Well hello everyone. It sure has been a long time since I had last posted anything to my blog. I would like to take this time to inform anyone who happens to follow my blog that I will be getting married. That's right ladies and gentlemen. I am so in love with Tanya that I have decided to get married again.
As some of you may know from reading some of my past blogs, Tanya is my true soulmate. I love her with all my heart.
Wedding date has not yet been set and I haven't yet even "popped" the question to her. However, we have been shopping for rings and Tanya and her mother have even decided on what the colors of our wedding should be.
I have waited so long to be completely happy and to find that someone that can does make me as happy as Tanya does. Not only does she make me incredible happy, but she also makes my son Ethan happy too.
Well, that's about all I have to catch everyone up on to this point. I hope that everyone will have a great start to the fall semester. Good luck everyone.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Love Has Found Me
As many of you know that have followed my blog from school this has been a rough year, especially when it comes to the "love department." Those of you who may have read my blog may remember a story that I wrote about my ex wife. She had gotten into my facebook account and had messaged a wonderful woman some very aweful and hurtful things about me in an effort to push this woman away. Sad thing, it worked. This incredible woman that I had gone out with, had amazing conversation with, whom I have tons and tons of things in common with, was suddenly gone. Krysti had successfully pushed this amazing person out of my life. This incredible woman politely told me that she didn't have time for all the drama and that I should just respect her decision on the matter, which I did.
After this unfortunate occurance took place, I just tried to keep myself occupied with school and with the sports that Ethan participates in. Even though that I remained quite busy with all the activities, there was still something missing. A void in my life that I couldn't really come to terms with.
Then, one day about a month or so later, this incredible woman whom I thought was out of my life forever sent me a text message. I was shocked, in fact, shocked is an under statement. I didn't know what to think. I was in so much awe that I actually read the message a few times before I even replied to it. My brother was even with me and he asked me if I was going to reply to the message. I told him that I would be responding to the message.
Replying to her message was the smartest thing that I have ever done in my entire life. A few weeks after the response to her message, she invited me back up to her house in Springfield to hang out and talk. I happily accepted the invitation. Once I got to her house to meet up with her, I was so overcome with emotion that I immediately picked her up in my arms and gave her a hug. When then left and had a wonderful dinner. While at dinner, we picked up where we left off at after the last time that we had seen each other. After dinner we went back to her home and continued the great conversation.
Then came the difficult part. We had the conversation about Krysti. Once the air was cleared about Krysti, we then changed the subject and just focused on us. We had realized that the spark and chemistry that we had for one another was still there and very much alive. As the evening ended she walked me to my truck, at my request of course. At this point, the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me occured. We had our first kiss.
Before the kiss took place, I was so nervous. It was like I was going to kiss a woman for the very first time. The nerves and the butterflies seemed to be multiplying in every breath that I would take. Finally, the moment of truth happened. The kiss took place. Her lips were so soft and inviting. The kiss was so magical and intoxicating that I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to stay in that moment forever.
On the drive home, I couldn't help but to feel like I was in heaven. I also realized at that point that another feeling was taking me over. That feeling was love. I knew at that point that I finally knew what it was to not only feel what love is, but to feel that I was in love. I was so overcome with emotion that I wanted to scream it at the top of my lungs for everyone to hear. I wanted everyone in the world to know that I am in love with Tanya Johnson.
That very next morning we both decided to take our relationship to the next level. We have been together everyday since with each day being more magical and special than the first. Thanks to Tanya, I do believe that God does have someone out there for everyone. Tanya is and always will be my one true love, my soul mate. The void in my life that I had referred to earlier in the blog, is now filled. Tanya's love for me has been the missing piece in my life that I was always searching for and now have. I do not want to ever think or imagine this wonderful woman ever to be out of my life.
I love you, Tanya, forever!
After this unfortunate occurance took place, I just tried to keep myself occupied with school and with the sports that Ethan participates in. Even though that I remained quite busy with all the activities, there was still something missing. A void in my life that I couldn't really come to terms with.
Then, one day about a month or so later, this incredible woman whom I thought was out of my life forever sent me a text message. I was shocked, in fact, shocked is an under statement. I didn't know what to think. I was in so much awe that I actually read the message a few times before I even replied to it. My brother was even with me and he asked me if I was going to reply to the message. I told him that I would be responding to the message.
Replying to her message was the smartest thing that I have ever done in my entire life. A few weeks after the response to her message, she invited me back up to her house in Springfield to hang out and talk. I happily accepted the invitation. Once I got to her house to meet up with her, I was so overcome with emotion that I immediately picked her up in my arms and gave her a hug. When then left and had a wonderful dinner. While at dinner, we picked up where we left off at after the last time that we had seen each other. After dinner we went back to her home and continued the great conversation.
Then came the difficult part. We had the conversation about Krysti. Once the air was cleared about Krysti, we then changed the subject and just focused on us. We had realized that the spark and chemistry that we had for one another was still there and very much alive. As the evening ended she walked me to my truck, at my request of course. At this point, the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me occured. We had our first kiss.
Before the kiss took place, I was so nervous. It was like I was going to kiss a woman for the very first time. The nerves and the butterflies seemed to be multiplying in every breath that I would take. Finally, the moment of truth happened. The kiss took place. Her lips were so soft and inviting. The kiss was so magical and intoxicating that I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to stay in that moment forever.
On the drive home, I couldn't help but to feel like I was in heaven. I also realized at that point that another feeling was taking me over. That feeling was love. I knew at that point that I finally knew what it was to not only feel what love is, but to feel that I was in love. I was so overcome with emotion that I wanted to scream it at the top of my lungs for everyone to hear. I wanted everyone in the world to know that I am in love with Tanya Johnson.
That very next morning we both decided to take our relationship to the next level. We have been together everyday since with each day being more magical and special than the first. Thanks to Tanya, I do believe that God does have someone out there for everyone. Tanya is and always will be my one true love, my soul mate. The void in my life that I had referred to earlier in the blog, is now filled. Tanya's love for me has been the missing piece in my life that I was always searching for and now have. I do not want to ever think or imagine this wonderful woman ever to be out of my life.
I love you, Tanya, forever!
Monday, May 10, 2010
End Of Semester
Well ladies and gentlement here we are again. The spring semester is coming to a close and it's time to start thinking about summer classes or for some of you taking the summer off. In my case, I am taking two summer courses. One of which I have to take on campus and the other will be on line.
Looking back over this last semester, I have realized my limitations. This semester I tried to tackle a 16 hour schedule. Boy was I stupid in doing that. Here I was thinking that I should be able to handle the workload plus do everything else in my personal life. I was so wrong. This workload practically killed me. Note to self: No more than 12 hours per semester. Good, now that I have that little reminder out of the way we can finish this blog.
Over the last two semesters I have really enjoyed keeping this blog. Of course it helps that I love to write. Keeping this blog helped me sharpen my writing skills because, as we all know, practice makes perfect. Not only was the practice needed, but I was also able to keep up on current events. Plus, my son watched me write the blog all the time and that has made him more interested in writing. In fact he has now started writing almost everday.
I shall miss this particular class. It was fun and tedious all at the same time. It was tedious as far as the deadlines go but fun when you would see the finished product.
I have decided that I will keep this blog going. My goal is to make at least one post per week and as we all know, who knows exactly what I will write about.
I hope all my classmates and Mrs. Chism will have a wonderful summer. Good luck to everyone while you pursue your respective degrees.
Have a great summer!!!!!
Looking back over this last semester, I have realized my limitations. This semester I tried to tackle a 16 hour schedule. Boy was I stupid in doing that. Here I was thinking that I should be able to handle the workload plus do everything else in my personal life. I was so wrong. This workload practically killed me. Note to self: No more than 12 hours per semester. Good, now that I have that little reminder out of the way we can finish this blog.
Over the last two semesters I have really enjoyed keeping this blog. Of course it helps that I love to write. Keeping this blog helped me sharpen my writing skills because, as we all know, practice makes perfect. Not only was the practice needed, but I was also able to keep up on current events. Plus, my son watched me write the blog all the time and that has made him more interested in writing. In fact he has now started writing almost everday.
I shall miss this particular class. It was fun and tedious all at the same time. It was tedious as far as the deadlines go but fun when you would see the finished product.
I have decided that I will keep this blog going. My goal is to make at least one post per week and as we all know, who knows exactly what I will write about.
I hope all my classmates and Mrs. Chism will have a wonderful summer. Good luck to everyone while you pursue your respective degrees.
Have a great summer!!!!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
UVA Lacrosse Player Charged With Murder
According to a story released by ABCNEWS (1), 22 year old George Huguely has been charged with the brutal death of his 22 year old girlfriend Yeardley Love. Both Huguely and Love were members of the University of Virginia varsity lacrosse teams. Details of the story are still being investigated.
Details that have been released are that Ms. Love was found in her bedroom laying face down on her pillow in a pool of blood and it seemed she had suffered severe blunt force trauma to the head and body.
Mr. Huguely and Ms. Love had been dating for almost a year. Both were star athletes on their respective teams. Both were set to graduate May 23 with degrees in their respective fields of study. Since the incident Mr. Huguely has withdrawn from the university and Ms. Love will receive her degree posthumously with the rest of her class. Both the men and women's lacrosse teams will compete in the NCAA lacrosse tournament in honor of Ms. Love.
Now, one has to wonder if this crime could have been prevented? My answer is yes. I feel that further screening of students would have shown that Mr. Huguely had a violent past. He was arrested in 2008 for public intoxication and resisting arrest. In fact during this arrest he even made threats to the female officer who was making the arrest. Now, this young girl has had her life taken away from her. All the hard work that she put in was taken away from her because the "boy" could not handle the fact that she was thru with him.
According to national statistics (2), one in five female college students are victims of domestic viloence. Also, one in 10 male students are also victims of domestic violence. And no most of these domestic violence incidents stem from athletes. These incidents are coming form ordinary students. How are university officials going to curb this cycle of violence? That question still remains to be answered. In fact, it may never be answered. For Ms. Love, the answer should HAVE came.
-------------------------------------------------------
1)www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/thelaw/yeardly-love-death-warning-signs-missed-ahead-universtiy/story?
2)www.webanswers.com
Details that have been released are that Ms. Love was found in her bedroom laying face down on her pillow in a pool of blood and it seemed she had suffered severe blunt force trauma to the head and body.
Mr. Huguely and Ms. Love had been dating for almost a year. Both were star athletes on their respective teams. Both were set to graduate May 23 with degrees in their respective fields of study. Since the incident Mr. Huguely has withdrawn from the university and Ms. Love will receive her degree posthumously with the rest of her class. Both the men and women's lacrosse teams will compete in the NCAA lacrosse tournament in honor of Ms. Love.
Now, one has to wonder if this crime could have been prevented? My answer is yes. I feel that further screening of students would have shown that Mr. Huguely had a violent past. He was arrested in 2008 for public intoxication and resisting arrest. In fact during this arrest he even made threats to the female officer who was making the arrest. Now, this young girl has had her life taken away from her. All the hard work that she put in was taken away from her because the "boy" could not handle the fact that she was thru with him.
According to national statistics (2), one in five female college students are victims of domestic viloence. Also, one in 10 male students are also victims of domestic violence. And no most of these domestic violence incidents stem from athletes. These incidents are coming form ordinary students. How are university officials going to curb this cycle of violence? That question still remains to be answered. In fact, it may never be answered. For Ms. Love, the answer should HAVE came.
