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!

A mind is a dangerous thing

Tomorrow I will continue with the tree fort project. My blueprints call for an A frame design. My biggest concern is that the design takes away a lot of head room, and room all together as the sloped ceiling serves as a wall too. It also means a lot of angle cuts (not my strongest suit). As I took my shower and thought about it once the support joists are in and the floor is down it is just a matter of framing and then attaching the plywood for the walls. What if I changed the design? I have plenty of wood to frame any design I want and the worst that could happen is I need another board or two of plywood to cover more of the side. I am thinking about framing it to look like an old barn. That solves height restrictions. That makes the door an obvious design that can slide so it doesn't take up space. The windows could be simple square with cross design in them that could have a hinged panel on a rope to open and close them. One on each wall with possibly a sky light in the roof. Maybe even a weather vein. Okay maybe that is going too far but a hay loft that swings down to sleep on, one on each side. Four kids could sleep in that. I think that may be beyond my abilities but I think a barn design is the way to go. Oh well I have all night to think and dream about what I want to do. I hope to have the joists and floor done by noon. Love ya guy!

Divine intervention?

I have had two times in my life that I know God was involved. I am not saying he has only been involved twice, I am saying that I have two times where I know he touched my life in a significant way. The first was a matter of taking me to the lowest point I had experienced at the time. In the fall of 1991 I thought I had it all, a cool car, a great job and a girlfriend. My girlfriend moved off to college where it took her about a week maybe a week and a half to start cheating on me. I knew fidelity wasn't a strong suit of hers but I just knew she would change for me. Well she didn't. A couple weeks later I belw the engine in my Camaro, she gave me a he'll of a final ride but it was her final ride with that engine anyway. As a side note never loan your car to your sister because even though you tell her to check the oil when she gets gas she won't. All of this made me more than a little sad and that sadness affected my job and then I didn't have a job anymore. So the winter of 1992 I am without a real job, no woman, driving a Chevy Cavalier Cadet station wagon....that is when I see a sign that Cedar Point is hiring. Foolishly I walk into that interview and land a job for the summer. My first day on the job I meet a beautiful girl swishing her ponytail back and forth as she walked with a perky little bounce. From the moment I first met her I knew there was something different about that girl and I was right. Six years later I made her my wife. The second time was when I first met my boss Joey. He was working on one of our first locations. I met him out in Mentor. We talked about our past experiences and the brightness of the future. I felt a hand pushing me in that direction and knew I was supposed to be there. Joey was very religious when I first met him and I have seen how God works in his life and our company. He presents us with opportunities and takes negativity away. Joey is one of many friends I have met over the years who have God in their lives. I have always wanted that in mylifeand eventually found it. A relationship with God is like any other relationship, it is full of reward but isn't always easy. It is easy to lose your way but God will always be on the right path waiting for you. Love ya guy!

Summer project 2012 update

Post hole digger rented on Saturday used Sunday returned Monday because itdidnt work right. Replacement digger given Monday used Monday. 4 deepish holes have been dug. Four wooden posts centered and leveled. Deck to tree fort levelish. I wouldn't recommend playing pool on it but hey it is mostly level. So 5 hours of post hole digging got me: one broken post hole digger, two frustrated guys who couldn't get post hole digger to start back up, three open ripped skin wounds on my hands, four holes not quite as deep as I wanted, five hours I can never have back. When this is done and my son smiles it will be worth it but right now my hands say no. Here is a little tip totheguyswho like to share tips don't recommend adding water to soften the ground when somebodies yard is mostly clay. The upside I don't think the cemented stuck in clay posts are going anywhere. Next step is putting in the floor and support joists. Love ya guy!

