Opinions - Yeah, touchy topics

 This post will probably rub some people the wrong way. I am sorry but this needs to be said. I will never say I am ALWAYS right, but I do try very hard to do and say the right things to ALL people. But we all have our own opinions, and that is your God given right. But do you have to constantly tell everyone?  There's an old saying, "Everyone has an opinion, they are like butts."

Hot topics:

The election. Yeah, it's over and Trump lost... get over it. Campaign for him the next time, if he runs. It was NOT stolen, it's been proven many times over, at our expense. Recounts do cost.

Immigration, OK, we are the richest country in the world and people want what we have. But if you/your children were starving, wouldn't you do what whatever is necessary to get to a better life? Oh, and by the way, there are no trash cans for immigrating families to drop their trash on their way. I don't like the looks either. Hundreds of people die trying to get to a better life. It may not be illegal but neither is carrying an automatic assault weapon. How many of the people who invaded the Capital Building have those?

Abortion, will you adopt the baby the mother does not want? Or, will you pay for that baby to grow up in foster care with your taxes dollars? Yes, there should be better options, but are you going to be the one who says what the mother can do? IT IS HER BODY NOT YOURS. If funding is cut for abortions, the mothers will find another way and maybe die doing it. How about the thousands of kids ripped away from their parents when they cross the borders illegally? Is that right?

Police de-funding, who will come when you are assaulted? Who will be there when someone broad sides you in a traffic incident? Who will be there when you spouse beats up on you? Not all police officers are good guys, but I believe most are. This country is already understaffed in police departments across the nation. We have rules and laws in this country and the police enforce them. Those laws and rules are for the good of everyone, whether you agree or not. They too can be changes if enough of people tell their lawmakers, not just bitch about it on Facebook, Twitter or whatever. Be pro-active, but do your homework first.

Politicians are corrupt, yes, some are. So vote them out and get someone better. If you are a citizen, you have the right to vote and that is a powerful tool and benefit you have. Use it! And campaign it by telling other to use their voting right.

Democracy is not perfect, but it is better than the alternative. It never was and never will be. If you're not happy, live in China or Russia and see how you like it there. I've been there and it's not nice.

Instead of complaining and bitching, give us a valid solution, and quit harping over broken eggs and defeated battles. Do your research, check the real facts, not gossip or internet trash/talk. Do the homework and bring it to the table for discussion. I am here to hear your side/opinion. Debate and discussion is healthy. Take care, be positive and smile.

Do you know your place?

 I do not profess to have any psychiatry clinical knowledge (if those are real terms), I just know my feelings and have watched others deal with events in their lives like myself. And I SURELY do not advocate my views are correct for everyone else, except for me.

I have never been a prejudice person, in fact, I call myself "color blind", and except everyone as an equal no matter what color, sex, national origin, religion or sexual belief. We were ALL placed on this earth equally and should be treated as such. I really try to treat others with respect and friendship. Sometimes that does not always happen, but I try. Hey, I am human too.

Recently, there was an interview featuring the British Prince Harry and his wife Megan. I found it interesting when they said they were expected to know their place within the royal family. Then it struck me, 'know your place'? That has been a common phrase used for centuries. 

In the South, when I was growing up (in the 50s), the "blacks", were to 'know their place'. In the early days of the growing Western United States, the Orientals were to 'know their place'. In the corporate world, as a new person, you are to 'know your place". Native Americans were suppose to 'know their place'. So my question is... "Where is my place, where is YOUR place, and who will tell me/you when I am there?" 

Harry and Megan were suppose to be the way 'Royals" are suppose to act and present themselves quietly, OR, the Tabloids would rip them apart. And they did, so Harry and Megan (with Archie) left Britain for the States, but the stories followed them.

Finding your place (in life) may not be that easy. I sort of stumbled into my place. Some find it in motherhood, others find it in business, or art, or exercise classes or cars, or being a crusader for a cause. Everyone has a place, you just have to look for it, or sometimes it finds you. "Your place" is a point in your life where you are comfortable, physically and mentally at ease, and best of all, happy. Some people are in a place where they are expected to act and talk in a certain way, such as politicians, clergy, and anyone in the public eye.

