bitchy that day. Maybe because I wasn't feeling good per dehydration, since I wasn't drinking because I couldn't catch my breath on the inclines.

And then I thought of Dad; I thought of the way that Dad couldn't eat and breathe at the same time; I thought about watching him and waiting for him to catch his breath from just talking over Christmas last year. I appreciated a little more what Dad had to deal with. Appreciate just a little bit more now.

Saturday night Dave and Renee and the kids drove out to have dinner. It was a good time. Nephew Mason got to swing on the bungee trampoline they had out there, and they all stayed for the fireworks. It was really nice; another reason what I was there. Good times.

I did manage to catch my breath on the downhills, of which there didn't seem to be enough.  But I do enjoy the hour to get up to the top of the pass, and expecially the 5 minutes it takes to get down (at 35 mph). Hit 44.4 mph on the backside of Fremont on the last day, but I know I've gone faster before. And I can't forget to mention that Fremont Pass is my favorite; The pass is only about six miles long on the way up, and four of them are at 7%, but it really is pretty. And the slight downgrade for 10 miles back to Leadville is the best. Riding for 25 minutes at 30 mph on a road bike through a mountian valley is spectacularly awesome.

That is why I was there. The whole thing. The pain in the ass climbing passes. The riding down. The beautiful views, the time with good friends and family. And, when I was spent, and I knew I didn't have too far to go, and I just wanted to quit....I heard the cheering. And I knew again I'd made the right decision.  A gentle curve to the right, a slight uphill, then a left turn to the Finish line, where boys and girls, currently being treated at the Children's Hospital of Denver are stand just on the other side of the finish line to personally hand everyone that rides a gold medal.

I regret not getting a picture with the little man that handed me mine. He had to be 7 or 8, and I hesitated to go back and get a picture. And know his name.   I think it's really neat that there are kids that have whatever going on inside them, whatever they are being treated for, want to come out to Leadville, Colorado, two and a half hours outside of Denver, to hand out medals to us riders. It's why I didn't care I was crying right before I made the last left toward the finish. That is why I was there. And I knew I'd be back at least one more time.

My girl told me a few times that she was proud of me. Proud that I did the ride. I was proud to do it. I am proud to be a part of it. That is why I was there.

A truly beautiful ride. Enjoy life. That's what it's here for.

I have good expectations.

2011-06-27T00:43:00.000-05:00

And so, as it turns out, Life is full of surprises, and even more full of future endeavours in which to take joy.

First of all, though, let me say that there seems to be all kinds of things out there not only happening to me, but happening to those that I truly care about all around me.

A few weeks ago, I came back to Texas and was graciously picked up by a friend at the airport, and driven to the place of my birth, where I would spend a few hours loading priceless sentimental objects, and continuing my dealings with grief from the loss of my parents. This friend, as I tried to analyze my feelings, mentioned that she would not know what it would be like to lose a parent. Today I learned, that this has happened, unexpectedly (that takes more from you than anything, I think) lost her Mother this weekend.

I knew what to say this time. At least, I knew the two things to say, or maybe knew what to say because I knew exactly what comforted me the most: first, 'sorry for your loss.'   Second, 'I'm here for you, call when you need to talk.' These are even stronger when you know how they can express more than just words.

I actually don't expect a call in the short term, as I know all too well what she will be experiencing in the coming weeks. I hope she does talk some when I call to check on her, as friends know when to do. Just the right time. Or at least mine did, and gave me their ear when I was willing. And understood when I wasn't.

My prayers and thoughts to the Lester family during this time.

This week, I'm traveling again. During my travels, I feel it on my heart to visit a transplanted friend, at least until it snows, where he happens to be in upstate New York. I want to see my friend, but I also want to meet his family; they are experiencing much, too. I'm glad that my friend is up here with his family, and not 1600 miles away and trying to comfort and deal with things from afar. His Mother was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer recently, and that is truly horrible. The first time you hear of anything, it is especially difficult when it is advanced as such. My prayers go daily to this family as they begin to learn, and for understanding. Some things just don't make a lick of sense.

As I travel to see them on Wednesday, it will be heavy on my heart. I'm looking to wonderful time together with the Sitts family; my friend, their friends, and just good times. I hope I can bring big smiles. Or at least one big one from Texas. Prayers.

These things make my issues of dealing with things seem small. Dad's house needs foundation repair, probably a new roof, and the generator needing repaired all so we can end that chapter. There are minimal items still there of sentimental value, as this last time it appeared to me to be just a house again. The items that made a home no longer exist. But the memories do, and I know they will always remain. They are just easily brought to the surface at the house.

And then there's me. I kinda feel small and insignificant lately, and I know it is the grief still affecting me. It is getting less significant, as I learn how to deal with the things that are directly in front of me personally. The only thing I know how to go about things is to try, and try again, and pursue things until you know better.   Try and try again; go with what works, discard what doesn't when you can, and keep moving forward.

I'm headed out of town again, maybe as a last long jaunt for awhile, as I have committed to and am expected back in a few weeks to start a new career path. Sales support for power generation equipment. This has the potential to fit me well. It exposes me to oil and gas, has a salary, and probably just as beneificial, a normal routine that has evaded me for some time. I think I was 'on hold' in my mind for awhile with Dad. I wanted to be accessible, and I think that was stuck in my subconcious. I have good expectations.

We will see where all this goes. Prayers for those around me with trials. Including myself. But now, it's time for a few more baseball games, maybe a show, some good music, a roller coaster, and some good 'ol old fashioned hanging out with friends.

And the girl. The whole reason I'm traveling this week. Right now, she's one thing i'm not questioning. I love how she giggles, how she smiles, and I love how her hand fits in mine. And the cool part is that she loves mine in hers, too, 'cause she told me so.  At least twice, even.   And everyone knows what that means.

Walking Forward

2011-06-18T19:59:00.000-05:00

A week ago I thought things were tough. And today, I know it was. And, today, I also know it is still going.

I have actually been talking and trying to figure out where I am in my head, in comparison to where I was in my head five years ago when I had tough times. I can say that it's not the same in a lot of ways, but it similar in others. Probably up there in importance is the ability to now be able to break apart things that I couldn' before, and look at things in a different perspective.

Grief sucks. It can knock you down when you don't expect. It can hang out with you when you don't know it is there, and jump out in conversation.   It gets in your mind, and can make your thoughts run.   It can wear your emotions out until they want to take a nap. Grief makes you tired, blurs your mind, strips you of confidence and motivation, and comes out on a schedule that isn't your schedule, and can embarrass you in public, and in private alike, but only if you let it embarrass.

This time around, things are different. Back then, i used the word numb quite often.   I'd say that that same descriptor is applicable, but I feel different. I feel better. I feel hopeful. I feel like this is temporary.

I'm planning. Can't say I did that last time. Talking through my feelings (which I learned really helps for me) I came up with a worthy analogy. I can see the light, and the tunnel. I just don't know how to start walking. And so, I'm gonna start learning to walk.

As some of you know, I started a day to day sales opportunity. And, verification is wonderful. I do hate walking door to door. But it's not as bad as I thought, and you do get to meet all kinds of people. You get to meet the nice animal clinic chick that is hellbent on life, screaming at me as I introduce myself, telling me that she would never buy anything at all from me because the person on the phone that setup the appointment was 'the rudest person she ever talked to.' Well, I guess she wasn't rude enough herself to tell the person NO on the phone, not verify her address, and waste my time to have me stop in for an appointment. I guess I could have been a bit more assertive, and tell her that I wouldn't take my dog in to her shop if she was the last animal clinic on the planet. I wonder if the three people behind that walked in while she was screaming will come back after hey get their pet.

Or how about the lady with the pilates studio. who was very nice, but blew up at me when I suggested that she could very well give a discount for new customers to come in and experience her classes. She said she couldn't afford to give a discount to get a new customer.   Or the guy with the nail salon, who told me that he wouldn't make the $20 from a new customer from a gift card that someone else bought for them, he would only make $5, and that wasn't worth it. Cheers, Henry, good luck on your business, that was completely empty the 2 hours I was there.

I digress.

I did, though, enjoy learning about each business, when the opportunity was there, and that is what kept me going, through the difficult parts that I didn't enjoy. It also accomplished other things as intended, like giving me something to get out and try and work on, a routine to get out of bed, and getting out and talking to people rather than just sitting on the couch all day.   I do like talking to people, and trying to solve their problems, and help them with whatever issue they happen to be experiencing.

I had an interview yesterday with sales opportunity. I think it will be good. And I'm hopeful that this will get me walking foreword.

I have a few more trips to Sanger to make. I don't think I can get the stuff in just one, but I'm gonna try.   I was having a difficult time deciding whether to go, or rather, when to go. This weekend seemed to make the most sense, and was gonna make a Saturday Sunday run. A friend called me at the exact moment I was thinking of her, and we decided to see a good friend on the trip. I delayed my trip a day so Rachel could come with me, and we're gonna go see Shirley. She isn't doing well, and this may be the time to visit.

So, I'm taking an opportunity to have someone with me this trip to Dad's. Rachel agreed to help me load stuff to bring back, and having someone with me this trip will be wonderful.   It's the last round of the sentimental stuff, and hopefully a good portion of the tasks remaining.

Thanks in advance, Rachel.

Emotions and Memories

2011-06-10T00:29:00.000-05:00

The past 7 days have felt like a lifetime to me.

I have felt new things, old things, difficult things, and things that just won't go away. I have these things in huge quantities, and I don't have a clue how to deal with some of them. So, I just do the best I can, try to take on one thing at a time, experience what I experience, try to keep a positive attitude, and then just try and reflect, redirect, and pick a direction to pursue.

I miss Mom and Dad. And I just might be experiencing a good portion of grief this week, and this week alone. For a number of reasons.

I began the week after the Memorial Day weekend, a weekend spent with great people (11 of them) and had a great time. I left that family, to meet my family, which now consists, not considering my extended family, of my sister, her husband, and their two kids. It is always good to see them; but this week would prove a very difficult one.

See, Sister and I met to finish cleaning out the home where we grew up. Our parents, now gone, had left us to finish up the family business in Sanger.  Dad was worried about it, and we just told him we'd take care of things when the time came.

I will say it has been a very difficult time. I guess it's a blessing that they only had two of us, as we have pretty much agreed on things in every step of the process thus far. Decisions like what to do with the house; the car; the chairs, couches and furniture; and all the stuff that really means something sentimental. Those are the hard things: the things that have value and are priceless things of memories. The plates on the wall that have been there forever. The picture that hung on the wall above the fireplace. The painting in the utility room that scared me as a little boy.

And knowing that this is the final time to get everything we want. And realizing we can't take it all, but wanting to anyway.

I have one more load of stuff that I'd like to bring back to Houston. Well, maybe I'm limiting myself to one more load. Sister got everything she wanted (less the tractor that will make its way north sometime) and may not be back to the house.  Saying that really hurt this week. And trying to deal with the realization is hard and hurts at the same time.

We were able to load a 16' Penske truck with all of the items, and drove from Sanger to Denver last Friday. Straight through. I personally like driving those big trucks; I drove it from north of Oklahoma City through Kansas, and all the way to Golden, Co. It was a pleasure. It gave me something to do.

Saturday we unloaded. Pretty uneventful. Ate some sushi, did some hiking, and then it was time for me to fly back to Dallas on Sunday. It's hard to speak when you're emotional. And I didn't say much on Sunday.

Sunday was really hard. Knowing I was heading back to Sanger alone, to load up my items, and head back to Houston was an experience like none I had experienced before. I decided to take my time, carefully loading Dad's Chair, a bookcase, and the rest of the boxes that were packed, and hold all those treasures that were worth keeping.

So I was ready to go. I had a tow dolly to tow back the family car, that is now mine. And then it hit me.

I walked across the street to the Fosters, who our family has known forever. Great friends, excellent neighbors, and those type of people that makes it a joy to have friends. True friends.   I didn't want to take too much of their time, but it took me, overcome with emotion, ten minutes to ask a simple question:

"Could one of you guys come over and watch me load the car so I don't hurt myself?"

They just let me cry.

And so I did. And they let me. And then we talked about how great my parent were, and Mr. Foster told me jokes that Dad had never shared with us. And then I gave him a hug while he sat, because he has back pain so bad he can't stand.

And so you guys that I've told it will hit me sometime? Well, it has started. For a week now.

I decided about a month ago to start something brand new for a career. Or a job. Or something to do to start doing something again. Not having worked for a few years, and not being excited about anything in particular, I started a contract sales position. In this month, I have learned both good and bad, what I enjoy about it, and what I dislike horribly. The first two weeks were fine; this week is absolutely the worst in a very, very long time. This too will pass. Sometime.

When you start something new, there is a learning curve. And when you start a new career, using skills you have yet to develop, and you subject yourself to things that you hate just to confirm or deny them, it is quite difficult. And it's even more difficult when you are learning every skill needed all at once.   It makes you stronger, though, or at least that's what everyone says.

So those of you close to me, don't fret: this is a tough time for me. I will come out of this on the other end stronger than ever before. But it's gonna be a few.

Love you Mom and Dad. Love you. Miss you.

Your Proud Son.

A New Chapter.

2011-05-22T22:06:00.000-05:00

Greetings.

It has been quite some time since my latest post, so I thought I would at least bring those interested up to date on the life and times of Jose', or in blatant disregard of the obvious, Me.

He's dead.

The jalapeno plant, Jose'. Dead. And so is Hose-B. Since the freezes are obviously done, I might head down to my local joint and pick of a Hose-C. I digress.

I've actually been pretty low key since the last post. I spent a lot of time thinking, trying to determine what is next for me; writing letters for jobs, and trying desperately to find a spot in the niche that I once occupied. I sent about 25 letters, some applying directly for positions, others to hiring managers at various companies here and yon.

Of the letters, applications, and other stuff, I got a response from a grand total of two companies. One company was on the east side of town, and manufactured train cars. It sounded interesting, wasn't a strict 100% of the time office job, and actually was in the direction of where I wanted to go; to get out of the strict design and calculations position I'd occupied for almost a decade. I wanted something fresh.

A friend made a suggestion about changing careers, and trying something totally new. So, I did. Two weeks ago.

I have always thought that sales was door to door selling vacuum cleaners. I was apprehensive to try something even remotely close to that, but I think I have found an opportunity that makes it somewhat palatable, if not maybe enjoyable in the relative near future. I have support, and even though it is door to door, some appointments are set for me. It's straight commission, but that really isn't affecting me too much at this point. It has potential. And, I'm starting to key into the plan, and the ideas behind the program, and I'm having ideas every day that actually make me excited a little.

So I decided to take the job, the IBA (independent business analyst) position, and took training on a Monday. At the lunch break, I got a call from the very first company I sent a letter to in January. I had interviewed with them per phone at that time, and they wanted a second interview. I granted it, and met with them last Friday. That night, and Saturday night, I didn't sleep well; my mind was racing. About the business job. About how to do it better. About ideas on how to improve.

And so I'm gonna risk it. I'm gonna leave my mind open; I'm gonna learn the product, and learn the specifics. And I'm two weeks in.

My team leader (the guy that guides me, like a mentor) got me in touch with one of the most successful people in the company. I talked to him for about half an hour, and came away with some excellent insight. The thing that really stuck with me is 'run it like you'd run your own company'.   And so I will.

However;

That opens up a whole new can of worms. I have to change my mentality: from working for someone (which I have done for the last ten years) to working for myself. Having control over more than I've had control over. Being the man. The CEO. The CFO.   It's making my mind run wild.

I had been pondering branching out and doing something, but didn't know how to make the step. And now, that I've been shown some of what could be, I'm excited.

I hired Terry to help me find a job. We wrote letters. We reworked my resume. We talked about different psychological things that helped me try to find out why I never got out of the design world. And, when I wasn't applying, or writing enough letters, or finding jobs that I had even a remote interest in, I started to evaluate why.

It just comes down to wanting something new. Something different. Something totally new. And so I try.

A New Chapter.

In the other major goings on, my sister and I are continuing to deal with Dad's estate. We have sorted everything, and next week, after Memorial Day, we are meeting up to load up everything that Renee has acquired. We're going to load a moving van, and drive to Colorado with their possessions. Next on the agenda will be placing the house on the market, and selling the Sanger residence.   A chapter ending.

I have actually brought back a few things from Sanger that mean the most to me: Dad's guns, of which I hope to fire here in the near future at the nearby range, and the radial arm saw. It's been a few years since he was even out to the shop, but I've cleaned it up and it looks great.

While looking through items, my sister and I found some papers, certificates, and other items. I'd like to end this post with something worthy of a obituary that we found in Dad's nightstand. It would have fit perfectly at the memoral services, or wherever, and I'd like to share it.

High Flight, by John Gillepie Magee, Jr.

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled
and soared and swung
Hight in the sunlight silence. Hovering there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls for air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept height with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Miss you Dad. Love you.

Time. Ready. Set. Grieve. Celebrate. Life. Yeah.

2011-03-02T00:48:00.001-06:00

This picture is one of my true favorites.   It was taken at Final Review, when I became a 'Zip' and reached the pinnacle of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. It also reminds me of a great time in my life, before life really started to test me. May 1996.

I was reminded this past few weeks of how truly blessed I was to have such caring, loving, patient parents. Since Valentine's Day this year, 2011, I've been approached, written to, called, and just generally reminded from people far and wide about the joys and blessings Mom and Dad were to people, how they afffected lives, and just how good of a job they did raising their two kids.

I know these things, and I guess, really, I knew these things all along. However; at certain times in your life, you are reminded of how special and precious live can be.

My father Bruce passed away this year in the early morning of Sunday, February 13. For about two and a half years, he really didn't have a good quality of life. See, he lost the love of his life, my Mom, Jo, in December of 2008; at that time he began pretty much round the clock oxygen to assist breathing. Dad had congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD.   For about the last year, he lived within a 30 foot radius at home.

I really expected to lose it when that day came. I expected to be a ball of nerves, and be overwhelmed for a few weeks at least. I told friends that I hadn't yet grieved from my Mother, and when Dad went to join her, I would grieve for both. I'm actually trying to figure out why I seem to be dealing much better than I expected.

First, I think that the fact that both of my parents dealt with a huge amount of pain in the last few months of their lives, and they both passed to a place without pain is a true blessing. My first thought, actually, upon hearing the news of Dad's passing Sunday morning, was "I can see them dancing."

Second, I think I grieved in a way for the last few years. I felt like I had spent good quality time with Dad in the past year. I have not been working for awhile for a variety of reasons, or at least in an official capacity. I was able to spend an entire week over Christmas this past year with him, just sitting next to him, chatting, talking, enjoying. It was not the best situation, with him napping a good part of the day because of medications and his condition, and with the constant rhythm and hum of the oxygen concentrator merely feet away, and but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I got back home to Houston on Saturday night. My sister, her family and I spent the last two weeks taking care of the arrangements, getting things in order, and making some emotional decisions of which we both know is just the beginning of the process.   We are meeting back at the end of the month to continue preparing the house for the next generation, and to continue the business of the Elmquist estate.

