As I started outside this morning to shovel another bright fluffy layer of white goodness, with the wind chill at –10F, I also began reminiscing about why I was headed out in the first place. Let me add that I am suffering from a lovely head cold, with a temperature of 100.5 and mucus running out of my nose like tears sliding down the cheeks of a child. But in order to explain I have to fill you in on some of my life experience.
I grew up in a household with three siblings. Our parents did not have extra income when I was young. We barely scraped by for the most part. So when the snow fell, or the wood needed to be split to keep us warm, or the vegetable gardens had to be weeded to keep us fed, or the animal chores had to be done to have meat, we children were the ones who did it. Both my older sister and I paid a lot of sweat equity for those lessons. If we didn’t do them, no one would. Our parents were both very hard to provide for us. We didn’t have the extra cash to pay someone else to do these chores. It was often we, or starve (or go cold, etc).
I don’t resent my parents for teaching me this lesson the hard way. I can reflect back over my 30-something years and see that lesson has more than paid for the price inflicted on my childhood. I didn’t rely on financial aid from the government, from loans, or from my parents to put myself through college (I’m nearly finished with my doctorate). I earned my way, not relying on anything or anyone. I don’t fault the people who do, but I am proud of the fact that I did not. I worked my way up my company’s ladder over 13+ years, to the point that I am now. Again, I relied on no one.
So consequently, here I am again, out here shoveling, not because I have to (since I can afford to call a plow truck to do this for me) but because I want to. It is ingrained in my personality. Thank you, parents. You have done a wonderful job raising your child.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ye Old Man Winter...
It's Snowing in our Town today
kids are hoping for long delay
the clouds are moving very fast
and the snow is moving in at last.
I love to watch snow fall down
as the ground covers all around
I can't wait for Christmas to arrive
as the love of snow comes in time.
Snow, snow for ever more
Winter is here and here for a while.
I'm so excited to see it Snow and now
I'm going to watch it soar.
Anonymous
kids are hoping for long delay
the clouds are moving very fast
and the snow is moving in at last.
I love to watch snow fall down
as the ground covers all around
I can't wait for Christmas to arrive
as the love of snow comes in time.
Snow, snow for ever more
Winter is here and here for a while.
I'm so excited to see it Snow and now
I'm going to watch it soar.
Anonymous
Today we had our first good snowfall of the season, about 6 inches worth of light fluffy goodness. To me, the first snowfall of the season is a rebirth. It falls over everything, blanketing all with a clean white sheet of angelic purity. At least that's my perspective until I have to shovel the #$%@ing stuff.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sign #114 of "You're getting too old"
I went to the local grocery store (which has a pharmacy inside) to pick up a prescription for my wife. She is 7 years younger than I am. The pharmacy clerk, looking at the date of birth, asked if "M" was my daughter...
Can ya pass me mah geezer cane, honey?
Can ya pass me mah geezer cane, honey?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Life thru a different set of eyes
Ode to my master
When you are happy, I am happy.
When you are sad, I am sad.
Where you go, I want to go.
What you eat, I want to eat.
Where you sit, I want to sit.
Where you lay, I want to lay.
I am your friend, unconditionally.
I am your dog, and you are my master.
When you need some exercise, then I am there to play ball or "fox".
When you need to get up in the morning, I am there to stand on your hair and wash your face.
When you need compassion, comfort, and caring, I am there to lick the tears away.
When you need a towel, I am there.
When you need your plate cleaned, I quickly volunteer.
When you are hounded by rodents, I'll show you no fear.
I'll be there to dance at the best times in your life.
I'll be there to cry on during the worst times in your life.
For you are mine, and I am yours.
Love always,
the dog
When you are happy, I am happy.
When you are sad, I am sad.
Where you go, I want to go.
What you eat, I want to eat.
Where you sit, I want to sit.
Where you lay, I want to lay.
I am your friend, unconditionally.
I am your dog, and you are my master.
When you need some exercise, then I am there to play ball or "fox".
