Time to Vote!

Just want to remind everyone in the good ol’ USA to cast your vote on Tuesday.  Thousands of men and women have paid the ultimate price for you to have the right to do it.  Please don’t let them have died in vain if you can help it.

Right after I moved to Daphne, AL, there was a vote coming up on raising some money for the library.  This old man asked if I was going to be voting.  Explained I had just moved there and hadn’t had a chance to register, yet.  (Forgot to mention I lived outside the city limits and couldn’t vote in that particular election, anyway)  He said, “Well, guess you’ll have no right to complain then, will ya?”  And, he was right in the big picture of things.  Anytime you choose not to vote, you give up your right to complain about how things are in the political world, or at least you should.  Country’s got enough people who complain.  If you ain’t gonna cast your vote, you are just as much of the problem as the people you‘re blaming.

So, please take the time to vote on Tuesday.  Lots o’ folks are saying this is an important election.  Every election is an important one cuz it’s gonna affect you one way or the other.  One thing about it: things ain’t gonna change unless you at least cast your vote.  Even a lot of dissenting votes sends a message to the eventual winner.  And, just for the record, even though I will not be in town for the election, have already cast my absentee ballot.   

Y’all have a good one!

A Little Bit of Fun

Time for a blog, but ain’t feeling very political these days.  SueMac on the Run had the following questions on her blog the other day.  Thought I’d take a crack at them just for funsies. 

And, awaaayyyyy we go:

1.   You have $100 to spend on a fun present for yourself.  What are you going to buy?

Not really sure.  Probably let my wife and/or kids spend it on something they wanted.  It’s more fun watching them buy stuff than buy stuff myself.  But, if I had to spend it on myself, would probably give it to the sushi chef and tell him to keep surprising me until the money runs out.  Always wanted to do that.  Mmmmmmm.  Suuuuuuushiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

2.    Accomplishment I'm most proud of...... 

The thing I’m most proud of in my life are my wife and kids, but wouldn’t really consider them accomplishments, so to speak.  More like blessings.  Think I would have to say the accomplishments I’m most proud of are every time I make someone laugh.  Very few things in life feel better than laughter.  We should all be proud of any time we can make someone laugh, whether it’s with us or at us.  OK, maybe more with us.

3.    What’s your favorite smell?

Hard to narrow it down to just one cuz have lots of favorite food smells ranging from my wife’s roast beef cooking in the crock pot to my grandmother’s apple pies.  But, if had to choose one thing to smell the rest of my life, would probably choose cedar trees.  Not the hard-core-knock-you-off-your-feet smell of a cedar chest.  Just the smell you get when you are standing next to a tree or two.  Love it!

4.    You’re dream car

A Jeep CJ-7, which for you youngsters out there, was the Jeep Wrangler before folks got excited about vehicle rollovers.  Have always wanted one.

5.    Favorite Season

Fall.  Just something about the leaves changing colors, the air getting cooler, football on Saturdays, and lots of other things that make this my favorite season.

6.    Favorite Way to Relax

Favorite way by myself:  Settin’ in the woods or on the water watching nature come by.  Hard to beat that getting-away-from-it-all feeling I get whenever I get the chance.  Hope to pass that feeling along to my children someday.  Favorite way with others: Vacationing with the family.  Don’t really matter where, either. 

7.    What was your favorite candy as a kid?

Anything with chocolate and caramel.  Always fondest of the Marathon bar.  Don’t think they even make those any more…

8.    It’s a cold winter day, you’re home alone.  Now what?

Put on a pair of shorts and a sweatshirt.  Wrap up in a blanket.  Find some sort of sports on TV.  Take a nap.  Might even skip step #3…

Well, those are my answers.  Feel free to share what yours would be.  Hope you’re enjoying the 80’s music.

Y’all have a good’n!

Are You Serious?!!!

Got several things to talk about that just make me want to say “are you serious?”  Warning, some of these are just things I need to get off my chest so I can start focusing on other things.  But, try to end on a brighter note.  So, just going to jump right into ‘em:

• Saw a video of an Hispanic UCLA professor ranting about the United States and immigration.  Among the things he said were Americans are against Hispanics coming to the US cuz we’re scared they’re going to take over.  He also called for Hispanic people to revolt within the United States.  Now, got several problems with this dude and his so-called logic.  First, any American who is against LEGAL immigration is an idiot (Native Americans excepted).  There’s not a single person in this country who is not either an immigrant or the descendant of an immigrant (again, Native Americans excepted).  Americans are not scared Hispanic people are going to take over.  People of Hispanic origin are elected to public office, run businesses, etc all the time.  Most citizens are grateful LEGAL immigrants are coming here.  What most Americans are opposed to are ILLEGAL immigrants.  We have rules.  Follow them.  Lots of other people followed them and they are now legal citizens of the US.  To me, they should be the most upset with the ILLEGAL immigrants cuz they want to shortcut the rules the LEGAL ones followed.  The second thing I’m opposed to with this dude is he is calling for an open revolt against the US government.  That could be considered treason cuz he ain’t talking about taking over through the ballot box.  Should probably post the video but have spent enough time on the idiaht.  Which leads me to my next topic…;
  
