Monday, April 30, 2012

Fishing with Grandpa

Today, I was one of the fortunate people to get to go to the Fishing Rodeo in Salem, VA.  It's a special event for kids with special needs.  They go to the duck pond and fish for a couple of hours.  It's a really cool thing.  The worst part was the old guy who kept crossing our lines with his, then kept suggesting that we cut our lines. No, old man, how about you fish on your side of the pond or cut your own line.  Although he did get his comeuppance when his fish got away.  The best part of the day was seeing all those happy faces every time they caught a fish.  There were a lot of fish caught, let me tell you.

Fishing has another meaning for me.  It was a past time that I shared with my grandfather.  My grandfather passed away when I was 16 years old.  During the 16 years that I had him in my life, he taught me so much.  One of the things he taught me was how to fish.  Grandpa had a houseboat he called "Heaven's Gift."  For many summers, I'd fly from New York City to South Carolina to spend summer break with my grandparents.  We'd spend part of the time in Charleston, the other parts on the houseboat in Bucksport.  Grandpa and I would sit on the back deck of the boat and fish.  He taught me how to bait a hook with a cricket.  They have a cool collar that can hold a hook perfectly.  We never really caught a lot of fish, but when we did, we were so excited.  Mostly because we knew that Grandma would clean and gut the fish.  She then would fry it on the stove on the houseboat.  I always wondered how she could cook it so well considering how small that stove was.

The times I had fishing with Grandpa taught me to really enjoy every moment of your life.  You should especially love the times you have with your loved ones.  For a while after my Grandpa died, I was bitter about fishing.  I saw fishing as a waste of time.  I couldn't stand the thought of going out on a boat with a stick and some string.  After today however, I have to say that I kind of want to do it again.  I realized that even though I missed the most integral part of why I loved fishing, I still loved fishing.  So I don't know when, nor how, but I will try to take up fishing more often.  Maybe not as a full on past time, but at the very least, go out once in a while.  I can also stand to not make fun of fishing contests.



Although I can't lie, when this kind of thing happens during a fishing contest, I have to laugh.

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

My Week

Over the last seven days of my life, I'd have to say that this was the most eventful week I've had.  I worked hard at my new job.  I enjoyed some fun times with some close friends.  I got to see a play at the theater.  I crossed paths with some people without incident.  I even got to see some awesome kids do the Special Olympics.  Overall I'd probably rate this week a 7.  It'd have been better if some thing went completely my way.

Sometimes, you need a week with every emotion in the spectrum.  I think having a great week can set you up for a huge letdown.  I think having an awful week can ruin your mood and make you a miserable cuss to be around.  Just having a week where you go from here to there makes you realize a) you're blessed and b) you're not as awesome as you think you are.  I know so many people who think that they are entitled to the perfect day, every day, for the rest of their lives.  It's not the way it goes.  Perfection is something that can only be obtained once we're in Heaven with our Lord.

The main thing that happened this week that showed me how much I grew as a person was my encounter with someone from my past.  I won't go into too much detail, but this person was very hurtful to a healthy amount of people.  I was worried that I would lose my testimony by responding in a not-so-Christian way.  I'm thankful that I had the support of good friends to tell me that I'm better than that and that I shouldn't respond.  Not responding goes against everything I believe in, truth be told.  I have to say something when someone does something to me.  It's a bad habit I have.  It's something I'm working on everyday.  No one would have blamed me if I did it, but I didn't.  For that, I'm proud of myself.

I'm going to try to be a tad more diplomatic with how I respond to things.  Keep the sarcasm to myself is the best way I can do that.  However, I have to say that it's easier said than done.  People say some really stupid things sometimes.  People do even dumber things than they say.  It's like people's brains know I'm coming and instantly flip to "Annoy Tyrone Mode."  It's really not right.  My somewhat deal with myself and the rest of the planet is to slowly ween myself off of saying the first thing that comes to my mind.  I'll do the method that we taught my fella that I work with when it comes staring at girls.  Look for two seconds, turn away and count to ten.

Come to think of it, I ought to use that for the ladies as well...


Friday, April 27, 2012

Music Friday

This post is a little later than usual.  This will all make sense with the song and story behind it.



This evening, I got the awesome privilege of watching a movie titled Courageous.  It was made by a church in Georgia, the same church that created Facing the Giants.  It's about a group of fathers who decided to make a vow to be better fathers to their children.  They decided not only to just raise their kids right, but to keep each other accountable.  They decided to live their lives with integrity and honor.  They decided to be an example to their children.  It was really an amazing movie.  Not saying that Everclear was the first thing to cross my mind during the movie, but it baffles me how many fathers aren't really prepared to be fathers.

We always hear about the "War on Women" with the whole contraception thing.  However the biggest battle is between fathers of children and women who have those children.  It seems like fathers forget how to be honorable enough to love their child.  Hence why I think women feel abortion is an acceptable form of birth control.  Men should really think about what it means to be a father.  I was blessed to have a father for only 6 years of my life.  However, my father worked his tail off to provide for his family.  He treated my mother like gold, and showed me how to be a real man.  Yes, it's possible to learn how to be a man before the end of Kindergarten.  Being a man means taking responsibility for what you do.  It means respecting everyone in front of your kids.  It means defending those kids when they are wronged.  It also means disciplining and teaching your kids when they are wrong.  I wish men would want to be real men and take care of their children.  Respecting the title of father is not easy, however it's not really an option that could be taken.

This song is a basic reminder of what can happen to a kid when he's abandoned by his father through the father's choice.  It's good to see that the lead singer's ending to the video is him being a father the right way.  Now it's time for men to take a stand and be a father if they have created a child.  There are plenty of real men that would take the role of father from you in a heartbeat if you're not willing to truly be a man and a father.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

People Will Get Theirs

You know, sometimes you have to just sit back and watch people fail.  Not because you want to, but because it's the best way to show them the consequences of their actions.  Without getting into too much detail, a former friend made a lot of bad choices.  Those choices have alienated that friend from a lot of support for a very important event in that person's life.  It's a sad story really.  There are people who just don't understand how to treat people properly.

