Truth - Avoiding Pain

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When someone is telling me a story that I know isn't going to be good, I sometimes just turn off my brain or change the subject. I shy away from hearing that stuff.  Sometimes when I see a television story about some tragic event, I will not watch it. I just get sick by it, and want nothing to do with it.

Sometimes when I listen to talk radio, and a caller calls in who tries to sing, or say a joke, or something to that effect, I will change the channel to avoid listening to it. Usually it pertains to someone who is embarrassingly bad at something, yet they don't know it. I just can't handle it to listen or watch.

It is like nails on a chalkboard to me.  The human mind tends to look for the path of least resistance. It tends to look for the easy way out.  Like moths to a flame.  Yeah that's me.  I'm not looking for the easy way out. I'm looking to not feel the pain and suffering from a story. Too much.

That doesn't mean I don't care. It doesn't mean I don't empathize. It just means I've had enough, and for self preservation mode I need to step away. I need to step back.

I'm not one to skirt reality. I don't read much science fiction or comic books. I don't play games online or do any of that role playing jazz. I don't do drugs or get hammered to get away from it all. I deal with it. But if I have the chance to not listen, I'm walking away.  You call me negative when I'm doing the opposite - accentuating the postive in my life.

Don't surround yourself with yourself, move on back to squares. Send an instant karma to me, initial it will loving care.

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 62912

1. Chicks with backpacks, not a good look.

2. Got a friend who wears mauve colored dress pants. Weird.

3. Remember when wraps didn't exist and it was just wheat or white bread? Now wraps and paninis are the rage. What's next?

5. If you paint your door red, it means your mortgage is paid off.  See any red doors in your neighborhood?

4. I go to a park where people like to listen to music.  They sit on the grass, and walk barefoot.  This park doing the week is used by many people to walk their dogs.  Can you say gross?

6. The apologists for the healthcare mandate are ignornant to the FACT that taxes are immoral.  That's what you get when you think with your heart and not your head. DUH.

7. Men can't use the word wonderful.  That sucks.

[This blog is brought to you by the word phenylketonurics and the number 99890.01812N]

8. I shake my leg alot. One person tells me it is good for my metabolism. Another tells me it is bad for my heart.  Make up your mind. I'm anxious.

9. I often pretend in my mind, that I'm holding up a hockey goalie stick and deflecting pucks.  I think about this everyday.  It must mean something. I'm saved? I can save?  I need to be saved?  I'm a hockey puck?

10.Why are traffic and weather always together?  Why can't traffic go with vacation? Why can't weather go with sports?  I don't understand.  They are getting pimped by each other. Not cool.

Truth - Drama Dealers

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I realize the other day that no one can escape drama.  Everyone has some sort of history, baggage, or issue they are dealing with.  How they deal with it, well that's the drama indicator.

You can either deal with it, make the most out of it, dwell on it, or announce it.  Some people seek it. They have this uncanny ability or lack thereof to find drama.  They let the world know about it.  They study it so to speak.  They live for it.  Drama, other people's drama is what fuels their fire.

I am not sure why people do this.  It could be they are deflecting from their own problems. I don't know.  Everyone has a story.  Everyone has a crazy incident from their past. Everyone knows someone who is a little wacked out.  Everyone has that crazy uncle or cousin. Everyone has that certain friend that they just rolls their eyes about.

The thing is, you always know about it.  They always tell you. They always have to explain in some form or fashion what is up with that person. I often cover my ears when people tell me something about someone. I just don't want to know.  It's too much for my brain to process.  Yeah some of it can be fun, but for the most part it is too much for me to handle.

Stop with the drama people. You freaks. Get normal for a change. No wait, you can't.  Well normal is...

Truth - The Puffy Shirt

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. So I have this red shirt. It's a button down shirt.  Like a bowling shirt you could say.  I like t-shirts and button down shirts. I really try to stay away from polo shirts, because I can't stand the golf preppy look ya know. It's a nice shirt...at least I thought.

So I wear this shirt (see attached photo - ignore the wrinkles), and out of nowhere everyone I run into has to make a comment about the shirt.

"Hey nice shirt"

"You going bowling?"

"What's up with shirt"

"Two and Half Men called, they want their shirt back"

"Hey it's Charlie Sheen"

"Nice shirt"

"New shirt"

This is the second time this has happened to me. Once I wore this purple shirt (actually kinda periwinkle I guess) and got heckled like crazy.  It was as if I wore the Seinfeld Puffy Shirt. I went home that day and threw it away.

Normally I don't care, but the ridicule forced me to always consider what I wear. So you fashion police did your job. You caught me trying to step out of the box. I had hope that what I wore didn't matter. But nooooooo.

Now I live in this semi-paranoia that I'm not wearing something acceptable. There is this metro sexual cloud over my head forcing me to care; in only to avoid potential ridicule and the harsh bullying words.

I know what you are thinking - "Wear what you want to wear", "sticks and stones", "Who cares what other people think".  Yeah easy for you to say. You aren't the one who gets called out. You probably dress for attention. I dress for functionality.  But now...in order to fit it and avoid the heckling...gotta sport the norm.

Screw you mean people.

Sports: Socckey

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  While listening to a local sports radio show bash soccer (again and again), I just had to laugh.  They either don't get it, or they just try too hard to make it an issue.  Their claim is that soccer will never make it big in America.  Really?  We have to still use that "argument"?

