Repost- The Winter will Come..A Tribute to my Dad

I have been involved in the health and fitness arena for a long time. I'm not a professional when it comes to nutrition or health problems, but I've enjoyed learning through trial and error, and I've had some success with my personal fitness goals. I've been somewhat of a gym rat since age 18. Long before my father died, he would give me advise about fitness, mainly because of his own involvement in this same enjoyable and rewarding sport. To him being fit was everything, mainly because he believed it supported a lot of other areas that people took for granted. Things like; self confidence, personal appearance, self esteem, and overall health and well being. These are all very, very important things to possess, but of course being fit is also one of those, things you choose to do or not do.


One day, we were just sitting around and talking, when I interrupted our conversation, because I was in a hurry to get outside and spend some time with my friends. You see my father took pride in giving my sister and I lessons or life tips as he called them, whenever the opportunty presented itself. Each and everyone of those "life tips", seemed to parallel with and or remind me, of all those Sundays spent in church hearing about biblical parables. I took a deep breath and asked him hastily "Do I really need to spend this much time in the gym." He paused, looked me in the eye, and at that point I knew right away, that it would be awhile before I was going outside. I was going to learn a new lesson, whether I wanted one or not, and he was going to take his time, with its delivery.

I can still hear his voice saying, "Every year brings about a new season, and as the seasons change, even the smallest of animals prepare, and so should you." What?, I thought, to myself. He went on to say, 'Take the squirrel for instance, early in the spring, summer and during the fall, the squirrel collects nuts and stores them up. Although some animals, with larger brains procrastinate or choose unwisely not to prepare or figure out why the squirrel is doing this". I couldn't help myself, I said what does nuts and squirrels and other brain dead animals have to do with me? He just smiled and said, "Everything my impatient son. Even the squirrel knows that the winter will come, and there won't be much food around to survive on". I still didn't get it, but since I knew he was not done and had more to impart to me, I shut up and decided to open my ears.

He told me that, because the squirrel made preparations for the winter he was able to take care of him self and survived when some other animals couldn't, during the tough times. He then made his point very clear and etched its meaning into my mind and soul by saying, "You're young now, but one day, your winter will come, today you are living in the spring, summer and fall of your life. If you do the things required to take good care of yourself now while you're able, perhaps like the squirrel, when the tough times come (your winter), your fit body will take care of you too.

Actually dad, today happens to be Fathers Day and everything you've instilled in me has been manifested into my present reality. For you see dad, I'm now also a father and amazingly, as I daily behold the man in my mirror and gaze upon the faces of my sons.... You're there.

Well Dad, its been 25 years since you've been gone, resting in that place so bright and fair; where there's no more sickness and death. Enjoy forever the peace and eternal love that was promised.


Thanks Dad, and by the way....I will never forget.

**This post is a repost of the original, "The Winter Will Come". There are minimal additions to the original content which reflects my endless love to my father's extraordinary life and memory.

Let's Gather To Gather... Again

Just as the title implies, very soon just about every household on the planet will do exactly that; they will "Gather to Gather".  I'm not an authority on this bountiful and magnificent holiday, but I truly look forward to it every single year. So lets start with just a small, yet brief step back into the past. Hopefully, you can hold out for a spell, but if you're as impatient as I am, you are more than ready to dive deeply into the hundreds and hundreds of extra calorie laden pounds of "GOOD EATS".


Don't worry we'll be eating soon, but first...

Our story starts long long ago, when a group of people who we'll simply call pilgrims, landed on a rock of land they later called Plymouth. Of course as luck would have it, they soon discovered that they were not there alone. There were other two legged, upright walking, air breathing individuals on that rock as well. We'll called the newly discovered inhabitants... Indians.

Now you've got to know, there was a natural curiosity factor a mist and probably a lot of little conversations about... this is mine and that might be yours, but we want it...ummm.

Somehow over whatever period of time that followed, common sense prevailed and the two parties decided it was in the best interest of everyone to share and wouldn't you know it, suddenly someone yelled lets have a P-A-R-T-Y!! (must have been an ancestor of mine).

I'm sure there was lots of screaming and yelling and excitement expressed without limits. Unfortunately the chants and shouts of excitement was short lived, because I can just imagine..., that's when someone boldly asked, "what the heck is a P-A-R-T-Y ?"


So, I'm assuming they all compromised again and the leaders agreed that since there was food flying around in the air and food roaming around on the ground as well, it was best to just share a meal. Actually just having a meal had to boring, and since its my story we'll rename it and call it a Feast instead.

There you have it, now you know what I know about the first THANKSGIVING..... Except I can't remember how they actually settled on "TURKEY", but then who's complaining?

Every year, the tradition of THANKSGIVING, allows our family to come together in a way that's very special and unique. We always invite one new person or couple to share in our blessed festivities. As we prepare to dine, we all stand in a large family circle and hold each others hand. Then, we each take a turn to openly express that which we are personally thankful for. Of course, our new guest(s) are also allowed to share their thankful thoughts should they choose too.  Well, I guess theres no need for further delay...

You're always welcomed to have a seat at our table.....

               HAPPY THANKSGIVING.





* This is a re-post selected from the achieves, with minor photo and title changes.

Fishing for... LOVE

Growing up in Miami for me was great. Perhaps if you were like me, you had everything imaginable and available around you to keep you amused. As the years came and went, I started to wonder what it would be like to have a relationship of my very own and most importantly, what the heck was a "relationship" and then, how to accomplish or get one.