When you need to get up in the morning, I am there to stand on your hair and wash your face.
When you need compassion, comfort, and caring, I am there to lick the tears away.
When you need a towel, I am there.
When you need your plate cleaned, I quickly volunteer.
When you are hounded by rodents, I'll show you no fear.
I'll be there to dance at the best times in your life.
I'll be there to cry on during the worst times in your life.
For you are mine, and I am yours.
Love always,
the dog
Monday, December 1, 2008
An Open letter to President-Elect Obama
Dear President-Elect Obama,
First of all, congratulations. You were elected in one of the most lopsided victories since JFK. My hat is off to you for a great campaign, although I'm sure the majority of voters have no idea where you stand on the issues, at least they knew you were not of the same party that gave us [insert vomit sound here] George Bush. According to the AP, more people (as a percentage of total population) voted in this election than any other in a 100 years. I hope that you will take this as a sign that the country needs change, and fast. We have slid down the slippery slope, and need a hero to pull us out before we slide further down, where we might not be able to rescued. The country, nay the world, is counting on you. Just heed this warning: make sure the changes are better for the country, not for the special interests that got you elected. The world needs a leader who is independent, and can force changes not because it's popular, but because it is the right thing to do. Leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin. That is what this country needs as we stand on the edge of the abyss.
I am an average middle class American. I work with more of the same. I come from a family of middle class Americans. Here are the issues that I hear about:
Taxes: Besides the sketchy history of why we have to pay income taxes in the first place (we know its not in the Constitution!), why should the average American work from the 1st of January thru the end of June to pay taxes? Especially when the federal government turns around and gives our hard earned money back to companies who obviously cannot manage their own funds? (Enron, AIG, Citibank, WAMU...I could go on forever). We've heard the argument that companies stimulate the economy. That's BS, Mr. President-Elect. Companies don't stimulate the economy, consumers do. Companies don't buy from retail outlets, they don't buy the majority of automobiles, nor do they purchase houses at the same rate that consumers do. How about giving the consumers tax breaks? Does anyone inside the beltway have a higher-than-5th grade education in economics?
Credit: Here's a great example of how idiotic this system is: My wife & I make about $90K per year. We have student loans, car payments, etc. that total about $12K per year. Factor out about 50% of our income for taxes, that leaves about $33K for utilities, rent/mortgage, groceries, fuel, insurances, etc. It divides out to about $2750 per month. Explain to me then, how we can be approved for a $250K mortgage, with a payment of $2085 per month? What are we living on? Does a $250K house magically generate food or fuel? The credit system is severely flawed through greed, both of the lenders and consumers. It needs reform, not more of our hard-earned tax dollars thrown at it. Even this dumb white trash can see that.
Energy: Speaking of fuel, here's good news. According to "new technology" we can now squeeze oil out of shale (Keep in mind that Germany was doing this in WWII). This means we don't have to worry about running out of fuel until 2020, according to Big Oil Experts (funny how only their experts "know" anything). Only one problem, Mr. President-Elect. The amount of energy needed to produce this oil is MORE than what is produced. Not to mention the vast amounts of toxins produced that leach into the water table or the atmosphere. Why aren't we looking at other non-petroleum fuels like alcohol? According to the book Alcohol can be a Gas!, the amount of money that would be needed to convert the WORLD'S infrastructure (not to mention ALL of the cars in the world) to run on alcohol is roughly $500 billion. That's less than we've spent in Iraq in the last 5 years. If Brazil can be 95% gas-free in 6 months, then why can't we? You are the first President since Jimmy Carter not to have ties to Big Oil. We expect changes.
Foreign Policy: Here's our biggest question: Why are we in the Middle East in the first place? Haven't we given Israel enough munitions, including nuclear weapons, to defend itself? Why aren't we taking care of our population first? We have rampant drug use, obesity, cancer, and hunger in this country. Don't believe me? Run with a busy EMS service for a day, sir, and you will see. You will see more than any one person ever should. Get out of the Middle East now. We aren't welcome, and we don't need to be there. Let's take care of our own first, then we can talk about "helping" others.
