This is going to be a short article. I took some free time today and played around with a few different designs for an app for this blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and an RSS feed from this site (a quick way to view several articles at once). I settled on 2 designs that I liked. A "Plain Jane" version the had social features like commenting, liking, and sharing. The other didn't have the same social elements, but was a lot cleaner looking, and easier on the eyes. I thought hard about it, and made my decision. And to solidify my decision, I showed my wife the same 2 apps and made her pick one as well. She picked the same one, so that's the one I'm going to share. Below you will find a link to install this to your android device.
Things to know about this app:
It is free. (YEAH! Free is Great!)
This is a basic app, it' won't make you breakfast and coffee in the mornings.
This does not install from the "Google Play Store".
To be able to install it you must got to "Settings" -->"Applications" --> and then check "Unknown Sources"
I don't have the funds to add it to the market, so this is how I can keep it free.
There are 2 ways to install it. Download it on a desktop computer, move it to your phone, and then install. The other way is to visit this page directly from your phone, click the link, and when it downloads, install it.
Here's the download link: Download App
I just wanted to pass this along to anyone that wanted it, wanted to play with it, try it, test it, or try it to give some feedback. I have tried and tested this on my own phone and everything works properly.
Sorry iOS users, I don't have an Apple version.
Have a great day, and do something nice for someone else. Pay It Forward.
Pay it Forward.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Conspiracy Theory
I feel like having a little fun, so I recorded a new podcast on my Spreaker account (The blue audio player above.). I have heard conspiracy theories about everything. There may be truth to the stories, or they could be from the farthest stretches of the mind. I don't know, but I think the conversations are very interesting nonetheless. I won't spoil the audio by writing it out. I encourage comments from either side of the spectrum. I don't try to dispel either side, I'm just trying to have some fun, and hear what others have to say. You can leave comments below, and/or I have made a special link to include the hashtag I mentioned in the audio. All you have to do is click, and type your response at the end (make sure you click in the box to deselect the text, or you will just overwrite it, and I'll never see it).
Here's the Twitter link: http://clicktotweet.com/uH5wa
If you have any theories of your own, put them in the comments below and/or use the Twitter link above.
Do something nice for someone else, and Pay It Forward.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Proud Papa Moment
I know I already wrote a post earlier today, but this one is more of a journal post than an article. I wanted to share a collection of moments that just touches my heart, from a Daddy's viewpoint. My wife and I rarely go out anymore whether it be because of a lack of time, lack of money, or just pure lack of "get-up-and-go". We finally got to go out by ourselves the other night (Thanks Grandma!). While we were out we took pictures of each other to share on the "Socialwebs" that we got a date night. We finished our date and got back home. My wife saved the picture of me as the wallpaper on her phone and our youngest daughter saw me on the screen. The screen only lit up for about 10 seconds and would go out. Our daughter took Mommy's phone and was playing with my picture and looking at me grinning. When the screen went out though, she would literally throw the phone back at Mommy (we know throwing stuff at Mommy's isn't nice, but we made the exception because it was so funny to watch). She threw the phone back until Mommy would turn the screen back on, which she would play with my picture, and turn towards me and grin. This cycle went on for a while. Below is a video I shot of her before we stopped and got her ready for bed.
My other daughter, "Critter" is older and is also my little shadow. She refuses to let me out of her sight most of the time, and she wants to do, or help do anything that Daddy does. Since she is older, we do quite a bit of stuff together, that Buggy will get to do when she gets older too. I have posted a few YouTube videos including her doing the little things...wait a minute, let me say that a different way...I posted videos of her doing things that are common and simple to me, but mean the world to her. And that's all I really look for, is trying to find ways to make wonderful memories with my children. I'll post some of her videos below if you care to see them, or you can visit my YouTube channel by clicking the tab at the top of the page.
These are just a few of my Proud Papa moments. They happen all the time, and if I posted every one of them on here, I don't think I would ever get a break from writing. So girls, when you get older, and if you ever read this, Daddy loves you. You better KNOW it.
Now, it's time to go play with my "youngins".
Remember, do something nice for someone else. Pay It Forward.
Who will you be tomorrow?
Yesterday I was the guy that works outside all day to try and make his home look presentable. Today, I'm the man that is enjoying some downtime with the kids. Who will I be tomorrow? Regardless of my chore or job for the day, I believe I am the same man. Every day I try to be a good role model for our future generation. Whether it's my children, other's children, or anyone else that notices me whether I know it or not. I'm not perfect and I don't claim to be. I watch scary/violent movies and I use foul language at times. In today's society, that is more acceptable than it was many years back. It doesn't make it right, but easier for people to swallow, so to speak. Many people would say I should be categorized under "A**Hole", and that would probably be true. But they would also have to say I am a fair and moral "A**hole". Only because of how stubborn I am about being as fair as possible and honestly trying to do the right thing. I try to instill these traits into the next generation, with the exception of the stubborn part. I default that to my genetic make up. If I can make my impact on just one person, but hopefully more, I think I have fulfilled my task that I charged upon myself.
