WHAT WOULD I SAY TO MY YOUNGER SELF PART 3

                   This will be my last post on this subject . I just would like to say have fun , do some thing and get involved . Find some thing to get involved with .  It will help pass the time , but not only that it will introduce you to the kind of people that you should have as friends . You will also always have some place to go and things to do .
                   If you don't get involved you will find.you will not have things to keep you busy . Your circle of friends will be small or non-existent . You will be wondering why you have no friends when you need them . Just get out there ;I don't mean hang at a bar . Join a health club , book club some kind of social group . Don't just show up , make a connection , get involved in a project .You will find you be much happier in your life '.
                 Read some books , keep up with the news , go to a movie once in while and learn some thing new . All this is so that you can join in conversations , and know a little about the subject . No one wants to be the dull one , try to be interesting . Go visit places , go on hikes ,get a hobby ; what I am saying do not be a bump on a log . We all need to have a feeling of belonging .
                Only if some one sat me down and told me me some of the things and more from this series posts I may have avoided some of my mistakes . But learnt from those mistakes , some of us are hard headed and have to learn the hard way . But we are always so much the better for it . We may not see it right away but latter on we will see it .
                Finally do not be afraid to live your own life . So go forth and enjoy the adventure .

WHAT WOULD I SAY TO MY YOUNGER SELF part 2

                               Well yesterday I gave my younger self some advise .I now realize I could not cover every thing in just a few short paragraphs . I know I need to expand on what was said on some points , and left some out .
                                On the last point I made there is so much to be said . Picking your friends affect so much of what you will do in your life .Yes they influence so much of what you will do in life . Birds of the same feather flock together .  When you are seen with a group you become known by what the group does . Every group has its own set of ethics which they go go by . It all carries over to ever thing else you do . Your relationships , your work , your family , and community is affected by it .  It represents how people see you as a person . It determines how much trust is given you . Shoot it may even make the decision of  where will work or life for you .
                              So make darn sure that is a direction in life will want to live with . Yes latter in life you can make adjustments in the kind of friends you have and your direction in life . But it may take a while to effect that change . Its easier to to get started off on the right foot though . It is also from this group where you will develop your work ethic from .. You work ethic also determines how far you will get in life . One simple rule ; if the boss ain't making money your not either . Give more than what you get . Also not only do your family and friends have to be able to trust you . If they can't trust you ; how do you expect your employer to trust you . A person always plays and lives the same way they approach their job . That is just my observation .
                        One more thing ; do not put so much of your personal life out there , less is better . Learn to to keep all parts of your life separate . Leave work at work and home at home never let the two met . Don't every one all of what your thinking . Do not let them in your head . You have got to keep some thing of your self for your self .You don't need unwanted advise from some one who may have worse problems than you . They are the ones who quick with the advise . If their advise is so good ; how come they are not listening to them self's .Like I said in my post yesterday just slow down a little and think about it a little . A answer will present itself when your ready . You see how picking your fiends can affect so much more than your social  life .It affects every thing you do .

WHAT WOULD I SAY TO MY YOUNGER SELF

                         Well if I met with my younger self what would  I say him ? That is a hard question to answer ,because I am satisfied with most of my life . Really that is a moot issue ,mainly because what is done is done , no change could come of it .
                   I will answer it any way because it may help some one that may read this . The biggest thing is try not to impatient . When comes to making decisions , slow down a little give that decision some time . Make sure you know and understand all the options . Consider the long range effects it may have on your life in later years .That extra day or so you take may make all difference in the world . You can avoid a lot of headaches just by that one move .
                 Another thing ,slow down don't be in such a hurry to grow up . Enjoy life . Live and enjoy the sights and sounds of your youth . Take your time when traveling , make sure you see all that can be seen , you may never be there again . Take part in the local customs , you may find that you will enjoy yourself .Learn the language you will find  you will get more enjoyment of the culture there . Go to the festival's , all the people that are there can't be wrong . Partake ,live and enjoy .
              One last point ; take care in picking your friends . They are a big influence on how you see things . They can effect all your decisions , and how you enjoy life . That peer pressure is a hard one to resist . The friends you have is the biggest game changer . Take my word for it , do not follow the crowd . It may lead you down a path you really don't want travel .By all means be your own person , especially if you know you are making the right decision for you .
              I could add more to this , I only barely scratched the surface . But that may be for another blog . This was intended to be a conversation with my younger self and turned out to be so much more . I hope this will help some one .

