I told you it would not be long before I had another post.
I just had to share my thoughts after a discussion with a co-worker this week. He was sharing with me his political views from a Tea Party perspective. We discussed the Eric Snowden saga and had differing opinions. This co-worker is definitely more informed on worldly events than I am, and I am okay with that.
Basically what I took from the conversation is that I am pleased that I do not spend time trying to keep up with every move that our government and others around the globe are making. Do I feel like it is important to be informed? Yes - to an extent. My reasoning - LIFE IS TOO SHORT. If we spend all of our waking moments and mental energy worrying about government interference and playing watchdog, what time are we using to spend with our families?
I do agree that there can be a happy medium. I could probably take more time to study events around the world. I used to do it as part of a job. Some of my closest friends might say, "You used to work in the media. You should follow current events more closely." Here is a news flash for you. Almost every person I know who worked (past tense) in the media have gotten away from actually following the news. Most of them were in the business a lot longer than me. After getting out of the media industry, it helps to disconnect by doing something you no longer HAVE to do. It would be like a longtime In & Out employee not wanting to eat a burger for a while.
Again, I am all for informing ourselves, doing everything you can to make a difference, and standing up for what you feel is right. However, sometimes we have to step back and think about if it is worth the time and energy that we could be spending on something closer to home.
My co-worker has my utmost respect for taking individual actions to not only be informed, but for taking steps by contacting those at higher decision levels to make sure his voice is heard. We did agree, though, that we see things differently in regards to what might be worth our time. I jokingly said that he might be better off moving to a smaller town like me, where his voice is bigger and has a higher likelihood of making change. He said he would stay where he is and keep doing what he can. I respect the passion and persistence.
Friday, July 12, 2013
New Hobbies on the Horizon - Is There Enough Time?
Yes, it has been over six months since my last post. I have had several ideas for topics about which to write, and I have even written most of them down. You know how it goes, though. "Life gets in the way."
Since January, I have completed construction on a new home, moved, been promoted at work, become a landlord, spent quite a bit of time in hotels for work, and been diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome following an accident in my garage. Needless to explain further, I have had a few things on my plate.
One advantage of the move is that I now have a new testing ground for fishing techniques since my new place has two ponds full of bass. I would expect fishing posts will definitely pop up here and there.
Apparently, I might be tackling a new hobby or three in the very near future. I do look forward to exploring those options and possibly writing about the adventures.
Thanks again for reading. Maybe the next post will not have to wait six months.
Since January, I have completed construction on a new home, moved, been promoted at work, become a landlord, spent quite a bit of time in hotels for work, and been diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome following an accident in my garage. Needless to explain further, I have had a few things on my plate.
One advantage of the move is that I now have a new testing ground for fishing techniques since my new place has two ponds full of bass. I would expect fishing posts will definitely pop up here and there.
Apparently, I might be tackling a new hobby or three in the very near future. I do look forward to exploring those options and possibly writing about the adventures.
- I was recently introduced to golf. Golf is a sport for which I have always had a curiosity. I had worked at several jobs with access to free golf, but I was always afraid it would take away from fishing time and finances.
- When building the new place, I always wanted to have a room with a pool table. Well, I now have that. I am not very good, but I enjoy the pastime. My billiard sessions were limited following the concussion because of the dizziness that came with leaning over to shoot. Symptoms are improving, though, so it should not be too long before my game gets better.
- For the last few years, I have struggled with ups and downs in my weight and fitness. I lost a lot, then I gained a lot (more than once). Last spring, I began the P90X program. It was hard, but I enjoyed the challenge. The visual and capability results are definitely evident. I made it about half way through, but I stopped because of job change and injury. I intend to start back next week after I get back from a work trip. Having done it before should help in being able to modify the program slightly to best fit my abilities and work around a nagging hip injury.
Thanks again for reading. Maybe the next post will not have to wait six months.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Finally a gun control post
I have been contemplating a blog post regarding my thoughts on gun-control in the wake of all of the media and happenings with that topics in recent weeks. I came across the post below from another blog. Since I can't say it any better myself, I will just share the link. It is long, but a good scan will get you to the information that concerns you the most. Enjoy, and feel free to comment on my blog with your thoughts.
Summary of facts about gun control
Summary of facts about gun control
Monday, December 10, 2012
An Answer to a Controversial Topic
I had a discussion recently with someone. It is a topic about which I have conversed on more than one occasion, but I have come to realize that not everyone shares my view on the issue. I find it hard to believe that so many people can be wrong, but I thought I would take a quick moment to voice the truth.