I read an article several years back that talked about Adolf Hitler's DNA being used to clone him and creating another ruthless dictator. Without reciting the entire article, it pretty much said it would be nearly impossible because Hitler's entire life could not be forged from his DNA, but only by living the life Hitler actually lived. I thought to myself, "What would happen if Hitler was cloned, and I raised him?". Would one of history's most notorious people go from a German speaking Nazi rallying for world domination by eliminating all but "the perfect race", into a Southern speaking city boy with country upbringing that rallies for world peace by trying to infuse everyone INTO a (for lack of better wording) perfect race. By race, I am not talking about color, but the HUMAN race as a whole. I thought it would be funny and kind of cool at the same time. How would you have changed Hitler's clone if given the opportunity?
Using the example of Hitler from above, I would almost like to see it done just to prove whether good or bad is learned or genetic. My argument would have to be for learned. I honestly believe that the things we do today affects what happens tomorrow, and that we are truly in control of our own futures. Sometimes things happen by chance, which I leave to the variables of life. Nothing about life is 100% predictable. But I do thing it is "guidable". If someone wants to be rich, they have a few options. One would be, go to school, get your diplomas/certificates/degrees and pursue the money you desire to the top, or start your own business and run with it until you reach an apex. Another way would be to invent or create and sell your ideas or stories. Then there is my way. I chased the money, and even found it for a while. I made very good money doing a very easy task that only required a few weeks of training, and a keen eye for detail. After a few years I was laid off and that money went away. But I still feel I kept the riches, and here's why. Yes I made good money at that job, but that job is also where I met my wife, and started my family. A family is all I ever really wanted in life. I set forth the events in my own life and achieved the outcome I wanted. The only variable was applying for a job and meeting the woman I love which somehow fell in place within a year's time.
There was a whole chain of events that lead up to me having a family of my own, but I held the reigns for most of that journey. If you want the most out of life you have to jump up and grab it sometimes, or you will miss it altogether. Let nothing stand in your way when you find what you really want in life. Don't be anyone's puppet either. They have their own life to live, as do you. Make the absolute best out of what you have in life, and try to attain those things you want included in with it.
I know that life is complex, but it can generally be broken down into two paths. Good or bad. I even have my own ratio as to what I go by to determine whether someone/thing is good or bad. I use a 70%/30% rule. I even try to live my own life by this rule. I'll explain it briefly, and answer any questions below. It's pretty simple. 70 is more than half (using a 100% scale). 70 is also more than double 30 (30% completes the 100% scale). Now this is where personal judgment and morality takes over. When I try to judge whether I think a person or thing is good or bad I give them a score like you would a math test in high school. If that person or thing rates close to or above a 70, I deem that that person or thing is "good". I think that 30% is good enough to cover the negative stuff. For example, I'll rate myself. I would give myself between a 75 and 80. That gives about 20%-25% to cover the bad stuff I know I've done, and even the things that I've done wrong, when I felt it was for the right reason. I know a lot of people don't feel it's right to judge others. I don't walk around judging everyone. I use my judging system the same way a bank uses your credit score. If you have bad credit, they won't lend you money. If you have a bad rating with me, I don't need you around in my life. Same concept with a different application. Your credit score changes depending on how you manage your finances. A "credit score" with me changes depending on how you manage you choices in life. If you steal and lie, don't try to be in my life.
I hope that something I have written here will provoke some thought or inspire some positive influence in your life. I know that I talk about negative things, or things that may SOUND negative, but I always try to have a positive outlook or find a positive outcome when I can. I don't do it to the point of living in a fantasy, but sometimes when you're down, it makes life a little easier to cope with. There's no need to be down in life, cause it just brings you down. When people talk for a long time others say that person is long winded, so when someone types a lot, are they long-fingered? I think I have written quite a bit on this, and it's time to move on.
As always, do the right thing, and do something good for someone else. Pay It Forward.