I began to closely observe the personal relationalship behavior of my parents which was slow paced and to me, not very exciting to watch as far as I was concerned. Don't get me wrong or become perplexed about my reality, its just that I was only about age 7 then.  Now, I don't know about you, but seeing my parents kissing was like..... auggh!

Thank you God, that I was blessed with not one, but two older brothers who, unbeknown to them, were instrumental in, lets just say uh.. they opened my eyes.  I was watching every move, stance and gesture they made.  I even went as far as to memorize their special brew or blend of how to 'RAP'. Ha, Ha, Ha!!. I had no clue of what I was saying or what it all meant, but when I opened my mouth and uttered the words, it sounded smooooooth. So, fake it if you must, but look good doing it.  Either way, through the magic of trial and error, I like many other inspiting "Don Juan's",  sometimes got it right.

I am by no means an expert of this topic but, if you've found yourself in what I call a relationship disaster, better known as an absolute NIGHTMARE that just won't go away, then its possible that some or all of the blame starts with the man in the mirror.

Sometimes when we think of starting a relationship, we fail to seek out or simply do not care about gaining any real understanding of its true meaning.

Webster says a relationship is a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection).  Its a state involving mutual dealings between them. (making all parties accountable)

There is one group of individuals that just drive me nuts. These relationship geniuses are of the ever present, fast paced, pain in the butt group of people who blantantly start relationships based on, "I'm with you only for the moment or until I get bored with you or simply my dear,What have you done for me lately".

Trust me, they're out there, everywhere, at work, school, the mall, the movies, your favorite restaurant, at church and even in your cell phone's contact list.

Scary isn't it.

What's even scarier, is that there are some who know this is a bad deal and instead of running away as fast as they can, they get involved or settle for this form of punishment, in spite of the reality. Perhaps the vilian within is a lack of self esteem, or some form of co-dependency, which without indepth examination can sometimes create an illussion of looking like the real thing thats being search for...,True Love.

Think back and remember the last time you were out and was just minding your own business, when suddenly you glanced up and met the attractive and pleasing eyes of another. Your inner voice tells you to ignore it and move on, but that other inner voice shouts louder and makes you take a second look only this time you smile or wriggle your nose or even send a wink. Then suddenly, in the next breath your brain turns to mush and you can't speak or articulate and you're left with the abnormal ability to immediately resort to acronyms like .... OMG!!! or just... OOOOOH. Your entire body language is focused and sending strong impulsing messages of "Yeah baby, I'm the one, so lets get it on"!

OK, Calm down, you can stop now..., it was only an illusion.

So was it fate, or chance that you met? Or should I ask myself..., did you pick them or did they pick you?

I would suggest that we all spend the time needed to acquire long and lasting relationships built on common sense values. Such as, do I need or do I merely just want a relationship?

As the the picture above may indicate... He or She are exactly who they are. You can't change them, nor should you seek to. Plain and simply my friends.. It is what it is and they are who you thought they were.

Perhaps if your luck continues to run out and you're tired of falling in love, when the true goal needed to be, growing in love. Consider this the next time, you cast a line in the sea of romance to hook... "the one".

Maybe, just maybe its a real good time to also practice, "CATCH and RELEASE"!

Let The Winds Blow

Its raining today, which is not the normal, sunny and fair weathered South Florida area, some of us are familiar with . I'm not attempting to be a jinx or my no means, project or predict what this years Hurricane season may or may not bring, so you can trust that I'll just continue to leave all the predictions up to the experts.

Personally, I sincerely pray that every storm season comes and goes away with haste and without incident.

There are things that we can do and should do, before a serious threat reaches our shores. The main thing is to not get complacent and or procrastinate. There is no better time than right now to prepare. The stores are probably well stocked with the supplies and provisions you will require in the event of a serious storm. Even though our national economic situation is somewhat bleak, store prices are still low enough right now and suppliers will be more than anxious to sell you what you need. The downside is if you wait to close to the impending storms arrival, demands will be high, and prices will soar accordingly to that demand. So as they say in some circles, "the early bird gets the worm".

Start surveying your surrounds for things that require repair like the roof or electrical items; examine your shutters for wear and tear or missing hardware; stock foods that are non- perishables, and maybe this time, buy some foods that you really enjoy eating and be sure to make a contact list of immediate family members, including those out of town.  Develop and orchestrate a plan to reunited at a designated place, in the event you're displaced.  Research and have available emergency contact numbers like...Rrumor control lines; Evacuation aid and especially the American Red Cross.

Click on these important websites, to learn more: Miami Dade County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Broward County Emergency Management Agency, Fema and NOAA

The lists of helpful information are endless, but the time to act on this is right now. The local news stations, newspapers as well as your employers, family and friends, will be discussing these very same issues soon.

Lastly, I'd like to also remind you that there are all types of Hurricanes that blow through our lives. Our society has a name for each of the seasonal stormy weather types, like David, Cleo, Andrew and Katrina, etc. Unfortunately, there are some Hurricanes that have entered our lives with names such as; divorce, bankruptcy, abuse, addiction, hopelessness, cancer, depression, death and a multitude of others.  Just as we prepare for and respond to the natural disasters that come our way, its equally our responsibility to not ignore the many signs of those disasters that ultimately break the human spirit, mentally, spiritually, physically, financially and emotionally. 

