Tequila and Salt - Reality Check Follow-up

My last post was probably depressing and maybe did not paint a pretty of me...  you might have thought, damn, no wonder he is alone and sad!  This post is the outside layer of me doing what is right to motivate and help others feel better.  I don't know who the original author is, it was not me.  I apss this along to anyone else out there that needs to understand.

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10.  When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

Those that know me understand that I try to make a joke of everything.... so, in the spirit of being me, consider the following:

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
   Who the hell would do that and WHY for me???  You can be done with me!!!
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
   It's the "some way" that concerns me.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
   LOL, more than one Dan in the world... OMG!
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
   Well good for them
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep. 
   Hmmm, nightmare or something better???
6. You mean the world to someone. 
   Obviously they don't know me well enough yet...  but it is a nice thought that I really could mean the world to someone, for better or worse, richer or poorer yada, yada
7. You are special and unique.
   Oh, I am unique
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you. 
   Again, LOL, tell me who!
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
   That "is" how I try to look at everything... gets you through the day.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look. 
    I'm tryin
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
    So true, easier said than done...  we are a people that thrive on negatives.  Remember Rule #6

Dan's out

Another Reality Check... unfortunately

It was three years ago this past week that I lost my dad. I think that has been one of the most significant times in my life... an event that aches at my heart even today.  I changed because of it, which is not good, because the change I feel is eating me up inside.  The loss of my dad followed the loss of friends like Mike...  much younger than my dad, who lost his battle with cancer and the loss of one of my most beloved co-workers, Mary.  I remember the day she came to me and told me she planned on retiring in a year so I had a year to find a new Security Manager to replace her (she was not replaceable as a person).  A month later we cried in my office when she returned from a doctors visit and told me she had just been diagnosed with cancer... then I remember the day several months later I put her on a plane back to Boseman to be with her mom and the sparkle of her eye, grandson Max.  She died a week later.

As much as I try, I am devastated by the loses in my life... death is the ultimate loss.  However, loses whether at the hands of death, divorce, separation or being transferred around the county are taking their toll on me.  I've had my fill.  I work hard to smile...  to do good... to do what is necessary.... but I have lost energy, I'm running out of the ability to remain positive.  I am alone.

Today, I have just read a message from yet another friend who has been in full battle mode since 2009.  She writes on her blog at CaringBridge:

"Very sad news yesterday. My sister in law lost her battle with cancer. She has been very very sick. MY love goes out to my brother and the boys..


It also brings us to not such good news or me either.. I am know receiveing blood and platlet infusion 3 times a week. This is all the is keeping me alive. The doctor are giving me just a couple of weeks then they are going to suggest I stop receiving the treatment. I rarely get out of bed. Only sit up with the kids are a few hours is lucky then I am back in bed. Barely eat anyhting, At least I haven't vomited in a few days and the fever, rigors, sweats and exhaustion are setting in. That's why I haveN't written It is a real chore to come into the basement to use the computer. My vision is reallly blurry. And I can't reallly see what I am typing.

So because I have no idea when something could happen I want to let everyone know just how much I love you. I have been trying to find some majic words to write to all of you but I don't have them. I am scared, really sick, frustrated and at my emotional end.

Each and everyone of you has meant something special to me.Please remember me with a big smile, hearty laugh and open arms.


Live well, love more. Thank you for loving me and all your support during my battle."

How can I complain, this wonderful mother has acknowledged she is about to pay the ultimate price.
 
Life is too short.  Life can be happy, life can be sad.  There is no reason to be alone and sad.

Connecticut Welcomes You - to the Landfill?

 I had the pleasure of driving home to Massachusetts Sunday night via I-95 northbound out of New York City, a route I almost never ever take because of high possibility of getting stuck in traffic on the George Washington Bridge.  I normally would go north to I-87/287 to cross the Hudson on the Tappan Zee Bridge into White Plains, NY.  I now have a second reason not to take the I-95 route....  it is like a traveling though a landfill.  Garbage, trash, run down areas...  terrible roads and it extends right into Connecticut.

This is not a bash of Connecticut per se...  it could be about similar locations in any state.  It is a bash of how we as citizens have contributed to the mess.  It's a bash of the owners of properties, such as the ones pictured here, to not take the responsibility to clean them up.  It's a bash of people for throwing their trash on the ground... or feeling they are allowed to place their stickers and signs on the property of others.

I stopped at this Norwalk, CT rest area on I-95.  I presume it is owned by the State of Connecticut (shame on you) and leased to businesses, such as McDonalds (sort of shame on you...  I will say, the McDonalds area was the cleanest at this entire rest stop).  The parking lot is a trash can without the can.  Litter everywhere... in the parking lot, in the bushes, on the little patches of grass.  Welcome to Connecticut.

I thought the light post in the parking lots were interesting.  Hundreds of stickers of posters, signs and stickers... that's normally the first place I think of going to look for the best rates for a new home mortgage or for the ultimate weight loss solution.  What would make ANYONE think that posting their sign would be seen, let alone followed up on by anyone?!!! By the way, I made up the mortgage and weight loss thing, the spot where I took this picture from is as close to post I got.















Lastly, I thought it funny how I found a comment box tucked away behind a plant inside.  "How are we doing?" to sign ask.  There's a box to deposit your selections.... a pen to write them... but nothing to write on.  Do you suppose so many people were so disgusted, as I was, they already used all the comment forms?  I'm guessing this box has not been checked in years.  In case you can't read it, you can visit their Web site at: http://ctserviceplazas.com (does not appear to be a State of Connecticut page....  does that mean it is privately run and just designed to make you think it has something to do with the state?) or you can e-mail your comments to: comments@ctserviceplazas.com (1-888-406-3466).  If I were from Connecticut, I'd call or write them.

