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!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

2009 Accomplishments

Well, it's the end of the year so thought I'd do one of those cheesy blogs where you list all of your accomplishments for the year. Don't do it to brag about myself (OK, maybe just a little) but in the hopes you may think about yours over the year. Sometimes it's easy to forget about the good things you've done when you're caught up in the current moment.

All right, here we go:
  • Ran my first 5k race - Went on a health kick and started running. Led to my decision to run in the Susan G. Komen, a great and wonderful cause, 5k this year in honor of my grandmother and mother and in memory of my aunt. Had a blast even though it was cold and rainy. Not sure how many more races I will run in other than this one every year. But, we'll see...;
  • Lost 40 pounds - (My daughter just said she thought I'd lost close to 100. Must be cuz her birthday is Saturday) Another benefit of the health kick. Went to the doc a couple times this year and my blood pressure was higher than ever. So, decided needed to do something or else would have to start taking pills. Ain't old enough for 'em, yet, so started exercising. Didn't lose weight in Biggest Loser proportions, but still purty good by most standards;
  • Joined Facebook - It's been great finding and catching up with friends I haven't seen much less spoken to in years. Also led to Bejeweled Blitz and FarmVille addictions. Reckon you have to accept the bad with the good;
  • Started this blog - Joining FB led to starting this blog. Have had a hankering to do one for a while but just never did. Several of my friends have their own blogs and got inspired to actually do it. Get a lot of things out of my head this way, which leads to fewer voices. Have also "met" some people I now consider friends although will probably never actually meet or see them in this lifetime;
  • Travelled - Had two of the best vacations of my life this year with the family. Both involved going to Disneyworld. Wrote blogs about the memories inspired by both of them. Went several places for work this year, too, but nowhere very exotic to me;
  • Lots o' quality time with the family - When you travel as much as my job usually requires, this is not always easy. Have truly been blessed in this department this year;
  • Saw my daughter in her acting debut - She was one of the lead characters in the Christmas pageant this year. She was AWESOME!!! She played Cherry, the head of the Cherubims;
  • Saw my son play lots of baseball - He was AWESOME, too!!! Also got to play a lot of catch with him and his sister this year;
  • Played in the snow twice with my kids - No small feat for Birmingham, AL. A blast was had by all!;
  • Read the Bible all the way through - Well, will have as of tomorrow, anyway. Our church asked everyone to read it all the way through this year. Gave us a daily plan to follow, which really helped. Managed to keep up with it and will finish up tomorrow. A lot of good things in there when you actually take the time to read it.

Well, these are the accomplishments which come to mind. Like I said, not really trying to brag, just hoping it will trigger you to think about the good things that have happened to you over the year. Sometimes people tend to focus more on the negatives than the positives. Funny how that happens.

Overall, been a very good year. Truly appreciate you taking the time to read my blogs this year and hope you will continue into the next. If there is anything you would like to make a comment on, see me change or maybe even suggest a subject to write on, please feel free to drop a line through the comment section below or by sending an e-mail to ScotPS23@yahoo.com.

May God bless you and yours in the upcoming year!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Things That Make Me Happy

Since this is the time of year most folks tend to reflect on the past, thought I'd rerun this post from earlier this year. Gonna add a few more, too. Hope you enjoy and maybe it will trigger some happy thoughts in your noggin, too:

Thought I'd list a few things that make me smile just so y'all won't think I'm not a happy person. Maybe some of these will make you smile, too.