I just don't think people know how to look ahead.  The bigger picture is something that people overlook everyday.  It's like they refuse to think past their noses.  Don't people understand that if they avoid jumping to conclusions that they could be so much happier?  When you constantly hurt and abuse anyone that is a) willing to be there for you or b) are completely innocent of anything, you tend to end up just alone, miserable, and hurting.  Constantly throwing people aside because it's easier than owning up to your issues can cause you a lot of strife.

I believe the best way to combat this kind of behavior is to just watch them fall.  Like I said, it's not taking pleasure in people's failures.  It's basically learning from people's mistakes.  It's taking a seat back and letting God do His work.  When you allow whatever goes around to actually come back around, you end up happier and more blessed.  Avoid trying to take your own revenge.  As hard as that sounds, the last thing you want to do in life is cause your own issues because you didn't let God have His own vengeance.

Soon enough, that former friend that made those bad choices will be catching their own issues.  They only have themselves to blame.  The worst part about it, there won't be many people there to pick them back up once it happens.  That's the worst feeling, being alone when you could have prevented it.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Hectic Hump Day

This week's version of Hectic Hump Day will be a continuation of yesterday's blog.  As you recall, I basically asked a bunch of questions.  Today, I'll come up with my own answers to said questions.  Since you guys didn't really have any good ones...thanks.  If you're not sure of what the questions are, just go back to yesterday's.

1.  It's possible because someone doesn't want George Zimmerman to suffer in jail...although Trayvon suffered tremendously and his parents are suffering more.  There are some serious shenanigans going on in the Sanford Police Department.

2.  Either the Zimmermans are not as poor as they say they are, or some of the extremist groups have been helping George a bit.  Either way, oh well.  He'll get his in court.  If he doesn't it get it there, he'll get it when he meets his Maker.

3.  I think they're like that because they don't want to make a bad decision.  However, some people constantly ask the wrongest people possible to fight their battles.  Then they end up alone and pitiful and pathetic.

4.  I already answered that yesterday.

5.  Extreme climate change happened.  Check Farmers' Almanacs, they'll tell you that this mess will keep happening.

6.  I think they don't come with instruction manuals because God wants us to work our tails off to get to know people by communicating with them.  Life wouldn't be fun if it was way too easy to figure them out.  So, get to know people.  Figure out what they like.  Talk to them.  Be a friend.

7.  The answer is never.  I'll never get away from dirty looks.  I got a dirty look for walking out of a Cheddars...of course there were other extenuating circumstances, but basically it was Cheddars.

8.  I hum my own entrance music sometimes.  It guess it's good for me.

9.  If I were an old lady, I think I could get away with it.

10. It left when parents gave their kids cell phones, and cell phone companies decided to make phones "smart."

Well there are my answers to my questions.  I love this one sided conversation stuff.  Next time you all can join.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Tyrone's Questions

This isn't a new weekly segment of my blog.  I just have questions about life and events happening today.  Feel free to answer them in the comments section.

1.  How is it possible that someone accused of murder can get out on $150,000 bond?

2.  Along those same lines, how can someone who admitted on his website that he was needing funds so badly so easily pay off said bond?

3.  Why are people so spineless to allow others to do their thinking for them?

4.  Why is it such a sin that Barack Obama is making an appearance on late night television?  It's Jimmy Fallon...never mind, I can see why it's such a sin.

5.  What happened to that warm weather from February?

6.  Why don't people come with instruction manuals?

7.  When can I say everything that is on my mind without getting a dirty look?

8.  Can I have my own entrance music when I walk into a room or building?

9.  Can I use "Stand Your Ground" when someone doesn't use a crosswalk?

10.  What happened to respect and silence in a library?


Monday, April 23, 2012

Theater Review

Yeah I don't normally do this, but I'm feeling kind of classy today.  Today our class went to the  Roanoke Performing Arts Center to see Skippyjon Jones.  If anyone has ever read the book, you know how awesome and hilarious it is.  It's even more hilarious when people try to emulate the Hispanic accent.  It's down right gut busting when someone with a southern accent tries to emulate the accent.  If you haven't read the book, it's basically a story about a Siamese cat who secretly thinks he's a chihuahua.  There are a few sequels to the book that I have yet to read, but I hear they're just as funny.

Anyway, this performance was a musical.  Only had five cast members.  I will have to say that it was pretty decent.  It's hard to get a 20 page children's book to last an hour, but this performance did well.  I would give this a 7 on the Ye Ole Tyrone Scale O' Musicals.  The singing was on key, but not overwhelming.  I mean I wasn't expecting Jennifer Hudson or anything, but it wasn't Kelly Osbourne.  The dancing was cute.  The acting was pretty good.  I would definitely recommend it to anyone with kids.  They would really enjoy it.  Parents will laugh along with their kids.

I always enjoy some kids things.  Phineas and Ferb are on the top of my list.  I don't get to catch many episodes anymore because I'm not home to memorize the Disney Channel schedule.  If you really want to make me happy, send me DVD sets of the show.  I'll love you forever.  Same holds true for Animaniacs and Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers.  There's nothing wrong with enjoying somethings that youngsters enjoy.  In fact, we all could learn from kids.  Kids aren't worried about skin color.  Kids don't have prejudice.  They see everyone the same.  They love first, then let the person they love have a chance to let them down.  In fact, I would venture to say that they will love you no matter how badly you hurt them.  Seems like us adults have no idea how to avoid judging and hating.  Forgiveness is something that others have to "earn."  That's not right.  We should love everyone.  We shouldn't judge people based on what they do and who they are.  God said to forgive 70 times 7.  That doesn't mean 490 times total.  That means 490 times for each individual sin.  Basically, that means never stop forgiving people.  We should be like kids in our faith in God, love for people, and reactions to adversity.