Veterans: Its a damn shame that the very people that we should be thanking every day for our freedom have, in my opinion, the very worst "comprehensive" medical coverage in the country. Why should they have to wait in line for anything? If it wasn't for their sacrifice, none of us would have the freedom to write blogs like this one. They should have health care plans like the politicians do. "Gold plated everything". Amen, Brothers in Arms, and I salute you all.
Welfare: This is the best case of reformation that I have heard. Why is it that a couple can pay for junk food (chips, soda, processed foods) with food stamps in the grocery store and then step out into the parking lot into their brand new $30K truck? Why is it that someone can be out on disability with a "back problem" and brag about using their spare time to build their new house? Why is it that another person who was using the system as it was intended, called the SSA to tell them to stop the disability checks because she was going back to work, and was told "We can't do that. It will make our numbers look bad, and we won't get as much funding next year."? Enough said, point made
Social Security: Ok, people in my generation get it, Mr. President-Elect. It won't be there for us when we retire. I just don't understand why the farce was played out so long. My mother, an accountant, told me 16 years ago that it wouldn't be there for me. Just acknowledge that, for us, it's just another tax wrapped in a "feel good" roll, hold the condiments. What saddens me is my grandparents generation. They bought into the farce lock, stock, and barrel. Our government left them out to dry. They struggle to survive from month to month. All because the government lied to them. It told them the money would be kept safe. That it wouldn't be touched. It's time for a New Deal, and this time, my generation expects those promises to be kept. We will be watching.
NASA: Why is this tax dollar suckhole still existing? Anyone? Haven't the Russians & the Chinese shown that the same exact missions can be accomplished for a whole lot less money? Read this, Mr. President-Elect: http://www.spacefuture.com/vehicles/how_the_west_wasnt_won_nafa.shtml
Please, Mr. President-Elect, we are looking for a leader in a tumultuous time. Be that leader, or you may find that those 137 million voters to be very unhappy. Remember what happened the last time a very large block of this country was unhappy? It was in 1776. We will be watching. Thank you, and may whichever higher power you believe in bless you.
Sincerely,
A disgruntled, cynical, middle class American
First of all, congratulations. You were elected in one of the most lopsided victories since JFK. My hat is off to you for a great campaign, although I'm sure the majority of voters have no idea where you stand on the issues, at least they knew you were not of the same party that gave us [insert vomit sound here] George Bush. According to the AP, more people (as a percentage of total population) voted in this election than any other in a 100 years. I hope that you will take this as a sign that the country needs change, and fast. We have slid down the slippery slope, and need a hero to pull us out before we slide further down, where we might not be able to rescued. The country, nay the world, is counting on you. Just heed this warning: make sure the changes are better for the country, not for the special interests that got you elected. The world needs a leader who is independent, and can force changes not because it's popular, but because it is the right thing to do. Leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin. That is what this country needs as we stand on the edge of the abyss.
I am an average middle class American. I work with more of the same. I come from a family of middle class Americans. Here are the issues that I hear about:
Taxes: Besides the sketchy history of why we have to pay income taxes in the first place (we know its not in the Constitution!), why should the average American work from the 1st of January thru the end of June to pay taxes? Especially when the federal government turns around and gives our hard earned money back to companies who obviously cannot manage their own funds? (Enron, AIG, Citibank, WAMU...I could go on forever). We've heard the argument that companies stimulate the economy. That's BS, Mr. President-Elect. Companies don't stimulate the economy, consumers do. Companies don't buy from retail outlets, they don't buy the majority of automobiles, nor do they purchase houses at the same rate that consumers do. How about giving the consumers tax breaks? Does anyone inside the beltway have a higher-than-5th grade education in economics?