I read an article several years back that talked about Adolf Hitler's DNA being used to clone him and creating another ruthless dictator. Without reciting the entire article, it pretty much said it would be nearly impossible because Hitler's entire life could not be forged from his DNA, but only by living the life Hitler actually lived. I thought to myself, "What would happen if Hitler was cloned, and I raised him?". Would one of history's most notorious people go from a German speaking Nazi rallying for world domination by eliminating all but "the perfect race", into a Southern speaking city boy with country upbringing that rallies for world peace by trying to infuse everyone INTO a (for lack of better wording) perfect race. By race, I am not talking about color, but the HUMAN race as a whole. I thought it would be funny and kind of cool at the same time. How would you have changed Hitler's clone if given the opportunity?
Using the example of Hitler from above, I would almost like to see it done just to prove whether good or bad is learned or genetic. My argument would have to be for learned. I honestly believe that the things we do today affects what happens tomorrow, and that we are truly in control of our own futures. Sometimes things happen by chance, which I leave to the variables of life. Nothing about life is 100% predictable. But I do thing it is "guidable". If someone wants to be rich, they have a few options. One would be, go to school, get your diplomas/certificates/degrees and pursue the money you desire to the top, or start your own business and run with it until you reach an apex. Another way would be to invent or create and sell your ideas or stories. Then there is my way. I chased the money, and even found it for a while. I made very good money doing a very easy task that only required a few weeks of training, and a keen eye for detail. After a few years I was laid off and that money went away. But I still feel I kept the riches, and here's why. Yes I made good money at that job, but that job is also where I met my wife, and started my family. A family is all I ever really wanted in life. I set forth the events in my own life and achieved the outcome I wanted. The only variable was applying for a job and meeting the woman I love which somehow fell in place within a year's time.
There was a whole chain of events that lead up to me having a family of my own, but I held the reigns for most of that journey. If you want the most out of life you have to jump up and grab it sometimes, or you will miss it altogether. Let nothing stand in your way when you find what you really want in life. Don't be anyone's puppet either. They have their own life to live, as do you. Make the absolute best out of what you have in life, and try to attain those things you want included in with it.
I know that life is complex, but it can generally be broken down into two paths. Good or bad. I even have my own ratio as to what I go by to determine whether someone/thing is good or bad. I use a 70%/30% rule. I even try to live my own life by this rule. I'll explain it briefly, and answer any questions below. It's pretty simple. 70 is more than half (using a 100% scale). 70 is also more than double 30 (30% completes the 100% scale). Now this is where personal judgment and morality takes over. When I try to judge whether I think a person or thing is good or bad I give them a score like you would a math test in high school. If that person or thing rates close to or above a 70, I deem that that person or thing is "good". I think that 30% is good enough to cover the negative stuff. For example, I'll rate myself. I would give myself between a 75 and 80. That gives about 20%-25% to cover the bad stuff I know I've done, and even the things that I've done wrong, when I felt it was for the right reason. I know a lot of people don't feel it's right to judge others. I don't walk around judging everyone. I use my judging system the same way a bank uses your credit score. If you have bad credit, they won't lend you money. If you have a bad rating with me, I don't need you around in my life. Same concept with a different application. Your credit score changes depending on how you manage your finances. A "credit score" with me changes depending on how you manage you choices in life. If you steal and lie, don't try to be in my life.
I hope that something I have written here will provoke some thought or inspire some positive influence in your life. I know that I talk about negative things, or things that may SOUND negative, but I always try to have a positive outlook or find a positive outcome when I can. I don't do it to the point of living in a fantasy, but sometimes when you're down, it makes life a little easier to cope with. There's no need to be down in life, cause it just brings you down. When people talk for a long time others say that person is long winded, so when someone types a lot, are they long-fingered? I think I have written quite a bit on this, and it's time to move on.
As always, do the right thing, and do something good for someone else. Pay It Forward.
Friday, May 18, 2012
How to make a Kickin' Chicken Stew
Part of my family's traditions when I was growing up was going to "Chicken Stews". For some people a Chicken Stew is an event. For others it may be the actual stew cooking in the pot. For me it was being around the people I enjoyed being with, and getting to chow down on some good food. A few weeks ago, I was telling my wife about the Chicken Stews I went to growing up, and she had never heard of them, and I proceeded to tell her what they were, and tried to show her...but there wasn't hardly anything online about it. The only thing I truly found was a Wikipedia article that gave a brief description and I believe a 1-2 sentence basic ingredient list. I was so disappointed in my findings that I set out to be quite possibly the first person to share this recipe online ( I doubt it too, but I can dream. Besides, I couldn't find one, so it's a first in my eyes). So get your pen and paper and get ready to be schooled on the next best thing you may ever eat.
Before I move on to the ingredients and how to make it, I want you to know that I wish I had the photos and video to walk you through this step by step but I don't. I will make this promise though. If I get an overwhelming response to this post I WILL make a video from start to finish of how to do it. I'm not lazy, but it is a pretty hefty task of cooking and trying to film by yourself with a couple of kids running around. Okay, now on to the goods!
