What It's About

Welcome to my blog! I ruminate on random thoughts rattling around in my brain. Subjects range from reality TV to current events and everything in between. Whether you agree with me or not, I welcome your comments. God gave you the ability to think for yourself, and this country was founded based on the right to have your own opinion. Who am I to question that? Hope you enjoy! And, if you like to shop on the internet, or have always wanted to try, please feel free to click on one of the banners on the left. Do admit I get a small commission for anything you buy through the links. Appreciate it if you do decide to buy something!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

More Gapses in The Synapses

More totally random thoughts:


  • Hate seeing all the recent celebrity deaths. Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon were kind of expected. Michael Jackson and Billy Mays were not. Always sad whether you liked them or not.

  • Have you noticed there are more photos of the old Michael being used than the new one? Maybe it's just me. Guess it's cuz most people want to remember him from Thriller and before. Was never much of a fan of his, but can see why he was such an icon.

  • Thought the other day how I was 9 when the King of Rock and Roll died and my children are now 8 when the King of Pop died. Odd.

  • Anyone heard anything about Kris Allen since he won American Idol? It was a real avalanche of press for Adam Lambert, though. Funny how it's seemed to end now that Rolling Stone got him to admit he's gay. Almost as if the media was racing to see who could get him to admit it first. Can't figure out why that would be so important. Could care less if he (or anyone else) is gay or not.

  • How is it that the wind was blowing so hard in Destin Sunday there were practically white caps in the swimming pool, but you couldn't feel a breeze at all Sunday night even though the flags and trees were swaying like all get out? We played miniature golf and I looked like I had stepped right out of the shower when we were through. Unbelievable.

  • How is it that kids can remember the things you say in passing but can't remember the important things you tell them?

  • Only in America can a government think it will decrease the debt by borrowing more money without paying off any of the old debt. We've borrowed over a trillion dollars in the last year or so without paying off any old debt. Wish a bank would do that for me.

  • My wife told me today she can smell a hurricane, which usually means the FL/AL/MS Gulf Coast will get hit. Before you laugh, she's rarely wrong about it. Seems to me like she usually smells them about 2 months before they hit. Now that's talent!

  • Always remember two things: 1. No matter where you go, there you are; and, 2. Smile cuz Jesus loves you despite who you are (lucky for me!).

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

'Older' People Quiz

Saw this on Facebook and thought I'd have a crack at it since I haven't posted anything this week. Besides, it's fun to have fun with them. It was called the "Older People Quiz." Here we go:

1. What bill do you hate paying the most? Only the ones we have to pay
2. Do you miss being a child? Not really. Sometimes I think, "If I knew then..." Then I think, "Probably a good thing I didn't."
3. Chore you hate the most? Cleaning the bathrooms.
4. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner? PF Chang's
5. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be? Like the way my life is now so it's hard to say would change anything. Probably wouldn't be the same if I did. But, if I have to choose, would probably join the military.
6. Name of your first grade teacher? Had two. Mrs. Warner, who left cuz she had a baby. Then, Mrs. Hardy.
7. What do you really want to be doing right now? Be home with my wife and kids
8. What did you want to be when you grew up? Will let you know when I decide
9. How many colleges did you attend? One. Roll Tide!
10. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now? It was handy
11. What are your thoughts on gas prices? Hard to believe $2.60/gallon actually seems like a good price when you compare it to last year.
12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning? Tried to answer it. (Use the cell phone as my alarm on the road. Use the same ring tone as when my wife calls.)
13. Last thought before going to sleep last night? Wonder if I'm going to sit up all night?
14. What famous person would you like to have dinner with? Someone alive today: Penn and Teller; Someone who's not: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln or Alexander the Great
15. Have you ever crashed your vehicle? Do I really have to answer this?
16. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer? Would like to think so. Most likely at Make A Wish
17. Get up early or sleep in? If I can sit up late, will get up late. If not, usually wake up early. Probably goes back to my days delivering papers
18. What is your favorite cartoon character? Snoopy. Would get a tattoo of him to go along with Yosemite Sam, Taz, and Calvin and Hobbes if white didn't fade so bad
19. Favorite thing to do at night? On the road - Watch TV, exercise, read, and/or surf the net; At home - Spend time with the wife and kids
20. When did you first start feeling old? Will let you know when I get there
21. Favorite lunch meat? Honey-roasted turkey
22. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart? An empty checkbook
23. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? Not just no, but %#&@ NO! Nothing better than spending your life with the person you love and making a commitment to love them as long as you both shall live.
24. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about? Now, if I told you that, you would know, now wouldn't ya?
25. What's your favorite drink? Wet ones
26. Who[m] from high school would you like to run into? Lots, but top 3 would be Sean Schoolcraft, Sahm Van Voorhis, and Jimmy DuBois
27. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now? Truck at home is tuned to 99.5. Think car here is on 103.5
28. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives? Sopranos
29. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back? Too many to name
30. Do you like the person that sits directly across from you at work? Most of the time
31. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purposes? Nope
32. Last book you finished reading? Gone to Texas/The Vengeance Trail of Josey Wales (two books in one)
33. Do you have a teddy bear? Only if you count my wife
34. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth? Uh, in my mouth. You got teeth somewheres else?
35. How old are you? Physically - 41. Mentally - Not so much