Kids are pretty smart, we should give them credit.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

I realized something

I've probably realized this a while ago, however sometimes recent events turn your eyes the right way.  I've always been pretty good to my friends.  I always try to do right by them all the time.  I've seen them at the best and at their worst.  I've noticed that when I am truly fond of a friend, I won't let anyone get away with hurting them, including myself.  A long time ago, I'd be less apt to apologize for anything.  Now, if I say or do something that hurts my friends, regardless of how petty it could be, I try to make it right.  Not because of guilt, but because it's more important that my friendship is maintained than me being right.  Also, if anyone else does anything terrible to a friend, they have to deal with me.  I won't beat you up or anything, but there's a good chance you'll get a verbal beatdown from me.  I don't take too kindly to people hurting others, especially those who hurt people I love and care about.  Again, that also means me.  Sometimes, I can do things that aren't smart.  

I'm thankful I have loyalty and care for my friends.  God says that there is no greater love than a man lay his life down for a friend.  I'm pretty sure I'd do that for most of my friends.  I couldn't say that a few years ago.  Not because I'm a terrible friend, but because I had a hard time getting close to people.  Not because I couldn't trust them, but I just couldn't like them.  I found fault in any and everything with others.  Now, I accept faults and enjoy my friends for who they are.  I have a peace in my heart about that now.  I'm blessed to have friends.  I'm blessed in general.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Music Friday

This song really isn't one of my favorites.  I liked it when I heard it, but it's not overwhelmingly up on my list. Honestly, I think the song is called "Sorry for 2004" because Ruben says "Sorry" about 2004 times.



Now, I'm sure you all have seen the footage of George Zimmerman at his bond hearing.  During the hearing, he took time to apologize to the parents of Trayvon Martin.  However, he threw some excuses into his apology.  He said that he thought Martin was a little younger than him and wasn't sure who he was.  During the phone call to the police, Zimmerman said that he looked like a teenager.  So I think George is a little disingenuous with his apology.

It seems like "sorry" is the go-to word when you do, say, or think something off color.  I just think it's a tough thing to do.  Saying "sorry" is a goodwill gesture, but at what point do you just fix yourself so you don't have to apologize all the time.  It seems like every time there is something terrible that happens in sports or entertainment, the first thing done is a prepared statement of apology.  Whenever a famous person says something offensive on television or in an interview, here comes the "I was misquoted, I'm sorry if I offended anyone."

I just don't think sorry is good enough.  Especially in an age of quick messages and instant gratification.  This Zimmerman case basically tells me that he's not sorry for what happened.  Basically, I think he's just trying to come off looking apologetic when he's really just sorry.  I try not to use "sorry."  I actually use "apologize."  It means more.  I definitely won't say sorry more than 2004 times like Ruben did.





Thursday, April 19, 2012

A Little Nervous

Now, I've never claimed to be the brightest guy in the world...wait, yes I have.  I do it everyday.  I've never claimed to be the bravest toaster in the appliance department.  However I'm smart enough to know when not to do something.  I was having a texting conversation with a friend of mine.  It was going quite nicely until I had to leave where I was.  That means I had to get into my car and drive.  Now, common sense would tell you that when you're having a texting conversation that gets interrupted by a drive, it's best to continue that conversation on the actual phone.  That means calling and talking.  Well apparently, my friend couldn't talk at the same time I couldn't text.  Said friend asked today what I was wanting to talk about last night.  I told her that it was just me calling because I was driving a car.  My other friend, who should have had my best interest at heart since she's known me long enough, said, "he doesn't text and drive at the same time."  

Now unless I'm kind of out of it, isn't it illegal to be texting and driving at the same time?  Isn't it dangerous to pay attention to a text on the phone while driving a 2 ton death machine?  She said it like I'm some sort of weirdo.  I'm not a weirdo, I just don't want to die before my time.  Look, if you're one of those people that think that a text message is more important than other drivers' safety...do me a favor and call me first.  That way I don't have to be on the road when you're swerving from left to right and back again because you have to push the 4 key just to finish OMG.  

What happened to this planet?  I remember when people were somewhat safer about their lives. What happened to common sense?  Looney Tunes never had a warning message to not do stuff at home, because the people had enough common sense to not try to slingshot themselves across a canyon to catch a bird.  People should have enough brain power to know that looking down at a cellular phone and texting while driving is really stupid.  It's not skills, it's ignorance.  

I may have offended some people with this particular blog...

okay.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Hectic Hump Day

It's another edition of Hectic Hump Day.  Every Wednesday, I got on random tangents about whatever crosses my mind.  If you're not offended, I need to think harder.

1.  Sad to hear about Dick Clark.  Probably one of the coolest dudes ever.  Although I loved him to death, there was no need for him to be on the last few years of the New Years' Rockin' Eve.  He was struggling to countdown and struggling to kiss his wife.  I now know that Red Bull New Year No Limits is the only thing worth watching on New Years now.

2.  Speaking of New Years, I've noticed how dumb and drunk people get.  Do you know what you're celebrating?  A second.  That's it, just one measly second.  People find the stupidest reasons to get drunk.

3.  Whoever the crabby lady is at McDonald's across from the Civic Center, she needs to be fired.  When I thanked her nicely for my meal, she just growled and grunted.  Unless her dad was a doberman, she should try using her words.

