Well ladies and gents, here I sit. Primped and primed and ready to roll. I have a few different options for New Year's Eve tonight, but I have chosen the path of most resistance, because that's how I like it.
What is the path of most resistance? SOLO! For real, I will be leaving in.....5 minutes to head downtown and mix and mingle with a world full of strangers. We shall see how it goes. I suspect, like most things that I choose to do solo, this little experiment will turn quite interesting. Not having anyone but one's own self along for the ride allows for any twist and turn. Believe me, I have been on many a solo twist and turn and have found myself in some very strange places at the path's end.
And so, here I go, off into the void! I am certain that I will see familiar faces on this little excursion, as I have already heard that quite a few people I know will be downtown, but this experiment is all about fun and what might happen whilst solo. Allowing life to dictate your path is the grandest adventure of all. No matter how small the beginnings of any excursion, the end might just be brilliant. So, go ahead and play!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Is there anything better than the holidays? I mean, aside from fresh crab and shrimp, a nice brew and a never ending supply of drinks with little umbrellas, whilst chillin’ on the beach, of course.
I sit here in this lovely TC home on the eve of Christmas Eve. A sweet little retro Christmas tree sparkles in the living room corner, the dogs are snoring, the sun is glistening off of the snow and a Dog the Bounty Hunter marathon is on A&E. Life is good today, folks.
Being back in the U.S. of A. has been an interesting transition for your’s truly. I now drive almost everywhere instead of walking. Money has, yet again, become a number one goal. I now carry around a BlackBerry. And self indulgence is EVERYWHERE!
This holiday has always brought me hope and joy. I have always enjoyed watching the gifts that I give light up the faces of others. Getting has always been fun, but it is giving that brings me the most happiness at Christmastime. Which is why, this year, I am a bit confused.
What is the deal with people complaining about Christmas shopping? When did the joy of Christmas turn into a stressed filled punch line? Every year, I take a day for myself, usually during the last week before Christmas as I LOVE the hustle and bustle of that time, and I go shopping. This year was a bit different as I am still rebuilding the savings account. But, the ritual remained. I turn the car radio to the all day Christmas music station, down a glass of egg nog and roll. Christmas spirit is thick in the malls and shops this time of year, but so is the whining.
I have grown tired of hearing all of the complaints about long lines, too many people, not enough time, etc. It seems to me that many people fail to realize that the vast majority of this planet’s population could not fathom spending a fraction of what is being spent by one Wal-Mart customer during the Christmas “shopping” season. Those that complain, as they load their carts and trunks, are failing to see the wonder that is happening before them. They can afford to buy and buy and buy until their list is finished. This is not something that should cause stress, nor should it cause anger or complaints. The gift that has already been given to the fortunate few who are able to fill the underside of a Christmas tree with needed and wished for treasures is something that that most people in this world will never have, many will never even be able to imagine it.
Furthermore, let us not forget what this season is REALLY all about. Christmas is a time of reflection, togetherness and joy. It is a time to ponder one’s soul and to share the spirit. This is the greatest of all holidays for so much more than just pretty paper wrapped around pretty things.
God willing, I will be spending my next Christmas in Florida or Hawaii or some other tropical locale (seriously). Yet, no matter where I am in this world I will never forget the lessons that have been taught to me throughout each Christmas of my life. Lessons of selflessness and giving passed on to me by parents, friends and those so poor that one mall shopping trip for me would pay for their entire family’s year of life, will be with me forever. I have seen the joy of giving and love during this season within the poorest of third world communities. Life is good, life is great. During Christmas, this fact can simply not be ignored.
Merry Christmas everyone! Now, if you don’t mind, I have some research for living in Hawaii to do (aka, I need to watch some more Dog, yo!) Aloha!
I sit here in this lovely TC home on the eve of Christmas Eve. A sweet little retro Christmas tree sparkles in the living room corner, the dogs are snoring, the sun is glistening off of the snow and a Dog the Bounty Hunter marathon is on A&E. Life is good today, folks.
Being back in the U.S. of A. has been an interesting transition for your’s truly. I now drive almost everywhere instead of walking. Money has, yet again, become a number one goal. I now carry around a BlackBerry. And self indulgence is EVERYWHERE!
This holiday has always brought me hope and joy. I have always enjoyed watching the gifts that I give light up the faces of others. Getting has always been fun, but it is giving that brings me the most happiness at Christmastime. Which is why, this year, I am a bit confused.
What is the deal with people complaining about Christmas shopping? When did the joy of Christmas turn into a stressed filled punch line? Every year, I take a day for myself, usually during the last week before Christmas as I LOVE the hustle and bustle of that time, and I go shopping. This year was a bit different as I am still rebuilding the savings account. But, the ritual remained. I turn the car radio to the all day Christmas music station, down a glass of egg nog and roll. Christmas spirit is thick in the malls and shops this time of year, but so is the whining.
I have grown tired of hearing all of the complaints about long lines, too many people, not enough time, etc. It seems to me that many people fail to realize that the vast majority of this planet’s population could not fathom spending a fraction of what is being spent by one Wal-Mart customer during the Christmas “shopping” season. Those that complain, as they load their carts and trunks, are failing to see the wonder that is happening before them. They can afford to buy and buy and buy until their list is finished. This is not something that should cause stress, nor should it cause anger or complaints. The gift that has already been given to the fortunate few who are able to fill the underside of a Christmas tree with needed and wished for treasures is something that that most people in this world will never have, many will never even be able to imagine it.
Furthermore, let us not forget what this season is REALLY all about. Christmas is a time of reflection, togetherness and joy. It is a time to ponder one’s soul and to share the spirit. This is the greatest of all holidays for so much more than just pretty paper wrapped around pretty things.