Sunday, June 14, 2009

A Little Pink to Make You Think

And you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking;
Racing around to come up behind you again;
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older;
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death.

Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time;
Plans that either come to naught, or half a page of scribbled lines;
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way;
The time has come, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say.

Time
(David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Richard Wright)
Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Pink Floyd


Life is short. The easiest thing to do in life is to put something off thinking you have plenty of time to do it. There's nothing worse than realizing you didn't. The older you get, the more you realize the things you hadn't done that you wish you did. You also think about the people you wished you'd kept up with over the years.

I encourage you to reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while and/or do something you have always wanted to but keep putting off for one reason or another. It'll make you feel better and might make someone else's day, too.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Things That Make Me Go Hmmmmm

Last time said I was going to have a blog on things I worry about. Don't really worry about many things, but do think about quite a few. Thought I'd list a few just in case someone has some answers for me. So, here are some things that make me go, "Hmmmmm."

I wonder:
  • Do aliens really visit us? Hard to believe in the vast universe there is not life somewhere else. But, are they really advanced enough to visit to us? If they are that smart, why would they want to contact us in the first place?
  • How can people see the miracle of life and the beauty of nature and not know God exists? Too many things had to go right for all of this to just be random luck.
  • If Lincoln were observing our society today, would he say, "You can fool some of the people all of the time, some people some of the time, but some folks just ain't going to believe anything!" Some people are so hard core on both sides of the aisle, they wouldn't believe the other side if the Heavens parted and the angels sang while they were talking.
  • Why do women get upset when men leave the seat up? If we can go to the trouble of lifting it, seems like they could take the time to make sure it's back down.
  • If we can put a man on the moon, why can't we design a remote that beeps so we can always find it?
  • How can anyone not love the Muppets?
  • How could anyone truly believe they would survive a nuclear war?
  • Will the people on Big Brother actually be worth watching this year? The last couple of years have been iffy at best.
  • How can anyone really believe we are going to spend our way out of debt? Sure explains a lot about the state of our country.
  • If anyone else has noticed society's downward turn started about the same time prayer was taken out of schools?

These are just a few of the things rattling around in me head. Thoughts and comments are welcome.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Back to A

All right. So I did the Alphabet meme (what a cool word, wonder how it's pronounced) the other day. When it came to what annoys me, I answered there were too many to list. Many people wanted to know what they were. OK, made that part up, but thought I would share them, anyway.

Here we go:

  • People who feel a need to show me they are smarter than me. We both know you are. No need to rub it in.
  • People who refuse to look at both sides of an issue. Both sides usually have good points.
  • Why do you practically have to put your hands on the sensor to get water to come out of an automatic faucet, but the soap dispenser will shoot soap out as you walk across the room?
  • Artistic people. OK, I admit it. Actually jealous of you folks. Wish I was more like you.
  • People who keep their hands-free devices on all the time. You don't look cool. You look like a dork who thinks whoever may call is more important than the people you are with. Not saying you do. Just looks that way.
  • Why do Americans want to be like Europeans so bad when we have fought at least four wars so we wouldn't be a part of Europe? Think of how many times you've heard, "It's all the rage in Europe" or "Well, in Europe they..." If I wanted to be like a European, I would move there.
  • Groups you've never heard of protesting things just so you will find out they are there. Don't want to give any examples because that will just serve their purpose. Sure you can think of some on your own.
  • People who make fun of things they don't understand. Usually says more about them than the thing they are making fun of.
  • People who make fun of pro wrestling fans by saying, "You know it's fake, don't you?" Yes, they do. You know "Pretty Woman" ain't a true story and Latifah ain't a real queen, right? It's called "suspension of disbelief." Maybe you should have paid more attention in high school English.
  • How can every car dealer in town have the lowest prices and the best deals? Think about it.
  • People who's automatic response is "it can't be done" when they are asked to do something. Good thing our soldiers didn't think that way on D-Day.
  • People who don't want to realize this country was founded on Christian principles. There's a reason God is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, we say "So help me God" when taking an oath, and "In God We Trust" is our motto, among other things.
  • People who use big words they probably can't even spell. It doesn't make you sound smart. It makes you sound snooty.
  • People who think sports are the most important thing in life. Unless that's what you do for a living, there are more important things in life like your family, your job, and God just to name a few. Cheer for your favorite team, follow what is going on with them, but your view on life should not hinge on whether your team won or lost that week.
  • Why are people obsessed about how we were made? It's more important why we were made. Besides, if you read Genesis, the order of creation pretty much follows what science says happened. And it was written long before people had any notion of what science claims to know now.
  • Non-Southerners trying to speak Southern in the movies and on TV. Most are not even close. Give it up.
  • Myself because I'm guilty of most of these, too.

Well, feel a little better now. Kind of like that "Far Side" where the doctor has been pushed out the window of the stress clinic and the caption said "Hey, I feel better now." Gary Larson is a genius. Wish he would come back. Would start reading the paper again just to see his work.

A few odds and ends to finish with. I added an e-mail link to my profile. Feel free to drop me a line. May post a list of things I worry about (for lack of a better phrase) before the week is over.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

More Gapses in the Synapses

Some random thoughts:
  • Saw a headline saying President Obama has grown a thin mustache. Should this really be a story? What is the story: he has a mustache or apparently can't grow a full one?
  • Why do people act surprised whenever a politician either doesn't tell the whole truth or flat out lies? They are politicians. They don't get elected, or get bills passed, when they tell people what they need to hear.
  • Sad to see David Carradine seems to have hanged himself. Loved Kung Fu when I was a kid. Just can't imagine how someone can get to the point where it seems better to end it all than live. Pray that I never get there. If you ever get to that point, please talk to someone, anyone. If someone mentions it to you, please take it seriously. They are obviously reaching out for help. Offer it whether you think you are qualified or not.
  • So, the Octomom is going to have a reality show. Well, the media won't leave her alone. Why not get paid for it?
  • Without a doubt, The Deadliest Catch is THE best reality show on TV. Survivor is the best contest show, but The Deadliest Catch is the best overall show. Who'd a thought fishing could have so much drama? Best show on TV to me. Period.
  • Final thought for the night, what if the family did turn to Jesus and stopped asking Oprah what to do? (No offense to Oprah)

Thanks for indulging me.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Alphabet Meme

Who knew these things were called 'memes?' Anyway...Credit for the giving me the questions goes to Susan in the Psych Ward (http://slmward.blogspot.com/), who apparently got them from Cheaper than Therapy ( http://www.themomjen.com/). Answers are all mine, though.

And awaaaaaay we go!

A
• Are you available? Not in the usual definition associated with this word but friends can contact me anytime
• What is your age? Might as well say 41 (see below)
• What annoys you? More things than can be listed here

B
• Do you know anyone named Billy? Several men and a couple of females (spelled 'ie' of course)
• When is your birthday? June 15 (see above)
• Who is your best friend? Besides my wife, tie between Eric and Tony

C
• What's your favorite candy? Twizzlers followed closely by Milky Ways
• Crush? Other than The Mrs., Kathy Ireland
• When was the last time you cried? Can't remember. Think 1999 when a friend was killed in a motorcycle accident

D
• Do you daydream? ............................Sorry, must have been daydreaming. Uh, yes.
• What's your favorite kind of dog? Lab
• What day of the week is it? Monday

E
• How do you like your eggs? One sunny side up and the other scrambled. Better scramble the right one, too
• Have you ever been in the emergency room? Yep. And, believe me when I tell you Thomas Hospital's ER (Fairhope, AL) is nothing like the ones on TV
• Ever pet an elephant? Does Big Al count?