Top lists

I don't know how people can do lists of their favorite anything....music,food,movies,restaurants. I get asked this type of question and I really don't know how to answer it as they change fom time to time. Favorite movie lists are supposed to be populated by movies you watch over and over or that you will stop and watch when channel surfing. I don't have time to watch movies over and over and channel surfing is more apt to be nostalgic than favorite. Music is even harder because who knows what will strike as entertaining tomorrow. During an interview I used to ask someone to tell me the last five CDs they bought, (I'm pretty sure I would get a blank stare if I asked that question now)now I ask what are the last 5 downloads you purchased.... Here are my last 5 The Essential Weird "Al", Where My Heart Will Take Me (theme song from Star Trek Enterprise),Big House by Audio Adrenaline, The Goonies R Ood Enough by Cyndi Lauper and The Star Spangled Banner sung by Madison Rising. What does that tell you other than I saw Goonies on T.V. Recently. I have books that I love but I can't read them a second time. The only books I have read a second time are Jurassic Park and The Neverending Story. The point is someone's favorite books should be one they read again and again. I have shelves of movies that I enjoyed and bought so I could watch the over and over yet most have only been watched once. I don't know what this rant makes me, am I indecisive? I think the problem is I don't like absolutes. Once you say these are your favorite you are not open to anything new. I am always open to trying something I have never tried before. But know this, if it sucks I will tell you. Love Ya Guy!

July 21....12

As if I didn't seal my nerdom by admitting I told a poll taker we speak Klingon ( for the record nobody in our household speaks Klingon ) I have enjoyed every 21 st day of every month so far this year. That's right I have listened to Rush's 2112 every 21 st day of every month. It is an awesome album and deserves to be listened to but listening to it on 21 12 makes it that much better. My sister didn't gve me a lot of positive influence but she did introduce me to Rush and that makes up for a lot. Although it is her fault that as a straight teenage boy I knew far too much about Duran Duran, enough to even beat her in their board game. I guess these last 2 days are proof that I will never be able to say I am not a nerd. I would be surprised how many people even know that Duran Duran had a board game. Anyway this post is about Rush. I read a book a couple of months ago titled Ready Player One and Rush's 2112 played an important part in it. (I recommend that book to any guy and some girls who grew upon the 80s(I understand it is being made into a movie to be released in 2015)). Love ya guy!

Klingon?????

So I took a poll the other day. At least I started a poll the other day. We were about 90% done when a customer came in and the guy asked if he could call me back. I said yes. Friday he called me back and we finished the poll. When he asked what language was primarily spoken in my household I told him Klingon. He laughed and told me that he didn't have a box for that. I told him that he should check English instead. When we got to the end of the poll he told me I may get calls in the future to participate in other polls would I be okay with that. I told him I felt it was important That Klingon speaking households get fair representation so I was willing to participate in future polls. He laughed and told me that he would forward that to the weekend supervisor as it would probably cheer him up on a Friday night. So if you ever get offered Klingon as an option in a survey you know who to blame..... yourself as I got my sense of humor from you. Love ya guy!

What makes you like what you like?

Tonight I went to Babes (a bar) to see my boss Joey play (he is in a band). He was influenced by the Beatles. He loves to play their songs. I am not a very big fan of the Beatles. Why not? Joey and I talked earlier aboutGuns and Roses, we both admitted to not being fans when they first came out. I wasn't a fan because they were so popular. I tried to be against the grain ( I know that is shocking to you). But more than that I didn't like some of the artwork they used it promoted rape. Their songs promoted drugs and violence things I was and still am against (when we meet again you have so explaining about your sock drawer). I think that lissome of my problems with the Beatles. Their music is good some of it great even. But the content of some of their songs is very counter to my beliefs. And EVERYBODY loves the Beatles (strike two). How did i become a fan of one and not the other, what changed? First of all Axl's voice stopped grating on me. I listened to the songs and they told me that drugs were a culture they were in not necessarily one they wanted to be a part of. A lot of the angst in their songs started to resonate with me. In some ways they became a voice for me and how I felt, some anger, some hurt, and staying truthful to myself. I know plenty of people would argue that GnR sucks and I am romanticizing a lost cause but screw them. Ultimately I am not a Beatles fan because of a generational reason. Their messages just don't resonate with me they came of age in a different time and I haven't found a reason to look deeper no song has clicked forcing me to give them a deeper look. Just as I haven't give Maria Mauldar a listen either. Love ya guy (seriously though we will have a talk about the sock drawer).

Another movie quote?

Yes, this post is based on a movie quote. "no fate but what we make ourselves." of course that is from Terminator 2. The reason I was thinking about this is because I have found a kind of peace in the world. I have learned to relax and realize there are some things I can't change. If I make myself sick about those kind of things I will have a short miserable life. I used to think happy people were simple people. I felt didn't really have a grasp on reality. The truth is they probably understood it better than any of us. People have a choice to make everyday. They can choose to have a good day or a bad day. Some people can have the most horrible things happen to them and yet they find positive and choose to be happy. When you died i thought I would never be happy again. I felt worse than bad I felt nothing at all. Numbness is an emotion and I experienced it for a long time. I choose to see the positive, I choose to be happy. I know i will see you again. I have to enjoy the gift God has given me. I have to live for myself and my family. I have no fate but what I make myself. Love ya guy!

