So what the heck is going on people? So how do I break into this new year with a fresh question? Not really sure myself so I decided to take a look at what MY interests are in life. What I discovered was that I do not have much that I sit on the fence about. Meaning, I tend to go 'all in'. I look at the sports teams I like and realize I could easily be considered a Fan-atic! When I like an Musical Artist or band I tend to really find all the music they have ever made. When I fall in love with a writer or new TV series(or old) I want to read/watch everything ever done.
So I was going to write about my passions in life. You know, the passions that would not reveal TOO much about me and would not cause anyone to blush either. Anyway, I started thinking that maybe obsession could be deemed a more appropriate descriptor in some or these categories.
This is what I found online:
Passion is defined as: a: the emotions as distinguished from reason b: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c: an outbreak of anger d: ardent affection : love e: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept f: an object of desire or deep interest
Obsession is defined as a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling ; broadly : compelling motivation
So I don't know, maybe Passion is still okay. Spouse I think would say in some cases I definitely have a 'disturbing preoccupation' so I guess the jury is out and I will have to just watch myself closer. The last thing I want is to be considered 'Obsessive'.
And so that brings up the question of the week. Take a look at the things you consider yourself passionate about. Then look at the above definitions. Is it really a passion or are you acting obsessive? It almost can be how you perceive things through your own prism of view. So probably you will not come clean about anything you are obsessive about.
Well here's mine: Of all the things I am passionate about there is one thing that I always question myself about. And that is music. All kinds of music. I think I have stated it before, but I have several dedicated storage devices dedicated to storing my music. But it's not just a few favorites. I am constantly increasing my collection from music I grew up with. But I am also always looking for new music. When I hear something I like I want it. And I find a way to get it. So yeah, I think this may be borderline, but guess what? I don't think I will stop listening to music or not wanting music I like but I think it causes me to just step back and make sure I don't let myself get carried away with it. Anymore than I already have anyway. haha
So what are your passions/obsessions? Can you recognize the difference? And are they healthy and under control or do they control you? Just something to think about.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
from each according to their ability.....
In my last post I pondered about the hope of a new year. But how can I even suppose that there is any real hope left? Don't get me wrong, I am not a wack job declaring that the end is near. I do however feel as though the weight of the worlds problems are too much to bear. Too much to be borne by those who are being asked to bear it.
How often I have heard that the bailouts in The Great United States of America are what is good for the good of the country? Whose good are they referring and at what cost? I started this blog as way to be light and creative without any political pretenses or really anything that would paint a picture of who I was or what I stood for. As I struggle with the insanity of what is happening in the world today I find that it is too much a part of who I am and what I believe. What am I without the moral premises that I live my life by? Am I coming out of the shadows and revealing who I am? No, that is not what is going on in THIS post. But what is insane is what is being called sane in today's world.
In the cold war the United States was battling the real threat of communism it was clearly defined. Those who called themselves communists or its similar cousins(socialism, collectivism etc.) clearly stated their goals and designs for even the great United States. Most Americans stood up against this way of thinking. The USA was founded upon the most moral of all premises. That one is entitled to make his or her own way by his or her own effort. That if by the hard work, determination, sacrifice and risk one puts towards an end results in success that they have the right to enjoy that success. And to bask in the glow of that success without guilt or accusations of greed for wanting to succeed and then doing all within their power to do just that.
I have not posted much lately because of the lack of time able to do so but also because of the inability to become more lighthearted than I really and truly feel so deep down inside. During this time I actually lost followers. Is this important? I guess not but what does it take to actually take yourself off of someones followers list? More energy and effort than to just leave yourself there. I think that I will continue to lose followers because I will now on occasion bare a little of my soul so that I may at least create the illusion of peace within myself. Not because I will change someones mind or beliefs but because I will have cleared the worry and placed in somewhere that can give me room to deal with the day to day trials that I still have to face and conquer each and every day.
I DO have very opinionated views and did during the elections but chose not to comment either way. I do value all of the opinions of those that I stalk and all of those who stalk me. I value the fact that we all have different ideas and party affiliations and priorities we want our politicians to address. Some of you ignor politics completely, or at least think you do. We don't all live in the same country even. Anyway, there is a saying, "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need". What does it mean? It means that if you have an ability, any ability, you have an obligation to use that ability for the benefit of those who need it. This is not a new idea. Karl Marx stated this phrase as he outlined his vision of a perfect society in The Communist Manifesto way back in 1848. The social elite now preach that this is an enlightened approach to solving the country's and the world's problems. I am not attacking any political party. The political system in this country is infected by this thinking in every party and in every level. What are we doing that we are willing to take from those who produce and give to those who do not? Is it because I am heartless and unfeeling? I say that it is not. I am extremely sensitive and worry about those who suffer. But this country, yes I will claim the United States as my Country, was founded and fought and bled for by the spirit of hard work and that one has the right to earn his or her own way.
