Wednesday Wickedness - 20110209

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness! We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's
begin this week's meme!


I know this is a week late, and is probably not as "current events", but... it is what it is.

Today we picked Charlie Sheen. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. As kids we're not taught how to deal with success; we're taught how to deal with failure. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. If at first you succeed, then what?

What is something in which that you did not expect to succeed, but ultimately you were successful?

The National Guard.  When i first enlisted it was because all of the full time jobs had stopped interviewing me.  Understandable since i never kept a job longer than three months, and the companies were beginning to detect a pattern.  It was my intention to join for the least amount of time (which was 3 years active reserve, 5 inactive ready reserve) and then move on with my life.  Within those first three years i obtained my GED, was planning on attending community college, was on the books with the guard for some high speed training, and had been promoted to Sergeant.  Not unheard of, but nothing to sneeze at either.  In the end it turned into a twenty two year semi-career that saw me in the roll of First Sergeant for a time.

2. Dad kept us out of school, but school comes and goes. Family is forever.

What do you think about home schooling?

I think home schooling is an great option - but only for those where the parents are diligent and ensuring the students are learning and progressing, and where the students are willing and able to learn in such an environment.  It is NOT for everyone.  It also allows for the customization to help facilitate advanced learning in specific areas if such an aptitude exists. It also allows for an increased focus on deficient areas of skill.  While the Public School systems do strive very hard to allow for both of these, it is often very difficult for the teachers and aides within the system to be able to adjust for all students.  It is my understanding that in order to maintain the highest level of education a certain middle ground must be maintained in order to provide for the broadest range of students attending.  Now, having said all that - school teachers, of all grade levels, whether in the public or private sector, and this includes special needs teachers, and the aides of all teachers... they have my utmost respect.  Often a huge burden is placed upon their shoulders, often with insufficient funding, and they put everything they have into their jobs and their students.  Teachers, in my opinion, are often WAY underpaid for all that they do.  May God richly bless each and everyone of you.

3. I just didn't believe I was like everybody else. I thought I was unique.

What makes you unique?

My DNA, my fingerprints, and i am pretty sure my retinas too.  Oh, you meant what about my personality makes me unique?  I honestly have no idea.  AS far as i know, there is nothing new under the sun.

4. I just don't want to live like I used to. And at some point, I'm going to put a gag order on myself in terms of talking about the past. I've got to slam the door and deal with the present and the future.

When you meet someone, how much of your past do you reveal?

Well, unless it comes up in conversation, and is relevant, i am not seeing why any of it should be revealed.  To be honest i do not remember most of my childhood, nor do i care to.  Even now i do not dwell on even recent past events.  The past is the past and cannot be undone.  Learn what you can from it and move on.

5. I saw 28 Days. I don't remember rehab being like a day camp or being that funny. Rehab is a dumping ground. It's a big landfill.

Has rehab helped either you or a member of your family?

I attended AL-ANON a couple of times.  I don't remember if i got anything out of it (Thank you for trying H.P.).  I do have a member of my family who is attending Narcotics Anonymous.  He is extremely diligent in making sure he attends the meetings and talks with his... i can't remember the name, but like an accountability partner.  He also volunteers to help others and try and steer them to support groups and treatments.  In the end, he loves his wife and children very much, and works very hard for them.  So, yes.  rehab has helped me and a member of my family.

6. I still don't have all the answers. I'm more interested in what I can do next than what I did last.

Do you dwell on your past?

Please refer to question # 4.

7. I think what drove me insane for a long time is feeling like I hadn't earned most of what I achieved because it came so fast.

Have you ever profited from something that at the time you felt that you did not earn?

Aside from salvation in Christ?  DS1, aka LONG SHANKS, is a marvel to me.  Despite of all of my many faults and failures as a father (i once yelled at him to stop crying), he has been growing up a strong and self motivated young man.  He is consistently on the honor roll,he is regularly honored by his teachers, and he deeply wants to learn more about his Lord Jesus and be involved with things around the church.  I know i have not earned such a son, it is only by God's amazing grace and the Holy Spirit working in and through him.

8. I've got volumes on how not to behave. I've got more information now than a guy should have at my age.

Have you ever behaved in a way that you should not have?

All too often.  Just this morning actually (at the time of me writing this).  Despite my best efforts i screw up all the time.  A lot of people refer to the innate goodness of man.  I disagree with that generous statement of both myself, and my fellow mankind.  Yes, there are times when people reach down and help each other, but if you look at the heart of each man, woman, and child, you will see a selfishness that will override such charity should the person's idols be threatened. None of us behave the way we should all of the time. "For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23, ESV)  and "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. (Psalm 127:1a, ESV)"

9. The paramedic called the press and sold me like a loaf of bread. This was news, and he wanted to be the one to report it.

Have you ever been in an ambulance? If not, have you ever been present when an ambulance was used?

Once that i remember.  Not sure why now that i think back on it.  I had broken my collarbone and my mom had called the paramedics (this was before 911).  I have been very fortunate in that my family has not needed emergency services very often - so far.  Another underpaid profession in my opinion.

10. Uncertainty is a sign of humility, and humility is just the ability or the willingness to learn.

Is there any uncertainty in your life at the present time? In the past?