Ingredients:
If you are one of those people that measure out things to the exact drop and go strictly by a recipe, then you need to run and hide right now. I cook by the seat of my pants? Kind of. I cook until the food looks and tastes right to me, and the may mean altering or changing stuff along the way to make it happen. Cooking is really about preference. I will give some substitutions along the way, but overall, I'm sharing this the way I would serve it to someone.
To start off, put your whole chicken in a large pot or crock-pot. I prefer the crock-pot, but a pot is fine if your in a hurry. You can use chicken breast instead of a whole bird but the flavor just won't be there. Most of the flavor in this dish comes from the slow cooking on the bone just like a barbecue is done.
One you have the bird in the cooking dish of choice, cover it as much as possible with chicken stock. I save my leftover stock from one stew to the next, which seems to intensify the flavor a little more. Store bought stock will also be fine. If you don't have stock on hand, or don't feel like getting any, water will work also, just add a couple of chicken bouillon cubes to the water.
Cook times vary on the chicken. If you do the crock-pot method, you can put it on before bed, and you'll know it's ready by the time you're ready to cook dinner the following day. If you cook it on the stove top, you need to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through. When you start to break the chicken down, if you notice any pink or bloody spots, don't fear. Keep on breaking it down, and add it back to the pot with some stock to cook a little longer until done.
Once the chicken is done, you have to remove the bone and shred the meat. I usually cut the wings and legs off first. Then I cut the breast and tenders away from the spine. Always double check for little bones. I do the dirty work of cutting all the meat away from the bone and cartilage, but I cheat when it comes to shredding it. Shredding it by hand works good, especially if you use a fork or two. I cheat. I place my meat in a "Ninja" food processor, and cover all the meat with stock and *blitz* it a few seconds at a time to achieve a small but sizable shred of meat.
Now is the time to strain your stock and set it to the side for a minute. If you use the processor method above, be sure to strain the stock first.
If you use the processor method, just pour your blended meat back into the pot. If you shredded the meat by hand or other means, add it back to the pot, and cover with strained stock. This is where preference seems to come into play. I don't use all of the stock that I got from my chicken to cover it back with. I tend to like mine a little bit thicker, so I lay off of some of the stock. Bring your stock and meat up to a slight boil and add in about a cup of whole milk.
I use flour to thicken my stew. The trick is you really shouldn't add flour to hot liquids because it just clumps and makes the stew lumpy. A way around this is to pour about a half cup of whole milk and mix in enough flour to thicken the milk some. It should be about equal parts milk and flour. Now you can pour the flour/milk mix into the stew while stirring without getting the flour clumps.
Adjust the flour and milk to achieve the thickness you want. Thicker means more flour, thinner means more milk.
Now for the butter. I generally add a whole stick. This is completely up to your butter preference.
Add salt and pepper to taste. I also throw in another chicken bouillon cube or two for good measure. You can also add the hot sauce to it now, but we usually let everyone do that on their own because of the kids. We also serve it over saltine crackers, but again that's just preference.
I know this might look like a lot, but it really isn't. I was just trying to describe the steps in lieu of photos and video. There isn't anything really hard about making a chicken stew. Just remember to try not to rush it. Take your time and take pride in your work. When you take pride in it and love what you are doing, the food will speak novels via taste that your mouth could never explain.
If anyone out there was curious before about how to make this stew, I hope I quenched that curiosity well enough. Feel free to ask questions below or on one of the social sites. If you feel I left something out, please share it below for everyone else.
As always, do something nice for someone else and always try to Pay It Forward.
Before I move on to the ingredients and how to make it, I want you to know that I wish I had the photos and video to walk you through this step by step but I don't. I will make this promise though. If I get an overwhelming response to this post I WILL make a video from start to finish of how to do it. I'm not lazy, but it is a pretty hefty task of cooking and trying to film by yourself with a couple of kids running around. Okay, now on to the goods!
Ingredients:
- 1 Whole Chicken
- All Purpose Flour
- Whole Milk
- Butter / Margarine (Pref. Butter)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chicken Stock (Homemade if possible)
- Chicken Bouillon Cubes
- Hot Sauce
- Saltine Crackers
If you are one of those people that measure out things to the exact drop and go strictly by a recipe, then you need to run and hide right now. I cook by the seat of my pants? Kind of. I cook until the food looks and tastes right to me, and the may mean altering or changing stuff along the way to make it happen. Cooking is really about preference. I will give some substitutions along the way, but overall, I'm sharing this the way I would serve it to someone.
