This blog originally posted Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Current mood: cranky Category: Life
I was listening to talk radio the other day (yes, I know that probably kills more brain cells than inhaling paint fumes), and they were talking about the upcoming elections. People were supposed to call in and tell who they would vote against or what proposition they would vote against and why. NOT what they were voting FOR, but AGAINST.
Well, I kept hearing the same arguments regarding a few specific ones - Len Munsil (a Christian running for Governor), the Scottsdale Strip Club regulations, the anti-smoking ban, and the proposition about keeping pigs and veal calves in larger pens. Time and time again, I heard callers say, "They're just trying to push their morals/values off on us." Most often, this was in reference to Christians.
OK, can I be the one brave enough to say this????...... YES. YES, we are trying to push their morals on you. Duh!!! Now at least one of us in this conversation is intellectually honest here. For the record, if you vote for something (anything) in an election, YOU are trying to push your morals/values off on everyone else. That's what society and politics are all about.
In the valley of the sun, we have more than 4 million people. We don't all agree on everything. So, to make our society work, we have to come to agreement on what rules we will have and how things will be run. Therefore, someone wins (pushes their moral values off on others) and someone loses (gets someone else's moral values pushed off onto them).
That's life.
That's politics.
That's society.
Further, the very fact that we have a system where we get to vote for our leaders and not a monarchy is because a group of people pushed their values off onto the others. Read your history books, the largest group of people who fought for the British in the revolutionary war were colonialist Americans!!!! Didn't know that did you. Almost as many colonists were for staying with England than were for the revolution!!! Talk about pushing your morals off on someone else.
Murder is a felony in this country. That is someone's values that society agreed upon. Prostitution is illegal in this state but not in Nevada. That too is someone's values. Multiple wives, sex with children, income taxes, insider trading, and even the speed limit on the roads are all examples of someone's values being pushed off on the rest of us. I guarantee you that there are members of our 4 million community that feel differently about each of these issues. Tough luck. Some of them will even continue doing their own thing despite the law. When they are caught, then the policemen and judges will push our morals off on them. That's what we pay them for. That's the way the system works. Next time you get pulled over for a ticket, just try refusing it by telling the officer thay you believe that he is pushing his morals off onto you. Good luck with that.
It doesn't matter whether you are a member of the Sierra Club or and Oil Conglomerate, whether you are with PFLAG or the Christian Coalition, Planned Parenthood or Operation Rescue, PETA or the FFA, Anti-Smokers or R.J. Reynolds, Somos Americanos or the Minutemen - you want to push your morals off on everyone else.
Can we all just admit this?
Can we be honest here and quit making that stupid statement about pushing your morals off on me?
When we go to vote, you get your people to vote and I'll get mine. If you win, I have to deal with it. If I win, you have to deal with it. Sounds like fun, doesn't it.
I'll see you at the polls, and I hope I win.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Random Thoughts on Cowards & Fools
This blog originally posted Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Category: News and Politics
OK, What's with the French? Don't they ever learn? You cannot appease violent thugs by giving them what they want! The French should have learned this, oh in about 1940. Now, France is catering to Iran. President Chirac is suggesting that the US not be involved in negotiations and that Iran be allowed to keep its nuclear program. Didn't we have to save their butts twice last century? Didn't they learn from all of the terrorism they have experienced directly in the last 30 years? Well, to quote Groundskeeper Willie, "Bounjour you cheese-eating surrender monkeys.". You're on your own next time.
Other thoughts - Now let me get this straight... The Pope makes a statement that mentions the connection between Islam and violence. He is quoting a 14th century Islamic writer. Offended by the thought that they might be considered violent, members of the Islamic community promptly riot, murder a nun, and threaten more terrorist attacks to destroy non-muslims?!?!?!?!?!? "I'm not violent ---'violent punch to the face'--- and if you say it again, I'll beat you up." They really made their point.
Even worse, I was listening to talk radio, and some muslim guy was spouting off about America in connection with this!?!?!?!?!?! The pope is a German guy living in Italy running a world wide religion. He isn't even anywhere near america. I guess that guy on the radio didn't pay attention in Madrassah school geography class. He must have been doing his homework for the car-bombmaking class he had next period. Or maybe he was thinking about the cute girl in the front row that he'd like to subjugate. That sure was a cute burkah she was wearing. She'd make a great third wife and he'd probably only have to beat her a few times. Oh wait, I forgot, girls aren't allowed to go to school in most Islamic countries.