What is a better method to the sport?
Fishing with live bait vs. Fishing with artificial lures
I answer this question by defining the word "fishing". (This is probably not Webster's definition, but it works for me.) By doing this, we will determine that one of the above options is not even sport.
Fishing is the act of using a bait and specific actions to cause a reaction by a fish to make it bite. Sometimes this is just a reaction, and the fish bites out of curiosity. Sometimes the bait imitates a food item that causes the fish to naturally want to eat it. However, it is still artificial, so you are providing the fish a sporting chance to make the distinction.
When using live bait, this definition does allow the act to be defined as "fishing". Let's examine what live bait is doing. You throw a worm, minnow, or crawfish out into the water and wait for a fish to come. First of all, you are using something that the fish would naturally eat that carries the natural scent, flavor, and action. Where is the sport in that? Also, the bait is doing all of the work. You are not doing anything with the rod to create a certain appeal or action. Where is the skill/sport in that?
If it is not "fishing", then what is it?
By examining these aspects of live bait, I have determined that using live bait to gather fish is not "fishing". It is "trapping". For this, we will refer to Mr. Webster. He allows two definitions. Using live bait works for both.
Trapping
1.) to catch or hold as if in a net
(The "net" is the tractor beam coming off of an irresistable piece of food. The fish with no will-power does not stand a chance.)
2.) to take physical control or possession of something suddenly or forcibly
(By using something that does not allow the prey to have a choice to determine if something is real or not, the so-called fisherman is using force.)
Do not criticize me for using Webster's with one and not the other. It is my blog, and I can do that. If you are criticizing that effort, then you should probably keep reading. You are probably the one that has something to learn.
When is live bait okay?
I know what you are saying - "Stephen, you are being ridiculous in your interpretations. It is just fishing. What is the big deal?"
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that live bait does not have its place. If you are fishing for food, you should absolutely use whatever you want to get the fish to bite. If you are fishing for sport, fun, or for the satisfaction of knowing that you outsmarted the fish, then live bait is out of the question.
I will never criticize someone for using live bait to catch food unless they are bragging about their catch, or unless they are trying for largemouth bass. Largemouth bass (in my opinion) should not be kept except in managed ponds and lakes due to their low reproduction rates. If they are not being kept for food, then live bait should not be used. Also, these bass are agressive eaters. They often swallow live bait before the hook can be set because of the human delay with a bobber. The hook then causes major damage to the fish. This often causes them not to survive. This can happen on occasion with artificial baits, but it is less likely to happen because of the timing in the hookset.
If you prefer to still go to the lake, river, or pond and not challenge your skillset and trick innocent fish into eating prey while you hide a hook in it, then go right ahead and keep on doing it. Just don't brag about it to me.
What is a better method to the sport?
Fishing with live bait vs. Fishing with artificial lures
I answer this question by defining the word "fishing". (This is probably not Webster's definition, but it works for me.) By doing this, we will determine that one of the above options is not even sport.
Fishing is the act of using a bait and specific actions to cause a reaction by a fish to make it bite. Sometimes this is just a reaction, and the fish bites out of curiosity. Sometimes the bait imitates a food item that causes the fish to naturally want to eat it. However, it is still artificial, so you are providing the fish a sporting chance to make the distinction.
When using live bait, this definition does allow the act to be defined as "fishing". Let's examine what live bait is doing. You throw a worm, minnow, or crawfish out into the water and wait for a fish to come. First of all, you are using something that the fish would naturally eat that carries the natural scent, flavor, and action. Where is the sport in that? Also, the bait is doing all of the work. You are not doing anything with the rod to create a certain appeal or action. Where is the skill/sport in that?
If it is not "fishing", then what is it?
By examining these aspects of live bait, I have determined that using live bait to gather fish is not "fishing". It is "trapping". For this, we will refer to Mr. Webster. He allows two definitions. Using live bait works for both.
Trapping
1.) to catch or hold as if in a net
(The "net" is the tractor beam coming off of an irresistable piece of food. The fish with no will-power does not stand a chance.)
2.) to take physical control or possession of something suddenly or forcibly
(By using something that does not allow the prey to have a choice to determine if something is real or not, the so-called fisherman is using force.)
Do not criticize me for using Webster's with one and not the other. It is my blog, and I can do that. If you are criticizing that effort, then you should probably keep reading. You are probably the one that has something to learn.
When is live bait okay?
