Worth the risk...?

I know there are those who view my blog, but are not able to see my Facebook...here is my lasted post:

 

For those of you who are "afraid" of guns, take a class...LEARN about guns...or come spend an afternoon at the range with me, I'll teach you...one way or a nother, EDUCATE YOURSELF...you say "Guns should be banned like in the UK and Australia"... MOVE THERE...imagine this; I live next door to you, late at night two armed criminals kick in your front door, it wakes you, you scream, which wakes me, which would you rather happen...you call 911 and wait for a cop, 10, 20, 30 minutes? Or would you rather I come in after 30 seconds WITH MY GUN and save your life?

 

Support gun control laws that require my guns be removed from my possession and it very well could cost you your life...I'm Just Sayin...!

A Little Known Christmas Story

 One Christmas, a long time ago, Santa Claus was getting ready for his annual trip; but there were problems …… everywhere.

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.
...
Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Christmas thoughts...

It was not necessarily an easy decision, but because of several things, I won’t be able to visit my family in Charleston tomorrow. I’m sure my family understands. I will miss deep frying the turkey… I hope they can handle it without me. My Christmas dinner will consist of garlic butter/lemon pepper sautéed shrimp with a white wine sauce over gemelli (spiral) pasta. I have some gifts from my brothers under my 9” tree so I will still have the Christmas experience. I will spend the day watching movies online and hopefully go see something on the big screen. I have several friends around the country that I met thru an online networking site, so I’m sure I will chat with some of them during the day as well.

There are so many more thoughts I wish I could share, but words are often difficult to express. Yes, even for me.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

Sandy Fork Elementary School, Newton, CT

The criminal act at Sandy Fork Elementary School was a tragic event. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind it was perpetrated by an individual with serious mental health issues. The heartbreak of the surviving families is beyond imagination or comprehension. It has caused many people to question the reasons why it happened, how it happened, could it have been prevented and what do we do now?

There is rarely a simple answer to questions like these. We may never know why. Investigators will most likely uncover how. They will probably also make suggestions on how it could have been prevented. What I want to address is “What do we do now?”

Of course we grieve for the loss of these precious people…the innocent people who suffered at the hand of a mad man. Their families will never get over the pain. It is hoped that they will learn to express their grief and become strong each day. Only time will tell. Those of us who were not directly affected by the loss of a family member can also help. There are no words we can utter that will actually help. It’s just not possible.

But we can be a shoulder for them, offering comfort. That’s probably all we can actually do for the families. It may not seem like much, and should never be forced. We just need to quietly make it known that we are there if they need us. It may be just the thing that helps.  ‘Being there’ may not seem like much to some people, but to those who need a shoulder to literally cry on, it may just be the thing that helps.  Granted, others in the community can help by dropping meals at the homes of the families so those families don’t have to stress about that part, but even that can be a great blessing to a grieving family.

What else can we do now? This is where it can get cloudy, even problematic. Many people will start saying we need to ban all firearms in the country. Others will say we need to require more background checks and waiting periods for purchasing firearms. Some will say we need to pass more laws. The debate will rage in all different directions and configurations.

Most of you, who have seen my posts, have no doubt I am a firm believer in the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Some of you disagree with this belief. But this is MY blog. Years ago when I started it, I called it “My Life, My Thoughts” because that’s just what is posted…MY THOUGHTS…I’m not going to say I have the final word, but I do get to use this blog to offer my two cents worth…so here it is (and feel free to quote me, post a comment, un-friend me, I don’t give two flyin’ duck farts either way):

“We don’t need more gun laws, we need more gun education!”

It will probably be made known where this assailant obtained those weapons in days to come, but it’s a pretty safe bet that had he been mentally capable of safe firearm use, this tragedy may never have occurred. I said “may”… We cannot second guess past events, but only try to understand parts of them prevent future events. If the person who stored these firearms would have done so in a SAFE manner, this assailant would at the least have had more difficulty getting to them. Perhaps even that could have been just enough of a deterrent to allow time for someone to diffuse the situation as a whole and prevented the loss of ANY life, in this case. Had the firearms been either properly secured in a holster on the hip of a trained, qualified concealed weapons permit holder, or locked safely away, perhaps they wouldn’t have been in this assailant’s hands.