These guys are living with a 14th century mindset with 20th century weapons in a 21st century world. Whether we like it or not, the truth of the matter is that Islam is wedded to the sword. It began as a violent religions, it grew up as a violent religion, and it thrives as a violent religion. Yes, there are many peaceful muslims. No, I am not calling them all evil. However, we MUST learn from history.
You cannot appease violent thugs by giving them what they want! Oh yeah, I said that already.
Category: News and Politics
OK, What's with the French? Don't they ever learn? You cannot appease violent thugs by giving them what they want! The French should have learned this, oh in about 1940. Now, France is catering to Iran. President Chirac is suggesting that the US not be involved in negotiations and that Iran be allowed to keep its nuclear program. Didn't we have to save their butts twice last century? Didn't they learn from all of the terrorism they have experienced directly in the last 30 years? Well, to quote Groundskeeper Willie, "Bounjour you cheese-eating surrender monkeys.". You're on your own next time.
Other thoughts - Now let me get this straight... The Pope makes a statement that mentions the connection between Islam and violence. He is quoting a 14th century Islamic writer. Offended by the thought that they might be considered violent, members of the Islamic community promptly riot, murder a nun, and threaten more terrorist attacks to destroy non-muslims?!?!?!?!?!? "I'm not violent ---'violent punch to the face'--- and if you say it again, I'll beat you up." They really made their point.
Even worse, I was listening to talk radio, and some muslim guy was spouting off about America in connection with this!?!?!?!?!?! The pope is a German guy living in Italy running a world wide religion. He isn't even anywhere near america. I guess that guy on the radio didn't pay attention in Madrassah school geography class. He must have been doing his homework for the car-bombmaking class he had next period. Or maybe he was thinking about the cute girl in the front row that he'd like to subjugate. That sure was a cute burkah she was wearing. She'd make a great third wife and he'd probably only have to beat her a few times. Oh wait, I forgot, girls aren't allowed to go to school in most Islamic countries.
These guys are living with a 14th century mindset with 20th century weapons in a 21st century world. Whether we like it or not, the truth of the matter is that Islam is wedded to the sword. It began as a violent religions, it grew up as a violent religion, and it thrives as a violent religion. Yes, there are many peaceful muslims. No, I am not calling them all evil. However, we MUST learn from history.
You cannot appease violent thugs by giving them what they want! Oh yeah, I said that already.
Stupid Boys
This blog originally posted Thursday, September 14, 2006
Current mood:Disgusted Category: Life
OK, it's been awhile since I last wrote, but family, work, and school keeps me busy.
I previously wrote about stupid girls. I still feel very strongly about that subject, because a lot of heartache could be prevented if girls wheren't so stupid about the men they chose.
Now, for the guys. Let's get this out in the open: "Just because you happen to have the right physical parts doesn't make you a man." "Just because you are able to have sex with a girl doesn't make you a man" The more girls that you have sex with does not make you more of a man."
If you are a guy who is sexually active with a girl you are not married to, YOU ARE NOT A MAN!!! Any dog can rut with female of his species. You may be male but you are not a man. Any guy who has had sex with a girl and gotten her pregnant without marrying her is even less than a dog.
When are we going to learn as a society that a few moments of intense pleasure is not worth a lifetime of pain for the unintended child? What is it going to take for people to realize that raising a child without a father is emotionally damaging to the child? Oh, and abortion isn't the answer either. That is emotionally damaging to the mother, not to mention the destruction of a life.
So there is your choice, boys, cause pain and difficulty for a child or cause pain and difficulty for the girl you were with. All so you could get some temporary physical enjoyment, that you could frankly take care of other ways that you probably already figured out in your early teens.
Guys, it is time to 'man-up' here. Be a man. Take responsibility for your actions. Just because it feels good doesn't mean you should do it anywhere, any way and with anyone you want. You want to be a man? Then respect the girl you are dating. You want to be a man? Don't date a girl who you aren't interested in as a person. You want to be a man? Don't have sex with someone who you aren't committed to for life. You want to be a man? Then quit being a whiny wussy and get busy making yourself a better person, the kind of responsible, dedicated, mature person that a father and husband ought to be, the kind of person that a good woman would want.
How hard is this? Very hard. It's very easy just to follow your hormones around doing whatever feels good whenever it feels good to do it. Just watch any dog. Of course, they eat their own vomit and feces too. Yes this is hard. That is what it means to be a man: sacrificial love for your wife and children, strong loving guidance, hard work to provide for your family, willingness to commit for a lifetime of hard (but rewarding) duty. Any loser can ditch these responsibilities. He may be a male, but he ain't a man.
