tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534454608163267492024-03-07T20:26:48.354-08:00A Different DrummerJ.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-88831274748673797272016-05-23T12:14:00.000-07:002016-05-23T12:14:46.212-07:00Moving on to (hopefully) greener pastures.Greetings Folks,<br />
I know it's been a very, very long time since I've posted here and for that I apologize. I'm writing now to let you all know that I'm putting this blog "to rest" indefinitely and I intend for this to be my last post here.<br />
<br />
If you ever found any value in my previous writings and wish to follow along on my new adventure you can find my new site <a href="https://thepreparedhomeshowdotcom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
It's a temporary address set up until I get my new domain hooked up to the new site, but until that happens I do still plan to be more up to date than this page has become.<br />
<br />
I thank you all for your support - <em>especially you <strong>Mojave Rat</strong></em> - and comments, etc. and I hope that you will come spend a little time with me at my new place. My new site will be focused on home and life safety, emergency planning, DIY projects and a bit of philosophy thrown in for good measure. It will take some time to get it ramped up but I will eventually be including podcasts and some video content as well.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to seeing you all again!<br />
<br />
Best wishes and as always, thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
~JJ.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-76654423385691601062014-05-17T07:55:00.000-07:002014-05-17T07:55:18.026-07:00As you head off to the voting booth...... remember these words of wisdom:<br />
<br />
<br />
<dt style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The men the American public admire most extravagantly are the most daring liars; the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth.</span></dt>
<dd class="author" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 8px;"><b><a href="http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/H._L._Mencken/" style="color: navy;">H. L. Mencken</a></b><br /><i>US editor (1880 - 1956)</i></dd><dd class="author" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 8px;"><i><br /></i></dd><dd class="author" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 8px;">Seems as true today, if not more so, than when these words were first written.</dd><dd class="author" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 8px;"><br /></dd><dd class="author" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 8px;">Thanks for reading,</dd><dd class="author" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 8px;">~JL</dd>J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-52786580112340264452014-04-12T08:56:00.001-07:002014-04-12T08:56:34.842-07:00Wow, that was fast!Greetings Friends,<br />
It's hard to believe it's been nearly a year since my last post! This time last year I was heading into the great unknown; starting a new job, becoming a "commuter" for the first time in a decade, and taking time to re-assess my life and the direction in which I wish to take it. It seems to me that the last year has passed in the blink of an eye.<br />
I decided at the start of the new gig, that I would put all my outside interests on hold so I could fully concentrate on the task at hand. I stopped writing (and reading) blogs, stopped playing music, didn't plant a garden... Essentially anything that wasn't directly related to work or family went on the back burner. What I discovered in the course of this exercise is the old adage "All work and no play makes (A Different Drummer) a dull boy" rings true. While I've been busier than any time in recent memory, good grief, have I been bored! While I'm thankful for my growth as a "professional" over the last year, being a professional was never goal of mine and quite frankly, it's over-rated. Sure, it's something I CAN do and I've been climbing the ladder because I'm GOOD at what I do, but I have no love for it. My job isn't WHO I am, in fact it's generally at odds with how I want to live my life. <br />
I often "preach" to my staff and colleagues about the importance of work/life balance and more often than not it falls on deaf ears. I guess a lot of people derive their self-worth from their job, which is a concept that I can't grasp. How does one feel great about themselves for spending 12-14 hours a day at work when they haven't seen their spouse or spent time with their kids or done ANYTHING to re-charge themselves - whether physically, mentally or spiritually? Do they not see themselves on the giant rat-wheel, just running and running with no end point, no goal, no destination? Running for the sake of running? I don't get it. Never have. That isn't living by any stretch of the imagination.<br />
So here I am, back again, with renewed focus and dedication to return to the Land of the Living. My spring garden is half planted, I've been tuning back in to music for some inspiration, and I am determined to live my life for me and mine. Not a paycheck, not some over-developed sense of self-importance because of my "position", and sure-as-hell NOT to keep up with the Jones'. I figure if I'm lucky I've got another 30 years on this rotating ball of gas and it's finally time to spend it as I see fit, not to do what is simply expected of me.<br />
We only live once, right? Make it count, people!<br />
<br />
As always, thanks for reading! Until next time,<br />
~JLJ.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-26555281433037487812013-04-22T06:23:00.000-07:002013-04-22T06:23:59.231-07:00A fresh startToday I start a new job. I was with my last employer for 6 years and one day, of which the last four years were miserable. Being miserable at work takes a serious toll on one's life as I found out. I have a good feeling about this new place and hope to put the days of misery behind me! I know there will always be "bad days" at any job, but when bad days are the norm and good days are shocking because they are so rare, it's time to move on.<br />
<br />
Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading and I hope I'll soon be in a better head space to start writing again!<br />
~JJ.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-57454052989140765312013-02-24T15:11:00.000-08:002013-02-24T15:11:23.318-08:00Listening down Memory LaneEver since I was a little kid, literally as far back as I can remember, music has had a profound effect on me. So today, just for kicks, I thought I'd post up some of my favorite tunes going all the way back to the stuff I was hearing on the ol' AM radio in my parent's VW squareback, up through what I'm digging today. Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
1960's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7QB2Ck00YZ8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
1970's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/XaOtcwI_BjU/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XaOtcwI_BjU&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XaOtcwI_BjU&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
1980's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fl9KQ1Mub6Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
1990's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/pBZs_Py-1_0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pBZs_Py-1_0&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pBZs_Py-1_0&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
2000's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LrrGKR8Xii4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