“We don’t need more gun laws, we need more gun education!”

Here something to think about. I copied the following from the Business Insider website:

“Switzerland.

The neutral country has a tradition of a gun in every closet, and ranks amongst the highest levels of gun ownership in the world — with estimate of as many as 4.5 million guns in a country of just 7.9 million people (few countries have more guns per capita — the U.S. and Yemen are two).

However, gun related crime is remarkably low, with only 24 gun murders in 2009 — 0.3 gun homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 2007 figures in the US of 4.2 per 100,000 people, according to Time Magazine. However, attempts to compare the US to Switzerland gloss over the vast differences between the two countries.

For example, the nature of gun ownership in Switzerland is tied to the military. Switzerland has a very small standing army, and citizens are expected to act as militiamen should the country be invaded. Every 18-30 years old Swiss male between has to do three months' military training, and many more regular refresher courses. The majority of guns are army-issued, though rules on private gun ownership are very lax compared to other European countries.”

Dare I suggest every male US Citizen serve time in the military? You’re damn right I do! Too many young men in today’s society grow up without a positive role model. I didn’t say a MALE role model, I said POSITIVE role model. All they know is what they have seen on TV, in movies, and in video games. Those sources do NOT reflect real world situations. IN MY OPINION, this all started when the draft dodgers of the 60’s tore up their draft cards and fled to Canada. (Yes, Canada aided by letting these pansies in)

Then people started banging drums in circles, thumbing their noses at laws that were established to protect everyone, and twisting basic human rights into something THEY decided was best. They wanted to smoke anything that would make them feel good. They wanted to flip over cow patties and eat the mushrooms growing there because it made them feel good. They wanted to gather in a field, play loud, often senseless, music and take their clothes off, sleep in tents and pee in the grass. They wanted to sleep with everyone else’s spouse. They wanted to be free to do as they wish…”Whatever feels good, man…just do it, man.”  

Oh, I’m getting riled up and off track, pardon me.

Back to gun education…

I’m not saying every person who serves will become the perfect citizen. Oh no, far from it. Proof of this is that idiot (again, MY opinion) who killed the soldiers in Fort Hood, TX. Now he wants to file a lawsuit because the Military Court says he has to shave the beard he grew because of his muslim faith! Seriously? You’re still considered “active duty”…sit down and shut the hell up!!! You’re on trial for murder, you friggin dumbass! You have rights, you say? You lost those rights when you took the lives of those soldiers. You were not in imminent danger, or being threatened. You were not acting in self-defense. Shut the hell up.

What I’m saying is he was TAUGHT how to handle firearms. How to clean them, carry them, fire them. He was taught by OUR government. Who knows exactly why or how his head got all twisted. That’s not the point I’m making…HE is an exception. The point is he was taught!

You can’t pick up a Guns & Ammo magazine and learn all you need to know about gun safety. Sure, you can learn a lot…but not enough. You need to be taught! You can’t learn how to drive a car by reading the Driver’s Handbook printed by the state!!! You need to be taught. I was taught to drive by my grandfather, my older cousin and my parents. Well, I was taught pursuit driving by the state of SC, but that’s not my point. Wait, yes it is!! It’s EXACTLY my point!

I WAS ALSO TAUGHT TO SHOOT A GUN!! If I could go back in time, to 1985, I would have passed on the job offer from the State Highway Patrol and pursued a career in the Air Force. I had planned to be an M.P. when the letter from the state came. I have said often, and firmly believe that I should have served. Of course I can’t change that now. But I encourage military service often. I cannot thank those who serve, past AND present, enough!! Those men and women are the reason I have the RIGHT to post this and share it. It’s called the First Amendment of Free Speech. Sure, it give YOU the right to disagree and post anything YOU wish, but my point is THEIR SERVICE is what maintains this freedom!!

GUN EDUCATION

I will in no way, shape or form ever totally agree with stricter gun laws. Revise them? Maybe…but only if you broaden them as well. Not only ALLOW every adult male to own a gun, but REQUIRE IT. Require every male (and allow women who wish to participate) to go thru an extensive class on gun safety. Make this a requirement for gun ownership. Make “Open Carry” legal in every state. Don’t allow those wimpy ass cities to make their own ordinance over-riding these laws. Crimes involving firearms are already illegal. How is another law about the illegal use of a gun going to deter a criminal from committing a gun related crime??