Duty., Responsibility. Honor. Integrity. Respect. Sacrifice. Strength. Commitment. Protect the weak. Faithfulness. Generosity. Discipline. Duty. Perseverance. Humility. Fortitude. Dedication. Courage. Wisdom. Fidelity.
This calls for strength. This calls for warriors. This calls for men.
No wussies need apply.
Current mood:Disgusted Category: Life
OK, it's been awhile since I last wrote, but family, work, and school keeps me busy.
I previously wrote about stupid girls. I still feel very strongly about that subject, because a lot of heartache could be prevented if girls wheren't so stupid about the men they chose.
Now, for the guys. Let's get this out in the open: "Just because you happen to have the right physical parts doesn't make you a man." "Just because you are able to have sex with a girl doesn't make you a man" The more girls that you have sex with does not make you more of a man."
If you are a guy who is sexually active with a girl you are not married to, YOU ARE NOT A MAN!!! Any dog can rut with female of his species. You may be male but you are not a man. Any guy who has had sex with a girl and gotten her pregnant without marrying her is even less than a dog.
When are we going to learn as a society that a few moments of intense pleasure is not worth a lifetime of pain for the unintended child? What is it going to take for people to realize that raising a child without a father is emotionally damaging to the child? Oh, and abortion isn't the answer either. That is emotionally damaging to the mother, not to mention the destruction of a life.
So there is your choice, boys, cause pain and difficulty for a child or cause pain and difficulty for the girl you were with. All so you could get some temporary physical enjoyment, that you could frankly take care of other ways that you probably already figured out in your early teens.
Guys, it is time to 'man-up' here. Be a man. Take responsibility for your actions. Just because it feels good doesn't mean you should do it anywhere, any way and with anyone you want. You want to be a man? Then respect the girl you are dating. You want to be a man? Don't date a girl who you aren't interested in as a person. You want to be a man? Don't have sex with someone who you aren't committed to for life. You want to be a man? Then quit being a whiny wussy and get busy making yourself a better person, the kind of responsible, dedicated, mature person that a father and husband ought to be, the kind of person that a good woman would want.
How hard is this? Very hard. It's very easy just to follow your hormones around doing whatever feels good whenever it feels good to do it. Just watch any dog. Of course, they eat their own vomit and feces too. Yes this is hard. That is what it means to be a man: sacrificial love for your wife and children, strong loving guidance, hard work to provide for your family, willingness to commit for a lifetime of hard (but rewarding) duty. Any loser can ditch these responsibilities. He may be a male, but he ain't a man.
Duty., Responsibility. Honor. Integrity. Respect. Sacrifice. Strength. Commitment. Protect the weak. Faithfulness. Generosity. Discipline. Duty. Perseverance. Humility. Fortitude. Dedication. Courage. Wisdom. Fidelity.
This calls for strength. This calls for warriors. This calls for men.
No wussies need apply.
Stupid Girls
This blog originally posted Friday, August 18, 2006
Current mood: annoyed
Can I ask a question? OK, I know that was a question, so can I ask a few more? Why are people so stupid? Now, I know that is a fairly broad topic to discuss, but I have something in mind. Specifically - Girls... Why is it that I see so many girls date jerks? Why do I know so many girls that have gotten pregnant by guys and then are frustrated by the fact that he isn't a very good boyfriend and doesn't want to be a father?
I want to scream out the question, "What were you doing having sex with someone that wasn't the kind of guy you wanted to raise children with?!?!?!?!?!?!?"
I mean really, why would you get that incredibly intimate with someone who doesn't really treat you well? Just because he is good looking doesn't mean you should date him and it definitely doesn't mean you should sleep with him! Isn't that obvious? I guess not. I have lost count of how many girls that I know have learned this the hard way.
So here goes: Life Education 101:
1. Sex causes pregnancy. I know, that is a new medical discovery.
2. If you have a baby with someone, you will spend the next 20 years dealing with them and your child will too.
3. If they aren't very nice to you know, they won't be when you're pregnant, when you have the kid, or even to the kid.
4. Having and raising children is stressful and difficult. To do it right takes teamwork, devotion, and commitment. Raising a child with an uncaring person, absent father, abusive boyfriend, etc just makes it more difficult and stressful.