President Carter said he was never very comfortable being president, but totally enjoys working for Habitat for Humanity. It shows, in his 90s and still going strong. He found his place. Some people thrive on the power of the position and being in a place they do not represent themselves as the public would like. That place was NOT theirs.

Finding your place is not that easy, but NEVER let anyone tell you to 'know your place'. You are the only one who knows when you arrive. Then you can say, "I am home."

Let me know if you found your PLACE and how you found it, and where it is. Maybe I'll stop by.

It's been a LONG time

 It has been a long time, actually one year since Covid hit the USA and the World. It wasn't really thought of, "Oh, I won't get it", until the governments really started cracking down on us with restrictions, and the media announced the lives lost and cases daily, we finally realized it was dangerous. Even tho some people still think it is a hoax and refuse to wear masks. 

Life as we know it now turned into a life through glass. Zoom meetings on you phone, tablet or computer, concerts via Zoom, take-out called in by phone and picked up around Plexiglas, and viewing dying friends and relatives through glass. Wearing a masks became a familiar as sunglasses. 

When this is all over, the things that stick in my mind I will remember forever is the lines at food banks, closed signs on businesses, trying to schedule a Covid vaccination and what a boon this all has been to Amazon sales.

Since our travel has been restricted this last year, Nancy has been hiking a lot more and I spend tons of hours in my shop working on customers cars and trucks. Of course we are around our immediate family a lot and we have gotten our first shot and schedule to get our second on the 17th. Otherwise, nothing much, except ...

Like many other people during these times, construction and remodels are booming. Contractors are so busy, they can hardly keep up. So for the last few months, we too remodeled. This was our kitchen before.

Nice but dated, like 20+ years old. So, we said, 'What the hell' and changed the look a little to the bold side. This is the kitchen now.

New appliances, quart-site counter tops, new sinks and faucets, new hardware, and the cabinets were painted and distressed/antiqued. What can I say, Nancy loves color. 

Tell us what sticks in you mind during the past year and how did you coup and/or what did you do during these tough times. We'd love to hear your stories. Just comment. Take care and stay safe.

Are you a "leader"?

 What is your definition of a "leader"? Well according to Webster is "someone who sees how things can be improved and rallies people to move toward that better vision." I don't know if I totally believe that is the best definition of a leader. Mainly because that so-called leader has convinced others to follow him or her toward his or her view. Is their view actually the best view? maybe, but maybe not. It has to be the right way for all, not just what that 'leader' believes.

To the extreme, Hitler was a leader, but so was Franklin Roosevelt. Was Hitler's views better than Roosevelt's? I think most of you would say NO! Because Hitler was a leader by force, not by choice.

I think a true leader is not one who forces you to follow or tells you lies, trying to convince you his views are the best. So you have to look deeper than the surface of a potential leaders words. Some so-called leaders can speak beautiful very inviting words and then they lead you over the cliff. So it is very much up to us as the followers to see beyond the things you want to hear and see the real leadership in that person. I know, that can be complicated. But if you have a vote in who your leader will be, you have to do some homework. 

A cult group of people followed a guy to South Africa years ago, gave up all their wealth for his cause and them he convinced them to drink the poison, and they all died. Another group followed a guy to Texas and they all died due to the government forces get too anxious to rush the compound. And I can go on about other incidents recently where people follow a person which caused a terrible ending, like the storm on the National Capitol.

My idea image of a leader is one that looks at all angles of a situation, along with all the possible side effects or repercussions and then comes up with a plan that will work for all involved, not for just his interests. And as always, there has to be gives-and-takes by each side. This true for small companies, big corporations, states, countries and even in our personal lives. 

I believe most people want to be a leader, and there are some who are satisfied to be a follower. Sometimes called 'sheep'. I can be a sheep, if the leader is good. But my problem is I hate to wait for the wheels to turn on a solution when I see a clear path to that solution. Sometimes I have been too anxious and fell on my face doing that, but that is how we learn. Next time I am more cautious but still see that path. 

Yes, I have been called a leader, but I don't consider myself as a leader but a somewhat 'trailblazer', who is trying to do the right things for everyone. I am not afraid to fall down and try again, maybe in a different way, but still getting that thing done correctly.