F
• Do you use fly swatters? Yep, rarely miss, too
• Have you ever used a foghorn? Nope (quoted Foghorn Leghorn several times, though)
• Is there a fan in your room? Not the one I'm currently in

G
• Do you chew gum? Not as often as I used to
• Do you like gummy candies? Only the gummy ones
• Do you like gory movies? Depends on the movie

H
• How are you? Every day God loves me I'm good (which is every day)
• What's your height? 5 foot, 9 inches
• What color is your hair? In my mind - Brown; In pictures and mirrors - Looks brown/gray (has to be the light)

I
• What's your favorite ice cream? Most of them - If I have to narrow it down, Cold Stone's Cookie Doughn't You Want Some
• Have you ever ice skated? Yep
• Ever been in an igloo? Not really - Used to dig snow caves when I lived up north as a kid. Not sure if those count

J
• What's your favorite Jelly Bean? All the spicy ones
• Have you ever heard a really hilarious joke? You betcha
• Do you wear jewelry? Yep. Have a cross necklace, a Trion-Z titanium bracelet, and a bracelet with " GODSTRONG Eph[esians] 6:6-11" on it

K
• Do you know Karate? Only what I learned watching Hong Kong Phooey as a kid
• Have you ever flown a kite? Yep but not very well
• Do you think kangaroos are cute? For the most part

L
• Are you laidback? Prefer the term "Quietly Intense"
• Lions or Tigers? Tigers (ceptin' them from the east side of Alabama)
• Do you like black licorice? Absolutely

M
• Favorite movie as a kid? "Wizard of Oz" - Still one of my favorites
• Ever shopped at Moosejaw? Never heard of it so that would be a no
• Favorite store at the mall? Auntie Anne's Pretzels

N
• Do you have a nickname? Single T
• Whats your favorite number? 2 and 15
• Do you prefer night or day? Depends on what I'm doing. More of a night owl, though

O
• What's your one wish? Safety for my family
• Are you an only child? Nope
• Do you like the color orange? Shirts - yes; Vehicles - no

P
• What are you most paranoid about? Not paranoid about anything. WHAT WAS THAT?!!
• Piercings? Left ear used to be. Closed up several years ago
• Do you know anyone named Penelope? Know several Pennys. Guessing Penelope is their real name but don't really know

Q
• Are you quick to judge people? Yes, but often change my mind after I get to know them
• Do you like Quaker Oats? Not since I had to eat oatmeal in the hospital after getting my tonsils out. UGH!
• Know anyone that makes quilts? Several people

R
• Do you think you're always right? Yes, usually not when talking with my wife, though
• Do you watch reality TV? Yep - Favorite shows - Deadliest Catch, Survivor, Big Brother, Amazing Race, Ice Road Truckers
• Best Rock Band of all time? Depends on the genre - Heavy Metal - Metallica; Hard Rock - Guns N Roses and Def Leppard; Psychadelic Rock - Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix; Rock and Roll - The Beatles and Elvis

S
• Do you prefer sun or rain? Sunshine in the fall
• Do you like snow? It's beautiful while it's falling and when it's undisturbed. It's just as ugly when it becomes slush
• What's your favorite season? Deer Huntin'

T
• What time is it? Time, flowing like a river (to the sea) Sorry. 11:15 pm (See? Night owl)
• What time did you wake up? 6:30 a.m.

U
• Can you ride a unicycle? Never tried. Probably could, though
• Do you know anyone with a unibrow? Apparently
• Uncles do you have? (who wrote this question? Yoda?) Yes - 2 by blood; 4 by marriage

V
• What’s the worst vegetable? Eggplant
• Did you ever watch Veggie Tales? When kids were little
• Ever considered being vegan? Believe in the bumper sticker that says: Vegan - Old Indian word for "Bad Hunter". Also, God did not put me at the top of the food chain just to eat salads all the time (See Acts 10:9 - 13)

W
• What's your worst habit? Rubbing my nose
• Do you like water rides? Only the wet ones
• Ever been inside a windmill? If the ones at the mini-golf course count

X
• Have you ever had an x-ray? Unfortunately
• Ever used a Xerox machine? Ditto

Y
• Do you like the color yellow? For the most part
• What year were you born? 1968 - The Year of the Monkey on the Chinese calendar
• Do you yell when you're angry? Depends on how mad I am

Z
• Do you believe in the zodiac? Not really
• What's your zodiac sign? Gemini
• What do you think of when you hear the word Zero? "Saved by Zero" by The Fixx (I think)

Hope you had as much fun reading them as I did answering them.

Have a great day!