The logical conclusion is this - Don't put yourself in this position. Don't have sex with someone you aren't married to (that shows commtiment, teamwork and devotion). Don't marry someone that you don't know VERY well in many situations. Don't marry someone who doesn't have the same values, belief system, and commitment that you do. Don't even date someone who is not nice to you or to other people. If he is cute, but he is a jerk; then he is NOT cute. If a guy pressures you to have sex to show love, get rid of him!!!
It is a simple equation: Sex DOES NOT EQUAL Love!!!
Now, this shouldn't be difficult and it seems pretty obvious to me, but yet I keep running into girls who don't understand it. Yes, I know that the guy has responsibility in this too, but the simple fact is that as a girl, you are the one 100 percent stuck with the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy, so you have to be the smart one. The worst part of all of this, is that although the girl may suffer through an unplanned pregnancy and have to raise a child by herself, because she had sex with a guy who couldn't or wouldn't be the father; the child suffers the most. The selfish act of those two people results in a lifetime of struggle and pain for a third party - the baby.
It isn't supposed to be that way.
Current mood: annoyed
Can I ask a question? OK, I know that was a question, so can I ask a few more? Why are people so stupid? Now, I know that is a fairly broad topic to discuss, but I have something in mind. Specifically - Girls... Why is it that I see so many girls date jerks? Why do I know so many girls that have gotten pregnant by guys and then are frustrated by the fact that he isn't a very good boyfriend and doesn't want to be a father?
I want to scream out the question, "What were you doing having sex with someone that wasn't the kind of guy you wanted to raise children with?!?!?!?!?!?!?"
I mean really, why would you get that incredibly intimate with someone who doesn't really treat you well? Just because he is good looking doesn't mean you should date him and it definitely doesn't mean you should sleep with him! Isn't that obvious? I guess not. I have lost count of how many girls that I know have learned this the hard way.
So here goes: Life Education 101:
1. Sex causes pregnancy. I know, that is a new medical discovery.
2. If you have a baby with someone, you will spend the next 20 years dealing with them and your child will too.
3. If they aren't very nice to you know, they won't be when you're pregnant, when you have the kid, or even to the kid.
4. Having and raising children is stressful and difficult. To do it right takes teamwork, devotion, and commitment. Raising a child with an uncaring person, absent father, abusive boyfriend, etc just makes it more difficult and stressful.
The logical conclusion is this - Don't put yourself in this position. Don't have sex with someone you aren't married to (that shows commtiment, teamwork and devotion). Don't marry someone that you don't know VERY well in many situations. Don't marry someone who doesn't have the same values, belief system, and commitment that you do. Don't even date someone who is not nice to you or to other people. If he is cute, but he is a jerk; then he is NOT cute. If a guy pressures you to have sex to show love, get rid of him!!!
It is a simple equation: Sex DOES NOT EQUAL Love!!!
Now, this shouldn't be difficult and it seems pretty obvious to me, but yet I keep running into girls who don't understand it. Yes, I know that the guy has responsibility in this too, but the simple fact is that as a girl, you are the one 100 percent stuck with the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy, so you have to be the smart one. The worst part of all of this, is that although the girl may suffer through an unplanned pregnancy and have to raise a child by herself, because she had sex with a guy who couldn't or wouldn't be the father; the child suffers the most. The selfish act of those two people results in a lifetime of struggle and pain for a third party - the baby.
It isn't supposed to be that way.
A 5 lb sledge & a tire iron
This blog originally posted Monday, August 14, 2006
Current mood:diabolical
I hate driving in Phoenix. I hate it a lot. If there is anything in this world that makes me want to do terrible things to other people, it is driving here. People get in their cars and immediately become the most selfish beasts in the world. They are dangerous to others and they just don't care. I personally would like to take the guy that is going 100 mph on the 101, tailgating, weaving in and out, cutting people off, etc and pin him to the hood of his car with a tire iron. You know the one I mean, the one shaped like a # 7 with a sharp flat part on one end and a wrench on the other. Oh, I don't want to kill him, just put it through his shoulder or perhaps his right ankle. Is that wrong? OK, I know it is wrong, but I can't think of anything that would get the message accoss more than that. Here is a simple test: If you are passing more than 1/3 of the cars on any given stretch of pavement, then you are going too fast and endangering others. Now, before you comment on my age, just know this, I am not talking about driving like a grandma, just drive reasonably with the flow and don't cut people off or tailgate. Is that too much to ask? My secret dream is to be a traffic cop for a day and chase down all the really bad drivers. Maybe even get to use the tazer on them. Sigh. That would be soooooo cool. Maybe this is too extreme, but maybe I'll just stop by Auto Zone on the way home and pick up four or five extra tire irons. You know, just in case of emergency.