4.  This season's cast of The Biggest Loser could be the whiniest cast ever.  Two of them quit because of the potential for a twist in the game.  Sorry, but Buddy and Mark are quitters and wusses.  They give men a bad name.  They say they wanted "competition", but what they really wanted was an easy path to winning.  Life isn't easy, why should a reality show be easy?

5.  So have you heard about the lady who was being abused, fired a gun into her ceiling, and is now facing 25 years in prison for aggravated assault?  In Florida, no less.  Basically, this woman was standing her ground in her own home, and she can go to jail for 25 years.  George Zimmerman was on public property when he stood his ground, and he can get off Scot free.  This woman, Marissa Alexander, was being abused and her life was in danger in the hands of her ex-husband.  Marissa is a black woman.  So...if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck...it ain't a dern mongoose.

6.  Don't you hate when people get on their cell phones at sporting events just so people can see them on television?  Who cares?

7.  Funny dialogue today.  I told my fella that he had to brush his teeth so they'd be white, and he can get a woman and get married.  He asked me, "do I look like a girl?"  I asked him, "no, do you think only girls get married?"  He said, "yes."  So basically, only girls get married.  Man, that makes my future a lot easier.  Although I'm a catch.  I'm nice and sweet and good with kids.  It's a shame I don't get to get married because I'm not a girl.

8.  The winner for the most persistent man ever goes to Oprah's long time beau, Stedman.  They may finally tie the knot some time.  I still believe Oprah is the anti-Christ until she dies.  People worship her, she has her own belief on how to worship and practice religion, and she has the money to fix the entire planet and two other planets.  Just saying...

That's all I got.  Enjoy the rest of the week.  Sorry this was so late, Whitney.  Whitney's great people, talk to her.  If you don't know her, just ask, I'll give you a rundown and her number if you want to ask her out for coffee.  White chicks love coffee.  Why do you think those people on Friends always went there?

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

First Week, Done

So I finished my first seven days at my new job.  I have to say that it was very tough.  However I also have to say that it was very rewarding.  Basically, I'm working with a young man with Autism.  I'll be helping him through life situations and circumstances.  Sometimes I'll get to manipulate situations to garner a proper reaction.  Nine times out of ten, I'll get the complete opposite of the wanted reaction.  Well, wanted by the rest of society. I'm good with whatever happens.  This job basically requires me to fly by the seat of my pants.

I am absolutely blessed to have this opportunity.  I get to help someone and make a little extra cash on the side.  Sometimes in life, you have to go a little further to get to the place you need to be in.  I've noticed that there are a lot of people who are struggling in life.  However, they're not really doing anything about it.  I just head about a woman in Michigan who got arrested for welfare fraud.  She was using her food stamps AFTER she won a million dollar lottery.  She decided on getting a $750,000 lump sum instead of the annuity payment plan.  Point being, she got a check for 3/4 of a million dollars and still used food stamps.  How in the world do you justify that?

Look, I'm not trying to be judgmental.  However, it gets highly annoying to hear people talking about their financial struggles while downloading apps on their iPhones.  I find issue with people who eat out every night and then fuss about how they don't get paid enough.  I had to learn that lesson myself.  I realized that if I want to really live life the way I'd like to, I'd have to work a little harder.  Angelina Jolie's character in Gone in 60 Seconds had a brilliant quote, "You have to work twice as hard when the work is honest."  If you want what you want in life, work for it.  It's how the 1% got to be the 1%.  It's not because they stole it from any of us.  Now yes, Warren Buffett is right that they should pay their fair share of taxes, and the fact that his secretary has a higher tax rate than he does is appalling.  However, he did what he was supposed to do to get his wealth.  Even though it's not in the Bible, God truly will help those who help themselves.  Of course, you have to ask Him to help you.  However, you have to work hard.  Give yourself a chance to succeed.

I'm blessed because I want to be.  I'm also blessed because I asked God to bless me.  I'm also blessed because God heard me asking Him to bless me.  Seems like that's the ticket to blessings.  Wanting it, asking for it, and getting it.

Thank you Lord.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Hurt People Hurt People

Hurt people hurt people - George Wilborn

Today I was listening to The Michael Baisden Show on the radio this afternoon.  They were praising Trayvon Martin's mother and father for being united for their child's sake.  They had a discussion about divorced parents doing all kinds of things to hurt their former spouse, usually with a sometimes blatant disregard for their child(ren)'s feelings.  George said something very poignant with the above quote.

It really made me think about people and how they act sometimes.  Why do people who are hurting tend to be the most hurtful?  It's pretty simple really.  It goes back to that old quote that misery loves company.  I've been friends with hurtful people, and they pretty much had a rough life.  And I do empathize with them, I really do.  However being hurt by people does not give people the right to hurt others.  I understand that life can be difficult, but you would think that that difficult life would be all you need to try to avoid others having that same life.  However, nine times out of ten, the ones that hurt you the most are the ones that have been hurt before.

I've always questioned why I have been hurtful in the past.  Most of the time, it's because I had a rough day or week.  It's not a fair thing for me to do.  You're supposed to leave the past behind you.  I know I'm asking a lot of people, to disregard what has happened to them.  However, there's a better solution.  Instead of repeating history by spreading your hurt to others, why not spread love?  Why not try to bring peace and joy to those around you?  Where does the rule book say that those who have been hurting get to hurt others?  Give people a chance to want to love you.  I've witnessed people being hurt firsthand by those that claimed to love them the most.  I've been the victim of those who have been hurt by others.  It upset me.  Still does, quite honestly.  Let's bring love back.  Instead of spreading the hurt that brought you down, spread the love that lifts people up.

Hurt people hurt people.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

What does it mean to you?

