“Wake up Jack. Wake up son.” This is how I start my day, most days. Weekends not so much, but definitely Monday through Friday. It is my job to wake up my oldest son, get him dressed, and feed him breakfast. “Come Jackson – rise and shine. What do you want for breakfast this morning? Cereal or sausage biscuits?” (Jimmy Dean’s sausage biscuits have been one of his favorites for a while now). I gently roll him over, change his diaper and put on clean clothes. I then carry his mostly limp, half-asleep body to the living room and lay him down, ever so lightly so as not to disturb his second round of sleep, on the oversized chair. I then cover him up and start making his breakfast choice.
“Wake up dad. Rise and shine old man.” This is how I start most of my days, weekends included. It is my job to wake up my dad, get him dressed and fix him breakfast. “Come on Josh – time to get up and get going. What will it be today – bagel or cereal?” There was a time I’m sure when I was young and my dad would do the same for me. Now that he is in the twilight of his life, this is the least I can do for him. I help him put on his clothes, bring him his walker and escort him, slowly, to his favorite recliner – the one with the view of the woods out beyond the swimming pool. I then cover him up, and begin making his breakfast.
This is the circle of life. The child becomes the parent. Three years have already passed in a blink of an eye. I am fearful that when I next awake, Jackson will be saying those words to me as I lay there with the strength of a three year old in the body of a 90 year old. I just hope he loves me then as much as I love him now.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Bright Lights
Lately I have been in an introspective mood (see my really weird “Penny” post below). So staying with that theme…
Every morning I take the train to work - for those not in the DFW area the DART train is a mostly above ground light rail system. There is one small stretch though that does venture into the subterranean for a couple of miles – just before making it into downtown Dallas. Heading from north to south, you enter the tunnel after leaving Mockingbird station – you then proceed to the only underground station – City Place, before exiting the tunnel in downtown.
Lately, there has been something spectacular about the exit into downtown. I don’t know what it is about the stark contrast of the tunnel’s blackness and the emergence into what has mostly been over the last few weeks, bright, sunny skies. Maybe its because the change is so abrupt. There is no gradual lighting change that takes place. You go from total darkness (not total in the sense that there are no lights on inside the train, but total in that you look out and see nothing - blackness) to total, amazing light in the blink of an eye. And it is in this blink, that something comes over me that completely energizes me and gives me pause at the same time. It is in that instance that I feel God’s creation around me.
Maybe there is some symbolism here to be found. Maybe the darkness represents life without God and the light is the embodiment of walking in the presence of God – I really don’t know. Maybe it is all just in my mind. I don’t know and I don’t really care. When I come out of that darkness I feel a big smile come on and I get excited about the prospects of another day. I get excited about all that is great in my life. That’s not to say that this feeling lasts throughout the day. Like any feeling, it goes away. Some days it lasts longer than others. The real key is finding out how to bottle that feeling and release it at any time during the day – not just the morning commute.
Every morning I take the train to work - for those not in the DFW area the DART train is a mostly above ground light rail system. There is one small stretch though that does venture into the subterranean for a couple of miles – just before making it into downtown Dallas. Heading from north to south, you enter the tunnel after leaving Mockingbird station – you then proceed to the only underground station – City Place, before exiting the tunnel in downtown.
Lately, there has been something spectacular about the exit into downtown. I don’t know what it is about the stark contrast of the tunnel’s blackness and the emergence into what has mostly been over the last few weeks, bright, sunny skies. Maybe its because the change is so abrupt. There is no gradual lighting change that takes place. You go from total darkness (not total in the sense that there are no lights on inside the train, but total in that you look out and see nothing - blackness) to total, amazing light in the blink of an eye. And it is in this blink, that something comes over me that completely energizes me and gives me pause at the same time. It is in that instance that I feel God’s creation around me.