Current mood:diabolical
I hate driving in Phoenix. I hate it a lot. If there is anything in this world that makes me want to do terrible things to other people, it is driving here. People get in their cars and immediately become the most selfish beasts in the world. They are dangerous to others and they just don't care. I personally would like to take the guy that is going 100 mph on the 101, tailgating, weaving in and out, cutting people off, etc and pin him to the hood of his car with a tire iron. You know the one I mean, the one shaped like a # 7 with a sharp flat part on one end and a wrench on the other. Oh, I don't want to kill him, just put it through his shoulder or perhaps his right ankle. Is that wrong? OK, I know it is wrong, but I can't think of anything that would get the message accoss more than that. Here is a simple test: If you are passing more than 1/3 of the cars on any given stretch of pavement, then you are going too fast and endangering others. Now, before you comment on my age, just know this, I am not talking about driving like a grandma, just drive reasonably with the flow and don't cut people off or tailgate. Is that too much to ask? My secret dream is to be a traffic cop for a day and chase down all the really bad drivers. Maybe even get to use the tazer on them. Sigh. That would be soooooo cool. Maybe this is too extreme, but maybe I'll just stop by Auto Zone on the way home and pick up four or five extra tire irons. You know, just in case of emergency.
Heavy Topic
This blog originally posted Monday, August 14, 2006
Can I say it? Can I just come out and use the word? I'm obese. I'm not chunky, chubby, flabby, heavy, more to love, have a few extra pounds, or any other light-hearted euphanism. I'm morbidly, undeniably obese. This is the biggest battle (no pun intended) that I have fought in my life. Losing weight is hard. I mean it is D*** hard. This is my Goliath. My dragon to fight. My evil nemesis. I like food. I love to eat. Of all the pleasures of the flesh that mankind fights in his quest for Godliness, this is the one that beats me regularly in battle. I wish I could just look at food and see it as fuel. Just gas for the machine, Instead, it is a sensual experience. The more, the better. It is an addiction that is literally killing me. Don't get me wrong, I am winning right now, but it is a hard fight. I just went to the store the other day to buy some new clothes because much of my old clothes no longer fit. You wanna know the cool thing? I actually had to search for a new section of the store. I no longer have to buy clothes in the 'Big and Tall' section. Pretty cool. The problem is, it just hasn't gotten any easier. I hate to exercise and I love to eat. Sure wish I could switch those. Why can't I just blink the pounds off? Why can't I go on the Hostess Ding Dong diet? Why can't I sleep the weight away? Why does it take thousands of reps of weight lifting, hundreds of hours of cardio to work of a few sweets? The funny thing is, I can look at it logically and know that food should just be fuel and flavor shouldn't matter. I can look at it spiritually and know that I am misusing a gift from God. I can look at it humanly and know that I am overusing resources when others are starving. I can look at it medically and know that it will kill me if I don't stop. All this, and I still want to eat more. 40 pounds and 6 inches down. 48 pounds and 8 inches to go. I'm still fighting.
Can I say it? Can I just come out and use the word? I'm obese. I'm not chunky, chubby, flabby, heavy, more to love, have a few extra pounds, or any other light-hearted euphanism. I'm morbidly, undeniably obese. This is the biggest battle (no pun intended) that I have fought in my life. Losing weight is hard. I mean it is D*** hard. This is my Goliath. My dragon to fight. My evil nemesis. I like food. I love to eat. Of all the pleasures of the flesh that mankind fights in his quest for Godliness, this is the one that beats me regularly in battle. I wish I could just look at food and see it as fuel. Just gas for the machine, Instead, it is a sensual experience. The more, the better. It is an addiction that is literally killing me. Don't get me wrong, I am winning right now, but it is a hard fight. I just went to the store the other day to buy some new clothes because much of my old clothes no longer fit. You wanna know the cool thing? I actually had to search for a new section of the store. I no longer have to buy clothes in the 'Big and Tall' section. Pretty cool. The problem is, it just hasn't gotten any easier. I hate to exercise and I love to eat. Sure wish I could switch those. Why can't I just blink the pounds off? Why can't I go on the Hostess Ding Dong diet? Why can't I sleep the weight away? Why does it take thousands of reps of weight lifting, hundreds of hours of cardio to work of a few sweets? The funny thing is, I can look at it logically and know that food should just be fuel and flavor shouldn't matter. I can look at it spiritually and know that I am misusing a gift from God. I can look at it humanly and know that I am overusing resources when others are starving. I can look at it medically and know that it will kill me if I don't stop. All this, and I still want to eat more. 40 pounds and 6 inches down. 48 pounds and 8 inches to go. I'm still fighting.
