The meaning of Christmas

Twas after midnight on Christmas

and all through the land

Parents place gifts

in ways more than grand.

We eat the left cookies

and even drink warm milk

to try to keep the innocence

of our kids and their ilk.

The wonder of children

and the myth that they believe

reminds us of our youth

and our own Christmas Eve's.

Today tell the tale

of what this day is about

they should realize the reason

day in and day out.

For the day is not

about toys and gifts

instead it is special

for the spirits it lifts

A love shared between all

and peace so desired

of tranquility spread

and hope it's inspired.

The Tortoise and the Hare

It is an age old story about patience being more important than unplanned action and overconfidence. But, does the tortoise have the right idea? Is it okay to hide in a shell whenever something new appears? I believe a lot of us subscribe to the turtle's way of thinking. If it is new, it is bad. If we ignore it, it will eventually go away because of our lack of interest. The safety of the shell which we all enjoy is comforting. We are able to just be, much like a rock or a tree. We watch the world and are unaffected by the changes which surround us.

Life does not work that way. Our ability to adapt and focus is one our greatest strengths. Our ability to embrace new ideas makes us special. It gives us hope and purpose. It makes the unknown attainable, and it allows what is new to be easily understood. Let the tortoise's in your life know that it is okay to come out of the shell. Let them know that everything beyond our next step is unknown and by facing it, our lives can move forward.

The Funniest Comedy Routine Ever

When I was in 8th grade, a buddy and I were in Drama Class together. One of the things we were not afraid to do was laugh at ourselves...or others. When we were gonna atten a competiton, there was only one bit that we could do. There was only one thing we wanted to try, simply because, we couldn't do a read through without cracking up. Thankfully, there is no video of our performance. So, I guess I'll just have to link up...Abbot and Costello's
Who's on First?

I hope that you enjoy this classic routine as much as I do. Whenever I need a laugh, or to take the edge off, I'll watch this.

Nathan the Activist

As stated previously, my son Nathan is 10 years old. He is a very intelligent young man who has developed theories on the beginnings of the universe, the speed of light and the big bang among others. He was very disappointed to discover that some of his concepts mirrored those of another person who thinks outside of the box...Steven Hawking.
So, my wife and my son who have in depth scientific discussions at the dinner table on a regular basis. He has talked about ways to help the environment, or even asked about why we don't' have cars that run on water. I find the dialogues that they have very interesting, even if they are sometimes out of my and Lauren's realm of knowledge. All that being said, I think it is great that we are able to support our son to be an independent thinker when it comes to things that he is passionate about. If someone has passion about an issue, they are more likely to follow up and try to make a difference. He is passionate about helping the world and making it better.
Yesterday, I got home from work and was told of something else that Nathan has developed a passion about. Nathan is in 5th grade and his class is the last one which eats lunch during the day. Recently, he has become concerned about issues at school lunchtime. He told me that there have been times where the entree choices have been limited for his class because of the cafeteria running out of the popular choices. His group is left with the least popular entree choices. This week, he was a bit upset about not getting Stromboli, and being stuck with Kung Pao chicken. His reasoning was that his class and grade level should have the same choices as everyone else. He also feels that kids who are on the school lunch program should not be penalized for having to eat late in the day. Nathan did say it only happens about twice a week, but that is still not fair in his opinion. Again, please remember he is 10.
After thinking about the issue, and discussing with a couple of adults, he decided that communicating with the cafeteria via a petition would be the best way to get his message out. Yesterday, he was involved in the composition of the document which he was able to get his entire class plus 4 teachers to sign. He tells me he is not done and hopes to get the majority of the 5th grade to support his view. Whether this does any good is immaterial in my opinion. The important part is that Nathan has become passionate about something.
He wants to do something about what he perceives as an issue which affects others. He wants to make people think about others. Even though it may be a small thing or even a nuisance in the minds of some, it is my belief that this is his first step in making a difference in the lives of the people that are around him. Isn't that what we should all do? Shouldn't we all want to at least notice the issues which affect not just ourselves, but those around us as well? He is speaking up, he is not accepting things for what they are.

Nathan, I am very proud of you for wanting to make a difference.

Honoring our Veteran's

From the first steps of freedom

to the giant leaps of this age.

Our heroes protect us

from tyranny and rage

The nameless masses

who defend our shores

they have rescued the suffering

they have fought in our wars

Be it Army or Navy

Marines or Air Force

From the Declaration of Freedom

through all July 4ths.

They are our Veterans

from which we draw strength

They've given beyond measure

No matter the journey's length.

So today and all days

No matter your view

Honor our veterans

For all that they do.

First Steps

Like leaves wafting aimlessly in the breeze

Leaving the security of the familiar trees.

Looking upon sights forever unseen

finally believing in a chance to dream

Not knowing the destiny we each must face

we decide our route and set our pace.

As we each progress through day after day,

the decisions we make will show our way.

How will our options affect our next stop?

Will this be the choice which ascends to the top?

Or should we be patient, take a step at a time...

As the top is in reach of our unending climb.

The path we each choose must be our very own

The first steps are the toughest into unknown.

The day after

Just in case anyone did not notice...
The day after Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, we're all still here. There has been no cataclysm affecting the country, barrage of finger pointing, or even strategies set forth by a political party to "go back to the good old days."
No, instead we heard a gracious message from an outgoing president and his Secretary of State(who knew?). We saw the beginning stages of a political cabinet which may or may not be made up of bipartisan members filled with ethnic diversity.
We saw McCain driving in an SUV, but did not hear from him. It was as if McCain was driving off into the sunset at the end of his quest. McCain was dealt a very rough hand and has my respect more than just about any Republican leader in the country. I wish Senator McCain luck and happiness. I wish him and his family well in their next chapter of life.
We saw Biden and President Elect Obama(love typing that by the way)thanking those who had helped to pave the road that we now travel, but we did not hear from them either. Instead, the media commented on their feelings of the future. The future of the country, the electoral map, and the job which is ahead. We heard from the world and it's people congratulating us on the choice made.
We saw Palin. Yeah, we heard from her. Though, I don't think anyone is listening anymore.

Today is the Day

Before I get to my thought for the day, a few words to consider from the past:
From Wikipedia--
Declaration of Independence:
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish [sic] brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Those words were declared by our nation's forefathers 232 years ago. On that day, the bands of oppression of the British empire were thrown off and the American Revolution officially began. In the first section, you will notice in the Declaration, All Men are Created Equal. No matter the results of today's election to lead our country into a new age, I finally feel that the words of this Declaration long held dear to the American people can finally be considered as a truth. For a man born of a union of Kenya and Kansas has ascended to being only one step from being the leader of our great land. Barack Obama may be the candidate of choice for the United States today. He may not. Either way, Senator Obama has inspired. He has not only inspired the young or the old, white or black, or wealthy or destitute. Obama has inspired simply because he has run for the presidency.
Whether Obama or McCain...Hopefully, you made your choice today. It is our right and duty to participate and choose our leaders. It is what makes us a democracy. A democracy which our forefathers fought and died for over 200 years ago.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.

It was 12 years ago today. That's right, on Halloween of 1996 Kim and I got married. It was the most special day of my life. Like most married couples, there have been struggles. Both financial and emotional struggles at times, but they have always been overcome.

Since our Wedding Day, we have had two beautiful children: Nathan and Lauren, bought a house and built a life with one another that would not be traded for anything. We don't really celebrate our anniversary with big extravagant dates, we may be able to eat lunch together during the week. Instead, we go trick or treating with our kids, watch a movie in our living room, or just watch TV together.
You see, our wedding day and our marriage is the foundation for the life we have built from it.

Happy Anniversary Kim, I love you.

What did you think?