THE DAY AFTER

              Well now that I am officially one year older ; I don't feel any different than I did two days ago . But I promise you sooner or later some will expect me to act a little wiser than I was a week a ago . I do know this though every day provides another learning experience .
             A year ago the only technology  I was using was an android phone ; now here I am blogging on a laptop . So I can only just imagine what I will be doing next year .
                Learning and growing is not just limited to our youth . I think I still have a lot of time left in this world to do some big things . I just have find a way to leave my self open to new things . I can tell you I get hours of enjoyment from being on Google + . All the information ,news ,art and just plain every day fun stuff . I have yet to give Hangouts a try . I tell you this much when I get to know  many people in my circles you probably will not be able keep me off it . Over the past couple off months I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts on my blog .
                Life is just starting for me , I am only six years into to next fifty years . So there is a lot left for me to do in the world . It is my hope that I make better use of my time than I did in my youth .These just some thoughts that have been running thru my head . Now only if can take heed of them and put them to good use .

THAT DAY IS HERE

                      Yes; that day is here when this little guy turns 56 . In this picture here he is with that smile that makes people wonder what he is up to . His future held so much promise back then . That little man is me , I still have that smile , and still wait to see what I have become when I grow up .
                   I read some where that it takes seven years for the body to completely replace every cell . So that means I am entering the eighth incarnation of myself . Man ; its a good thing I am not a cat .
                Its funny how life turns out . All the things you dreamed about as you grew up , most of which never happens . As you grow older you realize you should have work harder at some things And others you should have left alone . I am not complaining though .
              I have got to go  to some wonderful places . I remember a spring day in West Germany so many years ago , I cruised down along side the Rhine river on both sides . I was in my 77 Toyota land cruiser with the top and doors off ,the windshield folded down , just taking in all the scenery the Rhine had to offer that day . The castles , the ships in the river , the villages , the grape vines on the sides of the hill and the people . As we passed through the Loreley never heard the soft whisper of a woman  at the top those rocks as the legend goes . But that may be due to fact I didn't go there at twilight . None the less that was a beautiful day , the sights were something to view , I will always remember them . So many memories but I so many many more to make .
               I wonder what will be when I grow up .

PROCRASTINATION

                             Admit it we all must have procrastinated at on time or other . Shoot that's my worst enemy ; I have done it numerous times . Many of the time times it was something that should have been important to me . Some of them were things I just did not want to face . But much to my dismay the consequences were also things I really did not what to face . I did eventually did learn what you can put off and what you can't . That lesson I assure you was learnt the hard way .If you do this to often that path you are following in life will be hard one .
                            All a sudden you wake up and wonder how in the world did I end up in this place in life . It all just starts with small things like putting the chores you need to do around the house .Eventually it starts becoming something bigger . Then people get to where they may not rely on you . You begin wonder why your friends are not involving you in their projects .
                        The past ten years I have been avoiding procrastination like the plaque . It still happens though . I just have to work at harder , what it takes is just getting of that rear end , and do something . Just make some progress . Get rid of all distractions if that is what it takes . Every day I must make some kind of progress no matter how small . I have to feel like I am getting somewhere somehow . To give myself that feeling I am getting somewhere I first get up and work on my surroundings . If your kitchen is clean ; the rest of the house will soon follow . When I finish that I take the momentum and work on something else ,like this blog for instance . Then somehow other things find them selves being worked on .
                       So when you have this problem work on something small and it will turn in to something bigger . You will find the soon all the stuff you put of will get done . Maybe you will start to find that you procrastinate less and less .So lets all just do something even if just a walk on a nice sunny day like today . Don't life pass you by , you do not what to miss something do you .

FORWARD

             Living life is a forward movement ; it can't be helped . We all started from the same place ; at birth . From there we all took different paths but none the less we all had the same start . The difference is that from there we all took different path's .
            The reason I chose this photo is because this city I live in ; twenty years ago the skyline did not look like this . This city is always moving forward and growing . As we do in our lives . Its up to us weather we grow or stand still . Its all in the choice we make each day in our life's . Take me for instance I started this blog this past June and here it is September and still keeping up . I have to make the choice to make an entry each day .I find that while working and going threw my routine ; I am thinking of ideas to blog about . Most of the time though I have forgotten them by the time I sit down at my laptop . I know must have bunches of good ideas but then again if they were that good I would have remembered them . May I ought to start carrying around a note book in my pocket to jot them done .We learn by doing .
                Yes I am just rambling on but that just what " Thoughts from the head " is about . I took this picture awhile back on night that was walking to work . As i was coming down the hill I saw this and felt snapping this with my phone . It turned out alright and I liked this shot so I hung on to it .
               Writing this blog is part of my moving forward , who knows where this may lead . That's part of the adventure , not knowing . Right now I have no plans or road map of where to take it . Maybe its time I did . With over 40 posts all have no pattern . When I sit down at my laptop I know not what will be put down till I am done . So I believe that's what I will have to do this weekend . I leave with one thought that has nothing to do with this blog . GO WOLVERINES !