Kilts
This blog originally posted Thursday, August 10, 2006
Current mood: silly Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping
You gotta wonder why kilts haven't caught on in America. They are comfortable, fashionable, cool, and yes, even sexy. Check out http://www.utilikilts.com/ and http://www.kiltstore.net/ and http://www.kiltmart.com/.
Back in the day, I first saw Axel Rose wearing one during the Use Your Illusion tour. Yes, I thought Guns 'n' Roses was cool. OK, I still do. You gotta give credit to Axel Rose, he made a lotta $$$ whining to music. That aside, He wore a kilt. I wanted a kilt. Then, years later, along came Rob Roy, So I Married and Axe Murderer, and Braveheart. Then I really wanted my own kilt.
I found instructions on the internet on how to make one and made my first one (a great kilt - Campbell tartan). I recently bought my second one at the Scottish festival (a regimental - Blackwatch tartan). The regimental is definitely much cooler to wear. The great kilt has too much cloth to wear in Phoenix except maybe in december. The regimental is nice and.....shall we say 'breezy'. Our new dress code at work says that no one is allowed to wear shorts anymore. It doesn't say anything about kilts! Hmmmm.
I've had a lot of people tell me that wearing a kilt is pretty cool and I've had a lot of people laugh, but without a doubt, it draws comment. Amazingly, when I have worn it to the Rennaissance festival and up a camp, all the ladies love it. Kind of dangerous. Wish I'd know the power of kilt back when I was single (just a bit of advice for you guys out there). If you've got a girlfriend or wife, she wishes you had a kilt. If you don't have a girlfriend or wife, get a kilt - then you'll have one. If you don't believe me, checkout the comments from girls on the utilikilt site. My wife REALLY likes my kilts.
Remember, there are two kinds of women in this world; those that wish their guy wore a kilt, and guys who don't wear kilts. PS - I'm completely German in descent. No Scottish in me whatsoever. But, for the record, there is no way that I am gonna wear Liederhosen. Now, if I could just pull of a cheesy Mike Meyers type Scottish accent. PSS - If you want to buy your own kilt, I suggest waiting for the Scottish Festival (February in Mesa, AZ). I got a great deal there and saw many others. Otherwise, a good kilt can cost anywhere from $150 - $300+, especially for one from Scottland.
Current mood: silly Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping
You gotta wonder why kilts haven't caught on in America. They are comfortable, fashionable, cool, and yes, even sexy. Check out http://www.utilikilts.com/ and http://www.kiltstore.net/ and http://www.kiltmart.com/.
Back in the day, I first saw Axel Rose wearing one during the Use Your Illusion tour. Yes, I thought Guns 'n' Roses was cool. OK, I still do. You gotta give credit to Axel Rose, he made a lotta $$$ whining to music. That aside, He wore a kilt. I wanted a kilt. Then, years later, along came Rob Roy, So I Married and Axe Murderer, and Braveheart. Then I really wanted my own kilt.
I found instructions on the internet on how to make one and made my first one (a great kilt - Campbell tartan). I recently bought my second one at the Scottish festival (a regimental - Blackwatch tartan). The regimental is definitely much cooler to wear. The great kilt has too much cloth to wear in Phoenix except maybe in december. The regimental is nice and.....shall we say 'breezy'. Our new dress code at work says that no one is allowed to wear shorts anymore. It doesn't say anything about kilts! Hmmmm.
I've had a lot of people tell me that wearing a kilt is pretty cool and I've had a lot of people laugh, but without a doubt, it draws comment. Amazingly, when I have worn it to the Rennaissance festival and up a camp, all the ladies love it. Kind of dangerous. Wish I'd know the power of kilt back when I was single (just a bit of advice for you guys out there). If you've got a girlfriend or wife, she wishes you had a kilt. If you don't have a girlfriend or wife, get a kilt - then you'll have one. If you don't believe me, checkout the comments from girls on the utilikilt site. My wife REALLY likes my kilts.