Friends that really know me have called to check on me, and make sure I'm ok. I now believe that I have grieved for Mom; and that I really have grieved for Dad for the past few years, too. I get emotional at times, and I'm sure that I'll have my moments from here on out. Truth is, I miss them. I miss calling them on the phone to ask them stuff that didn't really matter in the great scheme of things anyway.

I believed that my Dad didn't really grieve for my Mom like I would have. I think the grieving process has a lot to do with memories, with sharing why they were great people, why they chased you down the street, or why they made me do certain things to raise me better. Or how they taught me how to treat people by example. Or maybe the fact that I have three boxes of penguins in every size that shows how much Mom really loved being the mother of a son with a corps nickname of questionable source. Or how proud they were of Son and Daughter and bragged every day of their lives about us.

I will grieve. It's time. And even though Dad really didn't enjoy the last months as much as I wish he could have, I know he's with his bride, who loved him, and they're dancing.   Yeah.

Miss You, Mom. Miss You, Dad. I love you both.

Someone recently asked me about the picture below. It's my Dad at an Aggie Football Game. My parents held season tickets while I marched in the Aggie Band, and I knew how proud they must have been, trying to follow the instructions from their son as to where he stood on the field, and if they lost him during the halftime drill, where he would be in the block T as we marched off the field. These past few weeks have shown me, I really had no idea how proud.

To Mom and Dad: I'm proud to be your Son. And Dad: I will never forget your sense of humor. As twisted as it was sometimes, it was all yours. Rest in peace, and give Mom a kiss for me. :)

Road Trip 2010: The Summary.

2010-11-18T01:12:00.000-06:00

Well then. The trip is over. What did I actually see, accomplish, and take note of? Well, let's see how far this list actually goes.

First, the logistics.

Days gone: 39.
Miles Driven: 10,914.
Hours Moving: 216.
Average Hours driven per day: 5.5
Average miles per day: 280.
Days of rain: 3. (incudes the last stretch from Sanger to Houston).
Tanks of gas: 33.
Gallons used: 392.
MPG: 27.9
Average Gas price/gallon: $2.93
Highest Gas price/gallon: $3.39 (Arcata, California)
Oil Changes: 3.
Nights Camping: 8 (average camping price $20.06/night)
Hotels/Motels: 18
Average price per hotel/motel stay: $67.77 ( Priceline exclusively, usually day of)

Dams: 3. (Grand Coulee, Flaming Gorge, Hoover)
States: 13. (TX, NM, CO, UT, AZ, NV, CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, WY, OK)
State License Plates seen: 40.
Canadian Plates: 4.
Baseball games: 15.
Baseball Stadiums: 16. (Toured Safeco Field, Seattle, WA. Mariners were at Yankees that day).
Canadian Breweries: 1.
Aircraft Carrier Museum Tours: 1. (USS Midway, San Diego. Awesome!)
Volcano craters: 2.

National Parks and Monuments: 13.
Visited the highest National Park Ranger Station (Rocky Mountan NP, 11976 FT).
Stamps in my Passport to NP Book: 38.
Crossed the Continental Divide 16 times.

Drove the Million Dollar Highway.
Drove on Historic Route 66.
Drove the Road to the Sun (Glacier NP in Montana).
Drove across the highest paved road in Canada. (Kootenay Skyway, Highway 3, summit 1774 metres).
Drove less than 200 miles on Interstate Freeway.

Got car searched twice in Canada, in and out, and spent more time in Customs than Canada itself. Evidently Texans use brass knuckles to fight off bears at night while camping.

Drove on approximately 96% of Highway 101 from San Diego, California to Olympic NP in Washington.
Rode bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Drove across Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Seattle.

Completed 173 miles on bike over three days (July 31- Aug 2) including three passes: Vail, Tennessee, and Fremont.

And how much did this cost, you ask?

For the entire trip:

Gas: $1,150.
Lodging: $1,220.
Food: $1,600.
Other: $550.

Total for the entire trip: $4,520.
Daily Average: $116.

And I'd do it again. I saw the best national parks this nation has to offer, and I can't tell you how majestic, unique, spectactular, and just awestriking they are. Take the family. There's definitely one within a day's drive. I can't tell you what my favorite park was; hard to choose between the Rocky Mountain NP, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Sequoia, the Grand Canyon or the Painted Desert. Or Glacier. Or Olympic. See?

You'll just have to visit them yourselves. I did. And I will never forget. Just awesome.

Road Trip Day 27.

2010-09-28T00:53:00.000-05:00

It was a long day, but a great one.

I headed south out of Evergreen on August 31. This is a section of the road that I haven't seen in the daylight too many times. Or maybe I just paid attention this time around. Traffic was wonderful, and I didn't have enough traffic around me to have stupid, idiot, or retard bothering me. Just enjoying yet another day of beautiful sky. Before I knew it, New Mexico. Raton Pass was just beautiful, and it reminded me of many of the passes I made on this wondeful, 10,000+ mile venture.

On the way in, five weeks ago, I had a friend suggest to me to stop in and see the Capulin Volcano National Monument. It's on US 87, east of Raton about a half hour. The museum and welcome center was quite informative; I didn't realize that the northeast part of New Mexico is actually a significant volcanic active area. Well, relatively active on earth's time clock. When I signed the guestbook, there was another entry.. 'last stop of a 10,000 mile road trip.' I was just at 9700 at that time, but I would leave them in the dust in miles.

It doesn't look like much from the road, but driving around and around up to the peak was nice, and it gave a great view of the surrounding areas. It's amazing to drive roads to peaks, across canyons, through valleys, switchbacks, and high altitude passes. This road was no different; it was winding, and steep dropoffs that are sure to be deadly if you miss a turn. What is truly amazing is the stories behind the construction of these roads. The first road and the conditions or lack of mechanized assistance available at the time. Just amazing.

After a short walk around the peak, I headed back down and continued my journey. Tempting indeed was the thought of driving through another state on my journey, so I went ahead and elected to pass through Oklahoma ( I know, I know....but it was worth it) for only a few miles.

I drove through Clayton, New Mexico, and crossed into Oklahoma on 56, then took a right at the first possible opportunity to head south, which wasn't far at all from Texas. And, there wasn't a big, sizable, welcome to Texas sign, but there was this, which, in my personal opinion, was better:

This is the most northwesterly crossing you can possibly make in the Texas panhandle from Oklahoma. And it was in the middle of nowhere. I did get my 'official' Texas state flag a few short minutes south of this sign, approximately 896 miles from my house in Houston.

And that Texas flag welcoming me back to the great state of my birth? The very first mailbox. Hell yeah.

Raised the hair on the back of my neck. Just did again. Beautiful. And the scenery you ask?

That was damn beautiful. And a place you'd sit for awhile with car trouble. There isn't much out there. Panhandle north of Texline. You might get passed by something green and tractorlike way before you get passed by a car.

Somewhere up in the panhandle, I picked up a companion. I think he stowed away about the time I took the picture of the mailbox, but after rolling down all four windows to blow him out, he laded on the console and rode shotgun for quite awhile. He wasn't bothering me, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't enjoying life with sunroof open and windows down at 75 mph:

I still had a ways to go before arriving at Dad's house, so I just kept plugging away. I really did enjoy the drive through Texas on this day, although the heat hit me, and I turned on the air conditioning for the first time in a few weeks. I had been in 75 degree weather for nearly a month, and having the sunroof open almost all the time was quite a treat.

I was treated to a beautiful sunset that night, and these days, I try and cherish every one. And this one was truly spectacular. Just awesome. I ended up that day at Dad's house; I didn't stay particulary long this time. Just long enough to get the car washed, and move stuff back to the truck. I was ready to get back home, but for what I wasn't sure yet. Time will tell. Mileage at Dad's: 10,596. Only 2,500 over the estimate. Not bad, I say. :)

Road trip Day 26.

2010-08-29T13:46:00.001-05:00

Saturday. A great end of the main trip.
I started out heading south from the campground I stayed at inside Rocky Mountain National Park to the visitors center. I walked around the exhibit there and saw a note about a short walk to Adams falls. I started that way, and it was a pleasant drive there, and an even better short hike to the falls themselves. I stayed at this one for awhile, and walked up the river a few hundred yards just enjoying.
After the falls, I figured I needed some breakfast so I went to the Grand Lake Lodge. Walked into the restaurant, sat for a few minutes, and the two waitresses I guess just didn't see me. There were a few couples that were leaving, so the waitresses bussed the tables, and joked to the couple just leaving about how the service sucked. After a few more minutes, I agreed. I left.
Went to the town proper, found me a little spot, and read the local paper waiting for a great denver scramble and potatoes. It hit the spot.
Then I traveled back north and re-entered the park. I basically stopped at every turnout, read the info there and some that had short walks I took advantage of and enjoyed. One in particular was Lake Irene, and there were some deer that walked across the path. The lake was very nice.
This park has the highest visitors center, the Alpine visitor center. Its up above the treeline, with the arctic tundra. It is a sight to see. 12,000 feet up is a pretty harsh environment. It was beautiful.
Past the visitors center the next pullout was pretty good size. It was the highest point in the road, and I chose to hike up another 250+ feet to the rocks on the hill for the 360 view. There was a brass monument on the tallest rock, and it held distances to and elevations of the surrounding peaks, as well as the mileage to national parks around the country. It was neat. I took some pictures of it; I hope they turn out good.
It sprinkled long enough to make rain, so the second day of 26 probably is acceptable. Made some different photos too that look pretty neat.
I continued through the park for a few more hours, and ended up at Bear Lake. Its in the south portion of the park, and was smooth as glass. A path winds around the half mile perimeter lake, and I enjoyed the views around the edge. I the headed down the pass and continued to Evergreen where I began this journey more then two weeks ago.
It was about a two hour drive to Evergreen, and ended me up just about 9600 miles. I'm here for probably a few nights, then will head south toward home. The weather has been perfect; and cleaning out the car showed me what I did see this trip. Its gonna be fun to go back and read the first posts; seems like last year already.
I'll be posting a summary of sorts for the trip once I return to Houston. As far as day 27, we'll see when that is. A few folks have mentioned Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo; might have to make a visit passing through. We'll see.
Drive on.

Road Trip Day 25

2010-08-28T10:23:00.001-05:00

9445: Number of miles complete. 1200: number of miles straight back to the house. A little over my estimated 8500 or so.
Today was a fabulous day. The sky was clear for yet another day. It sprinkled a bit today, but no rain. Out of 25 days, one rainy day - the day I went to Canada.
Today I started from Rock Springs, Wyoming. I've been wanting to call it Rock Ridge all day, but it isn't. I spent last night driving 65 in the dark for a couple hours, with a full moon, in deer country. Kind of a new experience for me to drive while seeing deer all over the place. I drove to Rock Springs so I could make it to tonight's destination, Rocky Mountain National Park. I did.
I came south toward Utah after a full 2 miles on interstate 80. And I have to say that it was an excellent move to take the road less traveled. The first thing I came on almost immediately was Firehole Canyon. Bright red sandstone was impressive. I turned off the road to get a bit closer, and I did exactly that, and went in some areas that I shouldn't have in a Saturn food door sedan. It was quite an experience in itself, without the scenery.
Next came Flame Gorge dam. Also, brilliant red rocks lining the canyon. Wonderful. And I got my dam tour, the one I missed at Grand Coulee. And this one was probably better, because I got a one on one tour. I got to ask all the questions I wanted and still finished reasonably fast.
I then proceeded to Dinosaur National Monument, south of the dam. It is one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils on earth. Unfortunately, the visitors center next to the wall of bones is still under construction, so it was off limits. The hieroglyphics were open though. I did not, however, spend time trying to decode them. Knock yourself out if you cone this way.
Then, I contacted a friend on the way to my final destination, and I'm glad that she could fit me in for a short tour of the ranch and the dime tour of the town of Yampa, Colorado. I'm glad I stopped in.
After dark, I went over yet another pass, this one close to 9200 feet in elevation. I have learned a new skill- descending mountain passes in the dark.
I rolled into Rocky Mountain National Park after ten, found a suitable campsite, and am braving one more night in the tent with sleeping bag. I'll let you know what the view is in the morning...I haven't seen them yet. But I can tell you that the morning will be welcomed...forecast called for lows from 39 to 45. Very nice. Nice, indeed.
Tomorrow is the last sightseeing day before returning to Evergreen, CO for a few days with family before heading back to Houston. I still don't have a definite return day. Around the first or something.
Its been a hell of a trip. Drive on.

Road trip day 24.

2010-08-27T02:00:00.001-05:00

Grand Teton. Mt. Moran. Just two of the awesome peaks in the Teton range. Mt. Moran has a chunk of sandstone at the peak that belongs in a layer of sandstone 24,000 feet below it. That's a heck of a fault. And do you know why its called Jackson Hole? Because the ground went down four times the amount the peaks rose. The 'hole' was filled in over time, and the peaks were worn down from their potentially staggering height. Impressive.
I spent the night in the south part of Yellowstone, and drove not very far to hit the Teton National Park. I had some laundry to do (I know..I'm almost done) and grabbed some breakfast before heading out in earnest.
Definitely have to come here again. Although Teton didn't have as many things going on as Yellowstone, the bison and deer were all over the place today. I kept an eye out, but never saw the elusive moose. I even drove the moose prime area in the evening to no avail. Bug there were bison up and personal on the road. Those guys were fun to watch.
I spent the majority of the time at Jenny Lake. I sat down with a few hot dogs for lunch, and a family sat down next to me. Tess, 6, introduced herself and told me that the walk around the lake over to the hidden falls was worth it because she had done it. And the hike up to inspiration point was worth it too because she had done it. Gauntlet thrown. The walk was 2.5 miles around Jenny lake, or you could cheat and take the boat there and back. I decided that I needed some exercise, so off I went on Tess' advice, and she was right. It was a beautiful walk around; some rocky spots, but some great views of the lake and the trail was very enjoyable.
The hike around the land was nice, but the satisfaction of walking around made the hidden falls all the more sweeter. Or cooler. A very pleasant view of the falls was to be had, in the shade, with the mist of the falls sweeping over the area. Very enjoyable.
Then I was ready to quit. But little Tess popped into my head, and I went for the Money stretch. The stretch that makes the next time better, or easier, or more efficient. And I climbed the hill for Inspiration Point. The view was good, but the view didn't do it for me. Three guys did. Three guys climbed up from the other side. They had started out early that morning, and had hiked 22 miles over the ridge. They inspired me. I did ride the boat back across Jenny lake, and for some reason, I didn't think that the view from the boat compared to what those guys had seen this day. They told me so too; I asked.
And so inspiring was the couple that dropped their backpacks down on the boat after a three day hike. Impressive. And I rode the boat back.
And then I got go thinking. Thinking that this trip has shown me an interest in the outdoors. I have been active outdoors, but maybe a different facet that I hadn't considered before. Overnight hiking. My friend Steve mentioned it around the Grand Canyon this trip. Maybe I'll have to give it a go.
As for giving it a go, I decided to give it a go and head out of Tetons rather than camp another night. I drove another three hours after dark, and have arrived in Rock Springs, Wyoming, on I-80, southwestern part of the state. I decided I should add Rocky Mountain National Park to this trip. Its a little out of the way, but could make it there tomorrow if I took interstate 80 the whole way, but that would be boring, wouldn't it?
Oh, and by the way, crossed 8900 miles for the trip tonight.
Anyhoo, drive on. I'm getting close to stopping for at least a little while soon. I promise...maybe. :)

Road Trip Day 23.

2010-08-26T11:09:00.001-05:00

23. Wow.
And Yellowstone. Wow.
Yellowstone was the first national park. And for good reason. I spoke too soon when I didn't think that anything could beat Glacier's Road To The Sun. Well, technically, it didn't get beat in my book. It got rivaled, though. In a different league...the mystical, magical, the unexpected.
I knew Yellowstone had the mudpots. I knew it had free roaming animals. I didn't know that it had 300+ foot waterfall, 100+ foot waterfall, and a spectacular, 1000+ deep canyon that is a hell of a treasure on its own. Forget about the active seismic zone that covers half the park, that has the ground steaming. Forget about the spectacular Yellowstone River, the Yellowstone Lake, and Old Faithful.
Did I say that?
What I meant was, each of these things were spectacular. Not to mention the beautiful vistas, endless forest, and striking meadows with elk and bison running free across the road. Amazing. And each of these things could have stood alone as their own little national park. But they are all rolled into one. I'm sorry that only one day of this place is all I had this time around. Actually, I'm still in Yellowstone tonite, at Lewis Lake; third night in a row in a tent; nice and quiet, and no connection to the world by phone. I actually poorly chose a spot right by the road, but the traffic is below about 50 feet, and can't hear them much when they are there.
I guess I did have enough time here. I saw everything I had expected plus. Out of the car, walk half mile, quarter mile, around the platform above the boiling pools of mineral rich crystal clear liquid damn close to steam. Down to the view of the lower falls. Around the west thumb of the lake to the clear pots. It took me all day, but I did everything on my list and more. I didn't drive every piece of road, but I drove more than I has planned. And on another beautiful clear day mid 80s. Still, day 23, and only a single rain day. I am blessed. I can only hope that the heat breaks in Houston upon my return.
Thursday is the Tetons. I'm not laying expectations down. I remember my parents talking about them when I was in college. I bet they are a class of their own too.
Enjoy today's pics. And drive on.

RT Day 22!