• Saw where 5 students were disciplined for wearing American flag t-shirts and bandanas to school on Cinco de Mayo.  School officials said they were incendiary.  So, you’re telling me displaying the American flag in the United States of America is an act of hostility?  That is RIDICULOUS!!!  When the school board said the school officials were wrong for punishing the boys, 200 Mexican students walked out of school in protest.  Now, I understand Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican day of celebration for a military victory over the French, and it’s something Mexican people should be very proud of.  However, you are in America now, not Mexico.  America celebrates lots of holidays which came with immigrants from other countries, and, by all means, please continue to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  However, please keep in mind, if you are going to choose to live in the United States, become a citizen, and take advantage of all the benefits of living here, you should respect the laws and customs of the country you are living in.  And, in our country, people have the freedom to display the flag any time they want to (please see the 1st Amendment under the part about “freedom of speech”).  Not to be rude, but, if you don’t like it, you always have the choice to go back where you came from or find another country to go to.  All right, enough of that soap box;
  
• Comedy Central is developing a show about Jesus.  As they used to say on Malcolm in the Middle, “This…will end….badly.”  Right now the premise is going to be Jesus is now living in New York City and is having a difficult time adjusting to the modern times and God is too busy with other things to help Him.  Now, when God, The Devil and Bob came out, people were in an uproar, and you could make the argument that show was based on the book of Job in the Bible.  Do they really think there won’t be a real uproar over their show which will have no Biblical basis?  Part of me thinks this is being thrown out there cuz they’ve recently been in trouble with the Muslim world over Muhammad being in an episode of South Park.  I don’t know.  Just don’t see how this show will have any chance of making it, at least I hope it won’t;
  
• Pretty odd what happened with the stock market last week.  Dove about 900 points in an hour, possibly cuz someone hit a ‘B’ instead of an ‘M’ on a keyboard, changing a stock sale from millions of shares to billions.  The whole stock market went into a tizzy cuz of the sell-off.  At least, that’s what they think happened.  No one really knows.  Maybe our recovery is not as strong as some politicians would like us to believe.  Wall Street reminds me of the stories you hear about how a buffalo herd would stampede cuz of a shadow.  Pretty scary to think a large part of our economy is based on a system which decides how it will spend its money based on whether Geither scratches with his left or right hand when he gets up in the morning;
  
• The former Chastity Bono is now officially Charles Bono.  OK.  So, what makes this such a big news story?  He’s only famous for being the child of Cher and Sonny Bono.  Maybe it’s cuz people thought he/she was so cute on his/her few appearances on the Sonny and Cher Show and still remember that.  I don’t know.  If Chastity decides to go through with being Charles, that’s her/his decision to make in a private setting.  Could care less about it myself and it shouldn’t be played out in the national media;
  
• Sad to hear Lena Horne died.  Hate to admit all I really know about her is she was a singer/actress and Fred G. Sanford had a big crush on her.  In reading about her today, she was a real civil rights pioneer.  RIP, Ms. Lena;  
  
• All right, now that I’ve brought everybody down, time to liven things up a little.  As of right now, I have 112 followers on Twitter.  Even got included in my first list this week.  (Thanks @flaysomewench!)  Hit 1,000 tweets, too.  Been lots of chattering about the British elections this week.  Been some pretty good jokes on Twitter about the whole mess so that’s one positive…for me, anyway.  One of the coolest things which happened this week was having a chat with @TheChristinaKim, the LPGA star.  Talked about restaurants in Mobile, AL, which is where the LPGA is stopping this week.  She doesn’t follow me, yet, but maybe some day…;
  
• Tigger’s catching a lot of grief for pulling out, er, withdrawing, er, quitting during the TPC this weekend allegedly cuz of a bulging disk in his neck.  One female commentator on the Golf Channel reported live on the air he left cuz of a “bulging d*#%.”  Whoops!!!  Talk about a slip of the tongue!  Guess the jokes were out there pretty quickly.  Anyway, if he really is having neck problems, could be from stress.  Been known to happen to folks.  And, now that he’s “cured,” reckon he doesn’t have a way to release all that tension, anymore.  Reckon his game will suffer until there’s some kind of conclusion with Elin one way or the other.  Has to be difficult for him waiting on the other shoe to drop.  Hard to feel sorry for him, though, when he’s got no one to blame but himself.  Don’t mean he should be judged by us, just hard to feel any empathy for him;
  
• Ended up running 66.9 miles in April, which is more than I ran from November to March combined.  Am up to 6-7 miles on most of my runs now.  If someone would have told me I’d be running that far a month ago, would have told 'em you’re nuts.  Have somehow managed to still gain 4 pounds, though.  Can’t figure that one out… 

Well, thanks for letting me vent.  Hope to be a little more upbeat next time. 

Y’all have a nice day!

Proud To Be An American!