So, What did you think?
I thought the Obama program was well done. I felt that it connected well with Middle Class Americans and was very informative on the economic issues which America is facing. I do believe that the "undecided" voters that are left may have been influenced in one of two ways:

1. Obama's message of the future and fixing the economy resonated with them and made them realize that he was the candidate that would steer the ship of America back on course.

or

2. That Obama was being almost arrogant by buying time on the major networks. That if this was the type of spending he was willing to approve for 30 minutes of time, how much would he spend over a 4 (or 8 )year time frame.

5 days 'til the election guys. The people who are still undecided are the ones who can't figure out if they want paper or plastic or if they want an apple pie with that. I mean for goodness sakes, what are people waiting for? I may or may not agree with the choice made next Tuesday, but at least people will make some sort of choice. (Sorry for the rant)

Make Your Mark

Whether we are in red states or blue? Democrat, Republican, or independent? We have a choice. In the U.S. it is our choice on who will lead us. It is our choice on the individuals who will steer the ship or the issues which will affect us. Sometimes those choice are something as "simple" as a zoning plan or a smoking ban. Sometimes we are electing a city councilman, a mayor, or a constable.
But, every four years on the first Tuesday in November Americans have the opportunity to choose the individual to be the face of our country to the world. Does this face always say the right thing? Are their actions always something that we should agree with? Probably not. But, does everyone agree with everything that you do? Or everything that you say? I'd take a guess that the answer is probably no here as well. It is a job that only 43 people have taken on. Some have been great...Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt(pick your favorite). Others have shined for too fleeting of a time like Kennedy. Still others have made choices or been so ineffectual that we could not wait for the election to roll around again. All of these men(so far) have one thing in common. They were all chosen by the Electoral College(not always the American people---see 2000) to lead our nation.
Next Tuesday, we have a choice as Americans. It is not about who served on a panel with a guy 10 years ago. It is not about who voted which way for the past 8 years. It is all in the past. The future is what should concern each of us. It is not about recalling how things were in 2000. It isn't even about their running mates. What is Pro-America anyway?
Both of these men have the potential to be great leaders. I am not going to list the attributes of the two candidates. Each has been dragged through the mud in different ways recently. The spin machines are out there. Watch either Fox news or MSNBC and you can see differing viewpoints on the same stories.
It is very simple---John McCain and Sarah Palin or Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
It isn't even about McCain or Obama. Ultimately, it is about You. Which ones do you want to lead us? Which ones do you believe in? Which ones do you believe will be the persons to restore dignity to the White House?
Which of these will YOU be proud of the world viewing as your choice?
There is only one way to answer these questions. Next Tuesday, either before or after work---
Vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will close with this...
John McCain is focusing on holding on to the Republican conservative vote. He is a fine politician and a hero to our country. He wants the base to stay with him, and he feels that he will be able to magically solve the problems of the country. He knows how to do it. He is our friend as he has said on numerous occasions. He has told us of all of the things that he would do to change what has occurred over the last 8 years.

Four years ago at the Democratic National Convention, a young Senator gave a speech speaking about his party and the direction that the Country should take. He spoke of many things that evening but there was one point that he made then that should mean everything now. He stated that there shouldn't be a division between Red states and Blue States. He said that we should all be Red, White and Blue States. It wasn't about what was best for the Democrats or Republicans, but instead what was best for Americans. Kim and I watched his speech then and were electrified. He was young, and if things didn't go well in the '04 election we would probably hear from him down the road. In case you haven't guessed, that Senator was Barack Obama.

I have made my choice. It is now time for you to make yours. Whoever you choose is up to you.
The most important thing is next Tuesday to put on an extra sweater if it is cold. Bring an umbrella if it looks like rain. Bring a book of crossword puzzles or a Nintendo DS in case the line is long. No excuses...it is our right, our privilege, and our duty.

VOTE!

Gonna Actually write about something different today...

Okay, the title is Aquaman and the Kingdom of Atlantis. I actually thought that since I am a comic book nerd that by putting my favorite fictional character's name in the title, I'd write about the stories that I get the chance to read. I thought that by relaying information, that possible someone would go out and read an Aquaman comic book. It wasn't a huge leap, just one problem.
Aquaman is a King, a husband, and a father who has lost sons in the comics. He is ruler of 3/4 of the earth in the comics. The character is a powerful hero in DC Comics that people either love or hate. There aren't a lot of middle of the road Aqua-fans out there. The people who think that Aquaman is lame grew up with the Super Friends TV show. He was lame in the show, I'll admit that. But, in the comics...Aquaman has enjoyed a much different portrayal. He has been shown as powerful, stubborn, caring, and more. These are reasons that some enjoy the character. My reasons for liking and identifying with him are much different. Aquaman is an outcast. The character is misunderstood. Not only by fans, but as written in the comics, by other characters as well. He is a hot head, who believes in duty. Duty to others, duty to responsibility, and most of all, duty to family. I know it is dumb to identify with a comic character for reasons such as these. But, I do. When I was a kid, I was the outcast. I was different, I didn't care what others thought of me. I never tried to get other people to like me, they could take me or leave me for who I was. I didn't care and would tell people that. In my career field, I've never known when to keep quiet and "play the game." I'm not built that way. Growing up, my family was my priority. My mother, father and brothers were my world then. I would do anything that my parents are even my brothers would ask when I was younger. Heck, today it still holds true. My family priority has changed somewhat. My wife and children are my world now. My father and brothers are still very important to me, mom will always be as well.
Since I started doing this, Aquaman has only appeared in a handful of issues from DC Comics. It hasn't even been the Aquaman that I like. It has been a replacement character that DC came up with. Yeah, kinda like when the NFL went on strike in the 80's. They brought in replacement players...it worked out about like that. So, I haven't been able to let you know of any new stories involving Aquaman in a while. If you are interested, the only two appearances that I have found in the last 6 months have been in Superman/Batman #45, and Final Crisis #3. The Final Crisis issue was just a cameo, so that doesn't really count.
My favorite Aquaman images are those of Alex Ross:

I have started to try to find the Silver Age issues I'm missing. I am down to needing only 18 issues at this point. Not a lot of course, but these books were made between 35 and 45 years ago. They are not readily available. As I pick these up, I'll start letting you know. Thanks for reading this, and I promise more Aqua stuff will start appearing here. Let's just hope DC has some coming out as well.

Ike...I know but it is weighing on me quite a bit.

As the winds died down and the long night finally ended, those that decided to stay could finally sigh in relief at the ending of the storm. We left the safety of our homes to see a landscape which had changed from the violence of the storm preceding night. At first glance, things seemed as if they were inconveniences at worst. A limb down here, a shingle on the ground there, or even a fence which was downed due to the fury of the winds which had blown through so loudly. As I drove around the town which I call home, I saw mighty trees which had at last given in to the forces which had been exerted upon them. I recognized where buildings had once stood, now replaced by only a slab, piles of debris or remnants of twisted metal. Where roofs had once sheltered families from nature, the storm had placed a tree over (or in some cases in) the structures. It was as if nature was making the statement that no matter how invincible we feel,
nature would tower over all. Power lines were twisted and the poles which held them aloft were cracked and broken as if they were but popsicle sticks. The evidence of a horrible night experienced by those of us that stayed was visible at every turn. We could experience these images firsthand, but those were the only pictures to be seen. The power was out. We did not know the extent of the damage to our south, or even in other parts of our hometown. As the power returned, and newspapers brought scenes of the devastation, we began to realize how lucky we actually were.

to be continued

Baytown Centennial Square Apartment Residents

Nature

When I write, I usually do so to relax. I am usually able to coherently put together words into thought and convey the things that I am feeling. As I sit here today, it has been nearly two weeks since Hurricane Ike came through the Houston area and overturned countless lives. Some of our issues have been major while others have been almost inconsequential by comparison. Today though, I'd like to write about a group of people that I have come to care about a great deal. About two years ago, I started delivering goods to a retirement complex about a block from my store. The residents in the complex are not simply customers to me, instead they are people that I have taken great pleasure in helping over the last couple of years. Residents like Mrs. Peoples, Mrs. McCown, Mrs. McCartney(and Chico the feisty rat dog), Mr. Webber and Mrs. Williams are people that I have taken pride in being able to take care of by bringing them their scripts, a smile, or even their favorite ice cream if it was in stock. These people became my friends, and I like to think I have been a good friend to each of them.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Ike did not show these people the compassion that they deserve. The Hurricane pulled the roof off of the 4 story structure forcing the residents to relocate. I have tried to get information on my customers, with little success. I just hope that wherever these wonderful ladies and gentlemen end up, that someone takes the time to show them the respect that they deserve. I have had a couple of them call me already and let me know that they are okay.