I've noticed in life that a lot of people gravitate to a lot of different things.  It always baffles me why people do that.  Although I shouldn't be baffled, I find myself being perplexed over people's idiosyncrasies.  I ask myself why I spend the time I spend doing this blog.  A handful of my friends and family read it consistently.  A few of my friends will share it when I strike a nerve that should be struck.  Although the Facebook page is successful, the actual number of people who subscribe to it can be counted on one hand.

So why do it?  Well it's simple.  I want to do it.  I feel I need to do it.  It's my way of venting personal frustrations.  It's my way of sharing my life with people who don't particularly ask.  I find this blog to be highly therapeutic.  God gave me the mind to do it, the Constitution gives me the right to do it, and my friends and family gave me confidence to do it.  I feel as if I'd be wasting this life if I didn't blog.

I wonder how many of you have held back from doing something you know you should do because you're scared of what the result could be.  I'm not talking about something illegal or just mindless.  I'm talking about something as simple as taking that trip.  Maybe there's someone in your life you want to be more than friends with.  There could possibly be a job or opportunity in life that you know you ought to take, however you're freaked out.  Don't be.  Stand up and jump for it.  This blog is my way of doing something I've always wanted to do.  Be free.  It's okay to fail, just get up and try again.

I'd post more, but I'm exhausted.  Have a good night.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Music Friday

So today is Music Friday.  This is the day I share with you one of my favorite songs.  I have a very sporadic and eclectic list of favorite songs.  Today's song is a bit out of my character, I guess.



Yeah I'm not really a huge fan of country music.  I can probably count on two hands the number of country songs I can tolerate.  However, this song never gets old.  I heard it today for the first time in a while when I was working with my fella at the new part time job.  By the way, if I ever use "my fella", I'm talking about the young man I work with at the new job.  I should blog about that.  My fella loves country music.  I actually had to program my car radio so he could have country playing in the car.  Sorry, Q-99 you lost your spot in the rotation.

This song is a lot like my life.  I honestly have little to no social graces.  Not because I don't know how to behave, I just have too honest of a mouth at times.  It can get me in trouble at times.  This song is about a guy who basically upset the classy people with his individuality.  We all should have that luxury.  We all should be individuals.  We shouldn't conform to the bourgeoisie.  I hate how people are worried about what others think about them.  Yes we should be respectful of others and try not to ruin other people's day.  However, we should always avoid being scared to be ourselves.  Sometimes it's bullies, sometimes it's just a crippling fear of being looked at awkwardly.  Whatever the case may be, don't let others define you.  You do you.  You be who you are, trust me, God loves you that way.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Women...Confusing

DISCLAIMER:  This particular topic is not about anyone in particular.  This is not based on a true story.  I am not venting about any particular subject that has happened in my life.  This is just me making an observation.

Women, I have an issue with you.  Not all of you, just the ones I'm talking about.  If you're not one of these, don't bother being offended.  If you are one of these, read this carefully and heed my words.  I like that word: heed.

Women have fought all their lives for equality.  Up until the late 1800s, women were kind of second fiddle.  It was tradition for women to kind of hide in the background and be the backbone of their family.  Susan B. Anthony fought for the right to vote.  The feminist movement of the 1970s was all about giving women power.  Chicks were burning bras and singing I am Woman, Hear Me Roar all over creation.  And now we have this whole Republicans vs Women beef that's supposedly happening.  Rachel Maddow's going all crazy on msnbc. It's really an interesting thing.  However there is one thing that women refuse to take charge on.  There's only one thing that women instantly go from feminist to traditionalist on, relationships.

It seems like as soon as a female sees a male they like, they instantaneously become June Cleaver.  Here's the battle plan that women have:  1) like a guy; 2) ogle, stare, wonder, and tell all her friends about her liking guy; 3) expect guy to telepathically know that he's liked and ask her out.

This plan rarely works.  You know what works, taking your feminist behind over to that dude and telling him what's up.  Aren't you woman?  Why don't you roar?  Oh wait, if you go over there and dude's not interested, you'll get rejected.  If you get rejected, you feel bad.  Hmmm, that's how it happens for us men.  We live with it and move on.  However for some reason, women can't have that same luxury.  Even though you're equal with us, and you deserve to be treated on the same scale.  Your words, not mine.  Look here women, stop choosing when you get to be independent and when you get to be a dainty flower.  It's absolutely annoying.  Choose now what you want.

I'm sorry I had to get so rough.  I understand that this whole dating thing is tough, trust me I know.  Oh, and if you do tell us you like us and you want to go out somewhere, you're buying.  None of that dutch stuff.  If you invite us out, you're paying.  If I invite you out, I'll pay.  If we mutually decide to do something, it's dutch.

I repeat, this is not about anyone in particular.  This is not based on current events.  This is all just me venting about observations I've made.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Hectic Hump Day

Today's the day I hit different topics in bullet point formation.  Enjoy the ride.

1. I'm sick of people accusing me of nefarious actions during my games of Words with Friends.  Look, a) I went to a bible institute, so I know biblical words; b) I fancy myself a bit of a chef and watch a lot of Gordon Ramsay shows, so I'm aware of different foods and sauces; and c) I was one question away from making the National Geography Bee in middle school, so I'm adept to geographical terms.  I know words.  Words with Friends ain't that serious...chill.

2.  They finally decided to charge and arrest George Zimmerman...about freaking time.  Look, letting the justice system take its course means you arrest and then go to trial; not investigate and try to figure out all the evidence before making an arrest.  Second-degree murder is the charge they're giving Zimmerman.  We are in for some rough times.  Racial tensions will be at a fever pitch.  It's sad that things get this way, but if George would have just listened to the police and stayed back instead of "standing his ground" 5 blocks from his house, we wouldn't be here.  Also, if the police would have just arrested him then and there and brought charges, we'd be okay with all this.  Let the court do its job...that's all I ask.