2010's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/sENM2wA_FTg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sENM2wA_FTg&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sENM2wA_FTg&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-83481758903323426842013-02-12T09:30:00.000-08:002013-02-12T09:30:03.043-08:00Who is in charge here?It's a common idea that the President, and for that matter, Congress are all "puppets" and they are simply going through the motions, and doing the bidding of their "masters". I'm not just talking about Obama here, this goes back as far as I have been aware of politics, which for me is the early 1980's.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about this a lot lately as there has been so much blathering on lately about the "Liberal Agenda" and all the rallying cries around gun control. The implication being that somewhere, some group of unspeakably evil men are sitting around hatching plans to "Destroy America". <br />
<br />
Now, don't get me wrong, I truly believe that things are REALLY messed up here. This is not the America I grew up in. This is not the America I was always proud of. It is a god-awful mess and nobody seems to have clue as to what to do about it. <br />
<br />
But again, the very idea of some small group of men (And surely they are men, right? And probably white men too? For what is more evil than a white man?) controlling this great nation and influencing the entire world by extension, seems ludicrous to me. <br />
<br />
So, who are these mystery men? Don't give me "bankers" or "look up Agenda 21" or "oil companies" - I want names. Who is really controlling the U.S. government and how do we know? What proof is there? If all you have are conspiricy theories, then you don't have shit. Where is the proof? <br />
<br />
Personally, I think our problems come around because of two different reasons. Number one, politicians by and large have HUGE egos and they think all their ideas are brilliant and should be implemented, post haste. And number two, people are selfish. Especially nowadays. Citizens throw screaming hissie-fits in an attempt to get what they want. Politicians are more than happy to give them what they want, so they can keep their jobs. Which is what the politicians want. Selfishness and greed are what brought us here in my opinion. Not some shady evil doers hiding behind the curtain, pulling all the puppets' strings. <br />
<br />
Then again, what do I know?J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-75433001853567297852013-01-14T17:00:00.000-08:002013-01-14T17:41:02.238-08:00Lag time...Good grief! I can't believe we're already halfway through January! I'm so far behind in everything... Where DOES the time go?!? <br />
<br />
The new year got off to a rocky start for me and mine, but things seem to be evening out and getting back on track. <br />
<br />
With all the screaming about fiscal cliffs and gun control and all the other non-sense going on all over the globe I found myself not wanting to write, not knowing what to write about, not wanting to join in the fray... And so I didn't.<br />
<br />
But I also didn't want this blog to languish again. It's like calling the old friend/sibling/parent you haven't spoken to in a while - the longer you put off picking up the phone, the harder it gets to pick it up and just make the call. So, even though I don't have much to say, I'm picking up just so it doesn't get any harder than it already is.<br />
<br />
Despite the rough start, I feel optimistic about 2013. Last year was pretty much the worst year of my life, so short of some terrible disease or something, I feel this year has GOT to be at least a little better. I'm not asking for miracles, just a little peace and quiet. Some time to breathe, some time to collect my thoughts.<br />
<br />
I lost 23 pounds last year and I'm feeling better physically than I have in a long time. My smoking has dropped off significantly which I feel good about. I met a new musician in town and might get out to do a little jamming which is exciting cuz' it's been a long time - too long in fact. Got a call out of the blue from a long-lost relative that I was actually EXCITED to hear from. My job still sucks, but my prospects for finding a new one seem to be improving and I may have a new one sooner than expected (knock on wood!). I have a beautiful wife and daughter and both my folks are still alive and well. <br />
<br />
I have a lot to be thankful for.<br />
<br />
Best wishes to you all for a fantastic 2013! Thanks for reading.<br />
~JLJ.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-6660944897005270462012-11-08T12:57:00.000-08:002012-11-08T12:57:53.792-08:00Conflicted<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Down the street from me is a grocery store that will remain nameless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk past it every day on the way to and from work and stop in at least 3-4 times a week for small things – fresh bread, fresh veggies, milk, what have you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all honesty their prices are slightly higher than the other grocery store in our area, but they get a lot of my business due to proximity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure the slightly higher prices are a wash since I save gas and time that would be spent going to the other store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And besides, the staff is friendlier, their produce is better and it’s always less crowded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, I appreciate the service and the fact that I can walk there in 3-4 minutes and I have been more than willing to pay a premium for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been shopping there for 8 ½ years and have a great rapport with most of the clerks there and no complaints ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, here’s the rub:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grocery workers are on strike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been picketing the store since last Sunday en masse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the familiar faces I’ve been seeing for years are now walking around with their signs and bitter faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure what their demands are and frankly I don’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of respect for them I have not ventured into the store since Sunday, but I’m getting a little tired of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them tried to hand me a flier as I walked past the other day, which I declined, stating “Sorry, but I’ve got no love for Unions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful that they were around decades ago, but know I see them as a farce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snake-oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I say this as a former Union member, this isn’t some talking point I heard on the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t go into details, suffice it to say my personal experience with a labor union, as well as that of some family and friends, has been generally negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The common denominator seems to be that the unions care about the union (themselves and THEIR paychecks) more than the actual workers they are supposedly representing (just like Congress!