CLEAR SKIES THINK AGAIN

                  Clear skies are so relaxing ; here I sit with a cup of coffee at my laptop ,looking out he window . Wonder what I could write about .I then looked out window and snapped this picture this mourning .
                   I sit here looking at this peaceful sky while listening to news . What a contrast . How can so much in the world under such a peaceful sky .
                All stuff going on with election ; unrest in the middle east ; the unemployment , the economy in a mess still . Blue sky with puffy clouds kinda give you a little respite from the bad news when you look up .
              What we need in the news is a reason to feel that things are looking up . All the unknowns about our future cause to to give pause . The exploding dept , the constant unemployment numbers , lack of a budget , and definitely what seems to be a lack of foreign policy . I just don't see to many people in our government with any answers . Just excuses and back peddling . How long are we as a country going to put up with a government that can't do its job . Four years of no budget ,ever increasing number of regulations that get in the way of progress .
                We have 47 days till the election ;a debate coming up soon . How are we as nation going to fix this . Do we really need to what for our elected officials to solve the problem . No lets just put people in that will do their job and realize that they work for us . The government exists because of us , we do exist because of it . I don't for it to provide for me but to help create opportunity's for growth . We don't need more government jobs ; we need jobs that will create wealth which turn create more taxes that can be collected to pay down the debt . Even I know you can not spend your way out of debt , that invites corruption .So I say the government must step out of our way and let do what we know best .

MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME

                          You here people say this all the time ;but this can never be . Once time has passed it is gone for ever . We live in lineal world , we can not turn it back ,there is no instant replay ;only on television can that be . There are no do overs ; once done ;your done .
                          You have make darn sure you use what time have efficiently . Make sure you do and say what needs to said at the time . I myself realize I have wasted a lot of time by not using it wisely . There were a lot of things I should have said and done but didn't and now its to late . All I can do is make darn I don't waste another moment . We all must plan make the most of what we have , and don't let those little moments of surprise go unnoticed . Make the most of them while they are here .
                     We can squander them with our self indulgence ,thinking that our needs come first .If you become to self adsorbed in your life and habits they will pass you by unnoticed . When you finally come back to reality the moment and chance you had to be a big part of that moment has passed . You can not get it back .  All you can do is go on from there be happy you still have some time and make sure you use it wisely . Do what needs to be done ;say what needs to said ; and by all share that time ; for you will never have that chance again .

MAKING SENSE OF THIS POLITICAL SEASON

             Well reality you can't make sense of the election season . Every one involved thinks their way is the only right way . I am not going to pick and chose is right .
           There is a lot of misinformation out there , from both sides . They skew through all the data and facts to make themselves better . Not mention all the news agencies in the tank for one candidate or other . So how are to sort threw all the ever changing campaign .There is an overflow of information to sort through to help us decide who will lead us for next four years . The one thing though is what that individual does will affect the nation for decades after he is gone . So we must chose carefully , not only that the biggest problem is getting the population to participate in the process . Early voting in some states start in a couple of weeks , so there should be no reason to be not involved .
                This more than just a popularity contest , its deciding what kind of country do you what to live in .The future is ours to decide , its up to the candidates to present us with their resume and show us what kind of leadership they give us for the next four years . They need to show us they can us what we need as a country ; a budget ; jobs ; a better economy and the respect that our country deserves . So can they in the next couple of weeks show that they have what it takes to do the job .Right now this is the most important decision we have to make, there is a lot riding on it . Lets make the system that our forefathers built work and make proud that it still works .

THE LATE LATE SHOW

                   I suppose you may be wondering about today's title and what it has to do with the picture I chosen .Bear with me a moment I will explain I hope . Movies sort of limits your vision of the world as does peering from under a bridge .
                When I was a teenager I use to look forward to watching the late shows on television with my mother . The movies would be from every type and style . Humphry Bogart and his classic fedora hat with that tilt and trench coat with the collar turned up was impressive to me . Then  the swashbuckler movies with the dramatic sword fights that take up a good part of the movie . How about the movies with the foreign intrigue and the wonderful scenery throughout . I would watch these with such interest and wonderment .
                   I would sit and watch and wonder would my life be like those movies . Because these movies did not rely on special effects but the skills of the actor all involved to make it seem real to that teenage boy back then . I would dream about these story's and locations ;imagine I was in the story .
                  Well through my adult life I did travel to some wonderful locations ;did do some amazing things but nothing near what I would consider come close to some of what saw in those movies . I can say this I really have no complaints about the way my life is .
                  Although the boy in me still wants to be standing at street corner after dark ; wearing a trench and fedora flipping the collar up and turning away walking of into the fog of the night as the camera pans away .
                 I still watch these old movies to bring those feelings back . Shoot I am even considering adding a fedora and trench coat to my wardrobe . Maybe one night I will do just that walk away in the fog turning up my collar as a disappear . See you at the movies .