I know what you are saying - "Stephen, you are being ridiculous in your interpretations. It is just fishing. What is the big deal?"
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that live bait does not have its place. If you are fishing for food, you should absolutely use whatever you want to get the fish to bite. If you are fishing for sport, fun, or for the satisfaction of knowing that you outsmarted the fish, then live bait is out of the question.
I will never criticize someone for using live bait to catch food unless they are bragging about their catch, or unless they are trying for largemouth bass. Largemouth bass (in my opinion) should not be kept except in managed ponds and lakes due to their low reproduction rates. If they are not being kept for food, then live bait should not be used. Also, these bass are agressive eaters. They often swallow live bait before the hook can be set because of the human delay with a bobber. The hook then causes major damage to the fish. This often causes them not to survive. This can happen on occasion with artificial baits, but it is less likely to happen because of the timing in the hookset.
If you prefer to still go to the lake, river, or pond and not challenge your skillset and trick innocent fish into eating prey while you hide a hook in it, then go right ahead and keep on doing it. Just don't brag about it to me.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The End Of A Rough Patch
The stress level has been down quite a bit in my house lately. It's funny how one little phone call can change things. A couple of weeks ago, I got the call offering me a job.
For those who are not aware, I was let me go from my previous employer in April based on budget issues and the need to eliminate my position. Although it was no fault of my own, the method in which it was handled was far from professional or respectful. Needless to say the last four months have not been easy.
I have tried hard to keep a positive and optimistic attitude during the whole situation. I feel like I did the best I possibly could. It was difficult even making myself get out of bed each day, especially after I was awake all hours of the night worrying about the future.
It is hard to count the number of times that someone asked me, "What do you do all day?". I spent the majority of the days and late nights doing job searches and submitting applications/resumes (literally hundreds). Sure, I had a lot of interviews. The ones where I thought a good fit was evident had the employer thinking differently. Then there were the ones where I realized quickly that it was not the job for me. Those were usually the ones that actually wanted my services. It was tough to explain to others that I would even consider turning down a position in my given circumstance. However, those close to me knew that I needed to find the best long-term opportunity. Constant prayer and support from close friends and family helped. I knew that God had a plan. My impatience with Him lacking to reveal it, though, was growing.
It did take a toll on me mentally, but I tried to find inexpensive (aka FREE) ways to occupy my mind when I just needed a break. I spent many afternoons at the community swimming pool taking advantage of my HOA dues. I read a few books between swims, and my tan became quite impressive (yet very uneven). I also fished a little to try to get away from the reality. The summer heat did not make that the best solution on most days. I mowed the yard (even sometimes when it did not need it). I rode my bicycle on area trails. I built charts and graphs on spreadsheets to track different statistics (mostly regarding my workouts). I have to admit that I did watch a lot of television. I saw every episode of a five-season show that was cancelled seven years ago. I became quite the enthusiast of valuable antiques by watching countless auction shows and even visiting local antique stores just to look.
With me being home a lot, it was only a matter of time before the house started reflecting it. I did my best to pull my weight while the wife was out earning the money. I cleaned pretty well (although there are still some areas that she insists on doing herself). I also did my fair share of the cooking. I can safely say that on most days dinner was ready by the time she arrived home from work.
If you know me well, you are aware that I always try to find a positive or a lesson learned in any situation. If I have to pick an obvious one during all of this, it would have to be that my wife and I learned about priority when it comes to spending. We have always been smart with our money, but during these months we became even smarter. We learned to get by on a lot less, and it is easy to see how that will be useful in the future (especially as we try to save for the possibility of moving). I am not saying that we will continue to live exactly as we have and put all of the extra in savings. I am saying, though, that we know what we are capable of. That will be reflected by some of our newly-formed spending habits. Another lesson was that of patience and the understanding of purpose in God's plan and timing.
The hard part now is getting back into a routine of working. The new position does consist of a long commute, so I am already trying to train my body to get up earlier. (I don't start until Monday.) I have never been a morning person, and most of my career has involved jobs with flexible or later hours. I will do it, though, and every single time I start to complain I will reflect on this particular blog entry as a reminder of the alternative.
For those who are not aware, I was let me go from my previous employer in April based on budget issues and the need to eliminate my position. Although it was no fault of my own, the method in which it was handled was far from professional or respectful. Needless to say the last four months have not been easy.
I have tried hard to keep a positive and optimistic attitude during the whole situation. I feel like I did the best I possibly could. It was difficult even making myself get out of bed each day, especially after I was awake all hours of the night worrying about the future.