2010-08-25T10:21:00.001-05:00

Fourth Tuesday on the road! And I've got over 8400 miles now to show for it. What a fabulous trip this has turned out to be. A few long days, but just spectacular. Most things I will probably never lay my eyes on again, but others I definitely will return to enjoy, hopefully next time with others to share. It has been a life changing experience for sure; and I'm glad that I not only decided to do it, I'm glad that I was able to do this at this point in my life. Life choices lay ahead.
Ah, so today I went more than 400 miles in the car. Fortunately, there was very minimal 25 mph areas; almost all the roads traveled today were not only scenic, they were at 65+ mph. I would say that there are more bugs that have a death wish on my windshield up here, but really, this is the first day in a long time of bug squishing speed. I cleaned the windshield just about every time I stopped. Then, the last stop before coming to Yellowstone, there were three juicy fellas before I got up to speed. Maybe they are just out for this Texan; and they knew I just washed the car.
Montana is Big Sky Country. I can vouch. Sunday was a rainy day (my only one on the entire trip) and yesterday was partly cloudy. Today, not a cloud in the sky. It might explain the reason why it was upper thirties last night outside Glacier. It was totally clear today. All day long.
Once again, just print out the pics and tape them together. Scenic views that never ended. And I crossed the Continental divide again today. I'm going to have to count the times I have crossed it in the last month. And, evidently, the road in Yellowstone crosses it three times. Maybe I can keep count just tomorrow by itself.
I think maybe I have more days that I climbed up and over a pass than not. Today was McDonald pass. You can probably pick out the photo from the vista point there.
I'll have to look up the lake that I passed. There was about five or six. They come out of nowhere; you come down a pass, surrounded by trees, and hit a clearing with a beautiful lake that takes your breath away. Its amazing.
And I have stayed 90% off the freeways, and followed the scenic route as I have mentioned before. Today I had to be on the freeway for 50 miles, and it was even scenic. Big Sky country was amazing today. Enjoy.
Tonite (tuesday night) I'm out of cell service, so this installment will be a bit tardy. I expect to upload it in the morning by at least nooner central time; thanks for your patience. I hope you are still enjoying these posts as much as I am enjoying writing them. It will be a treat next year for even me to go back and read my chronicles.
Oh, and if you have read my blog from the beginning, toy know Idiot and Stupid. Well, their Cousin Retard, lives in the mountains. And Retard is equally frustrating. Ok, so most times when the road is weaving through s curves going up passes, or just weaving itself around the hills, there's Retard that is holding everyone up. He maybe drives ten or so miles per hour under the speed limit. A curve comes, and he brakes (rightly so in some cases). In most areas, there are passing lanes provided for slower traffic to have an opportunity to let others by, without having to pull over, or the faster traffic to pass the slower traffic without risking a pass at speed.
Any guesses? Yep. Retard.
Most of these beforementioned passing lanes are for trucks- 18 wheelers, etc., who really do have to slow down thru the s-curves. These are not the Retards.
Most of these lanes happen to be on the incline of a pass. Makes sense. You lose inertia, so it makes sense, especially the heavy trucks. The lanes are also sometimes provided on the descents, too. Same reason.
Enter Retard. Say the speed limit is 55. Curves ahead have an advised speed of 45 mph for the geometry of the curve and road conditions. Retard is comfortably doing 40 and has a half dozen cars behind. Curves end and a passing lane appears on the straight section starting the pass.
I'd give you three guesses, but you don't need three; you know, its Retard. He mashes the gas, and the '68 Crown Victoria Land Conquerer has not only maintained speed, he's hit 80 out on the rise. Yessiree, Bob, Retard is leading the pack on the climb. If we were level, we would have took off in flight. And then, you know. Passing lane ends, and he's still AHEAD, and resumes sub-speed limit activity.
Retard. Yeah.
Another data point that some (and I'm beginning to think that is getting close to significant majority) that some people just don't give a damn about anything but them. Screw everyone. Or just as long as I get mine.
So, goodnight Retard. And the rest of ya, drive on.
Tomorrow, Yellowstone. I'm gonna like this too I think.

RT Day 21.

2010-08-24T13:51:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Columbia Falls, Montana! For those of you that are map challenged, it's north of Kalispell, and south a tad from West Glacier, the entrance to Glacier National Park. And Glacier National park is where I spent the whole of Monday.

It really is a shame that there's only getting four pictures from yesterday on this post. I have seen some pretty country. Outstanding country. Spectacular country. But I think my favorite has to be Glacier.

And its gonna be hard to come close to this country.

I'm coming back. Guaranteed.

I started the day kinda late - I slept in. Then I caught a nooner. Whitewater rafting trip. Three hours. This is the low-flow season (the spring is the top season for the Flarhead Middle Fork) and we had to paddle against the wind, but it was still a pleasure. I'd never been. I'd go again. I have pictures, but they are on a waterproof camera that probably won't see the light of day until Texas.

Then I headed down the Going-To-The-Sun-Road, the crown jewel. I could have taken enough still pictures to make a movie. If you have been down the road, you know. If you haven't, don't miss this. Its Grand.

Tuesday is a travel day. 400+ miles, and intentionally not too many of those at all on interstate. And Wednesday, Yellowstone. Scenic route as depicted by Rand McNally, and he hasn't let me down yet.

Oh yeah, and 8000 miles down. My original estimate is a little short.

RT day 20.

2010-08-23T01:10:00.001-05:00

Greetings from the Nelway border crossing from the great state of Washington to British Columbia, Canada! Yes, I have my passport with me. I'm headed over the border for a brewery tour (of course it involves beer!) at the Kokanee brewery in Creston, BC.
Last night was a success. I found a campsite, and it was just down the road from the Grand Coulee Dam, which in dramatic fashion, opened the floodgates for about half an hour for the laser show. It was pretty neat to see it on the dam face with water rushing down. Quite a sight.
I headed westerly, and didn't have a lick of traffic. But I did see the waves of grain as the orange just covered the ground all the way to the horizon. Rolling hills just made the peacefulness of the fields mesmerizing.
I then turned north and drove alongside part of Lake Roosevelt, the body of water created by the Grand Coulee dam. It extends 130 miles to the north, and is a pleasure to drive beside it.
Heeeeyyyyy Oooooolllll Aaaaaarrrmmmyy!!!!! Aaaarrrmy! WHAT? Got a little story for ya Ags! Fast forward to the border crossing. Ok, so I opened my mouth too much. Too friendly. Got car searched after I mentioned I had been camping. Dude was convinced that I had a weapon. Asked me twice. I told him I did not. He even asked me if I had brass knuckles. Anyway, he pulled me to the side before he searched the car and told me if he found any weapons he would arrest me. Evidently, I'm from Texas and we have to have some kind of weapon or spray or something to fight off bears when we camp. Or maybe just all Texans carry weapons everywhere we go. So, after he went through everything in the back seat, he went to the trunk, but didn't spend a whole lot of time back there. I think he found my dirty clothes bag and called the search off for my brass knuckles. Yeah. That's gonna ward off a bear. That's what I would have brought with me for bear defense. Brass knuckles. Yeah. Whatever.
After I reloaded the back seat (yep, everything but my bike) I headed off to Creston. I didn't realize that the road from the Nelway border crossing to Creston is the highest maintained road in Canada. 6000+ feet (everything was in meters, of course) in elevation at the peak. Pretty neat.
And then it happened. Finally, day 22 and it happened. Rain. And its because I was gonna wash the car when I got back to the states.
And it poured. It was pouring when I discovered that my gps didn't have Canada maps. It didn't know where the road was. And. It didn't have the streets in Creston. I drove on. And, I was able to see the sign for the Columbia Brewery.
Its funny; I had planned to make the 2pm tour according to the printout I had with me. Customs dude had done the tour, and tried to tell me they weren't open on Sundays. Was that really why I was coming to Canada? Did you call them? No. I didn't call them. My bad.
So, before customs, I was there at 2:10, according to gps that didn't know where I was going, and before the pouring rain. Half hour at customs. Nice. Upon arriving at the brewery, the last tour started at 2:30. Tin minutes ago. I sprinted to the gift shop, and asked nicely about joining the tour late. They accommodated me. Kudos to blonde chick. Thanks bookoos.
The tour was a beer tour. Huge tanks. Stainless steel. Piping. Beer smell. Very nice. And the sample was good...I had the Kolkanee Gold. Tasty and smooth. Notables: Kolkanee is the #1 selling beer in British Columbia; They bottle 1100 bottles and can 1400 cans per minute 24 hours a day five days a week; they have a bunch of settling tanks, the largest five (and the newest five) holding 120,000 liters each, which tour lady said, "if you tried to drink a tank by yourself, you would have to drink a '12 case' every day for 89 years." (add your own Canadian accent here).
I inquired as to the availability of non-chilled beer for purchase at the gift shop...none available. And then she told me to wait because its half price in the states. I'll look tomorrow. Taxes in Canada must suck.
Then, I headed back to the states straight south from Creston, and when they asked how long I'd been in Canada, my reply of a couple hours didn't win them over. What had I purchased? Some souvenirs from the Columbia Brewery tour I came to Canada to attend. That won me another search, but two guys came out this time to search. It didn't take long. Guess they just wanted the Texan again. After all, how did you afford to take time off? I SAVED. Ugh.
I digress.
The drive across Idaho and into Montana was quite scenic. It continued to rain from Canada on all the way past Kalispell, and ceased in time for me to set up camp a few miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park. I'll be here tomorrow night as well; I decided to take a full day enjoying the area without worrying about getting somewhere new tomorrow night. I'm tenting. And no brass knuckles. I'm in danger, I know. Sorry.
And for those of you in Houston enjoying this blog, its damn cold. Was 55 degrees around dusk. Forecast is mid 40s tonite. About the same as Copper three weeks ago. Nice.

Day 19.

2010-08-21T20:41:00.001-05:00

Do I really need road trip in the title anymore?
This morning I was up, and maybe a bit worn out from the marathon driving session yesterday all over western Washington. I was relieved a bit to drive north from Kent straight into downtown with zero traffic issues. I even made it to my Safeco Field tour spot an hour early. I decided to drive north on 1st Avenue to spend some time, and it was pretty neat. Huge trees spanning four lanes wide down the avenue. And, although 1st avenue isn't that hilly, the cross streets are pseudo San Fran-esque. I returned back down to the stadium down the pier, and it was relaxing and scenic. It was Saturday, and things weren't moving at regular speed on the wharf just then.
The tour was excellent. Tour man Steve gave a lot of background not only about the building, but also about the history of the Mariners, and some information about Seattle in general. It was a great tour informationwise for someone that has never visited the area. Time well spent. And as far as the stadium goes, very fan friendly. Lots of options, perspectives, and areas to enjoy the game for the price of a bleacher ticket. I shall be back.
My friend Rick is an REI enthusiast. If you aren't familiar with REI sports, its an outdoor sports place, offering equipment, lessons, and basically anything else needed for pretty much any sport out there. Well, any outdoor sport maybe. Not bowling, for example.
Anyhoo, Rick mentioned that the flagship REI store was in Seattle. Being just a few miles away, I stopped by. It might as well could have been on Las Vegas Drive or in Times Square. It was probably half a city block. Two floors. Two spiral wooden staircases. A climbing wall. There was probably 1000 square feet of socks alone. The bike area was about the size of my grocery store. It was spectacular. And outside, there was a gravel trail that was a "bike test drive trail only." Tip of the spear for sure.
I then began my journey easterly, down I-90 toward Spokane, but got off to head through the coulee canyon, and to the Grand Coulee Dam. I was hoping to catch the last tour of the day, but it was not meant to be; and tonorrow's plans arent flexible enough to absorb the first tour tomorrow morning. However, there are a number of videos, and a good amount of info of the technical variety to satisfy my curiosity in the visitors center here. I've learned quite a bit about the Columbia river, and the projects developed and carried out to irrigate a good portion of Washington as a whole. The storage of water possible actually stretches into Canada, and channels and such effectively irrigate former waterless areas all the way south almost to Oregon. It is impressive. The dam itself is almost a mile long and is three times the size of the Hoover dam. It is the largest concrete structure in North America, with 12 million cubic yards of concrete. And, its gonna be real neat tonite to watch the laser light show on the face of the dam. I know, I'm an engineering geek. I guess I needed a fix.
So tonight might be a camping night...we'll see if I can find a pretty spot to land.
Drive on!

Road Trip Day 18.

2010-08-21T00:17:00.001-05:00

Today was kind of a end of days.
I finished the 101 today. Drove in the neighborhood of 95% of it from where it began in San Diego, California. Three states worth. And I'd do it again.
I've been headed straight north for almost a week. I've been as far north as possible on the 101. Tomorrow I head East until I get to Montana.
I've seen the Pacific Ocean (a lot of it for sure) almost everyday for two weeks. I left it today in Olympic National Park, and finally dipped my toes in at the last possible opportunity. I'm glad that I did, for sure. Its f'n cold. Why didn't I swim in it? 'Cause it's f'n cold, thats why.
Thirdly, I'm in Tacoma, Washington watching the fifteenth of fifteen baseball games in fifteen different stadiums in five different states in 16 days, and I'll be at Safeco Park in downtown Seattle tomorrow morning for a stadium tour. Its a fitting night, though; my scorebook is completely full after yesterday; my radio battery died; I didn't make it to my seat until the third inning; I lost my pencil; and frankly, there's fireworks tonight. The Rainiers are currently beating the Isotopes in the bottom of the seventh, and if I remember right, that makes the home team record 8-7 if Tacoma wins. That's reason for celebration right there!
Lastly, I'm headed back in the direction of home now. I've been headed away from home since July 24, and tonite will be the farthest away from the house I will spend the night this trip.
Its been fun. Moments like right now- the mascot for Tacoma is a Moose (hadn't caught his name yet) and he's got himself a slingshot shooting t-shirts into the crowd. You wanna get folks excited off their ass? Break out the free crap. The slingshot is better than just throwing them, but my favorite has to be from last year though. Can't remember where it was, but the mascot was a Chicken, and he had a compressed air bazooka about four foot long. They had that thing strapped to that Chicken and all he had to do was pull the trigger. Chicken never moved. He just turned a bit and the girl reloaded the tube again, shoved the shirt down with a stick, and the second deckers got their free shit. It was awesome. And they had a talent for rolling ghe shirts. Looked like flying bricks with some attitude. Looked like a potato gun - that was a badass Chicken right there. Crowd pleaser for sure.
Minor league games have great antics, too. Soak a t-shirt, roll it up, freeze it solid, then get two guys racing trying to put one on first. Or if you're Fresno, you plan yourself a mascot wrestling battle royal after the game. For the right to date night with Wendy (from Wendy's) you get a chipmonk, a chicken, a frosty, an eyeball and a few more of your mascot buddies and have yourself a Main event. I've got video, and yes, it was kickass.
I digress.
I had a great day today, continued to see great things. God is just incredible. I have seen 7000 miles of land and water and sky- may not see these same things again, but each day has seemed better than the last. We will see what tomorrow brings.
Until tomorrow. Drive on. And let the fireworks begin. Tacoma Victorious!

Road trip day 17.

2010-08-20T22:52:00.001-05:00

I mentioned a bit about the excellent weather I was having two days ago; yesterday it was cloudy almost to dusk; today, it was cloudy until about noon, and then opened up for a beautiful day. Tomorrow is Tacoma...we'll see what it looks like.
Some of you guys have voiced that you're enjoying the blog. If you haven't already, shoot me a shout out if you wouldn't mind. Thanks!
Today was much like yesterday scenery wise...just spectacular along the 101. What has really amazed me is the amount of bicyclists. Right on the 101. And every other road too. Bike lanes. Flashing signs on bridges and tunnels. Share the road signs. And they are often. Frankly, I've seen a hundred bicycles. I wore my Texas jersey across the Golden Gate, and as a guy rode past me, asked where in Texas I was from. He was from Austin, but was on his way from Vancouver. Back to Austin. Most of them have just a few saddlebags, and are rarely walking up the hills. Being an enthusiast myself, it is really pretty neat to see. I think those are excellent mentors for those of us that think that something isn't possible. It is. Maybe not the way you are doing it, but it is doable.
It's possible.
On the way, I stopped in at an air museum. I didn't expect to spend hardly anytime at it before I arrived, but the thing was huge. During world war II, it held 8 blimps. It has over a dozen aircraft that are all air worthy (bit that doesn't mean they don't leak oil. It was awesome. And my favorite fighter of my childhood was there, the P38 Lightning. It was just a great treat. Tillahook Air Museum. Look into it.

Thursday's game was at PGE Park, downtown Portland. The ball field is depressed probably about thirty feet or so, and the left field wall is a few feet from the street above.
I've been rooting (not necessarily cheering) for the home teams on the trip. But since the AAA Astro club was in town, so I cheered for the Round Rock Express. And when the second batter of the game jacked a homer that bounced off the street on left, I went vocal. And so 4 runs in the top of the first, I just relaxed and had a good time.
One of the cool features of that stadium, which I would definitely patronize again, was the 100% manual scoreboard. The at-bat number, balls, strikes, outs, and they even had the lineups (position and player number) updated during the game. It was just a nice environment. And extra nice with the Express not only taking the Beavers 6-2, it see the series record thusfar this season at 8-0.
Enjoy the pics!

Road trip day 16.

2010-08-19T15:24:00.001-05:00

Wednesday I just drove. Mostly along the 101. And I took pictures. Its all just beautiful. And after awhile, the pictures all look the same. So, just print out the pic you like 100 times, paste them all together end to end and you'll have what driving the 101 along the coast looks like. :)

Oh, and California? Uh...buh bye. I spent enough money there to stimulate your economy back in the black. Thanks Jenny and Erin; enjoyed seeing you guys and meeting your families. Good times.

And then there's Redwood National Forest. Driving up to Lady Bird grove was like driving in a dream. The road went up 1200 feet in two miles; and the mist conditions made things surreal. I didn't take too much time, but I took long enough to soak in these trees. More than a hundred feet tall on average I'd say. And for your Star Wars fans, the Return of the Jedi jungle chase was filmed not too far away. It really was like I was there. And it really is like that.

I took the 126 from Florence to Eugene, and that was just like driving in the jungle. Just amazing. So unique. Pretty much anywhere around here, and for the entire west cost for that matter, just get off the freeway. Spend an extra hour drivig when you have nowhere to be. Just get lost. Its liberating.

Oh, then the baseball game. Yakima Bears at Eugene Emeralds. Played at the University of Oregon PK Park. Go ducks! A beautiful night, but the home teams have got to get it together. You guys are on a five game slide. But don't start Thursday in Portland. The Express is in town.