Remember, there are two kinds of women in this world; those that wish their guy wore a kilt, and guys who don't wear kilts. PS - I'm completely German in descent. No Scottish in me whatsoever. But, for the record, there is no way that I am gonna wear Liederhosen. Now, if I could just pull of a cheesy Mike Meyers type Scottish accent. PSS - If you want to buy your own kilt, I suggest waiting for the Scottish Festival (February in Mesa, AZ). I got a great deal there and saw many others. Otherwise, a good kilt can cost anywhere from $150 - $300+, especially for one from Scottland.
Fear
This blog originally posted Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Current mood: okay Category: Life
Tomorrow, my daughter goes into surgery. My precious little girl. How scary is that? I know that God is in control and that we aren't, but it is times like this that push it into your face. It is so easy to live every day ignoring the realities of sickness, pain, death, and such. But, every once in awhile something like this comes along and you just can't look away. You have to face your fears and recognize that it is all in God's hands. All I can do is pray for my daughter's safety, pray for her doctors, pray for the strength to see things through, pray for comfort for my wife, just pray. To be honest, I don't know how I would have handled this before I became a Christian. In my experience at my secular job, most of the non-believers that I know seem to have an urgent desperation and even terror that rears its head during these times. Please understand, I am not trying to pick on anyone or start anything, I am merely observing. It is still scary as a Christian, but at least there is some comfort. God, please protect my sweet Abby. Lord, give her doctors the skill they need to do well and let her heal quickly. Father, comfort us as her parents and let us be strong for her. You are all we have. Thank you Lord for giving us our little monkey and I pray that you would let us have her for a lifetime longer. El Señor, eres poderoso y eres mi rey. I want to serve you with my life. Amen.
Current mood: okay Category: Life
Tomorrow, my daughter goes into surgery. My precious little girl. How scary is that? I know that God is in control and that we aren't, but it is times like this that push it into your face. It is so easy to live every day ignoring the realities of sickness, pain, death, and such. But, every once in awhile something like this comes along and you just can't look away. You have to face your fears and recognize that it is all in God's hands. All I can do is pray for my daughter's safety, pray for her doctors, pray for the strength to see things through, pray for comfort for my wife, just pray. To be honest, I don't know how I would have handled this before I became a Christian. In my experience at my secular job, most of the non-believers that I know seem to have an urgent desperation and even terror that rears its head during these times. Please understand, I am not trying to pick on anyone or start anything, I am merely observing. It is still scary as a Christian, but at least there is some comfort. God, please protect my sweet Abby. Lord, give her doctors the skill they need to do well and let her heal quickly. Father, comfort us as her parents and let us be strong for her. You are all we have. Thank you Lord for giving us our little monkey and I pray that you would let us have her for a lifetime longer. El Señor, eres poderoso y eres mi rey. I want to serve you with my life. Amen.
Labels
This blog originally posted Monday, August 07, 2006
Current mood: indescribable Category: News and Politics
Sitting here listing to a really bad instrumental rendition of 'Hey Jude' on XM. The Beatles were cutting edge at one time, but now they are just muzak. Do you ever wonder why we have to rely on labels so much? Liberal, Democrat, Conservative, Republican... Yeah, I understand that we need to have some agreed upon classifications for communication, but these things take on a life of their own after awhile.For example, do I have to be a democrat to care about social issues? If I am worried about what we are doing to the environment, does that make me left-wing? Does concern for immigrants and the issues of immigration make me a liberal? I think that the deficit spending situation that happens in congress is bad thing. Does that make me a republican? I believe in a free-market economy for jobs. Am I a conservative? I own guns does that make me right-wing? I decry the moral shift in our country that has directly affected our children and I happen to be Christian. Does that mean that I am a fundamentalist? I am all of these things and more and I don't particularly want to be defined solely by any of them. Can't I be free-thinking, intelligent, and have opinions without having my entire outlook defined by someone elses broad definition that may include my one little opinion? I have even noticed that the label tends to be put on by someone who thinks another way. In fact, there seems to be a dearth of intelligent disagreement in the market place. Words like 'narrow-minded', 'feminist', and 'fundamentalist', 'liberal', 'racist' and many others are bandied about as insults when someone doesn't agree with you. For the record, if a person holds an opinion and can intelligently discuss both sides of an issue, can acknowledge the other side as having merit, and can logically explain why they hold the opposing viewpoint - then I can have respect for them although I may not agree with them. Is it too much to ask for the same respect? Is it too weird to think that a person might hold views that fall into more than one broad camp? I have to stop now, they are playing a really bad muzak version of 'Only You.' I really don't like this station.