Does the Justice System Work?

This week we again saw what many feel was tragedy in our American court rooms.  Caylee Anthony, pictured here, was found dead about six months after she was finally reported missing. Her mother, Casey Anthony was acquitted of first degree murder charges levied against her.  Most people are appalled and flabbergasted.  Most people, but not the jury of her peers.  It seems sad, but I too think she got away with murder.

This is not the first time we feel our courts have failed us.  The O.J. Simpson trial was the most recent other alleged failing of the court system.  People were appalled and flabbergasted then as well.

I don't even know why I am writing this because I personally am so frustrated with the court system for personal reasons that could be a blog all of it's own.  I think the problem is that the court system is a system of no accountability.  None for the judges, none for the lawyers.  They could do what they choose almost without reprisal.  I don't buy the argument that it is a defense attorney's job to get someone off...  I think it is there responsibility to ensure a fair trail, but not at the cost of technicalities.

On the other hand, it is better than some of the options.

Volunteers for the Good

Last month, tornadoes came home to us in Massachusetts.  I have been amazed with the devastation and destruction.  I have been even more amazed at the out pouring of help of good people in the surrounding areas.  Story after story of people giving of themselves to help those that need it.  I know a few names, but they are only a few and they know who they are.  My hat is off to each and every one of you folks.  You are what we as a society are all about.  Thank you.

I've been lucky for most of my life in that I have never had to endure a natural disaster of the magnitude that destroyed people and property around me.  Most of the time, the closest I have been is to see what's happened via the news on television.  I do remember once on a flight to the west coast, flying over an amazingly hugh flood area where the Mississippi had gone over the top.

On the return part of a college trip with my son Tyler to Savannah, GA, we decided to stop early for the night in South Carolina.  Someone said, good thing you stopped, there are suppose to be tornadoes in North Carolina tonight.  Weatherman, who listens to them?  Well there were tornadoes in North Carolina in which several people lost their lives.  Driving up I-95, we drove through an area that had been hit and saw where, what appeared to be, a mobile home park.  All that was left was "stuff" everywhere, and I mean everywhere.  We saw people working on and going through the mess.  We felt the "wow" of it.

This particular post is about the Chain Saw Response Team that came to the aid of Monson, MA.  Kudos to you.  The pictures don't come close to telling the real story, but for those that are not here, it's a story.  Look -> here.  I am trying hard not to slam those that showed up and charged astronomical fees for their help, but I can't help it.  Just because you got to people that were over a barrel.  Screw you, what goes around, comes around.

Thank you Chainsaw response Team; Belchertown Helps Monson and ALL the others I don't even know about. I urge you, and you children, that if and when the need every arises, go volunteer, for something, for anything. Teach a value so that we may all take the time to help where help is really needed.

I Wonder.... Does it Always Have to Be Fair?

Reading today's online version of USA Today of the New York vote on gay marriage (http://usat.ly/iwXggz) got me thinking. First, let me say that this writing is not about gay marriage itself, it is about the concept of, does it always have to be fair? By that, I mean, does everything have to be fair?

I was provoked into thought be the articles statement "The trend seems undeniable, rooted in the American belief - and Constitutional guarantee - that everyone deserves equal treatment under the law". Let's get beyond the gay marriage debate or conversation and not even discuss my support or opposition for it. Let's think about what's fair and what's not; what's reasonable and what's not.

I wonder....
? if a girl should be able to join little league or boy scouts?
? if a boy should be able to join girl scouts or brownies?
? if the Professional Golf Associationshould be forced to change it's rules to allow a player to ride in a cart?
? why must we have both men's rooms and women's bathrooms?
? if it is fair that a basketball hoop is so high, should it be lowered so height challenged people can play?
? if it is fair actors and professional athletes get paid more than teachers or fireman do?
? if it is fair that insurance companies take our premiums and can also deny procedures our doctors prescribe?
? if it is fair only girls can join a sorority and boys can only join fraternities?
? if schools are controlled by the laws, why kids of any faith can't say a prayer, but the president can end every address with "God bless the United States of America"?
? if I can't have a Christmas Tree in my office if it is fair those against it get A vacation day for Christmas or get to participate in my Christmas sales (and it is a Christmas Tree, not a holiday tree)?
? if I can celebrate Black History Month, would it be also OK to celebrate White Human month as well?
? if it is fair kids with average grades get fewer scholarships and don't have the same options of those with higher grades (or more money)?
? if it is fair the president gets helicopter rides to the airport and I have to sit in rush hour traffic?
? if it is fair women's shoes are less expensive than men's shoes?
? why it is fair for me to open a business and be told My customers and me can't smoke in it if I want to allow it?
? is it fair that some people are hurt in accidents or struck with an illness when they have lived what appears to be the perfect life and others (I'll refrain from adjectives unbecoming of niceness) who seemingly have done nothing right... don't?
? why we always have to find fault instead of finding good?
? why we need hot water heaters, wouldn't cold water heaters make more sense?
? if any of this matters to you?

Oh, I could go on.... Life is certainly not always fair.
Please leave your thoughts, if you wonder why...

How bad is your job... really?

Words are not necessary if this is your job...  if not, be thankful you have one