Here is their deal - Soccer will never make it as a big spectator sport because it is hard to watch on television, and no one goes to the games.  Well I love watching the game on television, and I'd go if there was a team near me. There has to be others like me right?  Let it be.

Here is the deal soccer haters.  Just like hockey, we hard core fans like the game and could care less about it being big or huge.  We want it to be small.  We want it to be underground.  The death of the NHL has come because they tried to make it big and put it in markets that don't deserve a team.  The NHL and the soccer haters think population is everything.  That bigger is better.  NO...keep it small, let it grow. The true fans will support and keep what is needed to float.  As you can see with the Devils and other NHL cities that don't deserve a franchise...let the real fans take care of things.

Locally the other day, 2000 people crammed a high school to watch the EuroCup.  Now that sounds like fun. Yet bars everywhere else show trivia or women's softball....and wonder where their customers are.  Show soccer and they will come.  The fans are out there.  Why would you bash them?  Oh...let's watch the Astros play the Marlins instead - not.

Quit knocking the game, it is pointless.  It doesn't have to be the NFL or MLB.  Why does it have to compete?  I'm hardcore when it comes to football, baseball, and hockey.  And I really enjoy Serie A and British Premier League soccer. I watch it when I can, and I try to keep tabs on it.  I'm not hardcore, but I do enjoy the skill level and watching it on television.

I like being a fan, and I like that it isn't huge (yet).  If it never grows, that is fine with me.  I find no solace in having something big like the NFL. My life doesn't change if there are so many Detroit Lions fans.  In fact, it does nothing for me.  There is a part of me that misses the Red Wings of old, when they suck.  I was a fan before hockey was cool.  I feel the same way about soccer.  Keep it small...keep it real.

Forzza Azzuri!

Liberty - Statist Lies

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. A friend posed a question that is actually quite interesting to me. It's something that I often hark back to when I listen to politicians or people speak.  The question is "What are some of commonly believed Statist lies that you have heard".  Here are some:

-They hate us for our freedom

-Without the government, who would build the roads?

-The axis of evil

-Without government there will be blood in the streets

-The U.S. was found as a Christian nation

-If you don't like it, leave

-This is a democracy

-If you don't vote, you have no say

-FDR brought us out of the Great Depression

-Separation of church and state

-In America everyone is free

-It is crazy to cut military spending, we need to protect our borders

-We are from the government and we are hear to help

-Our leaders will fix it

Do any of these ring a bell? Have you been indoctrinated to believe these things? Say them often enough, and you'll believe it.  Say then often enough and it will become a part of your philosophy and ideals.

Whenever you hear these things in the future, think about what is being said to you.  Think about why they are being said. Think about who is saying them.

From there...figure it out.

Truth - Sense Of Accomplishment

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  I do not get any sense of satisfaction or accomplishment from doing chores or mundane tasks.  Nothing.

Cutting the grass does for example nothing for me. I have a friend who cuts their grass 3 times per week and loves it. Wack job! I cut my grass and I am just happy it's done so I can move on to the next thing.  People say I need to know that cutting the grass is a big deal and shows a whole bunch of character and responsibility.  Yeah whatever...I don't feel that way.  I am bored out my mind doing that stuff.  In my mind it is a roadblock to fun. It is a roadblock to productivity.  I'd rather be fishing.

Yeah yeah life ain't fair.  You have to do things. You have to get your chores done, or no one will do them.  Yeah I know. I am not discounting the need to have them or do them. They are a part of life.  The sense of accomplishment is missing.

What do you do to get a sense of accomplishment on the mundane parts of life? Or is that not even possible?    Please don't tell me it is a choice.  If it were that easy, I'd choose a sense of accomplishment all day long.  Wanting more all of the time...better.  You know.  When I write, build, or create something...then I feel a sense of accomplishment.

Just shut up and getting it over with?  Get your hands dirty?  Why is a sense of accomplishment needed (wanted)?....I am looking to optimize my time.  I want to be all that I can be without joining the military.  I want, I want, I want.

Truth - Useless Brain Matter

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I am Mork from Ork. Hello Orson, come in Orson. Sunday Monday Happy Days.  Nanno Nanno.  Beam me up Scotty.  Warp speed Mr. Scott. May the force be with you.  Luke I am not your father. Stella!  I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.  I don't feel tardy.  You've got mail.  Never go against the family.  Whatchyoutalkinabout Willis?  Ward don't be so hard on the Beaver. Say hello to my little friend. Be careful out there.  You meathead.

Do you get my drift?  All of these phrases and thousands upon thousands more fill your brain.  They hit you like a pop culture brick to the face.  Then through reruns, conversation, and worst of all your brain...it gets repeated to you over and over.  It becomes a part of you.  Even if you forget, when you hear or see it again you'll remember. You'll for some odd reason get it back to you in no time.

For what? So you can have conversation?  So you can blog about it 20 years later? So it takes up your time instead of making memories, its just a rerun in your head?

I am convinced we spend too much time getting exposed (well I am speaking for me), to useless pop culture, commercials, advertising, movies etc that serve no real purpose other than to keep you busy.  Other than also to keep you occupied with something pointless and frivolous.

It's bothering me. I feel guilty knowing useless information at times.

Truth - Don't Wanna Grow Up

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up.  The thought of being in space was super cool.  I think some of it may have been brought on by Larry Hagman who played an astronaut in I Dream of Jeannie.  Of course it may have been Don Knotts in The Reluctant Astronaut. It had to be that. Space was cool man. Far out. No matter, space was it for me.