But what of those who are not as well off as us? This is where they GUILT us into voting away our wealth and the wealth of our Nation. It does sound good but it cannot work and we see the evidence all around us the more they force this principle upon us. They tell us that it is always the fault of the rich. They are evil, making their money on the back of all of us. Do I want to be rich? A resounding and emphatic Yes! DO I think that I should be given some of the money someone else earned just because they made more of it than I? No, it is not moral or just. But this is what they are selling, and have been selling for some time now.
The governments of the world including in the United States of America are taking all of the powers and rights of the free man. And these are rights not to be given by any government but rights that we are born with, given by our creator. The men who founded the United States Understood. We have forgotten. We have more people dependant on the Government every day. Why is it? Because we will provide. I say we because what people do not seem to understand is that the Government does not create money. It may print it but it does not create wealth. In order to give to some it must take from others. If the harder you work the more you are punished, why do you work harder? For most, it means you do not work harder.
In this system of from everyone according to their ability to everyone according to their need, everybody takes an equal share of treasure. But those who can produce Must produce in order to take care of those who have greater need. There is no increased benefit to those who have ability. In this system without benefit to the hard working, many drop out. What the federal government does is try to find that magic number that is one dollar less than the amount that will cause that producer to quit and exact that amount from them. But we are made to feel guilty if ever one person suffers. We are always so worried about what is fair. So what is Fair? Is it fair to work hard and take risks with all that you have and by the blood and sweat of your own hard work find success only to be made to support those who cannot or those who will not. If you look at those throughout history who have supported their fellow man the most it was the leaders of industry. The most charitable of all people are those who know what the value of a dollar is. Those who have earned it. And who is demanding those dollars and coming up with programs to take your dollar and decide who to help with that dollar? I will let you decide that. But I do know that if it is my dollar I want to decide where it gets spent. There are too many who are making a living on deciding where to spend my money. And it is all done for the good of the people. What people? Why is it never for the good of those who work and produce. Those who create jobs.
I am not one who has created a single job, but I am one who depends on those who do. There is talk of tax cuts. What really needs to gain momentum is the 'tax holiday'. This is a bill going through congress that would give every working American a break from any and all taxes for a quarter of this year. It would be a start. It would also be a tax holiday for corporate taxes. Talk about bailouts. This would be a real stimulus, letting people keep ALL of their money. But I do not think it will ever even make the floor for a vote. Why not? Because then the eyes of all of America would be open to just how much they are being squeezed. They would see the effect on the small businesses as well as the corporations who would not only save in their corporate taxes but on their matching payroll amounts. Once the eyes are opened then there would have to be an accounting and more than likely the IRS would be torn apart and we would move closer to a flat tax system. And the people, of whom the Government is supposedly of, by and for would no longer tolerate all the waste because they would see just what it was costing them. It would be like taking off the sunglasses you had been wearing in a dimly lit room and seeing things for the first time.
Well, I do feel better. Did I get things out of my clouded and crowded head? Most definitely. Did I drive even more away from me? Probably, but I hope not. I hope there is room for the occasional unloading and exchanging of ideas and philosophy. Will I ever post another humorous post? Heck yes!
Well, now that I have at least convinced myself that I have lifted a burden off of my back I think I will take a spin around the web. It has been so long. I wonder what you have all been up to.
How often I have heard that the bailouts in The Great United States of America are what is good for the good of the country? Whose good are they referring and at what cost? I started this blog as way to be light and creative without any political pretenses or really anything that would paint a picture of who I was or what I stood for. As I struggle with the insanity of what is happening in the world today I find that it is too much a part of who I am and what I believe. What am I without the moral premises that I live my life by? Am I coming out of the shadows and revealing who I am? No, that is not what is going on in THIS post. But what is insane is what is being called sane in today's world.