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And in my 25 years in the "working world", I've NEVER seen more worthless lay-about clockwatching imbeciles than when I was working in a union shop. There is no motivation whatsoever to become better, to increase your own value, when everything is decided by "collective bargaining". </span>With all the laws on the books nowadays, the real issues concerning labor are addressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wage and hour, safe working conditions, family medical leave, etc. have NOTHING to do with unions anymore; they are mandated by state and federal law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I support anyone’s right to choose whether they belong to a union or not, I do not support unions if I can help it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, in the grocery store world it seems most, if not all, workers are in a union so there isn’t much choice in the matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same with autos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you buy an American car, you support labor unions whether you like it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I have a choice - for example I hire a LOT of contractors in various trades - I go with the non-union shops as a matter of principle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, back to my local grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m getting to the point where I’m finding I want to say “Screw their picket line” and go about my business there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really simple selfishness on my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an inconvenience for me to shop elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like I said, I don’t really care what their demands are; with the economic climate what it is, they are lucky to have jobs at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they should just suck it up like the rest of us and be thankful for gainful employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If you are being mistreated by your employer, go work somewhere else. Stand on your own two feet, on your own merits as a worker. Depending on a union is like the nerdy weakling kid hiring the school bully to protect him instead of standing his ground, come what may. </span>On the other hand, when all this blows over in a few more days or weeks or whatever, is my “relationship” with this staff I’ve known for years going to suffer because I wasn’t supporting them by crossing their picket lines?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that they are dear friends or anything, but I do see them 3-4 times a week and I’m on a first-name basis with quite a few of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just an awkward situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t want to discuss my political ideals with them (and let’s face it, unions are largely a political force more than anything).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does one support the people, when you can’t support the cause?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How would y’all navigate this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for reading, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">~J.L.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-85853227920962840002012-10-03T16:47:00.000-07:002012-10-03T16:47:16.834-07:00ScrewedOkay, I know I swore that this blog wasn't going to turn into a rant-fest, but today I'm afraid I must relent. You see, I am truly pissed and have nowhere to blow off steam so I must lose it here. <br />
<br />
Monday evening I get a call from the Mrs., in a panic. "I'm stuck dead on the highway" she tells me. Whaddya mean, dead on the highway, I ask, are you OK? Are you on the shoulder of the road? "No, I'm in the center lane and the car is dead and won't start"... <br />
<br />
F**k! I run out the door, leaving work early and rush out to where my wife is. Fortunately some Good Samaritans were kind enough to jump out of their cars and push her to the center divide before I got there. The car won't start and I find some kind of weird "goo" spewed out under the hood. Now, I've spent my fair share of time wrenching on cars over the years and consider myself pretty knowledgeable under the hood, but I'd never seen anything like this before. We call roadside assistance and it takes an hour and a half to get a tow truck out there and haul us off to our mechanic. He takes one quick look under the hood and says "This is not good. You've got a blown headgasket". You gotta be kiddin' me, right?<br />
<br />
I understand, this kind of thing happens every day and that repairs are just part of owning a car. In fact, just last month I dropped about $600 in her for new brakes, an oil change and to pay this year's registration. So why am I so pissed off, you ask? Here is why: The car in question was our "dream car", we got it as a lease return, only two years old and we were ecstatic about it when we first got it. About 6 months into the ownership of the car the motor blew up. "Faulty crank bearing" they tell us. Mileage on the car? 63k. Warrantee on the engine? 60k. Sorry Charlie, no help for you. Repair bill? $7,300 for a new crate engine to be installed. To add insult to injury, Chrysler (this is a Dodge vehicle) was circling the drain at the time on the verge of bankruptcy. They were closing down manufacturing plants, shuttering dealerships, stopped shipping parts, etc. We were without our car from October 9, 2008 through January 21st 2009 waiting for these pricks to ship a motor out to us from Detroit. So on top of the $7,300 for the repair we racked up about $3k in car rental bills as this is our only car and we needed to get to work and school, etc. Had we known it would take this long to get it fixed we would have gone out and bought some beater p.o.s. car to get us through but they kept telling us every week "it's on it's way" or "it's on the truck ready to head out", so we kept holding on and paying the absurd rental fees. They told us this shit for MONTHS and didn't give a crap about the situation we were in, no offer to help with a loaner from the dealer, nothing. <br />
<br />
So now, we've paid off all the credit charged rental fees and the cost of the motor replacement and have still another 5 months of payments on the car itself when the head gasket decided to give way. I pulled out my paperwork from the engine replacement to see about warrantee work and wouldn't you know it - the warrantee EXPIRED IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR!! Double F**K!!! Less than 58,000 miles on this engine and this is what I get? Well, this and ANOTHER $2,300 repair bill.<br />
<br />
My wife is a part-time school teacher and I work in a non-profit retirement home. We're not exactly Silicon Valley Millionaires. Our daughter just started college literally two weeks ago. My wife needed over $2,500 in dental work that our wonderful insurance wouldn't cover back in August and there is more of that to come. Our meager savings is wiped out and all the credit we scrimped to pay off over the last two and a half years is right back up in the thousands of dollars. <br />
<br />
I am at my wits end. Fuck you Chrysler. Fuck you Dodge. I despise your cars now and not that long ago I was one of your staunchest supporters. I've been a "Dodge guy" since my high school days. I will NEVER, EVER buy another one of your piece of shit cars. I will NEVER, EVER go to your service shops. You can fucking ROT. I lament the fact that you DIDN'T go bankrupt - that would have been a better fate than you fuckin' deserve. Buying this car was the WORST mistake I've made, and I've made plenty. Unfortunately, I've got so damn much money tied up in this shit heap that I'm stuck with it for god-only-knows how long. I wish I could drive it off a fuckin' cliff and watch it burn. Every time I lay eyes on it I want to piss on it at the very least.<br />
<br />
This is what I get when I try to be a nice person, to do random acts of kindness, to volunteer to help those in need, to live by the "golden rule". What kind of karmic shitstorm would I find myself in if I lived like all the assholes that surround me and do their best to "get one over" on everyone else? The whole thing makes me want to scream 'til I'm blue in the face, not that it would do any good.<br />