It is hard to count the number of times that someone asked me, "What do you do all day?". I spent the majority of the days and late nights doing job searches and submitting applications/resumes (literally hundreds). Sure, I had a lot of interviews. The ones where I thought a good fit was evident had the employer thinking differently. Then there were the ones where I realized quickly that it was not the job for me. Those were usually the ones that actually wanted my services. It was tough to explain to others that I would even consider turning down a position in my given circumstance. However, those close to me knew that I needed to find the best long-term opportunity. Constant prayer and support from close friends and family helped. I knew that God had a plan. My impatience with Him lacking to reveal it, though, was growing.
It did take a toll on me mentally, but I tried to find inexpensive (aka FREE) ways to occupy my mind when I just needed a break. I spent many afternoons at the community swimming pool taking advantage of my HOA dues. I read a few books between swims, and my tan became quite impressive (yet very uneven). I also fished a little to try to get away from the reality. The summer heat did not make that the best solution on most days. I mowed the yard (even sometimes when it did not need it). I rode my bicycle on area trails. I built charts and graphs on spreadsheets to track different statistics (mostly regarding my workouts). I have to admit that I did watch a lot of television. I saw every episode of a five-season show that was cancelled seven years ago. I became quite the enthusiast of valuable antiques by watching countless auction shows and even visiting local antique stores just to look.
With me being home a lot, it was only a matter of time before the house started reflecting it. I did my best to pull my weight while the wife was out earning the money. I cleaned pretty well (although there are still some areas that she insists on doing herself). I also did my fair share of the cooking. I can safely say that on most days dinner was ready by the time she arrived home from work.
If you know me well, you are aware that I always try to find a positive or a lesson learned in any situation. If I have to pick an obvious one during all of this, it would have to be that my wife and I learned about priority when it comes to spending. We have always been smart with our money, but during these months we became even smarter. We learned to get by on a lot less, and it is easy to see how that will be useful in the future (especially as we try to save for the possibility of moving). I am not saying that we will continue to live exactly as we have and put all of the extra in savings. I am saying, though, that we know what we are capable of. That will be reflected by some of our newly-formed spending habits. Another lesson was that of patience and the understanding of purpose in God's plan and timing.
The hard part now is getting back into a routine of working. The new position does consist of a long commute, so I am already trying to train my body to get up earlier. (I don't start until Monday.) I have never been a morning person, and most of my career has involved jobs with flexible or later hours. I will do it, though, and every single time I start to complain I will reflect on this particular blog entry as a reminder of the alternative.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Link to Article - OU Offensive Lineman Still Plays While Undergoing Chemo Treatments
I just had to share this story, especially considering what my family has experienced over the past couple of years.
CLICK HERE FOR STORY
CLICK HERE FOR STORY
Sunday, August 12, 2012
What's really important?
I recently received a phone call that changed my perspective on things, at least for a while.
It was on the morning of July 31st. My mother was the one on the other end. She informed me of the sudden passing of a man of whom I had a lot of respect. Mr. H was the father of two of my dearest friends. I knew that I would be packing up immediately to head east to do what I could to help the family during this time of loss.
I guess this is the first time that the circumstances were fortunate that I am currently out of work. I had nothing holding me to stay at my own home for the next few days. Just like that, the pity party I was having for my lack of employment was suddenly forgotten. It was insignificant. After a few phone calls of notifications and communication with the family, I accepted my first assignment. I was asked to pick up the youngest son from the airport as he flew in from Yankeeland to the Lone Star State.
He and I have been through a lot in our lives and friendship of about 18 years. We share many experiences that teenage friends and young adults go through. We don't speak quite as often as we probably should, but that made no difference. It was not the first time I had picked him up from the airport, but I never imagined these circumstances. (The previous time had been for a different type of life-changing experience - my wedding.) Following a somber embrace at baggage claim, we began our three-hour journey to reunite him with family. He told me immediately that he did not want to talk about the obvious. He asked about what was new with me. I did my best to keep conversation away from his dad, but every topic eventually came back around to the reason he made his unscheduled flight.
Luckily my brother lives a few miles from his family. My brother and I were both available over the course of the next few days to do whatever the family needed. Sure, we mowed the yard and helped with a few errands, but I learned that sometimes just being there is gesture enough.