A true leader is hard to find. A true leader is easy to find when you see through the rhetoric and recognize their passion and convenience in their path. Time plays a big part too. You must hear their words in many ways and venues. Actions also play a part. See how they react and the actions they do, without praise confides me. This person is truly passionate about their path and in their leadership to this group.

It is not easy to spot a true leader, but you'll know it when it happens. Not everyone will see the leadership because of their personal views, but a majority will. Trust your gut feelings.

Finally, it has been a full year in this Covid Pandemic. I know you have had enough of mask wearing, social distancing, fast food/take-out, and misleading information and conflicting new reports. I AM TOO! Some people have start remodeling, auto repairs and picked up new hobbies to occupy their time. But we MUST stay strong and continue the efforts to control this virus by doing all the right things. And to become a leader to others to do the same.

Leave comments if you like, stay safe.

There are a few things ...

 As I grew up, there were a few standards which I always held very high in my life, and then they merged into my personality and became me. Believe me, I am NOT tooting my horn or advertising my believe to everyone, or trying to influence anyone to believe the way I do, but if you really know me you know these are who and what I vigorously stand for.

These things are: GOD, country, family, honesty, and seeing everyone one as an equal, no matter their color, religion, age, sex or sexual belief.

Nancy and I have been extremely fortunate to be able to travel all around the world and visit countries that some have asked, "Why in the world would you go there?"  Well, the simple answer is because we want to see what the other side looks like and understand their views on life compared to ours. As someone said, "You don't know what a person is like until you walk a mile in their shoes."  We have walked only a part of those miles in many pairs of shoes and found out they deal with the same problems, sacrifices, love, sadness, lose, poverty, political unrest, prejudice, and love for their God, country and family. They are the same as us. Yes, there are some who kill, rape, destroy and make war. THAT IS NOT EVERYONE! Those are the radials, the the everyday people.

Most people only remember the few bad things they hear and skip over the good things that are usually a multitude greater than the bad. The news we hear is usually bad news. Not fake (as some people say), just bad. One report I saw recently was, "Man kills an entire family." Sounds bad, right? If you keep reading, it was a man who killed a family of ONIONS he was growing by pouring a weed killer on them by mistake instead of liquid fertilizer. Poor reporting, yeah, as reporters fight to get a headline. News should be about truth in reporting, not about sensationalizing.

Which brings me to TRUE, and people's ability to trust you or anyone. I can not say I have never told a lie, or stretched the truth to make a point, but sometimes it was in an effort to not hurt someone with the truth. Sometimes there are people who jeopardize their reputation by speaking the truth instead of going along with lies and people who spread them. Case in point is Cindy McCain, wife of the late and well respected Senator John McCain. He and she have my utmost respect, even tho we may not have the same views on politics. What the Republican party did to her was uncalled for and acted like a bunch of babies and sore losers.

Trust, whether an individual or government is built over time and their actions by both sides. Like the current vaccination efforts. There are many people who do not trust the government and the vaccine. Some are justified like African-Americans and Native-Americans. I can not believe the government would purposely poison every citizen or world, to what result? Nancy and I jumped at the opportunity to get ours. It was a real pain to get an appointment but we got our 1st shot and registered for the second on March 17th, St Patrick's day. Everyone really needs to get the shots, SAVE LIVES! Side effects? A little sore arm for one day, no big deal.

Lastly, I have been get some REALLY annoying phones calls.As I am laying under a car with both hands working and the phone rings, I slide out to see if it is family or a possible client and it is someone in another country trying to sell me an extended auto warranty, or wanting me to do a survey about someone I called at an auto parts store... or something else stupid. Scammers are such jerks. 

GET THE SHOT! I am proud of that sticker. Get yours.

Family, Friends, love and relationships

 How many of you have a STRONG close relationship with your parents? Or is it a relationship that is just out of respect? Maybe you have a closer relationship with a friend than your parent/s. I am sure you may not want to admit it to the general public. Depending on what generation you belong to, relations can be quite different. Was your relation a huggy, warm and fuzzy relation, or one that you respected them but really did not want to spend more than a few days together?

As a very wise person put it, "You can pick your friends, but you have no choose in the matter of who your parents are."  I have friends who say, "My parents are SO cool." And others say, "My parents are two stick-in-the-muds."