-------------------------------------------------------
1)www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/thelaw/yeardly-love-death-warning-signs-missed-ahead-universtiy/story?
2)www.webanswers.com
Reflection
Over the course of the last few weeks I have been serving my church by doing some community service at the Watered Gardens Ministry. During this time I have done some soul searching, personal reflection of sorts. I have come to the realization that life is not as bad as what it seems.
As most of you know I have had a very bad year in terms of personal loss. Last semester I lost a dear friend and classmate and then this semester I lost my father. That in itself was a huge turn of events for me because I lost two people that I could always turn to for advice and support.
Now, as I was working at the ministry, I began to look at some of the people that were barely surviving. People that were, in many aspects, living in tents and only eating when the ministry was open. At this point, I became truly thankful for all the things that I have in life. I still have a wonderful mother, brother and sister-in-law, an awesome nephew and niece, and last but not certainly not least a wonderful son in Ethan.
Then as I was reflecting on how great I do have it, I began to wonder how society has simply forgotten some of these people. Now I'm not talking about people who are drug addicts and alcoholics, that in itself is a whole other discussion. I'm talking about the people who have tried to help themselves or that their mental disabilities are so severe that that they cannot help themselves. I know that around in this area the shelters are over crowded. I know that funding for these places are very limited as well. In fact most of them are funded by private donations and what not. I just wish that I could do more than just give my time.
After leaving Watered Gardens, I now have a new sense of myself. I feel that no matter how badly my day is going, that there are people out there who have it worse than I do. Also upon leaving, I felt a great sense of accomplishment for helping these people. I have also made a commitment to myself to continue to serve there as much as I possibly can.
As most of you know I have had a very bad year in terms of personal loss. Last semester I lost a dear friend and classmate and then this semester I lost my father. That in itself was a huge turn of events for me because I lost two people that I could always turn to for advice and support.
Now, as I was working at the ministry, I began to look at some of the people that were barely surviving. People that were, in many aspects, living in tents and only eating when the ministry was open. At this point, I became truly thankful for all the things that I have in life. I still have a wonderful mother, brother and sister-in-law, an awesome nephew and niece, and last but not certainly not least a wonderful son in Ethan.
Then as I was reflecting on how great I do have it, I began to wonder how society has simply forgotten some of these people. Now I'm not talking about people who are drug addicts and alcoholics, that in itself is a whole other discussion. I'm talking about the people who have tried to help themselves or that their mental disabilities are so severe that that they cannot help themselves. I know that around in this area the shelters are over crowded. I know that funding for these places are very limited as well. In fact most of them are funded by private donations and what not. I just wish that I could do more than just give my time.
After leaving Watered Gardens, I now have a new sense of myself. I feel that no matter how badly my day is going, that there are people out there who have it worse than I do. Also upon leaving, I felt a great sense of accomplishment for helping these people. I have also made a commitment to myself to continue to serve there as much as I possibly can.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Mom Kept Secret Life of Drinking from Loved Ones
According to a recent story released by ABCNEWS (1), Tina a 43 year old former politician, now stay home Mom, drinks wine out of her coffee cup in attempts to hide her drinking from loved ones.
Tina, originally left the fast paced life of being a politician to spend more time with her children and what went from a few glasses of wine at night quickly turned into a bottle or even more of wine at night. Then the drinking in the morning was started when the mom's of would get together after the kids would go to school. She at first realized that she was becoming an alcoholic when she would wake up in the morning with the "shakes."
Research conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (2), states that 1/3 of all alcoholics are women. I find that number very fascinating. Although, I do not drink, I do sometimes venture out to a local tavern to meet with friends or be a designated driver. What I find at these "bars" are that more of the women in these places are drinking more that the men are. So I find it hard to believe that only 1/3 of alcoholics are women. I figured the number to be much higher.
Now, I am sure that the study that was performed by the institute was a controlled study with many imperfections of gaining truly accurate numbers. However, that number is still staggering. I wonder, does the hustle and bustle of everyday life have gotten to the women too! I realize in today's society it takes two to run a successful household. I also realize that women have more physical demands put on them by society.
Alcoholism is a very dangerous disease, and that is what it truly is. It grabs a hold of you and before you know it, your body and mind needs it to function. Take for instance our subject of this story, Tina. Before she had gone into rehab, she was drinking to cure the shakes she was having. Only the alcohol would take the shakes away.
I know that there are people out there that do drink responsibly. Maybe one day anyone who drinks will be responsible.
-------------------------------------------------
1)www.abcnews.com/go/2020/mom-secret-habit-coffee-mug-full-of-wine
2)National Institute of Alcohol Abuse.com
Tina, originally left the fast paced life of being a politician to spend more time with her children and what went from a few glasses of wine at night quickly turned into a bottle or even more of wine at night. Then the drinking in the morning was started when the mom's of would get together after the kids would go to school. She at first realized that she was becoming an alcoholic when she would wake up in the morning with the "shakes."
Research conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (2), states that 1/3 of all alcoholics are women. I find that number very fascinating. Although, I do not drink, I do sometimes venture out to a local tavern to meet with friends or be a designated driver. What I find at these "bars" are that more of the women in these places are drinking more that the men are. So I find it hard to believe that only 1/3 of alcoholics are women. I figured the number to be much higher.
Now, I am sure that the study that was performed by the institute was a controlled study with many imperfections of gaining truly accurate numbers. However, that number is still staggering. I wonder, does the hustle and bustle of everyday life have gotten to the women too! I realize in today's society it takes two to run a successful household. I also realize that women have more physical demands put on them by society.
Alcoholism is a very dangerous disease, and that is what it truly is. It grabs a hold of you and before you know it, your body and mind needs it to function. Take for instance our subject of this story, Tina. Before she had gone into rehab, she was drinking to cure the shakes she was having. Only the alcohol would take the shakes away.
I know that there are people out there that do drink responsibly. Maybe one day anyone who drinks will be responsible.
-------------------------------------------------
1)www.abcnews.com/go/2020/mom-secret-habit-coffee-mug-full-of-wine
2)National Institute of Alcohol Abuse.com
When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade!!!!!
It's true what the old saying goes, "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Over the course of this semester, many of you have seen me at my worst. First was the death of my father, then Ethan breaking his foot before the state tournament, and finally the crap that my ex wife stirred up on my facebook account.
I must admit that at one point it was driving me absolutely crazy with all the negative fortunes that were coming into my life. Especially the ex wife problems. However, I have since took care of the problem of the ex wife and Ethan's foot is healing properly. Well, still havent gotten over my Father's death, but I am working on that.
With that being said, I have mastered the art of making lemonade. Each and every day I wake up thinking, "what the hell is going to happen to me today?" Who would really blame me for thinking this way? With all the crap that has happened to me who wouldn't start thinking this way right? Well, I will not think this way anymore. I refuse to think like this anymore. My Father's death and Ethan's injured foot are things that I cannot control. However, the way that I have been treated by my ex wife I can. I have recently took some very good advice from my younger brother Nathan. That advice is simply tell my ex wife to "F.O!!!!" Now, usually I do not use that kind of language, but the way she has been treating me is done.
That's right Krysti, you will never treat me like a worthless piece of meat again. I hope and pray that the next person you come across is just as vile as you are. I hope they deliver as much pain and sorrow to you as you have done to me.
I know that a good christian is not supposed to wish ill feelings toward any one person, but that is o.k. I feel that this venomous person deserves these ill feelings and wishes.
I must admit that at one point it was driving me absolutely crazy with all the negative fortunes that were coming into my life. Especially the ex wife problems. However, I have since took care of the problem of the ex wife and Ethan's foot is healing properly. Well, still havent gotten over my Father's death, but I am working on that.
With that being said, I have mastered the art of making lemonade. Each and every day I wake up thinking, "what the hell is going to happen to me today?" Who would really blame me for thinking this way? With all the crap that has happened to me who wouldn't start thinking this way right? Well, I will not think this way anymore. I refuse to think like this anymore. My Father's death and Ethan's injured foot are things that I cannot control. However, the way that I have been treated by my ex wife I can. I have recently took some very good advice from my younger brother Nathan. That advice is simply tell my ex wife to "F.O!!!!" Now, usually I do not use that kind of language, but the way she has been treating me is done.
That's right Krysti, you will never treat me like a worthless piece of meat again. I hope and pray that the next person you come across is just as vile as you are. I hope they deliver as much pain and sorrow to you as you have done to me.
I know that a good christian is not supposed to wish ill feelings toward any one person, but that is o.k. I feel that this venomous person deserves these ill feelings and wishes.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Republicans Trash SEC for Surfing Porn
That's right ladies and gentlemen. Our "hard" working tax dollars that budgets the Securities and Exchange Commission have been paying high ranking officials in the commission while they surf porn on government computers.
In a story released by FOXNEWS(1), 33 probes into the computer use of the SEC have been made over the last 2 1/2 years. 31 out of those 33 probes found that officials high withing the SEC have been going around the security measures to view porn at the office.
Now according to Merriam-Webster.com(2), pornography is defined as "the depicition of erotic behavior (in pictures and writing) intended to cause sexual excitement." Oh my lord, apparently these government officials had nothing better to do at work than surf porn. Wait, isn't our economy in the dumps right now? Hmmm, maybe they did have something to do at work. I know, WORK!!!!! Rep. Issa stated it best, "high ranking officials of the SEC is spending more time looking at porn than they are taking the appropriate action to stave off events that put our nation's economy on the brink of collapse." I would have to agree with the representative.
I feel that these officials should be tereminated immediately and should have to forfiet any pension that was due to them for wasting tax payer dollars. Our economy is in crisis, but hey we have time to watch porn instead of fixing the problems.
If you want to watch porn, do it at home in the privacy of your own home and don't waste tax payer dollars.
----------------------------------
1)www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/23/republicans-slam-sec-porn-surfing-report
2)www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pornography
In a story released by FOXNEWS(1), 33 probes into the computer use of the SEC have been made over the last 2 1/2 years. 31 out of those 33 probes found that officials high withing the SEC have been going around the security measures to view porn at the office.
Now according to Merriam-Webster.com(2), pornography is defined as "the depicition of erotic behavior (in pictures and writing) intended to cause sexual excitement." Oh my lord, apparently these government officials had nothing better to do at work than surf porn. Wait, isn't our economy in the dumps right now? Hmmm, maybe they did have something to do at work. I know, WORK!!!!! Rep. Issa stated it best, "high ranking officials of the SEC is spending more time looking at porn than they are taking the appropriate action to stave off events that put our nation's economy on the brink of collapse." I would have to agree with the representative.
I feel that these officials should be tereminated immediately and should have to forfiet any pension that was due to them for wasting tax payer dollars. Our economy is in crisis, but hey we have time to watch porn instead of fixing the problems.
If you want to watch porn, do it at home in the privacy of your own home and don't waste tax payer dollars.
----------------------------------
1)www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/23/republicans-slam-sec-porn-surfing-report
2)www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pornography
Sick Of Mind Games
I am so sick of mind games from exes. It seems like the high school games continue well after you graduate from school.
If my readers can probably guess, the ex wife has reared her ugly head again. As many of you know I have been divorced now for 3 years. Within that 3 years me and the ex wife have had an up and down relationship as far as trying to get along and remain somewhat civil to each other. Well in the last few months that relationship has steadily been on the decline as she has done many things to try and ruin anything positive in my life.