God willing, I will be spending my next Christmas in Florida or Hawaii or some other tropical locale (seriously). Yet, no matter where I am in this world I will never forget the lessons that have been taught to me throughout each Christmas of my life. Lessons of selflessness and giving passed on to me by parents, friends and those so poor that one mall shopping trip for me would pay for their entire family’s year of life, will be with me forever. I have seen the joy of giving and love during this season within the poorest of third world communities. Life is good, life is great. During Christmas, this fact can simply not be ignored.
Merry Christmas everyone! Now, if you don’t mind, I have some research for living in Hawaii to do (aka, I need to watch some more Dog, yo!) Aloha!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Long Absent
Hello blog reading friends! I apologize for my long absence from this page. Life has whirled and twirled your's truly and I am just now catching up with my feet.
I remain in Michigan. Technically single at the moment, but still madly in love with Steph (as she appears to be with me), I will be flying her to Michigan for her maiden voyage through this State's winter charms. She will be here in February and will remain for one week. I have high hopes for the weather (may it be lovely!), the events (may they be perfect!), the company of friends (may they be plentiful and in the mood to party!) and the relapse of togetherdom.
My writing continues to increase my bank account bit by bit. I am now a regular in two magazines and a newspaper. I have also returned to counseling mentally ill people in crisis. Now, when one thinks "mentally ill" all manner of stigma may enter one's brain. I assure you that the people for which I work are no different than you or I. There, but for the grace of God, go we. Their illness or situation is almost always new to them and terrifying. Thus is the climate with which I surround myself twice per week.
I have also come to some conclusions on living situations.
I am here, once again, a block from downtown. The snow is feet deep and the chill is diving toward zero. I am no longer a winter sort of dude. I will be here through this winter. I will then move into a more permanent home here in town with a good friend of mine. There, I will reside through Michigan's wonderful summer and fall months. But, before winter makes its all too soon return, I shall vacate this locale and escape to a warmer clime. This March will mark the beginning of a four month training course in which I will earn my Personal Trainer's certification. I will take this certification to Miami or some other such warm destination (Hawaii anyone?) and I will set up life anew there. The only cold destination that could conceivably win my heart would be my beloved Chicago. I could stand winters if I lived in that town!
Christmas is drawing near. It's spirit infects me now as it has so many times before. This Christmas, however, means a bit more to me. While I still only have the contents of 2 suitcases and one carry-on to my name, I am whole heartedly giving. My bank account is still rocking to and fro, about to fall, but I reach as deeply as I possibly can. For me, life is good! For those around me, life is great! Yet, people still suffer. This Christmas is my first since leaving Guatemala. I will work to insure that my awareness of human suffering does not end and what better time than Christmas to begin to put to the test Ghandi's adage "We must be the change we wish to see"?
One more resolution that has made its way into my life. I will preach. What will I preach? Life! Far too many people suffer from the delusion that life has them pinned. Far too many people think that they suffer because of what life has done to them. I will spread the message that LIFE IS GOOD!! One's own actions and one's own decisions dictate one's own life. If you want something, go for it! It shall be your's! The only failure is in the failure to try. Without the will to succeed, one will not. Success is SO easy to obtain. It is there for the taking, we must only claim it.
I leave you now with the promise that I will contribute to this little blog at least once per week. I am off now to shovel snow and jog amongst it!
I remain in Michigan. Technically single at the moment, but still madly in love with Steph (as she appears to be with me), I will be flying her to Michigan for her maiden voyage through this State's winter charms. She will be here in February and will remain for one week. I have high hopes for the weather (may it be lovely!), the events (may they be perfect!), the company of friends (may they be plentiful and in the mood to party!) and the relapse of togetherdom.
My writing continues to increase my bank account bit by bit. I am now a regular in two magazines and a newspaper. I have also returned to counseling mentally ill people in crisis. Now, when one thinks "mentally ill" all manner of stigma may enter one's brain. I assure you that the people for which I work are no different than you or I. There, but for the grace of God, go we. Their illness or situation is almost always new to them and terrifying. Thus is the climate with which I surround myself twice per week.
I have also come to some conclusions on living situations.
I am here, once again, a block from downtown. The snow is feet deep and the chill is diving toward zero. I am no longer a winter sort of dude. I will be here through this winter. I will then move into a more permanent home here in town with a good friend of mine. There, I will reside through Michigan's wonderful summer and fall months. But, before winter makes its all too soon return, I shall vacate this locale and escape to a warmer clime. This March will mark the beginning of a four month training course in which I will earn my Personal Trainer's certification. I will take this certification to Miami or some other such warm destination (Hawaii anyone?) and I will set up life anew there. The only cold destination that could conceivably win my heart would be my beloved Chicago. I could stand winters if I lived in that town!
Christmas is drawing near. It's spirit infects me now as it has so many times before. This Christmas, however, means a bit more to me. While I still only have the contents of 2 suitcases and one carry-on to my name, I am whole heartedly giving. My bank account is still rocking to and fro, about to fall, but I reach as deeply as I possibly can. For me, life is good! For those around me, life is great! Yet, people still suffer. This Christmas is my first since leaving Guatemala. I will work to insure that my awareness of human suffering does not end and what better time than Christmas to begin to put to the test Ghandi's adage "We must be the change we wish to see"?
One more resolution that has made its way into my life. I will preach. What will I preach? Life! Far too many people suffer from the delusion that life has them pinned. Far too many people think that they suffer because of what life has done to them. I will spread the message that LIFE IS GOOD!! One's own actions and one's own decisions dictate one's own life. If you want something, go for it! It shall be your's! The only failure is in the failure to try. Without the will to succeed, one will not. Success is SO easy to obtain. It is there for the taking, we must only claim it.
I leave you now with the promise that I will contribute to this little blog at least once per week. I am off now to shovel snow and jog amongst it!
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