Mutants?????

There are a lot of things I got from you, both genetic and physical. I am long in the trunk and short in the leg. How many 6 foot tall guys do you know with a 26 inch inseam? My feet have high arches that cause me to walk on the balls instead of walking normally. I have your sense of humor, and as established a few days ago I have a similar taste in movies. I learned a lot about being a man from you, my work ethic, you helped shape my political views and most of all taught me loyalty. But, mom turned me into the next evolution of mankind. She passed the genes onto me so I would not be born with useless wisdom teeth. I have passed these on to my son. We are the future of man, today! Well that is what I read online anyway, and hey if it is on the Internet than it has to be true. But what cost does such great power have? What indeed? We suffer from the pinky disease. Our pinkies are not straight from the knuckle to the tip of the finger. Pretty? Not really. Painful? Definitely not. A minor irritation in comparison to the pain of having impacted wisdom teeth pulled. Love ya guy!

What the hell

Life is full of what the hell moments. Sometimes we make a decision by the seat of our pants and say what the hell, I'll try the squid or how bad can Jack Daniels mess me up or why not try a red white and blue with my uncle. Sometimes those what the hell moments turn into what the hell was I thinking. But sometimes those moments give us a unique experience and enrich our lives. We go outside of our comfort zones and experience something we would never have dared to do before. I think Otis time to say what the hell and try some unexplored paths. Maybe I will meet some new friends along the way. Jim Carey made a movie called Yes Man where he signs a contract that he will say yes to everything and along the way he experiences many unique things. In the end he finds out he should do things in moderation and be open to new experiences but should be reasonable with his decisions. I think I shall attempt to have at least one what the hell moment each week. What's the worst that can happen? Love ya guy!

Fishing memory

I had a customer today that fished a lot when he was a kid. It reminded me of my gray cased Zebco rod and reel combo. Mike Homer and I would go down to Park lake and fish. We never caught much but it was a lot of fun. We would visit the neighbor I worked for and dig in his compost pile for worms. Then we would spend the day fishing. I don't know that we went all that often but I remember doing it a few times. I remember that rod and reel and know I used it quite often. Grandpa K took some hooks one day and caught some croppies down at his fishing hole so he taught me the trick and I caught some too. I also used that pole on Houghton lake. The last time I saw it was on your back porch. I think all that is left is the case. Love ya guy!

Fair....doing the right thing

Ever noticed how some people strive to do the right thing and others don't. It sucks when those that don't get rewarded for not doing what is right. I like to believe that karma will give them a big shit sandwich down the road, but sometimes it doesn't. That makes me question whether or not they did the right thing. If you can go through life taking advantage of people and only living for yourself and you don't have repercussions than why would any of us have morals or integrity? It just doesn't make sense. I know the arguement is that doing the right thing is it's own reward. Let me take that to the bank and try to deposit it. I bet it doesn't raise my account balance one red cent. So I guess I have to accept that we will all face our creator and that is when something more than karma will kick in. We will be judged on our actions as well as our motivations. Doing the right thing because it is the right thing really is it's own reward. Love ya guy!

Friday the 13th

You know that every Friday the 13th is special to mom. When grandma K passed you made those days special for mom. When you passed all of us have tried to make it special for her. Tammy has sent flowers, I have called, I have even visited but I know those gestures fall flat compared to her talking to her mom or being able to see you. People who have never lost someone that close don't understand the hole that is left. They think it is not much different than losing a favored aunt or a grandparent. I can attest that losing a parent is much more traumatic than losing a grandparent. Parents fill the holes left by grandparents, but nobody (except maybe a spouse) can fill the hole left by a parent. Mom and I took a few trips down memory lane today. We talked about you and Grandma K. I miss you both and I know she misses you both even more than that. I hope reliving some fun memories brought more joy than sadness to mom. I know it did for me. I am sad because my son will never get ot know either of you. I think you both would have loved him. I know you would have enjoyed watching him drive me nuts, especially when heismaking crazy noises nonstop. Love ya guy!