When I thought things couldn't get any worse they have. Remember a few blogs back I wrote on how she hacked into my facebook account. Well, this time instead of hacking into my facebook account, she has decided to trash me on her facebook page. And for what reason you may ask? First off she had called me this past Wednesday night needing a ride from Club 609 where she had been drinking for a better part of the whole evening. I respectfully told her no that I was in the middle of something.
That was at 10 p.m. At 3 a.m. I was awoke to her calling again telling me that she needed a ride home because she was too intoxicated to drive. I again told her no that I was not about to leave our son alone for me to go and get her.
At 3:30 a.m. I recieve a message from a friend telling me to log into his wife's facebook telling me that there is something very interesting for me to see.
I do this and to my surprise, Krysti is posting all kinds of horrible stuff about me on facebook. Everything from me being a worthless piece of shit person to commenting on the size of well... manhood so to speak. As you could tell I was very pissed off about the whole ordeal and log out of my friends account.
The next afternoon she calls again, this time to apologize to me on how she reacted when I told her no. I then asked her about the comments on facebook. She flat out denied that she had done anything of the sort. I then pull up my account again and proceeded to read every post that she had made and then I read to her all the comments that were made. Some of the comments were made throughout the day with Krysti still responding to some.
I just told her to grow up and if she wanted to make it up to me then she should go back onto to facebook and apologize. At this point this has yet to be done. Really, I don't expect her too. I am tired of being nice. I guess being nice isn't working anymore.
Gloves are off now. Of course, I won't stoop to her level and bash her on facebook, but I will no longer do any favors for her anymore.
If my readers can probably guess, the ex wife has reared her ugly head again. As many of you know I have been divorced now for 3 years. Within that 3 years me and the ex wife have had an up and down relationship as far as trying to get along and remain somewhat civil to each other. Well in the last few months that relationship has steadily been on the decline as she has done many things to try and ruin anything positive in my life.
When I thought things couldn't get any worse they have. Remember a few blogs back I wrote on how she hacked into my facebook account. Well, this time instead of hacking into my facebook account, she has decided to trash me on her facebook page. And for what reason you may ask? First off she had called me this past Wednesday night needing a ride from Club 609 where she had been drinking for a better part of the whole evening. I respectfully told her no that I was in the middle of something.
That was at 10 p.m. At 3 a.m. I was awoke to her calling again telling me that she needed a ride home because she was too intoxicated to drive. I again told her no that I was not about to leave our son alone for me to go and get her.
At 3:30 a.m. I recieve a message from a friend telling me to log into his wife's facebook telling me that there is something very interesting for me to see.
I do this and to my surprise, Krysti is posting all kinds of horrible stuff about me on facebook. Everything from me being a worthless piece of shit person to commenting on the size of well... manhood so to speak. As you could tell I was very pissed off about the whole ordeal and log out of my friends account.
The next afternoon she calls again, this time to apologize to me on how she reacted when I told her no. I then asked her about the comments on facebook. She flat out denied that she had done anything of the sort. I then pull up my account again and proceeded to read every post that she had made and then I read to her all the comments that were made. Some of the comments were made throughout the day with Krysti still responding to some.
I just told her to grow up and if she wanted to make it up to me then she should go back onto to facebook and apologize. At this point this has yet to be done. Really, I don't expect her too. I am tired of being nice. I guess being nice isn't working anymore.
Gloves are off now. Of course, I won't stoop to her level and bash her on facebook, but I will no longer do any favors for her anymore.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Girl Hospitalized After Months of Bullying
In Foxboro, Massachusetts, an eighth grade girl has been hospitalized for emotional distress after months of bullying by her peers at school. This according to a story released by Myfoxboston.com (2).
The latest incident to push the young girl over the edge was during her birthday party when the victim received a phone call calling her a "whore." The mother of the victim has now gotten the police involved and charges for harrassment are now pending aganst the one's who are responsible for the bullying.
Bullying according to Princeton.edu, is the act of intimidating a weaker person to something (1). This poor girl was bullied by public taunts and public humiliation. Now this child is in the hospital suffering from emotional distress.
My heart goes out to this child. This child should be experiencing nothing but joy and happiness at this point in her life. She shouldn't have to put up with stuff from her peers. I hope that these offenders get everything that is coming to them. I also feel that the school should somewhat be liable to since many of the acts of harassment occured at the school. The school did state that they are currently revising their policy on bullying at the school.
My question is, what would've happened if the girl would have committed suicide?
----------------------------
1) www.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
2) www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/girl-in-hospital-for-emotional-distress
The latest incident to push the young girl over the edge was during her birthday party when the victim received a phone call calling her a "whore." The mother of the victim has now gotten the police involved and charges for harrassment are now pending aganst the one's who are responsible for the bullying.
Bullying according to Princeton.edu, is the act of intimidating a weaker person to something (1). This poor girl was bullied by public taunts and public humiliation. Now this child is in the hospital suffering from emotional distress.
My heart goes out to this child. This child should be experiencing nothing but joy and happiness at this point in her life. She shouldn't have to put up with stuff from her peers. I hope that these offenders get everything that is coming to them. I also feel that the school should somewhat be liable to since many of the acts of harassment occured at the school. The school did state that they are currently revising their policy on bullying at the school.
My question is, what would've happened if the girl would have committed suicide?
----------------------------
1) www.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
2) www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/girl-in-hospital-for-emotional-distress
Sick of President Obama
I'm the type of person who rarely complains about the government and the people who are governing our great country. However, when it comes to President Obama, I cannot take it any longer. And yes, for those of you out there who might read my blog, I did vote which entitles me to gripe.
Now, I am not going to complain about the new health care law (which I feel isn't worth the paper that it is printed on) nor the unwillingness of his administration to help with the current economic situation. What I am concerned about is Obama's decision to cancel National Prayer Day. And folks, this is the 2nd year in a row that he has done this. Now, I am not a very religious person, but I am very strong in my faith.
National Prayer Day was started in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman and has been recognized every year by every other president. That is until Mr. Obama took office. I guess that what we get for electing a Muslim follower into office. What's next Mr. Obama? What else are you going to do to get God completely out of the United States culture? Are you going to take "in God we trust" off of our currency too? Our great country was founded on a strong belief in God.
I'm beginning to feel that Obama is not looking out for the best interest of the country. I feel that Obama is only looking out for the best interest of himself and what ever gains he can muster. We as Americans need to stand up and make our voices heard.
Obama said that he is for change in America. What kind of change Mr. Obama? The downfall of America or to strengthen America? At this point I'm not sure what direction you are going. I hope and pray that you will not be re-elected. I truly feel in all my being that you don't care what happens to our country!!
Now, I am not going to complain about the new health care law (which I feel isn't worth the paper that it is printed on) nor the unwillingness of his administration to help with the current economic situation. What I am concerned about is Obama's decision to cancel National Prayer Day. And folks, this is the 2nd year in a row that he has done this. Now, I am not a very religious person, but I am very strong in my faith.
National Prayer Day was started in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman and has been recognized every year by every other president. That is until Mr. Obama took office. I guess that what we get for electing a Muslim follower into office. What's next Mr. Obama? What else are you going to do to get God completely out of the United States culture? Are you going to take "in God we trust" off of our currency too? Our great country was founded on a strong belief in God.
I'm beginning to feel that Obama is not looking out for the best interest of the country. I feel that Obama is only looking out for the best interest of himself and what ever gains he can muster. We as Americans need to stand up and make our voices heard.
Obama said that he is for change in America. What kind of change Mr. Obama? The downfall of America or to strengthen America? At this point I'm not sure what direction you are going. I hope and pray that you will not be re-elected. I truly feel in all my being that you don't care what happens to our country!!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Morgan's Wonderland, A Theme Park For Special Needs Children Set To Open
In a heartwarming story released by Good Morning America (1), Morgan's Wonderland and 25 acre theme park for special needs children is set to open this Saturday in San Antonio, TX.
The theme park, which was built and named after the owners daughter, Morgan Hartman, was an idea that founded by Gordon Hartman, Morgan's father. Mr. Hartman came up with the idea when he watch his daughter at a swimming pool and seen that she desperately wanted to join the other children who were swimming. According to the story, Mr. Hartman's daughter has a cognitive delay disorder.
That's when Mr. Hartman took action. According to an interview conducted by the New York Times (2), Mr. Hartman turned to a forum of his peers and asked what they thought of a theme park for special needs children. All his peers supported him in his project and after Mr. Hartman put in a million dollars of own money, he was able raise an additional $31.5 million.
The park has 25 attractions, including but not limited to, wheel chair accessible rides, a wheel chair accessible sand box, a water play area, and a music garden. The park also provides a special braclet that has chip in it that can locate a child in case the child wanders off. The price of admission is free for special needs children and $5 for care givers and family memebers.
This in my opinion is one of the greatest parks to be built. I believe that all children should have the opportunity to be able to experience the same joys and just plain fun as any other child.
My most heart felt wishes goes out to Mr. Hartman for building such a wonderful park.
----------------------------
1)www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/morgan-wonderland-theme-park-special-story/
2)www.intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/park-for-special-needs-children-to-open-to-in-san-antonio/
The theme park, which was built and named after the owners daughter, Morgan Hartman, was an idea that founded by Gordon Hartman, Morgan's father. Mr. Hartman came up with the idea when he watch his daughter at a swimming pool and seen that she desperately wanted to join the other children who were swimming. According to the story, Mr. Hartman's daughter has a cognitive delay disorder.
That's when Mr. Hartman took action. According to an interview conducted by the New York Times (2), Mr. Hartman turned to a forum of his peers and asked what they thought of a theme park for special needs children. All his peers supported him in his project and after Mr. Hartman put in a million dollars of own money, he was able raise an additional $31.5 million.
The park has 25 attractions, including but not limited to, wheel chair accessible rides, a wheel chair accessible sand box, a water play area, and a music garden. The park also provides a special braclet that has chip in it that can locate a child in case the child wanders off. The price of admission is free for special needs children and $5 for care givers and family memebers.
This in my opinion is one of the greatest parks to be built. I believe that all children should have the opportunity to be able to experience the same joys and just plain fun as any other child.
My most heart felt wishes goes out to Mr. Hartman for building such a wonderful park.
----------------------------
1)www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/morgan-wonderland-theme-park-special-story/
2)www.intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/park-for-special-needs-children-to-open-to-in-san-antonio/
God Bless The Missouri Department Of Revenue
Ladies and gentlemen, I would love to take this moment to extend my warmest thanks to all of the fine staff at our local Missouri Dept. of Revenue here in Joplin, MO. They do an outstanding job of making sure that you wait, for what seems like an eternity. Also they do a fine job of arguing with the customers who do not have all the proper documentation needed to properly get their vehicles licensed.
Some of you might be wondering where is he taking this blog post? Well, last week I had to get my vehicle plates renewed because they were due to expire at the end of the month of March. I located my receipts for my personal property taxes from the previous two years, went and obtained a saftey inspection for my vehicle, and made sure my vehicle insurance card was valid. Then I went to the D.M.V. office.
Like I stated earlier, I had all of my documents in order to easily get my new plates. I even got up early and was at the D.M.V. around 7:45 in the morning. To my surprise, there was already a line of aboout 10 people. Also to my surprise, there was only one counter person who was working at the counter.