  • Watching my wife go all out every time she gets a new interest.
  • Seeing my kids get excited about anything. One of my favorite pictures of my daughter is her holding up her first cheerleading medal.
  • Listening to children play outside.
  • Sitting in the woods or on the water not caring if anything comes by or bites. Listening to nature is a beautiful thing and it's something most folks (myself included) don't do enough.
  • Watching fireflies in the summertime.
  • Watching snow fall. Not a sideways-blowin' blizzard but a gentle snow fall.
  • Grandmama's apple pie. She doesn't cook much anymore, but she will always bake one whenever I visit. My uncle says he wishes I would visit more often.
  • Getting a new tattoo (after it's finished).
  • Calvin and Hobbs. Wish they would come back.
  • The Far Side. Ditto. Said it before, will say it again. Gary Larson is just a flat-out genius.
  • Hearing the University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band play "Yea, Alabama" during the pre-game. Still get goosebumps every time they play the opening slowly towards each side of the stadium whether I hear it in person, on the radio or on TV.
  • Listening to Jerry Clower tell a story. Even though I have most of his stories memorized, they still bring a smile to my face just about every time.
  • Listening to Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. One of the all time greats. Awesome lyrics and two great guitar solos. For what it's worth, think the second one is the greatest in rock and roll history.
  • Making new friends.
  • Talking to old friends.
  • Realizing new friends are now old friends.
  • Finding an old friend on Facebook haven't talked to in years but think about often.
  • Getting pictures my kids draw for me. Carry some of them around in my day planner, which is about the only thing I use it for nowadays.
  • Watching my kids open their Christmas presents.
  • Actually surprising my wife with her Christmas presents. (She can usually guess what they are)
  • Realizing what a wonderful country we live in. We have elections every year and no one ever gets thrown in jail, terrorized or killed by government troops just because of the vote they cast. You can worship just about any way you want. And, for the most part, you have the freedom to say purty much anything you like. Don't mean people have to agree with you, but you can still say and believe just about anything you want. Thank you, Veterans!
  • Thinking about Jesus being born then dying for my sins (yours, too).

Well, that's just a few things that make me smile. Purposely left out most religious references but it ain't cuz they don't make me smile. Just preach enough on here.

I realize most of you probably ain't Bama fans so the Alabama thing probably don't mean much to you. But, hope your fight song makes you feel the same way, no matter who you may root for. It's more about the sentiment than the song.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Quotes

Well, as Christmas season is winding up (or down, however you want to look at it), thought I'd provide some of my favorite quotes from the various Christmas movies and TV shows I like. Hope these are some of your favorites, too.
  • I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle! Ralph Parker, A Christmas Story
  • You'll shoot your eye out - Various characters, A Christmas Story
  • My father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan - Ralph Parker
  • Only I didn't say fudge... - Ralph Parker
  • FRA-GEE-LAY. Must be Italian - Mr. Parker, A Christmas Story
  • Think that says FRAGILE, dear - Mrs. Parker
  • It's just like Santa's workshop! Only it smells like mushrooms...and everyone looks like they want to hurt me - Buddy, Elf
  • You smell like beef and cheese! You don't smell like Santa! - Buddy
  • If you see a sign that says "Peep Show," that doesn't mean that they're letting you look at the new toys before Christmas - Santa, Elf
  • You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant! - Uncle Lewis, Christmas Vacation
  • That there's an RV...don't you go falling in love with it now because we're taking it with us when we leave next month - Eddie, Christmas Vacation
  • Can I refill your eggnog? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead? - Clark Griswald, Christmas Vacation
  • Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?! - Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' - Linus Van Pelt, A Charlie Brown Christmas (Luke 2:8-14)
  • That's what Christmas is all about - Linus Van Pelt

Yes, indeed, Linus. That IS what Christmas is truly all about.

Not sure if I will post again before Christmas. Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. Please don't let the craziness of the season get in the way of remembering the Reason for the Season, whether you are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah.

As always, thanks for reading, and may the Lord bless you and your family!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Quotes to Think About