So, if you are reading this make it a point to help someone tomorrow. Be it opening a door for someone with a full load, doing the little things that some of us take for granted or even just giving a smile to someone who is having a rough day. The impact you can make on them cannot be measured by words.

Hurricane Ike---getting back to normal

Well, it's been about ten days since the storm went through. Things seem to be returning to normal slowly. My staff at works seems to be adapting to the increased traffic in the store, and I am very proud of how each has handled themselves. We increased our normal sales last week by quite a bit and took care of more than twice as many customers as normal. All of this while under a city enforced curfew. I am not someone who really keeps opinions to myself very often, and this period has been no exception. A few of our group are trying to help out some of the newer people who have not been through storms before. We have been able to get everyone of the stores in our district open already. This number includes two stores on Galveston Island and one here in town that had significant roof damage. It makes me feel pretty good that some of the associates who only worked in my store for a day or two feel that they can call and ask me advice on procedures or for advice on how to deal with things like payroll. I feel as if I made an impact on them with how I treat co-workers.

I was able to take a day off today for the first time since the storm today. I had three goals:
1. Sleep In---it was accomplished because I woke up at 930AM--about 4 hours later than normal. Hey, I am a lazy bum, but I needed it.
2. Fix my Fence that was damaged in the storm so I could get my dogs off of chains.---my wife, who is more handy around the house than most( she actually was the one who boarded up most of the windows in preparation for the storm while I was at work), helped me take care of the fence in about three hours. It is a patch job, and not as neat as I'd like, but that's okay. When I get a weekend off, I'll probably work on it the right way.
3. Take my wife to lunch at her favorite restaurant. She loves Cafe' Adobe'. It is a Tex-Mex place which has a fried avocado which she loves, along with a Royal Margarita which is well worth the price. Three margaritas later and she was able to relax and get a nap this afternoon.

So, with my to-do list accomplished, I played Madden. A lot of Madden. So much Madden, that I increased the difficulty level, and got my butt kicked.
That's okay, tomorrow is another day.

Hurricane Ike

Here is the beginning of my IKE story:
The family and I are fine, we got power back today. Kim and the kids evacuated to her dad's house.First, let me start off by saying...A Category 2 Hurricane has sustained winds of up to 110 miles an hour. My house is built to withstand a cat. 3 according to the paperwork I have on the property when we bought it. The storm, up until 12 hours before it hit, was supposed to come in about Matagorda Bay, about 125 miles away. There were no mandatory evacuations issued for the area that we live in, it was really too late, in my opinion to get out. Hurricane Ike began to go through Baytown about 7 PM on Friday night. It started very slowly, some wind, some rain, no big deal. We were watching weather reports on the news. We started getting hit pretty hard around 11PM. Power was still on at around Midnight. Then, all hell broke loose.
Round 1
It was the first and last direct hit from a Hurricane that I will attempt to ride out. We made the kids put mattresses down in the hallway to sleep. When the winds started ramping up, it was like I had a freight train outside of my bedroom window. These winds continued from about mignight to around 3AM. Then, dead calm. I walked outside, looked up at the sky, and saw stars. There was no wind, no rain, there were no sounds. Nothing. The eye of the Hurricane was passing over Baytown, Texas. It was one of the most eerie feelings that you can imagine if you haven't been through it. My fence was gone. Blown every which way. Kids were still asleep, and the wife and I started clearing a little debris. We put it between the houses on my block to try to keep limbs from being blown into cars are homes. After we had fininshed with the minor clean-up, we tried to get a little sleep, in our own bed. About an hour later, the train came back.

Saturday:
The winds kept at hurricane force until about 8 am. That's when I went outside again. I started clearing branches from storm drains in the rain with lighter winds going on. The roads were under a little water, and I wanted to clear what I could. I helped where I could in the neighborhood by moving some branches. My neighborhood is in good shape in relative terms to the rest of Baytown. Baytown is in good shape relative to the areas south of us. On Saturday, I drove around the city to check on friends and my store. As some of you know, I manage a ... Pharmacy in Baytown and luckily enough, my store made it out in great shape. I had some awning damage and my signs are gone, but other than that, it is in great shape. Still no power in town. Saturday night was very warm in Texas, about 80-85 degrees overnight. The windows were kept open in the house, but we were all sweating.
Sunday
I finally convinced my wife to go to her dad's up north. Permission was given to check the store's out on the interior. I brought my drill to remove plywood and we checked all of our stores. Two were in good shape, one was not. I finished checking out the stores at 130 pm and by 2:15, we had a generator arrive to power a store. The electrician's got there shortly after, and just over 24 hours after the storm passed, the company I am quite proud to work for right now, we were able to open a store in a city devoid of power. Baytown staff started showing up to help. We were only able to stay open until 6PM because of a curfew in town, but it was a great start. A cool front blew in and I was able to sleep comfortably. I looked at the stars as I tried to sleep, but couldn't stop thinking about what we could do to help.
Monday:
I got to work at 7 AM. By 8AM, staff from all 3 of our stores were ready to work. We were able to fill scripts very quickly. We did little things like brew coffee to give to customers, put power strips out for our customers to charge cell phones, microwave some popcorn for kids(the only thing we asked for each of these services was a smile from a child or a chin up for a customer.) My staff and I have gotten hugs and thank yous from customers, we have had so many people come up and thanks us for being open, we have been called Saints and Angels, it has been amazing. Our Baytown staff has not asked for breaks or food or anything. Most refuse to leave work while we are open, simply because they want to help anyone they can. My store usually only checks out about 300 customers in a given day. From 8-530, we were able to check out 1000 people.

If you are still reading this, I apologize for rambling. I had one customer in particular who came in, it was her daughters birthday. She was upset, but we were able to get her a Warm Delight brownie microwaved for her daughter, so she was able to at least have a small birthday cake. We had another customer who told me that her child had not had a breathing treatment since Friday, we were able to plug up his machine and his mom knows to come find me twice a day, and I'll find him a spot in the store to sit and relax. There are times that I question whether what I do for a living makes a difference in people's lives, over the last couple of days I have been reminded that it is not what you do that makes a difference, but how you do it.

So, I want to thank the following people from Baytown stores who surely have made a difference in people's live over the last couple of days:
Rachel, TJ, Katelin, Chelsea, Gladys, Sylvia, Delores, Roger, Keitha, Linda, Kristy, Alvin, Joyce, Daniel, Douglas, Kevin, Lupe', Berling, Anil, Angelique, Yvette, Tandy, Rose and Kim.