I tried the whole time to put myself in the place of this family and especially in the place of these two young men that are my age. No matter how hard I tried, it was impossible to even imagine the pain they were experiencing. Maybe that is why I had a tougher time at the funeral than I thought I would. Yes, I will miss seeing and visiting with Mr. H when I travel that direction. That was not the emotional feeling I had overcome me at the funeral, though. My pain was for the family and the void that was now created. Another emotional factor was the fact that my own father was the minister officiating the funeral. Hearing him speak, I could not help but imagine how I would feel if it was my father that was gone.
In retrospect of the entire week, I feel like I learned one of those maturing life lessons about priority. Lately I have had days when I have felt down about my employment and financial situations. This experience helped me to realize that this minor setback in my life is not quite so important in the overall plan of life. What is important is how you live your life (that dash on the headstone) and how you affect others while you are here. Family and friends are important. How you treat others, no matter the status of your relationship, is important. I doubt anyone who knew Mr. H would have a negative thing to say about him, his faith, or his priorities. He was not the most outgoing person in the world. He was not one to go out of his way to meet new people. He was, however, a well-respected and loved father, husband, grandfather, co-worker, son-in-law, father-in-law, friend, and Christian brother. I promise that those titles meant more to him that how much was in his bank account or how much land he owned. I can learn a lot from Mr. H.
I will close with this. At the funeral, his youngest son bravely read an excerpt from Mr. H's blog pertaining to his thoughts on death and Christ. Here is a link, so that you, too, can read his words - http://popgunstories.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/easter-2/. You might also find it interesting to read other entries from this fine man.
I also feel like it is fitting to include a picture of what was important to Mr. H.
It was on the morning of July 31st. My mother was the one on the other end. She informed me of the sudden passing of a man of whom I had a lot of respect. Mr. H was the father of two of my dearest friends. I knew that I would be packing up immediately to head east to do what I could to help the family during this time of loss.
I guess this is the first time that the circumstances were fortunate that I am currently out of work. I had nothing holding me to stay at my own home for the next few days. Just like that, the pity party I was having for my lack of employment was suddenly forgotten. It was insignificant. After a few phone calls of notifications and communication with the family, I accepted my first assignment. I was asked to pick up the youngest son from the airport as he flew in from Yankeeland to the Lone Star State.
He and I have been through a lot in our lives and friendship of about 18 years. We share many experiences that teenage friends and young adults go through. We don't speak quite as often as we probably should, but that made no difference. It was not the first time I had picked him up from the airport, but I never imagined these circumstances. (The previous time had been for a different type of life-changing experience - my wedding.) Following a somber embrace at baggage claim, we began our three-hour journey to reunite him with family. He told me immediately that he did not want to talk about the obvious. He asked about what was new with me. I did my best to keep conversation away from his dad, but every topic eventually came back around to the reason he made his unscheduled flight.
Luckily my brother lives a few miles from his family. My brother and I were both available over the course of the next few days to do whatever the family needed. Sure, we mowed the yard and helped with a few errands, but I learned that sometimes just being there is gesture enough.
I tried the whole time to put myself in the place of this family and especially in the place of these two young men that are my age. No matter how hard I tried, it was impossible to even imagine the pain they were experiencing. Maybe that is why I had a tougher time at the funeral than I thought I would. Yes, I will miss seeing and visiting with Mr. H when I travel that direction. That was not the emotional feeling I had overcome me at the funeral, though. My pain was for the family and the void that was now created. Another emotional factor was the fact that my own father was the minister officiating the funeral. Hearing him speak, I could not help but imagine how I would feel if it was my father that was gone.
In retrospect of the entire week, I feel like I learned one of those maturing life lessons about priority. Lately I have had days when I have felt down about my employment and financial situations. This experience helped me to realize that this minor setback in my life is not quite so important in the overall plan of life. What is important is how you live your life (that dash on the headstone) and how you affect others while you are here. Family and friends are important. How you treat others, no matter the status of your relationship, is important. I doubt anyone who knew Mr. H would have a negative thing to say about him, his faith, or his priorities. He was not the most outgoing person in the world. He was not one to go out of his way to meet new people. He was, however, a well-respected and loved father, husband, grandfather, co-worker, son-in-law, father-in-law, friend, and Christian brother. I promise that those titles meant more to him that how much was in his bank account or how much land he owned. I can learn a lot from Mr. H.
I will close with this. At the funeral, his youngest son bravely read an excerpt from Mr. H's blog pertaining to his thoughts on death and Christ. Here is a link, so that you, too, can read his words - http://popgunstories.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/easter-2/. You might also find it interesting to read other entries from this fine man.
I also feel like it is fitting to include a picture of what was important to Mr. H.
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