Maybe there is some symbolism here to be found. Maybe the darkness represents life without God and the light is the embodiment of walking in the presence of God – I really don’t know. Maybe it is all just in my mind. I don’t know and I don’t really care. When I come out of that darkness I feel a big smile come on and I get excited about the prospects of another day. I get excited about all that is great in my life. That’s not to say that this feeling lasts throughout the day. Like any feeling, it goes away. Some days it lasts longer than others. The real key is finding out how to bottle that feeling and release it at any time during the day – not just the morning commute.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
1969 Penny
Do you ever look at your change? You know – the shiny or not so shiny round things in your pocket or “piggy bank”. Well, I did recently. It was a penny. I don’t know why I looked at it, but I did. President Lincoln’s face was stamped on it in 1969. It has a dull brown look to it – nothing like the shiny copper of more recent vintage. For whatever reason, the age of this penny got me to thinking about all that has happened in its life. I wonder how many “owners” it has had. Millions perhaps – maybe just a few. Maybe it has spent most of its life under some old lady’s mattress, only recently to resurface after she past away and her grandson put it back into circulation – who knows.
That 1969 penny has a story to tell. In God We Trust, Liberty, Out of Many, One. They all say something about America - Americans. There is a reason why so many want to come here and so few want to leave. Despite what some people may want you to believe, American is a pretty cool place – and Americans do some pretty amazing things in this world. If that 1969 penny could talk, I bet it would have one heck of a story to tell.
That 1969 penny has a story to tell. In God We Trust, Liberty, Out of Many, One. They all say something about America - Americans. There is a reason why so many want to come here and so few want to leave. Despite what some people may want you to believe, American is a pretty cool place – and Americans do some pretty amazing things in this world. If that 1969 penny could talk, I bet it would have one heck of a story to tell.
The U.S has reached a truce with Osama Bin Laden!
Not! But apparently OBL thinks he is in a position to bargain with us. It’s kind of hard to bargain when you have NOTHING to give. OBL is a leader with no way to lead. By the time his trained donkey can carry his messenger across the mountains to the terrorists, the terrorists are dead.
That’s not to say that because OBL is powerless (or damn near) that terrorism is defeated. We still have Zarquawi running around in Iraqi somewhere. But he too is getting closer to receiving his 70 virgins. We just took out the top bomb maker for AQ this past week with the predator attack in Pakistan. It is only a matter of time before the snake has no head at all.
All signs point to a stabilizing Iraq – which is not to say that Iraq is currently stabilized. Iraq is far from reaching a point where they no longer need ANY foreign help. The recent elections, and especially the last election have gone a long way to that country being able to care for itself.
OBL recent truce offer reminds me of what Saddam said upon his discovery in that hole – something along the lines of “I am the President of Iraq and am willing to discuss terms”. Terms? Yeah…I don’t think so. The only term that will be offered to OBL and others like him is how do you want your death – quick or slow. We have excellent options to facilitate both.
That’s not to say that because OBL is powerless (or damn near) that terrorism is defeated. We still have Zarquawi running around in Iraqi somewhere. But he too is getting closer to receiving his 70 virgins. We just took out the top bomb maker for AQ this past week with the predator attack in Pakistan. It is only a matter of time before the snake has no head at all.
All signs point to a stabilizing Iraq – which is not to say that Iraq is currently stabilized. Iraq is far from reaching a point where they no longer need ANY foreign help. The recent elections, and especially the last election have gone a long way to that country being able to care for itself.
OBL recent truce offer reminds me of what Saddam said upon his discovery in that hole – something along the lines of “I am the President of Iraq and am willing to discuss terms”. Terms? Yeah…I don’t think so. The only term that will be offered to OBL and others like him is how do you want your death – quick or slow. We have excellent options to facilitate both.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Terrorist wish list - disposable phones
It is highly suspicious that just THREE days after the NY Times broadcast to the world details about the NSA wiretap program, that a group of Middle Eastern men with known ties to terrorist cells (in Dallas) were arrested after attmepting to purchase between 60-150 prepaid TracPhones (phones that are near impossible to trace - because nobody knows who owns it)!!!
Michelle Malkin has a good roundup on the details of this story, which are just now starting to see the light of day.
Good grief - does the media have no regard for national security? We tell the entire world that we are tapping international calls between known terrorists and others in the US...and what happens next? They switch their method of communication and go out and buy disposable phones that cant be traced!! I was OUTRAGED over the initial story - and even more so now.