Labor Day

When we think of Labor Day as a holiday, what comes to mind? Is it the Jerry Lewis telethon? Baseball? or Barbecue with the family? Labor Day is a day to relax with family, to contemplate days gone by and most of all, Labor Day is a day that most people rest. My Dad is not most people. This weekend, Hurricane Gustav chased my father and brother from their home in Vidor, Texas. They evacuated to spend a few days with my family while the storm arrived. Well, there was no sign of the Hurricane at my dad's home, much less my own. But, it does not mean there was no evidence of a Hurricane's aftermath in my front yard.

You see, while many were around the grill yesterday, my dad stated that he was bored. When my dad is bored, no one is bored! The yardwork projects which have been put off all summer long were tackled. Low hanging limbs were cut, weed trees were removed, a flower bed was beautified and a fence was fixed. What was left, was a pile of limbs and weeds 4 feet high. Growing up, Dad taught me about work ethic. He taught me, Jon and Brian that nothing feels as good as the feeling of accomplishment after a project is complete. He reminded me yesterday, and spread the message to my wife and kids as well. So, while the rest of the area breathed a sigh of relief yesterday afternoon, my family sighed in fatigue coupled with a sense of delight at a job well done.

Courage

Courage

Unfazed by time

or obstacles in the way

Moving forward with vigor

with each passing day.

Noting the sorrow

you feel from within

able to silence cries

as each dawn begins.

Bravery, unhindered

the fear disappears

farewell to the bitterness

reaching new frontiers.

Courage to ignore

your own self doubts

to rise above masses

and ignorant shouts.

Wat courage have you,

pouring from inside?

To split from the norm...

to not be denied.

It is the courage of self

that should always inspire

To achieve one's goals

to always reach higher.

This week, one of my employees went back to school. He is a young man who has always done exactly what was asked of him at work. He would work for others if they needed him to, and would usually go the extra mile, all for $6.50/hr. I hate to lose him, but I wish him well, and I wish him success. He is one of those youngsters that you root for to achieve everything they are capable of. With, Kevin...I believe he'll achieve more. I am extremely proud of him.

A True Champion

Has anyone ever told you, "You can't do that!" ?
Well, they've told me. It's frustrating to think that others feel they can put limits on what we can accomplish as human beings. I mean, others don't know what you or I can accomplish when we put our minds to it. At a young age, I was told I was too bulky to play soccer, that I was better suited for football. I tried football it was boring to me to play. You had all those pads on, so I played in what seemed like a suit of armor. After two years, I went back to my sports love, soccer. There were no soccer teams left in town for my age group, so my mom and dad drove 25 miles each way so I could play. I played for 6 years before and six years after football. I never has as much fun in sports as I did while playing on a soccer field. Years later, my kids have become old enough to play soccer, and every year I have ended up helping to coach them. I was told, you can't, I did it anyway. Because I wanted to. It wasn't will or fortitude or anything like that. I chose to do so.

This year at the olympics, several "that can't be done!" moments have fallen. From Phelps and his 8 gold medals, to Torres at 41 competing and winning a silver. What about Bolt, flying down the track like lightning and breaking a world record? All of these things were considered obstacles before the games. Artificial obstacles placed upon the participants by age, human limitations or even the epic nature of a feat which is trying to be accomplished. Each of those athletes, and thousands more at these games have chosen to become champions. They have trained and excelled as few others can. They have reached the pinnacle of human endurance and fitness. All of the olympians which we have watched should be considered champions.

But, there is one who stands out more than others to me. Natalie Du Toit is a swimmer from South Africa. During her 6.2 mile race, she had issues with her cap, she had issues with dehydration, and at the end, she had trouble getting out of the pool. She finished 16th in a race of 25 competitors. Her time was 2 hours and 49.9 seconds. To me, an incredible time. To her, it was disappointing. You see, she came to these olympics expecting to excel. She expected to medal, and declared she would be back in 2012. If you are still reading this, you may ask what is so special? Du Toit, just wants to compete. She wants to be treated the same as all of the other competitors. It is difficult to compare the inspiration of her story with that of the other racers. You see, Du Toit has only one leg. In 2001 she lost a leg from injuries in a motorecycle accident. Her hopes of olympic glory were considered finished. She was told that she would not be able to compete at the same level as before.
If you are unsure of the strength and endurance which it takes to swim this distance, the next time you are at your gym or a regulation pool, realize that most are 25 meters in length. Swim a lap without stopping. It's 50 meters. How tired are ya? Now, multiply that lap by 200= 10000 meters.
One pesky thing about people who are stubborn, or who have an incalculable will, you shouldn't tell 'em that something can't be done. They may do it anyway, just to spite you.

To read more on Du Toit:Amputee inspires in Olympic debut By The Associated PressPosted Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:44 PM ETBEIXIAOYING TOWN, China (AP) -- Natalie du Toit pulled herself onto the dock and waited for someone to bring her prosthetic leg. She stretched out the other leg -- the one she didn't lose in that horrendous motorcycle accident -- and chatted with an official about the first open water race in Olympic history. Du Toit didn't finish where she wanted. Not even close. But just making it to Beijing was a huge victory for anyone who's ever faced a disability. Hoping to contend for a medal, the 24-year-old South African amputee fell off the pace toward the end of the grueling 6.2-mile race and finished 16th on Wednesday, more than a minute behind gold medalist Larisa Ilchenko of Russia. "I tried my best," du Toit said. "I'm not too happy with it, but I'll be back for 2012." Don't bet against her. When she walked out with 24 other swimmers to be introduced for the groundbreaking event, it was quickly apparent she wasn't like any of them. Du Toit hobbled along stiffly on her artificial leg, No. 23 written on her back and both arms. While others bounced up and down to loosen up, she settled for shaking her arms. A couple of times, she walked over to the edge to splash water on her face and goggles, leaning over tenuously with the wooden prosthetic sticking out to the side, keeping her from falling over. When it was time to race, she walked slowly onto the dock and removed her replacement leg. Someone moved it to the side, and du Toit sat at the edge of the water, her right leg dangling in. When the starter called for everyone to get ready, she pulled herself up, wobbled just a bit and dove in. She was an Olympian. "My message isn't just to disabled people," du Toit said. "It's to everyone out there that you have to work hard. I've been through a lot of ups and downs ... but I've seen a lot of good things along the way. I was able to use the negativism in a good light and say after my accident, 'I can still do it if I work hard.' "You have to set dreams, set goals and never give up." VideosWatch the 10k The 10k marathon swim debuted in Beijing.PhotosNatalie du Toit South African swimmer Natalie du Toit, whose left leg was amputated below the knee after a 2001 motor scooter accident, competed in the 10k open water race in Beijing.Women's 10k open water Du Toit, who carried the South African flag in the Opening Ceremony, hung with the lead pack much of the race, but she had a problem with her cap and couldn't keep up when the pace quickened toward the end of the two-hour ordeal. She finished 1 minute, 22.2 seconds behind Ilchenko, who out-sprinted two British swimmers who led most of the way. Then again, du Toit's time of 2 hours, 49.9 seconds put her ahead of nine others, including 16-year-old American Chloe Sutton, who broke down in tears after finishing, every part of her body cramping and aching. "I was swimming next to her and she beat me -- and she has one leg," Sutton said. "It's incredible she was able to do that." Du Toit was an up-and-coming swimmer who just missed qualifying for the 2000 Sydney Games when her life took a tragic turn in 2001. Returning to school on a motorbike after a training session, she collided with a car and sustained massive injuries to her left leg. Doctors tried for a week to save it but finally had to amputate at the knee. Instead of giving up on her athletic career, du Toit was back in the water six months later. Swimming made her feel whole again, though she wasn't competitive with able-bodied athletes in the pool, where the legs are vital for starts and turns. Along came open water, which was added to the program for Beijing. There are no flip turns to negotiate in marathon swimming, which is usually held in lakes and oceans, and the upper body is more important than the legs. "When I take my leg off and I'm completely free in the water," du Toit said, "that's who I am." She had found her new calling. Du Toit qualified for the Olympics with a fourth-place finish at the World Championships in Spain this year. "I find it hard, and I'm a completely able-bodied person," said Cassandra Patten, who won bronze in the race held at the Olympic rowing and canoeing course. "She's an amazing role model." The race didn't go according to plan. Du Toit caught her skintight cap on a buoy and spent much of the time fiddling with it, trying make sure it didn't fall off. With the cap occupying her attention, she kept skipping the drink stops along the course and wound up getting dehydrated. By the end, her leg was cramping and searing pain ripped through her bulky arms. "I couldn't even get out of the water," du Toit said. "That showed I gave my best." After bobbing on the surface in the finish area for a few seconds, she finally hoisted herself onto the deck. The official came over with her artificial leg, which was stuffed with the T-shirt du Toit wore out for the start. She pulled it out, slipped on the prosthesis and walked slowly toward dry land. Du Toit has put herself out there for everybody to see, and she's eager to share her story. "Sometimes you feel a bit awkward kind of asking, but she told me everything. She told me about the accident, what happened, the rehab," Patten said. "She's got such courage. Everyone's insecure, everyone has insecurities. To kind of put that in show and be totally fine with that is totally amazing. I'm going to go and give her a big cuddle." Du Toit was not the first disabled athlete to compete at the Olympics, or even in Beijing. Natalia Partyka, who was born with a right arm that ends just below the elbow, made the Polish team in table tennis. Both will remain in Beijing after these Games to compete in the Paralympics. Du Toit will be looking to match the five gold medals she won in Athens four years ago. No disabled Olympian was more successful than American gymnast George Eyser, who won three golds and five medals overall while competing on a wooden leg at the 1904 St. Louis Games. His left leg was amputated after a train accident. Still, it's quite unusual for someone with a major disability to compete at this level, especially in a sport such as swimming where the legs provide so much power. Ilchenko praised du Toit for not letting her disability hold her back. She was right in there battling with everyone else in a race that's often called wrestling in the water for its rough tactics. "I'd even go so far as to award her a separate medal," the winner said through a translator. "I have enormous respect for her. It is exceedingly hard. Just looking at these people inspires you." Du Toit did receive a special gift from officials at the rowing basin: a traditional Chinese drawing encased in a wooden box. She doesn't want to be treated any different, however. "I worked hard to get here," she said. "I want to do everything on merit. This is not just a free ride." Du Toit didn't get a free ride Wednesday. She was an Olympian, just like everyone else.