THE PERFECT WOMAN

                    You something if I am not careful I could get in trouble with this blog ,but I know i will not . What makes me so sure is because I just know .
                 I remember the day day I met my lady , it was a bright sunny spring day . I was sitting at the bus stop waiting on the bus as you should well know . On this day I was heading uptown , then I saw this vision walk up the side walk towards the stop . I thought to myself ,we talked for quite some time till our bus arrived . We got on the bus , she sat at the front and in the back some where . I could not help but watch this lady at the front of the bus . We finally arrived uptown , the bus unloaded . I mustered up what was left of my courage and caught up with her and asked out for some coffee . I walked away with my chest stuck out like I performed a heroic deed of some kind . Oh damn ; I forgot to get her number and to tell her where to meet . I had already lost her in the crowd .
               A few days later we ran into each other on the street we live on .She reminded me of what had done . We finally had that cup of coffee and been together ever since , nine years now . Well back to the title of my blog The perfect woman . After we had been together awhile ,she asked me that fateful question . I thought carefully and responded .
               This is what I explained to her . When I get old and retire I will be sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch watching the grass grow . This woman comes out on the porch and brings me a ice cold up tea , and I smack her on the rump . then she smacks me on the shoulder yelling fresh .
             My lady lady asks me how does that make her the perfect woman . I answer because silly she is still there .

THAT TIME OF YEAR

                                 Its fall again , time to look for the fresh apples ; not mention the hot apple cider and powdered doughnuts mmmm . I remember growing up this time of year we had the square dances ,hay rides , auctioned off those box lunches that girls put together ; so we eat with our favorite girl . High school football and dances afterwards . Homecoming . Definitely do not forget the hayrides , hunted houses . Oh yes the Jay Cee's annual gathering of maple sap from the trees around town so that could make some the down home maple syrup . That was their fund raiser .

                                As September wore on you tell winter was coming . Mom would have us harvest everything from the garden . The kitchen would be a buzz with activity . She would be canning everything she could . Sweet pickle's , dill pickle's , Relishes of all kinds , jams and jelly's , horseradish , whole tomatoes , tomato paste , tomato juice, just to name some . Oh god yes the fresh sweet corn on the cob ,we would make meal of that on its own . Fresh strawberries on shortcake or waffles . My favorite the rhubarb pies , mincemeat soaked in Bourbon pies . The fresh salads from the stuff in the garden .
                   Oh yes , can't forget my mom listening to the Michigan Wolverines game on the radio while she was working in the kitchen . Man would she get so exited over those games .The world almost seemed to come to stop with all this activity .There was most assuredly something that would be going on .
                The fall brings to me lots of memories , the good food ,the good games , the pick up football games in the side yard . My dog marmaduke loved this time of year to . The walks in the corn field next to the house with her and my eight track player blaring that dang blasted rock and roll .
               We can't turn back time but sure can sit on the front porch feeling that fall air coming to let us know winter snow is just around the corner . We can remember and smile and surly say that was the good life .

BIRTHDAYS

                          Well birthdays when you get older just seem to come and go , and they get here faster each year . I have an idea maybe I will not celebrate my birthday but the 28th anniversary of my 28th birthday . Does kind of sound better than 56th birthday .
                          See I figure if I do that maybe time will slow down a little . Because right now the year just fly's by .
                        When I turned Fifty I had gotten angry over something , heck I don't even remember what it was . Well to get to the point , my girl friend told me ,is that any way for fifty year old supposed to act . I responded I don't know , they didn't give a mannual it just happened . Six years later I am still waiting for it.
                      Shoot I am just winging it right now and hoping for the best . So far no one told me I am doing it wrong . I guess that's the way its supposed to be ; on the job training . Only its more like baptismal by fire ; there is no one really there to guide you . I can't be doing that bad I am still a contributing member of the human race .
                    I got an idea if you do not grow by the time your fifty you don't need to . Go on have fun . there needs to be a way to slow things down a bit . Another thing your body just will not let it go . It just keeps reminding you your not as young as you used to be . Takes longer to heel from those saturday afternoon football games with the kids in the neighborhood . Ouch it just hurts all over for days . You just don't move as fast as you use to .
                    I will have to be happy with watching the games from the side lines . So here's to birthdays , they will coming for you, ready or not .