Each day is a gift.  The only certain thing in life is uncertainty.  I am not a chaos theorist or anything, but when is anyone ever 100% certain about anything?  While i like order and symmetry and predictability... i have come to realize i will never be comfortable this side of heaven because "everything in the universe is on schedule, and everything in the universe is subject to change".

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20110126

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness! We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Personally, i am not a huge fan of Mr. Gervais, but that does not make him any less interesting.  Again, this is one week behind the full fledged die hard participants of this meme.

Today we picked Ricky Gervais. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “Why by a book when you can join a library.”

When was your last trip to a library?

Hmm, that is a good question.  A few months ago.  I was helping DS1 on a project of his.  I do agree that the library is an awesome place to pick up and read books, all without the expense of ever having to purchase a book again.  Having said that, there would be far fewer authors to write interesting books without those who purchase them.  Sort of like, why purchase another song when you can just download them on the internet.

2. “People see me in the suit and they know I'm not fooling anyone, they know I'm rock and roll through and through.”

Does your attire properly represent you?

Dunno.  Never really cared.  'Function over fashion' is a personal motto.  So... then again... maybe it does.

3. “I'm from a little place called England ... We used to run the world before you.”

Do you feel the United States really runs the world?

Puh Leaze... although, many citizens of the United States would like to think so.  The United States does have a lot of influence around the world, and they do tend to use that influence whenever possible, but does the United States run the world?  I am pretty sure Mr. Putin and Mr. Jintao would have something to say about that... as well as a few others.

4. “No one grows up saying 'I hope I work in an office one day?' And that fascinated me. People from 16 to 65 are just thrown together and that is a tantalizing mix.”

When was the last time that you worked in an office like that?

The office i work in currently is fairly diverse.  Not quite 16, but in the mid to lower 20's up through the 60's.  It is an excellent environment.  In my immediate area i work closely with someone in each decade of life from the 30's to the lower 60's.It really has made for a fun and good work dynamic.

5. “Where there's a will-there's a relative!”

Do you have a will? If yes, have you ever changed it?

I have had at least three, so yes i do, and i have changed it.  Mostly to reflect the addition of children as they come along.  Since all of my belongings, etc. are going to go either to my beloved or my children, it has been pretty straight forward.  I should probably update it again since it has been a few years since the last update.

6. "When I see a toreador in a bullfight getting gored I think: `Good, you shouldn`t be in there`. What is the pleasure in seeing an animal speared to death? It`s the same with fox hunting. They`re just psychopaths.”

How do you feel about bull fighting and hunting?

I feel about Bull Fighting like i feel about Mixed Martial Arts fighting between two human-beings. It is inane and does not make any sense.  It is brutality for brutality sake.  Hunting i am a little different with.  I know too many families that do so for supplementing their grocery budget.  In other cases the hunters have donated the meat gathered to charity organizations that feed the homeless and less fortunate.  In a lot of cases the hunters help curb over population of some species.  I see what Mr. Gervais is saying here though... Fox hunting is more of hunting for sport, versus a need.  Personally i do not see a need to hunt just to kill something, but for food i do not have a problem with it.

7. “Money gives me the creeps and mildly embarrasses me. I get paid too much anyway.”

Have you ever thought that you were over paid for a job?

There are times i definitely feel this way. But then i do not analyze what i do versus the talent pool available, etc.  Let's just say i am very grateful to God that i do get paid what i get paid, and i try and work very hard so that my employer feels that i have provided the work that they are paying me for.

8. “I hate lateness. I hate people who are late. There is no excuse for turning up late for anything. I`ve never been late for anything in my life. I was actually born a week premature, because I wanted to be early for my own birth.”

Are you usually on time for things?

I am with Mr. Gervais.  I do NOT like being late... for ANYTHING.  I prefer to show up a minimum of ten minutes early for everything.  However, God has a sense of humor and i cannot remember the last time i was consistent with my own preference.  I am not going to say why, because ultimately i hold myself responsible. 

9. “I have plenty of pet hates. I can`t stand people scraping their plate or slurping their soup. I can`t stand waiting in lines. I hate people talking inanely about the Lord Of The Rings. I hate people whistling. But I`m not like this because I`m famous. I`ve always been a grumpy bastard.”

What are your “pet hates”?

I have a thing for doors and drawers being shut.  I have a hard time just walking by a door that is ajar without closing it.  Once while working with my beloved in the kitchen to get ready for some company, i spent 10 minutes "dancing" around the island shutting cabinets, etc. and finally i couldn't take it any more... i had to walk out of the room.  Another time my beloved and i were in the midst of an "intense time of fellowship" and i could not stop focusing on the drawers of a dresser behind her... i interrupted my own train of thought and walked over and shut all of them.  It was a good tension breaker.

10. “I don`t like all this stupid Gollum begat Wobblo and the Oompa Loompas and...Oh _____ _____! There was too much "Oh, god, here come the gloodloys..." _____ Almighty, what are they talking about!?”

Are you a fan of “Lord of the Rings”?