Road trip day 15

2010-08-18T03:52:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to think of different ways to greet my followers. Starting the third week officially on the road (as in after completing the Courage Classic), I thought I'd try to start with something special. At least, more specific, something special to me:
I rode my bike over the Golden Gate Bridge today. On my third trip to San Francisco, I finally saw the thing with my own eyes. I wanted to ride over it, and I did. I also rode down the north end of the bridge, as suggested by the night manager at my last overnight stop. I don't think he intended on a bicycle, but I did that and in a car, too. On the bike ride I spotted a taco shop to patronize. It was good, but I should have ordered two Sausalito tacos to go rather than just one.
That explains the first two pics.
I had a goal to drive as much as possible along the Pacific coast. I should be able to cover the rest from here along the 101 (tonite I'm in a tent in Eureka, CA typing this, more on that later), but to this point to drive CA route 1 all the way from San Diego has been a challenge.
Today I headed westerly shortly after the Golden Gate, but found once againg switchbacks and hairpins for a good hour before I found the ocean once again. And then when I found it, more of the same conditions. It literally took me five hours to drive about 120 miles; it was beautiful, yes, but long. I did follow the Rand McNally scenic drive complete with scenic seal (the best scenic area of the state, and it hasn't failed me yet) and made it back to the 101 before the sun set. That left me with 210 miles to go for my destination of Eureka.
I saw grapes. Everywhere. On steep slopes. On the flat. At one point I searched on the GPS for wineries. I guess if you have over 40 in a 25 mile radius, you're in wine country.
I was climbing and descending pretty often, so I turned on the elevation function of the GPS. I went from 200 feet to 1800 then to 700 to 1300 and so fourth. And, I noticed that satellite coverage diminished significantly after twilight. Yep. I'm in redwood country, too. The 101 actually turned from freeway with two lanes in each direction to single lane and speed limit 25 a number of times to go around trees six feet around. Multiple times. I'm sure they were 100 feet tall plus, too. I was kind of disappointed to drive through in the dark, but something tells me I will get my fill Wednesday.
Which brings me to Eureka in a tent.
As you may know, I don't plan in advance most times. Not lodging, not tickets, not really even things to do during the day. I just go with what is available.
Well then. I think I jinxed myself mentioning the time that Dave Noyce on a research project trip didn't reserve a room for the three of us in Dover Delaware. This isn't particularly amusing unless you knew there was a bluegrass convention in town and the place was booked. Every hotel in town. So when Dave asked if there was 'anything', well, there was the honeymoon suite left... Yeah. Tub sized for two. The bed didn't take quarters, though. A quick run to Wal-Mart and what do you have? Two feet of bubbles above the tub rim. It was sweet.
So why did I just tell you all that? Well, it seems that Humboldt University is having student orientation. Yep. Booked solid for an hour and a half radius.
So, I had intended to break out the 'ol tent at some point, just didn't plan it at the KOA. In Eureka California. But, its quiet, its chilly, lower 50s tonite (sorry Rick) and it smells better than the Motel 6 office did with no vacancies.
So enjoy, and drive on. I will be. And I'll plan a spot to unroll the tent and let it dry. Cause drizzle in the forecast isn't sounding wonderful for dry tent management.

Road trip Day 14.

2010-08-17T01:50:00.001-05:00

Yep. Still going. And baseball game 12 of 15 was a treat.
From the motel (a Days Inn this time) it was about a half hour drive to San Jose, where the Manchester Mystery House stands. If you don't know this house by name, I'm sure you have heard of some of the details before. Staircase to the ceiling. Door to Nowhere. 160 rooms. Yep. That's the one.
It is the product of a lady married to the 2nd president of Manchester Firearms. A little lady. Sub 5-foot. Anyhoo, she continuously constructed on her house for 38 years, until the day she died. 10,000 windows, 13 bathrooms, six kitchens and a single shower. Yep. One shower.
It was a sight to see. And the hour tour thru most of the rooms took more than a mile of walking. And we never went outside. And we never backtracked.
From there, a few hours drive to Sacramento to see a college friend was nice. Worth the drive for sure. On the way back, I took a drive thru downtown. Sacramento, California's capitol. I was a bit surprised at the size of the building; I guess the capitol in Austin is just the best, but maybe I'm just partial. Love me some Texas. And then on the way out, a cool drawbridge in downtown Sac. Painted gold for the gold rush. Or so I was told. Works for me.
I then headed back to Oakland for the final MLB stadium for California. Well, tis not a mlb stadium, just where the last MLB team happens to play...the Oakland-Alameda county coliseum. They win the prize for parking on the trip: $17. That was it. I asked if I just hit the money lot...nope. That was just the price for parking.
It improved when beers were $10. Yep. Hot dog was good though. And it turned out to be a hell of a game. From Toronto. Birds smokin. No hitter thru six. And a single home run was the only hit for Oakland. A Complete game one hitter was a treat to watch. And the fact that it was probably 55 degrees when the game concluded on August 16 was just awesome. Sorry, all you Houstonites. I'm enjoying this. Just make sure its cool when I get back.
Tomorrow I might have a surprise. Stay posted. Its also the only night off of baseball in a 16 day stretch. Might be a good thing.

Road trip Day 13.

2010-08-16T21:34:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was fabulous. I guess they all pretty much when you do what I'm doing currently.

I drove from Fresno straight into San Francisco for an afternoon game of Padres at Giants. I had planned on driving through Yosemite sometime, but that probably won't happen this trip. The drive from Fresno took about three hours, and for a Sunday, it wasn't bad traffic wise.

I haven't been buying baseball tickets in advance, and you could say it caught up with me Sunday. Or not. If you think standing in the right field concourse of AT&T Park watching Tim Linsecum pitch to the first place Padres is not a good thing, well, then, we would not be on the same page. The first pic is the front view; the second is what I had behind me.

After the game, I visited the Cable Car Museum on the suggestion of friend Christy. Home run. The Cable car museum is the heart of the cable car system, now consisting of four cables, driver on pulleys from this single location. The sound in the building is something that is truly unique.

And truly unique is San Francisco. I think driving in this town, let alone trying to park on severe inclines, would tend to wear me out. But, quite possibly you could get used to anything, right?

And to finish off, I decided to head down to Fisherman's Wharf. After watching a guy sit by a trash can, on a milk crate, holding some tree branches still, waiting for some unsuspecting walkers to scare. You would think about 50 people stopped watching a trash can would call attention to passers by. Nope. Funny funny stuff.

As I continued down I came upon a beach section at the north end of the wharf, I took some time to just stop and reflect. More than 5,000 miles so far, and more than 100 hours of driving so far. I was due for a sunset watch. Enjoy.

Road trip day 12.

2010-08-15T03:01:00.001-05:00

I decided to drive east a bit, and come up to the Sequoia NP from the south, and I think I'm full of switchbacks for the short term. Just about all day was switching back and fourth. Might be a good thing the the Giants game tomorrow is making me delay Yellowstone.

So I did drive through the quaint town of Lake Isabella, and drove thru the town before I realized I should eat. I turned around and risked the 'koffee shop' and had the small town breakfast spot experience. The place was 2/3 full, and the food was outstanding. I got called honey and sweetheart a number of times, and the service was very personal. If you go there, its on the corner of the only two major roads in town, northwest corner. If you go there, buy a bucket. For sale and a sample is sitting by the door on the gumball machines.

Then I hit the Sequoias. I think I took 50 pictures, and unfortunately I cam only share a few. I walked my happy ass down to the Sherman tree, and it delayed my arrival at Fresno for the game, but was worth it. I also hiked to the top of the point there, and it was a sight.

I was exceptionally surprised when I arrived in Fresno an inning late. Last nights game in Bakersfield was about the caliber of high school baseball. Tonights game was just short of major league quality. Almost 10,000 people were there; radio broadcast, video boards, upper deck from left field to right field; guess that's the difference between A and AAA stadiums. A quality experience. Not to mention. It was 5-2 after the first inning and ended 13-12 with a combined 31 hits. Then, a wrestling battle royal with mascots to win Wendy (yes, from Wendy's hamburgers) back from her captor. A full wrestling ring set up on the concourse. Kids ate it up. Frosty, Hot Dog, a chicken, and others were there. Seriously.

So anyway, I'm headed to San Fran tomorrow, for a 1:05 start versus Padres. I had planned Yellowstone for tomorrow, but it might have to wait. We'll see.

Day 11.

2010-08-13T22:03:00.001-05:00

Well then. I seem to be saying that a lot these days.

I can tell you that I spent all day driving. Probably 400 miles or so, but some absolutely awesome scenery. I'm gonna have to say that southern California is beautiful, weather and scenery both. I'm sitting in Bakersfield, and maybe it's just inland enough, but its 90+ for the first time since Las Vegas.

I decided to drive from San Bernadino straight west to Santa Monica first thing. I'd like to thank my friend Jenny again for helping me realize that google maps had traffic...saved me about an hour I'd guess this morning alone. Thanks, Jenny.

The pacific highway is wonderful. Totally .are the drive LA worth every mile. The first pic is from a park in Malibu, at the top of a bluff. I mentioned something about not having crappy weather yesterday, and it was cloudy until just that point. God is great for sure.

The coast is just so relaxing to drive. Although some people would definitely be be worried about driving off the edge or the next bend, but this is one of the reasons I did this trip. A picture with a typical view is second.

I drove the pacific highway until San Maria, and then diverted to california 166 to get to Bakersfield. Half hilly and half flat, and both equally scenic.

And now I sit in Bakersfield watching the Visalia Rawhide at Bakersfield Blaze. Its Friday night, and there's probably a few hundred. There's no video board, the error lights are half burned out, and the at-bat doesn't work. Its like high school. And evidently the benches cleared last time these teams played. Stay posted.

Day 10.

2010-08-13T02:53:00.001-05:00

I'm waiting for the day it rains all day on this trip. It hasn't happened yet. For the most part, cool winds have prevailed except for a few in Arizona and Nevada.

Tonight I'm back in San Bernadino/ Los Angeles area. This morning I spent four hours on the USS Midway, now a museum after being decommissioned after Desert Storm. It was the flagship carrier where plans were made and carried out.

I recommend this opportunity to anyone. I could not be prouder of our military and the things that we do to preserve our freedom. Prouder of the men and women who have done and continue to sacrifice. Thank you.

Although the drive today wasn't as beautiful as it has been in recent days, it was quite pleasant. Sun out with a cool breeze.

I elected a closer game than the originally scheduled game in Visalia. The game in San Bernadino was great, and you can't go wrong with a walk up ticket on the front row where you can set your beer on the dugout for $10.

Tomorrow looks like a long day with trying to get some of highway 1 and make back to Bakersfield for game no. 9. Right now the home team is up, six games to two.

This also marks the northern trek past Los Angeles. Seattle, I'm coming. It will be a few days, though.

Day 9 pics.

2010-08-12T02:45:00.001-05:00

Road trip day 9.

2010-08-12T02:40:00.002-05:00

Yep. Its day 9 already. And an interesting day.

After starting the day by crushing my cell phone when I tried to stop the trunk from closing with it, it turned out to be pretty wonderful.

Yep. Went to three Verizon stores until I found what I wanted. Got the Storm 2; bigger memory, faster speed, and hey....all the same cords and stuff works. Gonna take a bit to get used to, but a new format would have been more difficult. I had an upgrade available so it wasn't as bad as it could have been cost wise.

I drove CA highway 1 for a good portion of the day, actually all the way from LA to San Diego that wasn't Interstate 5. Southern California really is beautiful.

Traffic sucked coming into San Diego. I think my friend Jenny told me that. I believed her.

So I actually made it to Petco Park for the game in time to relax just bit before the game. And the home team won; 6 of 7 so far. It was pretty one sided through six innings, but the last three made things interesting.

Tomorrow? A bit of a change; Vidalia is out and Island Empire is in. And an aircraft carrier decided that one.

Road trip day 8.

2010-08-11T02:34:00.001-05:00

Another beautiful day for sure.

Well, mileage told, not the shortest day of driving. I wanted to go see Joshua Tree National park, but the actual mileage totally blew away the proposed easy day of mileage. And ending up on the wrong side of the park didn't help. But, as I knew it would. The view was worth the drive. First pic: San Andreas fault, Mexico and Palm Springs in the same picture. Awesome.

The drive from there to Adelanto for the Bakersfield axe at the High Desert Mavericks was also scenic. With a little roller coaster mixed in. Seriously. A few zero gravity drops were very rollercoasterish.

The game wasn't bad at all. The first of the half dozen so far that the home team was not victorious. Might have been the lack of attendance though...a whopping 1006 'paid attendance' (whatever that meant) translated to about a few hundred, with the great majority in groups announced after the first inning. Well, you can't win 'em all, but you can sell motor oil at the game. It happened.

Anyhoo, an hour drive back to LA was a little longer than I was enthused about. But, some PCH driving tomorlow and Padres at home shall be a treat.

Road trip day 7.

2010-08-10T14:06:00.001-05:00

Well friends, yesterday was a pretty good day.

Since Monday wasn't a huge driving day, I took in some scenery, a tour, baseball and a hotdog on Sunset.

I took a drive down to Santa Monica beach and found a bike path right on the beach. It went by shops, a carnival pier, lots of volleyball courts and even a TV show. I only rode for a little over an hour, but it was good. The weather was nice and the scenery even better.

After that, came time for the Warner Brothers Studio tour. My friend Jenny had suggested it as a possible event, and it was well worth it. Amongst my favorite was seeing the car from the recent movie Grand Torino, and the bug extraction device from the Matrix. It was also cool to see the studios. Its was neat to see how they setup things to shoot sitcoms like Two and a Half Men. It just looks tiny - so much bigger on TV, right?

From there was Kansas city at Anaheim, site of the 2010 All Star Game. The weather was absolutely wonderful again, woth temps in the low 70s. The game was a good one, with the potential winning run at the plate with runners on with two outs in the 9th where just about anything can happen. The atmosphere was nice - makes me think Astros games are just boring in that aspect. The amount of crowd involvement makes the game experience so much more enjoyable.

hope you're enjoying the notes. I'm having a great time. Life is good.

Road trip day 6.

2010-08-09T11:50:00.001-05:00

Howdy yall.

Sunday was a pretty decent day. I have discovered that Los Angeles enjoys cooler temperatures than I expected. Yesterday, the time spent outside was just wonderful.

I elected to visit the Getty Center off the 405. What I had not planned for was the almost hour procedure of just parking the car. It wasn't first thing in the morning, which would have been a better idea on a Sunday I'm sure. After following cars down and parking in the lowest level, another line formed to ride a tram up the hill to the actual museum.

The tram went about a mile, and the museum was just huge. And beautiful. ad overwhelming. You could spend a few days there easy. Go there. And I discovered that I think I enjoy impressionistic paintings the most. Van Gogh and Monet works dislayed there were most enjoyed by me.

The view from the grounds was spectacular.

Walking down the hill back to the parking garage was very nice. Downhill all the way,and a oool breeze along with great scenery. After all, LA is pretty when you're not sitting in traffic.

My friend Jenny suggested I load traffic something in my phone. I didn't realize that Google Maps has a traffic option for free, but it has saved me hours of sitting already. Since there's a freeway intersection just about every three miles all around the city, it just takes a little effort to avoid bad areas.

The evening found me at In and Out burger, and driving East to Lake Elsinore. I was happy because I was able to arrive at the stadium on time for a 7:05 start, but since the game started at 5, it was already in the 6th. But, the home team rallied, and forged a come from behind win to take it. And just sitting outslde in a cool breeze and awesome scenery was worth the trip out there.

Road trip day 5: LA!

2010-08-08T03:02:00.002-05:00

Wow dudes.

A great day. Yesterday driving into Las Vegas, I passed the Atomic Testing Museum. On the way out of town, visiting it was a good experience.

It was well done and packed full of information from the race for the atomic bomb, testing schedules, viewpoints and chain of events for the moratorium on thermonuclear development. And just minutes from the Sunset Strip.

Today is the only day of the trip entirely on interstate highway. the scenery is pretty if you have the right perspective, and the roads are so straight in places it makes 75 mph seem like you're standing still.

On the way to LA in Baker. CA was the worlds tallest thermometer. That's about all there is to see out there other than freeway.
Close to Los Angeles there is some pretty scenery. I will say that I'm glad I'll be here for a few days.

I drove straight to a high school friend's house to pick up something important. About 6 weeks ago, I mentioned to Jenny that I'd be in town, and she hit a homerun. She had some connections and treated me to extra innings at Dodger Stadium. I had looked forward to this game for I don't know how long, and it turned out to be a great experience all around. Thanks, Jenny; you outdid yourself. I owe you big time.

Tomorrow is pseudo open; the only thing for sure is Lake Elsinore at home. Game 4 of 15. I find that I enjoy the antics of minor league games quite funny; maybe there will be a frozen tshirt race. I'll keep you posted.

Road trip Day 4.

2010-08-07T12:30:00.001-05:00

Howdy fans!

Friday was not as beautiful as I had seen, but the rain only briefly rained and made things a bit damp. For Phoenix, I guess it was a gully washer. The drainage system actually had to at least see some water, if not requiring to move any from one point to another.

The drive began with some backtracking to Scottsdale, and me trying to find the house that my parents lived in when they were residents there. After a call to Dad to confirm, I found it, and snapped a few pics to show him when I return. I'm curious to see how tall that palm tree was when they lived there.

From there, I headed out for Las Vegas, and hit distinct areas of brush, then brush and cactai, then no cactai but brush and joshua trees, then no trees but brush and cactai. Maybe it was elevation change or soil; I don't know why but there appeared to be distinct changes in why there wasn't brush cactai and Joshua trees all at the same time.

It wasn't long after that when the region along Lake Mead and Hoover Damn appeared. It is amazing, the structure itself, and the amount of activity surrounding it. Not only do you have high security nowdays, but construction is all around because of the new bridge crossing the Colorado River Gorge. That will be a hell of a view when complete.

I made it to Cushman field for the Memphis Redbirds visiting the Las Vegas 51s. It wasn't as hot as I was expecting, and became a batting practice session for both teams. Final score: 12-10 Vegas.

A drive down the Strip (always wanted to do it) was slow, but eventful. So many new things, and a number of drive thru wedding chapels. Nothing to report.

Todays drive is all interstate. First and only day that is the case. Friend Jenny has hooked me up with some sweet Nationals at Dodgers tickets tonite. This is the game this trip was tailored around...the grand enchilada.

Good times. Enjoy the pics.

Road Trip Day 3:

2010-08-05T22:41:00.001-05:00

Greetings followers!
I started early today. Earlier than I thought, and felt out of place until I, after a few discussions, confirmed that yes, I was actually an hour ahead of where I thought I was.
Arizona doesn't observe Daylight Savings Time. Neither does Hawaii. And some parts of Puerto Rico.
Well, it was good that I started when I thought I was ontime. I arrived at the Visitors Center at Sunrise Crater, and the Park Ranger let me in to stamp my book. Might be my new addiction as I travel this month. He told me I was early, and when I stopped in at the Wuptaki Visitors Center, the maintenance guy looked at me funny as I stamped my book.
Thoae two National Monuments were in my path to the Grand Canyon South Rim. I saw the canyon when I was in grade school; it looked fake then, too. Its so BIG. And so beautiful. I thought of my friend Steve, who shared that he had spent three weeks in the canyon, and said it was mystical. I think I'd love to spend more time.
I overheard an older man talking about how the roads he has traveled in the past few days as "the most memoriable he had ever seen." I have to agree. I didn't remember the roads when I was a kid, but I'm so fortunate to be able to take this trip now. And made it happen.
And so after the Grand Canyon and then the IMAX show, I proceeded south along the scenic route (as depicted in my Rand McNally roadmap as the most scenic in Arizona) from Prescott south toward Phoenix on 89. Little did I know that 'mountain curves and grades for the next 15 miles' was ahead. Reminded me of the Million Dollar Highway with guardrails. And one section was even safer, as the northbound lanes were built below about 50+ feet below. So of you were driving south and drove off the road, the northbound lane would catch you before you plummet further to your death. It was beautiful. A great engineering feat to say the least.
I can't say enough about the weather. a few sprinkles, but otherwise spectacular skies to see in the windshield. Last night was 7100 feet in elevation and 75 and tonite 1000 and 107 degrees. Ah, Phoenix. Good thing the first baseball game of Nationals at Diamondbacks is indoors. 78 degrees at gametime. A great start to the guts of the trip; baseball. I could only wish tomorrow's minor league game in Las Vegas could be indoors, too.
Oh well. Can't have it all. Enjoy the pics. See ya tomorrow.