The Olympics--What makes a champion?

The Olympics

As some of us watch the olympics this week and next and listen to commentators tell us of the training regimen or eating habits of some of the world's most recognizable athletes, I wanted to put a different spin on things. The gold medalists will get the majority of the headlines from these games, but some of us may forget that all of these participants are winners. There are roughly 5 billion people on our earth, and a large number of those people are paying attention to the olympics with an interest far exceeding a passing fancy. I am not going to get on a soapbox that people should love the olympics for what they represent, or how they are being presented. To me the athletes are there, not for themselves but for their nations. Last night I watched Michael Phelps win another Olympic medal and break a world record. I will not discount his dominance of his events, it's like Tiger and Jordan rolled into one. But to me, one of the most inspirational stories so far is that of the Israeli swimmer who did not originally qualify for the games. He was added to the team at the last minute, and was able to make his way to China. He went, not to compete for a gold medal, but to represent his country:BEIJING, China, August 7. JUST days before the 2008 Olympic Games officially began, Israel's Alon Mandel sustained a personal bombshell. While working around his house in Netanya, Mandel's father Costa died after falling from a ladder. Mandel has since made the decision to compete in Beijing before heading back home to continue the mourning process. http://www.bangkokpost.com/sportsplus/sportsplus.php?id=129415
He swam. He swam for his country and he swam because, as he said, that's what his father would have wanted. In an 8 person heat, he was the eighth to finish the race. But, to me, he cannot be considered last. He finished with the best recorded time for an Israeli swimmer for this event. Many who read this will know the name Michael Phelps as an Olympic Champion and he is. To me, Alon Mandel is a champion. Not for finishing first, but simply for finishing.
My condolences to Mandel and his family.

Help save the Aqua Hoodie

My wife will not go out with me in public after I purchase this thing, but come on...How can you argue with the fashion statement:
http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/its-a-cold-day-in-atlantis-save-the-aquaman-hoodie

If you are interested, sign up, join the cause, heck I'll post pics of me in this thing in public if it gets made.

As the Light Fades

Gaze into the sun

and see it's shine

thoughts of Heaven

and God so divine

As day becomes night

and the stars shine bright

remember the love

that comes from the light

Saying goodbye

and letting them go

much harder than any

can possibly know.

Why do some lights dim?

while still in their prime,

why do loved ones leave?

before it's their time.

Hold the love so near

as it must remain

living inside us

we'll forever retain.

For as Love lives on,

memories as well

the tears will subside

our stories to tell

Smile for what once was

say goodbye aloud

but celebrate lives

and make them most proud.

I lost my Mom a year ago today, and this is something that has been on mind a lot lately. Loved ones are never truly gone, because my Mom exists to me as much today as she ever did. I just didn't get a chance to say so long until we meet again.

Today marks one year...

I lost my Mom a year ago today. I spent part of the day with my dad, and a lot of time on the road. The thing is, when I drive, I think. Today, I thought a lot about Mom. I remembered a lot of the great things that we did. I remebered some of the dumb things that I crossed her on, but mostly...I remembered her smile, and I remembered her laugh.

Her's was a light that did not shine nearly long enough, but as it glowed it was bright indeed.

Mom, I miss you, and I'll love you always.

Freedom

As we look upon the sunset which will signal the night,

let us remember that there is no commodity which we hold dear more precious than freedom. Our freedom in this land 232 years ago was limited.

It was limited in the sense that a great Kingdom across a vast ocean chose our path for us.

We as a people were treated much like children, and decided no more.

Our founding fathers on this day signed a document stating NO MORE.

As a nation we have evolved. We have evolved because freedom is precious to all.

In the 1860's our nation battled against itself for the cause of freedom.

The freedom which all men should enjoy.

The battle scarred our nation but in time, we healed.

In 1920 our country finally enacted women's suffrage.

Women had the freedom to help to choose the leaders of our nation.

This freedom was long overdue, but we as a nation have progressed.

In the 1960's, a man Had A Dream.

His dream, though cut short by the ignorant is still being realized today.

Today, we are on the cusp of His Dream being realized,

as our nation has evolved again and chosen a candidate to lead us.

Not based on color, gender, or religion

but on merit and potential.

Today, we enjoy the Freedom to choose,

the freedom to enact new policy,

and the freedom to be inspired by media of all kinds.

Be it movies, music, art, books, or theatre our freedoms as a nation are limitless.

Tonight as we look towards the sky and see the bright lights of the fireworks,

Remember the lights which signified the freedom which we enjoy.

As we see movies, or watch sporting events today, remember those brave men.

The 56 Brave Men who stood up for a people and said no more.

Those men without fear of recourse,

or consequences signed our Declaration of Independence.

With those signatures, came our Nation's Freedom.

Happy 4th of July.

Whispers from Darkness

Whispers from Darkness

Lying at night,

feeling the breeze

we listen intently,

hearing with ease

whispers from darkness

we will not fear

hearing the rumbles

of storms which are near

never to worry

shielded by night

longing for morning

the sun's first light

as each day begins

we're starting anew

possibilities endness

in the daybreak dew

sunrise brings promise

chances abound

hoping to recount

last night's many sounds

the sounds of the night

your own dreams divine

embracing the hopes

of your own mind.