Let us start today, by taking good care of ourselves as well as each other. There is always a solution and an opportunity to make things right. It maybe as simple as saying, 'I'm sorry or I need help".  It may take letting go of our ego and taking on the role of a servant who faithfully offers service to others.  The type of servant who is willing to be humble enough to start giving much more than he or she expects to receive in return.

Independence

July 4th is an established American Holiday, that is hopefully celebrated by every United States citizen. This special day is totally about our Nations Independence. I, like others am proud to live in a time and place where FREEDOM is highly sought after and most importantly......, protected.

Of course, there will always be other entities or sources who do not share our viewpoint on FREEDOM. They are the true demons of this life, who would if they could, take away, erase, eradicate, terminate and banish each and every one of the glorious benefits of FREEDOM we share.

Everyday, plots and schemes are not only thought about and discussed by them, but plans are put in play to implement their dreadful missions. Any and all forms of dividing us are created, whether from outside this nation or from within it.  It still puzzles me why even today, there are some of us who despite the various and obvious threats that bombarded us daily, attempt to rationalize, ignore, justify or classify these hideous dilemmas as fantasies or untruths.  Do we really need another 9-11 event to convince us that the threats are real?

I, for one think NOT!!

Imagine what it would be like to not partake of any of the incredible lifestyles we enjoy and value so much? After all, what would the 4th of July feel like without fireworks, parades or barbecues ?

That would be and sound like fighting words to me... "Annie git yore gun."

We should all be inspired to send up countless number of praises that we were not born in some of the other parts of the world, where the only freedom available everyday, is to do only what you're told to do, without question, and if that was not enough, you're told that NOTHING you have is ever rightfully yours to own. The mere thought of such atrocities forced on anyone are frightening and incomprehensible.

Webster describes INDEPENDENCE as...., Freedom from control or influence of another or others

The choices of freedom we have today for enjoying all of our tomorrows are truly a blessing.

Join me in thanking God, for the many brave men and women who fight faithfully everyday for our FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE, even while we peacefully sleep and sometimes regrettably take everything they do for us for granted.  Again I say....., thank you.

Have a SAFE and Happy 4th of July!!

The Return of... "No Need To Fear"

Very soon this month, specifically on the 31st day of the week, several different populated sides of this planet will voluntarily engage in dressing up in strange clothing (better known as costumes), and participate in what is known as HALLOWEEN.


Usually, for many the favorite Halloween color represented is your basic orange and black combination. Additionally, the event is largely associated with the use of symbolic images like, jack-o-lanterns, witches, scary stories etc.

It may sounds like a lot of fun, but it's not necessarily fun for everyone. There are some religious skeptics who have voiced serious concerns over the years, due to their belief that Halloween, is in direct conflict with their specific faith teachings.

They believe that any association with Halloween has become less about fun and celebration, but more about Satan and demon worshipping. Ouch!

I grew up living with a very strict and religious family and can't ever remember going trick or treating. Sometimes I wonder and ask myself, was I really that sheltered? Did I somehow miss out on something?

Actually, I only think about such things when the Halloween festivities come and go, or when we escort my youngest daughter and grandson, door to door collecting treats and most importantly searching for the "Great Pumkin".....Ooooo!

The next big question or complaint about Halloween is at what age should one stop trick or treating? ummm.

This situation is one that probably is no big deal, but there have been times when I've responded to my front door expecting little cute and adorable youngesters, dressed in angel; spounge bob; batman; whinny the pooh; and spiderman get ups. Each and every one of them, tiny little people, with cute tiny little voices attempting to articlulate, those famous 3 words... TRICK or TREAT. . Wonderful Right?.... Wrong!!

As I'm opening the door, and starting at the feet level of the ghostly vistors, I immediately realize that those little feet are huge, massive podders that are attached to large legs and torso's, who's voices are certainly not tinnie weenie. Then as I slowly glance up at the faces of these masses of terror, it's enough to knock you off your own feet, reeling you backwards inside the door and embarassingly onto the floor. Enough already, not only are they heart attack scary, they're just to big..., And with big people ghools, come BIGGGG! ghoolish hands. Hell, they literally took more than their ghoolly share of the goodies. So much so, that it was all gone before the Halloween night came to an end.

After a few of those incidents, I now never let them reach into the goody tray anymore. Ha,Ha, Ha.....

Thank Goodness, there are lots of other options available to attract those older Halloweener's, who wish to celebrate this event. One of the options is to do what I'm doing and just pass out treats and call it a night.

Or...

They could actively and safely participate or sponsor Halloween parties involving their age related peers. ummm. Ok, that's all I've got for now. Looking forward to hearing from or seeing you all on the 31st.


Happy Halloween or should I say... TRICK or TREAT!


* This is a repost of an original archived item dated, 10/26/09, with minimal photo rearrangements.

Will I Ever Learn

Ruff, Rufff!!! ahh, I mean hello.  My name is Jack, and although you're accustomed to hearing from my family member, I thought and heard about this thing you humans call change. Soooo, for this particular post...here comes change and you're going to love it, because if you haven't heard, my bite per square inch of power is AWESOME! Just kidding.