Road trip day 2.

2010-08-05T00:20:00.001-05:00

Wow.

I'd redo the last two days starting tomorrow. We have some beautiful country in this country. And I'm just talking about Colorado and Arizona.

I started today headed for the Four Corners Monument. I arrived excited, but was disappointed. Closed for construction. Well then. Guess I'll have to come back

I then continued through the Navajo Nation. I didn't see too many cigarettes, but they have a monopoly on the gas station/ grocery/laundromat places. That's the main thing found at most intersections, and sometimes the only structure.

As o headed south, I felt some peace knowing I was in the middle of nowhere; lots of nothing. Something to be appreciated there.

Coming south just past Ganado, I saw the turnoff for Hubbell Trading Post, the longest continuously operated post. A national park now, and still operating. Really neat. I bought spme stuffs. I'd Stop again.

About a half hour I reached I-40. I then realized that I hadn't been on interstate since Glenwood Springs, Colorado. And frankly, I didn't really miss it. At all.

Shortly I found myself at the Painted Desert National Park. I acquired my National Park Card, and acquired my first stamps for the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert Inn and the Painted Desert. And seeing the painted desert with my own eyes just put me beside myself. God's hand is huge. The desert just kept going. And going. And going.

And then, its 20 miles to the Petrified Forest. Through the park of more painted desert. Blue desert. Amazing.

Before I left my friend reminded me of the Meteor Crator before Flagstaff. 3/4 mile across, 550 foot in depth...that's a big hole. Just another reminder that we aren't in control of some things.

And, to finish the day, there were two Shiners, but now none. And tomorrow? Grand Canyon, scenic tour thru Prescott, and then some Padres at Diamondbacks. Phoenix expecting 110 degrees...game indoors, thanks.

Until tomorrow. God Bless.

Road Trip Day 1.

2010-08-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

Good Afternoon! I decided that if I'm gonna blog each day, I'll do it while I'm stopped. So for all you guys and gals out there that think I text too much, feel confident that I'm not driving while blogging.

I started the road trip in earnest today after spending three days riding my bicycle built for one over mountain passes. I started in Evergreen this morning, westerly to through Glenwood Canyon to Glenwood springs, then turning south to Carbondale and Ouray, then continuing to Durango. Tonight I'll stay in Farmington, NM just because its cheaper than Durango.

A few pics of Glenwood Canyon and surrounding area are first today.

Then there's the rest. The Million Dollar Highway just blew me away. I'm gonna have issues with memory for pictures on my phone if this continues. As it is, I will only post a few. As someone said today, they all look like postcards. Yes. If you have not driven in southwest Colorado, do it. Bucket list, short list, whatever; make it happen.

420 miles, and about 11 hours on the road was well spent. Tomorrow is a bit shorter. Amd even though there's good things to see, today was hard to beat.

Courage Classic Complete!

2010-08-02T20:40:00.000-05:00

Howdy from Evergreen! I'm here for the evening, then off on the roadtrip!

Today I finished 21 minutes earlier than last year for the exact same route. I overall did better than an hour better than last year. When I finally make it back home, I'll run the spreadsheet and be able to compare tours. The first two years we did different routes; the last two the same. Will be interesting to compare.

Ok, for the pics:

Meet Steve (left), and fearless leader Rob (right). I rode with these guys last year and had a great time. This year, I think that I was more trained than last year, and was able to hang with these two Coloradans. We have our finish medals displayed, which are handed out to us at the finish line by current patients of the Denver Children's Hospital. The come all the way out to Leadville to hand out medals. This is my fourth year to ride, and every year I joke about coming all the way up her to have a heart attack that hasn't happened yet, or that I'm just nuts, or I don't know why I put myself up for this torture. The truth is, the last uphill from the lake, after covering 10,000 feet of elevation change in three days, 150+ miles in the mountains, and just breathing hard for hours on end on Vail Pass, this is the reason: I start thinking of those kids and the fact that they have put up with the pain everyday from whatever it is that ails them. Their pain doesn't go away. And so, when we finish around the lake, and head up the last incline back to Lake County High School, I just get emotional, the pain goes away, and I get that 12th wind.

Team Courage is made up of kids that have been treated. Maybe some others, but my understanding is that you just can't ride on that team; you have to have a connection. Well, they have a time when the team officially crosses the finish line every year. They make a preemptive announcement, and everyone gathers around the finish line to cheer them on. The thing that caught my eye and made them teary, was the fact that leading the team was a guy using a hand bike. If you ever have seen one, there's no legs involved. The pedaling is done entirely with the arms. It can be painfully slow, especially going up Vail Pass, which requires a paramount effort by itself. I passed him on Vail Pass this year. He led his team across the finish line, and there is something that just affects me about that guy leading the team, 100 plus behind.

Spectacular.

If you've ever been to Copper Mountain, you might recognize this. It's the entrance thru the village with the wooden bridge. This is the starting line for Days 2 and 3.

This is a shot of the beginnings of Fremont Pass, my favorite pass of the three on the Tour. /Frankly, it's a pain in the legs, ass, and just about everyting else. But it is beautiful. This morning, the valley was filled with clouds, an interesting phenomena. Just weird to see them that low, but we are about 9,000 feet or so, so I guess it's all relative.

This is the view at the top of Fremont Pass. Pictures don't do justice.

And this is the decent off the pass. This year I hit 43.4 miles an hour down this way, and was able to maintain 25+ mph for 20 minutes after leaving the summit. Riding a bike 30 miles an hour for 15 minutes constantly will dry your eyes out. The cool day helped things, and just made my tour complete.

I want to thank Rob and Steve for having me for another year. I'll be once more for sure, and for you guys that have said you want to go, next year might be it. It's totally worth it.

I'll leave you with a final picture, from today, which is what today looked like most of the day. God makes beautiful things. I have seen many in the last three days alone; many more to come.

Bye Bye Copper....see ya next Courage Classic time!!

Courage Day 2

2010-08-01T23:38:00.001-05:00

Howdy all!

Another great day on the tour. And I'm on fire. I finished the same 66 mile route in 4:20; a fill half hour quicker than last year. Maybe part of it was trying to outrun a rainstorm, maybe the other half just feeling great.

The ride started out down the bike path from Copper to Dillon. It's a general downhill, riding 20-25 mph with no effort. Unfortunately, it is totally shaded and is a big chilly with todays temperature 55 at the start. That's today's first pic. If you've ever been to Copper, we start in Burning Stones Plaza and ride thru town over the wooden bridge and head out. It is really pretty neat. This is also the finish line for the first two days; tomorrow we will pass thru this gate one more time on the way back to Leadville over Fremont Pass (my favorite).

Today we went around Lake Dillon. There is a rest stop at Keystone, and from there, we went to the thriving village of Montezuma. There's a blue house there (second pic). The blue house is all I remember from last year. from Keystone, its uphill 5.5 miles to the top; it is a beautiful ride. Hit my top sped for today (40.1 mph). On the way down from Montezuma.

After some bike path traverse, we made it back to Lake Dillon. For some reason, I didn't remember the 40 minute ascension on Swan Mountain Road, but it was there and waiting. But I am proud. Granny gear plus 2 most of the way. Good training.

The third pic is some of the bike trail around Lake Dillon.

It started raining around 1PM today, and sprinkled on me for the last hour or so of my ride. Since then, it has rained off and on and is still raining now. Might be a wet sendoff to Copper tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the 'easy' day with only Fremont Pass and, if we choose, Turquoise Lake. If I skip the lake, I get my rubber ducky team membership revoked, so expect some photos if. The weather is nice.

And so, until tomorrow...be safe.

Courage Day 1.

2010-07-31T23:05:00.000-05:00

Ah, what a spectacular day.

It began with some serious fog, but opened up to be just spectacular weather wise. The expected rains never came, the temps ranged from 58 degrees at the start to 95 on Vail Pass, but shade and cloud cover came in to finish the ride at a cool 75. Almost Paradise.

The second pic was typical for today's scenery. This is why I come here to ride. This is my 4th year, and according to the stats I keep, my best first day by 5 minutes. Promised my fearlesd team leader Rob that of I had a great day, I'd do a cartwheel. He has suggested that maybe I should wait for the end of the tour on Monday lest I break something important. So I will defer.

There are a few notables (at least in my book): new max speed of 42.5 mph; no stopping on the brutal upper section of Vail Pass; and the highest average Day One mph for the 59 miles (14.1). I'm smiling.

My Sister came up to have dinner with me tonight. She met some of my team members and had a great time. The temp was right tonight, and I think she liked the visit. I know I did; thanks, Dave.

As I type, I'm finding things that are a bit sore. Neck, legs, other pieces parts too. I think that a massage is in order for tomorrow. I might actually stretch some, too. A novel concept after riding up mountain passes for four hours, don't you think?

Tomorrow includes an off route ride to the thriving metropolis of Montezuma, Colorado. Look it up. I like to think its a five mile steep pedal to the end of pavement and the blue house, so if its longer, don't tell me. I'll have a full report.

I have once again been shown that the human body can ensure more than you think it can. Today I pushed mine farther than I thought it could go. It performed. A little sore, yes, but there ain't no Vail Pass in Texas.

So until tomorrow...that is all. Sleep well, Ags; this one will for sure.

Ready to ride!

2010-07-30T20:18:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Copper! The ride is on! Hopefully we can best the rain, but if not, I'm happy to ride when its not 100 degrees outside. Tonite it will get down to 48, and tomorrow startiing out at 7am, I'm guessing around 60. Very pleasant.
The first pic is the view for the next three nights; the second from the drive into Copper today. I look forward to this ride every year. This is my 4th go...and I truly love it.

The third pic is tomorrows profile. You ride geeks will appreciate it. Note: Vail pass. Hope you can read the text.

Anyway, I'm getting flack for being on my phone too much. So until tomorrow...

Time to find some Copper.

2010-07-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

Ah, friends! It's time for some bike riding, tent sleepin, mountian pass conquerin' epic times. Otherwise known as the Courage Classic. Starts tomorrow, and includes Vail Pass. Forecast calling for 50% showers, so I'll try to ride down the mountain once I get to the top rather than slide down. I've got some promises to keep, and staying alive and in once piece I think I can handle.

So yesterday I went for another test ride on my 'flat producer' bicycle. Or at least, that's what I have dubbed it now. Cant' seem to get a break, even after changing out the rim tape yesterday before the ride. I have now experienced this:

For you avid bike riders, you'll notice that it appears that the tube has come thru the tire. Nope. This is actually in the tire itself, independent of the tube. And I had to puncture it to get it resolved. I decided to ride on, and didn't have another issue. I did, however, patronize the local bike shop for a new tire, new tube, and a new pump. I seem to have a knack for losing pump parts on rides that make my bike pumps useless. Yesterday was another example. So I have purchased yet another pump, hopefully this time I will not lose any parts.

I did see this while I was having tire issues:

It was a good day to ride all in all, and the brief sprinkle of rain after this pic on the way down was wonderful. Another pic of my Thursday ride:

My next post will be from the thriving metropolis of Copper Mountain, Colorado. Most likely it will be after the first day of riding (Saturday) but you might get lucky.

Time with the Fam.

2010-07-28T20:06:00.000-05:00

So I'm sitting here in Evergreen, listening to Strike Three playing Rockstar by the lake. It's turned out to be a wonderful evening with my sister Renee, husband Dave, and two kids, 2 and 4 years who won't stop running with huge smiles on their faces. Just awesome.

Today was an altitude acclimation day, in which I slept about 12 hours of today. Yesterday I rode a 10 mile stretch around evergreen, including up and over Stage Coach Pass just down the road. I wouldn't say it was huge, just realistically the local high point.

Tomorrow I will ride the pass in the opposite direction, hopefully with some good views. And no flats. Hopefully the front tire repair I have yet to make. New rim tape. Draw your own conclusion.

Anyway, here's a few photos from yesterday and today. Enjoy.

I'm going back to finishing my chocolate Teddy Grahams.

Road Trip 2010: The first leg.

2010-07-26T10:23:00.000-05:00

Honestly, I haven't been to church in awhile. A few months ago (probably more than a few now) some things happened, some attitudes that existed showed me that it was time for a break. I decided to tak e a hiatus from a committee that I had participated on for years. It was time for a change.

I bring this up because God definitely reminded me of what life is all about. On the way out of Houston, I stopped in The Woodlands for some lunch. A great time with some friends, some old, some new. I had made a decision to delay a bit for lunch, and I'm glad that I did. Good food and good friends.

From there, I headed to see someone that entered this world on Monday. Just 5 days old. I forget how small babies are when then enter the world, and how fragile they are. I hope I didn't stare too much.

Then I saw this:

Just an absolutely wonderful day for a drive. The weather could not have been better.

I arrived at Dad's house before sunset Saturday. I switched cars and have my Dad's sedan, which, among other things, gets twice the gas mileage of my truck. It had more room than I figured, and was able to easily fit all my stuffs including bike inside the car.

Sunday I left about 9:30 and drove twelve and a half hours from Sanger to Evergreen, Colorado. Aside from one idiot in the middle of nowhere, it was absolutely beautiful; There's really not too much other than scenery to look at for awhile, and a discussion with a friend on the way helped break up the drive. I learned last year that stopping about every 16 ounces is a great place to take a short break and stretch. Minimal traffic all day long. Here's a few tidbits:

This was around Mt. Capulin. It rained through the 'safety corridor' last time I drove through this stretch of New Mexico on US 87. The rain continued over Raton Pass.

As the sun set between Colorado Springs and Denver, the light show was wonderful. Amazing again.

About this time, I decided to go windows down. I could feel the chill of the cool on the back of my neck and as I made the turn off Highway 6 to I70 west, the smell of the forest hit my nose. Immediately I knew I had made it; 17 hours of drive from Houston since 1 pm yesterday, and it was totally worth it. A gorgeous day of the best paintings on the planet; every day on a sky near you.

Now I wait for Friday; there's a few routes I'll take in the Evergreen area, and get myself ready for the Courage Classic starting Saturday. I can't wait.

Road trip blog

2010-07-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

Here's a test of the emergency broadcast system.

Not really, just a shot of what the blog will look like for the next 5 weeks. Some text, and a pic or two:

Yeah.

The Road Trip--- Tentative schedule.

2010-07-22T15:27:00.001-05:00

If you have any interest in my road trip, please see the below. It's not a guarantee, but if you want to try to follow me, we're mostly there with this list. Enjoy!

On the right, the comm #, you can see some of the major events. From Thurs, August 5th thru Fri, August 20 is all baseball, less one travel night. There are other major parks and things that aren't listed, so you'll just have to keep yourself posted.

I'm gonna try to blog this trip, but it's looking like I can only get one pic with each post; we will see how that goes. I'm looking into other options, so stay tuned.

The Courage Classic is the bike ride that I do. Details: http://www.couragetours.com/

You'll notice that I'm planning on a full week in Los Angeles. Had to wait for Oakland to get back into town. That will be a different wrinkle than last year, as I was in a different town every night. This should give plenty of time to see some great things. I'm sure LA has lots of things to see and do.

The brewery tour on August 22nd is in Creston, BC, Canada. Kokanee beer. Well, it's a great excuse to drive across the border, anyway.

Goal now is to post once a day. We will see how that goes, right? It all starts on Saturday. :)

It's almost time to hit the road.

2010-07-21T00:45:00.000-05:00

Well then. I see it's been a few since I posted anything.

I've been traveling. I've been training. I've been just having a great time. But most importantly, I've been scheming, planning and have come to a consensus... baseball is cool.

Last year, I took a month and went on a road trip. I enjoyed it so much, that I have planned to do it again. I never forsaw it to go about double the distance, but it is what it is.

I always wanted to drive the 101. TPH. West Coast Highway.
And, since I was gonna be over there, well, er, uh, let's see some baseball. After all, everyone needs an excuse to have a road trip every once in awhile, and well, this should take care of it for me for awhile, and maybe everyone else that says they are living vicariously through me.

I accept the challenge:

Ok, so it looks loile a lot. It is. And, I won't go into how limited Google Maps is for a month long road trip, but the major cities are depicted correctly. X marks the spot of the whole reason why I did this trip, the three day long, 160 something bike ride to benefit the Children's Hospital of Denver. http://www.couragetours.com/ if you're interested in making a donation for me this year.

Ok, back to the trip. The route actually follows the 101 all the way thru Oregon, and all the way around Olympic National Park in Washington. It goes thru Electric City, Washington as well, and makes a jaunt to Creston, BC, Canada for a brewery tour.

Then, come down through Kaispell, Wyoming, and thru Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Should be a great trip. 8200 plus miles.

I do have to show you probably the most beautiful map I've seen in awhile. It helped me spend an entire week in the LA/ San Diego area to wait for Oakland to get their butt back in town. Thanks, MILB:

Yes, It's a map of all the minor league teams in the US by geography. Sweet. I'm hitting 5 of the green ones in California. Makes 15 baseball games in 16 days.

I'm gonna try and blog my trip this year. Right now I'm looking into how to do that efficiently; will keep you folks posted. Hope all is well in your world.

Chapter Next.

2010-05-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I've been in limbo. For over a year. Doing stuff, not necessarily sitting on my ass, drinking beer, watching tv all day long. Actually, I have drank a lot of beer, sat on the couch lots, and watch a lot of tv. However, it's usually an occassional out somewhere to drink some beers with friends a few days a week; usually DVR of Comedy Central Presents, Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs or maybe some Modern Marvels. Yes, I stiill watch the technically-swayed shows; maybe it's because that's what I know. I'm not much for the drama, reality, the Oprah or Ellen, or Montel, or the whos-yo-daddy society degrading shows. And actually, as of late, it's the drug induced cartoons of Adult Swim, specifically Robot Chicken and Aquateen Hungerforce. And the always entertaining, "Stupid Monkey." (If you do watch Robot Chicken, you know you absolutely look forward to Stupid Monkey just as I do).   I digress.

And I do sit on the couch. More often than not, however, it's after a bike ride of usually significant amounts of consistent exertion of effort to make a bike go forward. Yesterday's venture consisted of almost 40 miles, 2.5 hours of ride time (not counting breaks) in 95 degree weather, give or take a few degrees. I would have probably plopped down on the couch afterwards, but my friend taunted me with heading somewhere to drink some beers; and hear some good live music. So, I did. No couch yesterday.