Here's what I truly love about the D.M.V. The lady who was being helped first did not have all of the proper documention that was necessary to get her vehicle licensed. The lady began to argue with the clerk and this continued for at least 10 minutes. "Come on lady," I remember thinking. It cleary states what documentation is needed for the license plates. What was worse, the clerk argued with her. I just would have told her to come back when she had all her paper work in order, but it seems the clerks love to argue. WHAT WAS THERE TO ARGUE ABOUT? Nothing. Get your stuff right and then come back was all that would have been needed to be said.
What I thought would be a quick and easy trip to get my new license plates turned out to be a one hour affair. Thanks D.M.V. for being so efficient.
Some of you might be wondering where is he taking this blog post? Well, last week I had to get my vehicle plates renewed because they were due to expire at the end of the month of March. I located my receipts for my personal property taxes from the previous two years, went and obtained a saftey inspection for my vehicle, and made sure my vehicle insurance card was valid. Then I went to the D.M.V. office.
Like I stated earlier, I had all of my documents in order to easily get my new plates. I even got up early and was at the D.M.V. around 7:45 in the morning. To my surprise, there was already a line of aboout 10 people. Also to my surprise, there was only one counter person who was working at the counter.
Here's what I truly love about the D.M.V. The lady who was being helped first did not have all of the proper documention that was necessary to get her vehicle licensed. The lady began to argue with the clerk and this continued for at least 10 minutes. "Come on lady," I remember thinking. It cleary states what documentation is needed for the license plates. What was worse, the clerk argued with her. I just would have told her to come back when she had all her paper work in order, but it seems the clerks love to argue. WHAT WAS THERE TO ARGUE ABOUT? Nothing. Get your stuff right and then come back was all that would have been needed to be said.
What I thought would be a quick and easy trip to get my new license plates turned out to be a one hour affair. Thanks D.M.V. for being so efficient.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Two Years After Raid, Sect Still Strong
Two years after the raid on a polygamist sect in Eldorado, Texas, Merril Leroy Jessop, age 35, has been convicted and sentenced to 75 years in prison for sexual assault of a 15 year old girl. The 15 year old girl is said to be one of Mr. Jessop’s child brides. As of today, 4 out of 12 men who have been arrested on charges of sexual assault of a child have been handed prison sentences.
After reading this story, which was released by ABC News
To really begin this blog, let’s first define exactly what is polygamy. According Princeton.edu (1)polygamy is defined as having more than one spouse. Now I know that many of us out there know the meaning of polygamy. I just want to get everyone on the same page as to what these women have gone through. Many of these men have as many as 20 wives or more and also have as many as 20 or more children. For a religious sect, have these people’s belief been so clouded to the point that they forget about the religious institution of marriage. Seems to me these people are very strong in their beliefs that they have forgotten all about God.
Further interest into this story I looked up the web site of the Yearning For Zion Ranch (2),which is where the raid in Eldorado, Texas took place in 2008. To my surprise,The Yearning For Zion Ranch was started in 2004 as apart of the FLDS sect in Arizona that was being led by so called FLDS prophet, Warren Jeffs.
According to the web site www.npr.org, Warren Jeffs came to power after his father, Rulon Jeffs died in 2002. According to Warren Jeffs, in order for a man to reach the highest degree of heaven a man needs to have at least 3 wives(3). Are you serious? In today’s trying times people don’t even have time for one spouse, let alone three of them. Not to mention all of your children. How can anyone be a good parent and give the children all the attention that they need and deserve? This story really just got under my skin. Especially when I read that all the children that were taken in the raid in Texas have all been returned.
-------------------------
(1)wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
(2)web,sccn2.net/flds/ Eldorado, Texas Sect,2004
(3)www.npr.org>News>Religion, Warren Jeffs, 2002
After reading this story, which was released by ABC News
To really begin this blog, let’s first define exactly what is polygamy. According Princeton.edu (1)polygamy is defined as having more than one spouse. Now I know that many of us out there know the meaning of polygamy. I just want to get everyone on the same page as to what these women have gone through. Many of these men have as many as 20 wives or more and also have as many as 20 or more children. For a religious sect, have these people’s belief been so clouded to the point that they forget about the religious institution of marriage. Seems to me these people are very strong in their beliefs that they have forgotten all about God.
Further interest into this story I looked up the web site of the Yearning For Zion Ranch (2),which is where the raid in Eldorado, Texas took place in 2008. To my surprise,The Yearning For Zion Ranch was started in 2004 as apart of the FLDS sect in Arizona that was being led by so called FLDS prophet, Warren Jeffs.
According to the web site www.npr.org, Warren Jeffs came to power after his father, Rulon Jeffs died in 2002. According to Warren Jeffs, in order for a man to reach the highest degree of heaven a man needs to have at least 3 wives(3). Are you serious? In today’s trying times people don’t even have time for one spouse, let alone three of them. Not to mention all of your children. How can anyone be a good parent and give the children all the attention that they need and deserve? This story really just got under my skin. Especially when I read that all the children that were taken in the raid in Texas have all been returned.
-------------------------
(1)wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
(2)web,sccn2.net/flds/ Eldorado, Texas Sect,2004
(3)www.npr.org>News>Religion, Warren Jeffs, 2002
And They Wonder Why They Are Called Exes!!!
As some of you know I am divorced. Granted to some being divorced is a momentous occasion especially if the marriage was bad. I was very happy when my divorce was final because my marriage was bad and I did things to speed up the process of getting divorced as much as I could. When I left all I took with me when I left was just my clothes and my truck. However, three years later we were finally able to reach a settlement. She fought over every little thing imaginable. Even down to how the papers were punctuated.
Well we have been apart now going on 7 years. Even though we have been apart from each other for those 7 years she still tries to control my life. Not so much when it comes to our son Ethan. I have him more than she does and that suits her just fine considering she loves her party lifestyle and Ethan and all his sports gets in the way of her doing her thing. What she tries to control is what I do with my life. For example, when she finds out that I am trying to date someone she literally goes out of her way to foul things up with the new "girlfriend." This latest episode just happened a couple of weeks ago. I had discovered a great lady on Facebook. we had been friends all the way back from high school and we had decided to go out. Things with me and the new lady were great. We could talk for hours and had several things in common.
Well, one of my ex wife's favorite thing to do is "hack" into my facebook account and snoop around to find out what I am doing. She came across private messages that were sent between me and the new gal. My ex wife then proceeded to send rude and crude messages to this person pretending to be me. Not only were the messages rude and crude, but at one point she even told this person that we had been sleeping together and doing all kinds stuff. Since she was signed into my Facebook account she made it sound like I was the one who was saying all this stuff to this person. After the girl decided to stop seeing me I confronted my ex wife. She immediately admitted to me that she was the one who sent the messages to her. Her only excuse was that she was going to make it her life's mission to make sure that I am alone. My ex wife is just an evil person all the way down to the core. She says that she still loves me and that she wants me back. Until then, according to her, she will make sure that I am alone.
And they wonder why they are called exes.
Well we have been apart now going on 7 years. Even though we have been apart from each other for those 7 years she still tries to control my life. Not so much when it comes to our son Ethan. I have him more than she does and that suits her just fine considering she loves her party lifestyle and Ethan and all his sports gets in the way of her doing her thing. What she tries to control is what I do with my life. For example, when she finds out that I am trying to date someone she literally goes out of her way to foul things up with the new "girlfriend." This latest episode just happened a couple of weeks ago. I had discovered a great lady on Facebook. we had been friends all the way back from high school and we had decided to go out. Things with me and the new lady were great. We could talk for hours and had several things in common.
Well, one of my ex wife's favorite thing to do is "hack" into my facebook account and snoop around to find out what I am doing. She came across private messages that were sent between me and the new gal. My ex wife then proceeded to send rude and crude messages to this person pretending to be me. Not only were the messages rude and crude, but at one point she even told this person that we had been sleeping together and doing all kinds stuff. Since she was signed into my Facebook account she made it sound like I was the one who was saying all this stuff to this person. After the girl decided to stop seeing me I confronted my ex wife. She immediately admitted to me that she was the one who sent the messages to her. Her only excuse was that she was going to make it her life's mission to make sure that I am alone. My ex wife is just an evil person all the way down to the core. She says that she still loves me and that she wants me back. Until then, according to her, she will make sure that I am alone.
And they wonder why they are called exes.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wrestling is Over
March 13, 2010, my son participated in the Regional Wrestling Tournament in Nixa, MO in hopes to advance to the State Tournament in Columbia, MO on March 26.
However his dream for the state trip ended horrifically. My son started out great by quickly pinning his first opponent in the first period. He came off of the mat and looked up to the sky and told his Granpa, "that's one!" The passing of my father has been very hard on all of us, especially Ethan. Those two were like peas in a pod and Ethan was determined to keep his promise.
He walked out to the mat for his second match of the day with more confidence and swagger than I have ever seen him exhibit. His performance in the first period of the match matched his swagger before the match started. At the end of the first period, Ethan was winning 10-0. As the second period was about to begin Ethan's coach told him to defer the descision to his opponet. His opponet chose the nuetral postion which has both wrestlers standing up. As the period started you could tell Ethan was ultra aggressive and wanted to end the match. A rule of thumb in wrestling is that you never throw a head and arm takedown manuver unless you are losing and you need catch up points quickly or you need to pin your opponent to win. Well, Ethan throws the head and arm and quickly puts his opponent on his back. However, in doing so, Ethans foot was caught underneath both kids. Subsequently, Ethan broke his foot which led to him withdrawing from the tournament and not being able to advance to the state touney.
Ethan was more upset with himself that he would not be able to fulfill his promise to his grandpa. I told him that Grandpa was and will always be very proud of him.
Ethan guarantees a state championship next year.
However his dream for the state trip ended horrifically. My son started out great by quickly pinning his first opponent in the first period. He came off of the mat and looked up to the sky and told his Granpa, "that's one!" The passing of my father has been very hard on all of us, especially Ethan. Those two were like peas in a pod and Ethan was determined to keep his promise.
He walked out to the mat for his second match of the day with more confidence and swagger than I have ever seen him exhibit. His performance in the first period of the match matched his swagger before the match started. At the end of the first period, Ethan was winning 10-0. As the second period was about to begin Ethan's coach told him to defer the descision to his opponet. His opponet chose the nuetral postion which has both wrestlers standing up. As the period started you could tell Ethan was ultra aggressive and wanted to end the match. A rule of thumb in wrestling is that you never throw a head and arm takedown manuver unless you are losing and you need catch up points quickly or you need to pin your opponent to win. Well, Ethan throws the head and arm and quickly puts his opponent on his back. However, in doing so, Ethans foot was caught underneath both kids. Subsequently, Ethan broke his foot which led to him withdrawing from the tournament and not being able to advance to the state touney.
Ethan was more upset with himself that he would not be able to fulfill his promise to his grandpa. I told him that Grandpa was and will always be very proud of him.
Ethan guarantees a state championship next year.
Mom of Octuplets May Lose House
According to a story released by MSNBC, http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id Nadya Suleman is in the middle of forclosure proceedings on her home.
The story states the Nadya's father, Ed Suleman, was making the $4,000 a month lease payment and was supposed to make the balloon payment of $450,000 at the end of the lease. However, within the last few months, the payments have not been made.