YEA I'VE DONE THAT

                                 How many time's have you done something and then wonder why you did that . I know i have done this many times .
                                Take for instance your on an elevator the door pens and your off like thorough breed race horse . Then you realize you are on the wrong floor and you do this the door closes .
                                Or you walk into a room and forgot why you went in there for . I have done these things so many times , I lost count . Yea I've done that !
                            Another thing is you do something then you wonder why in the heck did I do that . It just makes you wonder if your losing it . How many times do you see some one ;then for a moment for the life of you you can't remember their name . How about you are in a conversation , you talking about something and that name you can't remember a name. Then you leave and on the ride home it comes to you .
                             There are many other types of instances , but for the life of me I can't think off them right now . So what I am wondering if I was the only one that experiences this from time to time .  I know I am still in my right mind because I still can function in the outside world .
                            I know made comments in past posts that at times I have a little craziness in me .Is this a sign of bigger problems or is this just one of those things that just happens . Yes when these happen we do have a little laugh over it . I think I will just keep it at that . So I say  "YEA I'VE DONE THAT "

WHAT IS NORMAL

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT AIRMAN'S CLUB CASTLE AFB 1978

                   What is normal mm that's a good question isn't it . There many different kinds of normal .
                  Lets see , 1> there is the normal that our laws and society determines .  
                  2> the normal that our family teaches you .
                 3>  the normal that religious  values gives us .
                 4> the normal behaviors that is accepted on our job .
                5> the normal is accepted in the various clubs .
               6> the normal for the neighborhoods we live in .
             The list could go on and on . Most every thing can be accepted as long as you do not stray to far of the grid . I am often told " you are crazy " . Shoot have ever accused any one of being sane . I know I haven't . Whats accepted behavior depends on the situation . Like in my picture of when I was DJing our behaviour was a little off the wall . But was acceptable for the days of disco and a Halloween party . If you behaved in this manner at any other time ,you would be considered strange .
           People have argued over what's normal for centuries . You know know if you even went back in time of say about fifty years and acted the way you do in this time then . You would be a candidate for white coat with extra long sleeves .
           See what I am saying normal changes every day . It is determined by what will be accepted . But you know something it is always good to be a little of the wall once in while . It keeps them guessing . So go and play the in the rain , do something that seems stupid and childish . Act little crazy and make that funny face . I will bring things perspective .

MY BLOG POSTS

              I would like to thank all those whom have been reading my posts the past four months . You have given me encouragement just by reading it . some of you have left comments all were appreciated .
             Also thanks for putting up with my misspellings and many other mistakes I may have made .
            I am  a work in progress , I promise that I will improve with time . My topic have covered many different areas . Shoot I even wrote about the facility's , I am sorry that topic will not go away soon because I have a couple of ideas brewing in my head .           Today I could be writing about whats been going on in the news around the world but there are enough analysts out there picking it all apart . I don't think a lot of is helping matters much . It all just too bothersome .
            I have written about taking a walk , my good day ,my dog marmaduke and a E-MAIL to my Mom { which I think will happen a lot } . Its been kind of fun coming up with these posts . I did not think this many people would be interested in what had to say . I am just an average guy out there whose just just trying to make his way in this world . Just seems things in this world got so darn complex . Heck they even try to make a simple job hard .Just day to day living can be a mine field . You have to be on your toes at all times because some one is always waiting for their chance to get a dig in .
           What ever happened to the simple times of our youth . It seem the more complex our technology gets  the more complex our lives become . We rely on this stuff more and more in our lives . I am just as guilty .We just need to slow down a little and look at the simple things in life a little closer .I just want the few who read my musings I appreciate you. So I say to you enjoy your Saturday .
           

A GOOD DAY

                   About 15 years ago I was working at a seafood restaurant . I was working 6 to 7 days a week , and some long hours too. I enjoyed the challenges that the job provided.
                While working there I fillet about 200 pounds of fish a day ;assisted the line cooks with getting lunch out among the many other duty's I had .
                Well this one day , which started out like any other average day . Went in early that mourning , began my day by figuring out how much prep needed that day . Proceeded to fillet my fish for the day . The shape and weights of my fillet's could not have any closer to standards that day . Got finished in good time .
              I then helped others with their work as well . We all were having a good time ,cutting up and laughing .We got the kitchen opened up for business for that day .
Went on the line helping getting the food ready and meals put together . We got the orders out in a timely manner . You all know that working in a kitchen during a busy period can pretty much a pressure cooker ,and tempers can flare . On this particular day we didn't have any problems ,every one is getting along and having a good time .
                           Lunch was over we went in recovery mode , restocking the kitchen , cleaning up and so forth. Again there were no problems . We got everything , all done in good time .also all the while enjoying our selves . Well it was getting time for me go home so the manger told me to go ahead and clock out and get some rest . Laughing  as I picked up my time card I proceeded to clock out . As I lined up my card ever so carefully ; Damn the alarm goes off , it was time to get up and go to work .What the heck !!!! You know I was not in a good mood .Here I was having to go in to do all over again . I guess I should have known , it all was to good to be true .
                        So I say if you have one of those days where everything is going great , by all means pinch yourself . You do not want to find this was all a dream . In any case you all have a good day and definitely enjoy yourself .