Michelle Malkin has a good roundup on the details of this story, which are just now starting to see the light of day.
Good grief - does the media have no regard for national security? We tell the entire world that we are tapping international calls between known terrorists and others in the US...and what happens next? They switch their method of communication and go out and buy disposable phones that cant be traced!! I was OUTRAGED over the initial story - and even more so now.
A couple of warriors you should know about....
I found this on Capt B's blog "One Marine's View." It is from his 1/8/06 entry and well worth the read. Everyone says that Marines, Soldiers, Arimen, etc are heroes...but have you actually taken the time to read about some of the things they do to EARN this title? It is amazing!
You should visit his site to read all of the heroic accounts listed on the 1/8/06 post - but here is my favorite:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Scout Sniper, Scout Sniper Platoon, in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the battle for Baghdad, Sergeant M's sniper team arrived within Company F's position as they came under heavy small arms fire from a determined enemy force. He immediately encouraged Marines to deploy and return fire. Noticing a disabled civilian vehicle on the road in the line of fire and with complete disregard for his own life, he rushed forward amidst a hail of gunfire and dragged a wounded Iraqi civilian to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine struggling to get off the same fire swept street, he risked his life to lead the Marine to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine lying in the street. Ignoring the hailstorm of bullets, Sergeant M rushed into the street for a third time to carry the injured Marine to safety. Sergeant M returned a fourth time to evacuate an unconscious Marine. Returning to the front again, he dashed into the contested street and assisted a Marine to safety who had been dazed by an explosion. Sergeant M ensured medical attention was administered and verified that evacuations were ongoing. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sergeant M reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Please read SSgt Daniel Clay's final letter home as well - be sure and grab a tissue first.
You should visit his site to read all of the heroic accounts listed on the 1/8/06 post - but here is my favorite:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Scout Sniper, Scout Sniper Platoon, in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the battle for Baghdad, Sergeant M's sniper team arrived within Company F's position as they came under heavy small arms fire from a determined enemy force. He immediately encouraged Marines to deploy and return fire. Noticing a disabled civilian vehicle on the road in the line of fire and with complete disregard for his own life, he rushed forward amidst a hail of gunfire and dragged a wounded Iraqi civilian to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine struggling to get off the same fire swept street, he risked his life to lead the Marine to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine lying in the street. Ignoring the hailstorm of bullets, Sergeant M rushed into the street for a third time to carry the injured Marine to safety. Sergeant M returned a fourth time to evacuate an unconscious Marine. Returning to the front again, he dashed into the contested street and assisted a Marine to safety who had been dazed by an explosion. Sergeant M ensured medical attention was administered and verified that evacuations were ongoing. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sergeant M reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Please read SSgt Daniel Clay's final letter home as well - be sure and grab a tissue first.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Italy breaks up terrorist plot against the US
Italy has foiled a terrorist plot that would have made 9/11 look like child's play. But you wouldnt know this unless you picked a paper from China, Australia, Italy, Englend, etc...in fact, if you would have picked up a paper anywhere but in the US this past week, you would know about this! This type of omission should not shock me at this point - but it still does.
It is not that there is an orchestrated media conspiracy - with the media ring leader calling up all outlets each night and telling them what to run - I don't believe that. But the fact that 90% of all journalists, editors, publishers are (by their own admission) liberal ensures that we will not get unbiased coverage.
It is interesting that Italy used wire taps to break this plot. The very same tactic that Bush is under fire for. It would be unmentionable for the Times to run a story hailing the effectiveness of wire taps to stop terrorism!
The story.
It is not that there is an orchestrated media conspiracy - with the media ring leader calling up all outlets each night and telling them what to run - I don't believe that. But the fact that 90% of all journalists, editors, publishers are (by their own admission) liberal ensures that we will not get unbiased coverage.
It is interesting that Italy used wire taps to break this plot. The very same tactic that Bush is under fire for. It would be unmentionable for the Times to run a story hailing the effectiveness of wire taps to stop terrorism!