To start off, put your whole chicken in a large pot or crock-pot. I prefer the crock-pot, but a pot is fine if your in a hurry. You can use chicken breast instead of a whole bird but the flavor just won't be there. Most of the flavor in this dish comes from the slow cooking on the bone just like a barbecue is done.
One you have the bird in the cooking dish of choice, cover it as much as possible with chicken stock. I save my leftover stock from one stew to the next, which seems to intensify the flavor a little more. Store bought stock will also be fine. If you don't have stock on hand, or don't feel like getting any, water will work also, just add a couple of chicken bouillon cubes to the water.
Cook times vary on the chicken. If you do the crock-pot method, you can put it on before bed, and you'll know it's ready by the time you're ready to cook dinner the following day. If you cook it on the stove top, you need to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through. When you start to break the chicken down, if you notice any pink or bloody spots, don't fear. Keep on breaking it down, and add it back to the pot with some stock to cook a little longer until done.
Once the chicken is done, you have to remove the bone and shred the meat. I usually cut the wings and legs off first. Then I cut the breast and tenders away from the spine. Always double check for little bones. I do the dirty work of cutting all the meat away from the bone and cartilage, but I cheat when it comes to shredding it. Shredding it by hand works good, especially if you use a fork or two. I cheat. I place my meat in a "Ninja" food processor, and cover all the meat with stock and *blitz* it a few seconds at a time to achieve a small but sizable shred of meat.
Now is the time to strain your stock and set it to the side for a minute. If you use the processor method above, be sure to strain the stock first.
If you use the processor method, just pour your blended meat back into the pot. If you shredded the meat by hand or other means, add it back to the pot, and cover with strained stock. This is where preference seems to come into play. I don't use all of the stock that I got from my chicken to cover it back with. I tend to like mine a little bit thicker, so I lay off of some of the stock. Bring your stock and meat up to a slight boil and add in about a cup of whole milk.
I use flour to thicken my stew. The trick is you really shouldn't add flour to hot liquids because it just clumps and makes the stew lumpy. A way around this is to pour about a half cup of whole milk and mix in enough flour to thicken the milk some. It should be about equal parts milk and flour. Now you can pour the flour/milk mix into the stew while stirring without getting the flour clumps.
Adjust the flour and milk to achieve the thickness you want. Thicker means more flour, thinner means more milk.
Now for the butter. I generally add a whole stick. This is completely up to your butter preference.
Add salt and pepper to taste. I also throw in another chicken bouillon cube or two for good measure. You can also add the hot sauce to it now, but we usually let everyone do that on their own because of the kids. We also serve it over saltine crackers, but again that's just preference.
I know this might look like a lot, but it really isn't. I was just trying to describe the steps in lieu of photos and video. There isn't anything really hard about making a chicken stew. Just remember to try not to rush it. Take your time and take pride in your work. When you take pride in it and love what you are doing, the food will speak novels via taste that your mouth could never explain.
If anyone out there was curious before about how to make this stew, I hope I quenched that curiosity well enough. Feel free to ask questions below or on one of the social sites. If you feel I left something out, please share it below for everyone else.
As always, do something nice for someone else and always try to Pay It Forward.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Who are you?
Who are you? I know exactly who I am. I'm that guy you may or may not have passed in the street. I'm that guy that teaches his kids to stand up for what is right, by standing up for what he feels is right. What is right? Is something right based on your opinion? Is it right because it sounds good? Maybe it's right just because it's right.
I know my last post kind of went slightly into a rant of sorts. Oh well, I said my piece on it, and I still feel the same way, and it's time to move on. I don't intend for my writings to be rants, but more along the lines of thought provoking. Or you could call it brain prodding if you believe contrary to my ways, which is fine too. I don't get into politics and votes and all that mumbo jumbo, which I will explain why later. But interwoven in the political scene is something that catches my attention and bothers me at the same time. I don't want to debate morality of the issue, but more so the concept behind it.
What catches my attention? People starting their own campaign for elected positions. I can see someone already holding the position and wanting to be reelected, which doesn't concern me. But I feel that if someone is to be elected to a position the people should pick that person or persons and go from there. Not so much the, I want to run for this title, and so do these guys, pick one of us. I am also a firm believer in "job-advancement", where if someone holding a position does well, and would like to be elected for a higher position, they should be first in the running. If I'm not mistaken many years ago holding a public office was a great symbol of pride bestowed upon an individual, where now it just seems to be about the money and the topics of debate. It doesn't seem like anyone want to advance our country from where it was, but more like once someone is placed in a position, everything they do is geared towards the next PERSONAL advancement for themselves. Don't get me wrong. I love my country. I spent 4 years in R.O.T.C. learning military values. I served proudly in the U.S.Army and was Honorably Discharged. I have read and even lived the ups and downs of the country I live in. With that said, I want to see only the best for my country, and I don't think the tactics I observe from day to day are the right moves for that to happen. What do YOU think should change to make our America the best it could be?