In the cold war the United States was battling the real threat of communism it was clearly defined. Those who called themselves communists or its similar cousins(socialism, collectivism etc.) clearly stated their goals and designs for even the great United States. Most Americans stood up against this way of thinking. The USA was founded upon the most moral of all premises. That one is entitled to make his or her own way by his or her own effort. That if by the hard work, determination, sacrifice and risk one puts towards an end results in success that they have the right to enjoy that success. And to bask in the glow of that success without guilt or accusations of greed for wanting to succeed and then doing all within their power to do just that.
I have not posted much lately because of the lack of time able to do so but also because of the inability to become more lighthearted than I really and truly feel so deep down inside. During this time I actually lost followers. Is this important? I guess not but what does it take to actually take yourself off of someones followers list? More energy and effort than to just leave yourself there. I think that I will continue to lose followers because I will now on occasion bare a little of my soul so that I may at least create the illusion of peace within myself. Not because I will change someones mind or beliefs but because I will have cleared the worry and placed in somewhere that can give me room to deal with the day to day trials that I still have to face and conquer each and every day.
I DO have very opinionated views and did during the elections but chose not to comment either way. I do value all of the opinions of those that I stalk and all of those who stalk me. I value the fact that we all have different ideas and party affiliations and priorities we want our politicians to address. Some of you ignor politics completely, or at least think you do. We don't all live in the same country even. Anyway, there is a saying, "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need". What does it mean? It means that if you have an ability, any ability, you have an obligation to use that ability for the benefit of those who need it. This is not a new idea. Karl Marx stated this phrase as he outlined his vision of a perfect society in The Communist Manifesto way back in 1848. The social elite now preach that this is an enlightened approach to solving the country's and the world's problems. I am not attacking any political party. The political system in this country is infected by this thinking in every party and in every level. What are we doing that we are willing to take from those who produce and give to those who do not? Is it because I am heartless and unfeeling? I say that it is not. I am extremely sensitive and worry about those who suffer. But this country, yes I will claim the United States as my Country, was founded and fought and bled for by the spirit of hard work and that one has the right to earn his or her own way.
But what of those who are not as well off as us? This is where they GUILT us into voting away our wealth and the wealth of our Nation. It does sound good but it cannot work and we see the evidence all around us the more they force this principle upon us. They tell us that it is always the fault of the rich. They are evil, making their money on the back of all of us. Do I want to be rich? A resounding and emphatic Yes! DO I think that I should be given some of the money someone else earned just because they made more of it than I? No, it is not moral or just. But this is what they are selling, and have been selling for some time now.
The governments of the world including in the United States of America are taking all of the powers and rights of the free man. And these are rights not to be given by any government but rights that we are born with, given by our creator. The men who founded the United States Understood. We have forgotten. We have more people dependant on the Government every day. Why is it? Because we will provide. I say we because what people do not seem to understand is that the Government does not create money. It may print it but it does not create wealth. In order to give to some it must take from others. If the harder you work the more you are punished, why do you work harder? For most, it means you do not work harder.
In this system of from everyone according to their ability to everyone according to their need, everybody takes an equal share of treasure. But those who can produce Must produce in order to take care of those who have greater need. There is no increased benefit to those who have ability. In this system without benefit to the hard working, many drop out. What the federal government does is try to find that magic number that is one dollar less than the amount that will cause that producer to quit and exact that amount from them. But we are made to feel guilty if ever one person suffers. We are always so worried about what is fair. So what is Fair? Is it fair to work hard and take risks with all that you have and by the blood and sweat of your own hard work find success only to be made to support those who cannot or those who will not. If you look at those throughout history who have supported their fellow man the most it was the leaders of industry. The most charitable of all people are those who know what the value of a dollar is. Those who have earned it. And who is demanding those dollars and coming up with programs to take your dollar and decide who to help with that dollar? I will let you decide that. But I do know that if it is my dollar I want to decide where it gets spent. There are too many who are making a living on deciding where to spend my money. And it is all done for the good of the people. What people? Why is it never for the good of those who work and produce. Those who create jobs.