<br />
Alright, rant off. Sorry about that. My brain has been in pressure cooker mode for the last 48 hours. My last words of "wisdom"; if you are unfortunate enough to own a Dodge, sell it before it ruins your day/week/month/year. And whatever you do, DON'T BUY A DODGE OR CHRYSLER unless you have money to burn and enjoy being stranded on the side of the road.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading. Hope y'all have a nice week.<br />
~J.L.J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-3679284790212252792012-09-17T12:38:00.000-07:002012-09-17T12:38:50.622-07:00The bright side of a dark day Last Thursday, at approximately 4:00 a.m. a fire erupted at the school where my wife teaches. This school, while maybe 10 miles as the crow flies from the prestigious Stanford University, is located on "the wrong side of the tracks" in a <u>very</u> poor neighborhood. This is a privately owned and operated, non-profit school that runs entirely on donations and sliding-scale tuition. Most of the kids attend on scholorships, which are entirely privately donated. The fire completely destroyed the building that housed the administration offices, the teacher's workroom and a couple classrooms that house Special Ed and 3rd grade. The building was a "portable" and when I say destroyed, I mean <strong>roof caved in and nothing is left standing</strong> kind of destroyed. The main electrical feed to the site melted, the transformer blew and phone lines and data infrastructure melted away too. It was bad, folks. All classes were cancelled on Thursday and Friday because the Fire Dept. wouldn't let anyone on the grounds while the cause of the fire was investigated. <br />
<br />
Word went out on Friday that a volunteer Work Day would be held on Saturday to help clean up the site so they could re-open for classes today. As of Saturday morning there were only 9 people that responded to the call for volunteers and as my wife, daughter and I loaded up to go we were all kind of despairing over the lack of community we felt in response to this disaster. We brought a stack of shovels, brooms, gloves and cases of water and hoped for the best as we got to the site about half an hour before the designated start time. What we saw when we got there was really encouraging - there must have been a good dozen people on the ground when we came through the gates. By the time the official start time was reached, there were at least 50. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters. Everyone that showed up brought what they could - some brought a shovel or a rake, a few folks showed up with pressure washers or "sawzalls". Some brought a simple bucket and sponge or a single broom. A few more folks brought in food and coffee, or boxes of trash bags. It was truly amazing. By noon the fire site was cleared away and a couple truckloads of ash and debris were bagged up and hauled out. The smoked-up exteriors of the buildings in proximity were all washed down, still-standing classrooms were re-arranged to make room for the displaced students and the utilities guys had a new transformer and power feed in place and the school once again had power. Everyone left feeling pretty damn good about what we had done together.<br />
<br />
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on that day and I've got to say it was really eye-opening and has skewed my perspective considerably. Like I said, this school is in a very poor, crime infested hell hole of a neighborhood. The parents of the student body are primarily immigrants and frankly I've held a lot of ill-will towards them because of my feelings on immigration, welfare, etc. My family volunteers nearly as much time as my wife works (she's barely part-time there) and we spend out-of-pocket money we can't necessarily afford every year to help keep things afloat while they keep churning out more babies or getting new Pit-bulls and Chihuahuas... For us it's all about making better lives for the kids, as it's not their fault their parents suck. But on this day I was smacked upside the head with the good side of what we do. These folks - many of whom make their living as housekeepers and landscaping laborers - really came through for the good of the school. They may not have much, but they came with whatever they had and they worked their asses off just like everyone else. Most of these people recognize that getting an education for their children is what matters most. And there were a LOT of people that came to work that had either graduated in the past or have kids that have already graduated. These people know that this small school made their lives or their kid's lives better and they are grateful for it. They appreciate the opportunities they've been given because they were fortunate to attend this little enclave of excellence in the midst of a city full of crap.<br />
<br />
It will be a long time before I forget this day. There is still a lot of work to do before the school is whole again, and it's going to be an up-hill struggle. But I know I'll never again be able to lump one group together as a whole again for the rest of my life. The whole concept of "those lazy (insert ethnic group here)" doesn't hold water. When it comes to community, especially when it comes to kids' well being and education, people from all walks of life, and in every size, shape and color will come together and do good work. Good people are good people - it doesn't matter what race, religion or socio-economic group they belong to - good is good. And I was surrounded by good people on Saturday.<br />
<br />
When I'm frustrated or angry I'm going to remember this. When I see the writings of so many who scream "No Hope", "No future", "We're all doomed" or what ever negative crap they are spewing, I'll remember this day. I don't care what colors we all were, or what languages we were speaking, we came together as Americans that day in the truest sense of the word. It is something I won't soon forget.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading,<br />
~J.L.J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-21939885893307535702012-08-31T12:29:00.003-07:002012-08-31T12:29:57.933-07:00Losing steamSo here it is, the last day of the month. When I came back to this blog I was determined to post at least once a month if not more, but honestly I'm lacking direction. So for today I'll just blather on about this and that. Fake it 'til you make it, right?<br />
<br />
Not much has been going on worth writing about. Job is the same, family life about the same... Guess I need to come to grips with the fact that as I grow older I'm also becoming boring. Who'd have thought!?! Responsiblity has a way of sucking the fun out of life. Not that I'm complaining exactly - I never expected to make it this long, so the fact that I'm still vertical and breathing is gravy. Life is funny that way. I just miss adventure. It's been awile...<br />
<br />
I need a new project or a new book or a new song to jerk me out of the doldrums. Something that will make me say "Yes!! This is what it's all about!!" What are y'all listening to these days? It's been a long time since something came along that aurally knocked me upside the head. Surely there is something out there I haven't heard yet that will put a smile in my ears.<br />
<br />
Too many weird things going on and frankly none of it weird in a good way. As I said in an earlier post, this blog will not become a source of my ranting. Since just about everything you see or hear these days brings about rant-worthy feelings, I'll just keep the ol' pie-hole shut. Politics used to be a passion of mine but I just don't have the stomach for it anymore. I love my country but I loathe my government. The state and federal level have become disgusting enough over the last decade, but now even local stuff in my "quaint" little town is getting ugly and viscious. Enough already.<br />