While some may be scared of the night and the unknown, it is best to realize that a dream is within the reach of all of us. It is only a matter of how much we are willing to work, sacrifice and aspire to be.

Spreading Our Wings

Dread and fear of
That which surrounds
Doubting yourself
hopelessness abounds.

Throwing off sorrow
Shattering your bonds
Anxious to begin
confidence responds.

Knowing in life
That we must grab
Life's bright mystery
Avoid the drab.

Longing to feel
the sun on your brow
It's time to believe
To yourself vow.

Spread your wings
Finally to fly
Reach for the stars,
your limits deny.

Times like a river

As time passes we each are swept away by the currents which are our own lives. We fail to take the time to enjoy. We fail to enjoy the ride or reflect upon our own past, we are mainly concerned about what's around the next bend. As you journey down the river which is time, make sure to sometimes just be. Be in the moment, lay back and watch the clouds pass by.

Mrs. Kelley

School's out for Summer

While the kid's may be happy, and the parents may be hesitant, others were not completely ready for the school year to come to a close. I wanna talk about my wife, or as her kids call her, Mrs. Kelley. This was her first year to teach full-time and she had 5th Grade science and social studies at Harlem Elementary. Going in, she was very excited, but also a little nervous about the adventure she was about to embark upon. Some of the kids were difficult, some didn't care either way. But, each day my wife would arrive at the school between 530 and 630 am. Most of the time she was the first teacher on campus, sometimes she'd be the last member of the faculty to leave. She did not do this because she was behind, but she wanted her kids to be engaged and interested in the subject matter that she was presenting. She worked about some Saturday's this year, and was usually lesson planning for her kids at night here at home. It paid off, as the year end measurements of achievement became available. Most of Her kids succeeded at the course work, and at the year end TAKS test.
After seeing her and her 5th grade team, I have a new understanding of the paperwork and red tape that a teacher must endure to accomplish much of anything. The administrators on her campus were for the most part amazing in the support they can lend. As the week drew to a close, she told me how much she would miss her kids, and I understood. I understood that Friday was the last day of school, and it would hit then. During the 5th grade ceremony, she broke into tears a couple of times. Her kids hugged her and told her how much they would miss her. She returned their feelings. She received flowers from at least one, bear hugs from several, and has an emotional bond with quite a few. You'll notice that they are referred to as her kids, they weren't students to her, they are her kids, she was responsible for them for 9 months. She took pride in that responsibility, and she will always take pride in them.
Last night, we went to dinner. It finally hit. She would see a handful of her students again. They would never be in the same place as a group again, and that made her very sad. After talking for a while she went through a list of 15-20 names of children that she had taught this year that had come so very far. I am sure, that over the next few years, we'll be attending football games and band concerts, so she can see some of her kids again. She is proud of the accomplishments of her first batch of pupils. More than that, I am proud of her. She has done an amazing job this year. She'll do an amazing job next year as well, and the next, and so on. I am very proud of you sweetheart, and more than that, you should be proud of yourself.

Remembrance on Memorial Day

Those Who Have Fallen

It is with both sadness and respect that we celebrate this day.
For this is the day that we remember.
This is the day that we look upon those who have paid the ultimate price,
so that our way of life would be upheld.

Those who have fallen are nameless,
except in regards to their loved ones to the majority of us.

They did not ask for glory, riches or even fame...
They have fallen.

To this day brave men and women are giving their lives in service of their countries and communities with nothing but their own courage to drive them.
They have fallen.

They do not represent a political party, or are trying to achieve an unknown objective...
They have fallen.

As we have slept in our beds, or gone about our daily lives being consumed with our own thoughts and situations...
They have fallen.

Take the time to thank those who defend us. Be it a soldier, a police officer, fireman or other servant of the peace.
As we celebrate today with barbecue or a trip to the movies
or even watching our favorite sporting event, please remember.
Remember that Those Who Have Fallen are the ones who deserve the honor, respect, and adulation that some reserve for those on the screen.

As you set out to make your plans this Memorial Day, make sure as you are packing supplies to take time out. Take time to remember the courage. Take time to remember the bravery, but most importantly, take time out to
Remember Those Who Have Fallen.

Newest Custom Slideshow

Dreams...

What is a dream? Why do we have them, and why do certain images continue to pop up as we sleep? Do our dreams try to tell us things that we don't wish to face while we are awake? I don't have any idea about the answers to these questions, only theories...

There have been times over the last year where my dreams have been simple and mundane. Of course there have also been times where my dreams have been frightening and brought on by what may be guilt. I have actually been sleeping better without medication over the last couple of weeks. I have dreamt lately of my mom quite a bit, but my reaction has not been what some may think. I have embraced those dreams and not wanted to wake from my sleep. As strange as it may sound, I guess I have felt comfort in being able to spend time with her, even though it's only in a dream.

Heroes

Heroes

We all have different views of what a hero is.

Is it someone we see in a movie or read about in a book?

Is it a sports hero or even a musician?

For me, a hero is someone who does something real.

A hero will attempt to make a difference in the lives of others.

Be it through keeping citizens safe from crime or danger,

bringing food to the hungry, helping those in need

or teaching a child to read.

These are the true heroes that we should aspire to be.

When you think about it, we can all be heroes,

maybe not famous or lauded by the public.

Maybe we won't be rich or

even receive any recognition from anyone but ourselves.

But, truly being a hero means not being concerned

about how others feel about your actions,

it means being selfless enough to know

that what you do is the right thing to do.

How will you be a hero today?

Facing the Storm

Facing the Storm

.

We watch the storm carefully as it's fury grows.

We listen to the winds howl and long for the rain to fall.

As the thunder claps and the lightning slashes the sky,

we grow weary and sometimes realize that we may be mistaken.

We grow afraid of what is to come and only want things to be as they once were.

.

Life is like riding out the storm

and waiting for other squalls to come and go.

The more furious the storms that we endure,

the more knowledge we will possess of the world around us.

The most important thing is to endure the storm,

do not shy away, don't shield yourself from the fury.

For, when we face the storms which life throws our way,

we grow into what we may become.

A little rambling on my part today...

I woke up this morning and felt like being a little creative in a different way, it is a rough draft of something, I do not know exactly what. But, I felt it conveyed some feelings that have been bottled up inside for a little while now. I did not know exactly where to post this for feedback on here, so here ya go. Please tell me your thoughts:

-----------------
One More Day

If you only had another day

to say all your good-byes

You would tell all your truths

and admit all your lies.

---------------------------

You would say so long to some

You'd realize what you'd missed

there would be some regrets

It would be a long list.

------------------------------

You would think "I did my best"

But, feel you went astray

you would make the tough choices

with only one more day.

----------------------------------

What are the things

that you would set right?

What are the choices

that you think of at night?

------------------------------------

With only one more day

You would proclaim your love

For those that are near you

or your Good Lord above.

-----------------------------------

We'll see no warnings

we'll receive no signs

there will be no chances

to relive the good times.

--------------

No more sunups or sundowns

todays or tomorrows

be thankful for happiness

and forgive your sorrows.

--------------

We should live each day

as if it will be our last

tell those close you love them

But above all, have a blast.

Happy Mother's Day Mom

Everyone has a different opinion about what Mother's Day is all about. Is it about celebrating someone who gave you the gift of life? Is it about enjoying time with the person who nurtured and took care of you when you were young? Not everyone is lucky enough as to have had a mother who was always there for them. For that, whether you want it or not, my sympathies.