Got some quotes kickin' around in me noggin which need to come out. These inspire me, keep me grounded, and/or make me laugh, among other things. So, gonna throw 'em out here. Who knows? They may touch you somehow, too. Will do my best to give credit where credit is due. Some come from TV, some from movies, some from history and various other places. Hope you enjoy:
  • You beat everything! You know that?! - Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show
  • Poor old Horatio - Opie Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show
  • Whooped 'em again, eh, Josey? - Jamie, The Outlaw Josey Wales
  • Be kind for everyone you meet is involved in a great struggle - Unknown
  • You never know when that stranger you just met was really an angel sent by God - David Martin
  • Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it - Winston Churchill
  • The tribe has spoken - Jeff Probst, Survivor
  • Charging someone with murder here is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indianapolis 500 - Capt. Benjamin Williard, Apocalypse Now
  • Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest - Jesus, Matthew 11:28
  • A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education - Theodore Roosevelt
  • If I'm so smart, why did I just put a stitch in my glove? - Col. Sherman T. Potter, M*A*S*H
  • I didn't understand a word you just said, but I'll fight to the death your right to confuse me - Capt Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce, M*A*S*H
  • All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent - Thomas Jefferson, a wise and great American
  • A man's got to know his limitations - "Dirty" Harry Callahan. Magnum Force
  • And you want to be my latex salesman - Jerry Seinfeld, Seinfeld
  • Somebody left the barn door open, and the wrong cows came home - The Stranger, High Plains Drifter
  • When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty - Thomas Jefferson, a wise and great American
  • Oh, I'm a trained noticer - Barney Fife, The Andy Griffith Show
  • Men, we just signed a treaty with the Japanese. So, if you see one of their [war] planes, shoot them down in a friendly manner - Admiral William "Bull" Halsey
  • The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older - Roger Waters, "Time," The Dark Side of the Moon
  • One of the saddest days of my life was the day I realized I could beat my dad at most things - Homer Simpson, The Simpsons
  • Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure...than to rank with the those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat - Theodore Roosevelt
  • So, do not fear, for I am with you - Isaiah 41:10
  • No man is a failure who has friends - Clarence, It's A Wonderful Life
  • For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life - John 3:16

Whoa. That's more than I initially thought. Could list some more but figure you're probably getting tired of reading about now. Please feel free to share any you have.

In honor of this post, have added a quote of the day section at the top. Hope you enjoy it.

Have a great weekend!

Monday, December 14, 2009

These May Only Interest Me, But...

Been cold and rainy 'round here for the past, oh, six months or so. At least it seems that a way. Combine that with the fact ain't been feeling very well and it leads to a recipe for lots o' thinking, which can be a dangerous thing. But, hopefully it will make fer some interesting reading. Will let you be the judge of that. Anywho, here's a few things I've been thinking and observing this week:
  • Saw where President Obama is trying to pressure banks into loaning more money to folks. Ain't that what got us into this mess in the first place? Just sayin';
  • Watched a show about the Beatles on the History Channel this week. Was about their studio/album recording sessions. Seems for the most part they just walked in and jammed for a little while to come up with many of their songs. That's just flat-out remarkable to me. Can remember seeing Mick Jagger being interviewed about them once. Said they were waiting backstage at some TV show with the Beatles. There was some guitar lick The Stones couldn't figure out how to play so they sang it for Paul McCartney one time. He picked up a right-handed guitar, flipped it around, and played it perfectly left-handed on the first try. Not bad for a guy who can't even read music. After hearing that story, have thought they are some of the best musicians the world has ever known. Watching the show this week just solidifies that in my mind;
  • Know I talk about the Beatles a lot, but, if you were to ask me my all-time favorite band, would tell you in a heartbeat it's Pink Floyd. Just something about their music that really strikes home with me. Have seen some biographies about them lately. One said they made sure Sid Barrett received royalties from all of their albums until the day he died in the early 2000's. In case you don't know, he was one of the founding members and he basically went insane after their first album in the late 60's. Now THAT's what I call loyalty. Roger Waters said they used to "sit around and talk about using drugs." Never said if they actually used them or not although probably know the answer to that already. Don't condone that, but really appreciate the music, which would probably have come out one way or the other. (That's what I've convinced myself of and you ain't gonna change that) Like many other bands, the two really creative forces in the band got to where they couldn't stand each other so they eventually split. What a shame;
  • The Mrs and I have started watching Pawn Stars on the History Channel. Have to admit never thought I'd like a show about a pawn shop in Vegas, but it's purty good. People bring some interesting stuff in there to sell/pawn. Always amazes me how much they think their stuff is worth, too. Most of the time they overinflate the worth, but occasionally they have no idea what they have. To the shop's credit, they will usually tell the person what they have in those cases. Most of the deals I've seen have been fair to both parties. Recommend you check it out sometime;
  • Had what George Costanza would probably call the "perfect channel switch" Saturday night. Watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer then switched it over to the Heisman award ceremony right as they were opening the envelope. Perfect! Got to see the winner without having to watch all the stuff leading up to the announcement. By the way, Roll Tide! Congratulations to Mark Ingram for bringing the first ever Heisman to The Capstone! Think he deserved to win it, but also think if one of the kids from Nebraska or Stanford would have won, they would have been good choices, too. Now it's time to concentrate on the championship game...;
  • Was glad to see Megan and Cheyne win The Amazing Race this time since Flight Time and Big Easy were eliminated. Overall, the challenges were purty lame (with a few exceptions - i.e. - repelling face-first down The Mirage), but the show managed to keep my interest. Hopefully, they will have better challenges next time and will stay away from the ones which the winners are based on totally random luck instead of based on the teams' skills and/or knowledge;
  • Can't wait for the finale to Survivor this week! Gonna be interesting to see if Russell makes it all the way to the end or not. You can call him lucky and/or a real SOB, but he has played the best game by far this year, probably the best since Richard Hatch in the first season;
  • Good thing there's global warming. Cuz, if there weren't, the Deep South would be a solid block of ice right now. Been cold and rainy for like FOREVER! Well, it feels like it, anyway. We even had snow a week or so ago. Don't usually get that, when we actually get some, until January - March;
  • One last thing, my cousin's 4 month old daughter is in the hospital with pneumonia and/or RSV right now. She's made a lot of progress but still has a little ways to go. Please say a prayer for her and her parents. God will know who you're prayin' for. Thanks.