Relationships are built on relating to each other. Being interested in the others thoughts, hobbies, likes and dislikes, style of clothes, sports, and just being able to talk without criticism or judging. Heck, everyone has opinions on things. We may not be able to agree on what is what, but hearing them out without being a critic, understanding their point of view, with maybe a little debate is OK. 

I will have to admit, when my oldest son was growing up, I grounded him for something he did. I had told him, Never lie to me. So when I grounded him he said, "So it doesn't matter if I lie or tell the true, I still get grounded?" I was taken back for a second and replied, "Yes, but if you tell me the truth and admit you did wrong, the grounding may not be as bad." He did not understand my concept and looked at me with squinting eyes. Like, what? Later, when he became a father, I believe he got it.

In my own case, my father and mother divorced when I eight years old. My mother had to work to support us both. She was not very educated so her job was minimum wage. She did everything a caring mother could do to provide a descent home, food and clothing. Sometimes the places we lived would NOT be my pick, but that was all she could do. She was a very loving mother, but never asked me about how I felt about things, or what my likes and dislikes were. In other words we never REALLY had a heart-to-heart talk. She was always very critical about my father, and expressed it every time I saw her. My father, wanted to have a relationship with me but in his time frame. We spoke but never (again) no heart-to-heart talks. As I got older, I would visit them, on a limited basis, out of still wanting those talks and respect.

I try VERY hard not to become my parents in that respect, to our children. Even tho sometimes I think I reverted back somewhat. Parents have to be a teacher, but not the bullie on the playground. And sometimes that can be tricky, and difficult.

Believe me, I am not a Dr. Spook on child rearing or relationships with your parents or children, but I truly believe love along with understanding and listening MUST be big parts of both. Just watch the expression on another person's face when they know you are truly listening to what they are saying, not just being polite with a blank look. Eye to eye contact is a must and not thinking, "I wish he/she would quit talk so I can go to lunch." HEAR them and comprehend what they are try to convey to you. It really is not that hard to do, and who knows, you may learn something you did not know.

What to comment? Give your story, please do. Take care. Happy Valentine's Day!

Super Bowl Sunday ... and other thoughts

For the last six years when Super Bowl rolls around, I always think of my late son Tony. Tony was an ENORMOUS Cowboys fan. He had so many jerseys, socks, coats, hats and probably underwear with the Cowboy logo blazing on them. I am SO glad we, as a family, could spend his last hours with him. Now in the midst of the Covid pandemic, seriously ill loved ones are just dropped off at the front door of a hospital and possibly never get the chance to say good bye. It's harsh and cruel but that is the present time. I understand it is for the good of others, but it is so sad.

I have a good friend who is battling a type of cancer. A few months ago, he got very sick and she loving wife drove him to the close hospital. As she walked him to the door, a nurse stopped her saying," I am sorry, but you can't come in with him." She stood there stunned and shoulders dropped as the nurse escorted her husband to a wheel chair and pushed him out of sight. She later told me, she wondered if she would ever see him alive again. Thank God he recovered and she could pick him up ... at the door. My heart goes out to people like my friend and his wife.

But it "SUPER BOWL SUNDAY" (as he yells it out). The Buccaneers against the Chiefs in Tampa Bay. Now, admittedly, I am rooting for the Chiefs, just because, no one needs 7 Super Bowl rings. Granted, Brady is great quarterback, and is the oldest player (43) in the league. But does that mean he deserves a 7th? Nope! maybe it is time for the guy to retire like Drew Brees with style and class, instead of shoving the 6 rings into your TV screen. OK, I'd be proud too, but really? Is that really necessary? OK, I'll say it... GO CHIEFS! Even tho I am really a Colts fan.

As far as the fan noise in the stadium, it's mostly recorded from previous games. just think what a game would be like with nothing but a silence stadium. Kinda like a movie with no sound track. Boring!

And lastly. Sorry to my followers about no blog last week. Nancy and I were in a car accident and our/my Ford Escape was totaled. We are fine except a few bruises, but just not have it in me to write anything. First accident and MY first ticket in 60 years of driving. Damn! Now I get to get another car. Take care.