Have seen some things this week that have really made me proud to live in the good Ol’ USA.  Mean that literally and sarcastically all at the same time.  Got stories from both sides of the aisle, too, and the best story is last.  You may notice there’s no soundtrack.  You’ll see why later.  Anyway, here’s what I’m talking about:

• President Obama gave a 17 minute reply to a woman who said we are being overtaxed.  He outlined seven, count ‘em, SEVEN points to the woman. No one is sure he if even answered her comment.  There’s two things that tell me he probably did not give her a truthful answer.  First, he’s a politician.  Politicians and telling the whole truth are two things which do not belong in the same paragraph, much less the same sentence.  Second, (and, if you’re a female, about to let you in on a secret you may have figured out anyway) the more a man talks when answering a question, the more likely it is that he’s lying, or at least stretching the truth.  Probably cuz he’s trying to convince himself at the same time.  Anyway, twice said his answer was going on too long so he realized what he was doing but still couldn’t stop.  Appears even he knows the definition of “the rich” will expand before it’s all said and done.  Must have left his teleprompter at home that day, too;
• Phil Hare, the Democratic Congressman who represents the 17th District in Illinois, recently said “I don’t worry about the Constitution” on camera when asked if the healthcare bill was Constitutional. (You can hear it for yourself)  He went on to say the Constitution “says people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  When asked if he read the bill, he claimed to have read it 3 times.  People have jumped on this as an example of how out of touch politicians are these days.  In his defense, the cameraman said, “Jackpot, Brother” after the first remark, which leads me to believe they goaded him into saying something(s) stupid.  Rep. Hare later released a statement saying he meant he’s not worried about whether it will pass the Constitutionality test.  Willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on his intent.  The Constitution does give government the right to promote the general welfare of the people.  However, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is in the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution.  Again, in trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe an easy mistake to make in that situation.  However, have to throw the BS flag on reading the 8,100 page bill 3 times before voting on it.  Let’s say it took 2 minutes per page just for argument’s sake.  That would be 16,200 minutes, or 270 hours, which breaks down into 11.25 days just to read it once.  So it would have taken him about a month to read it 3 times if he read 24 hours a day with no breaks.  You can break it down even further if you want.  Even if he really did read it, is it possible he comprehended all of it since he would have essentially been speed-reading?  The American public may not be all that smart, but we ain’t that stupid, either…are we?;
• Just so y’all won’t think I picking on the Dems, it came out this week that the Republican party approved an expense report with a tab close to $2,000 from a bondage-themed strip bar around Hollywood.  Was supposedly for meals.  Seems the fiscal conservatives don’t mind stimulating the economy (insert your own joke here) in some settings, anyway.  Along those same lines, the Pubs also sent out a fundraising letter this week with the phone number to a telephone sex operation on it instead of the party’s.  (Why does it seem phone number mistakes are always to sex lines?)  Talk about a typo.  Pretty sad when you don’t even know your own phone number.  There’s nothing I can say in defense of either one of these blunders.  Guess they’re taking the ‘P’ in GOP seriously these days;  
• All right, now onto something that does make me forevermore proud to be an American.  Heard of the Patriot Guard Riders but had never seen this.  No comments can do it justice other than “THANK YOU!!! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!”  You just have to watch the clip to see why.  This was put together by the family of United States Army Specialist Bobby Russell West, who gave his life serving our country in Iraq.  Be sure to turn your sound on and watch it all the way through.  WARNING – Watching this may cause tears, choking sensations, and a sudden urge to give a standing ovation and salute.

 

Our veterans are truly a different breed.  May God bless you always!

Hope you had a happy Easter!  Thanks as always for reading. 

48 Ways to Have a Great Day Every Day

Some of you may recall I once posted a newsletter from Dr. Alan Zimmerman on ways to reduce stress in your life (see here).  Well, gotta another one want to share about different ways to have a great day every day.  They are all very short.  It's from his October 27, 2009, newsletter.  Gonna add some editorial comment on a few of them, but most stand pretty much on their own.

Dr. Zimmerman's TUESDAY TIP:

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

Michelangelo Buonarroti, Italian Renaissance painter and sculptor


What Dr. Zimmerman Has To Say About This:

Michelangelo is right.  You shouldn't settle for an "okay" life when an "exceptional" life is possible.  You shouldn't settle for "getting through another day" when every day could be a "great" one. 

And over the years, I've discovered that a "great" day has a lot more to do with how I approach it than what actually happens to me.  A "great" day is a matter of choice and not a matter of luck.

That being the case, I've put together a list of ways you can have a great day every day.  It's a compilation of my thoughts and experiences ... interspersed with the wisdom of others.  Print out the list and look at once in a while ... because the more points you follow, the better your days will be.


                    DR. ZIMMERMAN'S 48 WAYS TO HAVE A GREAT DAY ... EVERY DAY

**Get PHYSICAL.

1.  Take a few deep breaths throughout the day.  It not only calms you but re-invigorates you.

2.  Get busy living. Don't sit around waiting for life to happen.  And don't sit around wallowing in the grief of yesterday.  Life is too short for long pity parties.

3.  And if you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out, just remember ... for fast-acting relief, try slowing down. (works better than any chemical you can put in your body)
 

**Put some RECREATIONAL fun in your day. 

4.  Look for the humor in everyday situations.  For example, if you show me a man that has both feet firmly planted on the ground, I'll show you a man who can't get his pants off.