There are laws already that forbid felons and mentally unstable people from buying a gun…FROM A DEALER. Laws SAY it’s illegal to sell a gun without a Firearms License.” So explain to me how all these criminals still get their hands on them!

 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING!!!

Teach, not punish gun owners. Promote Gun Safety.

Always the friend...

Ya know...I was prompted last week by an unexpected and emotionally charged message to block some people and make my page private. But I've done a LOT of thinking since then...I am not going to shut people out - that would be a direct violation of my core belief...to be available for ANY friend or acquaintance who needs someone to talk to.

I've needed friends to listen in times of need, and if I didn't have them, I would truly be certifiable by now! Sometimes just opening up and sharing lets us see ourselves in a different light. Maybe if we hear ourselves saying something instead of just thinking it, we can get a better grasp of the thought.

Or maybe the person we share something with helps us see things from a different perspective...
No, I'm not blocking these people...I am a better person for keeping my word and always being there...

Just Sayin...

Are you frikkin serious?

Funny how some frikkin people have the frikkin stones to frikkin pretend to be something they frikkin aren't, when the frikkin people they have frikkin hurt the most can see clearly they are frikkin full of frikkin bovine frikkin scat...just frikkin sayin!!!

 

 (Still laughing at the audacity!)

What I do...

I design fire sprinkler systems (when I'm not riding)...I've been doing this since 1996...it's the most challenging job I have ever had. It's also the most technical. I don't know how I could have more fun while making a living...

What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving?

In the past 12 months I have survived heartbreak, disappointment, physical illness, job change, residence relocation, financial hardship…my mental state has been challenged, and my patience bent to within a fraction of it’s breaking point. I’ve been lied to, teased, toyed with and screwed over. People have made promises to me and broken them. I have been cheated by a boss, and stolen from. I’ve lost friends, and gotten rid of some who claimed to be friends…

But this year there are many things for which I can be thankful.
I have great friends.
I have a wonderful family.
I have many options for the future, both personally and professionally.
I have discovered a couple of possibilities for travel…both nationally AND internationally!
I have new friends who are not only fun, but also beautiful.
I’ve developed and new hobby, and made even more friends with that.
My life is far from perfect…but I have never been happier or more thankful for the events of the past 12 months that have brought me to where I am today!

To all my friends and family, thank you and I love you.

The ones who caused my grief this year, yea, you know who you are…you can kiss my lily white! JUST SAYIN…

(it's clear and 42)

New Ending

No one can go back and make a brand new start, but anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

When you close your eyes...

Why don't I want a "relationship"?

In a nutshell, I'm tired of being hurt.

I have opened my life, and my heart, too many times just to have a knife stabbed into my back. I've given, sacrificed even, listened to, been caring, supportive and understanding time after time only to have the one with whom I have become smitten turn around and cut me off completely. And on more than one occasion attempt to physically harm me!
I have heard every excuse there is. There is always a 'reason' that we can't be together right now...
I've even been told...and I quote..."I know in my heart that one day we will be together, it could be next week or next month or next year, but we will be together." Right...and I am Bill frikkin Gates!!
I seem to always fall for those who are emotionally, or just mentally, unavailable...either that or they are just mental..!!! And for some crazy reason I always believe when I'm told I am loved.
Sure, things can seem to be working out just fine for a while. I've even married some of them. But every time it has come to an end. Sometimes it's painful for them, some times not. But it always hurts me. Sure, I have ended a relationship or two, and even cut them off at the first sign of her emotions being more than I want at the time. But I was always honest about it and said that I just didn't want that kind of relationship...several of them are still good friends with me to this day. Others, well, I have no idea...
My point is:
I have done it for the last time. I will not allow myself to enter another "relationship" like I've had in the past. I will continue to be a friend who listens and lends a shoulder when needed, and I will be supportive of decisions to be made. However, I will no longer allow myself to be put in a position where the potential for heartbreak will happen to me again.
I'm done. Fini. færdig. τελικό. מוגמר. acabado. kumaliza.
Finished with the traditional "relationship". I'm not willing to allow the kind of utter sadness and humiliation I have already endured to happen again.
This may sound harsh, cold, insensitive, or just mean...sorry...it's how I feel. The ones I have met lately, and some from the past with whom I still communicate, know most of this already. Some, as expected, still do not understand why...so, there it is. The "Why"....