For the last year, less the most recent month, I've enjoyed the heck out of things. I took some savings, and made the decision to take some time off from trying to be productive, trying the same thing with the expectation of something different (definition of insanity), with the expectation of maybe finding, discovering, and changing enough to make the difference in the next-go-around.

I must say, I think I've learned a lot about myself. I took the risk to find the truth about me; what made me happy, what didn't; try and realize a fault or two, and do what I could do about them; discover the things that I sacrifice that I shouldn't have, and learn how to not sacrifice them next time. No more pushover. No more yes man no matter what. More Confident. More assertive. Or maybe I just needed to grow up More.

The last month has reminded me, and in some cases, returned my mind back to Hell, or said another way, life. Well, maybe my previous life.   It has reminded me because I am starting to have to make decisions that I have been able to avoid for awhile; namely, employement and financial.

My roommate works in the industry to which I swore I would not return. He reminds me occassionally of the things that he experiences that I absolutely came to hate. Stupidity and total disregard for the reasonable. The unlogical. The wholly unrealistic. The blatent disrespect for honesty. The you-will-do-this-because-I-have-power-over-you-and-you-can't-do-a-fu*#ing-thing-about-it mentality.

I might have to bite my tongue. I might have to go back. And maybe test the waters. Go back to the work, the specific type of work that I never thought I would even consider again. I got a call this morning about a potential job opportunity. We'll see.  I wasn't pissed immediately. It wasn't an immediate kick to the head. And I'd be stupid to not consider the oppurtnity strictly based on my past, and the person I used to be.

There are some things to consider.

First, my neighbor J got me talking this morning, and I blurted out, "doesn't really matter what I do, it's the people I work with that does it for me." True. If the people fit me well enough, then I enjoy it. Just back me up, don't hang me out to dry, teach me a little, let me run with it. Respect me and I'll respect you. So, the possiblity of success, or rather, not total failure from the getgo, is possible. That should be determined early on.

Second, I've had a year to analyze what went wrong. I feel that I have learned something, and maybe a bit more. I've learned, largely, that I've been walked on, or rather have allowed the walking to happen. I've even provided the shoes, and in some cases, cleats. I assumed that people wouldn't do that. No longer. I've been thinking and working and training and learning to be more assertive, more proactive. Yeah, I'll come work for you, but what do I get from it?   How much do I make now? (I used to tell them.) Now, How much does the position pay? You tell me that, and I'll decide if I want to help you. Oh, and you require overtime? Great. Pay me for it. Let's talk about that and decide some of those things up front. Let's make some expectations. And I'll write them down, and you write them down too, and let's make us both accountable. That way when crunch time comes, we both agree and we both win.

Third, I'm gonna have to start again working anyway, doing something at least, or stop spending money. Actually, wasting money. Lots. Exactly the reason, or a big one, maybe, why I'm divorced. Now that I'm having to make decisions again, financial ones anyway, there's a new appreciation for what I have not every paid attention to, because frankly, I just never had to. There's a bit of different motivation. See if I can put to use what I have learned with money coming in.

So thus begins another Chapter. The next one. The first chance to see if I learned anything, see if what I think I can do, the different attitude, is possible. Real world testing. It may be time. If it happens.

Dont fret, though; they know about my commitments for road trip. And I will not sacrifice that for anyone.

Maybe I've finally grown some. Maybe I will make it mine just a little bit, just enough this time to not kneejerk. Maybe I won't have the same reactions. Or the same mind-job bullshit to make me screw the working world. Hopefully my proactiveness will fight off the world. Or at least the next Hugh.

We'll see.

Use your Noodle, Peeps, Volume 1.

2010-05-25T01:04:00.001-05:00

This past weekend my Dad and I were watching TV, and he had the news on, which is not normally something I watch.

They had a story about a 5 year old (yes, 5) and his Mommy had him 'mock' arrested by the Sheriff's Department because he 'needed a lesson about playing with matches.'

The Cops came out in a Sheriffs car, read the kid his rights, put him in kiddie cuffs (I'm assuming they have those) and hauled him off.

I've got a better solution: Use your Head (a.k.a. NOODLE) that God gave you, and A) beat the kid senseless (my personal favorite, because Damn, sometimes I sure needed it growing up) or B) TAKE THE MATCHES AWAY.

Mom: "But this isn't the first time he's done it." Then you're an IDIOT, Mom. Seriously. Hide the matches. It's called being smarter than a kid. I'm questioning you on this one. There's drain branmage there somewheres. Gots ta be, chicky dee.

Then I have to look at the coppers. Did they think this is a great idea? Hey, let's go arrest, or just fake arrest, a 5 year old. Great idea, Gomer. If my parents would have thought that jewel up, I'd probably have gone on a hellbent mission to find those damn matches again so I could ride in the poh-lease car a second time (my parents did hide matches HIGHER THAN I COULD REACH after I played with 'em, THEN I got my ass beat). Fortunately, I learned. Not sure this kid learned anything, much less Mom learning anything. Seriously. Cause I guess when this kid gets older, maybe we'll call the Feds when he's not behaving in school. Yeah, that's it. Get ready Feds, Johnny doesn't want to go to Study hall. Prison time. Gotta teach the little hoodlum, cause yeah, this one has history - arrested at 5 for attempted arson. Yeah Problem kid we got here. Grab the drugs.

I'm gonna have to make a list of these. There's some good stuff out there; it's like a fart so good you can taste it. There's a whole novel waiting, and I bet this is just the intro.

#1 in the front, #2 in the back.

2010-05-19T02:57:00.000-05:00

Heh.

Warning: This one is chocked full. Read at your own peril.

Seriously.

My neighbor J was over yesterday, and had her beloved dog in tow, just like always. She has become a great friend, and we have learned a lot about friendships and life in general in the last few months. I have decided that unique is not just a better, more respectful word for my friend J than weird, although weird is just as accurate as an adjective; they both apply.

Tonight, for example, she came over with a conglomeration of stuffs, and started to ransack the freezer for whatever frozen vegetables were hiding out and were calling out to her to throw into the pot. You would have to understand our relationship to understand why this is behavior not just totally fine with me, but, in part, is just the weird unexpected unpredictable side of J.

Ok, so back to yesterday. It had been an ok day, then I heard the knock on the door. Except I didn't hear it as a knock, I just heard it as a sound, and before I could investigate, my cell rang. "Are you awake?" "Yes, I'm awake, it's 11 o'clock. Where are you?" "At your front door." Once again, normal for her and totally acceptable for me.

I open the door, and in comes J with her dog. She (the dog) knows my house, my roommate, where her impromptu water dish is by the trash in the kitchen, and is just mostly comfortable in my house most of the time. On this afternoon, she began to wimper, and on the chance that she had to go to the bathroom again (I learned she just peed in the front yard before entering the house), the back patio door was opened, and she instantly went outside and proceeded to crap in my backyard.

J: "I guess she goes #1 in the front and #2 in the back."

Humans do that. So do dogs. And cats. And lots of other things. And there's not a damn thing we can do about it. Piss comes out the front and crap comes out the back. We cannot stop it.

I've been implementing some things I've blogged about in past posts in my everyday life: communicating better; becoming more aware; risking more truth; risking honesty. I've implemented some of these items for a pretty good amount of time, and some are beginning to pay off, or at least they appear that way.

A recent event gave me the opportunity to evaluate the next big chunk of whatever that is probably most pressing, but not particularly so, if that makes any sense. It's not a crisis. It kind of feels more like a oil change, check the fluids, evaluate if it needs a tune up, you know, just a general preventative maintenance type of event.

I didn't really know how the decision to wait at least from about this time, to a time in about a year, give or take, before committing to the next relationship of exclusivity would affect things right off. I.e., single for a year, buddy. This idea evidently came out of me over beers one night, and everyone knows that sometimes you speak the truth under beers; I didn't remember uttering something resembling a 'maybe I should take a year off from relationships...' but someone called me on it, and after considering it, it felt like a good time to give it a try.

I got caught off guard about a week ago when someone asked me why. I risked my thoughts, the truth, the raw thoughts with this person over a period of a day or so, with good back-and-fourth non judgemental, inquisitive discussion. And now that I've had about a week to ponder, it is feeling like this is required coursework for the next step: Assertiveness without arrogance. I.e: discover what the hell happened first before proceeding forward.

Lunch conversation with two friends and another conversation by blackberry messenger (love it, btw) primed me for a ranting about how I expected to find the perfect job. I vented. Don't get walked on anymore. Open mouth. Interview the employer too. Make them work for you as much as you work for them. Demand more. Establish goals. Do Better. Modify the path to your liking when at all possible. Make it yours. Then I was asked if I was still talking about jobs.

Heh. Yeah. Full on job talk. Right? Oh wait. Let me go back. Hm. Yeah, I can see that....wow.

Maybe the year off dating long term commitments will answer the question of why I've thought 'I shouldn't be in a relationship right now....' occassionally in the past few. Maybe I needed to tag-team the job discussion and the relationship discussion at the same time. This just feels right. Well, at least the part of it all that doesn't scare the shit out of me feels right. Or different. Or maybe just, well, relieving.

I'm already reaping benefits from my relationship hiatus. I can assure you that I'm riding the emotional roller coaster big time through all the loop-de-loops and hairpin turns, and even though those emotions seem to be straight front in the front of my mind, it's relief and excitement I feel for the future. The stress, or the weight of commitments that I usually carry, seems removed.

Probably the greatest thing I have realized is that I can think about and enjoy today. Taking a break for a year simply means that I don't feel like I have to analyze the future, the what-about-this one long term? What if this works out? Is that gonna be a problem? What if this? How about that? That stuff. Right now time off of the long term thoughts if you will; the analysis of everything except the short term- not even considered.

How comforting. Enjoy the now. That might be what all this is about. A break from my analytical mind analyzing the future.

That way, too, maybe I can have the capacity to evaluate the past. I need to understand that in order to move forward positively. There's a pattern there that's not all that merry, at least not for the recent merry-go-rounds that I've ridden.

Lots changing still, a work in constant upgrade, constant update. At least I still piss in the front and crap out the back; some things can't change, no matter what. That might be all by the time my mind quits.

That is comforting.

Why $10 cost me two hours and 21.2 miles.

2010-05-08T00:33:00.001-05:00

My friend Rick invited me out for a good, old fashioned 50 mile bike ride on a beautiful sunny Texas day.

I drove for an hour to get to the spot in Sam Houston National Forest. The roads were not heavily traveled by cars, which was a benefit for this off the beaten path in God's wonderland. The first 28 were very nice indeed. Rick's friend Adam joined us, and it turned out to be a 'stretch' ride for Adam, who is doing 130 miles on Sunday. He's a retired professional cyclist, and I want his tan. A pleasure, and he gave me some pointers that hopefully will adjust my cycling position and power transfer. Thanks, Adam.

I've found that me riding for an hour nonstop is about my feel-good limit. After about an hour, I really should just take a short break if nothing else. Give the legs the benefit of stillness for a few minutes. Today we stopped about an hour fifteen in, and it was a good relief. We made it into the thriving metropolis of Anderson, Texas, quaintly located in the middle of Grimes County: also located up and a little to the left of BFE.

After a relatively short break, replenished liquids and grabbed a quick processed food snack, we continued on. Headed now 'with' the wind, we headed toward Richards. And then it happened.

Contrary to popular belief, I did not do it on purpose. Sitting in Anderson for a few hours didn't really fit into todays schedule.

The rear derailleur hanger is a piece of aluminum that holds the rear derailleur to the frame. It doesn't bend, it shears. Or it at least shears on my bike. The last time it broke a few years ago, i was doing 20 mph with a tail wind, and it sent my derailleur into my tire and thrashed about half the spokes. New rim, tire (that I had just replaced the week before that got flatspotted) and the derailleur. Today's episdode only broke the hanger, I'm hoping.

In any case, I was done. With the only possible sag support standing next to me, they ventured on and left me with some time on my hands.   Of course, this was the one day that I decided to leave my phone behind in the truck. What would I do for two hours? Or more?

Well, I'm sure that the people driving by, if they saw me, thought I was a freak. Walking around town with in bike pants and cycling shoes, walking on heels trying not to bust my ass.

I'm sure the hardware store front desk guy thought that I was a bit weird when I walked in and asked if he happened to have a rear derailleur hanger in stock. He said no awfully fast. But, I did get to venture into the store, look around, and I actually kind of enjoyed it.

It's one of those that my hometown used to have before it burned to the ground. One of those that has all the odd stuff, no AC (I think it just holds the temperature cooler from all the cast iron crap in there that never moves and never has seen sunlight to absorb heat) but seems cooler, and then the floor that looks like they build the store out six feet at a time. Everything on the shelves have been there for years; you can tell from the dust. Most of the prices are original on the package under the plastic, or they are hand-modified.

You know those bug sprayers that you pump up, and it has the little wand? Well, there was a 15 gallon one of those.

I then went back outside, and decided to use the coke machine on the porch. It wouldn't take my dollar. Flipped around. Again.  STill nothing. Then, you try to make it flatter, hoping that bent corner you just straightened was the problem. Nope. Wasn't. I just happen to have 60 cents in change, and was soon on my way with my ice cold Dr. Pepper. I was actually surprised it was ice cold.

A few doors down in between some buildings was a memorial to the soldiers that fought during the Confederacy. The guys that made their own clothes, went barefoot when shoes wore out, and had hardships we can't even imagine any longer.   Nice memorial. Well done. And well maintained. And nice flag of the Confederacy.

There in Anderson, next to the Courthouse, is a historical marker. It was a synopsis of what the building served as, as far as i can tell. Lots of 1836 dates. The thing that caught my eye was the 'wartime suspension of habeas corpus.' Rock on. We need more of that these days, I think. They even deported some guys back to Mexico. What a concept.

I then headed back to the convenience/deli/grocery store where I would be later picked up. It had to be funny for those people gasin' up the car to look over and see a guy, shirless, with bike pants hiked up trying to get some sun. Not one person said anything though. I just got my tan, and an hour ahead of my prediction, Rick drove up. Thanks for the sag, buddy.

It was time spent wisely. I wanted some sun and got some. In areas usually covered by a bike jersey. And I got to smile a bit at Texas history there, just to remind me that Texas, well, it's Texas.

Oh, the $10? That's the price of a new derailleur hanger. Getting fixed tomorrow.

Sometimes you gotta take the hit.

2010-05-03T12:36:00.000-05:00

Well.

I woke up to a beaut of a morn. I was in a good mood. I slept well, I felt well. It was good all the way around.

Then I went to give blood. If you're squeamish, do what you have to do, or just skip down to THE POINT OF THIS.

It's usually a pretty routine deal. Most times I give platelets and RBCs. Usually, they have to lower the pressure on the machine for my vein, and it tries to suck the blood out with too much pressure, and the machine pauses. They have to come over and reset. Absolutely normal. Usually. Then i'm good, sometimes for a few more minutes, sometimes not.

And usually in the 'center' vein of my right arm.

Well. First, the chair next to it had a longer arm on the left arm, so I decided against the right arm. Then, the lady came over ( not the routine stick-me-in-the-arm-lady) and chose the 'outside' vein.

I should have known.

For those of you that have not given platelets, there is a 'draw' and 'return'. The draw takes the blood, it gets centrifuged (I guess) and then they give it back to you with some saline. Or carb solution, or whatever. Clear crap that your body likes. Anyhyoo, they keep the platelets. That's the point.

Anyhoo, on the first return, I experienced immense pain. Did not feel right at all. No sir. F'n. hurt. They backed the needle out a little; assessed the situation, and we continued.

Now, I'm not a rocket scientist, but if you have a 2 inch needle, and it's stuck most of the way in for a surface vein, it might be stuck just a bit too far. It was adjusted, and we continued with no further pain. There is always some pressure; that's part of the game.

Fast forward 10 minutes. It was then noticed that the 'product' was not being taken from me. (i.e. bag the stuff goes ain't fillin'.) So, the decision was made to end the donation. It was determined that the 'kit', the plastic bags and tubes and stuff, wasn't allowing collection. Ok, fine. I'll just drink the juice I just started drinking, and enjoy the rest of the day.

Now, I've got three icepaks, and i'm nursing a goose-egg sized area where the blood, "probably during the return entered the tissues surrounding the vessel itself." Maybe that pain thing from earlier?

I think so.

So. Maybe in a few days, when the big ass bruise has formed, you'll get to share in my unsightly bruise on my left arm. Just peachy.

THE POINT OF THIS...

Sometimes, no matter how good things are going, things can take a shit in a hurry, and intantaneously erase any momentum generated earlier in the day.

The point is, sometimes you just gotta take the hit. It's out of your control. Not your fault. Wrong place at the wrong time. Just wasn't meant to be.

Maybe some relay switch installed before you were named to the mission blew your O2 tanks, and you have to find a way to put a square filter on a round hole so you can live in the Lander until you get your happy ass back around the Earth to have a chance to land.

So take the bruise. It will be in the front of your mind, visible, in your life for a bit. But, like all things, it will escape the view, and it won't remind you after a period of time. You may even recall it later, but it is just one of life's things. God has to keep you on your toes somehow. Sometimes they get jammed, stubbed, or you lose the nail.

Then nail always grows back. And if it doesn't, maybe you don't need that particular nail anymore.

As for me now, I'm on icepak no. 2.

Take the hit. Learn. Adjust. Continue.

Shiner: Epic!

2010-05-02T10:43:00.000-05:00

My friend Rick and I through our training rides have labeled certain ventures as epic or brutal. That's our standard description. The discussion of allowing epically-brutal or brutally-epic labels surfaced yesterday after the ride, in earshot from a normal person asking a cop, "Hey man, can I borrow your Taser?" Sometimes you hear the weirdest things. Anyhow, I bring this up because not very often is epic been in our vocabulary to describe an event all by its lonesome withou the qualifier brutal somewhere closeby.

Yesterday was an Epic day.

100 miles is a long way. But when it looks like this...

... it makes it a bit easier, for say, the first 60. We actually averaged a few miles an hour higher than usual (partly because of consistent draft lines, low wind, and mostly flat or gentle climbs), but it is still excellent when it happens for the first 24 miles withouth a break. We flew, well, at least, for us.

Only after the 3 hour ride time mark did I start feeling it. Up until lunch it was partly cloudy. In the afternoon, it became partly sunny, and the wind began to strengthen. We hadn't had wind issues too much at all; crosswinds has been the norm, and even with those present, they were not strong enough to affect the draft lines singnificantly.

A few more stops we made, and we started geting sore and a bit tired. One stop we were resting, and I noticed something rather peculiar. We were on the old highway alternate parallel to the freeway, at a small shack/store/bar/water hole in Wherever, Texas, and I saw something that made my mind think a bit:

Um, yeah, that's what I though initially as well. They wouldn't do that, would they? You tend to see the most interesting things at 15 mph.