5.  Look for the craziness in everyday platitudes.  As they say, "Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime."  But in reality, sometimes you teach a man to fish, he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day long.  (not that there's anything wrong with that from time to time)

6.  Don't watch life from the sidelines.  Get involved and make the most of it ... starting now.

7.  Grow up without growing old.

8.  Always remember, no one is in charge of your happiness except you. (extra double AMENS for this one!!!)


**Keep your EMOTIONAL life in check.

9.  Lighten up.  Most of the things you worry about aren't going to happen anyway. (One of my favorite quotes is "Lighten up, Frances" from Stripes)

10. Don't go through life; grow through life.

11. Dismiss discouragement.  Every great achievement was once impossible.  (Just think of the advances made in our lifetimes you would have never dreamed possible such iPods, laptops, etc)

12. Remember, it's always darkest just before the dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

13. Practice patience.  Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.  (Perseverance, too)

14. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

15. Be thankful for your problems. If you threw all your problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, you'd grab yours back.


**Nurture your SOCIAL connections.

16. Enthusiasm is contagious. Start an epidemic.

17. Speak kindly.  Leave the rest to God.

18. Multiply your happiness by dividing it.

19. Tell the truth; then you won't have to worry about remembering anything.

20. Remember, there's always someone who cares about you.  In fact, if you think nobody cares if you're alive or dead, try missing a couple of car payments.
   
21. Don't miss a good chance to shut up.  Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.  (Like the old saying goes, there's a reason God gave us two ears and only one mouth)

22. Beware of gossip.  Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in again.

23. If you want to G-E-T, you have to A-S-K.

24. Guard your tongue.  You cannot unsay a cruel word.

25. Choose your friends carefully.  When you wallow with pigs, you're going to get dirty.  (As the Bible says in Proverbs, bad company ruins good character)

26. Strive to make people feel good.  After all, people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
   
27. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

28. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

29. Even if you have pains, you don't have to be one.

30. Forgive your enemies.  It messes up their heads.

31. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.


**Approach your OCCUPATION with wisdom.

31. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

32. Don't corner anyone meaner than you.

33. The harder you work, the luckier you get.  (Imagine that) 


**Use your MENTAL capacity to think good thoughts and make good choices.

34. Remember ... life isn't fair.  Some days you're the bug, and some days you're the windshield. Deal with it.
   
35. When you're pursuing what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

36. Never dismiss the value of a mistake. Make the mistakes of yesterday your lesson for today.

37. Be thankful for every experience.  After all, good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of those experiences come from bad judgment. (Lots of good stories, too)

37. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.

38. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

39. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

40. Use common sense.  Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

41. Keep on learning ... by reading and observing.  Forget about learning the hard way.  As Will Rogers said, "There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves."  (Only took me 5 times to figure out that fence hurts)

42. Keep your ego in check.  And if you ever get to thinking you're a super-important, hot-shot kind of person, try ordering somebody else's dog around.


**Tap into your SPIRITUAL side.

43. Don't count the days; make the days count.

44. Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.

45. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

46. Don't go through life with a catcher's mitt on each hand ... with a "gimme, gimme, gimme" attitude.  True happiness comes from throwing some things back into life.
   
47. Don't forget ... every path has a few puddles.

48. Do what is right whether or not you feel like it.  The time is always right to do what is right.

49.  No matter what happens, the sun will always rise tomorrow.

50.  Always remember God loves you...and the rest of us are trying. 


So there's my list.  Feel free to edit it as you like.  Make up your own list.  Write down your truths.  And when the economy seems bleak, when your business is struggling, when your relationships are under fire, or you seem to be living under a cloud, pull out the list and read it again.  Remind yourself you CAN have a good day ... EVERY DAY ... if you just apply a few of these truths.


Action:

Add two more "ways to have a good day every day" ... to the list above.  Make it an even 50.


Dr. Alan Zimmerman

As you can see, already added my additional two.  Am interested in what yours may be.  Please feel free to let me know by either leaving a comment or sending me an e-mail at ScotPS23@yahoo.com.  

If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Z or signing up for his newsletter, you can go to his website using this link.  He's given me lots of things to think about over the years.  You might enjoy him, too.

As always, thanks for reading.  Feel free to pass this along to your family and friends.  (Now, that's a funny expression just screaming for its own blog.)  And, don't forget about my friends' blogs over on the left side.  Been some good ones lately.


I'm out!

Quick Hits

Got some quick hits that’ve been kicking around in my gray matter.  Maybe you can help me with some answers or comments, if needed.  Thanks.

OK.  Here we go:

• How do people know to call when you’re about to start something you’ve been trying to talk yourself into for 30 minutes?
• Been thinking about getting into Twitter.  Any thoughts or suggestions?;
• Hadn’t seen it so don’t know, but, imagine Hurt Locker is an anti-war film.  Anyone really surprised it won the Oscar from the liberal Hollywood crowd?;
• Why does NASCAR think it’s smart to head to the West Coast, where the stands are half-full at best, after its biggest race of the year?
• Skype is awesome;
• Ever notice most fitness TV commercials are geared towards women?;
• Now that TNA is moving t0 Monday nights, maybe pro wrestling/sports entertainment will be worth watching again…maybe;
• Brett Hart, the Excellence of Execution.  The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be;
• Glad the weather’s getting better.  Hope it will inspire me to start exercising more;
• Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains is one of the best seasons ever;
• Anyone else not watching American Idol this year and not missing it?;
• The hardest part of getting a new laptop is getting used to the keyboard;
• It’s true a Southern man don’t need Neil Young around anyhow;
• The Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series is purty good even for adults;
• Is Chumley really that dumb and Rick really that smart on Pawn Stars?;
• Have been able to catch with some folks haven’t thought about in years on Facebook.  Very nice.

