A Shared Thought About 2012

This year say some lonely, crazy people do some horrible things. At a midnight showing of The Dark Night Rises some guy shot and killed several people. Just when our nerves had begun to settle some really screwed up guy shot up an Elementary school where he killed first graders.These are both very tragic and sad scenarios. Of course all people have come out and said all kinds of things. I want to share my thoughts.

First, a lot of people cried out where was God t protect those children. God was there at the school, he protected all he could. He encouraged the heroes of that day to stand up and protect those who lived. He got the first responders there as quickly as possible. He is there with the people who lost children and family members. He is there to listen to their anguish and pain. He is there to help them through this tragedy. One gift God gave us was free will and some people use theirs for evil. If God stopped everything bad from happening to everyone we wouldn't have free will, and we wouldn't be who we are. I was mad at God for a long time after you died and I eventually found peace in the fact that God was willing to let me be mad and still lean on him for strength.

Second, people who say just get rid of guns. If you could promise nobody would ever die from a shooting again I would give up my guns today. But that isn't reality.Criminals do illegal things. Laws keep honest people honest. Drugs are illegal but people still can get them, alcohol was illegal and yet people got rich selling it during prohibition. The easiest way to control a populace is to take away their guns (Hitler did). How bold will criminals get if they know nobody has a gun to stop them. Arming teachers is not the answer but neither is taking away a citizens right to bear arms. ( I do think arming teachers with non-lethal tasers might be a good idea. A nice shock of electricity to incapacitate a scum bag.)

Third, people look to blame illness and other things. The truth is evil exists. It enjoys bringing chaos and fear. It enjoys being talked about. It enjoys giving up freedoms for safety.Evil gains power from our fear. Evil preys upon the weak and uninformed. It whispers in the ear of the fragile to do evil things.

Last, we need to fix the family. Where are the parents. Where were the people in these kids lives who could have helped them to the right path. Children need a family, they need a mother and father (parents 2 moms or 2 dads) in their lives. They need to have someone to ask what they are doing, watching, eating, hanging out with. Need the stability of a family that shows them care and understanding. Teaches them faith in whatever form it takes. Someone who doesn't want to be their friend but wants to be their role model. Someone who will tell them they are too young to play that game or see that movie.Someone who gives them hope and understanding. Fix the family and we can fix the world. Love ya guy.

Some Personal Things That Happened In 2012

Okay, one of the big things was turning 40. I kind of had to put that one out there to start.Kellie did an awesome job making it a memorable weekend, and I have my work cut out for me to outdo it for her 40th.

The saddest part (personally) of 2012 was losing Kuky. She was an awesome dog and such a big part of our family all these years. She turned 15 in August and passed on November 9th. My family was holding it together okay until I called mom to tell her and after saying the words out loud I lost it and started to sob. My son hadn't heard me cry before at least not like that and he lost it. The veterinarian did a great job of making us comfortable. We were able to hold Kuky as she was given a sedative and then the final shot. She was held and loved through all of it. She is definitely missed and can never be replaced.

I had my first cigar last January. Since then I have had several more. I have a lighter, cutter and a humidor. I have found cigars I like and have even made recommendations to friends. At the annual picnic several of us enjoyed a cigar together. As a tribute to you on the anniversary of your passing I smoked an El Fuente at the grave site.

I built a fort for Tanis. It was on a raised platform so it is about 8 feet off the ground. I was following some blueprints, but they were for an A frame that took away to much room so I improvised. It turned out okay. I screwed up a couple of the windows and the ladder took some creativity but I like how it turned out.

I read several books this past year but really enjoyed a book called Ready Player One. It was a tribute to the 80's. It was set in the future where the Internet is a total immersion thing. The designer of the new Internet set up a challenge for everyone and whoever solved his challenge first would inherit all of his money and stocks. It was pretty cool all the tributes to 80's games, music and movies. I also enjoyed Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, although I can't watch the movie because it is way different than the book.

Love ya guy!