Why don't I get involved with politics, voting, this ballot and that? It's pretty simple. The entire format doesn't fit into what I feel is fair and right for my country, much less my county, district or state. I alone cannot change how it is done aside from sharing my thoughts with others. Maybe the right people will read what I have written and passed along and share it to the point that I start a movement. A movement in what I believe is in the right direction. At that point I will gladly stand with my fellow countrymen and women and help reconstruct our nation. Hey, I may dream big, but at least I'm dreaming. I guess my overall point for having nothing to do with politics is this. If you only have choices A and B, and you don't approve of either one are you better off picking the lessor of two evils and hoping it works, or not choosing either and knowing you're not responsible for the messes they make? I feel that sharing my thoughts with others may get some people out there to think outside of the box, and as a whole, we can make things better. Until then, it's just hoping.
I want to know what you think. Am I nuts for my way of thinking? Should I just assimilate? Do you have a different point of view to share with others? I'm all ears...oh, and part brain too.
That's all for today. Please take a little time out of your day to do something nice for someone else. Pay it Forward.
I know my last post kind of went slightly into a rant of sorts. Oh well, I said my piece on it, and I still feel the same way, and it's time to move on. I don't intend for my writings to be rants, but more along the lines of thought provoking. Or you could call it brain prodding if you believe contrary to my ways, which is fine too. I don't get into politics and votes and all that mumbo jumbo, which I will explain why later. But interwoven in the political scene is something that catches my attention and bothers me at the same time. I don't want to debate morality of the issue, but more so the concept behind it.
What catches my attention? People starting their own campaign for elected positions. I can see someone already holding the position and wanting to be reelected, which doesn't concern me. But I feel that if someone is to be elected to a position the people should pick that person or persons and go from there. Not so much the, I want to run for this title, and so do these guys, pick one of us. I am also a firm believer in "job-advancement", where if someone holding a position does well, and would like to be elected for a higher position, they should be first in the running. If I'm not mistaken many years ago holding a public office was a great symbol of pride bestowed upon an individual, where now it just seems to be about the money and the topics of debate. It doesn't seem like anyone want to advance our country from where it was, but more like once someone is placed in a position, everything they do is geared towards the next PERSONAL advancement for themselves. Don't get me wrong. I love my country. I spent 4 years in R.O.T.C. learning military values. I served proudly in the U.S.Army and was Honorably Discharged. I have read and even lived the ups and downs of the country I live in. With that said, I want to see only the best for my country, and I don't think the tactics I observe from day to day are the right moves for that to happen. What do YOU think should change to make our America the best it could be?
Why don't I get involved with politics, voting, this ballot and that? It's pretty simple. The entire format doesn't fit into what I feel is fair and right for my country, much less my county, district or state. I alone cannot change how it is done aside from sharing my thoughts with others. Maybe the right people will read what I have written and passed along and share it to the point that I start a movement. A movement in what I believe is in the right direction. At that point I will gladly stand with my fellow countrymen and women and help reconstruct our nation. Hey, I may dream big, but at least I'm dreaming. I guess my overall point for having nothing to do with politics is this. If you only have choices A and B, and you don't approve of either one are you better off picking the lessor of two evils and hoping it works, or not choosing either and knowing you're not responsible for the messes they make? I feel that sharing my thoughts with others may get some people out there to think outside of the box, and as a whole, we can make things better. Until then, it's just hoping.
I want to know what you think. Am I nuts for my way of thinking? Should I just assimilate? Do you have a different point of view to share with others? I'm all ears...oh, and part brain too.
That's all for today. Please take a little time out of your day to do something nice for someone else. Pay it Forward.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
How many friends will I have after this?
Above this text you will see an audio player. I highly encourage you to play this and listen to it. If you agree with it, please share it. If you agree or disagree with it, I want to know why. Fill in a comment below. Now. What is this all about? It's about a touchy subject I have been hearing about for the past day or so. It's about letting Gays and Lesbians get married. I've heard the arguments and slander from both sides, and understand both sides of the argument. I have my own belief, which does side with the Gay and Lesbian side, but I feel from what I've seen, it may be for different reasons. Let me lay it out for you.