I am not one who has created a single job, but I am one who depends on those who do. There is talk of tax cuts. What really needs to gain momentum is the 'tax holiday'. This is a bill going through congress that would give every working American a break from any and all taxes for a quarter of this year. It would be a start. It would also be a tax holiday for corporate taxes. Talk about bailouts. This would be a real stimulus, letting people keep ALL of their money. But I do not think it will ever even make the floor for a vote. Why not? Because then the eyes of all of America would be open to just how much they are being squeezed. They would see the effect on the small businesses as well as the corporations who would not only save in their corporate taxes but on their matching payroll amounts. Once the eyes are opened then there would have to be an accounting and more than likely the IRS would be torn apart and we would move closer to a flat tax system. And the people, of whom the Government is supposedly of, by and for would no longer tolerate all the waste because they would see just what it was costing them. It would be like taking off the sunglasses you had been wearing in a dimly lit room and seeing things for the first time.
Well, I do feel better. Did I get things out of my clouded and crowded head? Most definitely. Did I drive even more away from me? Probably, but I hope not. I hope there is room for the occasional unloading and exchanging of ideas and philosophy. Will I ever post another humorous post? Heck yes!
Well, now that I have at least convinced myself that I have lifted a burden off of my back I think I will take a spin around the web. It has been so long. I wonder what you have all been up to.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Hope for a New Year?
Well, we are at the end of yet another year. So I find myself wondering if I am any better off now than at this same time last year. Did I make any resolutions last year? And how long before those resolutions went the way of the dodo bird?
See, every year, everyone talks about New Years Resolutions. And I mean EVERYONE! We get asked by our colleagues and by our friends and neighbors, "What are YOUR New Years Resolutions?". Heck, even the advertisers get in on the deal. Fitness clubs and Gyms probably make the most money at this time of year because of everyone signing up to make good on that resolution 'to get in better shape'.
So, if I have been around for as long as I have, What is there left to be resolute about? HA!, That's just the rub that I am getting at. What is it about our New Years Resolutions that we (me) cannot seem to conquer?
I am thinking that part of it may be that we aim to big. I know that if I say I am going to lose weight and I have lets say 50+ lbs to lose that if I have not dropped 10 lbs the first month then its right back to cheesecake and fatty burgers. I know that to be successful I, and I am only talking about myself here, I am sure there are many who are WAY better than I. But I digress, I know that if I start with a smaller, more obtainable goal, such as losing 5lbs, I might have greater success. And I can then make another resolution to lose another 5 lbs after that and so on.
And what of other goals, such as getting a promotion at work and/or being a better friend for example? How do we tackle such lofty goals? Certainly they are worthwhile and we feel they would make us better people. If they did not, we would not set them as goals, would we?
How do we break down getting a promotion? Maybe see where we can increase productivity in a certain area and putting in the time necessary to be noticed for positions as they became available. And how about being a better friend? That's a hard one no? I guess that you need to know just what your friends need or want IN a friend, or IN you for that matter. Of course listening and being there for them during their trials has definitely got to help.
Well, I am really trying to figure out what I most need to work on so that I CAN make some resolutions. Of course I am finding it difficult at how best to achieve "financial independence' and
'children who listen better'.
I am working on both of these as a matter of fact. I know they might seem pretty 'out there' and if you knew my circumstances maybe even unrealistic. But there is not to question but to do and so me and spouse WILL do. We are going to do the things we should have done before things looked so dire. We will 'bury' the credit cards and do something drastic. LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS! Okay, it seems so simple when you write it down but it does not seem so simple when kids need braces for example. Or when something goes wrong in the house(money pit) and demands replacement, such as the Water main or the Heater/Air Conditioner. Sort of why we are burying the credit cards and not cutting them all up like we want to. Anyway, would welcome anyones advice on money saving tips in any area.
As far as the whole getting kids to listen better goes we figured we would call Nanny 911. Then we figured there was no way in hell I was going to put my family on television. Fat chance! Not that they are not the best kids ever, occasionally anyway. They are just, well, lets just say the decible level in our home can get mighty loud sometimes and I always wonder just what the neighbors are thinking. Because you know, even when we are having a ball, WE ARE LOUD!
I think the most common thing heard in our house apart from the repeatedly calling of children by their name until they answer is the word, "what?' or maybe "sorry, I didn't hear you' followed closely by "you never said that." Of course me and spouse find ourselves pulling out hair and groaning in misery because it seems to get worse as the children get older. In fact, I don't have a clue as to how to actually break this goal down. So, any help in this area is welcome as well.
WOW! that felt good to get off my chest. I hope I don't read this in a year and wonder 'what the heck was I thinking?'
So, now I am wondering Just what are you fellow stalkers out there putting on your lists of New Year Resolutions? Are they lifestyle changers? Are they going to cause you to make drastic changes in your routines or your home life? Please put on your brave face and let me know what you have planned for the New Year as well. Are you a big party person with lots of friends or do you roll over and kiss the spouse at midnight and go back to bed? Or are you somewhere inbetween?
