Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The Chair
I was at a friend's house yesterday and he had a chair I absolutely loved and I went out today to find one similar. Not exactly the same although if I could have gotten his chair out of his house and into my car yesterday without him noticing, I would have done it. Today I found this one at Haverty's and probably would have bought it today but they had no one even offer to help me so maybe it's a sign. What do you think?
End of Year Thoughts
Well, we made it through another year. A good thing. It's been fairly eventful. I quit my practically volunteer, non-paying job. I sold my nice house. I got a really good job that I really like. I live in a box that I hate. I have a little savings. I'm practically debt free. I may never again own another house. I gained a little weight and now have lost back to where I was. My job has blessed me with several new friends I made it through the holidays in mostly one piece. Like every other year of my life, I have done the best I can.
So what will 2014 bring? There is a commercial on TV with a cute little boy making New Year's Revolutions. His main revolution is to eat more jelly beans. Not a bad choice at all.
You can go back on this blog and find that I have made resolutions in the past. I have goals, things I want to do but I've decided that formal resolutions are kinda pointless. Again, my goal is to do the best I can.
I want to plan a special vacation although my plans have already changed. I wanted to go to London or Hawaii this year but my boys want to go too and Kyle has an odd feeling about 2014 and I respect that. So my vacation will probably be meeting my niece Hope in Las Vegas and next year, 2015, will lead to somewhere more exotic. Who knows...things may change.
In June of 2014 I will find another place to live...out of the box, into somewhere bigger. 6 more months.
Sadly, in 2014 I will probably be a little less trusting. I have a friend, that for a specific reason, I have lost faith in and feel really disrespected by. This person has taken something from me literally and spiritually. My heart will be less trusting.
It's not midnight here yet and the fireworks are already going off.
I saw this on my cousin's Facebook page and swiped it. I hope this is how I can face 2014.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
It's a Wonderful Life
I've seen it about 100 times. It's on TV practically every day. I can stream it on Netflix 24/7. I own it on DVD. And on Sunday, I went to the theater to see it on the big screen and it was about the coolest thing I've ever seen. I had asked my friend John if he wanted to go and he laughed and said no. He also said it would only be girls but he was wrong. I saw several men there. Granted, none were alone or with other guys. Basically, their girls drug them, but they were there.
This movie was made in 1947 and was mostly a critical and financial failure. Jimmy Stewart is George Bailey, a man from a small town with big dreams of seeing the world. His dad owns the Bailey Savings & Loan, a small bank that today would be a credit union. His father's sudden death delays his plans of college as George takes over the business to keep it open. Without the Savings & Loan, the only person loaning money is evil Mr Potter. George stays and sends his brother to college. The plan is that brother Harry will come back and take over the business but Harry ends up with better offers. George's marriage to Mary, the great depression, babies and extended family obligations keep George in town. getting by, not getting rich. Then his uncle loses $8000 and George fears he faces jail over the missing money. He goes to Potter who laughs him out of his office and tells George he is worth more dead than alive. In desperation, George thinks of suicide. But George has many praying for him--Mary & his kids, his mom, childhood friends, people whose lives he's touched over the years and God sends Clarence, an angel out to earn his wings, to save George. Clarence's plan is to show George what it would be like if he was never born. Harry had died in an accident because George was not there to save him. Many men died on a ship because Harry was not there to save them. Their mom had to take in boarders. Childhood friend Violet was a prostitute (implied only of course). Mr Gower the druggist was a drunk. The local bar was owned by a thug. Mary was the town librarian. George had made all of their lives better and Clarence finally makes George realize that. He decides he wants to live after all and goes home to face the music. When he gets there, the bank examiner and the sheriff are waiting but George is so happy to see his family that he doesn't care. Then a miracle happens...all of his friends come to his rescue. Not one has $8000 but his friends come together to raise it. Harry salutes his big brother George, the richest man in town. And Clarence gets his wings!!
I almost know the story by heart and there were scenes where I had tears in my eyes. The movie was even more powerful on the large screen. And at the end, people in the theater were cheering so I thing they agreed. I remember seeing a movie that had Martin Landau as an old theater owner and about his theater he asked, why would people want to stay home and watch a box when they could come here? I know sometimes that the theater is not the coolest place...cell phones, crying babies, too much crap before the show...but I actually agree with Martin here. I still love it and I especially loved seeing this movie on Sunday.
This movie was made in 1947 and was mostly a critical and financial failure. Jimmy Stewart is George Bailey, a man from a small town with big dreams of seeing the world. His dad owns the Bailey Savings & Loan, a small bank that today would be a credit union. His father's sudden death delays his plans of college as George takes over the business to keep it open. Without the Savings & Loan, the only person loaning money is evil Mr Potter. George stays and sends his brother to college. The plan is that brother Harry will come back and take over the business but Harry ends up with better offers. George's marriage to Mary, the great depression, babies and extended family obligations keep George in town. getting by, not getting rich. Then his uncle loses $8000 and George fears he faces jail over the missing money. He goes to Potter who laughs him out of his office and tells George he is worth more dead than alive. In desperation, George thinks of suicide. But George has many praying for him--Mary & his kids, his mom, childhood friends, people whose lives he's touched over the years and God sends Clarence, an angel out to earn his wings, to save George. Clarence's plan is to show George what it would be like if he was never born. Harry had died in an accident because George was not there to save him. Many men died on a ship because Harry was not there to save them. Their mom had to take in boarders. Childhood friend Violet was a prostitute (implied only of course). Mr Gower the druggist was a drunk. The local bar was owned by a thug. Mary was the town librarian. George had made all of their lives better and Clarence finally makes George realize that. He decides he wants to live after all and goes home to face the music. When he gets there, the bank examiner and the sheriff are waiting but George is so happy to see his family that he doesn't care. Then a miracle happens...all of his friends come to his rescue. Not one has $8000 but his friends come together to raise it. Harry salutes his big brother George, the richest man in town. And Clarence gets his wings!!