The photo above is one of me when I was just a wee lil pup. You see 3 and a half years ago, I was sitting all alone starring out and doing a little people watching, when this couple stopped by and gave me the warmest smile of my puppy life.  I became so overwhelmed by their exhibited non verbal skills, that my tail wagged so hard I was literally being thrown all over the place. Suddenly, I began to feel rather silly and desperately tried to control my emotions, but it was to late. That's when it happen, time seemed to slow down and the attendant's speech began to drag and slur. As she slowly approached my gate lock, and attemped to open it, her fingers seem to lose it's way. I tried to help but to no avail.  Finally, the lock gave way and I was in the arms of the lady with the pretty eyes and great smile.  We couldn't help but be a match, because after all, I picked her.

She introduced me to her partner.  He's the guy you're more familiar with and who by the way, is still trying to figure out how I managed to get into his head and write this post. But desperate times require, desperate measures.  Besides its his fault for allowing me to watch tv. I particularly like Jerry Springer and that guy who yells, "You are NOT the father", ... Ha, ha.... . Of course, my favorite is show is watching "Brian", from Family Guy.

Ok, back to my plight.

I need your help in order to find out does anyone else out there, who try with all their might to just be friendly..., get hammered when you kiss a frog?  Ummm, and if you don't, then why, Oh why sweet Jesus, is it always me?

Here's what I know.

The practice of  "toad-licking" has evolved into an urban legend, in that the venom secreted through the skin of some toads cause hallucinations. Which is why I think, I'm a contributing author of this blog post.

See what I mean?

Anyway, the venom is highly toxic to pets. Take for instance, my other friends and family members (dogs), are most likely to come in contact with a toad, and have a high probability of dying if untreated.

I quess, I should leave that curiousity thing to cats.

The Colorado River toad and the other giant toad, known as the Marine toad are the two most common venomous toads found in the U.S.  Of course this guy wouldn't win any beauty awards like yours truly, because he's all covered with warts. UGGGH!

I also found out that I don't necessarily have to lick or God forbid eat a toad, to be poisoned.  There have been cases where frogs have been attracted to a dogs water dish and just because it was unattended, they sat along the rim, leaving enough toxin to make you sick.  It's actual difficult to find the presence of  the toxin.  You technically have to see it happen, but if you're suspcious...

Here's what to look for:

If your four legged family member has ingested enough toxin, they may have an irregular heartbeat and may start acting strangely, as if they are locked in the grip of a hallucination. Call your veterinarian if you observe:

*Mouth irritation with foamy salivation
*Depression
*Weakness
*Collapse
*Difficulity breathing
*Seizures
*Fever
Vomiting
*Diarrhea

Well, I patiently await your reply to let me know if it's just me, because just the other day, I was in the back yard minding my own business, when suddenly there he was, gazing at me with those huge bulging eyes. I tried to just walk away, but I was trapped in their stare. That's when it happen, I heard that ribbb--it call and I... ok, I licked it. YUKK!!,  not again... "Will I Ever Learn"?

*Data collected from http://www.petplace.com/    

For Your Precious Love...

Two days ago, my wife and I celebrated our 15th year wedding anniversary and a very dear friend of mine expressed how amazing it was that in these times, how rare it was to be in a relationship of any significant amout of time.  She then ask me if I would one day talk about how we made it, while balancing both of our demanding careers.

First and foremost,  I'm not my any means an expert when it comes to relationships. What I do know, is that based on my personal experience, relationships require time, commitment, and the willness to being honest and open to your partner as well as yourself.... ALL DAY, EVERYDAY!!

Looking back, I used to look at relationships the same way I used to value life in general. Wow, was that a big mistake. I constantly created a life filled with headaches and heartaches.  I was simply initiating relationships based solely on a "want".  Just because I was watching others around mingling and giving the appearance of having such a wonderful and exciting time together, didn't necessarily equate to long term or that life of forever after effect you read about in story books.

Of course, I'm not saying that everyone of my, "want" relationships resulted in disaster, but there usually was no tenure experienced and that was because, not long after I "fell" in love, I quickly "fell" out of love. Uummm, I wonder has this ever happen to you and your relationships too?

The key is "growing" in love. The goal is "growing in love together". The result..."PRICELESS".

Anyway, while coming up through the years, I've learned a lot about what I "want" compared to what I really "need".  What I did was honestly, evaluate each of these factors and the sum of which, put me on the right course.

Careers are great to have, but they can also be a hazzard to a relationship if YOU allow them to. Think about it, when was the last time on a cold and dark lonely night, and you're watching this incredible movie or listening to your favorite Barry White tune, and suddenly the thought of sharing this moment of hot and steamy passion with someone.... you picked up the phone and called your selfish, demanding, stressful career, to come over and extinquish your flames?  Ummm, again!

Additionally, sharing with one another is also essential.  Most, excessive career minded individuals tend to really separate their personal life from their professional life. I feel that once you both start separating some of the things in your relationship, it creates an avenue of acceptance to separate not only other things but everything.  To each his or her own, but some people take this process literally; they separate money, cars, children, the house, the food, the bed, the dog and eventually each other. This mindset, I believe sacrifices the partnership... the core of the relationship.   

Careers were invented by man, not by the higher source that I associate with, who like himself is everlasting and loves unconditionally. Let me just say, that in my book, the latter should be the pattern of our love to one another.

So, if your one and only, secret and true love is your career..., you have my heartfelt sympathy.

The choice is rather simple and ultimately always yours.  Like the songs says, It's your thing, do what you want to to do.....

