Veterans Day

Today is a day that really completes me as a person. My emotions run very high and I have a strong love for all that have, do and will serve our country. I look at them as my brothers and sisters no matter what branch of service they choose.

Today, my day started off just like any other day would. A little bit of a drive to my first account. During that drive I received two text messages from people I didn't think would ever text me on this day. Both text messages were nearly identical and I know they don't know each other. "Thank you for my freedom"!!! I can not explain how big the goose bumps were after reading these messages. Tears approach, my heart beat excels; I start reflecting back to 23 years ago when I made the commitment to become a Marine. I think about some of my friends who lost their lives while we were in Desert Storm. I think about what their families are feeling on this day. My heart goes out to them all.

I can only speak for me about what Veterans Day means to me. It is the one thing in my life that I am truly proud of doing. I now realize I didn't do it for me. I did it for every single person in America. I sacrificed plenty during my service but I did not give the ultimate sacrifice. The ones that did are the only hero's and role models that I would ever consider having in my life. Selfless acts for millions of people that will never know their name or give a shit if they ever do.

There is so much taken for granted in this country. I see it every single day. It fricken burns me up inside. People think their life is turning upside down over the littlest things. Well we have control over the little things. Don't be lazy and get it handled. They have been spoon fed over their whole damn life and they can't deal with a little adversity. I am not talking about people that battle cancer, losing their jobs, their home, or anything to that nature. I am talking about petty assed shit. You want to know what stress is live in those peoples shoes. Live a day with the military that is in a combat situation. Not knowing if the next step you take puts you on a land mine that takes your legs off.

Acknowledge the Veterans that you know on this day every year. Trust me. They will appreciate it beyond belief. Being a Veteran means that I know I was willing to take one for the team (USA). I didn't, but too many have. I am so grateful for all Veterans. God Bless America!!!

3 Months

Well it has been 3 months and a couple of days since I have last blogged anything. Several times I found myself sitting at the computer typing away and preparing something to post and the little voice in my head said don't do it. Sometimes that is how I roll. Other times I don't have a stinking clue as to how I roll.

Yesterday, as every October 28th is, was a pleasing yet difficult day for me. My youngest turned 16. What a thrill for him it is to have a drivers licence in hand. After speaking with him last night he is probably thinking about all the possibilities in front of him. Of course those possibilities are always going to turn out perfect in his eyes as I'm sure it does with every other 16 year old.

He brought me to tears earlier this month when I went back to Nebraska and watched him run in his conference championship for cross country. I can not explain with words how PROUD I was to watch his drive and determination while running 3.2 miles through pasture, woods, hills and corn fields. When I was 21 I ran 3 miles on a flat surface in 18:00 minutes and thought I was pretty much a stud. He runs 2/10th's further over a much more difficult path in 17:28. It leads me to believe I am nothing but a mere student to his ability. Did I say how PROUD I was of him? Yep, I guess I did. Well I am!!! The good thing is that he has two more years to improve and I know he is excited to do so.

LONG TIME

Okay so it's been a L O N G time since I have been on here and shared any perceptions or thoughts of any kind.

I really don't know what to say. Maybe it's because I am at peace with my thoughts and feelings. Maybe it's because there isn't anything getting on my nerves. Maybe it's because I am finally relaxed for the first time in a couple of years.

So this blog might just ramble about anything and everything.

I have always felt I have been misunderstood by my actions and reactions to certain situations. That's just me. Ask those who do know me well, and of those of you who read this there is probably just one of you that know me that well. Thanks S. W. for understanding. No offense to anyone else but I am very dry and sarcastic most of the time and very few people get that about me.

Lately I have been reconnecting with some music that I listened to back when there wasn't hair in any funny places. For those of you that have heard of Zebra you will understand what I mean. Those dudes are as old as dirt. I don't know about you but I wasn't born yet when dirt was a cool thing.

Did I tell you that I might ramble off the beaten path on this blog?

I have found a new energy for my work. It is funny to do what I do and go out every day in the elements; whether it be rain, sun, heat or cold and enjoy my occupation. I wouldn't trade it for anything but I have had some ill feelings to what I do. Lack of motivation, no desire or whatever it may be. I haven't put my all into what pays my bills. Conventions do help!!! I have found a new motivation to providing a service to my customers and making sure they are taken care of where before I haven't really given "two shits" about it all.

My children and I have always had a quiet and almost secretive communication between us. When we need the other they are there and that is how it has always been. No judgements, just good parenting and understanding. That is all still there but now we find we reach out to each other more than before just to say "hey, what's up"?

This past weekend (back to the job thing) I got to know some guys even better than before. We are all here to help one another out. Whether it be work, relationships, criticism, encouragement or what have you and that has been a huge part of the motivation I have rediscovered. I (as we all need to do) have discovered, once again, that it isn't about what I get.....it's about what I give. Giving is the best thing I can offer to anyone and if we all would give as much as we want then we would all be in the best shape of our lives. Emotionally and physically.

Again it's all about the perception and this is my perception.

Have a great weekend everyone.