I'm sure I could edit this to add more... but without going into greater detail than already stated, just know this: my reason stands.

Feel free to email questions or even suggestions, just don't try to convince me to feel any differently or try to change my mind. I'm to the point in my life where the only person I HAVE to make happy is ME...and I like it this way...

All alone? Really? Are you?

Admit it. We have all felt, at times, that we are totally alone. The loneliness can be excruciating. It can make you feel like curling up in a little ball and crying until the pain stop, if ever. It could be so bad that you have even given thought to hiding from everything and just wait for someone to notice...
But no one is ever truly alone. No, you may not have anyone right there beside you, physically, but you are always in someone's thoughts.
You may feel like the only person on the planet, but someone, somewhere, just saw something that reminds them of you.
You are always on SOMEONEs mind. It could be your parents, or siblings, maybe a former classmate, or a past love interest, it could be your child, or your least favorite person...but you are always on someone's mind.
You may never know how often someone thinks of you. You may have someone thinking about you that you barely know. Or it could be someone with whom you thought you were very close...but someone, somewhere, maybe just outside your scope of imagination...someone is thinking about you.
It could be someone you just met, or someone who saw you at a store and just looking at you made them think about you! It could be a friend of a friend who saw a picture of you on someone's Facebook...you never know...
You are always in someone's thoughts.

Be pleased that you are being thought of...even if its by a person who dislikes you, it's still better than living on a deserted island with no possibility of ever getting off it!! No, seriously...as awesome as that could be, you will still never REALLY be alone!

(You just read THIS, didn't you?)

:-)

Act of Valor...the movie

If you don't read my other posts, you HAVE to read this one...if you don't read it, you can’t complain

:::DISCLAIMER:::

Adult/explicit language may used…You may have never heard me use this language, and I am certain I will offend many if not ALL by one comment or another, but I don’t  give two flying duck farts. This is The United States of America. I am a free individual with the right and ability to form an opinion about anything and everything, and to share that in any form or fashion I wish.  I am allowed to share MY thoughts and opinions just as much as Martin Luther King or Rush Frikkin Limbaugh! If the language bothers you, don’t repeat it. If the content offends you, then I have shared my thoughts adequately. If you read it and say “Meh, whatever“, then delete me. I really could care less. 

On with my post:

WATCH THE MOVIE "ACT OF VALOR"...it doesn't have Oscar winning actors in it, nor is the soundtrack from a top-billed band, but it tells a story rarely seen. Movies are made all the time about our military; Black Hawk Down, Behind Enemy Lines, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket just to name a few that pop right into my head. THIS movie is different. THIS movie shows more of the true sacrifice these young men and women (many are just boys and girls!) actually pay so that we (YOU AND ME) can have the freedoms we have. The freedom to bitch and complain about what the politicians are arguing about, or what Snooky did at the beach, or what Simon Coward said about the girl who can't sing, but still tried...THIS MOVIE SHOULD HAVE WON EVERY AWARD EVER GIVEN. Oh, I am so riled up right now...You nitwit little piss-ants who whine and protest saying gay marriage should be legal, or you pin-head bastards who say gay marriage should NOT be legal…THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!! You hard-core rockers who scream at the top of your lungs, and you nasal sounding twangy little pop-tarts who get paid to sing thru a machine that alters your voice to sound almost human, THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!! You legalistic Bible beating evangelists who preach hell fire and damnation, and you Mother Earth loving tree huggers, THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!!!!  You uptight pansy-ass tightwads who drive Hummers and have to keep up with the Jones’s, and you broke-ass Pinto driving fast-food workers, THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!!!! You holier-than-thou, do-gooders and you skid row heathens, THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!!! You Harley riding look down on every other brand of bike hard-nosed jack wad, and you DUI-gettin’ moped liquor-cycle riding lush, THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!!! You Stuck up, better-than-me, know someone who can get you out of trouble with the law even if you smoke weed like it’s going out of style and you convicted felons who don’t know anyone to get you out of trouble so you have to serve time because you got caught, THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM (well, limited for you convicts, of course, but you get my point!)