Or,

Like this post title states, "For your precious love, means more to me, than any love could ever be".                 

REPOST-Summertime Fun, But Safety First

Its that time of the year again. The time when school doors close for a spell and parks and summer camps, are over run with kids looking forward to just being a kid. I remember those moments, except that it was just a little different for my sister and I. Our parents, were great providers and such, but they were also great at being very protective. We definitely knew to be in the house when the sun started going down, and although we wanted to stay out longer like our playmates, we knew that was a verbal battle we were never going to win.


One of those fun places, that we did not get the opportunity to visit during our summer breaks, was the neighborhood or community swimming pool. My parents unfortunately, did not enjoy water events or going to the beach. As a result, we missed out on all of that wet and wonderful splashing around, which still haunts me today.

Many families today, have the luxury of owning a swimming pool at their home. I believe this to be not only an incredible investment as a homeowner, but it also affords each member of that family, an opportunity to enjoy and become confident in the water, as well as increase their knowledge about water safety.

Although there are safety rules and regulations in place for those who have home swimming pools, statistics indicate that we still tragically lose countless numbers of our children to drownings each year.

Guess what?

Can you believe that I am actually putting a swimming pool in our yard? Yes sirree bob, I am especially now that we have a young daughter who loves the water and the fact she can swim quite well. We also now have our first grand child who of course, will definetly be taking swimming lessons long before the completion of our anticipated pool project.

Its going to be a great summer and I sincerely hope and pray that you too will seriously take the necessary steps to protect your precious family members regarding water safety especially since more than anything... they just want to have FUN.

SPLASH!



*Originally posted in the summer of 2009

*Republished today with a few additions to title and content

LOVING MY PAST

I remember it well.. just as if it was happening all over again.  Its the middle of the week and I'm about 14 or 15 years old. I'm sitting right next to my father, while visiting him during my spring break from school.  As we sat and talked, we somehow managed to start up a conversation about his father, (my grandfather) whom I've never known or ever seen pictures of.  It was like talking about some unknown person who you would see in a dream or some unknown character in a story book.  I was beginning to think that any discussion raised about of my ancestors was taboo, or perhaps it was just that we had never taken advantage of the opportunity to discuss them.

As our talks on the subject became more detailed over those memorable five days, I knew then that they were the most incredible and enjoyable lessons of our personal history I had ever encountered.  In short, I was hooked.  At the end of my stay and before returning back to my home in Miami, we both decided that on my next summer visit with him, I would write down on paper all the events and stories he would share.

Prior to my return the following year......, my father died.

Today, I have a family of my own, consisting of adult children from my first marriage and one teenager from my second time around.  Additonally, I also have one amazing grandson.

Recently, while talking with my teen daughter, about some behavioral changes in her math class, she and I also had some discussion about being grateful for all the things we as a family were blessed to have. I then told her about some of the disadvantages that I grew up with in an effort to make a comparison.

As I began to tell her about growing up in the "ghetto" and such, I suddenly noticed her facial expression and the look of total confusion on her face, as if she was saying, "Dad, what in the hell are you talking about?"

After all, she was born in the suburbs and had only heard about the ghetto via movies, tv, and my abstract way of painting the picture for her.  She literally was encapable of connecting the dots.

Suddenly, like the sound of a rushing and mighty wind; the clanking of large cymbals crashing together, the answer to this issue became apparently clear..... FIELD TRIP!!

We jumped into the car, and I gave her a personal tour of what and where it all began as I remembered it.  We traveled to the hospital where I was born; the diferent areas and houses I grew up and lived in; the schools I attended; as well as the areas and houses her sibblings grew up and shared together. The tour ended back to where life as she was most familiar with began... in the suburbs.

I have since, taken all of my children on this historical tour of my small life. To further enhance their mini- travels back into our families ancestrial past, I also invested in a genealogical program that has helped to fill in all the gaps. The program introduces them to family members, places and events, that would otherwise be presented and recieved by them, much like an unsubstantiated old folks tale.  But, with the help of an online version, I'm able to invite and educate my family members irregardless of where they may reside in the world. 

As I reflect back on the gift my father attemped to shared with me before his death, I truly understand how important it is for families everywhere to build incredible and lasting relationships, even if through the most difficult of times.  Here's what I know...

Don't wait until its to late.. to make a love connection of your own. 

       

MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER NEW YEAR

Today, depending upon which time zone you live in, its New Years Day. If you're not overly excited about this worldwide event, perhaps you should have your blood pressure taken and retaken again.  Across the globe, there were countless numbers of parties and family gatherings taking place.  For this reason, "the new reason", people are more than just excited. They were more than just happy.  They were actually loving themselves and each other.  Its was a space in time, when telephone lines and social networks including the for ever busy internet ceased to function. Traffic and traveling sites were not spared either, as they too were at a standstill. 

Neighborhoods were packed with parked cars and homes filled with joyous celebration. Believer's filled churches, temples and synagogues; praising, praying, waiting and watching for the return of the Almighty.  Babies were being born and sadly, some were dying. Through it all, we were a happy people, destined to shed off the old and put on the new.

Our personal New Year, was by far, "MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER NEW YEAR'.  On this amazing an unforgettable day, we were blessed exceedingly beyond our own expectations, because not only did we have a family gathering in the traditional way at the emergence of 2010, we were witnesses to the marriage and union of our daughter Katrina and our new son and family member Aaron.