If you want to understand where my point of view comes from, listen to it above. I'm just going to write out the basics here. The only debate I see being thrown up as to why homosexuals should NOT be allowed to get married is strictly religious point of view. When does religion dictate law? My question to those with that debate is, "What about people that have a different belief?". Are they wrong for having a belief that doesn't coincide with yours? What about homosexuals that do follow the Bible and understand their sins, and they are prepared to pay for that sin in the afterlife? I can't personally quote the Bible. I don't feel the need to, or even want to. But I have read it, in different versions, and have a fairly decent understanding of it. I'm not a scholar, but I have a good idea of what I'm talking about. That would be, as with most religions, they are open to interpretation. Now, for other people that maybe don't follow the Bible, or have completely different beliefs altogether... What does YOUR Bible and YOUR beliefs have to do with THEM? Don't take me the wrong way. I am not trashing Christians or their beliefs. I am trashing the belief that the Bible and God are the ONLY beliefs available to people. It doesn't matter to me if someone is Atheist, Baptist, Pagan, or Voodoo High Priest. What does matter to me is that people have something to believe in. Even an Atheist believes that there is no higher being. They stick to their beliefs. They don't push their beliefs onto others. But they will respond when the time calls for it.
Like the title of this blog mentions, I don't really know how many friends I'll have after this. But as I think about it, I think I may know the answer. If I lose a friend over this, they weren't a friend to start with. That means my answer would be, "All of them.". All of my friends will still be there after this.
If you listen to the entire clip, please follow the call to action. Do what you feel is the right thing, and stand up for what you believe in. If any portion of the audio or this writing motivate you or inspire you, please share it with others in the hopes that your passion will pass along with it.
Do something good for someone else, and Pay it Forward.
Monday, May 07, 2012
What about you?
My family and I were outside doing some yard work today. It never fails, when I work outside my mind wanders to pass the time. Here lately my mind keeps going back to the same topic. I'm not going to share a lot of in depth information, but I will share enough to try and make an inspirational point at the end. Hopefully someone out there will digest this and make some use of it. Here goes...
It wasn't very long after high school I lost my father. So I took every chance I could to surround myself with friends and family, and try not to feel down about my loss. I really try to be an upbeat and happy-go-lucky kind of person. I mourned and grieved like anyone else would who loses a close parent, but I also wanted to find a light to follow out of the darkness I felt I was embedded in. I worked a regular schedule and tried to run a home. In my free time I would find something to go out and do with my friends or family. At the time I always had somewhere I could go, or something to do.So I would say I did a great job of occupying my time and staying busy to stay out of "the darkness".
What had started out as occupying my time seemed to take a slight twist which I loved. I was the "Go To Person" for most of my family, and a few of my friends. Anytime they needed something I was there. If they needed a designated driver, I was there. I was part of every family function, and never left out of anything. I was the person that anyone could talk to in confidence, and could take a secret to the grave. Everyone had my number, and I always answered. I could go on for pages about the things I did or was, but I think you get the idea.
This went on for about 8 years or so. That's a pretty good amount of time to be there for everyone. That time seemed to honestly fly by because I loved doing it. But now, let me introduce the dilemma. I now have children of my own and a loving wife. I feel that I have gone above and beyond in trying to include my new family in with my old family. I have called, visited, met with, and anything else I could do to have my children know the rest of their family. I feel like the family "I used to have" has no use for me now. I have 2 friends that I actually talk to on a pretty regular basis. I have family members that used to call me on a daily basis that haven't picked up the phone and called me in years. I don't hold any grudges against them. They all must have some sort of reason, whatever it may be. But it does hurt that the closest people in your life seem to forget about you.
Now, hopefully it is time to pass on some motivation and inspiration. I'm a grown man. I can handle the situation I have been talking about. I didn't write this for anyone's pity or sympathy. I wrote this to make you think. Is there anyone in your life that fit my description above? Do you think you are one of the people I was talking about? Who's that person you used to hang out with, but seemed to of lost touch with? Do you have any idea how it might just make that persons day to get a call or a letter, an email, text message, something that makes them feel remembered? What if you tried to rekindle the relationship you once had?
My overall point is try not to become so self-absorbed that you forget about, not just the ones you love, but quite possibly the ones that truly love you back. And just in case someone I was actually writing about reads this, I still love you like I used to. I just hate it ended so soon.
And remember, do something nice for someone else. Pay It Forward.
It wasn't very long after high school I lost my father. So I took every chance I could to surround myself with friends and family, and try not to feel down about my loss. I really try to be an upbeat and happy-go-lucky kind of person. I mourned and grieved like anyone else would who loses a close parent, but I also wanted to find a light to follow out of the darkness I felt I was embedded in. I worked a regular schedule and tried to run a home. In my free time I would find something to go out and do with my friends or family. At the time I always had somewhere I could go, or something to do.So I would say I did a great job of occupying my time and staying busy to stay out of "the darkness".