It hit me the other day though. As I often think about what I wanted to be when I was younger...It is a fact that I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.  Maybe it is because the thought of being "grown up" is this mental road block.  As if the words are telling me to not go there. Grow up? Grown up?  That's no fun. Who wants to grow up?

Then you get all the quote happy people who tell you that youth is wasted on the young. That you are only as old as you feel.  You are only as old as the girl you kiss. You are only as old as you want to be.  You know, all the old vs. young cliches. Yeah whatever.

I know I am pretty grown up.  I can tell by my debt.  I know I am grown up, because I worry about taking the trash out, and compare power tools with the neighbor. The things my father used to always do, that drove me nuts as a kid.  Funny how that works.

But I have to tell you. I feel 16. Not a happy 16, but a grumpy "I don't want to go to work yet or school" 16.  I want to just drive my car to the park, wax it, then play frisbee listening to Boston.  What do I want to be?

I don't know that I want to grow up. I do want to be something. I don't know what. An astronaut is out of the question. Being stuck in a space station transported by Russians isn't my cup of tea.  After all the anti communist stuff I've been spewing, I don't think they would bring me back anyways.

I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I've never really known, and I'm a bit scared that I'll never know.  Where I am today, is not what I was meant to do. That's all I know.

Ground control to Major Tom...

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 62112

1. I don't understand why all of my clothes have shrunk. Makes no sense. You shut your mouth too.

2. There is nothing more annoying than red tape.  Red tape is the devil. It is the culmination of stupid and evil. Yeah that's what it is.

3. Why can't all service station pumps be the same?  Everyone is freaking different...even with the same fuel brand.  Drives me cuckoo. More so than I already am.

5. Slow people that walk in the middle of an aisle way need to be tasered. It's not like they would even notice. Its not like their progress would be impeded. Not like they have any purpose or place to go ya know.

4. How come all of the motivational speaker types demotivate me?  Not a fan of cheerleaders I guess. Good for the head nodders I suppose. Gives them something to agree with while doing absolutely nothing.

6. I've never met a rice I didn't like. Mmmmmm.

7. Not a fan of banks.  Nothing about them is appealing to me. They way they conduct business is not very cool. Do you ike banks? I'll bank on it that you don't.

[This blog is brought to you by the word crospovidone and the number 1200]

8. I love being put on hold.  There is nothing more productive.  It fact it is very endearing. It makes me want to really connect with that company.  I feel they are very nice for letting me be connected to them at their mercy.

9. The government wants me to pay on a credit card account that I closed out eight years ago.  They just got the paperwork.  Tell me why do you waste your time voting for these clowns again?

10. Is it a crime to like vanilla more than chocolate? I'm just a huge fan.

Truth - Dang Gear Heads

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
I want to rent a bulldozer and just move dirt. 
I think running a backhoe just for the fun of it would be cool.
I like to drive boats.
I like to drive cars.
Gimme a bobcat.
I think it would be cool to drive  semi truck.
I want to unload a dump truck.
I want to man a cement truck.
I think driving a roller through town would be fun.
Tractors are great.
I like Indy card and F1 cars.
I think having a submarine would be great.
I need to do a few laps in a Nascar.
I want a swamp boat with a fan.
A deck boat would be cool.
I want a trike.
A chopper.
A Vespa.
A L'ape would be very fun to sell fruit.
Gotta get me a Fiat or Alfa Romeo.
Need a Motto Guzzi or Ducati.
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati.
A tank could reek havoc.
Gimme a hover craft.
A dirt bike.
I want a jalopy.
Give me a hummer style golf cart.
A hover jet would be cool.
A mail jeep is nice.
A British double decker bus.
A mobile home.
I'd like to have an amphibious vehicle.
A water powered jet back.
Jet ski or wave runner does the trick.
Heck just gimme a moped.
An electric scooter is fun.
Want my old F150 back.
I feel the need, the need for speed.
I'd like to fly a blue angel.
I dig AC130 gunship.
Give me a rocket propelled jet pack.
Need to see a steam locomotive.
Dig diesel trains.
A private Lear jet would be nice.
747 jumbo jet first class.
A yacht!

Am I just a kid at heart, or am I a gear head?  The thought as to what drives this is a bit greasy to be sure.  I do tend to change gears on this, but for the most part I'm feeling the need for speed.  The need for machinery.  The need to grunt.  A little testosterone with racing stripes and fuel injection.

Someone mentioned to me that I sure do "want" alot of things. That it must mean I am not happy.  I would be happy if I had those things. I do realize they are just things, but I want them.  Now, if I come to a point where I NEED them, then get me help.  I do have this need to want things though.  Very weird.

Truth: To Complain or Not

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Why do people complain about things? That is the question. I am told that they complain because they aren't happy about anything in their lives, so they need to channel the negativity that way. That they need to identify the wrong to give light to it.  So that the focus can be on the negative at hand, rather than the real issues...or any underlying issues.

I wonder why I complain when I do. I'm not a constant complainer...but I do notice when I complain. You could say that I am complaining about complaining.  Is that productive that I complain? Is it noble that I even notice that I complain?

Yeah maybe that's the case.  I think I complain in order to get sympathy or validation from others who feel the same. Maybe it is sometimes to get a rise from people. Maybe it's just to stake my claim man. It's my flag on the moon.  My statement, man. Are you getting me?  Good.

The line is "quit yer bitchin".  Well I can see surely how annoying people can be who are always negative and bitching.  I get it.  I understand. I don't like those people either.