DO YOU GET WHERE I’M GOING WITH THIS!?!?!?!?!?!

Why do those who serve in our military get the left-overs??? When they come back from a war especially, they should be welcomed with open arms!!! They should have the red carpet rolled out for them!!! They should be set for life with their health benefits!!! AND I DO MEAN 100%!!!! They should get ADEQUATE assistance with civilian job placement!!! Their spouses should be taken care of, too…are you frikkin kidding me? You politicians who can’t balance a budget are the worst!! No, you people who bitch and moan about every little thing and don’t lift a damn finger to try and make things better are the worst!!! Oh, I want to go on and on and on and on…’

I swear to pete I wish I had served 20+ years and then gotten into a field where I can HELP these veterans!!! I don’t know, anything. One man can’t change the country, I know this. But one man CAN rant and vent and share thoughts and opinions. King and Limbaugh just found a better soapbox than what I can find. I’m not politician, nor am I a public speaker. In fact, being in front of people causes me to panic. I am much more a behind-the-scenes guy. But holy damn, watching this movie really made me realize how much the USA basically turns it’s back on these men and women who serve and LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES so we can HAVE the RIGHT to bitch and moan.

Just remember the next time you turn on a TV or a radio…you have a choice…you don’t HAVE to listen to Hanoi Jane, or Tokyo Rose, or Fidel or Mussolini or ANY OTHER DICTATOR or communist…YOU HAVE A CHOICE to turn the station because THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!!!!

 Remember this the next time you go out to eat WHEREVER YOU WANT with your family, or your date, or just by yourself…

Remember this the next time you go to the grocery store and have thousands of choices of what you get to buy…

Remember this the next time you want to hop in your car or on your motorcycle and just take a leisurely drive on a lazy Sunday afternoon…

Remember this the next time YOU want to bitch about Chic-fi-la or about Glenn Beck, or Jane Fonda or Bush or Obama…

Remember this the next time you see someone with tattoos all up and down their arms and across their back and chest and you want to think they are less of a person, or a low-life for enjoying something they take pride in…

Remember this the next time you see a family member you haven’t seen in weeks or months and they have gained 40 pounds…

THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM

 

WATCH THIS MOVIE AND PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!!!! THESE PEOPLE DIED FOR YOUR FREEDOM!!!!!

When the movie is coming to a close, listen for this: “So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.”

THEN tell me I’m an ass for posting this!!! And if you can watch this movie to the end with dry eyes, then you can kiss my American ass!!! J

JUST SAYIN

Think about it...

Truth of the matter...

So true...

Bruised but not Broken...

Joss Stone said it best, in song...

Livin the dream...

Loving life right now! I really don't know how I could be any happier!

So true...

If today was your last day....

My best friend gave me the best advice
She said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned,
leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had,
if today was your last day?
What if, what if, if today was your last day?

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the price is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you're never living twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?
And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the star
sRegardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?
And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

Thought of the day...

Your future holds something far greater than your past. It's time to leave the past behind!

"Freedom Wings"

I posted on my other blog about my new tattoos. I just realized I haven't posted them here...here is the story that goes with it...along with the original design...below is the finished ink. Two full weeks later, and they are itching like crazy!! But still look killer when I ride!!!

Reflections...

As I lay here reflecting, my mind wanders, but in a circular pattern around some things I have concentrated HARD on for too long...the following is my final reflection on the subject...:

We have all found ourselves in situations at various times in our lives where we've wanted to help someone. They open up some and let us help, but only for a while...then they shut down completely. They cut you out of their lives and act like you never existed. At first, we don't understand why. In fact, we may never know why, but we have to just accept it.
Everything happens for a reason! Everything !!

What a great feeling it is when you know you have done absolutely everything within your power, and then more, to help that person. Even though you were ultimately rejected, you still realize you couldn't do any different.