Here is wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Memories
Okay, they say things come full circle and I am starting to believe it. I can distinctively remember the first time I watched the movie Home Alone. Just how many countless times I have seen it since I have no clue. I think It just may be part of my generations classic movies of Christmas. While I do not think it rates all the way up there with It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th St(the original) but when I think of Christmas that movie does come to mind. What is funny is that I think of lines to that movie even when it's not Christmas. When the uncle says, 'Look what you did, you little jerk!' This line is always repeated anytime I hear anyone say, 'look what you did!' sometimes it is not wholly appropriate but it is there, tucked into the tiny folds of my cranium.What was the magic of this movie? I think it was the fact that we as children always think we would be better off without our parents and siblings around. Maybe that carries into adulthood but that's fodder for another post on another day. Anyway, just like any of us the star of the movie lives it up thinking he has gotten his greatest wish. Then later when he is reunited with his family he realizes just how much he loves and needs his family.
Now my children are watching this movie with the eyes of wishful children and wondering what they would do without their parents around. I see this movie with deeper meaning now as an adult.(I am an adult right? at least as far as the legal definition goes)
What other movies from the last twenty years or so, with a Christmas theme have left a big mark on us the 'regular' public? Could it be Jim Carey's 'The Grinch"? What movies would you, my fellow stalkers want to put on a 'New Holiday Classics' list?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas - Humbug!?
MERRY CHRISTMAS STALKERS!
So with that out of the way I wanted to know how everyone feels this time of the year. I know for me that Christmas always is a magical time of year for me. I am lucky to have small kids around(still!) and that keeps the magic going for sure. But with the older kids we get to have a lot deeper Christmas traditions such as reading Luke 2 and watching Christ-centered movies as well as the fun Santa and Present themed movies.
I definitely was raised with certain traditions in my own family. Spouse had a few traditions in their family as well. But as we started our own family we had to decide what traditions WE were going to start.
Mostly, just spending time together is the most important because with all these kids and all the Church/work requirements we have to be flexible. But there are a few traditions we try and always do.
1. Sit around Christmas Eve and read the story of Jesus. We then have hot cocoa and go out to look at pretty Christmas lights. When we get back we let everyone open 1 gift
2. We go watch Christmas programs and Lights at certain areas(sorry-have to keep this generic or it totally gives me away)
3. We try to make cookies and treats for as many 'friends and family' as we can and deliver them as a family.
These are not knock your socks off traditions but they are OUR OWN! Because neither of us have much family support due to OUR standards we have tried to do the things to develop bonds within OUR immediate family that will last into our kids adult years so that as they grow older these traditions can be shared by their spouses and OUR grand kids.
So, fellow stalkers, what are your traditions? Are they traditions that you started within your own families? Do these traditions include any extended family? Tis the season for sharing people so SHARE ALREADY!
and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
So with that out of the way I wanted to know how everyone feels this time of the year. I know for me that Christmas always is a magical time of year for me. I am lucky to have small kids around(still!) and that keeps the magic going for sure. But with the older kids we get to have a lot deeper Christmas traditions such as reading Luke 2 and watching Christ-centered movies as well as the fun Santa and Present themed movies.
I definitely was raised with certain traditions in my own family. Spouse had a few traditions in their family as well. But as we started our own family we had to decide what traditions WE were going to start.
Mostly, just spending time together is the most important because with all these kids and all the Church/work requirements we have to be flexible. But there are a few traditions we try and always do.
1. Sit around Christmas Eve and read the story of Jesus. We then have hot cocoa and go out to look at pretty Christmas lights. When we get back we let everyone open 1 gift
2. We go watch Christmas programs and Lights at certain areas(sorry-have to keep this generic or it totally gives me away)
3. We try to make cookies and treats for as many 'friends and family' as we can and deliver them as a family.
These are not knock your socks off traditions but they are OUR OWN! Because neither of us have much family support due to OUR standards we have tried to do the things to develop bonds within OUR immediate family that will last into our kids adult years so that as they grow older these traditions can be shared by their spouses and OUR grand kids.
So, fellow stalkers, what are your traditions? Are they traditions that you started within your own families? Do these traditions include any extended family? Tis the season for sharing people so SHARE ALREADY!
and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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