If it was easy, life would be just another thing we take for granted.
Instead, we find ourselves climbing mountains or out of dark holes. Holding on to the last ounce of hope. Unsure of what the next turn in the road brings.
All this brings us back to faith. Trusting God.
Why do we sometimes make it so hard?
It is a simple thing, but ...
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Giving you some thanks
Ten things to like about Thanksgiving Day:
10) Most meals feature turkey, but we eat like pigs.
9) Hearing the same stories over again from Uncle Ted.
8) Whip cream, not just for pie.
7) Football
6) Letting your dad sit in your recliner.
5) Parades on TV, best seat in the house.
4) Watching as the women plot their Black Friday strategies.
3) Naps, a must.
2) Loosening of belts is allowed at the table.
1) Family and friends.
10) Most meals feature turkey, but we eat like pigs.
9) Hearing the same stories over again from Uncle Ted.
8) Whip cream, not just for pie.
7) Football
6) Letting your dad sit in your recliner.
5) Parades on TV, best seat in the house.
4) Watching as the women plot their Black Friday strategies.
3) Naps, a must.
2) Loosening of belts is allowed at the table.
1) Family and friends.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Celebrities do become our best friends
The latest fall out from Oprah Winfrey's announcement last Friday she would be ending her show in 2011 has to do with the family factor.
Fans find her to be the next door neighbor, an aunt, cousin, and even the best friend forever (BFF).
OK, laugh if you want. This BFF is amazingly true.
How many of us get connected with a character or characters on a favorite television show or an actor? Maybe even a few meteorologists.
I am not a BFF with Oprah, although I have watched her show.
I admit I am BFF with some of the meteorologists on The Weather Channel.
Before they moved the dynamic duo of Mike Bettes and Stephanie Abrams to mornings, I did not miss many of their night-time shows.
I could pick out the change in hairstyle or color, even if they had been tanning.
They come into our homes and we treat them like family.
Pull up a chair and talk about your dreams and hopes. Would you like a piece of pie or some iced tea?
Just as they look into a camera and are not sure if anyone is picking up the signal, we, the viewer, only know it is us on the receiving end.
Sure, we may talk to friends and family about the show or people involved. But it is that one-on-one time we have with them. They are so down to earth.
Just like fans of Oprah are forgiving her for calling it quits, I was able to allow Bettes and Abrams to go to mornings. They are young and rising stars.
I watch them still form time to time, but mornings is my time to workout, get ready for work and to get plugged into the work day via the laptop.
I hope they will forgive me.
Fans find her to be the next door neighbor, an aunt, cousin, and even the best friend forever (BFF).
OK, laugh if you want. This BFF is amazingly true.
How many of us get connected with a character or characters on a favorite television show or an actor? Maybe even a few meteorologists.
I am not a BFF with Oprah, although I have watched her show.
I admit I am BFF with some of the meteorologists on The Weather Channel.
Before they moved the dynamic duo of Mike Bettes and Stephanie Abrams to mornings, I did not miss many of their night-time shows.
I could pick out the change in hairstyle or color, even if they had been tanning.
They come into our homes and we treat them like family.
Pull up a chair and talk about your dreams and hopes. Would you like a piece of pie or some iced tea?
Just as they look into a camera and are not sure if anyone is picking up the signal, we, the viewer, only know it is us on the receiving end.
Sure, we may talk to friends and family about the show or people involved. But it is that one-on-one time we have with them. They are so down to earth.
Just like fans of Oprah are forgiving her for calling it quits, I was able to allow Bettes and Abrams to go to mornings. They are young and rising stars.
I watch them still form time to time, but mornings is my time to workout, get ready for work and to get plugged into the work day via the laptop.
I hope they will forgive me.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Mayer's music has meaning
John Mayer is back on stage again.
He played Tuesday night at the Beacon Theater in New York City. The concert was broadcast live by the Fuse cable network.
Mayer released "Battle Studies," his fourth studio album Tuesday.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Mayer said the song "Heartbreak Warfare" isn't about his publicized romances with Jennifer Anniston or Jessica Simpson.
While he might get inspiration for songs through his life, the songs are more about the music.
Mayer said when he and his band start playing, the people think about the music as it pertains to their lives, not his.
The Grammy-award winning artist hits the nail on the head.
Whether it's "Georgia," Daughters" or "Waiting on the World to Change," during those notes and lyrics I am thinking how they interact with my life.
Mayer can handle his own life.
His message in the songs helps me in mine.
During an interview with Fuse, Mayer talked about his latest album has him connecting with his fans in a more intimate way.