For the record though...my complaining is more of me trying to find a solution, or attacking myself for being in the predicaments or situations at hand. I'm identifying, and not doing it quietly.  You hear me?

Identifying an issue or problem is the first step to fixing it, or finding a solution. Complain, complain, complain.

Love Mail Hate Mail 61812

It was the best of times. it was the worst of times. It's been a while since I've posted the love and hate emails, but rest assured, I still get them.  Enjoy.

Hate Mail:

I quit your blog because you talk too much about sports. Then you won't even talk to women about it. Good luck.

You are far out man. Out of touch mostly.

You Ron Paulbots are crazy.  Every time you speak of liberty, all you are doing is getting less of it.  Your vote is a waste and going to Obama.  Get a clue.

Are we just here for your entertainment?  You don't engage in conversation with us. You just post and ask questions, then just observe. I tend to think you are using us.  I won't post unless you do.













Love Ma
Will you please post videos like you used to? I want to see your handsome face.

I want to know more about you.  Do you want to go out sometime?  When are you coming to Virginia?

Your blog makes me think. I love that.

I want to see you write more rumblings.  They crack me up.

Truth - Seeking Fun

It was the best of times it was the worst of times. People's idea of what is fun obviously varies.  It is just the way it is.  There are some things though that just boggle my mind.  I am not sure if it is because I am a snob or what.

For example people can have fun just sitting on their porch for hours drinking beer.  They can have fun going to Cracker Barrell and spending an hour in their candy store.  They can have fun watching other people play poker.  They can have fun playing toss a cross for hours on end.  Is that wrong? No...just odd to me.

Yes I know having fun is a choice. Ultimately you can have fun doing anything if you want.  My deal is I just don't understand the things people accept. A guy I know gets pedicures and manicures, then brags about not liking baseball. That is his fun.

In my daily search for fun, I find it harder and harder to find great fun things to do. What are fun things to do that dont require spending money?  Hard to do I bet. Hard to find. I am still looking.

I envy the people despite the weirdness of their choices, who can have fun doing anything.  I am not there yet.  I come across as an ogre because of it.  In other words, a green ogre with envy.

Sports: Kirk Gibson - Champ to Chump

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Legendary baseball player and current manager Kirk Gibson did not go to his son's High School graduation because he said that that was something he was supposed to do.

What?

Really?  Since when?  Ok for the most part society expects you to graduate from school.  Yeah we get that Mr. Tough Guy.  But aren't you supposed to be a dad and celebrate milestones of your children?  What the hell are you working for anyways?  For your ego obviously.  You work to live...is a good rule of thumb to live by.  Not living to work.

He couldn't miss one lousy game for his kid?  Yeah imagine if most parents did this.  Where is the love and support?  In a world that is against family time, he chooses to show some contrived tough love.

My perception now, of one of my favorite ball players of all time has soured.   Alas another legend falls in my mind because he thinks his role...his brainwashed football brain has to make him be Chuck Norris 24/7.

What a jerk.

Don't celebrate when your team scores...that is what they are supposed to do.

Kids are supposed to be better than their parents.  In this case, it won't take much.

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 61512

1. I don't know what to make of all the different kinds of mustard.  It kinda bugs me.

2. I keep getting pressed to do an online radio show.  I do have a face for radio, so I just might do it. Bribe me.

3. It's sad and funny Senators think they know what is best for you and I...and how we should live.  Fire them all.

5. Okra! Opa! Oprah! Oklahoma! Oooh Lah Lah! Oompa Loompa!

4. I've spent many hours of late researching drip tape.  I am now considered an expert on drip tape.

6. I still think the Fonz is cool.

7. I would like a moat around my house filled with fish.  The moat would be glass so that I could see the fish from the basement. I would like that.

[This blog is brought to you by the word osmosis and the number 6]

8. The Chicago Cubs are not cute.  They are a joke.  Slappys.

9. Larry Hagman on Dallas is 81 years old. Shoot me. Who shot?

10.Do you know why people hate the NBA? Answer: The Miami Heat. That's why.  Yeah you heard you me you decision nut jobs apologists.

Truth - Details Matter

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Do details matter?  Yes of course most of the time.  The question is when don't details matter?  Well when you are building anything I would say details always matter.  But probably not when baking a cake.  Probably when not making a sand castle.  When making a bridge...you bet. When making a car, for sure.

So details may matter and usually do.  Details should matter right (ignore the word SHOULD, I'm just using it as an example - relax).  They just don't always matter is what I am stating.  I think therein lies the problem with quality craftsmanship in any skill when producing something.  The engineer, designer, and artist need to be close to perfect for different reasons. Everyone else really doesn't.

That's work when you put detail in. Who is willing to work?  Not many I suppose.  That's why those who pay attention to detail stand out.  The obsessive compulsive types who have to have it just right.  They get it. Appearance and quality matter.

See that's what I want to know.  Those that pay attention to detail and work at it.  Do parts of their brains work differently than the lazy short cut slackers?  Is that learned? Is it forced?  Good work ethics...is that genetics?  Victims of circumstance.

Details matter. Whether you do them or not, they just matter.  Why are they ignored or paid attention too?  I know a guy who can spot a crooked brick on a 50 foot wall. It bugs the hell out of him. I know a chick who can spot a crooked letter on a wall sign from 30 feet away and it drives her crazy.  Details matter they tell me.  It is their world order and they need their world structure.  For me details is about aesthetics.  For them, more so about structure. No structure, no safety. How can the world work when it is not in order - chaos.  I get it, but I've backed off from that line of thinking. Chaos is order.  There is detail in chaos if it is controlled.