Nurse, Counselor, Chauffeur, Coach, Teacher, Chef, Maid, Cheerleader, Referee... My mom was all of these things and so much more. But, my favorite thing about my mom, is that growing up, my mom was my best friend. We had fun together. Whether it was taking a walk or playing games, she was always there. When my brothers and I would play basketball in the front yard, she was there with us. Whether is was a soccer game, a scout meeting, or even just going to a friends house for a sleepover, she made sure we got there safely.

When I was 11, I wanted a hobby. I asked my mom if it was okay if I collected comics, she and my dad took me to numerous stores which carried comics. I was hooked. I can't begin to tell you all of the things that my mother means to me. As I grew older, tensions developed between my father, my brothers and myself, she always mediated the disagreements and made sure things were okay. As I started dating, she was there through my first crush, my first love, and more importantly, my first break-up. She told me that the sun would rise the next day, and I would wake up and start again. I never told my mother thank you nearly enough. I don't think any of us do.

My mom could make a friends in a minute and a half. She loved life, but loved people even more. We would eat lunch together as much as possible, When I got my license, the first movie I went to, I went with her. It was the Tom Hanks Dragnet film. It was awful, but we laughed together and had a great time. She was there for me when I had my tonsils remover(21) and the Chicken Pox(23). She was there for the births of my children. She came to their soccer games and choir recitals.

My favorite thing to do was make my mother smile. No matter what, as long as I got a smile, we were cool. On her 50th birthday, my dad had to work, so I took her to a bar. Someone put on some Garth, and my mom and I danced. During the song, I looked down at her and said" Mom, do you realize that you are half a century old?" She looked at me a minute and we had a chuckle and a hug. Time moved on, and so did I. I moved out of our little town, and ended up meeting my wife. I spent less and less time with my folks as my kids got older.

My mom was ill for a while, and then she got better. After getting as healthy as I'd seen her in 5 years, she and my dad stopped by to see me on their way home from a doctor's visit. She couldn't talk because of a trachea tube, and I told my father that he could finally get a word in edgewise. She looked at me funny for a second, and then she smiled. That was on July 4th of 2007. I was busy with it being a holiday, they cut their visit short because they didn't want to be in my way. I told them both I loved them, and went back to work. Four days later, my mother was gone. She passed away at home with my father at her side. I got to my father as quickly as I could, he has been strong. I have had a rough time dealing with mom's passing over the last 10 months. I work in retail, and have been selling Mother's day card, after Mother's day card. That has caused me to miss my mom even more. The hardest part was saying goodbye at her funeral. Jon and I each gave a eulogy, but as we each muddled through the words that we were saying to those assembled that day, I hadn't fully processed that my mother was gone. 10 months later, it has sunk in. I wake up each day, and the sun rises. It's gonna be okay.

Just not tomorrow. But, I think it will be soon. Thanks for listenin' guys.Happy Mother's Day to all of the mom's out there.

Random Thoughts

"Nothing you have or nothing you can acquire is as valuable as your integrity."
Mrs. Betty Leslie, VHS Teacher, 1989

I had a Physics teacher in High School, Mrs. Leslie, who told us that one day as others were discussing something in the news and how they would do anything to get their hands on...whatever. See, I don't remember exactly what the conversation was about, but I remember those words and that meaning. In the last 19 years, I have worked hard and had to terminate employees for theft on more than one occasion. Do I remember a whole bunch of High School Physics? heck no.

But, I took that lesson to heart that day. I mean, my parents taught me right from wrong. My heart knew right from wrong. But, no matter what Mrs. Leslie tried to teach us the rest of the year, nothing, and I mean nothing made as much of an impact on me as that lesson. It may have just been a remark to her, not to me.

I was driving through a parking lot in my hometown last week. There she was. Twenty years older, but still looking the same. Her lesson, still means as much to me today as then. Not from the words, but from the simple concise and oh so wise message. Thanks Mrs. Leslie.

My Aquaman collection...

Just to show that I totally need to grow up, I wanted to show a picture of my Aquaman figure collection( For some reason the KC Aquaman isn't shown, it's the best Aquaman figure to date IMO):





some customs I've made:
Aquaman, Tempest, Dolphin and Mera


Ocean Master, The Fisherman, Kordax, Marine Marauder, along with a DCD Black Manta and a couple of Pirate guys to go with The Thirst when I'm done:


Just felt like sharing I guess.

A great start to my morning.

Listen, you know how everything supposedly happens for a reason. Well, I've always felt that was a load of hooey until this morning.

You see, originally my plan was to go to work today, but the store I was heading to, I was at last week. I thought about my mom a lot this weekend and I haven't been sleeping a lot lately, so I decided to take a vacation day. After taking the kids to school, I thought about a project around the house that I wanted to work on. I headed into my local Baytown LOWE's looking lost. Boyd, one of the clerks on the floor noticed me. He asked if he could help me find anything. He led me to my items, and helped me carry them to my car.

The normal small talk followed about the project. I wasn't gonna do it today, but it looks like rain, so I wanted to have a project. He stated on a day like today, he'd probably kick back and watch TV if he wasn't working. I stated that I had lost my mom last year and if I didn't stay busy, I'd just shut down. Then, the strangest thing happened. He didn't say the normal "I'm sorry for your loss." He asked me if he could pray for me. I said I'd appreciate it. It may have been a sight to others. Two men, in the middle of Lowe's parking lot this morning praying in the rain. But, I'll tell you what, it meant more to me today, than most people could possibly imagine.

Just realize, if you are down, something as simple as a hardware project can turn into the great beginning of a day that I've needed lately. I'll never forget how much Boyd helped me today. Not with the lumber needs, but with my spiritual ones.

Thank You Boyd.

Mary Jackson

Two years ago today, I lost one of the most amazing women out of my life that I've ever met. Her name is Mary Jackson. She was Kim's mom, and I miss her almost daily. Her and Kim had a very special relationship in my opinion. She was a very organized person who liked everything her way. It took a while, but I learned to mess with her about it, maybe too much. I did it out of love, but sometimes I don't think she always knew that. She was almost always in a great mood, and could talk to anyone. Lauren takes after her in that respect. She could do anything craft related. I mean anything. What she made, she made out of love. She had a lot of love to give, and Nathan and Lauren adoored her.
Her and my father in law moved up to a little town called Maydelle, Texas a few years ago. It is a little town of about 250(not a typo) people. There is a post office in town and a little general store/cafe'. If you are ever at Bertha's, try the breakfast special. It is a town that time didn't forget, it just kinda decided to leave it alone. The men gather in the cafe' to shoot the breeze. If anything, it reminds me of a suburb of Mayberry from Andy Griffith. Well, upon moving to town, Mary made a lot of friends. She loved the country, and it loved her.

I can only imagine at this point how today will affect Kim, I know it'll affect me some. I miss you Mary. Your daughter is doing very well in what she was meant to do, I know you are proud. I also know you are watching over your grandkids, and they love you.

Been a little while

Let's see... In the last two weeks, pictures of my shame from the picnic were brought up at a district meeting. I'll never live down the hula hooping incident. I have gone through a retail inventory at my store. It went well, but could have been better. And, I spent a day at a friends store in Clear Lake helping them start getting prepared for an inventory. Why do you care about these things? You don't. I'm just trying to explain why I haven't had any entries lately.

I am up right now, because I can't sleep. I guess I could, I just don't want to. I haven't been sleeping well recently. Insomnia and I have been bosm buddies for over 20 years now. I guess buddies isn't the term. More like that relative that shows up and stays a while , then, just shows up again out of the blue. That's more accurate. You see, when I stay busy, I sleep fine. But, when I have a breather I run into problems. I keep getting told to take something to help me sleep, I just don't like to. I wake up feeling drugged and out of sorts if I take a sleep aid.