From what I heard on Tuesday night, he has pulled up a chair to my table and we are discussing the journey of life. It sounds great.
He played Tuesday night at the Beacon Theater in New York City. The concert was broadcast live by the Fuse cable network.
Mayer released "Battle Studies," his fourth studio album Tuesday.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Mayer said the song "Heartbreak Warfare" isn't about his publicized romances with Jennifer Anniston or Jessica Simpson.
While he might get inspiration for songs through his life, the songs are more about the music.
Mayer said when he and his band start playing, the people think about the music as it pertains to their lives, not his.
The Grammy-award winning artist hits the nail on the head.
Whether it's "Georgia," Daughters" or "Waiting on the World to Change," during those notes and lyrics I am thinking how they interact with my life.
Mayer can handle his own life.
His message in the songs helps me in mine.
During an interview with Fuse, Mayer talked about his latest album has him connecting with his fans in a more intimate way.
From what I heard on Tuesday night, he has pulled up a chair to my table and we are discussing the journey of life. It sounds great.
Monday, November 16, 2009
I'm singing the Russian Blues
I cannot believe a cat can be so observant about the environment around him.
I watched a Cats 101 episode on Animal Planet recently and it talked about Russian Blues.
Smokey, our adopted cat, is a Russian Blue.
He is quite the character.
I found out from the program that this line of cats does not like change.
So a month ago when we were on vacation, staying home rather than visit some place, that is why he was on edge. Make that a lot.
Russian Blues have routines.
Not a comedy act, but a set way of life. You mess with it and their world goes poof.
This explains why a few months ago when he was part of a weather forecast I did for the newspaper I work for, he would hide, hiss and howl not to go.
After I stopped taking him to work or filming a spot with him, it took three weeks for Smokey not to go and hide. Life is good for him.
I would like to point out, however, that I find it annoying that part of his routine is waking me up between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. That is something I feel can and will be changed.
We shall see.
Never mind what the experts say that Russian Blues are very fond of their owners.
I want some sleep.
I watched a Cats 101 episode on Animal Planet recently and it talked about Russian Blues.
Smokey, our adopted cat, is a Russian Blue.
He is quite the character.
I found out from the program that this line of cats does not like change.
So a month ago when we were on vacation, staying home rather than visit some place, that is why he was on edge. Make that a lot.
Russian Blues have routines.
Not a comedy act, but a set way of life. You mess with it and their world goes poof.
This explains why a few months ago when he was part of a weather forecast I did for the newspaper I work for, he would hide, hiss and howl not to go.
After I stopped taking him to work or filming a spot with him, it took three weeks for Smokey not to go and hide. Life is good for him.
I would like to point out, however, that I find it annoying that part of his routine is waking me up between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. That is something I feel can and will be changed.
We shall see.
Never mind what the experts say that Russian Blues are very fond of their owners.
I want some sleep.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Lighting up the season for the right reason
Saturday was a wonderful day. Temperatures near 70 and lots of sunshine.
I took time to replace the light strands on the big Christmas wreath we hang on the front of our home.
Let me back up here.
A year ago, I was trying to hang it when I found that a bunch of lights didn't work. After about an hour of replacing bulbs, I angrily decided the wreath was staying down.
For the past year, it has haunted me. It was the anger I had.
In the past 12 months I have recalled from time to time that anger and the reason for Christmas is rejoicing in the birth of Jesus and sharing it with family and friends.
In the hour or so it took to remove the old strands of lights and put the new ones on, I drank in the moment.
The new strands have a white cord. I took time to weave them into the green branches.
I wasn't trying to hide them as much as taking time to remember what peace on earth and goodwill toward men means.
The wreath goes up and is lit after Thanksgiving. I will enjoy it more than ever.
I took time to replace the light strands on the big Christmas wreath we hang on the front of our home.
Let me back up here.
A year ago, I was trying to hang it when I found that a bunch of lights didn't work. After about an hour of replacing bulbs, I angrily decided the wreath was staying down.
For the past year, it has haunted me. It was the anger I had.
In the past 12 months I have recalled from time to time that anger and the reason for Christmas is rejoicing in the birth of Jesus and sharing it with family and friends.
In the hour or so it took to remove the old strands of lights and put the new ones on, I drank in the moment.
The new strands have a white cord. I took time to weave them into the green branches.
I wasn't trying to hide them as much as taking time to remember what peace on earth and goodwill toward men means.
The wreath goes up and is lit after Thanksgiving. I will enjoy it more than ever.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday night on the radio
Here it is, Friday night.