What a mess.

Sports: Stadiums And Stuff

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Ever since I was young I had this thing for sports and concert stadiums. I wanted to know where every major sports team played, and the history behind those buildings. I used to get these baseball books made by Kessler which listed the dimensions of all the ball fields.  I thought it was cool that Tiger Stadium and Yankee Stadium had the longest center fields in the majors.

I wanted to travel to these places most of all.  I wanted to know why the Aud was so cool in Buffalo. I wanted to know about the mystique of the Gardens; Boston, Maple Leaf, and Madison Square.  I was intriqued by Fenway, Wrigley, Tiger, and Yankee stadium.  I wanted to experience the wind at the Stick. I wanted to experience the Dawg pound in Cleveland. The blackhole in Oakland.  The Green Monster.  The foundain in Kansas City.  The water slide in Milwaukee.  The roof in Toronto.  The massive roof of the Astrodome.  The 11th man in Seattle.

There is and was something cool about certain stadiums.  Many were just thrown up to be nothing more than giant parking lots with seats.  They had no character, charm, or comfort.  They had nothing to offer other than a venue to watch an event.

I've been to many stadiums, parks, and arenas in my life. I've been to some that I just hope to never go back.  Joe Louis Arena for the Red Wings is a pit. I never liked it, and I used to go as a kid all of the time.  It really is horrible, despite the good product on the ice.

The Romans had the coliseum.  The Greeks had their amphitheaters. What do we have? Well these are the stadiums I wish I could have seen, and would like to see.

Yankee Stadium old
Yankee Stadium new
The Monteal Forum
Candlestick Park
Comiskey Park
PNC Park
Cowboys stadium new
The old Boston Garden
The old Chicago stadium
Baltimore Memorial Stadium
The Kingdome
AT&T Park (SF)
Busch Stadium
The Rose Bowl
Royals
Safeco (Seattle)
The Polo Grounds
Lambeau Field
Miller Park
Dodger Stadium
Aarowhead
Heinz Field
The Igloo
The Cow Palace
Arco Arena
The Horseshoe
Crosley Field
Ebbets Field
Exhibition Place

Could care less about:
Shea
Turner
Veterans
RFK
The Metrodome
Ford Field
Three Rivers
Olympic
Mile High Stadium
Jacobs
Giants
Petco
Beaver Stadium
PNC Park
Notre Dame
Pepsi Center
Staples Center
US Cellular (White Sox)
Riverfront
The Omni
The Summitt
JFK Stadium
Coors (Colorado)
Comerica (Detroit)
The Palace (Auburn Hills)
Spartan Stadium
Georgia Dome
Superdome
Browns Stadium
Lucas Oil Stadium
Soldier Field
Gillette Stadium
Raymond James
Reliant Stadium

Olympia, Wrigley, The Silverdome,Yost Arena,Chrisler Arena, Maple Leaf Gardens, Cobo Arena, Michigan,Fifth Third (Toledo) Tiger Stadium are/were great.

Truth - Frustration Junction

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Frustrating times. Frustration junction, what's your function?
I get frustrated by red tape.
I get frustrated by filling out forms.
I get frustrated waiting in line.
I get frustrated by cheaply made products.
I get frustrated by people that smoke in front of kids.
I get frustrated by people that defend statism.
I get frustrated listening to lame radio commercials.
I get frustrated with the inaccuracy of weather forecasts.
I get frustrated with bad defense.
I get frustrated with poor base running.
I get frustrated when no one listens.
I get frustrated at soccer divers.
I get frustrated at Red Wings' goalies.
I get frustrated with Facebook restrictions on my fan page.
I get frustrated with Google hijacking my ad revenue.
I get frustrated with people who walk slow.
I get frustrated with people who drive too slow.
I get frustrated with police speed traps.
I get frustrated with clothes that shrink.
I get frustrated when the gas grill runs out of propane.
I get frustrated when my food order is wrong.
I get frustrated when I go to the same restaurant and food is never the same.
I get frustrated with fast computers not being fast enough for me.
I get frustrated that donuts are bad for me so I can't eat them.
I get frustrated that I can't have ice cream.
I get frustrated that people with half a brain are very successful.
I get frustrated that boats cost so freakin much.
I get frustrated about road construction.
I get frustrated when people don't take care of their yards.
I get frustrated when people use their kids as pawns.
I get frustrated at lazy parents who don't play catch with their kids.
I get frustrated that figs aren't around as much at the store.
I get frustrated about getting frustrated.
I get frustrated that I haven't found a cure for my frustrations.
I get frustrated when people don't think like I do about sports.
I get frustrated when people don't care about the truth.
I get frustrated when people live and die for drama.
I get frustrated when people force their perkiness on me.
I get frustrated when people don't wash their hands in rest rooms.
I get frustrated when people walk barefooted at camping rest rooms.
I get frustrated when I have to dust.
I get frustrated when I have to move it move it.
I get frustrated when I can't get it out of my head.
I get frustrated when I don't know the way to San Jose-Bah bah bah bah bahhh.
I get frustrated that I need to make an "I get frustrated" blog posting.
I get frustrated when there's jive talkin.
I get frustrated when people thing peace, love, and understanding is funny.
I get frustrated when I sniffle.
I get frustrated when I cough.
I get frustrated when I have to pay for everything.
I get frustrated when I have to give graduation money for gifts.
I get frustrated when you tell me your frustrations.  STOP IT!