Feel a little better now.  Thanks for your curiosity.  Please feel free to leave an answer and/or comment or two, or send me an e-mail at ScotPS23@yahoo.com.  If there’s a question gnawing at you, please leave it, too.

Probably won’t be updating the blog over the next couple of weeks.   Gotta take a break every now and then.  But, fear not, both fans out there, I will definitely be back.  Will still check for comments, though.  Please feel free to peruse my archives over on the left while I'm gone.

Y’all have a good one!  Be back soon!

100 Things About Me - Part Two (aka 51-100)

OK.  Now that you've had time to absorb the first half, gonna pick up where I left off.  If you liked the first 50, hope you enjoy these, too.  If you didn't, well, maybe you'll like these better.  Automatic numbering system won't let me start at 51, so you'll just have to use your imagination.  Ready?  All right, here we go:

1. Although I watch more baseball and football than anything else, if I had my druthers about attending a live game, would choose hockey 6 days a week and twice on Sunday. Much more exciting game, especially in person. Too much standing around in football and baseball at live games. Just wish it translated better onto TV. That being said...;
2. Really enjoy going to baseball games, too. It's natural pace allows you to sit and enjoy the company around you. Have had some real in-depth conversations at baseball games;
3. Prefer to watch football on TV.  There's lots of things you can only see with instant replay.  Can also go to the bathroom or get a snack without walking 100 yards only to wait in line for 10-15 minutes and miss part of the game; 
4. Hope to get to a NASCAR race someday.   Just want to feel the rumble of the engines;
5. My favorite classic TV shows include Frasier, M*A*S*H, St. Elsewhere, Northern Exposure and the king of all the classics, The Andy Griffith Show;
6. My all-time favorite episode of any TV show is the one where Wayne Fiscus gets shot on St. Elsewhere. He travels from Purgatory to Heaven and to Hell several times each to learn things about himself and his beliefs. Really makes me think, too. Awesome show;
7. Barney Fife buying a motorcycle is a close second.  The scene where he drives off leaving Andy sitting in the sidecar makes me laugh every time;
8. Enjoy the winter Olympics much more than the summer ones. Think it's cuz can picture myself doing more of the winter sports. Would love to compete in the ski jump competition. Not really sure why since I'm not big on heights. But, it seems like the most fun;
9. Think Thomas Jefferson, a wise and great American, and Benjamin Franklin are two of the smartest people this country will ever produce. People will be talking about them long after most of today's so-called geniuses;
10. One of my guilty pleasures includes pro wrestling. More of an old-school fan from back in the days of Ric Flair and the Road Warriors in their prime. Follow it today through a newsletter, but don't go out of my way to watch it, anymore. Too many meatheads and not enough personalities and actual wrestling talent today. Yes, I know it's scripted, but so was that movie you watched the other day. Didn't stop you from enjoying it, did it?;
11. Between January 1 and Dec 31, 2009, lost around 40 pounds,  Used C25K and Lose It! apps on my iPhone.  The Lose It! app was most eye opening cuz didn't realize how many calories had been consuming in a day and had not been burning as many as I thought.  Also lost about 4 inches off my waist;
12. Tend to be on the quiet side. You know, "It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt." Probably live that a little too much although some of you probably think just the opposite;
13. Am I the only person who doesn't know what a "flash mob" is?;
14. Wonder why folks can't just accept the probability that Plato made up Atlantis?;
15. Think it would be neat to take a trip to either the Arctic or Antarctica;
16. Happy that my kids enjoy reading. Hope they keep it up;
17. Probably one of the few people who enjoyed watching golf more before Tigger came along. Don't get me wrong, he's one of the best golfers of all time. However, like to see more of the field when he's playing. Also, if he's not in contention, don't need to see every one of his shots that day;
    