TAKING A WALK BY YOUR SELF

               I love taking walks by my self , especially on cool clear crisp mourning's ; the earlier the better . As you are walking you feel the cool breeze blowing on you , it has almost a cleansing feel . You then hear the chatter of the birds undisturbed by the noise of traffic ;as they fly to and fro ; from tree to tree . You just begin to feel relaxed and the fog begins to clear in your head.
            As you go down the path you begin to notice more and more . You start to think clearly . there is something to be said for that moment you come up to passer-by and that chance good mourning being exchanged . It brings such a good feeling to you .As you go on you notice people walking their dogs . The dogs about their travels ; with their tails waging .You can almost see a smile on their face . The dogs seem so happy with their owners .
                   You may pass a coffee shop and grab a cup of coffee and pastry . You chat with friends you may run into and get caught up with what is going your lives .
                  When do return to your place ready and refreshed . You can face the day and get some things accomplished . Your tasks for the day always seem a lot easier . I look forward to when I can take those mourning walks ; just when then sun is getting ready to come up , the moon is still smiling down on us . That is the most peaceful time of day . Shoot even the wildlife you may come across seem to know this too .
                  So I say to you ; please enjoy your next early mourning walk , by all means enjoy that cup of coffee . Listen to the birds and watch them fly about the sky . I promise you I will be doing the same the next time I get a chance .

BEING YOURSELF

                           Well this will be a hard one . Because I do find at times depending on the situation ,time , people and place I have seen that I kind of present a different me . We all do have our masks that we wear to keep parts of lives to our selves. There is that part of our selves that tend to keep to our self .
                         There may be many reasons that we tend to not let all us out in the public .Some may shielding them selves either keep themselves from being hurt or because they want to avoid closeness . Or just plain ashamed of who they really are . Acceptance may the reason that they may show a different them .
                     I my self know first hand how hard it is to move to a new place . I being a military brat ,and having join the service my self . I also made many moves after leaving the service . I also found that many times I just went and found myself a new group of Friends . Only because I was not comfortable with direction the group was leading me .I know I do lack the luxury of having life long or close friends .Shoot I couldn't tell any of the names of the kids I was in first grade with . I do remember the name of my first grade teacher ,in Jamison Pa . Mrs. Grahm .
                      When you change locations as much as I have you tend to not become to close to people ,because you tend think that you or they may not be there long .You also wonder about whether they can be trusted . You tend to get burned a lot by so called friends .
                    So end up with tendency not to put to much of your self out there . Also you don't really to much on people . I don't wait on any one whom Say's they will help me . If they don't show , I just go on with it .
                    So we all wear our masks and have our own reasons . It is not our place to judge them for this , for we do not know what they been through or the purpose of it . We just need to accept things the way they are .

REMEMBER- REFLECT- HONOR-MOVE FORWARD

                      As we go forward with day , we need to remember what happened on this day 11 years ago today . We need to remember all that died that day . They come from many parts of the world ; all walks of life and many different religions , young and old a like .

                     We as a people need to reflect on what we lost on that day . Not just lives but an innocence was lost . We have become more watchful . Our lives ; they way we live ;do business ; they way we travel has changed . They way we look at the world has changed right a long with it .

                      Most of all we must honor the first responders ; the military ; all those that went in to save lives and lost theirs . Also we need to honer those that lost their lives and still are putting their lives on the line . Their families sacrifice . The precious time they spend away from their families . The sacrifices are many and continue to this day .

                   I myself will always remember the uncertainty of that day . The not knowing where it will end , the anger , the fear ; that lasted for some time . I found myself constantly paying close attention to the news to see what is next .Those days after were challenging .

                 We must not let it control our lives and country .We must move forward as Americans . Build a better and stronger nation .To honor those who lost their lives ; the families whom lost loved ones ;and those that are still putting their lives on the line . We must go on with the business of make our world a better place to live in their honor .

AN IMPORTANT PLACE

                  This place gets so little credit in history. It marked the beginning of when the human race started to become civilized .In this place not only do our duty , be honest how much of our serous decision making occurs here . Not to mention how often do we retire here to get some piece mind .
                 I myself wonder how many of the great ideas and thoughts were formed while in this place . It is at times referred to as the library . How often do you retire to this room with a magazine or good book .
               My father often referred to the room as the head . An navy term for this place . This room has gone by many names depending on your background or region .
              How many world changing decisions have been made here . The truth is we will never know . But I have faith this place has played an important role in the history of mankind .
            The reason that this place gets so little respect is that no one out politeness ,wants to imagine our historic icons and thinkers sitting in here . Its sort of a private place in our world .To borrow  a term from a city ; What happens here stays here . This and my dad are partly responsible for my blog title " Thoughts from the head " . So next time you use the facilities think of the historical importance this room has played in history . I am just saying give it some thought .