Here's my question. Where is all the money that she has made since the birth of the octuplets? I know that she has had pretty much everything paid for by sponsors and corporations who followed her pregnancy, not to mention the television appearences and a movie/books deals. How is she not able to make the payments? Why isn't she responsible for the house? After all she knew what she was doing when she decided to take the fertility drugs and have 8 children on top of the children she already had.
Now I'm sure with all the media attention that this story has drawn, there will be someone who will bail her out. Maybe I need to get pregnant and have 8 kids and someone will pay my bills. Of course if I could get pregnant I would definately make enough money on the sheer shock to science that money would no longer be an issue.
I do feel bad for the little ones. But Nadya should have been more careful about her financial situation. This is another fine example of someone who has semi celebrity status and cannot control her money. She should have been thinking of her family. Like my late father always said, "save some for a rainy day." I bet it's pouring on Nadya.
The story states the Nadya's father, Ed Suleman, was making the $4,000 a month lease payment and was supposed to make the balloon payment of $450,000 at the end of the lease. However, within the last few months, the payments have not been made.
Here's my question. Where is all the money that she has made since the birth of the octuplets? I know that she has had pretty much everything paid for by sponsors and corporations who followed her pregnancy, not to mention the television appearences and a movie/books deals. How is she not able to make the payments? Why isn't she responsible for the house? After all she knew what she was doing when she decided to take the fertility drugs and have 8 children on top of the children she already had.
Now I'm sure with all the media attention that this story has drawn, there will be someone who will bail her out. Maybe I need to get pregnant and have 8 kids and someone will pay my bills. Of course if I could get pregnant I would definately make enough money on the sheer shock to science that money would no longer be an issue.
I do feel bad for the little ones. But Nadya should have been more careful about her financial situation. This is another fine example of someone who has semi celebrity status and cannot control her money. She should have been thinking of her family. Like my late father always said, "save some for a rainy day." I bet it's pouring on Nadya.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Rough Week
This week has been one of the most difficult weeks that I have had to deal with since the death of my father. My brother and I finished getting all of our Dad's affairs in order and with that we also executed father's will.
I am still struggling with the death of my father. He was always the one that I could turn to in a crisis for advice. When we sat down with my Dad's attorney on Monday, I could not help but to think back to when he taught me how to catch a ball. I was very young and I cannot really explain as to why I can remember that particular memory, but it came back to me, in that moment, in vivid detail. After the reading of the will I went to my son's school and took him out early. He was really shocked that I picked him up early because that is something that I really don't do.
We proceeded to go to the park and when we arrived I pulled our basball equipment out of the vehicle. We put our gloves on simply played catch. No words were really spoken to each other. We both just soaked in the moment and ejoyed the game of catch. As we were putting up our gear I grabbed my son and gave him a big hug. Now, usually this embarasses him to the point that he would rather die that get a hug from his dad, but this time I think he knew that the hug was something far more than just a gesture of affection. As we were hugging my son whispered in my ear, "I miss Grandpa too!" At that point I just lost all control of my emotions and we both cried as we sat in the vehicle at the park.
Before leaving the park we recited the Lord's Prayer and prayed for my Dad. That was also the first time that my son and I actually prayed together. I will never forget this moment in time and I hope that my son doesn't either.
This weekend my son will be wrestling in the Regional Tournament in Nixa, MO. I know that my Dad will be watching over us and cheering for Ethan each and every time he takes to the mat. Ethan says that he is not only wrestling for him and his team, but for Grandpa too.
I am still struggling with the death of my father. He was always the one that I could turn to in a crisis for advice. When we sat down with my Dad's attorney on Monday, I could not help but to think back to when he taught me how to catch a ball. I was very young and I cannot really explain as to why I can remember that particular memory, but it came back to me, in that moment, in vivid detail. After the reading of the will I went to my son's school and took him out early. He was really shocked that I picked him up early because that is something that I really don't do.
We proceeded to go to the park and when we arrived I pulled our basball equipment out of the vehicle. We put our gloves on simply played catch. No words were really spoken to each other. We both just soaked in the moment and ejoyed the game of catch. As we were putting up our gear I grabbed my son and gave him a big hug. Now, usually this embarasses him to the point that he would rather die that get a hug from his dad, but this time I think he knew that the hug was something far more than just a gesture of affection. As we were hugging my son whispered in my ear, "I miss Grandpa too!" At that point I just lost all control of my emotions and we both cried as we sat in the vehicle at the park.
Before leaving the park we recited the Lord's Prayer and prayed for my Dad. That was also the first time that my son and I actually prayed together. I will never forget this moment in time and I hope that my son doesn't either.
This weekend my son will be wrestling in the Regional Tournament in Nixa, MO. I know that my Dad will be watching over us and cheering for Ethan each and every time he takes to the mat. Ethan says that he is not only wrestling for him and his team, but for Grandpa too.
Big Love: The Different Kinds of Polyamory
Hold onto your socks ladies and gentlemen, here is anothor blog about sex. In a story released by Fox News, http://www.foxnews.com/story, polyamory relationships are starting to save marriages.
Now to get started let's get some basic definations. According to Penthouse Magazine (this magazine was linked to the story, I in no way read or look at this publication), polyamory is defined as having multiple intimate relationships simultaneously with full consent.
How in the world are these types of relationships saving marriages? The answer is quite simple. According to the article, these types of relationships are working within marriages because both parties in the marriage have full knowledge of the others potential endeavors. Polyamory relationships and open relationships (as defined also by Penthouse Magazine as when a couple agree that each partner can have a romantic relationship outside the marriage or dating situation) are one and the same.
I was just appalled when I read this story. These types of relationships, in my opinion are destroying the whole idea of the institution of marriage. To me marriage vows are a vow that you are not only giving to your spouse, but the vow is also givin to God. How can someone say "forsaken of all others" if they just intend on breaking that vow, to God, to be with someone else?
The article even goes on to suggest that these kinds of polyamory relationships are not cheating since both parties know what is happening and that there is no sort of deception. Please, has the American idea of morality disappeared? I would hope not. Without morals the institution of marriage should just be done and over with. I mean if you plan on being with someone else then you should not get married. I know I would not want my wife to come home to me after she had been with another man and then crawl into bed with me.
Now to get started let's get some basic definations. According to Penthouse Magazine (this magazine was linked to the story, I in no way read or look at this publication), polyamory is defined as having multiple intimate relationships simultaneously with full consent.
How in the world are these types of relationships saving marriages? The answer is quite simple. According to the article, these types of relationships are working within marriages because both parties in the marriage have full knowledge of the others potential endeavors. Polyamory relationships and open relationships (as defined also by Penthouse Magazine as when a couple agree that each partner can have a romantic relationship outside the marriage or dating situation) are one and the same.
I was just appalled when I read this story. These types of relationships, in my opinion are destroying the whole idea of the institution of marriage. To me marriage vows are a vow that you are not only giving to your spouse, but the vow is also givin to God. How can someone say "forsaken of all others" if they just intend on breaking that vow, to God, to be with someone else?
The article even goes on to suggest that these kinds of polyamory relationships are not cheating since both parties know what is happening and that there is no sort of deception. Please, has the American idea of morality disappeared? I would hope not. Without morals the institution of marriage should just be done and over with. I mean if you plan on being with someone else then you should not get married. I know I would not want my wife to come home to me after she had been with another man and then crawl into bed with me.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lawmakers asking for Charges To Be Dropped Against 3 Navy SEALS
According to a report released by Fox News, www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/04/gop-lawmakers-seek-exoneration-seals-accused-abusing-terror-suspect/, 3 members of the elite U.S. Navy Seals have been brought up on charges steming from an arrest of an Al Queda terror suspect who killed and burned 4 contractors that were working in Iraq.
The Seals, Special Warfare Operators 2nd Class Matt McCabe and Jonathon Keefe are facing charges of assualt, dereliction of duty, and making false statements. Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Hueartas is facing charges of dereliction of duty, making false statements, and impeding an offical investigation.
Approximately 40 members of Congress have signed a petition demanding that the Department of the Navy to immediatley drop all the charges against these operators.
Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot believe that these operators were even charged with a crime. How in the world is this terror suspect even given the right to even receive any kind mercy. Did this terror suspect give any type of mercy when to the 4 kidnapped Blackwater Contrators. Did this terror suspect give the mercy to the contractors when he murdered them, then burned their bodies, then hung them from a bridge? Hell no he didn't and yet because he received a "fat" lip from the Seals, that the Seals are the ones who are now in trouble. What the hell is going on with our military? Have they forgotten already what these pieces of fecal matter did to us on 9/11? Has our military forgotten what their own soldiers are currently doing over there right now?
When I read this story all I could do was feel absolute outrage. Especially being a former U.S. Marine, it made me even more sick to my stomach to learn that the Department of the Navy were the ones who filed the charges. These special operators are the elite of the elite. Let them go and let them do the jobs that they are trained to do. Does every soldier fighting and dying over there need to worry every time that they come into contact with the enemy that they should'nt lay hands on the terrorist? If they do that then America better start producing more body bags because our country will need them to carry off all the innocent people that will be killed by these terrorist.
In my most humblest of opinions, that terror suspect should count his lucky stars that these operators just didn't kill him on sight.
The Seals, Special Warfare Operators 2nd Class Matt McCabe and Jonathon Keefe are facing charges of assualt, dereliction of duty, and making false statements. Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Hueartas is facing charges of dereliction of duty, making false statements, and impeding an offical investigation.
Approximately 40 members of Congress have signed a petition demanding that the Department of the Navy to immediatley drop all the charges against these operators.
Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot believe that these operators were even charged with a crime. How in the world is this terror suspect even given the right to even receive any kind mercy. Did this terror suspect give any type of mercy when to the 4 kidnapped Blackwater Contrators. Did this terror suspect give the mercy to the contractors when he murdered them, then burned their bodies, then hung them from a bridge? Hell no he didn't and yet because he received a "fat" lip from the Seals, that the Seals are the ones who are now in trouble. What the hell is going on with our military? Have they forgotten already what these pieces of fecal matter did to us on 9/11? Has our military forgotten what their own soldiers are currently doing over there right now?
When I read this story all I could do was feel absolute outrage. Especially being a former U.S. Marine, it made me even more sick to my stomach to learn that the Department of the Navy were the ones who filed the charges. These special operators are the elite of the elite. Let them go and let them do the jobs that they are trained to do. Does every soldier fighting and dying over there need to worry every time that they come into contact with the enemy that they should'nt lay hands on the terrorist? If they do that then America better start producing more body bags because our country will need them to carry off all the innocent people that will be killed by these terrorist.
In my most humblest of opinions, that terror suspect should count his lucky stars that these operators just didn't kill him on sight.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Observation of Humans is the Best Entertainment
This past weekend I had my boy at a wrestling tournament in St. Joseph, MO. It was the biggest tournament that he was going to wrestle in and the excitement was high. As my boy began his third match of the day I began to really take notice of the people in my area.
First as I was trying to record his third match, a woman who was sitting in front of me noticed the type of camera that I was using and began to ask me questions about it. Questions like, do you like the camera, is it easy to use, was it cost feesible? Of course while I was taping, I kept telling myself, "is this lady for real, I mean she can clearly see that I am trying to concentrate on taping Ethan's match." Now I did the polite thing and just told her that the camera was great and that I am really pleased about the product. Now, you would think that would have been enough to please the woman, but no. She then started to talk about her own son's mathces and how the referee's were screwing over her son. Keep in mind I am still recording. I am still trying to be very polite, because I don't want anyone who will watch the tape to hear me say to the woman to shut the hell up. Though I was very tempted I was still very polite.