<br />
A couple good things I'll bring up as a quasi-Public Service Announcement... Go to your local library, people! I have recently re-discovered the joys of the library. I used to spend a LOT of time in mine as a kid but then just kind of forgot about it as time went on. I haven't had a library card for probably 20 years, but I've got a new one now and it's getting a workout! I highly recommend it you you are lucky enough to have one nearby. <br />
<br />
The other thing I want to bring up is <a href="http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/" target="_blank">C.E.R.T.</a> (Community Emergecy Response Team). I went through a town sponsored training a couple years back and it was great. I just got a notice to attend an upcoming re-fresher, so it's front and center on my mind now. If you don't know what it is, look it up. It is a great program and really the only community thing I'm invoved in anymore that doesn't have some power-hungry, underhanded/seedy element to it. It's nothing more than good people learning to how to help in case of an wide-spread emergency. Do it for yourself, your family or your neighbors. You will be glad you did.<br />
<br />
Have a great holiday weekend folks! As always, thanks for reading.<br />
~JL<br />
J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-8565168391625500772012-07-26T10:52:00.000-07:002012-07-26T17:04:04.367-07:00The Genie is out of the bottleSo much bluster and noise regarding firearms these days. Like everyone with any sense of decency and compassion I was shocked and horrified by the events that unfolded in Colorado. However I do not under any circumstances believe the actions of some psychopath warrant further infringement on the rights of law abiding citizens. If anything, these type of events tell me that MORE people should be carrying as a daily routine. One or two properly trained and armed citizens in that Aurora theater could have drastically changed the outcome. Sure, there would most likely have been wounded and possibly killed patrons but I'd be willing to bet the numbers would have been greatly reduced. As a bonus, the perpetrator might have left the scene in a bag rather than cuffs, saving the residents of Colorado untold piles of tax money in the prosecution and subsequent incarceration of this subhuman. Even if he spends 23 hours a day in a cell for the rest of his rotten life, it's far more than he deserves and adds insult to injury to those that have to pay for it.<br />
<br />
The fact of the matter is that it's much too late to "control" firearms. There are millions of them in the U.S. alone and anyone that thinks some legislation is going to make them suddenly go away and make the world a safer place is living in fantasy land. The genie is out of the bottle folks and there is NO WAY anyone is going to get it back in there. People that want a gun to commit a crime aren't going to go through legal channels to get one and those that want one for protecting themselves or their family FROM the criminals will be thrown to the wolves if legal firearms are outlawed. Guns are tangible items - they physically exist. They aren't going to magically disappear no matter how many vigils you attend. Yes, they are dangerous in the wrong hands, but a fact of life none-the-less. Car accidents, food poisoning and even surgeries kill people - should automobiles, food and medical care be outlawed too?<br />
<br />
If you are fortunate enough to live in a place where a CCW permit is readily available, I urge you to get yours. Then practice until you are proficient with your tool. It's one of the things on the top of my "to do " list once I get out of California. I'll take a fighting chance over being a powerless victim any day.<br />
<br />
Stay safe out there folks and take care of yourselves. No one else is going to.<br />
<br />
As always, thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
~JLJ.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-78544639283068603372012-07-16T16:38:00.000-07:002012-07-16T16:38:04.673-07:00Dropping the ball The last couple months have been tough. The Mrs. and I have have started a family business (it's really her show, but when a "family" business is running, it's all hands on deck!) and at any given time I have at minimum 6 projects happening at my job, plus all the day-to-day operations stuff that comes with managing a staff of 30... Add on to that the usual household stuff like cleaning and laundry, cooking and dishes, etc. When I can squeeze in the time I'm tending my garden (it's tiny but still time consuming) and slowly but surely trying to restore an old car of mine. It seems like half the time I don't know if I'm coming or going. <br />
The reason I'm writing all this is not because I'm griping or complaining, but because for all my best efforts a few things still fell through the cracks. I guess it was inevitable that this would happen at some point or another, but it still stings when it happens. <br />
Six months ago, this would have been a HUGE problem - it would have led to marital dischord, parked a huge black cloud hanging over everything and left me beating myself up for days on end over it. But that was the old me. Owning up to the mistakes and apologizing can do wonders... <br />
Everyday I try to do my best. Some days are great; others, not so much. We all make mistakes, every single one of us. The important thing is to use those mistakes as lessons and not let them drag down everything else you're working toward. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on with your life. We need to remember that it's OK to forgive ourselves too. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading,<br />
~JLJ.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-11815299452191481302012-07-13T16:28:00.002-07:002012-07-13T16:28:33.460-07:00Sure, why not?Hi Folks,<br />
It's been a very, very long time since my last post and I've been hesitant to come back, truth be told. Thanks to some kind words from a couple fellow bloggers, I'm feeling compelled to climb back on this horse and go for another ride.<br />
<br />
The reasons for my long absence are many and I won't go into detail. Suffice it to say that the last half of 2011and the first half of 2012 has been the absolute lowest part of my life thus far and let's leave it that, shall we? I know there are those out there in the blogosphere that like to share every intimate detail of their lives and even more blog readers that will lap that stuff up, but I'm not one of those people. I like to keep my nose out of other people's business and as a rule I don't invite noses into mine.<br />
<br />
For the last year I have been lying low and just trying to get myself and my life sorted out and I'm happy to say that the last 6 weeks have been transformative and I'm feeling better than I have in years. I feel mentally refreshed and re-energized and have a new-and-improved outlook on life. It's a good feeling after all the turmoil I've been through in the last year. Don't misunderstand - I'm not all "Pollyanna-ish" about life and the sorry state of the world, but I have embraced an attitude of acceptance and forgiveness. No, I did not find religion, nor was I "born-again". If that stuff works for you, I am very happy for you and in fact feel a little jealous of the comfort so many get from their spritual quests. I tried for years and years to no avail. But there is something so freeing about letting go of pre-conceived notions and expectations of others, and just dealing with one's own self and that which is truly important. I will do the best I can for me and mine and the rest of 'em can, as my mother liked to say, "take a long walk off a short pier".<br />