As we rolled on, we chatted about what a great day all around it was, that it was a great idea to participate today, weather couldn't be better, totally enjoyable, excellent.

Eventually,

Only 10 miles to go! Whohoo! Except (isn't there always one of those??) the 10 miles on the sign would not give us the elusive Century ride, the 100 miles, the reason why we had put ourselves through this.

And so, worn down, 90 miles in, we turned north. North into the wind, stronger at this time, and coming directly from the north. Thanks, God. Anyone who rides bike in Texas this time of year knows that the wind can be severe. Although it wasn't particulary severe this day, it was a severe pain in the ass. It plays with your mind. It screws with your being. Heading down a hill and slowing down because the wind is in your face isn't a great confidence booster. However, we continued on, and after a half hour or so of brutality, we turned back south on SH 95 to come into Shiner from the north.

The work was done; we had a tailwind, and we cruised into shiner as we had started the day, in high gear. It was a beautiful, exhausting, definitely rewarding and totally enjoyable experience.

Thanks, Rick. A job well done.

I encouraged Rick to ride this year. He had rode 10 years ago, and has thanked me a few times for ecouraging him to get started again. I'm proud. Three months ago rick got on a bike, and today rode 100 miles in 5 hours ride time.

Rick and I started riding around the end of January. Today's ride included several significant milestones:

Longest ride of the season so far for both Rick and I; 101 miles.
First Century ride for Rick and I this year.
Rick's first Century in a Decade.
We both crossed 1000 miles for the season with today's ride. This milestone was recognized whe it happened for each of us, with a celebratory fist bump at speed.

Well done indeed.

A Century in a Day....

2010-04-26T11:02:00.001-05:00

Yes, I've told friends that I would cut my legs off before I ran a marathon, but 6 hours on a bike is just fine:

Houston to Shiner. At least there's beer at the end. This will be my 6th Century (for those that aren't familiar with the nomenclature, that's 100 miles in one day). It's fun, right?

I am looking forward to it. It will purge some stress that I continue to place wholly on myself. And maybe the weather will be just spectacular to boot.

A Wednesday Drive

2010-04-22T02:09:00.001-05:00

Tonight, pretty much at the last minute, I decided to go for a drive.

"Why did the Aggie cross the road?"

"To get to the Chicken, of course...."

I left around sunset, windows down, cool breeze, and the drive from me casa to the Chicken is approximately the length of my favorite album evar, REK's Live Diner No. 2, from Floore's.

Windows down in latter April, and getting a non-humid chill is unusual for the H-town region. It has been nice, and I haven't heard or made a single bitch about the weather. We are truly blessed.

Listening to a full album straight thru to which you know ever word, wind blowing in at 75 mph allows one to enjoy other things like sunsets, and smells such as truck brakes, burnt grass, and the occassional chicken farm and pasture full of cows.

It was just a damn good drive. One of my favorites. To meet a damn good friend, who lives a damn far distance away. And I had a damn good time. I bet she didn't know how much I needed to get out of Houston tonite; how much a simple 1.5 hour drive there and 1.5 hour drive back was worth every mile. Enjoying friends for who they are just makes life worth it. And the Chicken always throws down the ultimate attitudinal atomosphere, complete with high heels and skirts, and suits complete with Maroon Ties.

A great time. Just what I particularly needed on this particular evening.

On the way back, a song came upon the radio that I'd like to share. It contains great advice, and it made the perfect end to a perfect evening.

Nite, all.

And then I realized.

2010-04-15T23:11:00.001-05:00

I've got a few friends going through some deep shit right now.

I'd like to think that I am strong for them; that the advice I give, the experiences I share, maybe helping them see something good in something not so great will help them along.

I'd hope they don't see the part of me that breaks down and cries for a few minutes in the grocery store. The part of me that isn't always strong; the part of me that is, well, human.

It wasn't a big thing. I'm riding in a bike ride this weekend; the largest National MS Society Bike Tour in the nation, the Houston to Austin MS150. I can't say that I am directly affected by Muscular Sclerosis, that is to say that I really don't know someone personally that is affected by such an unpredictable things. So, this year, when I registered, I signed up for a program they have where they hook you up with a MS Survivor. You have the opportunity to ride for them.

I have on my page that I ride for those that can't. I had forgotten that I had signed up for a BIKE MS CHAMPION this year. It surprised me when I got my ride materials. A bandana that I will wear proudly was in my stuff, signed by Karen. She lives in La Porte, on the East side of Houston. This is my 5th year for this ride. I just realized it's different for me this year.

I went to the grocery store in search of Raspberry Kool-Aid brand koolaid. It was the best suggestion, I think, of the ideas presented by others to color my beard blue. Not permanently blue, but blue, but not wash-out blue, at least not immmediately wash out, but wash outable sometime. Actually, not really caring if it washed out or not, just as long as it didn't make a big blue mess. After finding the Kool-aid, I just wandered around for a bit, looking down the empty aisles (I guess people are doing taxes?), picking up a few things.

Then I realized that my friend Suz has a birthday tomorrow. Well, I will tell you that if you know me, I'm terrible at birthdays, and if I remembered yours, it's either on Facebook, or in my phone. I'm even more terrible at birthday cards, but, on the way out of the store, I'm headed down the aisle of cards.

Well. So many choices. I always have issues with cards. If i don't find one right off the bat, then, sorry, you probably aren't getting one from me. Too bad. Deal. Usually you should consider yourself lucky if I remember to tell you at all, and double lucky if I'm on the right day. Well, I should count success. At least Suz' card will be mailed on the day of, "that's not too late is it?" I tell myself.

And then I realized.

Monday is Dad's birthday.

Now you would think that I would remember his birthday. Well, I know it's in April, but for many years I regretfully admit the exact day has evaded me. And, unless I was reminded directly in front of, I missed it. Especially when I no longer lived at home.

After the fourth card I read for Dad, and they weren't applicable, I wept. I'm glad I was alone. And I'm glad I'm alone now, too.

I realized awhile ago that Dad is waiting. For those that know, Dad is not in the best physical shape. Since Mom passed, there's not really any will. Not really any happiness. Not really any joy. Not any motivation. Just do the routine, just waiting.

Well, I did find a card. It was the 11th one I found, and I think it fits better than most: "A birthday is the start of another 365 day journey around the Sun - Enjoy the ride." I sure hope so. I hope there's at least a few more journeys around the Sun.

Maybe after riding 83 miles on Saturday, and 77 on Sunday, maybe i'll find the strength on Monday to make a drive to see Dad on his birthday. Maybe I need it as much as he does.

Happy Birthday, Dad. Many more to come.

Hold On...

2010-04-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

A conversation this week injected the thought in my brain. That's about how it happens lately; someone says something, something clicks in the ol' brain, and then I'm intrigued to investigate and analyze.

"You wait too long."

Hm. Lately, the simple, non 5 dollar, rediculously uncomplicated phrases seem to hit home runs.

Is that because I've learned to look for them, or learned to accept critiscisms, or what is it really? Becuase this person really nailed it.

I do. And it's not a super positive thing.

It might partially explain some things, and really explain lots more.

Might explain why I don't really have expectations for the most part. I've just always expected that things good will happen to you if you wait long enough. In career, I more times then not have set things up to where my work would maybe catch someone's eye, would get paid on the back end. I mean, wouldn't that be a reasonable expectation to wait for? Um, yeah.

Definitely explains how simple things can really ruin a totally wonderful day, put you in a funk that requires the rest of the day, a good night sleep, and then moving a hot tub with minimal people to snap you out of your weird mood initiated by some cups in the sink that weren't there when you left.

Maybe it's the fact that since i'm trading, i'm willing to ride the wave down, but not ride the wave up. I wait too long in the wrong direction. I don't wait long enough on the up, but the down I will wait all day. Two days. Successive days past two.

Hm.

I am trying to do better, for sure. And am doing better, at least I think so. Trying to make those expectations that I've never had, trying to make a plan for the future. Attempting to answer the question, "what's your five year plan?" I need to as my buddy Google that question and see what he has to say.

Frankly, sometimes I feel so stupid on how to start the really important stuff. That's when I try to communicate, to learn, to feed off someone else's thoughts, actions, or just work to make a change, a small change at first for the better.

I'm getting the message...no more holding on....it's time to fish or cut bait, shit or get off the pot, or make like a baby and head out....head out in the driver's seat.

Decisions, Decisions....

2010-03-28T01:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm sorry to say that Jose' has bit the dust. I had decided to wait until the weather got better, to see if there was the smallest amount of life present, but I have finally succommed to the fact that he is lifeless; nothing but a empty stick. He froze. But I have decided to replace him.

I'm reminded tonight that we make decisions each and every day. Multiple times a day. We decide to make life happen around us. Did you leave the house? Did you put on that shirt? Did you sleep in, or did you wake up by alarm? The decisions we make affect our everyday lives.

Where do you live? Why do you live there? Do you like it? If not, why are you still there? You have decided to live where you live; work where you work; play where you play.

For the last year, I have decided not to work. It was my decision; no one else decided for me; no one made me work. I had many that asked questions, made comments, advised.... but it was me and me alone that decided.

Five years ago, I decided that I would take up cycling. Over the past five years, I have covered over 5,000 miles. I have ridden 100 miles in a single day at least 6 times; over Vail Pass in Colorado three times; rode from Houston to Shiner once and Austin to Shiner twice. It comforts me; keeps me in relative shape; gives me time to think; allows me to rest my mind and relax it. Cycling has given me an outlet to reflect on some decisons I have made in my life previously, and helps to discern crucial decisions I make every day. I decide to ride. I decide to make each mile happen. Tomorrow I will cross 500 miles for this year; and, i will most likely tap 1000 miles before Colorado in July. My decisions. Every mile.

Conversations with friends on just about every subject as of late have been deeper than previous coversations on those same subjects in my life. I believe this to be the result of making that 'one sentence more' that I learned a few years ago. It has opened deeper coversations, deeper relationships, and has truly garnished my life with great satisfaction.

I'm thinking a lot about my past business decisions lately. I have realized that my business decisons to this point have been made by me without expectation. I have pretty much discounted myself. I have decided against myself. I have always taken the suggestion of others mainly because I believed that the quality of my work would be seen, and I would be rewarded accordingly. How nieve.

This past year has helped me take a view to life and happiness that I would have never seen without the time off. Meeting with friends that still work, and the things that they share with me have a totally different effect on me than they once did. They make me see things related to the decisions I have made or not made; expectations that I had that were false expectations. You know you don't get what you want if you don't ask, right? So true.

I'm trying to begin again; become the successful minded, career-path minded person that reaches high expectations. Why haven't I enjoyed my career thus far? Is it me? Is it my decisions? Is it the path that I have just followed rather than taking responsibility to control that path?

I've never been the guy to have a specific plan. But looking at where I am in life, and what I want to have (I mean really want to have), it's time to get moving. Make like a baby and head out. Get off the fence and make it happen. Shit or get off the pot.

I'm trying to develop some goals, some expectations; trying to find somewhere reasonable to start when you don't know how. Talking with a friend of mine (that has really affected my life for the good as of late), I realized that my lack of expectations was striking. She shared with me a financial paradigm that scared the shit out of me. Seemed totally unrealistic. Kept me up one night. Thought about it all the next weekend. Then, I started to wrap my head around it. And I've adopted it as an expectation. Something tangible to shoot for. Something to work towards. A financial goal:

Save what you spend.

Simple. Direct. Initially impossible. Later, unreasonable.

However, in running the numbers, I realized that it is possible. Not easy, not without sacrifice, not without work. Possible.

This I can understand. This I can do.

Save what you spend. Decide to make it happen. Make it happen.

And I close this post with a bumper sticker I saw that just sticks in my mind. It was on the back of a tow truck at an intersection about a week ago, and I continue to think about it:

"How far are you going today?" A simple concept, really.

How far are you going?

Everyday Life

2010-02-24T01:18:00.000-06:00

I find myself tonight (or this morning depending) thinking of a number of things.

Last post I wrote about the need for a reset button; a stop of the downward slide I was experiencing that week. It did, finally, come to a slow (not a stop) and seems to be somewhere between level to just a touch downtrending.

First and foremost, I finally ponied up and replaced the phone that I have dropped, frozen, dropped in the crapper (pseudo-clean water, btw), dropped and slid on concrete for about 50 or so feet, soaked one too many times, and frankly worn the touch screen out by texting constantly. I was forced to claim insurance because the screen failed to stay lit while conducting anything. So, I spent a few hours setting up the replacement, making sure everything worked and making it look just like the last one. Crisis averted.

Second, my friend Shirley, whom I have known for 4 years now, has begun a slide that will unfortunately end up in an assited living environment (if she can afford it) because driving is now off limits. Not that she was driving (I mostly drove her around for the last 6 months in her car), but not having access to a car of your own when you have been driving for 57 years really can affect one's attitude. And one's plans. The type of help that I do and have given Shirley is running out; the family-type decisions are next. Shirley's future should be determined by them; not by a friend that lived next door to her 4 years ago. I have a decison to make - when to drop the reins - but will be difficult; I do care for Shirley.

Third, Dad is deciding to pick one thing to sell a day it seems; today was a membership in a camping club that he wants to sell. Last week was the truck and 5th wheel 37 foot camper; I hope it sells soon. I guess this is somewhat normal; a kind of cleaning, lessening the burden on the kids? I don't know. Maybe it's the things that remind him most of his former life; the things that are most painful - the reminders. Maybe Dad just isn't one that is gonna grieve in this life. God Bless Dad, and Lord, Give his kids the strength and wisdom to honor Dad's wishes with an open mind. Amen.

Fourth, I had a job interview this morning. It kind of came out of nowhere; a friend mentioned it, and it might be a great fit for me. Not really preparing for the interview, I think I did fine. Was honest enough to show my current mind state; maybe this will be a positive thing. A little different lick from my last ten years in engineering; the rental biz. Namely, 1600 cfm air compressors and 20 ton trailer-mounted air conditioners. We shall see; Next week will tell me more. Thanks for the ear, Dwayne.

Fifth, my girl just today is trying again to quit smoking; I couldn't be happier -for everyone involved, including her. I stepped over the criticism line I know. I just wanted to motivate her a bit; maybe she doesn't need motivation. Maybe just support is enough - so I will give all I have. I'm behind you, Suz. You can do this, because you want it for the only person it really matters....yourself. That is powerful.

And my friend who is having an especially difficult experience with the death of her friend. I have had some experiences, but not really close friends of my same age. Especially early 30's, where most certainly, work was not complete here. Or maybe it was. I asked my friend about this person that had passed, inqiring about her, and she responded that her friend "was the funniest person ever." For the last two days, every smile I have seen, her friend has entered my mind. Maybe her time here isn't done, becuase she is affecting this person who writes, she has made my life a little happier today with smiles.

Also, my next door neighbor Diane lost her husband Steve after a long, difficult path. And when I went today next door to share my condolances, instead of grief, instead of somber tones, I was greeted with smiles and Thank You's, and "It's Such A Blessing Because His Pain Is Gone. Steve Is Home." I met Steve a few times; once in Particular, we had a lengthy conversation with Cubs Baseball in the background. Loved his Cubs. A pleasure having known you, Steve.

I guess this is one of the reasons I started blogging here, to let it out. I know it feels good to do, as I know it did last night for my friend Shirley; I just listened to her talk for awhile. She told me she slept better. And tonight, I hope I get the same result.

From Sunset to Reset

2010-02-16T02:46:00.000-06:00

Last week was horrible.

Last week was backwards when I was frontwards; up when I was down; even drove past me a few times.

Last week was probably the most emotional week I have had in recent memory; the last week like this was quite possibly over a year ago when my Mother left this God-forsaken hell of a planet. Heaven has got to be better than this.

I have been sleeping fine; the problem comes when I awake. Mind Racing; running; swimming. it's in good shape because it didn't have to stop and rest. Or to take a breath. My Monday was fine; Tuesday became Wednesday in a hurry, and rescheduled regular lunch on Tuesday to Wednesday for a meeting on Tuesday that was really on Wendnesday, and I had tried to Push Reset while downtown on Tuesday.

Then, my regular Tuesday lunch appointmentee was gracious enough to have lunch early Wednesday (since my fake Tuesday meeting was really Wednesday). Well, no problem there, I think...except my mind spouted a drain out my mouth, and was told by my friend that she had 'never seen me this scatterbrained.'.

No kidding. I was already aware before she told me. The reset button I pounded on Tuesday hadn't reset yet. But spouting a bit did reveal that, quite possibly, every emotional factor in my life (ignored or otherwise) decided to hit me all at one time. Something about my Sister grieving for me, but now she's not here, and is that it? Have I the need to grieve for Mother on my own now that Sister is gone? Naw, must simply be the fact that I might have to come out of retirement earlier than planned. Unless I learn how to grow money really soon. Might be one of those or the other six things on my mind.

Thursday I spent all day (except lunch) with my friend Shirley, who is becoming needier and needier; decided she shouldn't drive anymore but "needs" to; mentioned she was out of her anti-depressant 'yesterday'; can't remember in HEB where the deli counter is; and, happens to love saying, "Where is my (insert whatever here) while moving (insert whatever here) out of the way to look for (insert whatever here)....hmmm. I was hoping to reset Thursday night.

Thursday night brought movie night, since I had plans to leave town Friday to see my girl. So, we picked the movie I acquired at a re-gift party: The Chaos Experiment.

Well. Let me share a few words from a reviewer of this wonderful flick starring Val Kilmer:

And I Quote:

"There are bad movies. There are stupid movies. There are shitty movies. There are awful movies. And there is Philippe Martinez’s THE CHAOS EXPERIMENT, which is an awful shitty, awful stupid, awful bad movie."

I cannot tell you how much of a "Homerun, Pay Station, Grand Slam, Going Yard, Four-Bagger, Ding-Dong, Touch-Em-All, Round Tripper, Long Ball" that one paragraph does to describe this movie. Just absolutely horrible.

However; I had some friends over, and we had a great time picking out the terrible screenplay, worse acting, negligent lighting, absence of plot, total absence of the need for killing, not to mention the ending:

And I quote:

"I’m not going to spoil it for anyone who is a glutton for film punishment like I am. Just think of a predictable ending for a story ..... the kind that would make you laugh out loud if it happened. Take that idea, make it huff lead paint as a child, hit it over the head with a sledgehammer and then have it take a calculus test. "

Was probably the worst movie I have sat through. Did I Say Movie? I meant crap. But, friends make life better, and we suffered through it together. Was a good time nonetheless. End of Thursday.

I thought that maybe the curse was over; my punishment was over; however, on the way out of town, a friend called for lunch, so we picked a spot on my route out of town to meet. And I drove right by it. Ten minutes later I realized it and had to turn around.