Weekend Warrior Woes

First of all, my company had a picnic this weekend. It was a day coordinated by our CVS district staffs and put together in a great and fun way for the whole family. There was tug of war, a limbo contest, hula hoop and a rubber chicken and egg toss.
I am not a small man, in fact I am about 75 pounds overweight, but the event that I looked most forward to was a softball game between our two districts. I was excited, ready to go, and the only thing I did not want to do was make a fool of myself. The positions were set, the batting line-up was set, and for some reason I was batting lead-off. I walked up to the plate half expecting to hit one in the gap and leg out a double for my team. I watched the first pitch go by and smugly looked at the pitcher, trying to decide where in the field I would hit the ball. The second pitch came and I swung. I nailed the ball pretty hard and took off for first. A single was in my sights, until my 5th step, where I lost my footing and fell headfirst onto the ground. I had succeeded on the second pitch of the game at making a fool of myself.
We didn't score in the first, and quickly took the field. I took my station at second base, and was ready to prove that my prowess with the glove would make up for my plate appearance. Well....It didn't. The first ball hit my way, I fell again. I won't say it was the shoes(they weren't cleats by the way). We got out of the first w/ only giving up a couple of runs. My first inning was worthy of a segment on AFV. Hopefully there were no video cameras present.
We were down by 8 before we scored, and only because we recruited a couple of people during the game. One guy walked up looking for the Keller Williams softball team, Kim told him, we could be if you want, but I'll go get you a shirt. He said that sounds cool, grabbed his glove and ran to the outfield. We ended up losing 9-4. It could have been much worse. I did end up going 2-4 at the plate and drove in a run.
The true result of a weekend softball game is only evident the next day. Today is the next day and I can barely walk. My legs and back are sore. The worst part is trying to get up. Work is gonna be rough this week. It's all good though. I've got a year until we play again. I have two options, get in shape and hit a batting cage or hire a couple of good ballplayers before our next game.

Not really a happy thing to talk about.

I battled what I thought was insomnia a lot when I was a teenager and in my early 20's. I wouldn't sleep simply because I had too much other stuff to do. Too many committments that I couldn't fulfill. I worked and went to school full time, played soccer, had a steady relationship, and tried to spend as much time with friends and family that I could. It caught up to me about twice a week and I'd crash. I made that choice then.
What I'm going through lately is different.Well, I haven't been sleeping lately. I don't know why, just haven't. I've mostly been sitting up at night thinking about my mom and how much I miss her. We had a lot of fun together, and I can't tell you what I'd give to get to talk to her again. See, when you're young you want to spend as much time with your folks as possible. As you get older, and into the teen years, that wish diminishes a lot. Until, finally, you have your own family with kids who wanna spend time with you. In the last couple of years of Mom's life I worked a lot, spent time with my family and attended funerals for loved ones. I should have known that I wasn't spending the time with my Mom that I should. I'd regret my inaction, and right now...I do. My father has been extremely strong over the last 8 months, and most days I'm strong too.
It's at night when I'm having the most trouble. My kids have an 830 bedtime and Kim is working full-time going in crazy early. That also means she's bedding down early as well. Which leaves me alone, with my thoughts. If I try to lay down, I think about mom. I miss her. I miss making her laugh or looking at her smile. My mom was my friend, and I need my friend right now. I love you mom.

My son

Let me tell you about Nathan. On June 17,1998 my world changed. That is the day I became a father. Nathan began getting restless inside Kim at around 430 am. We were ready for the day, well Kim more than me, he was a week late. He was taking his time I guess. Since then, he hasn't really taken his time on a whole lot. He wouldn't sleep well as a baby, unless I put him on my chest.

We knew we were in trouble when he was reading at 3. We knew his teachers were in for it when he understood the concept of gravity at the age of 4. But, I guess we fully realized what was going on, when Kim was subbing for an Algebra class when he was 6, and asked what Algebra was. She told him, "Nathan, it's when you have to find an answer to a question like 2x=12." Nathan responded, "so X is 6." He is a very smart young man, but he has a perfectionist streak in him. He worries about always doing things exactly right.

On his first birthday, he ate the chocolate cake so as not to get dirty. He loves being a kid, just sometimes doesn't fully understand their motivations. He's 9 now, and growing up before my eyes every single day. He is a great big brother and takes care of his sister whenever needed. He is a normal kid in that he loves video games. He can do pretty much anything he sets his mind to, except keep his room clean. I am proud of the son that he is, but look forward to the man he will one day become.

The Collector's quest...

It started years ago. A buddy and I, Matt Hoffpauir, used to drive from Beaumont to Houston on a regular basis on our almost monthly quests for the stuff we wanted. For me back then, it was comic books, mainly Justice League of America comics, and old toys. Matt was a collector as well and would pick up a few books as well. His main goal was music. The store's in Beaumont had the new stuff, it didn't matter. What Matt looked for was old music by Todd Rundgren, and a lot of other people I had no clue who they were. The music was great, it was mellow, and cool, and was the perfect ending to two friends who just liked to hang out and blow money we didn't have. Hey, bills were paid, so it didn't matter to us. Honestly, whether we found anything or not, we had a great time and would just talk about stuff on the drives.

Matt and I each have families to take care of now. My family will sometimes go on the adventures with me. My favorite stops now include Bedrock City Comics, Half Price Books and other Toy and books stores. With the internet being so prevalent now, I know I could find everything I was looking for with technology. In my opinion though, it's just not nearly as much fun. The thrill of the hunt for the latest action figure for me or outfit for Lauren or science gizmo for Nathan. To me, not much beats finding something which is cool at a flea market.

Okay, The season is on...

As stated previously, I am an Astro fan. So far, I've watched two games, and seen one run on the home team's side. It is not a lack of effort, it is not even a lack of talent on the offensive side of the ledger. Instead, I feel it foreshadows some things which may come this season. The pitching has been fine in my opinion. The hitting will come around. And you know what, things are gonna be okay for the Astros this season. But, enough of the light-hitting show. Tonight, let's get some runs on the board.

Go Astros

April 1st, What's the point?

I've never really gotten into the tradition of April Fool's Day. I mean, why do people feel that it's necessary to try to pull the wool over other's eyes on one day each year. I mean, I have heard some doozies in the past. Like the one, where Jerry Jones was gonna change the name of the Cowboys to the Arkansas Aarvarks or something like that. My problem is I'm gullible enough to fall for most of the stuff which is dished out. I am an immature kid in a lot of ways. I enjoy comic books, collecting action figures and watching dumb movies. I am glad that others enjoy this day, I for one just don't get it. Hope you had a great day, and fooled more than fooled you.

My daughter

Let me tell you a little about my daughter. Her name is Lauren Elizabeth Kelley, she is 7 years old and loves every living thing. She told me one day not to kill a mosquito because it was only doing what came naturally. She cares about her family and her friends a great deal, more than most 7 year olds should. She always wants to help and has a very dry sense of humor for someone of her age. Today, while i was at work, she sent her mom to bed and told her that she couldn't come out until she was told to. My wife, Kim, felt this was a good opportunity to stretch out and complied. I got home about 3 pm to my daughter sweeping up the floor and finishing up her cleaning of the living room. Nathan looked up from the computer and Lauren was thrilled that someone could see the job she had done. She did an amazing job cleaning the living room, The tables were cleaned, the floor was swept and the trash and clutter which was visible was all combined to one area. When I asked why she had done this, her response "so mommy wouldn't have to worry about it." This is a 7 year old who could have been playing or watching TV. Instead, she cleaned the living room, just because. So even though some may not look at this as a big deal, I do. I am proud of her initiative and the job that she did.