After my son pinned his opponet, I turned the camera off. The lady thanked me for speaking to her and wished my boy luck for the rest of the tournament.
Now, as I was walking back up to my seat after Ethan's match, I quickly turned and watched the very same woman start to talk to another person who was trying to tape their son's match. I just shook my head and just laughed. You could tell that the woman who was taping her son's match was getting very irritated. Finally it appeared that the woman who was doing the taping had put up with enough. I cannot quote what was said because I was to far away to hear the conversation, but the lady who was talking to the the woman who was taping quickly got up and stomped off away from the area. All I could was just laugh. Being at that tournament was almost as good as being at Wal-Mart.
First as I was trying to record his third match, a woman who was sitting in front of me noticed the type of camera that I was using and began to ask me questions about it. Questions like, do you like the camera, is it easy to use, was it cost feesible? Of course while I was taping, I kept telling myself, "is this lady for real, I mean she can clearly see that I am trying to concentrate on taping Ethan's match." Now I did the polite thing and just told her that the camera was great and that I am really pleased about the product. Now, you would think that would have been enough to please the woman, but no. She then started to talk about her own son's mathces and how the referee's were screwing over her son. Keep in mind I am still recording. I am still trying to be very polite, because I don't want anyone who will watch the tape to hear me say to the woman to shut the hell up. Though I was very tempted I was still very polite.
After my son pinned his opponet, I turned the camera off. The lady thanked me for speaking to her and wished my boy luck for the rest of the tournament.
Now, as I was walking back up to my seat after Ethan's match, I quickly turned and watched the very same woman start to talk to another person who was trying to tape their son's match. I just shook my head and just laughed. You could tell that the woman who was taping her son's match was getting very irritated. Finally it appeared that the woman who was doing the taping had put up with enough. I cannot quote what was said because I was to far away to hear the conversation, but the lady who was talking to the the woman who was taping quickly got up and stomped off away from the area. All I could was just laugh. Being at that tournament was almost as good as being at Wal-Mart.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sex Addiction, Is It Real Or Just An Excuse?
With all the attention surrounding the Tiger Woods sex scandal, therapist are now coming out and saying that sex addiction is a possible psychiatric mental disorder.
Give me a break. According to the story released by ABCNEWS, www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/sex-addiction-real-problem/ the reasons for Tiger Wood's infidelity stems from sex addition. Several years back when actor David Duchovney was discovered having an affair against his wife Tea Leoni, he to came out and in his public response stated that he was addicted to sex. So the question is, is sex addiction real or is it just an excuse when spouses are caught in affairs?
According to family therapist, Terry Real, "the community needs to start accepting that addictions don't always revolve around chemical substances." He goes on to say that sex addiction is along the same lines as someone who is addicted to gambling. When are these people just going to stand up and just admit that they couldn't control themselves and keep their pants on. After all the Psychiatric Diagnosis Manual hasn't even made a reference to sex addiction.
Now, the so called addicts that have been "outed" have all been men and so far the public has just been very sympathetic to the men's "problem." Now, how would the public view the same situation if the sex addict was a woman? I guarantee the public would crucify her in the media. The woman would be called everything from a "whore" to a "slut" or perhaps worse.
These people just need to fess up to what they were really doing and move on.
Give me a break. According to the story released by ABCNEWS, www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/sex-addiction-real-problem/ the reasons for Tiger Wood's infidelity stems from sex addition. Several years back when actor David Duchovney was discovered having an affair against his wife Tea Leoni, he to came out and in his public response stated that he was addicted to sex. So the question is, is sex addiction real or is it just an excuse when spouses are caught in affairs?
According to family therapist, Terry Real, "the community needs to start accepting that addictions don't always revolve around chemical substances." He goes on to say that sex addiction is along the same lines as someone who is addicted to gambling. When are these people just going to stand up and just admit that they couldn't control themselves and keep their pants on. After all the Psychiatric Diagnosis Manual hasn't even made a reference to sex addiction.
Now, the so called addicts that have been "outed" have all been men and so far the public has just been very sympathetic to the men's "problem." Now, how would the public view the same situation if the sex addict was a woman? I guarantee the public would crucify her in the media. The woman would be called everything from a "whore" to a "slut" or perhaps worse.
These people just need to fess up to what they were really doing and move on.
Entertainment Woes
Hello ladies and gentlemen. My rant for this week comes from our local movie theater. First off, we have a very nice movie theater here in Joplin. Very up to date and very clean. My problem with the whole "going to the movies" experience is the price.
For instance, the other night when my boy and I went to the movies the price of admission was actually more than it would have been if we would've went to see a Springfield Cardinals baseball game. I mean, for me and my boy to attend a movie we had to pay close to $20 for the ticket. On top of that Ethan always has to have snacks from the concession stand. Here's where the theater gets you in the wallet too. We always buy the large tub of popcorn and the large drink. This cost us approximately $9.50. Reason we always get the large sizes is because it is actually cheaper to buy the large size as compared to buying any other size. Plus the large sizes always come with free refills. (Of course we never get refills, but it is a better value.) We then have to buy some sort of candy, well, because with me if I eat something fairly salty I need something sweet to go with it. Price of the candy is approximatley $3 to $4 a box, depending on what you get.
Now add in the price of admission, with the price of the snacks you have now spent approximatley $40 to $45. When my son and I go to Springfield to watch the Cardinals play we get the red bird roost tickets. The cost of those tickets run about $26 a piece, but that also comes with an all you can eat buffet and drinks for the game. A far better value.
When are the consumers of America going to stand up and say enough is enough. I know that the theater pays a handsome price for the the movies that they show, but come on, you can't make up the cost of the movie with the admission price and the prices at the concession stand. What will happen to the movie industry if people of America start refusing to pay these insane prices? Probably a question that will never be answered, but definately something to think about.
For instance, the other night when my boy and I went to the movies the price of admission was actually more than it would have been if we would've went to see a Springfield Cardinals baseball game. I mean, for me and my boy to attend a movie we had to pay close to $20 for the ticket. On top of that Ethan always has to have snacks from the concession stand. Here's where the theater gets you in the wallet too. We always buy the large tub of popcorn and the large drink. This cost us approximately $9.50. Reason we always get the large sizes is because it is actually cheaper to buy the large size as compared to buying any other size. Plus the large sizes always come with free refills. (Of course we never get refills, but it is a better value.) We then have to buy some sort of candy, well, because with me if I eat something fairly salty I need something sweet to go with it. Price of the candy is approximatley $3 to $4 a box, depending on what you get.
Now add in the price of admission, with the price of the snacks you have now spent approximatley $40 to $45. When my son and I go to Springfield to watch the Cardinals play we get the red bird roost tickets. The cost of those tickets run about $26 a piece, but that also comes with an all you can eat buffet and drinks for the game. A far better value.
When are the consumers of America going to stand up and say enough is enough. I know that the theater pays a handsome price for the the movies that they show, but come on, you can't make up the cost of the movie with the admission price and the prices at the concession stand. What will happen to the movie industry if people of America start refusing to pay these insane prices? Probably a question that will never be answered, but definately something to think about.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Shooter Amy Bishop Likely Schizophrenic, Says Lawyer
According to a story released by ABCNEWS, www.abcnews.com/health/mindmoodnews/, Amy Bishop, a 45 year old professor from the University of Alabama, who opened fired on collegues in a staff meeting at the university killing three is pleading insanity according to her court appointed attorney. Her attorney is saying the his client is likely shizophrenic. Allegedly Mrs. Bishop, a Harvard educated professor, was upset that she was not granted tenure and was going to be released at the end of this term.
Give me a break. Why is it when people who commit these horrible crimes always try to plead insanity? I think that Mrs. Bishop's attorney needs to do some research before he tries to make his case for his client.
According to www.ablify.com shizophrenia is a imbalance of two chemicals inside of the brain called serotonin and dopamine. It is also very hard to diagnose because there are no set test that can accurately diagnose shizophrenia. Then there are the characteristics that are associated with shizophrenia. You have the "positive" characteristics that include hallucinations, dellusions, and disorganized thinking. With "positive" characteristics you also have "negative" characteristics which include lack of emotion, energy, and motivation.
After reading these symptoms, I have made the following determinations. Of course I'm not a doctor, so these are just opinons.
I'm pretty sure that with her being a professor, let alone a Harvard alumni, I am pretty certain that Mrs. Bishop had motivation, and organized thinking. Plus it has not been released if she had ever had any hallucinations or dellusions. Bottom line I feel that she was just upset that she was going to be let go at the end of the term. I think she knew exactly what she was doing when she walked into that staff meeting and opened fired. She should now face her charges like anyone else.
Give me a break. Why is it when people who commit these horrible crimes always try to plead insanity? I think that Mrs. Bishop's attorney needs to do some research before he tries to make his case for his client.
According to www.ablify.com shizophrenia is a imbalance of two chemicals inside of the brain called serotonin and dopamine. It is also very hard to diagnose because there are no set test that can accurately diagnose shizophrenia. Then there are the characteristics that are associated with shizophrenia. You have the "positive" characteristics that include hallucinations, dellusions, and disorganized thinking. With "positive" characteristics you also have "negative" characteristics which include lack of emotion, energy, and motivation.
After reading these symptoms, I have made the following determinations. Of course I'm not a doctor, so these are just opinons.
I'm pretty sure that with her being a professor, let alone a Harvard alumni, I am pretty certain that Mrs. Bishop had motivation, and organized thinking. Plus it has not been released if she had ever had any hallucinations or dellusions. Bottom line I feel that she was just upset that she was going to be let go at the end of the term. I think she knew exactly what she was doing when she walked into that staff meeting and opened fired. She should now face her charges like anyone else.
I Just Love Rude People
I just love rude people. Thanks to the common everyday rude person I was able to find a topic to rant about for this weeks blog.
It all started this past Monday. I went to my local Wal-Mart, which is prime entertainment while shopping for the "everyday low values," to pick up some small items before taking my boy to his wrestling practice. After the items were gathered I proceeded to make my approach to the check out line. Well as usual all four lines at the check out stations were completely backed up. After all it was 5 o'clock in the evening and the evening rush was on.
As I was waiting for my turn to check out, a lady practically ran me and my son over just to be sure that she could check out. Now usually if someone has less items than I do, I will graciously offer to that person with the lesser items to step in front of me. However, in this case it was quite the opposite situation.
I gently tapped the woman on her shoulder and asked her if she realized that she "cut" in front of me in the line. She proceeded to turn to me and in front of my child told me to, well, to do something to myself. I'm sure all you educated adults out there can probably figure out what she told me to do.
Now, usually, I am a person who tries to avoid confrontation, especially when I am in a public setting and when my boy is around. However, in this case I felt that this woman has probably done this to other people before and has gotten away with this sort of behavior many times. So on behalf of all good citizens I proceeded to give this rude lady a very large piece of my mind.
I received the woman's undivided attention and before she was able to respond I was able to go on the offensive. First I told the lady that she was going to listen to whatever I had to say since I did give her the opportunity to speak her mind first. She did try to cut me off, but I did inform her that I let her exercise her first amendment right to free speech and that it was my turn to exercise my first amendment right. After that comment she just stood there in front of me with the "deer in the headlight" look.