3.  I have to give a shout out to Hunting Hills Family Dentistry.  They really helped me cope with my fear of the dentist.  They did a lot of jabbing and poking of my mouth, however they got me at ease.  If you live in Roanoke and need a dentist, get at them.

4.  This Spring Break has been nothing short of exhausting.  I've been waking up earlier than I wanted to this whole week.  Oh well.

5.  My new job is fun right now.  I'm sure it will get crazier.  However I will not complain.  I am blessed to have two jobs.  Yes, I said two.  Because there are some people whining about not having one and I have two.  There are jobs out there, just work harder to find them.

6.  Colin Cowherd is right, Rachel Maddow is a lousy dresser.

7.  I have a question about the charge of second degree murder for George Zimmerman.  I am thinking one of two things will happen.  1) George will plea bargain to voluntary manslaughter just to keep this from going to trial.  2) This will go to trial and the prosecution will fail to prove intent to murder and George gets off.  Most of the people just wanted a charge and an arrest.  There you go.  I just want justice to happen.  If George can prove he was being attacked and was defending himself, then all power to him.

There are my thoughts for the week.  Enjoy your hump day, drop your pants, and slide your fannies on the ice.  The week is almost over.


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Take a Second

I was doing training for my new part time job.  By the way, I started it tonight and it was very cool.  One of the tasks we had during training was to write down our morning routine.  We were asked to take a marker and just write down everything we do from the time we wake up in the morning.  After we finished, we looked at the other person's routine.  What the lesson was trying to teach us was that we should try to think about how life would be like if we had to completely change our routines.  Particularly, a change taking place when you've lived your entire life doing your routine one way.

I tend to be pretty empathetic to other people's issues.  I always seem to have a grasp on what people are going through.  At the very least, I try to stay compassionate.  However that lesson taught me to be thankful for what I have.  We should be truly thankful for the fact that we don't have to depend on people for our routines.  In an instant, we can be trapped in a world where we have to give up basic tasks because we're not as capable as before.

I think you who are reading this should try that.  Write down your routines.  Then share your routine with someone else.  See what happens when you see how other people do things.  We should try that for everything.  I mean let's look at the people who are different than us and try to figure out why they're different.  Let's try to be more respectful of others and figure out why they are who they are before we condemn them.  It only helps everyone.  Imagine if George Zimmerman did that.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Foolishness

I want to address three news stories.  One that I've addressed before.  The other two I am addressing for the first time. They are silly ideals that are getting on my nerves.  Leave your comments and thoughts.

George Zimmerman is at it again.  This time, he's started a website.  In it, he's sharing his struggles since his "ordeal" with Trayvon Martin.  Now here's the kicker, he's asking people to put money in a Paypal account to help pay for lawyer fees and living expenses.  How hilarious is that?  He's suffering?  What about the Martin family that just lost a son?  Can you believe that he's crying about his horrible life when he chose to disobey the police?  There's a reason I haven't linked you to the site.  That clown doesn't get to have web traffic on my account.  How can he worry about legal fees when his lawyers haven't even met him yet?  Just saying.

James Hooker is a terrible person.  If you're not sure who he is, he's a California teacher who apparently fell in love with a student when she was 14.  He then left his wife and kids for this student.  He quits his job and takes this girl away when she's 18 to live "happily ever after."  Well if "happily ever after" means arrested for assaulting a teenage girl back in 1998.  So basically he is a pervert.  He's running around dating and sleeping with high school girls like it's going out of style.  News flash, being a grown man and sleeping with a teenage girl (same goes for grown women and teenage boys) is out of style.  You mean to tell me that there aren't any women in your age bracket?  Well seeing pictures of him, the ones in his age bracket aren't really into him.  There are some sick people on this planet and to be honest, Hooker's at the top of the list.

Sarah Jones is a Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader who moonlights as a teacher...or is it teacher who moonlights as a cheerleader?  Anyway, she is accused of having an improper relationship with a student.  No kids, being a teenage boy having sex with a grown woman who is a teenager is not cool.  You're being raped.  Just a heads up.  This woman has also been accused of sleeping around with various Cincinnati Bengals players (which would explain their ineptitude over the years).  It's so sad that kids are being exploited nowadays because adults who should know better are feeding into their selfish desires.  You can say age is nothing but a number, but the truth is there is maturity that goes into these kinds of relationships that kids don't have.  There's a reason 16 and Pregnant is a ridiculous show.  The kids that are pregnant have no clue how to behave themselves in front of their children.  There's a reason Teen Mom should be renamed Hot Garbage.

Feel free to comment or talk about this.  I'm sure you have some good ideas and stuff.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

I've Always Wondered

Easter is coming up.  In fact, it's tomorrow.  I don't write my blog on Sundays, so this is the only time I'll really think to address this.  We all know that Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Some of you may not believe that Jesus could do that, and you would be what we Christians call wrong.  Easter is also the most attended day for churches.  It's the day that everyone puts on their nicest clothing and show up to church.  Kind of like that yearly visit with God to see if He still likes them.  He does.  He just wishes you'd visit more often so He can truly bless you like you so desire.  I digress.  It's a mystery to me.  Why do we go all out of our way to dress up for Easter?

Every year I see it.  Little young men in cute suits.  Little girls in their flowery dresses.  Black women in some oversized, gaudy hat equipped with some kind of bow or flower.  It's not stereotyping if it's true, and you all know it's true.  Anyway, we all tend to get a little more gussied up for Easter.  It makes no sense to me.  It's like people say to themselves, "Hmmm, it's Easter and I haven't been to church since last year.  I'd better put on something really nice so God can notice me better."