 It was a most beautiful and memorable ceremony that human eyes could behold. The wedding took place in the presence of God, right under the moon and the stars above. Although the sky was dark, there appeared to be a warm, loving and romantic glow, that halloed and set upon each of us in attendance. What a loving and darkened morning it was... just moments into the birth of a brand new, New Year and the union of two lives joined together for ever more.      

I'll Be There

In keeping with all of the upcoming Holiday festivities and occasional madness surrounding them, I stopped for a moment to ponder on how and what it must have taken for people to commute back and forth to their personal and favorite Holiday destinations over and during past years.  I'm not exactly sure when the human race began to establish and recognize Holidays, but I'm sure there were special events that were for whatever reason, significant enough to lead them and us into what we celebrate today from one year to the next. This part of the equation is sometimes puzzling.  How and what were their modes of travel?  Perhaps, we should go back, I mean way back, far back, perhaps to a time forgotten......

The date is unknown and all the exact places no longer exist. An era where men and women lived mostly in caves. They were grouped together as clans or tribes, yet some remained to live apart and alone. As they learned more and more about their surroundings and became more familiar with the changing of each season, when food was abundant and scarce.  Still yet, I'm sure they must have visited each other during those special times.

If distant travel became a necessity, I envision this may have been how they got it done.  Fortunately for the others, the only delay in reaching their destination on time had not been discovered or invented yet. Things like locating the nearest and cheapest gas stations.

As we move farther into the more present future, these guys had less of the hardships as the previously mentioned holiday travelers. The terrain was definetly rough and tough, but at least if it rained they could still keep their appointment, stay dry and not run the risk of being eaten by what the previously mentioned guys chose to ride upon.  I just think they had to really have a good idea about exactly where in the heck was their favorite uncle Billy Bob's house was located and could they actually make it there by Xmas, without having to stop and deal with altering their route due to unscheduled visits by unfriendly indians, who probably were traveling and shopping for the Holiday's too .

Today, as you know things are quite different. We have calendars, Macys department stores, television, online shopping and each other to remind us of the Holiday Seasons.  Although, we could walk, run, drive, float, and of course fly to destinations today, the real problem we face is that with all these modern  luxuries, traveling during the holidays can still become quite difficult, costly and extremely stressful.

For example, after deciding and preparing to make the trip, what day would be the best day of the week to tackle the dreaded airport......ummm?  It has been said that the Wednesday before a Holiday is by far the worst day to travel. Yet, travel appears to ease, especially on the actual Holiday.  In kind, the worst day to choose for return travel is Saturday, because you run into all the commuters who left from where ever they were a few days earlier.

But, there is a possible solution, for soon and very soon, none of the above forementioned Holiday headache issues will matter. There will be no more issues of stressful traveling, gift selections, excuses or worrying whether or not we can observe this or that Holiday and will it conflict with our personal lives or different religious beliefs. There and only there, at that place and time, it is said that...

                                    "Everyday will be a Holiday"

Until then, where ever you are in the world, from me and mine, to you and yours.....

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

    

We Gather To Gather..

Just as the title implies, very soon just about every household on the planet will do exactly that; they will "Gather to Gather".  I'm not an authority on this bountiful and magnificent holiday, but I truly look forward to it every single year. So lets start with just a small, yet brief step back into the past. Hopefully, you can hold out for a spell, but if you're as impatient as I am, you are more than ready to dive deeply into the hundreds and hundreds of extra calorie ladden pounds of  "GOOD EATS".

Don't worry we'll be eating soon, but first...

Our story starts long long ago, when a group of people who we'll simply call pilgrims, landed on a rock called Plymouth. Of course as luck would have it, they soon discovered that they were not there alone. There were other two legged, upright walking, air breathing individuals on that rock as well.  We'll called the newly discovered inhabitants... Indians.

Now you've got to know, there was a natural curiousity factor a mist and probably a lot of little conversations about... this is mine and that might be yours, but we want it...ummm.

Somehow over whatever period of time that followed, common sense prevailed and the two parties decided it was in the best interest of everyone to share and wouldn't you know it, suddenly someone yelled lets have a P-A-R-T-Y!!  (must have been an ancestor of mine).

I'm sure there was lots of sceaming and yelling and excitment expressed without limits. Unfortunately the chants and shouts of excitment was short lived, because I can just imagine, that when someone boldly asked, what the heck is a P-A-R-T-Y?

So, I'm assuming they all compromised again and the leaders agreed that since there was food flying around in the air and food roaming around on the ground as well, it was best to just share a meal.  Actually just having a meal had to boring, and since its my story we'll rename it and call it a Feast instead.

There you have it, now you know what I know about the first THANKSGIVING.

Except I can't remember how this guy got in the mix, but who's complaining?

Every year, the tradition of  THANKSGIVING, allows our family to come togather in a way thats very special and unique. We always invite one new person or couple to share in our blessed festivities. As we prepare to dine, we all stand in a large family circle and hold each others hand. Then, we each, take a turn to openly express that which we are personally thankful for. Of course, the new guest(s) are also allowed to share their thankful thoughts should they choose too.

You're welcomed to have a seat.....  HAPPY THANKSGIVING.  

       

No Need To Fear

Very soon this month, specifically on the 31st day of the week, several different populated sides of this planet will voluntarily engage in dressing up in strange clothing (better known as costumes), and participate in what is known as HALLOWEEN.