Oh yeah life is good, life ain't fair, but it is good...make the most of it..it could be worse...insert more cliches.

Liberty: I'm Spoiled

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Got into a little political scuffle the other day over some Ron Paul stuff.  This guy claims that there is no tyranny in America.  That I don't know how good I have it.  You know all the same bootlicking statist talking points about freedom and blah blah blah.

So I aptly pointed out, since he asked me where is the tyranny around here...that income tax, any tax for that matter, unconstitutional wars, funding of terrorism, most of The Patriot Axt, SOPA, CISCA, NDAA...and a host of the police state type tactics (all in the name of freedom) were indeed tyrannical.

He finally conceded that those were not good things. He assumed from the get go I was some right wing Christian nut job (people hate them for some reason) until I explained my stance a bit.  His main point was that things were not as bad as it seems, or that there was too much fear being played out.

My point is, we are not free.  Freedom is an illusion.  We are all slaves in the system.  But but but...you can free your mind, and live free of course.  You are a natural being, and you are free.  Despite the financial grid you are trapped in, you can still live free.

Apparently though my complaining of the restrictive laws on civil liberties, or financial liberties makes me just a complainer.  After all we are still the greatest country on earth right?  We still have it better than they have it in Afghanistan right?  You can still pursue the American dream right?  All the talking points of how we should just be obedient to the flag, drink beer, and eat apple pie...because damn it, we are Americans and God is on our side.

Well your freedoms are getting less. As you pay more taxes, and jobs are dwindling, as the value of the dollar shrinks, you are getting less and less.  Your ideals of what this country should be are even shrinking and ringing hollow.  Still great..yeah sure.  But not as great, and that should be a concern and something to worry about.

I know I have it better than third world countries.  I also know, that things were better before on a whole.  If that makes me spoiled, so be it.  I just don't think so man.

Veruca Salt...the epitome of spoiled

Liberty: Rand Judas?

It was gthe best of times, it was the worst of times.  Senator Rand Paul has endorsed Mitt Romney in his bid for presidency.  I'd like to say yawn, but my first impression is (excuse my French) WTF! Are you kidding me?  How in the world does this guy support the opposite of his father?

It makes no sense on the surface. None.

Then you have to think about why?  Well maybe Rand is going to ron for office some day and has eyes on the presidency.  This will be the groundwork.  Ok...but it still sucks.  Maybe Romney wants him to be VP? Well ok but that still sucks.  Maybe he was threatened as the tinfoilers are saying and had no choice. Maybe, but that still sucks.

Some kind of deal went on.  Something went down. Auditing the Fed? Transparency? A job? Hmmmmm.  We shall see. Anyways...The guy who stood alone in the Senate against further sanctions on Iran is somehow going to make peace with the guy who wants to bomb Iran to smithereens?

Judas?
James Bond?
Bendedict Arnold?

I used to think Rand was named after Ayn Rand, the great philosopher. Alas though his name is Randall, and Rand is just a cute nick name. Much like himself saying he is a conservative, when in truth, he's just a politician afterall.  Oh well.

If there is strategy here...like infiltrating the system from within, then there may be something to it.  I have hope and change in me that this may be the case.  I can't see how he would side with Romney. Unless of course the goal is to beat the current guy. That's good for sure. However Romeny is the current guy light version.

Then again he isnt a libertarian, just a republican. If he can continute to block stupid legislation, then I'll ignore this.

Sell out!

The revolution continues...I support Ron Paul.  Why?  Because he supports me...Obama and Romney and Rand do not.  It's the message of liberty that I support...men are just mortals afterall.

Not a fan of statism.

Truth: Zebra Stripes Are Slimming

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Do people really ever change?  Let's say someone was a jerk growing up, always getting into trouble. Do they learnt their lesson when they finally get into trouble, or they've had enough?  Do they change their tune after they've been scared to death?  Do they stop what they are doing because they've hit rock bottom?

Well I think the obvious answer is yes..they can change.  However I don't think they as a person ever change. I think how they are made up is just who they are.  Yes you can grow, learn, get wise and that all plays into it.  Not to mention you have to severely discount things done under the influence or at a younger age.  I'm mostly referring to adults. Do and can adults change their outlooks and behaviors?

I've known some people who have hit rock bottom. They faced the piper and they changed their tune. However all they did was going on to another tune, another addiction, another passion, or vice that just fit with their personality.  You know my old saying, there are good people and there are bad people and then there are good and bad people who do good or bad things.

You can be a good person, make a mistake.  You can be a very bad person and end up as a CEO.  See how that works?  So I really don't think people change much of who they are. I think they change what they choose to do, to satisfy their personal make up. Ever go to a high school reunion and see the people that just haven't changed?  Well they had no need to.  How about the kid who was a punk, and now he is a successful business man? Well chances are he is a successful businessman who is still a punk.

Zebras don't change their stripes..but they can blend in with the herd, and you'll never even notice them.

That reminds me...I'd like some Juicy Fruit gum.

Sports: Competing Disinterests

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When I was a kid I played many sports.  I was pretty much obsessed with playing sports, and all aspects of it. I wanted to play baseball all day long in the summer if I could. I often did too. Nothing else seemed to matter, even though other things surely did (like lunch and dinner).