I sit at the table in the kitchen and update my Facebook and Twitter, Check the e-mails and post a few songs for my friends.
Joining me is a radio station out of Chicago ... online.
Hmmmm.
Thirty years ago, I was listening to the radio, a station out of Chicago, and enjoying life as smart ass teenager.
Those were the days.
We lived our lives through our music. The heavy stuff for the heat of the moment. The ballads for the tenderness.
Tonight I listened to Electric Light Orchestra's "Roll Over Beethoven."
The album the song is one was among the first 8-track tapes I purchased. Some of you remember the 8-track. That was followed by cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs and music downloads to a mobile player.
ELO rocked me through my junior and senior years.
On those weekend nights when the friends were elsewhere or you had to work, the music moved us.
It is a feeling I have tonight.
To take a line from an Elton John song, thank God my music is still alive.
I sit at the table in the kitchen and update my Facebook and Twitter, Check the e-mails and post a few songs for my friends.
Joining me is a radio station out of Chicago ... online.
Hmmmm.
Thirty years ago, I was listening to the radio, a station out of Chicago, and enjoying life as smart ass teenager.
Those were the days.
We lived our lives through our music. The heavy stuff for the heat of the moment. The ballads for the tenderness.
Tonight I listened to Electric Light Orchestra's "Roll Over Beethoven."
The album the song is one was among the first 8-track tapes I purchased. Some of you remember the 8-track. That was followed by cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs and music downloads to a mobile player.
ELO rocked me through my junior and senior years.
On those weekend nights when the friends were elsewhere or you had to work, the music moved us.
It is a feeling I have tonight.
To take a line from an Elton John song, thank God my music is still alive.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Getting the message out
Officials from Facebook, Wikipedia and Google are at the Vatican for a symposium on the Internet and digital youth culture.
Pope Benedict XVI wants to get the Catholic church into the Internet age.
Benedict has already started a YouTube Channel this year and also e-mails and surfs the Web.
I imagine him looking at the silly animal videos on YouTube. Maybe he checks out the latest developments on the New Orleans Saints or St. Louis Cardinals on a sports site.
The participants will look into how the digital age is changing religious practices.
For the apostles, they traveled by land and sea to spread the good news of the Lord.
Now, with computers and mobile devices, churches have instant access to people.
God's word at the speed of light. Pretty awesome stuff.
Pope Benedict XVI wants to get the Catholic church into the Internet age.
Benedict has already started a YouTube Channel this year and also e-mails and surfs the Web.
I imagine him looking at the silly animal videos on YouTube. Maybe he checks out the latest developments on the New Orleans Saints or St. Louis Cardinals on a sports site.
The participants will look into how the digital age is changing religious practices.
For the apostles, they traveled by land and sea to spread the good news of the Lord.
Now, with computers and mobile devices, churches have instant access to people.
God's word at the speed of light. Pretty awesome stuff.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The sweet voice of Vin Scully
Baseball play-by-play legend Vin Scully said today in an interview he will be back for the 2010 season to announce Los Angeles Dodgers game.
The 81-year-old has been with the team since 1950.
No surprise that he still loves what he does, which is spin a wonderful story during a game. And he calls the game by himself.
I've enjoyed listening to him for the past four years since I buy the MLB Extra Inning package on my cable system.
Actually I would love to hear him provide play-by-play of someone mowing the lawn or even painting a room. He makes it seem effortless.
Tuesday also marked the 36th wedding anniversary for Scully and his wife, Sandy.
It is his wife who Scully said will help make a decision if he continues after the 2010 season.
He has a wonderful job but does not like the fact that Sandy is at home while he is at work. His children and grandchildren also will factor into the retirement equation.
The soft-spoken Scully enjoys the time he spends in the off season with his family.
For several years he has cut back his travel during the season. He only broadcasts road games from Denver and points west.
At some time, Scully will have to retire. When it happens, a legend will leave the game.
I hope it will be in the World Series. Because the Fall Classic needs a classic like Scully one more time.
The 81-year-old has been with the team since 1950.
No surprise that he still loves what he does, which is spin a wonderful story during a game. And he calls the game by himself.
I've enjoyed listening to him for the past four years since I buy the MLB Extra Inning package on my cable system.
Actually I would love to hear him provide play-by-play of someone mowing the lawn or even painting a room. He makes it seem effortless.
Tuesday also marked the 36th wedding anniversary for Scully and his wife, Sandy.
It is his wife who Scully said will help make a decision if he continues after the 2010 season.