Usually, for many the favorite Halloween color represented is your basic orange and black combination. Additionally, the event is largely associated with the use of symbolic images like, jack-o-lanterns, witches, scary stories etc.

It may sounds like a lot of fun, but it's not necessarily fun for everyone. There are some religious skeptics who have voiced serious concerns over the years, due to their belief that Halloween, is in direct conflict with their specific faith teachings. They believe that any association with Halloween has become less about fun and celebration, but more about Satan and demon worshipping. Ouch!

I grew up living with a very strict and religious family and can't ever remember going trick or treating. Sometimes I wonder and ask myself, was I really that sheltered?  Did I somehow miss out on something?  Actually, I only think about such things when the Halloween festivities come and go, or when we escort my youngest daughter and grandson, door to door collecting treats and most importantly searching for the "Great Pumkin".....Ooooo!

The next big question or complaint about Halloween is at what age should one stop trick or treating? ummm.

This situation is one that probably is no big deal, but there have been times when I've responded to my front door expecting little cute and adorable youngesters, dressed in angel; spounge bob; batman; whinny the pooh; and spiderman get ups.  Each and every one of them, tiny little people, with cute tiny little voices attempting to articlulate, those famous 3 words... TRICK or TREAT. . Wonderful Right?.... Wrong!! 

As I'm opening the door, and starting at the feet level of the ghostly vistors, I immediately realize that those little feet are huge, massive podders that are attached to large legs and torso's, who's voices are certainly not tinnie weenie. Then as I slowly glance up at the faces of these masses of terror, it's enough to knock you off your own feet, reeling you backwards inside the door and embarassingly onto the floor.  Enough already, not only are they heart attack scary, they're just to big...,  And with big people ghools, come BIGGGG! ghoolish hands. Hell, they literally took more than their ghoolly share of the goodies. So much so, that it was all gone before the Halloween night came to an end.

After a few of those incidents, I now never let them reach into the goody tray anymore. Ha,Ha, Ha.....

Thank Goodness, there are lots of other options available to attract those older Halloweener's, who wish to celebrate this event.  One of the options is to do what I'm doing and just pass out treats and call it a night.

Or...

They could actively and safely participate or sponsor Halloween parties involving their age related peers. ummm. Ok, that's all I've got for now. Looking forward to hearing from or seeing you all on the 31st.

Happy Halloween or should I say... TRICK or TREAT!

RELENTLESS EXPLORER

It all started with the observation of your birth. As magnificent as all human births are, you were extraordinary from the first breath. There was the time at the tender age before two, when it became apparent to all, that it would become a daily challenge to go on multiple explorations of familiar and unfamiliar experiences with you, whether we wanted to or not. The trick was for us to finding new ways to direct and focus all that energy. I recall what I personally called, "The episode of a simple playpen". This contraption was manufactured specifically to keep little people, in an always safe and secure environment..... not to mention the fact, that I needed a breather. Amazingly it took little time for you to problem solve and act upon a solution to defeat your squared confinement. So we decided to literally turn your world upside down, by inverting this squared circle of well spent money. It was then, that I knew that you were capable of moving beyond perceived barriers and had the tools available to take full advantage of the gifts you were blessed with. Your response to our so called adult rationale, of presenting new puzzles for you, amazingly overwhelmed our attempts, by your ability to adapt.

Nothing has changed much in your approach to life problems involving the places, people and things you've encountered on your journey.

Today, you are a proud and outstanding soldier in the United States Navy. A respected leader who has traveled, seen and experienced things that most of us, have only read about in books and will spend a lifetime seeking, but sometimes fall short of finding.

For you are my eldest son , in whom I too am well pleased.

We, your family and friends are proud to have been given the opportunity to witness first hand how truly blessed we are to have you in our existence.

Thank you for being the role model and example to your own children and each of your siblings. Supplying them all with a positive road map, that defines the meaning of what hard work and faith in ones self will produce and the incredible results of dreaming big dreams; remaining humble and being forever thankful to the ONE and only...... Our Creator.

The Winter Will Come

I have been involved in the health and fitness arena for a long time. I'm not a professional when it comes to nutrition or health problems, but I've enjoyed learning through trial and error, and I've had some success with my personal fitness goals. I've been somewhat of a gym rat since age 18. Long before my father died, he would give me advise about fitness, mainly because of his own involvement in this same enjoyable and rewarding sport. To him being fit was everything, mainly because he believed it supported a lot of other areas that people took for granted. Things like; self confidence, personal appearance, self esteem, and overall health and well being. These are all very, very important things to possess, but of course being fit is also one of those, things you choose to do or not do.

One day, we were just sitting around and talking, when I interrupted our conversation, because I was in a hurry to get outside and spend some time with my friends. You see my father took pride in giving my sister and I lessons or life tips as he called them, whenever the opportunty presented itself. Each and everyone of those "life tips", seemed to parallel with and or remind me, of all those Sundays spent in church hearing about biblical parables. I took a deep breath and asked him hastily "Do I really need to spend this much time in the gym." He paused, looked me in the eye, and at that point I knew right away, that it would be awhile before I was going outside. I was going to learn a new lesson, whether I wanted one or not, and he was going to take his time, with its delivery.