<br />
I became acutely aware as I was dealing with my own issues of anger and resentment that there are a LOT of really pissed off people out there. Seriously, everywhere you turn, someone is going off over something. It's a freakin' epidemic! I understand WHY so many people are angry. Like they say, if you aren't angry you aren't paying attention. However, it's begun to permeate everything. You can't seem to escape it. It's a sad state of affairs. It seems even every stand-up comic you see now sets up their entire show around things that piss them off. I don't know about you, but I don't find an hour long rant about mundane, every day things that cause a burning rage in someone all that entertaining. Hell, so-called "Reality TV" has made an entire genre/empire out of people being angry about something. And the angrier they are, the better the ratings. It's all very sad and pathetic really... In the end, what does anger and resentment produce? What good does it do? Nothing. None. Nada. Zilch. It's pointless and it's damaging to yourself. Someone once told my wife "Holding on to anger is like taking poison every day and hoping someone else will die from it". After what I've been through, I can say I honestly agree with that statement.<br />
<br />
So here I am, back in the saddle. I do hope to post more frequently than once a year, but this blog <em>will not</em> become a Rant-o-Rama. I do not like the way my posts were heading, and I'm determined not to become some bitter, sad bastard spewing anger, hatefulness and bile. There is FAR too much of that crap floating around on the net already. I'm sick of reading it, I'm sick of listening to it and I sure as sh!t don't want to write it and subject my few readers to it. No it's not all bubblegum and lollypops - the world is a dangerous place, there is no such thing as an even playing field and TPTB (The Powers That Be) are making it worse for the common man every day. But that is life. You win some, you lose some and if you are lucky you live to fight another day. Running around all pissed off, ranting and raving at every percieved "injustice" won't change anything except possibly give you an ulcer. We all have a very short time to hang on to this revolving mud ball Mother Earth. No "do-overs", no "next time" - this is it. When your card gets punched, which can happen at ANY time for ANY (or NO) reason, that's all folks! I don't know about you, but I don't want to go out bitter and angry. I want to enjoy life to the best of my abilities while I still can. My life is FAR from perfect, but whose life is perfect? I've had the opportunity in the course of my years to spend time with some very famous and wealthy people, and it's not all it's cracked up to be. I feel sorry for people that look up to our celebrities and long for that kind of life. It's so isolated and phony and fleeting. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. OK, maybe on my WORST enemy. If everyone tried to make the best of things instead of constantly bitching about everything that doesn't live up to their expectations/demands we would all be better off. I'm going to do my part and I encourage you all to do the same. Be excellent to each other, smile more and try not to let the bastards get you down. Be kind. Enjoy yourself and those close to you. <br />
<br />
In closing I'd like to thank a few folks that have really helped me through my struggles over the last year. I don't know any of them personally, but through their writing and videos I've have learned quite alot and gained a new perspective. In no particular order, thank you to: <a href="http://jamesmdakin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">James "Bison" Dakin</a>, <a href="http://mohaveratstwocentsworth.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the Mojaverat</a>, <a href="http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/" target="_blank">MD Creekmore</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePatriotNurse" target="_blank">Patriot Nurse</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/engineer775" target="_blank">Engineer 775</a>, <a href="http://lowbuckprepper.com/" target="_blank">Lowbuck Prepper</a> and the fine folks at <a href="http://www.survivalistboards.com/index.php" target="_blank">Survivalistboards</a>. Thanks for your wisdom, insight and gracious sharing of yourselves. Though we've never met, I feel like I have a bunch of "invisible" friends and I appreciate what you've all done for me, even if you didn't know it.<br />
<br />
As always, thanks for reading! See you soon,<br />
~JL<br />
<br />J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-67183513270781532022011-09-07T10:26:00.000-07:002011-09-07T10:26:29.871-07:00Words to live by...Those that know me well know I'm a bit of a nerd about quotes. I think it's because I'm such a quiet person and I don't say much. When someone can make a huge statement or get across a big idea with a few well chosen words, I get absurdly impressed. And often I find them inspiring and even life changing.<br />
<br />
The other day while reading one of my new favorite blogs - <a href="http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/">Cold Antler Farm</a> - I ran across something that really smacked me upside the head. Now this wasn't a quoted passage, but I certainly think it should be, so I'm going to quote it here and hope that it gains traction...<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"It's not where you live, it's how you live"</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: small;">~Jenna Woginrich</span></strong><br />
<br />
This really struck a chord with me because a couple years ago I decided I wanted to be a "Homesteader". I believe I would be much happier and healthier if I had a small hold farm. Raising chickens and rabbits and goats. Growing my own fruits and vegetables. All that good stuff. And so I've been reading books and blogs, watching YouTube videos and checking out things like Mother Earth News and Urban Farmer magazine. Even participating in an online forum dedicated to homesteading. This is a whole new world to me and I find it endlessly fascinating. The only problem is I kept looking at it as "Some day I'll..." Like I can't homestead without an actual home and land. Yes, I realize that people everywhere are Urban Farming and that backyard chickens are springing up all over the suburbs, but it all seemed like a distant dream none-the-less. <br />
<br />
That one sentence changed my perspective. Nine words. That's all it took. OK, sure, I still can't have chickens or goats where I live and I'm limited to a small container garden and one indoor rabbit. But what I <u>can</u> do is take this time to learn the myriad skills that are needed to live a self sufficient life. I can learn preserving and canning. I can bake bread. I can compost and recycle. I can use more natural products. Hell, I could learn to quilt or knit or sew or make candles for cryin' out loud! It doesn't matter that the foods I preserve came from the market, it's the SKILLS that matter now. So what if I use store bought ingredients to make my own cheese, at least I'll learn how to make cheese, right!?! The more I can learn before I have the house and the land and the livestock to deal with, the better off I'll be when I <em>do</em> have those things. <br />
<br />
The beauty of it is that it doesn't matter what your dreams are, this quote applies. If you happen to live in a really wealthy area, you don't have to be a shallow, materialistic person if that's not you. If you live in a slum, you don't have to be a thug. Just because your neighbor acts or lives a certain way doesn't mean you have to. If you live in Texas and hate cowboy boots, don't wear just because it's expected of you. Likewise, if you live in Seattle and you <em>love</em> cowboy boots, wear them with pride! Your location doesn't define you, only <u>you</u> can define you. Live the way that fits you as a person and do what you can now to live the life you want to ultimately live. <br />