So with that as part of my life, I was instantly competitive.  Sometimes more than my friends, but from what I remember they were the same way.  Were they born that way? Were they taught that?  Was it learned from just playing baseball together? What makes one person competitive and the other not?  Is it genetics?

Then I wonder how lasting being competitive is into the adult years.  Does it mold you into thinking you can do things?  That you should win? That you should always try your best?  Dang it, I just used the word SHOULD.  Shoot me! (I have a better shot)

In today's society where mediocrity is highly encouraged and rewarded, itis hard to wonder who is competitive anymore?  There are the doers and the do nothings...but both are rewarded equally.  Sometimes if you work harder you'll get ahead.  Sometimes its just being in the right place at the right time.  Sometimes it is just who you know.  In those situations, does competing really matter?

I would like to think being competitive is a good thing. However the results are the same.  You have kids who don't need to be competitive, and they get a medal for just participating.  You have them growing up to be recipients of entitlements in all walks of life.  I don't want entitlements..don't expect them. The thought makes me cringe.  Yet I know if I am competitive like I was as a kid, it may not matter.  Yet I'm wired this way and can't stop, despite the apathetic outcome.  Oh the madness.

Truth: Dear Cheerleaders

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Dear Cheerleaders on Facebook; please stop wishing me a good day. Please stop posting have a great day.  Please stop posting Lifetime channel quotes of inspiration.  Please stop posting pics of the military hugging kittens.  Please stop posting how I need to make the most out of each moment.  How I need to make it count. Seriously I've had enough.

Do you know what happens when I hear that perky garabage? Besides wanting to stick a fork in my eye?....It makes me angry.  Hulk angry.  No I don't hold anyone at fault for being happy, positive, or saying nice things.  That's something everyone might want to take a dose of.  It's the constant repetitive badgering and non stop cheerleading.  blah blah blah blah. Are you kidding me?  Stop it. Go to tell yourself to make a great day..then tell us after the day is done how it was great. Chances are nothing happened but your waste of time words.  Hey if you need it to convince yourself...go for it.  But I'm raising my hand here in case you were wondering if it doesnt effect anyone. Yeah me.  It effects me adversely.  All talk, no action.

No one does this on Google plus and nothing is ever missed. Remove all the inspiration blah blah blah...and then what do you have? You have photos, interesing updates, humor, news.

So take the cheerleading and keep it to yourself. No one wants to hear it, except the patronizers and fellow cheerleaders.  Annoying!

Pretty please with unicorns on top?  Anyone know where I can sharpen my forks?

Oh that reminds me...keep sending pics of you with a fork...running low.

Truth: Worm Food

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  The other day I had the cool luxury of going fishing.  I love to fish.  I'm not one of those Cabella types or super boaters, or a bass fisherman. I just like to fish whenever possible.

Today I wake up thinking about the worms I used for the fish.  Most were eaten away by the fish I didn't catch.  Nonetheless, I was thinking about the little container I bought them in and how much that cost to make.  How many empty ones are in a landfill across the country? How many worms get eaten by fish?

Who puts the worms in those containers? Who counts them.  $2.50 per container. The store probably paid $1.00 for each. They make $1.50 profit. Each container has 12 worms.  So it's about 8.3 cents per worm for the supplier. Interesting yes? No? Yes!

How much time and effort does it take to produce worms? Are there worm farms? Where are these worm farms? Are their different kinds of worms?  Who counts these worms? What kind of dirt do worms use?  Are there worm eggs?  How do you incubate them?

There's an entire worm industry out there and no one is thinking about it, except me and the worm guys.

You know when youn die, and your body becomes worm food?  Well what if the worm ate the body of someone you knew...then you bought the worm later for fishing. You caught the fish. Then you ate the fish.  Essentially eating the person you know.

The cycle of life.  The crazy cycle of worm food life. An entire industry...amazing I must say.

Haven't caught a mermaid yet.

Truth: No You Listen!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. You have to read The Hunger Games.  You have to go see The Avengers.  You have to watch The Hatfields & The McCoys.  You have to get a blue ray player.  You need to get an Iphone.  You have to see Dancing with the Stars.  You gotta go to Sonic for their shakes. You have to try chicken shwarma.

Paul Revere, that raider wasn't the only one who told everyone that the British were coming you know.  There were many people who know and were warned.  Paul Revere though was the one who was credited with passing along the information. Why? Well because he was the man.  He was trusted.  Everyone knew who he was.

Would everyone listen to you if you told them about a certain place or thing? Would they trust you?  Paul Revere was revered.  He was trusted.  He worked to get that honor from the people.  So those that were warned by the others may have listened, but many probably didn't.  However when Paul spoke, it became part of legend.

So who's going to listen to what you have to say? Everyone tells everyone what they should read, watch, see, eat, and where they should go.  Yet after a while does the mass messaging because just noise? Does it become annoying?  Does it become commonplace.  I've never been to the Bahamas...but I've heard so many bad things about it over the years that I now have no intention of ever going.  Credible sources?  Perhaps...but enough people giving their truth and mis-truths, is even to become truth.  At that point, it wasn't because some Paul Revere told me not to go, but the masses have pounded enough fear and information/misinformation that the deed is done.

So sometimes it is who you know. Sometimes it is how many people you know. Ya know?

Truth - Magic Gardens

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  There's this dude I know who I really have nothing in common with.  We hardly ever talk, but once a year.  The one time a year we talk is late May and early June. We talk "Garden".  He is really into his garden and his passion is infectious. This guy know his stuff.