18. Still think Jack in his prime would have beat Tigger on a regular basis. Just think Jack had the mental toughness not to be intimidated by him.  Hard to make a fair comparison, though, cuz courses and equipment are so much better these days;
19. Am looking forward to the day when I can tell my potential in-laws stories about things my kids did when they were younger;
20. Love all kinds of music.  And, no, that is not just country and western.  About the only kind I don't like is ska.  At least that's what I think it's called.  It's ultra-heavy metal on steroids.  Anyway, many people would probably be surprised at the variety on my iPod;
21. Never know when I might throw out a quote from a movie and/or TV show;
22. When people ask about injuries from running, my answer is always along the lines of I don't run fast enough to get 'em;
23. "One of the saddest days of my life was the day I realized I could beat my father at most things." Homer Simpson. Very true.  Think Homer Simpson is a tad bit smarter than most people give him credit for;
24. Curling is one the few things enjoy watching even though got no idea what is going on;
25. Have never really figured out why Ashton Kutcher is so popular;
26. The Kardashians, either, for that matter;
27. Really miss my kids watching the Wiggles.  Think they were purty good before Greg left.  Hadn't seen the new guy to know if they still are or not;
28. Know healthcare reform is needed.  However, until Congress presents a bill that also applies to them, not really interested in anything else they may put out there;
29. One of the best feelings in the world is taking my shoes off;
30. Another one is praying with someone who just accepted Christ as their savior;
31. Seems to me like the easiest way to share Christ with folks is to talk about what He has done for my life.  Can't figure out why that's seemed so hard to do more times than I care to admit;
32. Am immensely proud of our veterans and am forevermore indebted to each and every one of them.  If you are a vet, thanks to you and your families for the sacrifices you have made to ensure my freedoms.  Just can't say that enough.  And, if you are the family member of someone who made the ultimate sacrifice, a special prayer is lifted for you because a thank you is just not enough;
33. Would love to spend a couple weeks on either the Northwestern or Time Bandit crab fishing.  Probably couldn't make it much longer than that and not even sure could make it that long;
34. Can't really think of a job would rather do permanently than the one I got now, so it must be my dream job;
35. Guess if I had to choose something else, would probably pick political/social commentator/columnist.  With some of the hacks out there, hard to believe it takes four years to get a degree in journalism.  Guess that could be said about a lot of professions, though;
36. Believe it's difficult to convince a child something is right if all you can say is "just because" or "they say" when they ask why;
37. My favorite color is dark green (that's hunter for all you aficionados) followed closely by dark purple (eggplant) and many styles of camouflage; 
38. One of my favorite Far Sides is a kid, trying to walk into a school for the gifted, pushing on a door with a big sign which says "Pull."  Think about that every time it happens to me; 
39. When my boss once told me I needed to start dressing "more like a leader," went out and bought a camouflage wallet just so I could do what he advised but still counteract that in my mind.  Such a rebel...;
40. Have adjusted to drinking Coke Zero, unsweet tea, and various other diet drinks much better than expected; 
41. Hope to go whale-watching someday. Want to go elk hunting, too;
42. The first time felt middle-aged was the day had to buy reading glasses.  Only need them when wearing my contacts, but still...;
43. Never forget a favor...Well, try not to, anyway;
44. Got my first new personal laptop this week.  Purty neat.  Usually just get a hand-me-down whenever someone else gets a new one;
45. Believe there's no such thing as useless knowledge.  Never know when something you've learned will come in handy;
46. Have discovered math word problems aren't as hard as I thought when I was in school.  In fact, have figured out just about everything involving math in real life is a word problem.  Wish I'd known that then.  Might have been easier for me; 
47. Have also realized lots of things learned in school apply to every day life more than I thought they would at the time;
48. Was never really patient until I started dating.  Then really had no choice;
49. Favorite outfit is jeans, t-shirt, and hiking boots;
50. Now that I'm a parent, realize even more just how hard it had to be for God to sacrifice His son for us.  Truly one of the greatest gifts we could ever receive.

Well, that's it.  Thanks for hanging in there with me.  Takes a lot of thinking to come up with 100 things about yourself.  Didn't think I'd struggle with it like I did.  Might should have used Gomer's bucket to help me out.  He said you can do lots of thinking under there.

Y'all keep 'em straight out there!

A Few Things to Tickle Your Fancy

Here's a few things hope will bring a smile to your face.  Might even give you an excuse or two...

100 Things About Me - Part One (aka: 1 - 50)

Have seen this thing called 100 Things About Myself going around the blogger world.  Thought I'd take a crack at it even though it's probably a little self-indulgent.  Will start out with 50 so you won't get too tired of reading.  Know quite a few people reading this already know me, or, at least think they do.  But, might throw something out there you didn't know about me.  Heck, might even learn something myself.  Will try not to mention anything you'd rather not have known.  If I do, hope you'll continue to be my friend, anyway.  So, if you're interested, here we go:

1. Was born June 15, 1968, in Mobile, AL, also the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the US.  (Sorry NOLA friends, you only resurrected it first after the Civil War);
2. Married since 1996 to my wonderful wife, Stacey
3. Have boy/girl twins who were born in 2001.  You'd be surprised how many times I've been asked if they are identical;
4. Although was born in the South, have lived here a majority of my life, and am dang proud to be a Southerner, will tell folks I grew up in Towanda, IL, cuz that's where we were during my formative years; 
5. Hobbies include golf, deer hunting, and fishing, or at least they used to be.  Now they are attending my son's sports games and my daughter's cheerleading events, playing with them when I am at home, exercising, and toodling around on the computer.  Really enjoy my new hobbies, but wish I had time to do the originals every now and then; 
6. Both of my parents are still alive as are both of my grandparents on my momma's side.  Am truly blessed all around to still have all of them;
7. Am a Christian; 
8. Member of First Baptist Church of Trussville; 
9. Graduated from W.A. Berry High School (it's now Hoover High for all you Two-A-Days fans);
10. Have a history degree from the University of Alabama.  Roll Tide;
11. Read the Bible just about every night.  Wife bought me an archeological Bible for Christmas this year.  Have learned a lot from it so far; 
12. Love a good debate (NOTE - debate, not argument) every now and then.  The subject don't really matter as long as I learn something from it;
13. Have a tendency to be a smartalec.  Because of the dry nature of my wit, people can't always tell whether I am joking or being serious.  Sometimes I really enjoy that ambiguity;
14. Love Clint Eastwood movies, especially the westerns; 
15. Love the entire Lonesome Dove series of novels/mini-series; 
16. Favorite animals: Tigers (an odd thing for an Alabama graduate) and ducks
17. Am in TV heaven right now since Biggest Loser, Amazing Race, Pawn Stars, Ax Men, Madhouse, and the granddaddy of them all, Survivor, are now on the air.  Will reach the next level of TV heaven when Deadliest Catch is back on the air with them; 
18. Really gonna miss Captain Phil Harris of the F/V Cornelia Marie.  Have some more thoughts to share on that in my next random subjects blog;
19. Drive a 2007 Toyota Tundra; 
20. Favorite vehicle I ever owned was a 1994 4-wheel drive Chevy S-10;
21. Duck Hill, MS, is one of my favorite places on earth.  Used to deer hunt there when I was a kid; 
22. Worked on my grandfather's farm in Sarah, MS, for four summers growing up.  Wouldn't trade those experiences for anything in the world; 
23. Favorite food:  Grandmama's apple pie.  That's all I'm gonna say about that; 
24. Second favorite food:  Sushi from Yamato's in Pensacola, FL.  Used to be like Terry Bradshaw when it came to sushi.  (You know, "they call that bait where I come from")  A friend of mine had me try it when I was in Miami once.  Been hooked ever since.  Yamato's has the best I've ever eaten;
25. Have met family all the way up to my great, great grandmother.  Think I was 5 or 6 when she died at the tender age of 98.  Her daughter (my great grandmother) was 93 when she passed.  Her daughter was mentioned in # 6.  Hope my longetevity gene comes from that side of the family; 
26. Can't always tell it, especially when you read this blog, but I minored in English.  Bet my ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Hughes, wouldn't be happy to read this blog.  She got mad whenever we would say 'tin' instead of 'ten' for the number 10.  She was still one of my all-time favorite teachers, though;  
27. Not a very formal person.  Probably already figured that out, though;
28. Although I know the South had no chance of winning and we were dang fools for actually starting it, will still refer to the Civil War as the War of Northern Aggression when I'm in a playful mood;
29. Abraham Lincoln is my second favorite president.  Few people could have saved the US like he did.  Went to his memorial while in DC.  Took my hat off when I saw his statue and didn't realize it until I put it back on.  Only time can remember ever doing anything like that;
30. Would rather you think I'm not the brightest bulb in the bunch than think I'm a genius.  Realize that might not be much of a stretch for most of you;  
31. Have lived in Mobile, AL, Bloomington, IL, Towanda, IL, Knoxville, TN, Hoover, AL, Mobile, AL and Trussville, AL; 
32. Been known to sing in public, on purpose.  Ain't been booed off the stage, yet, but don't know why; 
33. Although I claim to be independent, have a tendency to vote Republican.  Did vote for Ross Perot back in 1992, though; 
34. Will usually write in a candidate whenever I'm not real happy with whoever's on the ballot.  Voted for my college bud Scott C for state supreme court once.  Now that he's moved to California, usually vote for my friend David V in the local/state elections.  Will still vote Scott for president, though, although we are on opposite ends of the political spectrum;
35. George Washington is my favorite president.  Hard to top the original cuz he could have turned it into a kingship if he were a lessor person.  Glad he didn't;
36. Believe the ancients were actually a lot smarter than we are today.  We could never build the things they did today without a computer, calculator, or some other sort of technology not available back then.  Ronald Reagan once said, "We might not have had those things.  But it took our generation to make them" in response to some kid asking him how RR's generation could understand the younger generation when they didn't have many of today's amenities.  Think that applies to many prior generations; 
37. Sometimes I wonder if we really are better off than our ancestors; 
38. Love Milk Duds and Milky Ways;
39. Would sit down and eat a gallon Cold Stone Creamery's Cookie Doughn't You Want Some if my wife would let me; 
40. Have enjoyed jogging a lot more than I thought I would, but don't think I want to run much further than a 5K; 
41. People seem to follow me but ain't figured out why, yet.  Maybe they are just curious to see where the monkey is going;
42. If it weren't for my wife, might not have a personal laptop or cell phone, yet; 
43. Always glad when I realize new friends are now old friends but wonder when the exact moment is that the transition is made; 
44. Learned a lot more about corporate life while working on the farm than you would think.  Will have to write a specific blog about that someday; 
45. Often wonder when all this gray hair showed up.  Gonna blame it on the time I had hi-lights put in my hair.  Don't ask; 
46. Got nine tattoos:  Calvin and Hobbes, a mallard, Taz, Yosemite Sam, a Christian fish, a black panther, a smallmouth bass, the Japanese symbol for twins, and the Japanese symbol for deer; 
47. Few things warm my heart more than listening to my children sing and/or hum; 
48. College was four of the best years of my life but don't think I would want to relive them; 
49. Can't think of many things in my life I would change if I could have a do-over; 
50. Hope to drive the Alaska Highway someday.

Well, that's all for now.  Not as easy as you would think.  Will finish in the next week or two.  Will have a random thoughts post before the week is out.

I am outta here.