Current mood: indescribable Category: News and Politics
Sitting here listing to a really bad instrumental rendition of 'Hey Jude' on XM. The Beatles were cutting edge at one time, but now they are just muzak. Do you ever wonder why we have to rely on labels so much? Liberal, Democrat, Conservative, Republican... Yeah, I understand that we need to have some agreed upon classifications for communication, but these things take on a life of their own after awhile.For example, do I have to be a democrat to care about social issues? If I am worried about what we are doing to the environment, does that make me left-wing? Does concern for immigrants and the issues of immigration make me a liberal? I think that the deficit spending situation that happens in congress is bad thing. Does that make me a republican? I believe in a free-market economy for jobs. Am I a conservative? I own guns does that make me right-wing? I decry the moral shift in our country that has directly affected our children and I happen to be Christian. Does that mean that I am a fundamentalist? I am all of these things and more and I don't particularly want to be defined solely by any of them. Can't I be free-thinking, intelligent, and have opinions without having my entire outlook defined by someone elses broad definition that may include my one little opinion? I have even noticed that the label tends to be put on by someone who thinks another way. In fact, there seems to be a dearth of intelligent disagreement in the market place. Words like 'narrow-minded', 'feminist', and 'fundamentalist', 'liberal', 'racist' and many others are bandied about as insults when someone doesn't agree with you. For the record, if a person holds an opinion and can intelligently discuss both sides of an issue, can acknowledge the other side as having merit, and can logically explain why they hold the opposing viewpoint - then I can have respect for them although I may not agree with them. Is it too much to ask for the same respect? Is it too weird to think that a person might hold views that fall into more than one broad camp? I have to stop now, they are playing a really bad muzak version of 'Only You.' I really don't like this station.
Was the Band Blog too Negative?
This blog originally posted Thursday, August 03, 2006
Current mood: quixotic Category: Religion and Philosophy
Discussed my previous blog and similar topics thereof last night with a friend. He thinks that I am too negative in thinking the world is getting worse and it is because I am living it that I suggest such a thing. Could be. I even noted that in my previous blog. He says he is tired of hearing nothing but negativity about Christianity and about America. That is, every time someone has something to say, it is only about the bad stuff without realizing that American Christians give more money than the rest of the world to make a difference worldwide. I would concur with that. Yet, I would also suggest that we give a smaller percentage of what we can afford and do much less than we are able. If I see a homeless family on the corner, and open up my wallet with $1000 dollars in and and give them a $1 bill; am I supposed to be proud of my generosity. I don't want to focus just on the negative side of things, but I would say that if I call myself a Christian, then I should be a blessing to everyone around me, not with a hidden agenda to convert them, but with an honest view that I have been blessed - therefore, I should bless others. I believe that if Christians lived this way, then there would be less grousing by athiests and non-believers out there. We only give them ammunition when we claim one thing and live another. Maybe it is just too much for me to hope for that people would start living what they believe. To me, a person who doesn't believe in God and lives a selfish life trying to get as much as they can while they are here is a more honest person than a person who does the same thing yet shows up to church every week.
Current mood: quixotic Category: Religion and Philosophy
Discussed my previous blog and similar topics thereof last night with a friend. He thinks that I am too negative in thinking the world is getting worse and it is because I am living it that I suggest such a thing. Could be. I even noted that in my previous blog. He says he is tired of hearing nothing but negativity about Christianity and about America. That is, every time someone has something to say, it is only about the bad stuff without realizing that American Christians give more money than the rest of the world to make a difference worldwide. I would concur with that. Yet, I would also suggest that we give a smaller percentage of what we can afford and do much less than we are able. If I see a homeless family on the corner, and open up my wallet with $1000 dollars in and and give them a $1 bill; am I supposed to be proud of my generosity. I don't want to focus just on the negative side of things, but I would say that if I call myself a Christian, then I should be a blessing to everyone around me, not with a hidden agenda to convert them, but with an honest view that I have been blessed - therefore, I should bless others. I believe that if Christians lived this way, then there would be less grousing by athiests and non-believers out there. We only give them ammunition when we claim one thing and live another. Maybe it is just too much for me to hope for that people would start living what they believe. To me, a person who doesn't believe in God and lives a selfish life trying to get as much as they can while they are here is a more honest person than a person who does the same thing yet shows up to church every week.
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