What had started out as occupying my time seemed to take a slight twist which I loved. I was the "Go To Person" for most of my family, and a few of my friends. Anytime they needed something I was there. If they needed a designated driver, I was there. I was part of every family function, and never left out of anything. I was the person that anyone could talk to in confidence, and could take a secret to the grave. Everyone had my number, and I always answered. I could go on for pages about the things I did or was, but I think you get the idea.
This went on for about 8 years or so. That's a pretty good amount of time to be there for everyone. That time seemed to honestly fly by because I loved doing it. But now, let me introduce the dilemma. I now have children of my own and a loving wife. I feel that I have gone above and beyond in trying to include my new family in with my old family. I have called, visited, met with, and anything else I could do to have my children know the rest of their family. I feel like the family "I used to have" has no use for me now. I have 2 friends that I actually talk to on a pretty regular basis. I have family members that used to call me on a daily basis that haven't picked up the phone and called me in years. I don't hold any grudges against them. They all must have some sort of reason, whatever it may be. But it does hurt that the closest people in your life seem to forget about you.
Now, hopefully it is time to pass on some motivation and inspiration. I'm a grown man. I can handle the situation I have been talking about. I didn't write this for anyone's pity or sympathy. I wrote this to make you think. Is there anyone in your life that fit my description above? Do you think you are one of the people I was talking about? Who's that person you used to hang out with, but seemed to of lost touch with? Do you have any idea how it might just make that persons day to get a call or a letter, an email, text message, something that makes them feel remembered? What if you tried to rekindle the relationship you once had?
My overall point is try not to become so self-absorbed that you forget about, not just the ones you love, but quite possibly the ones that truly love you back. And just in case someone I was actually writing about reads this, I still love you like I used to. I just hate it ended so soon.
And remember, do something nice for someone else. Pay It Forward.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Who and What.
Who and what are "Critter and Buggy"? Those are the nicknames given to my two daughters, among many others. Granted this entire blog won't be completely about my daughters, but I also won't hesitate one bit to put something about them on here. Like any proud father, I talk nonstop about my kids, so it isn't too far-fetched for me to name something after them. This entry won't be very long, basically because I don't have a lot to write about right now. I was getting tired of seeing a blank page where my blog should be though. I decided to start this after I read about another family that was documenting their sick child's life.
The inspiration fueling this blog was baby Avery, a child diagnosed with SMA. I still don't know all the details about the disease other than it is fatal in nature. I'll include a link to their blog at the bottom of this article. There, you can find out more about the disease and also see how moving the blog is. I considered it both awesome and sad at the same time.
I didn't start this to copy their idea, and I highly doubt this is 100% original in concept, but I felt compelled to write again. Whether it be about inspiration, a new recipe, my kid's activities for the day, or just plain old anything. I've been trying to video different things through the years and put them on YouTube so that when they were older they could readily go back and see how things have changed, and hopefully show their own kids. To go along with that, I kind of want to have written word for my kids, grandkids, and so on to read from me. That way even after I'm gone, they can still get a sense of who I am/was. Maybe even add on to what I have and start a tradition to keep on rolling through the family.
Please take a moment to read about baby Avery. I hope you find the story as moving as I did.
Baby Avery Link: http://www.averycan.blogspot.com/
That's all for now.
Do something good for someone else, pay it forward.
Bill Shelton
The inspiration fueling this blog was baby Avery, a child diagnosed with SMA. I still don't know all the details about the disease other than it is fatal in nature. I'll include a link to their blog at the bottom of this article. There, you can find out more about the disease and also see how moving the blog is. I considered it both awesome and sad at the same time.
I didn't start this to copy their idea, and I highly doubt this is 100% original in concept, but I felt compelled to write again. Whether it be about inspiration, a new recipe, my kid's activities for the day, or just plain old anything. I've been trying to video different things through the years and put them on YouTube so that when they were older they could readily go back and see how things have changed, and hopefully show their own kids. To go along with that, I kind of want to have written word for my kids, grandkids, and so on to read from me. That way even after I'm gone, they can still get a sense of who I am/was. Maybe even add on to what I have and start a tradition to keep on rolling through the family.
Please take a moment to read about baby Avery. I hope you find the story as moving as I did.
Baby Avery Link: http://www.averycan.blogspot.com/
That's all for now.
Do something good for someone else, pay it forward.
Bill Shelton
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