<br />
Thanks for the inspiration Cold Antler Farm, and thank you for reading!J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-4010614246814787812011-08-31T16:19:00.000-07:002011-08-31T16:19:39.366-07:00The winds of change...Ok, so I freely admit that I don't have much to write about today. However it was my intention to at LEAST write once a month to keep this thing alive.<br />
<br />
That being said, I do find myself excited for a change... The Mrs. and I are embarking on a new business venture to start up next summer and as things slowly progress it's looking good! I've also decided to finally do something about my employment situation. Don't get me wrong, in this day and age I'm fortunate to have a job and I feel for those of you out there that don't. I've been there and it is awful. Really, really awful. But when the job you are "lucky" to have causes you to hate waking up every day and go through anxiety attacks a few times a week, I think it's time to move on. And that's where I'm at. <br />
<br />
So, chin up, shoulders back! Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot... and on into a better life!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-90220964694610868842011-07-05T12:17:00.000-07:002011-07-05T12:17:48.765-07:00Prepare, then prepare some more!Yes, I am indeed one of the "prepper" weirdos that have been popping up all over the place lately. I'd like to think I'm not some band-wagon jumper as preparedness has been part of my make-up for a long time - once a Boy Scout, always a Boy Scout, I guess... However, it's really in the last couple years that I started to take it seriously and expand on what I thought it was to Be Prepared.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to beat this dead horse and go into detail about what you should do to prepare yourself and you family for an untoward event - there is more then enough of that on the web already. 10 seconds on Google or Yahoo search will find you a month's worth of reading on the subject. All I'm saying here is get off your duff and do something. Anything. Start small and add a little at a time. You'll be surprised how quickly it adds up. <br />
<br />
The reason I bring this up now is because it's the time of year I go through what I have stored, check expiration dates and inventory new stuff I've added over the year. This is very important - you certainly don't want to be depending on foods you stored that have since expired. Rotate your stock, store what you eat and eat what you store.<br />
<br />
I'm not nearly as prepared as I'd like to be, but I'm a lot better off than I was just 2 years ago, simply going one small step at a time. I have very little "disposable" income but have managed to put up quite a bit, just $5 - $10 at a time. Even if $5 a week is too much to put aside (some of you may be laughing, but I've been there - sometimes five bucks seems like a small fortune) spend $1 and put up a gallon of bottled water. Just one for now, and everytime you have an extra $1 grab another until you have 6 gallons per person for your household. Why 6 gallons? That's the BARE MINIMUM recommended by those in the know - 2 gallons per person/per day for 3 days. Of course the more the better, but at least 6 gallons per person to start.<br />
<br />
Get your water first. EVERYTHING else is less important. Not unneccessary mind you, just less important. Three days without water and you're done. Going that long without food would suck, but it won't kill you. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, prepping for an emergency isn't something that's ever "done". No matter how well set you think you are, you can bet someone will find the holes in your plan. There are just too many variables. But if nothing else, get your basics in order. Water, food, shelter. Sure a generator and an arsenal of combat-grade weapons, a dedicated "Bug-out Vehicle" (BOV) and a fully stocked bomb-proof shelter would be great, but being realistic just having food and water and not needing to rely on the .gov to come to your aid in an emergency puts you miles ahead of the average American sloth. <br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I'll gladly give up some closet and cupboard space for preps rather than end up standing in some FEMA line for a handout come-what-may. I suggest you do the same. I'm not going to go all doom & gloom here, I'm not saying the sky is falling. But you would have to have been living under a rock for the last year if you haven't noticed that some very strange s**t has been going on. Earthquakes, volcanos, wild fires, floods, crop failures, uprisings, etc. etc. It may not happen to you, but then again it might. <br />
<br />
Don't live in fear, prepare yourself and your family. Don't say I didn't warn ya!J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-92047083226795992472011-06-07T23:08:00.000-07:002011-06-07T23:08:23.193-07:00Great Day todayWow... got to sleep in late, the Mrs. took our daughter to school so I didn't have to, had the day off from work since I had to work this past weekend, excellent pancake breakfast, lounged around & watched a funny movie, got a good haircut (always a crapshoot-you never know what you'll get!), got to hang out with the Mrs. all day, dinner from my favorite Hot Dog stand and to top it all off, pineapple-upside-down cake for dessert!<br />
<br />
Who says getting older has to suck!?! This was a great day!J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-13660474881716091042011-06-05T12:04:00.000-07:002011-06-05T12:04:29.409-07:00WasteI recently encountered something that has really stuck in my craw, so to speak, and feel I must rant a little... <br />
<br />
There is a house that I pass by quite often on my walks to work that underwent a 16-18 month full-on remodel/enlargement. I'm very picky about workmanship and even though I thought the style of the house was ugly and nothing I would ever pick for myself, the quality of the workmanship was first rate - from what I could see from the outside walking by that is. Anyhow, the work went on forever it seemed and finally when everything looked done they slapped up a For Sale sign. Out of curiosity I stopped and picked up one of the fliers for the house. The interior pics looked fantastic - every bit as well done as the outside of the home. Asking price $1.45 million. Not an uncommon price in my area (and actually quite low compared to some, which is why I've been renting a tiny apartment for the last 6 years!) and within maybe 45 days the house was sold. Honestly I was kinda shocked it went so fast, and I don't know what it sold for, but you can bet it was at least $1.2 million, if not more. So much for our failing economy, right?<br />
<br />
So why am I irritated? It's because I just walked past there the other day and discovered at least half of the home had been leveled so it could be made even BIGGER!! The house after it's first renovation was 2,800 square feet and it wasn't BIG ENOUGH? Are you freakin' kidding me!?! I mean, what kind of asshole spends over a million bucks on an already ridiculously large and completely rebuilt, never lived in house only to tear half of it down to rebuild AGAIN? That kind of crap just pisses me off. I'm pissed for the craftsmen that spent over a year doing the last rebuild. What an insult. It's like a slap in the face. I'm pissed about the mulitple 40 cubic yard dumpsters of building materials (lumber, drywall, plumbing, etc. <u>all NEW</u>) that have been shipped off to the landfill. I'm pissed that they'll use even more building materials to rebuild again. I'm pissed that even that much more of our "dirt" is being covered up - this is in a typical suburban setting, not some 2-3 acre lot. These pricks will have about 150 square feet of backyard left when the mostrosity is completed. I'm pissed that it will take even MORE energy to heat and cool this beast. <strong>The whole thing is just a big goddamn waste on every front. </strong><br />