Its pretty amazing when you realize it's time to move on and make yourself happy for a change. Food tastes better, sleep is more restful, stress is gone, the sun is brighter, the rain smells sweeter, the breeze feels cooler...

Just think about it...make YOU happy and everything else will fall into place!

://end trans

Live every moment like it's your last...

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let us down, probably will. You'll have your heart broken and you'll break others' hearts. You'll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love with them. And, you'll cry because time is flying by. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. You just have to live life to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone's hand, comfort a friend, fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts. Don't be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all, live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back.

Are you having problems with the A/C in your car?

I've had problems with the air in my car for months. It wasn't putting out cold air, and the fan would often just stop working. Sometimes I could slam the car door and it would blow again.
It was suggested that a fuse may have blown. I looked in the fuse box and couldn't see a problem.
So I stopped by Advance Auto this week and asked if they could help me find the problem fuse. The guy came out to the car and couldn't find it either.
But then he opened the glove compartment, which I thought was odd. He proceeded to disconnect the rubber stops that kept if from falling all the way out and reached behind it. He grabbed a piece of plastic and slid out an air filter!!! He said its called a Cabin Air Filter.
Who woulda thunk!!??
They didn't have a replacement in stock, but it's now on order.
Crazy thing is...now my A/C blows arctic cold air with a hurricane force!!!
Gotta love it!!

so true...

More ramblings...

As some of you know, I've had a pretty difficult time with some things since March. I'm sure a couple of you got tired of me complaining about it.
I'm sorry to burden you with my non-life-threatening problems..LOL
But thank you for listening and offering support and encouragement!! Talking thru things and writing things out really did help, too.
I can honestly say the words of encouragement and the 'alternate perspectives' have been more than I expected and thoroughly enlightening.
My outlook on the future came to a complete 180 when I realized that even though events didn't turn out like I planned, my heart is still pumping blood and my lungs are still working just fine. It's been said that everything happens for a reason, even if we can't see that reason. Believe it or not, it actually does.
I've determined part of the reason for recent events in my life is finding my own happiness!!
It seems that most of my life I have has someone that I tried to please...in one way or another...whether or not I was happy, I felt the need to make others happy.
Well, no more! I've come to a point where it's time to make ME happy!! Most of you know I've moved to Wilmington, NC with a new, great, job. I found an apartment that is huge, in a great complex, 5 minutes to work and 12 minutes to the beach!! I'm only an hour and a half from Myrtle Beach, so Bike Week is gonna be a blast (especially since I'm making friends who also ride!!!) I'm getting out some, seeing sights, meeting people, generally just having a blast!
I've put some things behind me, and refuse to lose another minute of sleep worrying about them!!
I can say with a clear conscience that I know I am doing the right thing. I am making room in my life for new friends, new experiences, new places to go, new things to do...and I have never been happier!!
I can't help but wonder "What if..." but I know I can't change anything that's not totally within my control. But I also realize that MY life IS in my control.
All this being said...I think it's time for some new ink!!! Maybe I'll start on the sleeve...I still like the idea of flames up my forearm :)))

New friend...

Last night I made a new friend. We went to a couple places at Wrightsville Beach. She is a really sweet lady with a great smile, penetrating eyes, and an intoxicating smile. We shared some great seafood and walked on the beach. I know I had a good time, and I'm pretty sure she did too...
We decided before-hand that it wasn't going to be an actual "date" so there was no stress and no pressure. We were just hanging out.
I have a feeling we will hang out again...just sayin...

I'm done...

It's been brought to my attention that many of my recent posts have been depressing and sad. That wasn't my intention. I was simply communicating with someone. But, as it turns out, this someone hasn't even been looking at what I post. So, I'm done...no more.

I won't be posting songs or sayings or photos of sayings that are less than happy any more. Those of you who are my real friends, and who actually love me, actually do communicate with me in various ways. For this I am grateful.

From now on, I will be posting positive, happy thoughts, saying, pics and movies! I'm done being not happy!! I'm to the point where I am meeting some great people, and enjoying my new town and my new life!

It's time to be my normal happy self that you all love and enjoy!!