I almost know the story by heart and there were scenes where I had tears in my eyes. The movie was even more powerful on the large screen. And at the end, people in the theater were cheering so I thing they agreed. I remember seeing a movie that had Martin Landau as an old theater owner and about his theater he asked, why would people want to stay home and watch a box when they could come here? I know sometimes that the theater is not the coolest place...cell phones, crying babies, too much crap before the show...but I actually agree with Martin here. I still love it and I especially loved seeing this movie on Sunday.
A chump and a fool
Yep, I am both and both are me.
I have spent my life pretty much alone. At 56, I don't trust many. I always care more for people than they care form me. And I know this. Yet I get my feelings hurt sometimes anyway. Say when your nephew gets engaged and you find out on Facebook. A nephew you loved from day one and who grew up in your house. I saw it this morning and I called and asked why he didn't tell and his response was it just happened and he had not told anyone. And I told him I didn't think I was just anyone. He said he was sorry but he was on the spot. And I hung up and I cried. I would have told him before I posted on Facebook. But I would want him to share my joy first and I would tell him first because he's important in my life. Obviously that feeling is one sided. And I have to wonder how I am always in this situation. And it's because I'm a chump and a fool
For the record, I like the girl and I am happy for him and think he deserves to be happy. Obviously, he does not need me. At all.
Wallowing in self pity here. Not a pretty sight. And I'll be over it soon. But right now, I hurt.
I have spent my life pretty much alone. At 56, I don't trust many. I always care more for people than they care form me. And I know this. Yet I get my feelings hurt sometimes anyway. Say when your nephew gets engaged and you find out on Facebook. A nephew you loved from day one and who grew up in your house. I saw it this morning and I called and asked why he didn't tell and his response was it just happened and he had not told anyone. And I told him I didn't think I was just anyone. He said he was sorry but he was on the spot. And I hung up and I cried. I would have told him before I posted on Facebook. But I would want him to share my joy first and I would tell him first because he's important in my life. Obviously that feeling is one sided. And I have to wonder how I am always in this situation. And it's because I'm a chump and a fool
For the record, I like the girl and I am happy for him and think he deserves to be happy. Obviously, he does not need me. At all.
Wallowing in self pity here. Not a pretty sight. And I'll be over it soon. But right now, I hurt.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Christmas name
I found a list on Facebook, the new authority for all things cool, of Santa names. So, from now until Christmas, I will only answer to my Christmas name: BoBunny Crazy-Pants.
Baylor
The first football game I ever saw in person, above a high
school level, was the Texas Tech-Baylor game in 1974. A doctor who had a hunting lease at the ranch
had box seats season tickets and gave them to us. It was not my dad’s thing but he and I drove
up to see the game because I wanted to come.
And boy oh boy I was impressed. The
stadium, the 50 yard line (only time ever I think), the game, the spirit, the
band. It all sealed my Texas Tech
future. Oh, yeah, there was the school
part…! I remember it was Veterans day
weekend and the band did a patriotic show and I thought it was great! I don’t remember who won…
This weekend I am headed for Arlington to see the same game. Now someone above my level has decided that
Tech never again gets to go to Waco and Baylor isn’t coming here…now it’s a Dallas
shootout. It’s all about money of course
but it also gets me a road trip so I guess it’s good. I don’t like losing home games and Lubbock
revenue to Dallas but I obviously don’t hate it too much. This time I will meet my friend Holly from my
college days and her daughter Lindsey and we are wearing our “our coach is
hotter than your coach” shirts like triplets and we will be at Cowboys Stadium
instead of the Jones. And we will eat
somewhere fun and stay in a cool hotel.
I guess, technically, I have come up in the world. And our hopes for a win are a wing and a
prayer but a good time will be had by all.
I guess I’ve come up in the world but that first game, with
my daddy, will live in my heart forever.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Happy Veteran's Day 2013
ARLINGTON CEMETERY
Jeopardy Question:
On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was:
"How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns" ----
All three contestants missed it! --
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance.
Very fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps:
It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not? He
carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are:
President Taft,
Joe Lewis {the boxer}
Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty..
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military
members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way,
Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that
guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
I'd be very proud if this post reaches as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless America
Jeopardy Question:
On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was:
"How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns" ----
All three contestants missed it! --
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance.
Very fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps:
It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not? He
carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are:
President Taft,
Joe Lewis {the boxer}
Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty..
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military
members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way,
Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that
guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
I'd be very proud if this post reaches as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless America
*********************************************************************************
This was posted on Facebook and I am assuming it's true. It's cool either way.
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