<br />
When I was a kid, everyone I knew lived in small tract houses. Most houses in my neighborhood were 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom on 1/4 acre lots. All those houses had kids - my home with only 2 children was an anomaly - 3 and 4 kids was much more common. And you know what? We all survived!! And now, families are getting smaller and smaller. but homes are getting bigger and bigger. Unless you've got a HUGE family, why on earth do you need a HUGE house? Do you <u>need</u> His and Hers matching walk-in closets? If so, then you have to much CRAP clogging up your life. Who really needs their own room for a home-gym? Go for a walk, work in the garden, mow your own freakin' lawn for cryin' out loud and get some exercise that way! Why must you have have a living room <u>and</u> a media/family room? You can't <em>live</em> in the same room that you watch TV? Is it so you can front to your friends that the TV in the other room is for the KIDS and you must be kept seperate from it? You can't just BBQ in the back yard, you need an entire outdoor kitchen? What, your kitchen inside doesn't work for foods eaten on the patio? Do you really need an extra bedroom for the one time a year Aunt Edna comes in from Tallahassee? When I was a kid, when visitors came, they slept in the kids' rooms and the kids slept in sleeping bags on the floor. Even better, if the weather was nice we'd set up a tent in the backyard and turn it into an adventure. Of course now with shrinking lots and growing square footage, most new homes don't even have enough room in their yards to set up a tent! All these EXTRA rooms take RESOURCES which are in limited supply. More lumber, more copper for wires and pipes, more petroleum based products like roof shingles, more concrete plus all the resources of the people doing the work - the trucks to get the workers there, the delivery trucks for materials, gas for generators, et cetera. Then when you've wasted all those resources just building the thing you've got to HEAT it and COOL it and CLEAN it and MAINTAIN it. All those things cost time, money and resources. And for what? An ego boost? Even if you are multi-millionaire and you're living with your wife/husband and one or two kids and can afford all the EXTRA stuff, in my book you are still an asshole for being so wasteful. Don't get me wrong, if you and your spouse have 5 or 6 kids, the in-laws are living with you since they lost all their retirement funds in a Ponzi-scheme and your no-account brother is living with you "just until he gets on his feet" then by all means, you NEED some space and I've got no beef with you. It's wasteful, show-off pricks that make we want to puke.<br />
<br />
I think it's high time we as a nation stop measuring ourselves by how much we consume, by how much square feet we have to fill with worthless crap. I may not know much, but I do know this:<br />
Bigger isn't always better.<br />
<br />
OK, rant/off.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653445460816326749.post-30699457466928421852011-06-01T10:30:00.000-07:002011-06-01T10:30:27.921-07:00Taking the Leap!<h1 style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“It is never too late to become what you might have been”</span></h1><div style="margin: 0px;">~George Eliot</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">So, here I go. Why on Earth would I want to start this blogging stuff? I'm not a Writer by any stretch of the imagination. There is nothing "special" about me... I have a lot of interests, a lot of ideas, but no real STATEMENT to make. I'm not even sure what the central theme of my blog is... Nevertheless I feel like it's something I should try. Maybe touch someone by the simple fact of writing about something someone else can relate to? Maybe the suggestion of an idea will open the floodgates allowing someone else to run with it? Who knows? </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">I don't suspect I'll post very often, but I just might. I get weird whims sometimes and I just have to run with them. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">So, a little bit about me: I'm a middle aged guy, born and raised in Northern California. In fact I've lived within 30 miles of where I was born my entire life. It was a great place to grow up but now I can't wait to get out of here. I've been married for 20 years and have a daughter in high school. Both my parents are still alive for which I'm thankful. I have one younger sister that lives out of state. She and I have never been close, nor do I expcet we ever will be. I have <em>some</em> college eduaction and <em>some</em> vocational training but I've never earned a degree or become certified in anything. It hasn't kept me from being "successful" - I've attained managerial and Director status at my last few jobs - but I still wish I had a college degree. I'm planning to re-enroll in the fall and start over, but my plans have a way of getting thrown out the window so we'll see...</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">My passions include music, books and DIY stuff. I was a semi-professional musician for many, many years. By "semi-pro" I mean I did in fact make money as a musician, just never enough to make a living at it so I've always had to have a "real" job. I work with the elderly now and I'm constantly shocked by how often they act like children. I don't hate my job but I don't really like it either. I like the "Do It Yourself" stuff because a) I'm a cheap bastard and if I can do something rather than pay someone else to do it I will, and b) I get a sense of satisfaction out of it. I've learned a LOT by just diving in and fixing something. It's a good skill to have.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">The quote I used at the top of the page is something that I ran across about a year ago and it had a profound impact on me. I'm at that stage of my life where I'm thinking "What's next?" I had been feeling that the professional musician ship had sailed, that I had "aged out", and therefor was destined to spend the rest of my life in some crap job, doing things I didn't want to do and keep chasing the American Dream. Well my friends, that's B.S. I figure I've got at least another 20 years left to live, if not more, and that is no way to go through life. Sure, there is a 99.999% chance that I'll <u>never</u> make a living as a musician, that I'll <u>never</u> be wealthy, that I'll <u>never</u> be just like The Jones' next door with the flashy cars, the fancy toys, the private schools, et cetera, but that doesn't mean I can't be happy. That doesn't mean I can't express myself. That doesn't mean I can't live life on my own terms and make things happen for me and my family. I've spent too much time worrying about the cant's, being jealous of what others have and not being thankful for what I have, but those days are done. I've thrown that way of thinking out into the cold, dark night.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">I've always marched to the beat of a Different Drummer and will continue to do so. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Thanks for reading!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div>J.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06866419711226012785noreply@blogger.com0