There is nothing like eating a fresh vegetable from the garden. Nothing. They taste better. They are organic.  They just make you feel better.  Perhaps the pride in growing food is part of it. People that have gardens and maintain them are cool. Yeah yeah yeah some of you without gardens are cool too...but I digress.

Not only vegetable gardens, but fruit, and floral gardens as well.  I think it takes a certain effort to care for a garden.  Beside the obvious work, I am talking about the design and layout.  The desire to have it look and feel just right. Have you ever see Monet's gardens?  I've seen photos of them, and that's cool stuff.  That's what is needed around these cement cities we live in.

Hardly anyone takes the time to care for their landscape...to grow some food...to beautify their communities.  Yeah you may cut the grass, but so what? You may clean your pool, but so what.  Beautify your home, then it will spread.  The value of your home will increase, as will the quality of life. Aesthetics are important. If you don't care, why should anyone else?

My friend Michael Rowley is a master gardener.  He doesn't have a website, but I wish he did. I've seen photos of his garden, and the work he puts into it.  Its nothing short of masterful to say the least. The bottom lines is, he cares.  He cares how things look. He cares how it helps nature.  He cares.

Put the beer down. Turn off the TV.  Go make the world a better place and plant something.  And no, I'm not the slightest tree hugger or granola person...but the environment (not politically) is super important.

Truth: Never Healthy

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  I have to be very honest here. I don't think I have ever felt completely healthy.  Not anytime in my adult life that I can remember.  Yes I've felt great, I've felt better, and I felt pretty good.  Always though, there has been some kind of ailment, illness, bug, ache, or allergy.

No I'm not a hypochondriac.  On the flip side, I ignore those things as much as possible.  Not from a cause effect, but from a complain effect.  I don't want to sound like a wimp or be a wimp.  At any rate, it's a never ending battle trying to figure it out.

Without the physical how can I improve on the mental.  The desire is there, and I've made huge strides in all directions.  I am no where near what I want to be of course.  I'm probably in the worst shape of my life.  Eating wise I've improved better than ever.  However taking a year off of hockey has really shut me down.  Recovery time for anything takes longer and longer.

When I'm beat, I'm beat. The energy physically isn't there like it used to me. Mentally yes...I have the desire and passion to get er done.  Physically though...that needs some work.

So as I trek to figuring it out, because what works for you hasn't worked for me...I'll get to where I want.  I just hope that I don't go the rest of my life not knowing what it feels like to feel great, sick free, and pain free. I've fixed some things in me, and it has made a world of difference.  Now to the next level.

Chicks: High Maintenance

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Being an expert on women, I can look at one and immediately tell you within 15 minutes if they are high maintenance or not.  Yes, yes I can.  Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Google +, in person, on television, or hearing about them.

All it takes is to see how they pose in their photos.  How they are acting.  What they like. What they are interested in.  Now, don't get me wrong, this is not a bad thing and I am not being critical.  Some guys could care less. I could care less for the most part.  It just gives me a reason to laugh with and at them over their drama, and inability to get their hands dirty in life.  Again, not a criticism...just an observation.

It helps to know how people are, how they act, how they relate to things and circumstances.  You'll then be better prepared to handle and relate to them when necessary.   You'll also know when to count on them for things...or not!

What you say?  How can I spot one. ..
...she cares more about how she looks than her kids.
...she pouts the entire time during dinner at a restaurant she picked.
...she complains how dirty your car is.
...she has more than 2 bags for an overnight stay.
...she could care less about the outdoors or nature.
...she spends over $200 for a hair appointment.
...she won't drink tap water.
...she has to drink the most expensive drinks.
...she has to have the latest top brand gadgets.
...she has no clue on her financial situation.
...she has to go out every Friday and Saturday.
...she complains about their men to everyone.
...she has pets just to have a pet.
...she never met a mirror she didn't like.
...she is a princess, because she tells you she is.
...she complains about what you do for fun without her.
...she demands time and attention.
...she expects you to pay for everything.
...she too self absorbed in her own drama.
...she lives in a bubble.
...she has to have what the Jones' have.
...she thinks the grass is greener.
...she won't drive a mini-van even though she has 4 kids.

You get my drift right?  You know who you are!

courtesy of bella sugar

Truth: Tactful Gossip

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It's funny when people tell you things about other people.  When you ask about someone it is one thing, when you don't...well it is a bit funny if you think about it.

The usual...So and so has this item. So and so did that. So and so dated this person. So and so lost money doing this.  So and so likes to go to that place.  It goes on and on.  Now the general consensus is, if you talk about other people you are just a gossip person.  If you talk about other people, you have issues. Is that really the case? I think not. Well not always.

I think everyone does it. We talk about celebrities, public officials, neighbors, criminals, coworkers, friends, family.  We just do.  We probably talk about people more so than any other subject when it comes down to it.  People, whether you hate them, need them, like them, want them...it's a popular subject.  It's what we talk about.

Imagine having a conversation that didn't include people. You'd be hard pressed. Now I'm not saying gossip is a good thing actually. What I'm saying is, it is unavoidable.  Just be tactful.  Don't talk for the sake of ego, or attacking.  Don't talk because you have nothing better to do.  Please by all means, don't tell me about judging or the right to judge or not.  We all do it. It is how we get by in life.  Tact, it what is lacking in society.


Did you hear about the blogger who has a periwinkle dinosaur and is god's gift to women?  Let me tell you...in secret of course...