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!

Can't post more than a title tonight

Sunday "surprise"

Kellie tried really hard to plan a surprise birthday weekend. She tipped her hand about Friday here and there but Sunday was a surprise all the way until Friday afternoon. I found out we would go to a paintball course. It sounded like fun but wasn't something I think I would have planned myself. I think a little bit of it was because she really wanted to do it. I was worried about her or the other girls getting hurt but they kicked our asses the first three games. We then joined in with a bigger group and had fun but had other targets than each other. We had a lot of fun today, and I think we would all do it again. Most of us have at least one bruise we are nursing. As the day went by more serious players joined in with their full automatic guns and large paintball caches. These dudes take a game a little too seriously. I got shot on my way out of the game while talking to a ref. This is one of the bruises I have the other one was inflected by my wife after I had been put out and is in a delicate place. Love ya guy!

Friday Suprise

The surprise on Friday was dinner out followed by seeing Ralphie May perform. Mom came down and kellie, James and I went out to dinner and the show. Dinner was great, we ate at Pickwick and Frolic. I had a shrimp and chicken chipotle pasta that was great, mom had a strip steak that she was still raving about. Ralphie was performing in the comedy club in the basement of Pickwick and Frolic called Hilarities. The show was supposed to start at 10:15 but we didn't get seated until 10:40. Ralphie says a good job pays about 20$ an hour after taxes and everything you are lucky to have 13$. Most comedians have a contract to perform for an hour with what we pay for tickets it would take most of us 2 hours to pay for a ticket. He doesn't fel that is fair. If we have to work 2 hours then shouldn't he perform for at least 2 hours and that is what he did. We didn't get out until 130 ish. It was a great nurturing night. Love ya guy!

Birthday post

Today I turn 40. I am doing this post now because do not know what crazy antics my wife has planned. I may not be able to post at night like I have most of this month. I am looking forward to doing something with some people. I will tell more when I can. Love ya guy!

Project update

I missed my goal time. I had the joists and deck done by 130. The problem is I was short 2 boards for the deck and I ran out of screws. The day was getting pretty hot by then anyway and I had accomplished a lot but needed to take a break. Went to get the oil changed in Kellie's Jeep and pick up more supplies. I have officially decided to scrap the A frame idea and will start framing my own design in the morning. I hope to have it done by next Sunday (the week before the party). At least one day off in the mix and all the mornings should give me plenty of time. I think I just need to come up with a final design and go for it. I am thinking a little barn or a schoolhouse. Love ya guy!