Thanks, as always, for making it to the end. Have seen a lot of different places on the map this week. Appreciate each and every one of you who take the time to read this. Please feel free to become a follower on the left-hand side. Comments are always welcome, too. Please check out the other blogs which have links over there, too.

Peace out!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Gapses in the Synapses

Well, another week down and closer to Christmas. Hard to believe 2010 is right around the corner. Like the song says, "The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older." But, have to say it's been a relatively good year and am sure God has even better things in store for all of us next year. Will just have to wait and see what happens.

Anyway, here are some of my random thoughts for the week. Hope you enjoy:
  • It was 68 years ago today that the US was bombed at Pearl Harbor. Not many survivors left now but hope it is something we never forget as a country. This day was one of the biggest turning points in our history. This was the day we truly became a world super power. Before then, we had tried to remain an isolationist country. Sure, we helped our allies, but we still tried to stay out of things as best we could. After Pearl Harbor, that changed forever, or, at least for as long as we remain a world power, and, for better or worse, we're now policemen for the world. My wife and I had the privilege of visiting Pearl Harbor a couple of years ago. A very sobering experience and something everyone should do if you ever get to Hawaii. If you are fortunate enough to know a Pearl Harbor survivor, or even a WWII vet, be sure to thank them. They are without a doubt one of our greatest generations ever;
  • It was 29 years ago this week that John Lennon was shot and killed in New York City. Can still hear Howard Cosell matter-of-factly announcing it between plays on Monday Night Football. Truly one of the most ironic things to ever happen. A man who championed peace was killed by a fan of all people in an act of violence. Just doesn't make sense. He was one of the best lyricists of all time and a bit of a dreamer. OK, a lot of a dreamer. Even though most of his dreams of peace won't come true until after the Apocalypse, it doesn't hurt to have people like him around just to remind the war hawks to give peace a chance every now and then;
  • All this stuff with Tiger is getting more and more curious. Still have to wonder how much of the coverage is being driven by the fact he refuses to discuss it with the media, for the most part. Media folks tend to get uptight when folks don't genuflect to them with the proper respect. Have heard journalists on more than one occasion say they liked someone cuz they were "good with the media." Like I've said before, he's human just like the rest of us, and all of this stuff going on should really be between him and his mrs. Don't care how much money he makes although one of the trappings of fame and fortune is you will have very little privacy. Guess if you're gonna talk to the media when times are good, you should talk to 'em when things ain't so good, too;
  • Sad to see Umaga pass away this week at the age of 36. Much too young for someone to be dying of a heart attack. Know he left WWE back in the summer cuz he refused to go to rehab for some sort of chemical-dependency problem so reckon he had his demons just like the rest of us. Very sad. Also a stark reminder that only God knows when our time is up so we should be prepared to go at any time;
  • And now for something completely different, have you ever noticed that people never drive new pickups in the movies? Think about it. Just about every time you see someone driving a pickup, it's an old (and I mean like 1950's, 60's and 70's old), beat-up truck. The only two movies I can remember seeing new pickups in are The Blind Side and Facing The Giants. Can't remember any TV shows with new pickups, either. Just wonder how they can get Ferrari's, Porsche's, Corvettes, et al, but they can't seem to get new pickups. Don't make a lick of sense to me;
  • As a proud alum just have to say "Roll Tide!" and hope we have something left for Texas. And, for you Husker fans out there, have to say think y'all was robbed, but there's nothing you can do about it now other than whip 'em good when you play again next year!