Credit: Here's a great example of how idiotic this system is: My wife & I make about $90K per year. We have student loans, car payments, etc. that total about $12K per year. Factor out about 50% of our income for taxes, that leaves about $33K for utilities, rent/mortgage, groceries, fuel, insurances, etc. It divides out to about $2750 per month. Explain to me then, how we can be approved for a $250K mortgage, with a payment of $2085 per month? What are we living on? Does a $250K house magically generate food or fuel? The credit system is severely flawed through greed, both of the lenders and consumers. It needs reform, not more of our hard-earned tax dollars thrown at it. Even this dumb white trash can see that.
Energy: Speaking of fuel, here's good news. According to "new technology" we can now squeeze oil out of shale (Keep in mind that Germany was doing this in WWII). This means we don't have to worry about running out of fuel until 2020, according to Big Oil Experts (funny how only their experts "know" anything). Only one problem, Mr. President-Elect. The amount of energy needed to produce this oil is MORE than what is produced. Not to mention the vast amounts of toxins produced that leach into the water table or the atmosphere. Why aren't we looking at other non-petroleum fuels like alcohol? According to the book Alcohol can be a Gas!, the amount of money that would be needed to convert the WORLD'S infrastructure (not to mention ALL of the cars in the world) to run on alcohol is roughly $500 billion. That's less than we've spent in Iraq in the last 5 years. If Brazil can be 95% gas-free in 6 months, then why can't we? You are the first President since Jimmy Carter not to have ties to Big Oil. We expect changes.
Foreign Policy: Here's our biggest question: Why are we in the Middle East in the first place? Haven't we given Israel enough munitions, including nuclear weapons, to defend itself? Why aren't we taking care of our population first? We have rampant drug use, obesity, cancer, and hunger in this country. Don't believe me? Run with a busy EMS service for a day, sir, and you will see. You will see more than any one person ever should. Get out of the Middle East now. We aren't welcome, and we don't need to be there. Let's take care of our own first, then we can talk about "helping" others.
Veterans: Its a damn shame that the very people that we should be thanking every day for our freedom have, in my opinion, the very worst "comprehensive" medical coverage in the country. Why should they have to wait in line for anything? If it wasn't for their sacrifice, none of us would have the freedom to write blogs like this one. They should have health care plans like the politicians do. "Gold plated everything". Amen, Brothers in Arms, and I salute you all.
Welfare: This is the best case of reformation that I have heard. Why is it that a couple can pay for junk food (chips, soda, processed foods) with food stamps in the grocery store and then step out into the parking lot into their brand new $30K truck? Why is it that someone can be out on disability with a "back problem" and brag about using their spare time to build their new house? Why is it that another person who was using the system as it was intended, called the SSA to tell them to stop the disability checks because she was going back to work, and was told "We can't do that. It will make our numbers look bad, and we won't get as much funding next year."? Enough said, point made
Social Security: Ok, people in my generation get it, Mr. President-Elect. It won't be there for us when we retire. I just don't understand why the farce was played out so long. My mother, an accountant, told me 16 years ago that it wouldn't be there for me. Just acknowledge that, for us, it's just another tax wrapped in a "feel good" roll, hold the condiments. What saddens me is my grandparents generation. They bought into the farce lock, stock, and barrel. Our government left them out to dry. They struggle to survive from month to month. All because the government lied to them. It told them the money would be kept safe. That it wouldn't be touched. It's time for a New Deal, and this time, my generation expects those promises to be kept. We will be watching.
NASA: Why is this tax dollar suckhole still existing? Anyone? Haven't the Russians & the Chinese shown that the same exact missions can be accomplished for a whole lot less money? Read this, Mr. President-Elect: http://www.spacefuture.com/vehicles/how_the_west_wasnt_won_nafa.shtml
Please, Mr. President-Elect, we are looking for a leader in a tumultuous time. Be that leader, or you may find that those 137 million voters to be very unhappy. Remember what happened the last time a very large block of this country was unhappy? It was in 1776. We will be watching. Thank you, and may whichever higher power you believe in bless you.
Sincerely,
A disgruntled, cynical, middle class American
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