That's not the best way to go about life.  If you want God to pay attention to you, try paying attention to Him.  Try maybe talking to Him in a prayer.  Try going to His house once a month at least.  It's silly to expect God to notice you when you haven't taken any kind of action all year to show Him that you're interested in what He has for you.  I know I'm coming off preachy, but it's the truth.  Try to be a little more supportive of God.  That way you don't have to come to church once a year and risk being hit by some old guy for sitting in his seat.  That actually used to happen at my old church growing up.  Pops would straight pimp smack you if you sat in his seat.  Easter Sunday was his target practice with his cane.  He kind of looked like Yoda with a light saber.

I don't know why I went off on that tangent.  I could backspace it, but you people need to know the risks of coming to church once a year and sitting somewhere dangerous.  However, worse than that is that it could be the last time you go to church until next Easter.  That's the real painful thing about this.  You sing God Bless America at baseball games, you have "In God We Trust" on our money, yet you can't take the time to visit God more than once or twice a year.  Strange thought processes.

I am so thankful for what Jesus did on the cross, and subsequently three days later in rising from the dead.  His death gives us a chance to live forever.  Every preacher is going to preach that to you when you go to church tomorrow.  Just a heads up.  You're going to learn about why Easter is about Jesus, not eggs and baskets.  That's another thing, who thought eggs, rabbits, and sugary candy would be a good idea to give to a kid with a brand new suit or dress.  Some kid with his Burlington Coat Factory suit and Payless shoes is going to get tons of melted chocolate all over his new suit.  Sad.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Music Friday

Today is Good Friday.  It's the day we recognize the death of Jesus Christ.  It wasn't just a death though, it was a sacrifice.  Jesus Christ could have called a million angels to rescue Him at any time.  He could have spoke death upon all His accusers without a second thought.  However He loved us so much that He allowed it all to happen so He could save us.  It's a pretty awesome thought.  Today's song is a song I shared with my best friend when she was going through some tough times.  I think everyone can relate to this song.



This song is such a blessing to me.  It tells me that even though things hurt, stink, and just have a tendency to go awfully wrong, God is there.  We should smile through the pain.  I'm not saying don't cry.  Crying is a wonderful way to get out emotions.  However when you have Christ in your life, you have a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding.  People question you when they see your joy.  Kirk's message is quite simple, keep your head up.

This song also tells us that we can bring joy to others with our smile.  Christians have a duty to bring joy to the whole world.  The world is full of sad days at times, and it needs a pick-me-up.  Nothing better than a good smile to make everyone happy again.  Bring joy to others.

I'm certainly smiling because God's sacrifice has given me the opportunity to be in a great church.  It's given me a chance to share my love for educating kids who may not have as much of a chance as their peers.  It's given me the chance to make some incredible friends.  It's given me the chance to share this blog with so many people.  I couldn't possibly be happier than where I am right now.  And for all that I thank Jesus, and smile.

Oh, and that's not George Carlin in the opening clips...I asked myself that when I first saw the video, too.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

I'm Doing It Right

So today at work we had our evaluations.  You basically get told how you're doing at your job and if you're meeting or exceeding expectations.  I won't go into details, but I was happy with how I was evaluated.  However the one thing that I took away from the meeting was the principal telling me how happy she was that I'm well liked among the staff.  Most notably, how they are happy I've acclimated myself to the school and not just the program I work in.  That means so much to me.

I get a huge smile on my face when I hear that I'm well liked.  God challenges us everyday to love each other as He loves us.  Sometimes, it's hard to do because some people are hard to love.  However when others tell you that you're well liked, it does something to you.  It lets you know that you're doing something right in the place you are.  You're being the light on the hill that God tells us to be in His word.  I'm happy about that.

Today is Maundy Thursday.  If you're not familiar with the term, it's basically the day Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This is exactly what I strive to do.  I strive everyday to love everyone as best I can.  Sometimes I fail miserably, but when others acknowledge that I'm doing it right, it brings a sense of joy to my heart.  

I wish more Christians would show love to others.  I see so many Christians forgetting how to do basic Christian principles like loving one another.  They keep pushing their own agendas and egos instead of truly doing God's will.  I see groups like Westboro Baptist Church completely tarnishing Christ's name with their hateful rhetoric.  Loving one another isn't hard to do for the most part.  Just be good to people.  Share your world with others.  Make people smile and feel better having had a chance to talk to you.  My wish is that more people, Christians in particular, loved everyone correctly.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Hectic Hump Day

I finally found a title and a day to do my random musings.  Hectic Hump Day will be the day I share my list of thoughts and musings.  Enjoy.

1.  Prayer is a beautiful thing.  Nothing of spiritual significance can be accomplished apart from prayer.  Dr. Jerry Falwell said that.

2.  Speaking of prayer, tonight we had a prayer service at my church.  It was awesome.  I try to pray as often as I can, but sometimes I just miss golden opportunities.  Well, no more of that.  I'm going to work hard at always coming to God for any and everything that crosses my mind.

3.  I'm having a hard time hearing about conservatives who are "tired" of hearing about the Trayvon Martin case.  Now, I've always thought conservatives were people who cared about being good to others and sharing family values.  However, knowing that someone was mistreated and abused should offend all people.  I'm also baffled that these same conservatives who can't take all this Trayvon talk after less than 40 days are still crying about Natalie Holloway, Jon Benet Ramsay, and are even trying to create a search party for Amelia Earhart.  Priorities, people.

4.  Ric Flair is now pushing some energy drink.  Sad to see one of my heroes become a pusher of products. If only he was smarter with his cash.

5.  Spring Break is coming, and I won't get to enjoy it because I'll be training and getting shots and stuff.  It's okay though.

6.  Sometimes I have to laugh at situations.  Some people do some silly things, and I can't help but giggle at them.  I guess it's better to giggle than call them idiots.