AND SO IT BEGINS

                     This weekend is not only the first weekend of regular season football ; it is also the first weekend after the end of the conventions . Now we can't turn on the television with some kind campaign ad stare right at you . Let alone go thru a whole game without seeing one .
                    On the weekend is when all news shows analyze and re-analyze everything said or done thru the week. They compare all the messages , go thru the point; counter-point . every word statement for the last two weeks will be scrutinized . They will look for hidden meanings and try to tell us what every one said and stand for over and over.
                 With about sixty days left till the vote , I am sure there will new speeches and gaffs that they will pour over like a living room couch quarterback . This is the season for the fact checkers to work a lot of over time . With the advent of the Internet it will not take long for a statement to get out and with lighting speed a rebuttal will be released . Every where they go there will some camera or recording devise there . So they can't let their guard down. They never be able to deny they didn't say that.
                  God forbid ;if the research hounds find some skeleton in the closet . With only two people running for president ; they not only watch what they do or say . They have the added worry that anyone that speaks on there behalf . They have make sure every one is on the same page and stay on message .
                 So in conclusion ; its up to us to sort thru the information over load ,and make up our own mind .Take every statement with a grain of salt . Over look all the opinions that you have heard and just plain come up of your own. We got remember that all the reporters , analyst and politicians can't form our opinions for us . All they can do is influence our thought process . We all pretty much have our own ideas anyway . So this fall there is actually another sport to watch and it goes on 24 hours a day ,and the final score will be tallied in November .There  are no time outs , no referees , no rule book { just the ethics that the candidates have to go by }. That alone can be the most telling item about the candidates . So watch carefully , listen and decide . Its your choice !!

Things I wish I had

                     Well my topic today could go many different directions depending on where your mind is  at , at the time it was asked and your state mind at time .
                  It could go in the direction of missed chances on relationships you wish you had . It might been that young lady whom by chance smiled at you and said good mourning to you ,but you went on about your business .
                It may have been that training that may have passed up for a short term goal which did not work out the way you wished .
             An action that you were involved with that may have changed your relationship with your spouse for ever . No apology , flowers or night on the town ; could ever get them to look at you the same .
                    We as humans must remember the path's we choose will affect many parts of our life . It may not affect all of them ,maybe just some of them and not all at the same time . We just have to make sure that our risk that we took will not put us in the position ; where later on you will ask wish I had that chance again.
                   We all honestly know ; we should never ask our selves that question . Because it is useless . We are where are and have the things we have ,because of the choices we made in our life .
                  It does not do any any good to look at others and say I could of had that or done that . The fact fact remains you are who you are ,where you are because you made the choice . All we can do is live with it and go from there and start making changes that will get you the things you wish you had .
               You could waste you whole life looking at things you wish you had . Reality check ; you will never have them unless [ to take a known phrase and use it ] Just do it .
             So in conclusion I suggest that we put down that bag of chips and drink ,turn of the TV ; get off the couch . Go out that front door and do something about it . Yes you may fail but what that does is show that road my not work for you . Out of failure comes success.But by all means have some fun along the way. It is that that may show you what works for you . I gonna tell you a secret , if I would only follow my own advise.good luck to you all ; I know I need all the luck I can get .

DEAR MOM

                  Yes Mom its been a while since we talked . I am not sure if you have Internet access in the here after , but they say he can do all things so surely the after life must had Internet before we even thought of it here.
                You know I use to call you at least once a week ; We would talk about what was in the news that week or a book ,news article I read or something like that . Well the past couple of weeks would have been good , because I sure missed talking to you . With the election coming up and both party's had just had there conventions .We sure would have had a lot to discuss . Defiantly we would have disagreed on many things , but in the end we would agreed to disagree .
                  There is so much going on in our country today , I know they would been some real long talks . I would been able to get a lot off my chest . You might of showed me where my thinking was wrong or told me where to go to get some answers . This years election is going to be rough , there will be mud slinging , misinformation put out to confuse. The next sixty days is going to be some thing , sure would have provided for a lot phone calls . The first debate of the season will soon . I think there be as much action as you would find in a college football game . It will go down to the 2 minute warning .