It was probably a good thing, though. Allowed me to slow down a bit. After a great lunch, I continued on my great weekend with my girl. We watched a lot of the Olympics and some Nascar. Saw a few friends, including Dad.

I left from Dad's mid afternoon today, and drove down IH45 for the first time in awhile, passed Stupid followed by Idiot with some Dumbass mixed in here and there; decided to take the shortcut (adds 20 miles) through the forest across Lake Conroe and saw this:

I will take this as a sign for a new attitude opportunity ahead. I'll take the sunset and begin anew tomorrow. It's time to begin again. Maybe the Reset worked this time.

Good Beer?

2010-02-11T01:17:00.000-06:00

Might have to check these guys out personally...

More here.

The Ultimate Helpdesk

2010-02-04T02:23:00.001-06:00

Ah, A Moving Ski Vacation.

2010-02-03T20:49:00.001-06:00

And so I have returned from, quite possibly, the best trip to Colorado yet.

Thursday: It began in earnest with the loading of a 26 foot Penske truck. Those that came to assist in the packing of boxes of every size, too many chairs, rugs (how many rugs again?), and even a BBQ grill. Friday afternoon, we continued. I cannot believe we fit everything. The garage was still full of furniture when we were almost full. I was amazed that we fit what we fit in that truck.

After packing for a day and a half, we drove north Friday night to Dad's. Driving the big yellow truck was easier than I thought it would be. It was, actually, fun. Even towing a car behind on a carrier and being as big as it was; fun. Cruise control worked great; for Sister, however, making it work didn't happen until Kansas.

Saturday: Dad's house came with more packing. The highly synchronized dance of a 26 foot truck with car carrier, car, truck, car, and 20' trailer was a sight to see. I'm sure the neighbors were staring. Moving the trailer into the garage because of the rain really worked well. Packing 1.5 pickup truck loads into that truck afer it was already stacked full was another feat. Only about a truckload this July follows them from Texas.

Sunday: The rest of the 1,200 mile trek was mostly uneventful less the backing and scraping of the car trailer at Grandma's House; the weighing of the truck and car carrier in Wichita (yes, the $8 was well worth it); and following the truck thru Denver traffic. Successful we were after 20 hours of drivetime. Arrival at Public Storage on Sims Road Monday afternoon was a relief in itself.

Tuesday: Unload of a 26'x7.5'x7.5' truck only takes 5 hours if you try to fit into a 10'x20'x8' storage unit and and extra truck with a camper shell. 4 peeps working with a short lunch break makes 5 hours possible.

Wednesday: Fun begins! Can't go to Colorado without skiing for 6 days continuously, can we? I think not.

Ski Day 1 (Wed): Breckenridge. First lift ride I met Larry who has a 3/2/2/ house for buy or rent. Oops. Half a mil to buy, $2000 to rent a bit steep. Pretty though. Ok skiing; need some more snow.

Ski Day 2 (Thurs): Copper Mountain. Today, I met my friend Steve and his son Chris. I learned lots from Steve; he gave me the confidence to 'get out of back seat' and ski more comfortably. I increased my ability for bumps in the areas of quanitity and speed without a break. Thanks Steve.

Ski Day 3 (Fri): Copper again. Not as fun as yesterday with Steve and Chris, but meeting people on the lifts are always a blast. However, this day started with a Longhorn fan in the parking lot. We chatted for a bit; then he kept chatting. Evidently I should have hopped back in the car and drove to Wolf Creek immediately because he was a meterologist and his job was to predict snow and Wolf Creek was gonna get it today. Ended up riding the bus with him, too. Shut up Longhorn fan and go to Wolf Creek yourself.

Ski Day 4 (Sat): Winter Park. Met my friends Judine and Jim EARLY. It was ok, though; Jim brought homemade breakfast tacos. And led us down the best runs on Mary Jane. We skied in Powder all day long. Even more confidence today in powdered bumps. An Excllent day. Jim and Judine- Thanks for allowing me to tag along. Maybe the best day skiing for me ever.

Ski Day 5 (Sun): Drove to Steamboat from Winter park last night. In search of the same conditions as Saturday; powder in between trees, few tracks, few skiers. Success! Morningside fits my specs today. Quite similar to the condions we were sking Saturday.

Ski Day 6 (Mon): Steamboat brought me the best 5" or so in recent memory. And I returned to Morningside to blaze new trails all morning. In the afternoon, Ms. Ski Patrol told me, "Have you tried East Face? It's a bit of a hike in places, but should be some nice powder back there." Well, it was very nice, and almost a foot of powder when I came out of the trees and found the 'flat.' I must still have purpose on this earth, because God sure missed a good cardiovascular emergency opportunity to take me. Must have been a 500 foot flat spot in a foot of powder. I survived the flat to later in the day do a face-first slide for about a hundred feet right below the lift. I got a sitting ovation from the lift-riders, as I gave a good show. At least it was soft.

Tuesday I left Sister, returned to Texas, and it was hard. Maybe because I felt I was leaving her there; maybe because I don't know when I will see her or the kiddos again. It has been nice having them close. Or, maybe it is that I really do hope that plans are made to visit Texas again before it's too late.

All in all, a great trip. Friends, family, and memorable experiences all around with both.

It's been good.

2010-01-20T22:37:00.001-06:00

I was discussing with a friend today about something that I had been trying to write and was having issues. I wasn't entirely sure how to start it, but this is a great way:

Through all my trials, all the lessons I have learned, and now that I am currently retired, learned that friends mean the world to me. During some of my lowest times, I would go to work, work all morning, go to lunch with a group, eat lunch, drive back, work the afternoon, and arrive back at my apartment without speaking a single word unless directly spoken to, and then sometimes, not even then.

But, I had a few folks that stood back and watched, observed, let me work it out, stood by me, protected me from myself, and then helped me when I was ready for a little help. Some of those people that 'helped' me through that specific time are, and will continue to be, friends that are, well, mine. My friends. Some of the best on this planet, in fact.

And I say this not because I need something from them everytime I contact them; I contact them because I want to. I have standing social lunch dates on specific days; I have friends that I drive forever to see; I have friends I meet for certain weekly events; I have friends that I just enjoy. For them. For who they are. To listen to them. Sometimes with sensitive information or news that they have chosen to share. And I share my news as well, because I want their take. Their opinion. I'm interested in their lives; and maybe they have interest in mine. Maybe it makes their life better.

One of the reasons I chose to being this blog, is that I seem to have more intellectual conversations nowdays. Some of that may be the fact that I have the guts to ask the next question. And keep asking it. Or maybe I've learned that my friends have a special, very important point of view. Theirs. Most of them have, frankly, profound things to share. I feel satisifed; fufilled; enlightened; learned. Maybe some of what I've learned from my friends will make your life better.

Sister is moving. To Colorado. Two days from now. I have been here for over a decade. She is my family here. People have asked me why I still live here, why I haven't considered moving closer to Dad, or moving wherever. The fact is that I haven't really considered it. And now that my Sister is moving to Colorado, where I bike ride in the summer and ski in the winter, do I consider the move? Not really. At least not yet. Maybe when I haven't seen my niece and nephew in some time; maybe when it becons and calls me someday too strong to ignore..... who knows? What will the future bring? Heaven knows. But I know why I'm here and enjoy life....enjoying the relationships I have here, with my many, many friends. They are my life. They make my life better. Far better.

There was a time in my past when I did not cherish my friends. I lost my focus. Without knowing, it just happened. Without my approval. I just woke up one day and realized that I was apart from them. So I began to recall; began to mend. Began to find and show them why they were my friends and how I missed them. I bought season tickets with one. Called others. Fortunately, friends forgive. Mine did. I still have the tickets, and now am surrounded with others that have become my friends. It makes my football games better.

I was recently reminded how important my friends are. I had someone that didn't understand that. In retrospect, it is unfortunate that this person had signinficant issues with every one of my friends. Every one. Fortunately, my friends are my friends for reasons: Some are assholes. Some are geeks. Some are whiny. Some are young, some old, some stupid, some not. Some are funny; some look funny; some smell funny. But they are my friends for some reason, and I keep all of them in my life because I want them there. To make my life better. And they do. Every one. Every single last smelly, stupid looking one. Even Lars.

It's been good to be with friends. And, it will absolutely, undoubtedly continue to be. And I won't trade them for anything, won't trade a single one. Ever.

This week I'm headed to Colorado to help Sister move. Guess that is what little Brothers do. I'm meeting some friends I met last summer there riding bike. I couldn't wait to see them again, to ride with them again, to just enjoy pleasant, good, outstanding times with them, to enjoy life. So, I'm not. I'm gonna ski with them before I ride with them again; I'm seeing them in a week. And I can't wait. Really. Life is just better that way sometimes.

Here's to friends: Thanks. For Everything. Really.

What I Finally Said

2010-01-13T20:58:00.001-06:00

Jose (J): "So we got in an arugment last night."
Counselor Enie (CE): "Oh? Well how did it go?"
J: "Well, she said this and I said that and she said this and I said that. Then she said this. I said that. Then she said this."
CE: "Then what did you say?"
J: "I didn't say anything."

Not quite verbatim (never have been, never will), but I think you get the point. Counselor Enie did. Then, she wrote down probably the most influential statement in my notebook for me to ponder:

Most People Stop Life One Sentence Too Short.

No kidding. I was really good at that. I could keep it all to myself. I didn't have to share anything with anyone. And you couldn't make me. Nobody could make me. Ever.

Looking back at my previous life, I can recall a request during a rather heated discussion: "All I'm looking for is a response." And I just stood there. It wasn't that I didn't have anyting to say...my mind was swimming. I simply couldn't decide what to say. So I said a whole lot with my blank stare. Probably didn't help my case that much at all.

I think this was around the same time when Counselor Enie suggested that it would be good for me to do some homework for next time. I was asked to start a conversation during the week with someone I did not know, and in the course of the conversation, share something personal with them about me. If someone would have asked me to shoot the Pope instead, I'd have bought a ticket to Italy. I had a few issues.

Anyhoo, over a period of time, I learned to speak the next words, and over time, began to reap benefits. First, conversations were far more interesting. And, far more satisfying to me, my questions that I never seemed to have the initiative to ask were getting answered. Enlightened I was.

And continue to be. You can't shut me up. Almost female-esque, but not quite. And life is far more enjoyable. Speaking that next group of words can make a difference sometimes. It did for me.

Looking out for No One.

2010-01-12T18:10:00.000-06:00

I begin a new series with this post: Life rules.

Rule Numero Uno:

No One is Looking out for Hugh Except for Hugh.

I know, you've heard the 'no one is looking out for you except...' before, but that does not speak volumes to me like Hugh did.

I'm sure that Hugh means well. I'm sure that there are folks in another dimension (not the one earth uses) that would prove Hugh beneficial in some fashion. Maybe I just missed it.

A few clicks back, I worked for Hugh. Or, tried to. Really I did. And I am sure that most of you out there have worked for someone similar.

"I need that Now! My way or the highway! I don't care what you think. You're stupid. I can't have you do anything right."

I think the final straw came one day when i wouldn't sign a document for him. It did not meet the requirements; it was being 'forced' thru, and HAD to be done right NOW. And he couldn't sign it. As I remember this was about the 4th right NOW for this particular item; I was used to this- Standard operating procedure. The refusal to approve and seal that document was probably the end of that working relationship for me and Hugh. Sorry, but there are reasons why you put a waterline a certain distance from a sanitary line, and reasons why you always put the waterline on top.

On the same project, about three months after separation, I get a call from the drafter:

Drafter: "Hey, do you remember the hotel project?"
Me: "Yep."
Drafter: "Hugh had a question."
Me: "Oh? What kind of question?"
Drafter: "He wants to know who sized the sewer line under the street that we just poured."
Me: "Hugh did. Told me how big and do it right then. He said to screw the calculations. Something wrong?"
Drafter: "He wants to know who sized the f'n pipe that we put under the street. Not big enough."

And probably my favorite story of all (by email):

Hugh (H) to Survey (S): "Hey, I just got emailed the survey for XX project and tried to print it out 11X17 and it came out letter size. Can you re-do it so it prints right?"
S to H: "Ok, here it is again. See if this works for you."
H to S: "I think you sent me the same file, still printed out letter size."
S to H: "No, that is the new file. Formatted to 11X17. You might have to change your print options."
H to S and cc:ME: "It should know what size I want to print. Maybe Jose' knows....."

Hugh is a short dude. Cannot escape from my mind the image of him one day (about a foot shorter than I, or maybe it just seemed that way) breathing hard. I think he ran the stairs instead of the elevator that time. Didn't give me enough lead time to print the copies he needed for a meeting. Wasn't patient enough to wait for them, so they just got trashed when the printed. He immediately left for the meeting to which he was already late. Always seemed to happen that way for some reason.

Anyway, it didn't end on a bad note though. After we decided we coudn't work together, there was no other postion in the company, so I was given a month to find other employment and help train the next person to take my place. About two weeks in to the month, I got the news that "I was no longer working for the group, and I was just visiting" from my work mates.

The day after my last was the Company Chrstmas Party, and I got an invite. My friend got me the best present ever for Christmas that year, and I wore it - with pride. Still have it.

What Can I say?

Best Nametag. Evar.

What a dick.

So just remeber when you are putting in that extra effort....Only one is lookin' out for you: You are.

Stupid is as stupid does.

2010-01-10T14:39:00.000-06:00

I have been observing for a few years, and every now and then I am reminded with information that contuinues to validate this position: People are Inherently Stupid.

My home page, LST has directly enlightened me:

The basic laws of Human Stupidity. What a great explanation. I knew they were out there.

I have been driving lots this year. My Dad is in poor medical condition since the passing of my Mother in late 2008 unexpectedly. Since I live about 300 miles from him, I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel to see him often. Not to mention that a girl lives near him that I have taken a fairly serious liking to. Driving from south texas to north texas every weekend for a few months has allowed me to observe some behaviors of others that I would place in this category.

Let me set the stage: IH 45 from Corsicana, Texas to The Woodlands, Texas. Anyone that has traveled this stretch of road knows there ain't much out there. An exit about every 10 miles to little crappy towns is about all the excitement there is. A great Auto option Cruise-Control situation: 150 miles of nothingness.

When I set the cruise control, inevitably, some person (let's call him stupid) will latch on and follow for miles about two or three car lengths back in the right hand lane. Just me and them - enjoying the nothingness. Then, as predictable as the hour comes, two things happen: a) me and stupid approach a car (let's call him idiot) driving 2 mph slower than us, and b) just as we approach to pass idiot, stupid speeds to violate not only blind spot, but comes along side me to match my speed.

Then the magic happens: Stupid matches idiots' speed when he comes alongside idiot. It's magical. Unexplainable. Really. Then, for the next few miles, idiot speeds up, slows, all the while matching the speed of stupid.

Amazingly, after a few minutes, stupid, accelerating slowly passes idiot. Stupid moves back to the right hand lane, and I re-engage cruise-control. After passing stupid, he resumes two car lengths behind me again and matches my speed. Until the next idiot.

I went to a party over Christmas holidays, and heard a story about a rather small lady driving a big truck, and not being happy with the speed of a car in the passing lane, proceeded to 'push' slower car down the freeway until she reached her wanted speed. Kudos, Miss....you rock. I might try that right after i get a cattle rack on the front of my truck.

Change By Force

2010-01-08T18:59:00.000-06:00

When a child has incorrect behavior, it is beneficial to perform some type of action to curb that type of action. Whatever method is chosen, the child must first a) understand what they did wrong, b) know what to do instead next time or why it is wrong, and c) consequences (that should be followed through) await for non-compliance. If these conditions are not met, the child will most likely not learn a damn thing.

I know I lived a good five years of my life with blinders on. I think my parents did a wonderful job raising me until I moved away, went to college, got married, and started my own life independent of them. Then, I promptly proceeded to learn to be closed-minded, hard-headed, or both. I believe that I developed over time into a total ass, jerk, and pitiful life partner. For anyone alive. Including myself.

As a male comedian I saw on TV said, "If you are alone and 30 and you still think guys are no good, Girl, It's you." I think this applies to a good percentage of the general population. It definitely applied to me when I became 'alone' three years ago.

In my previous post I discussed what I discovered about being internally happy. Not independent of this process is realizing how you actually conduct yourself, treat others, and the opinions of those closest to you. Only after I realized (at the conclusion of my previous life) after all the pain and the fact that hope was gone, that I had not managed it well, or well, not at all. So, I exited the 'want to' part of life, and entered 'have to' mode. And I hate to 'have to' more than anything.

Counseling can be beneficial to help one understand what has happened when one has no idea what happened, but only if one is willing to accept such understanding. I can tell you that I am hard-headed, Thanks Dad. Conseling pointed it out. I could then try to do something about it.

There are a few things that have permanently stuck in my brain from Counselor Enie, stuck in the front, easily accessible; easy to apply. One of them is this:

"Is what I'm doing now getting me the results I want?" This is an evaluation tool I use regularly, and it has changed my point of view on my life, my treatment of others, and yes, my Happyness. I began to Change By Force, that is, by the force of my own mind. No one could have made me do it. No one could or can make me. Ever. Never. Still never.

I have told friends that I would not be the man, the person, the friend I am today if I had not gone through the loss of someone that I once loved and taken it personally. A friend one day told me one day that I was 'well-adjusted' after sharing my point of view with them. Maybe so. I shall not lose the things I lost again. Well, at least those things that are within the bounds under my control, which are.....precious little. And I just happen to like thinking about them just that way.

Inside Happyness

2010-01-08T01:12:00.000-06:00

I've been doing quite a bit of reflection recently with the holidays. With recent personal issues. With situations with relatives and friends. With health issues. With everything that is everyday life. And I keep defaulting back to a realization that I discovered to be most influential with my current moods.

I discovered that I had not been living my life with me in mind. About ten years ago, I married. Over a period of years, I became seriously unhappy without my knowledge or consent. As funny as that sounds, it took job changing, marriage ending, a new life start (because I had to) plus counseling to realize one of the most important items. Happyness, true happyness comes from inside. Inside you.

You can share your life with someone that enhances your happiness, but they cannot make your happy, or for that matter, keep you happy. Your own happiness has to be dependent on feelings, factors, stimulation, and enjoyment totally outside anyone else. You have to be happy with you yourself first. Then, take note of how you got there, what makes you that way, and don't forget it. Take notes. Memorize. Live it. Learn it.

Don't compromise for anyone. It ain't worth it. Unfortunately, I did, and it happened without my knowledge or consent. It has taken me some time to find that again. And I have. And never been happier. And, this time around, I'm not compromising.

Gotta Get Started Sometime, right?

2010-01-07T00:24:00.003-06:00

So, it begins. Lately, I've had so many conversations with friends that have made me realize what i have learned in the short time of three years. Maybe some of the experiences that I have had can be beneficial to someone in my rantings. We shall see.