7.  I honestly don't think there's a war on women.  I think there's a bigger war on Christians.  It seems like Christianity is the only religion that gets pushed to the side while others are brought in.  A lot of it lies on Christians being apathetic and not taking a stand like they ought to.  It seems like there is a bigger war on anyone without the money to persuade politicians to do things.  I hate social war, where is the love?

8.  Apparently Arizona wants to stop harmless ribbing on the Internet with a law to call any kind of horsing around a misdemeanor or even a felony.  Same state that tells police it's okay to look a Hispanic looking person and check for their papers with no reasons wants to now tell the Internet how to behave.  Silly Arizona.

9.  Augusta National Country Club, the place that hosts The Masters Golf Tournament, has a dilemma on its hands.  They have a tradition of giving the CEOs of the sponsoring companies a membership.  One of those sponsors is IBM.  Their CEO is a woman.  Women have NEVER been invited to join the club.  What to do, what to do.  I'll tell you what you do, whatever you want.  Look, not allowing women into your elite little club is chauvinistic, archaic, and downright barbaric.  However it's also your right.  You're private, so whatever.  We can't keep telling private places how to handle things that we don't like.  If I don't want three-legged Irish vacuum salesmen in my house, that's my right.  If they don't want women, that's their right.  I will always think you're stupid, but I'll always defend your right to be stupid.

That's about all for today.  If you want me to expound on one of these topics, get at me.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Race and Stuff

This whole Trayvon Martin case has really taken the country by storm.  It seems as if this is becoming a racial issue.  Young black boy shot by a not black man because not black man thought young black boy was suspicious.  We've seen this video, heard that tape, and gotten everyone's opinion on the matter.  It seems like it's coming to race.  We really don't want it to come to race, but the fact of the matter is this: we live in a country where people are defined by their race.  It's a sad state of affairs, but it's the world we live in.

I hate when things become racial.  If I could change the world, I'd make everyone a nice shade of beige.  It'd help about 95% of the problems that our country is going through.  The Trayvon Martin case is a sad case of a man who got overzealous, nothing else.  Why he was overzealous, only George Zimmerman can answer.  Although I have to say that the cases of black people being misinterpreted as criminals just because they're wearing functional clothing in the rain is starting to get a little stale.  The fact that people prejudge others is something we need to start to nipping in the bud more.

The fact of the matter is, we are trapped in a racist world until everyone realizes that scientifically speaking, we're all the same color.  We just have different amounts of melanin in our bodies to determine how dark we are.  Some people like to manipulate their amounts of melanin in cancer pods, but hey that's them.  We're all in this together.  As much as people don't want to admit it, we are.  Especially if we're in the body of Christ, color should definitely not matter.

There is also that reverse racism that really annoys me.  I hear it in sports a lot.  Whenever you hear about a Caucasian basketball player who can jump or dunk, the first thing they say is, "He doesn't look like an athlete, but..."  How in the world can a professional anything say something like that?  There's also that whole, "he's an educated black man" talk.  Umm, thanks for the compliment, but just call me an educated man.  The fact that it's some kind of achievement to remember what your 8th grade English teacher told you about double negatives and where to put prepositions is astounding to me.  Stop this madness, people.  Being well spoken and having an opinion that didn't come from a Lil' Wayne song isn't a trophy.  It's the way life should go.

Race is a bother sometimes.  I'm proud of who I am, but I am also proud of who I'm not.  I'm not prejudiced in any way.  I'm not hateful in any way.  I'm happy to be the person that God has made me.  I don't see color.  Color, or lack thereof, is what makes us beautiful.  It does NOT make us educated, criminal, or athletic.  Please try to be better about that kind of thing.  Change was the rally cry of our President's campaign.  You may not agree with his policies, but you can't deny that change is needed by us if we're to succeed in this life.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Coming So Far

Today is the anniversary of a really tragic day in my life.  I don't talk about it much.  I'm not necessarily sure why I don't talk about it much.  I don't know if it's sensitivity to the subject.  It could be just an unwillingness to speak.  I'm not sure what it could be.  On this day, 26 years ago, I lost my father.

I was 6 years old when it happened.  The story is still pretty vague to me.  Mostly because I was so young, and I (by my choice) didn't ask a lot of questions about the passing of my father.  I just know that Daddy wanted to do something in Manhattan after work and that was it.  I learned that he went to Manhattan to be a peacemaker in an issue between mutual friends.

I often question why my dad chose to go that day.  I sometimes question why my mom would let him go out without coming straight home from work.  The one thing I don't question is God in all this.  I thought about the words my grandfather told me when he shared the news of my father's death with me.  He told me that God has a reason for this.  He didn't know what the reason was right then.  I didn't either.  However I look at my life now and realize that everything ends up for the good.  What Satan intended for evil, God intended for good.

The one thing about this whole ordeal is that I don't think I ever really came to terms with it.  I mean, yes I understood that this had a reason.  However, I just don't think I ever really lashed out like one would.  I never showed a lot of frustration with it.  I never really got into fights; never showed a lot of jealousy for boys who had their dads there.   Is that a bad thing?  At first I thought it was.  I wondered why I didn't get (excuse my tone) truly pissed off.  I've never wanted to find the men who took my dad away from me.  I think that episode of Desperate Housewives where MJ came to terms with his dad's death reminded me of my ordeal.  I wasn't given a basketful of stale homemade jam to pitch into a garage wall.  In fact, we didn't even have a garage where we lived.  All I had was my mom, my sister, and whatever Voltron toys I had at the time.

God gave me a peace that I will never understand.  To this day, I am thankful that God didn't allow me to truly lash out and show frustration.  I'm thankful because now I see where I am today.  How God has blessed me beyond anything I could possibly imagine.  I don't know for certain if I would have my relationship with God if my father would have stayed alive.  I don't know if I would have even moved to South Carolina, where I accepted Christ at 12 years old.

Always remember that no matter what happens in your life, God intends it for good.