He has a wonderful job but does not like the fact that Sandy is at home while he is at work. His children and grandchildren also will factor into the retirement equation.
The soft-spoken Scully enjoys the time he spends in the off season with his family.
For several years he has cut back his travel during the season. He only broadcasts road games from Denver and points west.
At some time, Scully will have to retire. When it happens, a legend will leave the game.
I hope it will be in the World Series. Because the Fall Classic needs a classic like Scully one more time.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The symphony of Fall
I was part of the symphony of Fall today.
Hoping I used the lawn mower for the last time this season. At this time of year, it is not about cutting the grass as much as mulching the leaves.
And added bonus today was applying the winterizer.
While I was out performing my part of the symphony, neighbors were adding tot.
The one raking the leaves manually. Then there was the roar of the blower of another neighbor.
Add in the hum of a riding lawn mower and you feel like your are front row at Carnegie Hall.
How could you not be outside today in the Midwest. Sunny and 70 degrees.
And now, the finale of the symphony is heard as neighbors and friends are snoring. The fresh air got to them.
And now it is getting me.
Good night.
Hoping I used the lawn mower for the last time this season. At this time of year, it is not about cutting the grass as much as mulching the leaves.
And added bonus today was applying the winterizer.
While I was out performing my part of the symphony, neighbors were adding tot.
The one raking the leaves manually. Then there was the roar of the blower of another neighbor.
Add in the hum of a riding lawn mower and you feel like your are front row at Carnegie Hall.
How could you not be outside today in the Midwest. Sunny and 70 degrees.
And now, the finale of the symphony is heard as neighbors and friends are snoring. The fresh air got to them.
And now it is getting me.
Good night.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Taking the time to fix things
I am still digesting what happened in Texas today.
A man. A gun. A problem. A lot of people's lives changed forever.
Why is not the question I want to ask.
This shooting is an explosive situation. One that needs calm, level-headed people leading the way.
There are many vantage points to this incident and I hope they will all be explored.
There are issues that need to be talked about. This shooting should bring them to the forefront.
We are dealing with people. They do not react or act like computers, guns or other machinery.
They are flesh and bone. Not wires, modems and processors.
My question: Can we take the time to fix some wrongs?
A man. A gun. A problem. A lot of people's lives changed forever.
Why is not the question I want to ask.
This shooting is an explosive situation. One that needs calm, level-headed people leading the way.
There are many vantage points to this incident and I hope they will all be explored.
There are issues that need to be talked about. This shooting should bring them to the forefront.
We are dealing with people. They do not react or act like computers, guns or other machinery.
They are flesh and bone. Not wires, modems and processors.
My question: Can we take the time to fix some wrongs?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
One, two, three strikes the season's over
What to do with the baseball season officially over:
10. Dust off all your bobble head players.
9. Sort through replica jerseys to see if any need to go to rag pile.
8. Start singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" until Spring Training.
7. Reprogram the alarm clock removing the organ music for "Charge."
6. Return to the diet where hot dogs are not daily food.
5. Check into the cost of the 64-inch flat screen for next year. Great for Super Bowl, too.
4. Have all baseball hats dry cleaned ... and refitted
3. Replace artificial playing surface in the living room with basketball court for college hoops season.
2. Have beer truck stop making home deliveries.
1. You hear the fat lady singing.
10. Dust off all your bobble head players.
9. Sort through replica jerseys to see if any need to go to rag pile.
8. Start singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" until Spring Training.
7. Reprogram the alarm clock removing the organ music for "Charge."
6. Return to the diet where hot dogs are not daily food.
5. Check into the cost of the 64-inch flat screen for next year. Great for Super Bowl, too.
4. Have all baseball hats dry cleaned ... and refitted
3. Replace artificial playing surface in the living room with basketball court for college hoops season.
2. Have beer truck stop making home deliveries.
1. You hear the fat lady singing.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Ring a ding ... splash
Ten things that come to mind after a cell phone is dropped in a toilet
10. Flush it.
9. Take battery out and give it to your dog for a chew toy.
8. Put on a scuba mask and go after it
7. Makes a nice paper weight.
6. Great to use as an excuse for not getting call from your spouse.
5. Never really liked that color phone anyway.
4. New fish tank accessory.
3. Second one you dropped ... now you have a pair.
2. Grumble to yourself the clerk was right about taking out the insurance plan.
1. Becomes hood ornament on your VW bug.
10. Flush it.
9. Take battery out and give it to your dog for a chew toy.
8. Put on a scuba mask and go after it
7. Makes a nice paper weight.
6. Great to use as an excuse for not getting call from your spouse.
5. Never really liked that color phone anyway.
4. New fish tank accessory.
3. Second one you dropped ... now you have a pair.
2. Grumble to yourself the clerk was right about taking out the insurance plan.
1. Becomes hood ornament on your VW bug.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Living in a fantasy world
Do people get a little too attached to their favorite shows or networks?