Wow, some truly random thoughts this time. Thanks, as always, for indulging me. Have added a new quote and a new blog I'm following on the left-hand side. Be sure to check them out.

Hope this Christmas season is not too hectic for you. Try to slow down every now and then to remember The Reason for the season. Christ was born so that He could die for your sins. And, if you happen to be Jewish, Happy Hanukkah!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Musical Memories

Music is a funny thing. It can bring people together and/or show just how diverse our world really is. It can also take you totally away from your current reality. There are certain songs that I hear or think about which trigger memories in me head. Most of the memories are completely random and got no idea why that particular memory has stuck in my head most of the time. But, then again, there are some memories which have very good reasons why they are still kicking around in the fog up there.

Thought I would share some with you. Not cuz I think you are interested in my memories, but cuz some of these may trigger your own memories. Hopefully good ones at that.

Anyway...
  • The Old Rugged Cross - Hummed this to my little girl when she was in the NICU right after she was born. Can remember one of the nurses commenting how she loved the old hymns so must have been louder than I realized. My daughter likes to hum to this day (but not that song) and it really warms my heart whenever I hear her;
  • Enter Sandman - Metallica - Sang this to my son while he was in the NICU, specifically the prayer and the part right after it. Didn't warp him as far as I can tell...not yet, anyway;
  • Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd - The movie The Wall was on TV during me and The Mrs' first date. Our first kiss came during this song (least that's how I remember it). Was always one of my all-time favorites before that and always will be now;
  • Ooo, That Smell - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Makes me think of my friend Michael A. Someone had drawn an airplane on the album cover with a comment about needing more petrol. That was the first time can remember hearing the story about them. We had some good times listening to music at his house;
  • Tom Sawyer - Rush - Can remember my buddy Sahm and I listening to this at my house. He would hold his eyes open whenever Geddy Lee would sing, "as his eyes are white...";
  • Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin - Michael told me a story about his cousin (I think) dying in a car wreck while this song was playing. Kind of hard to forget a story like that;
  • Lucky Star - Madonna - Yes, I know. A totally different path. Anyway, my friend Susan E. came to school sort of dressed like Madonna right after this song was released. Somehow we got to talking about it, and she asked my opinion of how she looked. Said thought she looked like Madonna. She took it as a compliment although purty sure that was not the way I meant it. Didn't really realize she meant to go for that look. Thought she pulled it off but figured Madonna was going to be just another flash in the pan. Shows what I know;
  • Parents Just Don't Understand - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - Working on my grandparent's farm. My cousin Martin introduced me to this song. Had absolutely no interest in rap until I heard it. Still don't like most of it, but can at least tolerate the softer stuff;
  • Any Cheap Trick song - For some strange reason my friend Sue Mc comes to mind. Think it's cuz she had a huge crush on Robin Zander (I think it was him) when we were in high school;
  • Most Beatles songs - My time at the Wesley Foundation at Alabama. Used to gather round the pianer and sing Beatles songs while Kennard played or while Jamie picked on the guitar. Good times and good friends...;
  • Modern jazz music - Fishin' with my bud Eric. The local radio station had a Sunday morning jazz show on Sunday mornings we would listen to while drowning a few crickets. Peaceful...;
  • Trust and Obey - Used to sing this hymn at my grandparent's church. Can still hear my grandmother singing every time I hear it. (She's still alive, by the way);
  • God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood - Went home with my friend Scott C. one Memorial Day weekend when we were in college. His father was a colonel in the Air Force so we went to the base for a fireworks show. This song played in the background for part of the show. That was the first time I really understood the impact of that song.

Anyway, these are how me brain sees them. Thanks for indulging my brief trip down memory lane. Hope it inspires you to do the same. Got others I could talk about but don't want to bore you anymore than I already have. If your name is mentioned, hope you ain't offended.

Later.