You Might Be Getting Old If...

Have had time to do some thinking cuz it's just too dang cold to go outside this weekend in the Deep South. Normally cold weather doesn't affect me, but just not ready for it right now. Anyway, sometimes when you think, you think deep thoughts and you feel like you resolve some issues. Other times, not so much. Well, this has been a not-so-much weekend.

One topic which has been in me gray matter is some things which MIGHT indicate your getting a little long in the tooth. Decided to share my thoughts with you. So, here we go, some signs you MIGHT be getting old:

• Realizing the coaches you see on TV are the same guys you used to watch play the game
• The players you watch now are the children of the players you used to watch several years ago
• The floor is not making the creaks and pops heard while you walk
• Wondering how the person who cuts your hair snuck in those silver highlights you see in the mirror
• Hearing songs you've always liked on Muzak
• Actually liking the Muzak version a little better than the original
• Hearing new songs on the radio and wonder, "What the &$*# is that?"
• Never hearing of today's pop stars until they make headlines for all the wrong reasons
• Predicting the weather by which body part aches
• Pondering longer on how your body may react rather than how it tastes when choosing food and drink
• Starting sentences with the phrase "Well, when I was your age..."
• Instead of going out on the town at 11 pm, you hope you can stay awake 'til then
• Seeing sunrises cuz you're just getting up rather than just getting in
• The anti-establishment behavior you used to think was cool now annoys you
• You're not crazy about your kids watching Looney Tunes because now you understand the humor
• Not making fun of the Lifealert and Little Rascal commercials anymore
• Having to ask your kids how to work the latest techno-gadgets

These are just a few I've thought of. Please feel free to submit a few of your own.

Stay golden.

My DMV Trip

Had the wonderful opportunity to go to our county courthouse today to renew the tag for my wife's vehicle. Due to the type of tag, had to do it in person rather than over the internet. It was quite the adventure. Some of you may have followed my trevails thru Facebook, but thought would spell them out a little more.

To preface all this, our county is going through a very tough financial crisis right now for reasons too numerous to name here. As a result, they have closed all of the courthouses but the main one and one satellite. However, you can only go to the main one to renew tags. So, you do the math: 1 million citizens + 1 courthouse = one looooonnnnnggggggg line.

You may have heard about the 5 stages people go through when they are grieving. They are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. After today, realized these apply to all sorts of life's adventures. This one was no exception. Here are the stages I went through today:

1. Denial - 8:30 am - Get in line outside the courthouse. "Oh, this line's not so long. Shouldn't be here too....What'd she say? It's probably an 8 hour wait from here?! Can't be!!!!"
2. Anger - 10:30 am - Still waiting to get inside the courthouse. "Bet ol' Thomas Jefferson (a Wise and Great American) ain't bragging about his name being attached to this county right about now!"
3. Denial - Phase Two - 11:00 am - Finally inside the courthouse. "Whew! Won't be long now!"
4. Anger - Phase Two - 11:05 am - "What do you mean it's probably another 3-4 hours from here?!"
5. Bargaining - 11:15 am - Find out the city is still writing parking tickets for people who do not feed the meters. "Will you hold my place in line please while I go move my car?" Heard from many people after this little announcement.
6. Brief Happiness - 11:30 am - Find a broken meter in a 10 hour parking zone! Woohooo!!!!
7. Depression - 12:00 pm - Return to find line has not moved at all.
8. Acceptance - 1:00 pm - "Reckon I really will be here all day..."
9. Denial - Phase Three - 2:15 pm - "Maybe this is really the line to try out for American Idol. Better warm up the ol' vocal chords!"
10. Bargaining - Phase Two - 2:40 pm - "Would you please hold my place in line? I need to go to the bathroom." Another phrase heard from many people throughout the day.
11. Brief Happiness - Phase Two - 3:00 pm - Finally in the DMV room! Woooohooooooo!!!!!
12. Depression - Phase Two - 3:01 pm - There's still 50 people ahead of me....
13. Acceptance - Phase Two - 3:10 pm - Still gonna be here a long time....
14. Anger - Phase Three - 3:15 pm - Three clerks going on break at the same time?! "Hey! Where are you going?! I'm too close to the end for you to be going on break!" Several people around me actually say this out loud.
15. Anger - Phase Four - 3:30 pm - "This has got to be some kind of conspiracy to trick people into being happy about the impending tax hike!"
16. Acceptance - Phase Three - 4:25 pm - 7 hours and 55 minutes later, I'm finally through. Guess that lady was right after all.

Now, being the observant folks that you are, you've probably noticed I actually went through six phases and several of them multiple times. Had too much time to think today so came up with the extra one. Originally named it "Delirium," but decided "Brief Happiness" was better.

Have to say, with all the aggravated people down there, only saw one woman get a little upset. She was worried about getting her kids from school, which is understandable. She ended up having time to go get them and return to her place in line, with lots of time to spare. The county had the perfect people for crowd control, too. They were all very nice and understanding. One of them told us they stay there until 9 or 10 every night waiting for people to get through the line. The clerk I dealt with was very nice, too. Give all of them credit for working hard through all of this.

Hopefully, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Also hope you never have to experience it yourself.

Later.

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!).

'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

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.

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!