I can still hear his voice saying, "Every year brings about a new season, and as the seasons change, even the smallest of animals prepare, and so should you." What?, I thought, to myself. He went on to say, 'Take the squirrel for instance, early in the spring, summer and during the fall, the squirrel collects nuts and stores them up. Although some animals, with larger brains procrastinate or choose unwisely not to prepare or figure out why the squirrel is doing this". I couldn't help myself, I said what does nuts and squirrels and other brain dead animals have to do with me? He just smiled and said, "Everything my impatient son. Even the squirrel knows that the winter will come, and there won't be much food around to survive on". I still didn't get it, but since I knew he was not done and had more to impart to me, I shut up and decided to open my ears.

He told me that, because the squirrel made preparations for the winter he was able to take care of him self and survived when some other animals couldn't, during the tough times. He then made his point very clear and etched its meaning into my mind and soul by saying, "You're young now, but one day, your winter will come, today you are living in the spring, summer and fall of your life. If you do the things required to take good care of yourself now while you're able, perhaps like the squirrel, when the tough times come (your winter), your fit body will take care of you too.

Thanks Dad, and by the way....I didn't forget.

Honey Do Lists

I don't know about you, but just in case you've never had the privilege of having countless numbers of domestic tasks, assigned to you by your spouse or significant other, stick around you could be next. It's not as though, I really lay around all day on the couch, flicking the remote, but it's something that I'm seriously going to look into very, very soon.

This was supposed to be one of those take it easy and chill out days... NOT!!

My youngest daughter is out of school for the summer, so we started our day together going out to eat breakfast, at one of her favorite Cuban restaurant. We were engaged in heavenly daddy/daughter talk, which covered various topics concerning her and the past school year. We were really having a great time. As our conversation turned to discusssing her participation, in this years basketball season, my previously scheduled iPhone reminder began to ring. Of course, I decided to ignore it, because if you've read a few of my previous blog post, you know that I'm on a serious mission to improve and eliminate my 'Quantity" time spent with the family and replace it with more 'Quality" time.

Thirty minutes rapidly went by, and guess what? That darn thing started up again. Ringgggg!! Oh God, now what? Well, angrily my daughter and the people sitting near us began to visually let me know, that the noise coming from the gadget on my hip, was beginning to get on their nerves. I would have reciprocated with a stare down of my own, but I remembered that I was the genius who had set the phone for multiple alert notifications. DUH..

If that wasn't enough, my lovely and task oriented wife, began to call also. I know what you're thinking, and you're right, I obediently answered and she began to remind me of all the things she wanted me to get done. Things like, how wonderful it would be for me to volunteer, yes she said, "volunteer".... to fix dinner. It wasn't that big of a deal, except that it requires me to proceed to the nearest Publix and then pace up and down the different aisles, and then eventually, fill up the cart with more items than I was requested to get.

What's great, is that once you're done and ready to leave the store, there are generally at least 6 or more checkout lanes. Yeah!

Hold it, you've got to be kidding me; of the 6 or more available lanes, there is only 2 that are open, and the one that says EXPRESS, has a line long enough to hang you. Next on my 'honey do" list was the cleaners; Walgreen's; the GMC dealership; and finally the bank.

I have discovered a new passion. A passion strong enough to motivate me to seek an assignment (part-time, of course), within the county's CSI unit and come up with a sophisticated counter system; or formula; or a prescription or a simple antidote, that can be utilized by victims like myself, that will cure and fight mightily against these types of afflictions.

I don't know if it will work, because I have not developed it yet. But, when I do and I test my new theory, I can probably guarantee you that, it will definitely create some interesting dialog, if you know what I mean.

The Essence of Quality

I was involved in a conversation with a few buddies recently, when the dialog changed from professional sports to topics about our kids and the upcoming summer break. One of the guys was divorced and was going on and on about all the times he frequently visits with his daughter. My initial internal thoughts were wow!!, what a great dad.

We all kind of alternated and shared what we actually do with are kids during these precious and opportune times. The divorced dad, stated that, because he works a lot of hours, he usually takes his kid to the office and just lets them hang out with the office clan and sometimes they even get to sit in with him, through a meeting or two. The other dads talked about, time at the park, beach, zoo, etc.

All of us, honestly felt strong about what we've demonstrated to be great dads, and thank goodness we fought the temptation to be openly judgmental of each other. After all, we are buds, right? But, through it all, we collectively agreed that we were great when it came to 'Quantity" time, but we obviously could improve and focus more on "Quality" time.

Webster says there is a difference between the two words, and who am I to argue with the man; the myth; the legend, Mr. Dictionary.

Since I'm no expert, I will offer this.

Its essential, that we all spend valuable time with those we love and care about. Sometimes its not so much the length of time that's important. Perhaps that special someone is specifically in need of your undivided attention, or maybe the need is to just make eye contact, or offer a reassuring smile. In other words, an acknowledgement from you of them.

Sometimes, we're not asked or required to physically fix a problem, but perhaps we're simply needed to just listen to a situation or thought.

Have you ever wondered why God gave us all, two ears and one mouth... ummm. In other words, more listening and less talking. Try it sometimes, just know that, it does take work!!

There is a discipline known as "ACTIVE" listening, below are 4 of them.

1. You have to avoid and eliminate all BIASES

2. Then HEAR literally

3. So that you can INTERPRET accurately

4. and finally, ACT appropriately

Now go out, give of yourself and share some QUALITY time!