              Oh yes , you probably already know the game is on . You got the best seats in the stadium to watch the game . You may have said a few choice words already to . Well mom it was nice chatting with you . We talk again soon .  Oh yes put in a good word for the Michigan Wolverines so that they may have a good season this year . You know how exited you would get during their games.
            Well take care we will chat again soon .
                                          your son

THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY HOME

               I am sitting here in my room ,looking out on a sunny Friday mourning . I just got of work , as I was passing thru uptown , they were taking down all signs of what was the DNC .I imagine by the time I go into work tonight you might not even notice that the Democrats had there party here in our fare city .
              But I believe that the Democrats had a lost opportunity . Sure in the past year the people whom set up the convention did some community  service projects . In the past week they had some 50,000 Representatives here town  . Can imagine the amount good will ,not to mention putting there actions where their mouth is . All this talk about how they want to give Americans a lift up and shared responsibility .
                    If each states group of representatives picked a community to do about four hours of time in can you imagine the amount help that would have been . Also they would have actually shown how much they do care about helping their fellow Americans .
                   I really think that if the political party's spent as much money and time community serve as they do campaigning  , it would go a long way toward gaining votes . Mainly because they showing some concern in the plight of their fellow citizens . I am not just talking about the Democrats , I am also including the Republicans . The republicans probably could have showed some good will in Tampa Fl .
                Instead they they rather spend all their talking junk to and about each other with out any substance  . They talk about what they want to do for our people , not show any plan of action . I say don't talk about what you want to do , show us . Works speak louder than words . But for the next sixty days we will be bombarded with speech's and commercials ; personal appearances , photo ops .  Counter punches and so on till we are sick of it .I feel if they showed some goodwill towards the people thru actions that may help in proving their case as to why they deserve our vote . This is just one mans thought .

THE LAST DAY OF DNC IS HERE

               As the last day of the convention begins so does the campaigning begins. We Americans also begin our day ; we get ready for work ,send our children of to school ,and go about our daily chores . All the while the delegates go about their self important roles in our election process here in Charlotte NC.
                Tonight the President states his case as to why we should give him four more years , although I will be unable to listen to his case , I will at work doing my job . Yes I work nights , the world does not go on pause for an election or any thing else for that matter . People still have make sure this country and the world functions . The sick still have to be taken care of , police still have to patrol our streets , the firemen still have to stand watch ,the electricity still has work . There is a lot that goes on to make our world run ,even when we sleep or even world changing events occur . This stuff just don't happen ,some one has to make it happen .
                 So what am asking is that you whom have chosen to work in politics remember when you step up to that podium to give your speech , some did what was necessary for you to be able to give that speech . They did not do because of that they are either a Republican or Democrat ; its their job .
               I don't know what will be said tonight but tomorrow on the news and in the papers every word ,body movement even the suit that is warn will analyzed a hundred times over . Also the second guessing of what will said or done next . All want to hear  is the truth and show what you are going to do . And for goodness sake , tell us how you are going to make it happen . I myself have heard enough of failed promises              I have seen enough uncertainty in my life in the past twelve years ,I want to able to see and feel what we have to look forward to . I would like to know what kind of future my daughter and granddaughter will be facing . I what to see that we are leaving them a strong and healthy country for them to be proud of . So make darn sure you know what your going to do will work and most of all prove your case don't make us promises ,we have had enough of them . I want results Because the world can't stop to wait for you to fix it .

AND LIFE GOES ON

                   With the DNC here in my home of  Charlotte NC , I am here to say  life is going on even with our nations and worlds eyes on us ; we are still going on with our life .
                  Sure there have been road closings , public transit has been altered , a large police presence , and all the people that comes with the convention . Life did not stop , we are getting up going to work ,going to school ,looking for jobs or just plain going on with the task of going about our daily life .Sure some important things are happening that may affect our futures but our bills have to paid so we must go on with the task of earning our wages . Our house work must be done . We still must cook our dinners . We still must maintain  our relationships .
                   With that being said  , that don't mean we are not paying attention to their message . Yes we do care about what kind of country we will have in the future . As I said in the past posts If they are not doing the job we sent them there for we must replace them .
                  The government exists because of us ; not we exist because of the government . So I say its not here here to provide for our welfare . Its here to make it possible for us to do for ourselves . Its up to us to reach for our needs . Its not the role of the government to take care of us and see that our needs are met . Its here to protect the opportunity ; not thru over regulation , or by picking the winners or losers. We must simply be allowed to make our own choices ; as we we Americans have done since our beginnings .
                We are a strong willed people , we have built this country by taking chances , and working hard towards our success or failures . Yes failure , for every success story there are hundreds of failures . But success happens because and in spite of our failures . There does not need to be a safety net for catch us . With a safety net available why try to take a chance on failure . That's what see happening today . You are not entitled to the money would give you because you did not earn it . We must be a country of people whom will continue to work and take the chances that made this the once great nation it was and can be . So you in government remember you work for me , I know what is best for me not you . So get out of our way and do your job as I must do every day .