I then told her that her behavior was very rude and by most standards very socially unacceptable. I then told her that Wal-Mart was a family type environment and that her telling to "f myself" in front of my 12 year old son was not appropriate. I then asked the lady if she had any children. She said that she had a 7 year old daughter. I then asked her how she would feel if I would have talked her that way in front of her daughter. The lady was so dumbfounded from the turn of events that three different people went in front of us to check while the events were being unfolded.
The lady then looked up at me and apologized to me and my son for her behavior. She even offered to pay for the items that I was going to purchase. I told her that was not necessary, but asked her to think about things before she acts on her impulses.
So remember, a trip to Wal-Mart is not only for shopping, but for entertainment as well.
It all started this past Monday. I went to my local Wal-Mart, which is prime entertainment while shopping for the "everyday low values," to pick up some small items before taking my boy to his wrestling practice. After the items were gathered I proceeded to make my approach to the check out line. Well as usual all four lines at the check out stations were completely backed up. After all it was 5 o'clock in the evening and the evening rush was on.
As I was waiting for my turn to check out, a lady practically ran me and my son over just to be sure that she could check out. Now usually if someone has less items than I do, I will graciously offer to that person with the lesser items to step in front of me. However, in this case it was quite the opposite situation.
I gently tapped the woman on her shoulder and asked her if she realized that she "cut" in front of me in the line. She proceeded to turn to me and in front of my child told me to, well, to do something to myself. I'm sure all you educated adults out there can probably figure out what she told me to do.
Now, usually, I am a person who tries to avoid confrontation, especially when I am in a public setting and when my boy is around. However, in this case I felt that this woman has probably done this to other people before and has gotten away with this sort of behavior many times. So on behalf of all good citizens I proceeded to give this rude lady a very large piece of my mind.
I received the woman's undivided attention and before she was able to respond I was able to go on the offensive. First I told the lady that she was going to listen to whatever I had to say since I did give her the opportunity to speak her mind first. She did try to cut me off, but I did inform her that I let her exercise her first amendment right to free speech and that it was my turn to exercise my first amendment right. After that comment she just stood there in front of me with the "deer in the headlight" look.
I then told her that her behavior was very rude and by most standards very socially unacceptable. I then told her that Wal-Mart was a family type environment and that her telling to "f myself" in front of my 12 year old son was not appropriate. I then asked the lady if she had any children. She said that she had a 7 year old daughter. I then asked her how she would feel if I would have talked her that way in front of her daughter. The lady was so dumbfounded from the turn of events that three different people went in front of us to check while the events were being unfolded.
The lady then looked up at me and apologized to me and my son for her behavior. She even offered to pay for the items that I was going to purchase. I told her that was not necessary, but asked her to think about things before she acts on her impulses.
So remember, a trip to Wal-Mart is not only for shopping, but for entertainment as well.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Learning How to Swim
One of the fondest memories that I have of my dad was the day that he taught me how to swim. I remember as if it were yesterday and it's one of the memories that I will always hold very dear to me.
I was about 5 years old and we were at a family reunion at the Lake of the Ozarks. At the time I was very scared of the water. In fact, I hated it. I had no desire to learn how to swim. I would get my feet wet, but there was absolutely no way that I would ever get the rest of my body in the water.
My Dad was perhaps one of the most patient people that I had ever had known in my entire life. He would work with me as much as humanly possible to get me in the water. This went on for the entire summer. He would try to get me in the water and I would always rebuke him. The finally my Dad had enough.
Again, we had went up to the Lake of the Ozarks. My dad tried to "sweet" talk me into getting in the water. After about the 5oth time of me saying no, my dad just snapped. He picked me up and carried me out into the water and threw me in. All I remember was him saying, "sink or swim." Well instincts kicked in and wouldn't you know it. I was swimming.
That memory has been with me a lot over the past week. Now with him passing I have to "sink or swim" to make my life as right as he did his.
I was about 5 years old and we were at a family reunion at the Lake of the Ozarks. At the time I was very scared of the water. In fact, I hated it. I had no desire to learn how to swim. I would get my feet wet, but there was absolutely no way that I would ever get the rest of my body in the water.
My Dad was perhaps one of the most patient people that I had ever had known in my entire life. He would work with me as much as humanly possible to get me in the water. This went on for the entire summer. He would try to get me in the water and I would always rebuke him. The finally my Dad had enough.
Again, we had went up to the Lake of the Ozarks. My dad tried to "sweet" talk me into getting in the water. After about the 5oth time of me saying no, my dad just snapped. He picked me up and carried me out into the water and threw me in. All I remember was him saying, "sink or swim." Well instincts kicked in and wouldn't you know it. I was swimming.
That memory has been with me a lot over the past week. Now with him passing I have to "sink or swim" to make my life as right as he did his.
Richard Rea 1955-2010
On Wednesday February 3, 2010, my Father, Richard L. Rea passed away suddenly at the age of 55. He was a wonderful husband to my mother for over 32 years and a great Dad to me and to my younger brother Nathan.
As I am sitting down writing this written tribute to my dad, I find that the words aren't quite coming to me as easily I had hoped. There is just so many wonderful things that I can say about the man who has shaped me to being the type of father that I am to my own son. I am still hoping that I can become just half the man that he was.
My Dad came into my Mother's life and mine when I was 2 years old and once they were married my Dad adopted me so I could carry his last name. A few short years later Nathan, my younger brother, was born. My Dad shown me what it was like to show someone the "unconditional" love. He didn't have to adopt me when he married my mother, but according to him, "there is no such thing as step child in my family." In fact everyone on the Rea side of the family welcomed me and my mother as if we had been there the entire time.
My dad was the all aroung typical American dad. He taught me how to hunt, fish, work on cars, remodel houses, sports, you name it and me and my dad was always hip deep in some kind of mischief. He was the type of man who always loved to take care of his family. He was always there when I needed him. Now suddenly he was taken from this Earth by a heart attack. The attack came on so sudden and severe that my dad was gone before he hit the floor.
The hardest part of the passing of my dad came when I had to tell my 12 year old boy that his "papa" was now singing with the angels in heaven. Ethan took the news very, very hard. He was full of anger that quickly turned to grief. When I asked my boy if he still wanted to compete in Grapple Mania in Springfield, he replied, "yes, for Papa." Before each and every match my son usually recites the Lord's Prayer before he steps out onto the mat. Well, last weekend, not only did he recite the Lord's Prayer, but he also prayed to his Papa to watch him because he was going to win the tournament for him. My son also wrote my dad's initials on both of his shoes in tribute to my dad. After my son won first place he dropped to both knees and pointed up to the sky and said, "thats for you, Papa!"
I know that my dad is now in a much better place, but I feel that he was taken from this Earth far to soon. He had to much more love to give. Heaven, again, called for one of it's angels to come home, and my dad answered the call.
I love you Dad and I miss you!
As I am sitting down writing this written tribute to my dad, I find that the words aren't quite coming to me as easily I had hoped. There is just so many wonderful things that I can say about the man who has shaped me to being the type of father that I am to my own son. I am still hoping that I can become just half the man that he was.
My Dad came into my Mother's life and mine when I was 2 years old and once they were married my Dad adopted me so I could carry his last name. A few short years later Nathan, my younger brother, was born. My Dad shown me what it was like to show someone the "unconditional" love. He didn't have to adopt me when he married my mother, but according to him, "there is no such thing as step child in my family." In fact everyone on the Rea side of the family welcomed me and my mother as if we had been there the entire time.
My dad was the all aroung typical American dad. He taught me how to hunt, fish, work on cars, remodel houses, sports, you name it and me and my dad was always hip deep in some kind of mischief. He was the type of man who always loved to take care of his family. He was always there when I needed him. Now suddenly he was taken from this Earth by a heart attack. The attack came on so sudden and severe that my dad was gone before he hit the floor.
The hardest part of the passing of my dad came when I had to tell my 12 year old boy that his "papa" was now singing with the angels in heaven. Ethan took the news very, very hard. He was full of anger that quickly turned to grief. When I asked my boy if he still wanted to compete in Grapple Mania in Springfield, he replied, "yes, for Papa." Before each and every match my son usually recites the Lord's Prayer before he steps out onto the mat. Well, last weekend, not only did he recite the Lord's Prayer, but he also prayed to his Papa to watch him because he was going to win the tournament for him. My son also wrote my dad's initials on both of his shoes in tribute to my dad. After my son won first place he dropped to both knees and pointed up to the sky and said, "thats for you, Papa!"
I know that my dad is now in a much better place, but I feel that he was taken from this Earth far to soon. He had to much more love to give. Heaven, again, called for one of it's angels to come home, and my dad answered the call.
I love you Dad and I miss you!
Friday, February 5, 2010
10 Americans Charged with Kidnapping
In a story released by ABCNEWS, 10 missionaries have been charge with kidnapping in trying to pass 33 Haitian children across the border to the Dominican Republic.
The Idaho based baptist church, led by 40 year old Laura Silsby, were stopped at the Dominican border with 33 Haitian children. When questioned by authorities, Ms. Silsby was unable to produce the paperwork necessary that gave Ms. Silsby the right to possess the children.
Since the arrest of the missionaries, it seems that 9 out of the 10 will be released and sent back to the U.S. The one lone missionary to face the judge is ofcourse Ms. Silsby. She has gone on record and told authorities that the other missionaries did not know that Ms. Silsby didn't have the proper documentation to legally have the children.
Upon further investigation, Haitian authorities have since discovered that many of the orphaned children wasn't even orphans at all. Many of the children still had parents. It was also discovered that the parents of those children willingly gave up their children because they did not have the means to feed and care for their children.
Now here are a couple of questions to think about. One, should Ms. Silsby still be charged with kidnapping? Two, should the parent's of the children be also charged with the crime of child abandonment? The answers to those questions may not be as simple as they seem. Although I understand that the parents of the children had to make a difficult choice for the survival of their children they still should have pursued the legal process before just handing their children over to a stranger. Second, Ms. Silsby should have also followed the same protocols before she took possession of the children. I know that all the parties involved had good intentions, however, act on your intentions in a legal way.
The Idaho based baptist church, led by 40 year old Laura Silsby, were stopped at the Dominican border with 33 Haitian children. When questioned by authorities, Ms. Silsby was unable to produce the paperwork necessary that gave Ms. Silsby the right to possess the children.
Since the arrest of the missionaries, it seems that 9 out of the 10 will be released and sent back to the U.S. The one lone missionary to face the judge is ofcourse Ms. Silsby. She has gone on record and told authorities that the other missionaries did not know that Ms. Silsby didn't have the proper documentation to legally have the children.
Upon further investigation, Haitian authorities have since discovered that many of the orphaned children wasn't even orphans at all. Many of the children still had parents. It was also discovered that the parents of those children willingly gave up their children because they did not have the means to feed and care for their children.
Now here are a couple of questions to think about. One, should Ms. Silsby still be charged with kidnapping? Two, should the parent's of the children be also charged with the crime of child abandonment? The answers to those questions may not be as simple as they seem. Although I understand that the parents of the children had to make a difficult choice for the survival of their children they still should have pursued the legal process before just handing their children over to a stranger. Second, Ms. Silsby should have also followed the same protocols before she took possession of the children. I know that all the parties involved had good intentions, however, act on your intentions in a legal way.
Another Great Weekend of Youth Wrestling
Here we go again, another weekend of youth wrestling. Some of you may be wondering, "what is this guy talking about?"