Kitty Hawk, part 1

Today I get to drive 4 or 5 hours to Kitty Hawk...never been there. Not sure what time I'm leaving. Have to be at a jobsite at 10 am tomorrow, so my company is putting me up in a hotel for the night.
Hopefully I'll get there early enough to check out a couple sights...will try to take a few pics to post...definitely gonna walk on the beach, even if I get there after dark!!

I'll be alright...

What would you do...

What would you do, today, if you KNEW you would not fail...?

Then go out there and DO IT!

You know who you are...

"If you notice one day that we haven't talked in a while, it's not because I don't care anymore, it's because you pushed me away."

Finally realizing...

One of the best feelings in the world is when you realize you're perfectly happy even without the thing you thought you needed most...

Do YOU care...?

I know we have all had at least one person in our lives, at one point or another, who isn't a family member, that we've been worried about. Sometimes you can actually do something to help this person you care about. But many times there is nothing you can actually do. Even when you make it known that you are there for them, and would do anything in the world for them, you really can't DO anything. Well, at least not until they are able to accept whatever help you can offer.

Perhaps they are in a position where any help they accept could cause other issues including making their life less tolerable. Perhaps they have other influences in their life that can't be easily changed, even if they WANT to change them. Perhaps they know what steps they should take to make their life happier overall, but they feel like they have to sacrifice their own happiness to please someone else. Maybe they just feel like they don't have the emotional strength to make the changes they know they need to make. There are so many variables, there is no way they can all be considered.

Often we don't really know exactly what influences they are experiencing. Other times, we know exactly, but again can't actually do anything.

There is no recourse other than letting this person we care about know that no matter what happens in their life or yours that you will be there to help in any way possible. All we can do is care about them, love them, be there when they need us. Never give up on them even if it's too difficult for them to send just a quick text or email to say "Thank you for caring about me. I'm ok."

Until such time as any help you can give can be accepted, all we can do is be there when they need us. This, in my opinion, is what REAL friendship is.

Getting settled...

Well, I moved into my apartment this weekend. It's considerably larger than the condo I lived in when I was in Bluffton. It has a larger kitchen and living room, and a dining room which the condo didn't have. There is also a nice sun room off the living room. That's where I set up my office. I was able to unpack the kitchen, but I still have a good many boxes of other things to unpack. I'm sure that I will be making a couple trips to Goodwill as I go thru all the things I have collected over the years!
One really good thing about this complex, it's much newer construction than the condo. Luckily this will keep noise down from upstairs neighbors. As of now, it appears there is no upstairs neighbor, but that could change at any time, I'm sure.
I passed on the garage for now because my bike fits in the end storage unit just fine. I confirmed that I can add the garage later if it becomes necessary.
I didn't get cable tv, yet, because it's not in my budget nor do I need it. I did get Internet, so listening to streaming radio and watching Netflix and Hulu will be much more reliable than the borrowed wifi I had access to before. Once I get caught up financially, I will get a wireless router.
I'm looking forward to getting settled in and making my new life work. Of course, there are some things that will be difficult for me, especially emotionally, but I will just have to work thru them. I used to think I was patient, but lately I'm beginning to doubt...
I'm sure that once I get completely unpacked, and get my finances in order, I will start going places and doing things where I can meet new people and make new friends. I know it appears to most that I don't have any problems making friends, but that is so wrong. Believe it or not, making new friends is one of the most challenging things in my life. It always has been. Again, just something I have to work thru.
My new job couldn't be much better. It's a trade I have been in since 1997, and I'm finally in a company large enough to have good benefits. They have been in business since 1978 and have about 150 employees. They have a good structure, written policies, and a generous workload. The corporate office is in High Point and I work in the Wilmington district office. So far I get along with everyone, which is always good!

Starting over...again

New town (and state)
New job (same trade)
New apartment (much nicer)
New life (once I get settled)
New friends, eventually...
New life...

Life changing events...