I ponder that question after having a bad experience on Facebook today.
In the end, all turned out all right, but it did strike a nerve.
I commented on a cable channel Facebook page I follow. One of the on-air talents is off this week. I joked about how much time the person had for vacation. I added Laughing Out Loud (LOL) as well.
That message was met with a stern statement from a fan who said the on-air person had been on assignment the week before.
I told the person to lighten up.
I guess this person didn't like that and told me to look in the mirror. And the person called me honey.
I have a lot of white hair in the photo I use on Facebook. I have earned that hair color.
After letting the Polish-Hungarian blood boil, I responded with an explanation that I joke with these on-air people. I like them. Just a little banter between media people. I told the poster I didn't know they took the network that serious and apologized.
I received a reply back that offered an apology and explained she was tired of all the people complaining about the on-air talent and changes in programming since the network had been bought.
Upon telling the story to a co-worker, she said to some people this is their life.
It might be why people follow a certain writer or actor. We feel we know them like family. In truth, we see a side of them, just like you and I see a side of people.
But what happens after the lights go off on stage or in the studio? These media people go on with their lives.
Reality hits us.
It is nice to be a fan, which is short for fanatic. But we need to live in the real world.
I ponder that question after having a bad experience on Facebook today.
In the end, all turned out all right, but it did strike a nerve.
I commented on a cable channel Facebook page I follow. One of the on-air talents is off this week. I joked about how much time the person had for vacation. I added Laughing Out Loud (LOL) as well.
That message was met with a stern statement from a fan who said the on-air person had been on assignment the week before.
I told the person to lighten up.
I guess this person didn't like that and told me to look in the mirror. And the person called me honey.
I have a lot of white hair in the photo I use on Facebook. I have earned that hair color.
After letting the Polish-Hungarian blood boil, I responded with an explanation that I joke with these on-air people. I like them. Just a little banter between media people. I told the poster I didn't know they took the network that serious and apologized.
I received a reply back that offered an apology and explained she was tired of all the people complaining about the on-air talent and changes in programming since the network had been bought.
Upon telling the story to a co-worker, she said to some people this is their life.
It might be why people follow a certain writer or actor. We feel we know them like family. In truth, we see a side of them, just like you and I see a side of people.
But what happens after the lights go off on stage or in the studio? These media people go on with their lives.
Reality hits us.
It is nice to be a fan, which is short for fanatic. But we need to live in the real world.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Wow, my niece is 18
We celebrated my niece's 18th birthday Sunday.
I remember meeting her for the first time 16 years ago. Always a smile on her face, and a laugh that made you warm inside.
Here she is 18 and a few months away from heading to college.
Where has the time gone.
It went by with her playing softball, volleyball and basketball. Going to her first dance, sitting through her uncle's career day presentation, and doing the things kids do.
Kaleigh is quite the young woman.
She might not be sure where the journey is taking her, but she is ready.
Mom and Dad have prepared her. There will always be a little more growing up to do.
It is a pleasure to be her uncle. I have loved when I get to talk to her. I throw those tough questions out that I don't ask in front of the family.
How is life really going? Are you happy in what you are doing, really? Is your uncle a dork?
I even get on her to fill out the paperwork for the college scholarships that can help her pay for her education. I do it as an uncle can do, in a kidding but firm way.
Kaleigh, the world is at your command.
I remember meeting her for the first time 16 years ago. Always a smile on her face, and a laugh that made you warm inside.
Here she is 18 and a few months away from heading to college.
Where has the time gone.
It went by with her playing softball, volleyball and basketball. Going to her first dance, sitting through her uncle's career day presentation, and doing the things kids do.
Kaleigh is quite the young woman.
She might not be sure where the journey is taking her, but she is ready.
Mom and Dad have prepared her. There will always be a little more growing up to do.
It is a pleasure to be her uncle. I have loved when I get to talk to her. I throw those tough questions out that I don't ask in front of the family.
How is life really going? Are you happy in what you are doing, really? Is your uncle a dork?
I even get on her to fill out the paperwork for the college scholarships that can help her pay for her education. I do it as an uncle can do, in a kidding but firm way.
Kaleigh, the world is at your command.
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