My 12 year old son Ethan has been involved in wrestling for the last 7 years. He is a 3 time state champion and is currently pursuing number 4. We are at a different youth wrestling tournament every single weekend. This weekend coming up we will be at Grapple Mania in Springfield, MO. This is a very tough tournament, in fact many youth coaches consider this the "mini state tournament." Last season my son finished this tournament placing second, but it did earn him the number one seed in the district tournament.
What's really great about youth wrestling is all the travel that it entails. My son has been able to see many different cities in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska just to name a few. Just this season alone, we have been to Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Tulsa, and Liberty just to name a few. Another great thing about all the travel is the learning experience that Ethan gets out of seeing all these cities. Before we leave for the weekend he always looks up the various cities and gets a little history lesson about the city. It's kinda fun to see his face light up when he discovers something about a city.
Now the next several weekends are going to be full of traveling. This weekend, as Ive already have mentioned, is in Springfield. Next weekend, we will be in Chanute, KS, the weekend after that we will be at the National Tournament in Liberty, MO., and then to finish out the month of February we will be in St. Joseph, MO.
I know it all seems like a lot and some of you may ask, "how in the world do you have time to get all your homework done or when do you have a life?" Well the answers to those questions are not as simple as it seems. However I do enjoy watching my boy compete.
My 12 year old son Ethan has been involved in wrestling for the last 7 years. He is a 3 time state champion and is currently pursuing number 4. We are at a different youth wrestling tournament every single weekend. This weekend coming up we will be at Grapple Mania in Springfield, MO. This is a very tough tournament, in fact many youth coaches consider this the "mini state tournament." Last season my son finished this tournament placing second, but it did earn him the number one seed in the district tournament.
What's really great about youth wrestling is all the travel that it entails. My son has been able to see many different cities in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska just to name a few. Just this season alone, we have been to Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Tulsa, and Liberty just to name a few. Another great thing about all the travel is the learning experience that Ethan gets out of seeing all these cities. Before we leave for the weekend he always looks up the various cities and gets a little history lesson about the city. It's kinda fun to see his face light up when he discovers something about a city.
Now the next several weekends are going to be full of traveling. This weekend, as Ive already have mentioned, is in Springfield. Next weekend, we will be in Chanute, KS, the weekend after that we will be at the National Tournament in Liberty, MO., and then to finish out the month of February we will be in St. Joseph, MO.
I know it all seems like a lot and some of you may ask, "how in the world do you have time to get all your homework done or when do you have a life?" Well the answers to those questions are not as simple as it seems. However I do enjoy watching my boy compete.
Friday, January 29, 2010
And the Winner for the Biggest Joke in Football Goes Too...
I know that you are all wondering, by reading the title of this post, just what could the biggest joke in football is. First let me clarify which level of football that I am talking about. Ladies and gentelman, I am talking about the National Football League. Now you might ask yourself, what could possibly be a joke about the National Football League. The answer, the 2010 Pro Bowl.
Now all of the other "all-star" games in the other leagues have some sort of significant meaning to them. For instance, the Major League Baseball Midsummer Classic, has significant meaning to the winners of the game. The winners of the Major League Baseball all-star game will have home field advantage in World Series. If the National League wins the all-star game then they get the home field. Vice versa if the the American League should win. That game kinda gives the players a reason to perform at their best in the game.
Now for the NFL Pro Bowl, http://www.foxsports.com really exposes what the NFL Pro Bowl is all about. First of all this season the Pro bowl has been moved to Miami, Florida from Honolulu, Hawaii. Second, the game will be played the week before the Super Bowl. How stupid of a move was that? What was the Comissioner of the League thinking when he decided to make these changes? In my opinion, the Comissioner wasn't thinking at all. The players of the league has longed to make the Pro Bowl teams of their respective conferences because of the free trip to Hawaii. To me, that would be a great incentive to play at my upmost best so I could go to Hawaii. Next, since the game has been moved to be played one week before the Super Bowl, many "Pro Bowlers" won't even be able to participate in the game. For instance, 7 All- Pro players from both the Colts and the Saints will not be able to participate in the Pro Bowl because they will be preparing for the Super Bowl game. That's fourteen players. It's hard enough for the players to play in this game as it is, now the NFL has really limited the number of stars who will be participating in the game. Changes definately need to come about if the league wants to continue to make the fans happy. Ratings for the game have already been down for years. These new changes have now made the situation worse.
http://sixmagazine.yardbreaker.com offers some good ideas on how to make the game better for both the players and for the fans. These are just a few of their sugesstions.
1) Pay the players more money. Everyone loves money, and if more is offered to the players, then more of them might be willing to participate in the game.
2) If any player gets hurt in the game, then the player will get paid their full salary for next year plus a $1 million in bonus. Many players don't participate in the game because of the fear of being injured. Finacial security is always a good incentive.
3) Keep the game after the Super Bowl and never move it again. Let's face it, who wants to watch the Pro Bowl before the Super Bowl. Let's have all the players that have made the Pro Bowl teams get a chance to play. Let's be fair to the fans who are paying all their hard earned money to support this league.
4) Keep the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. This one is self explanatory. Free trip to Hawaii. Enough said.
Bottom line is, this game is a joke and the fans do not like watching it, nor do the players like to play it. Just take it off the schedule already.
Now all of the other "all-star" games in the other leagues have some sort of significant meaning to them. For instance, the Major League Baseball Midsummer Classic, has significant meaning to the winners of the game. The winners of the Major League Baseball all-star game will have home field advantage in World Series. If the National League wins the all-star game then they get the home field. Vice versa if the the American League should win. That game kinda gives the players a reason to perform at their best in the game.
Now for the NFL Pro Bowl, http://www.foxsports.com really exposes what the NFL Pro Bowl is all about. First of all this season the Pro bowl has been moved to Miami, Florida from Honolulu, Hawaii. Second, the game will be played the week before the Super Bowl. How stupid of a move was that? What was the Comissioner of the League thinking when he decided to make these changes? In my opinion, the Comissioner wasn't thinking at all. The players of the league has longed to make the Pro Bowl teams of their respective conferences because of the free trip to Hawaii. To me, that would be a great incentive to play at my upmost best so I could go to Hawaii. Next, since the game has been moved to be played one week before the Super Bowl, many "Pro Bowlers" won't even be able to participate in the game. For instance, 7 All- Pro players from both the Colts and the Saints will not be able to participate in the Pro Bowl because they will be preparing for the Super Bowl game. That's fourteen players. It's hard enough for the players to play in this game as it is, now the NFL has really limited the number of stars who will be participating in the game. Changes definately need to come about if the league wants to continue to make the fans happy. Ratings for the game have already been down for years. These new changes have now made the situation worse.
http://sixmagazine.yardbreaker.com offers some good ideas on how to make the game better for both the players and for the fans. These are just a few of their sugesstions.
1) Pay the players more money. Everyone loves money, and if more is offered to the players, then more of them might be willing to participate in the game.
2) If any player gets hurt in the game, then the player will get paid their full salary for next year plus a $1 million in bonus. Many players don't participate in the game because of the fear of being injured. Finacial security is always a good incentive.
3) Keep the game after the Super Bowl and never move it again. Let's face it, who wants to watch the Pro Bowl before the Super Bowl. Let's have all the players that have made the Pro Bowl teams get a chance to play. Let's be fair to the fans who are paying all their hard earned money to support this league.
4) Keep the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. This one is self explanatory. Free trip to Hawaii. Enough said.
Bottom line is, this game is a joke and the fans do not like watching it, nor do the players like to play it. Just take it off the schedule already.
Let Me Clear My Throat
Hello classmates! Let me begin this entry by saying, hello to each and everyone of my new classmates and to say hello to classmates from last semester. Now with all of the pleasantries out of the way, let's begin.
What I am going to write about might be a sensative subject for some. I am going to write about my ex-wife and some of the things that she has been doing lately to just flat out hurt me and to piss me off. Before I begin please remember that I am only ranting and this is a good way for me to get some of this stuff off of my chest.
Some back history. My ex-wife and I have been divorced now for about 4 years and we share a a very handsome young man named Ethan who is our son. Ethan is my pride and joy. Now, like I stated earlier we have been divorced now for several years and like most divorces that occur in the U.S. our was not pretty. In fact it was so ugly that our divorce actually took close to 3 years to become final. Enough of the back history.
Since the divorce we actually have been having a great relationship. We have gotten along really well and in fact we have even been able to talk about some very sensative issues with each other. That was until three weeks ago.
Out of the blue my ex-wife all of a sudden has become the biggest "bitch" to have ever blessed this world. She not only has become very distant to me, but she has now starting to become distant with our son. I usually have him all the time anyway due to all the sports that he participates in, but she has not even tried to come to any of Ethan's most recent wrestling tournaments. Granted my ex-wife doesn't like sports. But come one. One could at least come to one tournament to watch their own kid compete in one of the most grueling sports in the world. She hasn't spent any "real" time with Ethan for over a month. Really not since Christmas. Case in point, Ethan placed first in the Carl Junction Tournament last weekend. When Ethan received his medal, I asked him if he wanted to call his mother and tell her the great news. Ethan responded by saying, "No, she would care to hear it."
I called my ex-wife after the tournament and realized some of the problem with her is that she has started drinking again. When I was talking to her all of our past history surfaced it's ugly head again and ever since that conversation Sunday I have been called stupid, a loser, and why would I be so dumb as to go back to school and get another degree. She has once again found her pleasure in belittling me and making me feel worthless. What's worse, is now she is forgetting about our son and making him feel run down and worthless too! According to my ex, everything is my fault because I left and divorced her.
What I am going to write about might be a sensative subject for some. I am going to write about my ex-wife and some of the things that she has been doing lately to just flat out hurt me and to piss me off. Before I begin please remember that I am only ranting and this is a good way for me to get some of this stuff off of my chest.
Some back history. My ex-wife and I have been divorced now for about 4 years and we share a a very handsome young man named Ethan who is our son. Ethan is my pride and joy. Now, like I stated earlier we have been divorced now for several years and like most divorces that occur in the U.S. our was not pretty. In fact it was so ugly that our divorce actually took close to 3 years to become final. Enough of the back history.
Since the divorce we actually have been having a great relationship. We have gotten along really well and in fact we have even been able to talk about some very sensative issues with each other. That was until three weeks ago.
Out of the blue my ex-wife all of a sudden has become the biggest "bitch" to have ever blessed this world. She not only has become very distant to me, but she has now starting to become distant with our son. I usually have him all the time anyway due to all the sports that he participates in, but she has not even tried to come to any of Ethan's most recent wrestling tournaments. Granted my ex-wife doesn't like sports. But come one. One could at least come to one tournament to watch their own kid compete in one of the most grueling sports in the world. She hasn't spent any "real" time with Ethan for over a month. Really not since Christmas. Case in point, Ethan placed first in the Carl Junction Tournament last weekend. When Ethan received his medal, I asked him if he wanted to call his mother and tell her the great news. Ethan responded by saying, "No, she would care to hear it."
I called my ex-wife after the tournament and realized some of the problem with her is that she has started drinking again. When I was talking to her all of our past history surfaced it's ugly head again and ever since that conversation Sunday I have been called stupid, a loser, and why would I be so dumb as to go back to school and get another degree. She has once again found her pleasure in belittling me and making me feel worthless. What's worse, is now she is forgetting about our son and making him feel run down and worthless too! According to my ex, everything is my fault because I left and divorced her.
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