The story.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Buyer beware
Attention car buyers. Do not shop for a new car at North Central Honda. Here is the skinny on the scam they pulled on my sister in law and her husband recently.
Sister in law is expecting (twins) and they need to get a bigger car. Her husband takes his Honda Accord to the place he originally bought it (North Central Honda) to trade in for a Honda SUV (I forget the name – the one with 3 rows). The salesman and husband agree on price, trade in value, line up financing and it ends up being a deal at $500 month. They take his trade in keys, hand him the new keys and it’s a “done” deal.
One week later, husband gets a call from finance guy saying the deal fell through and the payment was going to go up to $680! “Unacceptable” says husband and says he thought they had a deal. After all, the credit manager had him fill out a credit application, and was told it was approved with x terms. Credit manager said, “let me see what I can do and I will call you back”. Doesn’t call back. Husband calls him back and plays phone tag for a few days. Credit manager calls and said, “I got it down to $550 and with a shorter term, lets meet Friday night and you can sign the papers.” Husband goes Friday night to meet (some location, not the dealership) and the guy no shows. Husband finally reaches him the next day and finance guy said something came up, etc, etc. Husband now wants his car back and goes back to the dealership to turn back the new car and get his old car. Of course, sister in law and husband are now late on their car payment because they thought they were going to trade it in. They have also already switched over insurance…but enough is enough and they want their car back.
Guess what, their trade in is “locked up somewhere” and they “can’t get it right now, but if they will hang tight a little longer they will get a deal worked”. They talk with their original salesman who they liked and who was surprised that their initial $500 deal was dead. He pretended (or could have been sincere) that he had no idea. Another few days pass and they get a call saying it’s a done deal at $560 month, which they take. If it were me, I say hell no and demand my car back and go somewhere else. But they were so beaten down by this they gave in - even if it cost them $60 more than they thought.
There are a few lessons to learn here. After hearing this and reading about stuff like this on-line, it turns out this is a common “yo-yo” scam pulled by many dealers – mostly on people with bad to average credit who often fall for this since they think they can’t get anything better (and who ironically enough, can usually least afford the higher payments that come with the scam). Lesson #1, arrange your financing ahead of time with your bank. That way you buy a car based on negotiating the price of the car and that’s it. Forget about them jacking you on rate, term, etc. Unless, you’re a savvy buyer and the dealer’s lender is offering major rebates by financing with them, don’t do it! Lesson #2, no matter how much you like that car – NEVER drive it off the lot until the financing has been approved (no “spot delivery”). You can solve this problem by following step #1.
This is a scam people. The finance guy knows within 15 minutes of running the application if the financing will go through. Financial institutions have this down to a science as to whom they will finance and whom they wont. The dealer knows that Joe Buyer with a 600 credit score aint getting the car for 72 months at 6% interest! But, if he lets Joe Buyer drive the car for a couple of weeks and get attached to it, well, that makes the new deal at 60 months and 13% interest a little easier to take. Car finance people are running a close second to tow truck drivers for me. I’m sure there are honest people in both professions, but I haven’t found one yet!
Sister in law is expecting (twins) and they need to get a bigger car. Her husband takes his Honda Accord to the place he originally bought it (North Central Honda) to trade in for a Honda SUV (I forget the name – the one with 3 rows). The salesman and husband agree on price, trade in value, line up financing and it ends up being a deal at $500 month. They take his trade in keys, hand him the new keys and it’s a “done” deal.
One week later, husband gets a call from finance guy saying the deal fell through and the payment was going to go up to $680! “Unacceptable” says husband and says he thought they had a deal. After all, the credit manager had him fill out a credit application, and was told it was approved with x terms. Credit manager said, “let me see what I can do and I will call you back”. Doesn’t call back. Husband calls him back and plays phone tag for a few days. Credit manager calls and said, “I got it down to $550 and with a shorter term, lets meet Friday night and you can sign the papers.” Husband goes Friday night to meet (some location, not the dealership) and the guy no shows. Husband finally reaches him the next day and finance guy said something came up, etc, etc. Husband now wants his car back and goes back to the dealership to turn back the new car and get his old car. Of course, sister in law and husband are now late on their car payment because they thought they were going to trade it in. They have also already switched over insurance…but enough is enough and they want their car back.