Thru the acts of others, and decisions I have made based on those acts, I have made some major changes lately.
The job I had in Bluffton ended, both by my choice and the decisions of an owner who knows very little about the trade...at the same time, the lease in my condo was coming due. Luckily, my landlord allowed me to find a new tenant a month early and I was able to get my deposit back!
I've been able to find a bit of freelance work to hold me over, so it's not all bad. I have, however, had to make a residence change which ended up being somewhat of an ok thing overall.
One unfortunate thing about this move is that the only people I know here are not able, for various reasons, to go out and socialize. So I'm virtually alone. Not the best of things for me, because I go crazy when I sit around the house. I've had a few good thing happen, including freedom to just hop on my bike and ride. But again, even that would be more fun with a riding buddy.
I do have some friends I can talk to, but usually only by text and email because of various reasons. Which puts me back to being alone. Saddening at times, well, most of the time, but with job leads in two major cities both about 4 hours from here, I have to concentrate on making one of them work out. Then, once I get moved and settled, I can find a club or group that I can ride with and build new friendships. Maybe then the excruciating loneliness will subside.
It's been said that everything happens for a reason, but it's difficult to see that reason when you're in the middle of uncertainties.
All that being said, I have to thank those of you who have been there to listen when I need to vent, whine, or just talk. I love you, my friends!

Crazy week...

Lots of things going on...mostly things I can't post about just yet, but definitely se good things ahead!!!!

I don't see anything but good coming from pending decisions!!

Just sayin...!

March 2012

Been a pretty weird month so far. Some fun, a trip to Bike Week, some being there for a friend in need, even some heartbreak...but life must go on. I guess I'm gonna start blogging more....gotta keep busy somehow, right?

Political Pick-up Truck

I stopped by the Chevrolet dealership yesterday, for a look at the new
Silverado 2012, 1500 pickup. Just for fun, I took it out for a test drive. I wanted to sense that new "feel" before they become extinct...
The salesman (a black man wearing an Obama "change" lapel pin) sat in the passenger seat describing the truck and all its "wonderful" options...The seats were of particular interest. He explained that the seats directed warm air to your butt in the winter and directed cool air to your butt in the summer heat.
Feeling like messing with him, I mentioned that this must be a Republican truck.
Looking a bit angry, he asked why I thought it was a Republican truck. I explained that if it were a Democrat truck, the seats would blow smoke up your bum year-round.

I had to walk back to the dealership... Damn guy had no sense of humor.

Bucket List

Certainly cannot do ALL of these in 2012, but will definitely mark several off the list!!

• Motorcycle ride to all 50 State Capitals (not necessarily in the same trip);
• Ride in the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day remembrance of POWs and MIAs;
• Ride to NYC, Ground Zero;
• Skydive over Dubai;
• Visit each Hawaiian Island;
• Diving in Fiji;
• Mardi Gras in New Orleans;
• Photography Safari in Africa;
• Camping in Denali National Park;
• Photograph cherry blossoms in Washington DC in season;
• Smoke an authentic genuine Cuban cigar;
• Ride my motorcycle the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway;
• Spend a day at the diamond mine in Murfreesboro Arkansas;
• Pay my respects at Ground Zero in NYC;
• Climb the Eifel Tower;
• Drink a Guiness beer IN Ireland;
• Kayak the "streets" of Venice;
• Carnival in Rio;
• Pay my respects at Pearl Harbor;
• Sturgis (nuf said);
• Motorcycle ride the length of Route 66;
• Ride the length of I-95;
• Ride to Maine for lobster straight out of the water;
• St Patrick's Day in Chicago!!;
• Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque;
• BBQ and Blues in Memphis;
• Ride the Pacific Coast Highway;
• Camping in Yellowstone Park;
• Pay my respects at The Alamo;
• Consume the largest pure Texas steak I can find!;
• Ride to Key West;
• Sandcastle Day at Cannon Beach Oregon;
• RE-visit Portland Oregon, this time at MY leisure, going where and doing what I WANT...;
• More ink!;
• Visit The Great Wall of China;
• Sydney Opera House;
• Deep Sea Fishing off the Great Barrier Reef;
• New Year's Eve at Times Square

2012

It's here...question is, what are you going to do with it? Just sit back and let it slip away like 2011? Or are you going to make changes, DO things, MAKE something happen...really get out there and enjoy life for a change??

Pity parties are the most boring parties ever...and I've had my last one! It's time to enjoy life and not give two craps what others think or say!

I'm getting my bucket list back out and putting a check box beside each item!!!

I don't know about you, but I'm going to ENJOY 2012...!!!