Guess what, their trade in is “locked up somewhere” and they “can’t get it right now, but if they will hang tight a little longer they will get a deal worked”. They talk with their original salesman who they liked and who was surprised that their initial $500 deal was dead. He pretended (or could have been sincere) that he had no idea. Another few days pass and they get a call saying it’s a done deal at $560 month, which they take. If it were me, I say hell no and demand my car back and go somewhere else. But they were so beaten down by this they gave in - even if it cost them $60 more than they thought.
There are a few lessons to learn here. After hearing this and reading about stuff like this on-line, it turns out this is a common “yo-yo” scam pulled by many dealers – mostly on people with bad to average credit who often fall for this since they think they can’t get anything better (and who ironically enough, can usually least afford the higher payments that come with the scam). Lesson #1, arrange your financing ahead of time with your bank. That way you buy a car based on negotiating the price of the car and that’s it. Forget about them jacking you on rate, term, etc. Unless, you’re a savvy buyer and the dealer’s lender is offering major rebates by financing with them, don’t do it! Lesson #2, no matter how much you like that car – NEVER drive it off the lot until the financing has been approved (no “spot delivery”). You can solve this problem by following step #1.
This is a scam people. The finance guy knows within 15 minutes of running the application if the financing will go through. Financial institutions have this down to a science as to whom they will finance and whom they wont. The dealer knows that Joe Buyer with a 600 credit score aint getting the car for 72 months at 6% interest! But, if he lets Joe Buyer drive the car for a couple of weeks and get attached to it, well, that makes the new deal at 60 months and 13% interest a little easier to take. Car finance people are running a close second to tow truck drivers for me. I’m sure there are honest people in both professions, but I haven’t found one yet!
Freedom to sound stupid
Aint free speech grand! Fortunately, free speech has consequences – like when you say something really stupid, other people are “free” to point out your stupidity, or in this case hypocrisy.
Decorated war hero Rep. John Murtha had this to say about our troops (which he of course “supports”)…”I worry about a slow withdrawal [from Iraq] which makes it look like there’s a victory…”
Heaven forbid our men and women leave Iraq feeling victorious! Gotta love that troop support!
Here is another one, which is soooo outrageous, I’m not sure anyone really takes this guy seriously.
Actor Harry Belafonte “[President George W. Bush is] the greatest tyrant in the world. [He is] the greatest terrorist in the world."
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure those people on Flight 93 would have rather had President Bush on board instead of those terrorist. I’m pretty sure Israeli teenagers would have rather seen President Bush walk into the pizza joint than the suicide bomber. I could fill up 10 pages with many more “I’m pretty sure” examples…but you get the point.
It is statements like this that continue to isolate Hollywood types from average Americans and that will guarantee that Republicans remain in control for the foreseeable future. Dean, Murtha, et al are the GOP’s greatest asset!
Decorated war hero Rep. John Murtha had this to say about our troops (which he of course “supports”)…”I worry about a slow withdrawal [from Iraq] which makes it look like there’s a victory…”
Heaven forbid our men and women leave Iraq feeling victorious! Gotta love that troop support!
Here is another one, which is soooo outrageous, I’m not sure anyone really takes this guy seriously.
Actor Harry Belafonte “[President George W. Bush is] the greatest tyrant in the world. [He is] the greatest terrorist in the world."
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure those people on Flight 93 would have rather had President Bush on board instead of those terrorist. I’m pretty sure Israeli teenagers would have rather seen President Bush walk into the pizza joint than the suicide bomber. I could fill up 10 pages with many more “I’m pretty sure” examples…but you get the point.
It is statements like this that continue to isolate Hollywood types from average Americans and that will guarantee that Republicans remain in control for the foreseeable future. Dean, Murtha, et al are the GOP’s greatest asset!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to everyone! It is a really busy time at work, and at home (getting house ready for sale). I hope to have something new to post soon in case anyone happens by accident to find this blog!
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