I most definitely am. When i read the the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and the Hobbit, i find myself immersed in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien.  I love the naivety of the Hobbits, i love the mystery of the Elves.  I dread the evil of the "all watching eye" and his minions.  The honor and comrade between all the members of the quest, and the perseverance of the heroes.  In my opinion Mr. Tolkien achieved his desire to create a modern mythology.  I can reread the novels every year, and i love the movies almost as much as the books.  When the Hobbit comes out to theaters i will be there in line... and when the set (because it will be two movies) comes out on Blu-Ray, i will most definitely upgrade my video equipment if i have not already.

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20110112

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness! We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Homer Simpson. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!




I am not fan of The Simpsons, or South Park, or King of the Hill.  Maybe i am just getting old, but the humor contained in those types of shows just does not appeal to me.  However, that does not mean i cannot post my thoughts on Homer's quotes and the questions posed by the originator of this meme, Janera Jepson.  So, without further ado...

1. “Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel.”
What was the last thing that you weaseled out of?

To be honest, i do not fully understand what this means.  I know it means to get out from under... probably a commitment of some kind... so, that is what i am going to go with.  Recently i backed out of a commitment to help out with the Youth program at my church.  I have not been consistent in attendance, nor have i been putting in the time to prepare.  Not to mention other things going on within my own dojo (so to speak), so, to keep in accordance with 1 Timothy 3, i felt it best to not step up into that role.

2. "If they think I'm going to stop at that stop sign, they're sadly mistaken!"
What was the last thing that caught your eye that you stopped for?

I know i have done it... but i have not been able to recall a specific instance.  I remember thumbing through some catalog and coming across a Lego kit for the Frank Lloyd Wright house, Fallingwater, and it gave me pause.  You see i love legos, but there is something that speaks to me about beautiful architecture.

3. “You can't keep blaming yourself. Just blame yourself once, and move on.”
When was the last time that you blamed yourself?

Last night, this morning, this afternoon... it's kind of an on-going thing because there is always something new to take ownership of.

4. “Here's to alcohol, the cause of, and solution to, all life's problems.”
Does alcohol play an important role in your life?

I used to think that it didn't anymore... but i am finding ghosts and whispers continue to haunt me from my youth and my experiences there.  And not from personal use, but from exposure to those who did imbibe excessively.

5. “All right, let's not panic. I'll make the money by selling one of my livers. I can get by with one.”
Would you ever donate a kidney or another organ to someone?

I don't know... that might sound odd, and/or insensitive... but i really don't know.  I think it would have a lot to do with who it is, how do i know them, and my current health/situation.  After i pass away all bets are off.  I am sure i will not mind anymore.  Recently i blogged about how my oldest has been dealing with the loss of a classmate.  I know his parents had a hard time, but they signed a donor card - this potentially saved the lives of several other people.  What an amazing ability to reach out and help others.

6. “Bart, you're saying butt-kisser like it's a bad thing!”
Have you ever thought you were a butt-kisser?

I would like to answer, NEVER, but to be completely honest i am pretty sure i kissed up to some superior at some point in time.  Over all do i consider myself a 'butt-kisser'?  No, i prefer to be up front with my bosses, etc. and be myself.  But, i also prefer to "not bite the hand that feeds me" either.

7. “Everyone knows rock n' roll attained perfection in 1974; It's a scientific fact.”
What do you consider rock 'n roll perfection?

Um... for me i think it would be in the 80's... but the more i look back to movies and TV shoes of that decade... i am considering rethinking this position.  Although i have not found it for myself within the last two decades, i do feel that each phase of rock 'n roll has something to offer to the overall whole.  Personally, and i think this is age and influence from my father, i feel that the foundation of rock 'n roll, the Blues, has something it just cannot fully capture.

8.“Hey, he's not happy at all! He lied to us through song! I HATE when people do that!”
How seriously do you take an artist's lyrics?

Well, fairly seriously.  There was a reason they were put down on paper and/or recorded in the first place.  It was an honest thought/emotion by the musician and then put into musical form.  It is one reason i am a lot more selective about what i listen to.  I have hit my daily "next/unlike" limit on Pandora before.

9. “If something's hard to do, then it's not worth doing.”
What was the last thing that you did despite the fact that it was hard?

Last night/this morning/this afternoon... it's called life.  "“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen 3:17-19, ESV) Some may have it easier than others, but ultimately, if it is easy it isn't worth holding on too.

10. “The Internet? Is that thing still around?”

Can you imagine being in a time without the internet?

LOL - of course i can.  There was no internet when i was growing up.  I was out often, riding my bike, playing "maul-ball", etc.  Having said that, i have no idea how i survived childhood.  LOL.  I Love the internet.  So helpful in looking up information and for just plain wasting time. And now with web-enabled cell phones!  Yiles!

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20110105

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness! We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

I am thinking about picking this back up again, but instead of trying to get this weeks famous person's quotes out there on time... i have decided to be one week late.  This way i can take my time and be more consistent with my participation.  Not sure how Janera Jepson will think of this... but it is the only way i will be able to keep up. I hope she doesn't mind.

Today we picked Mark Twain. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.

Do you let yourself off the hook easily?

No, not really.  I tend to be very "hard" on myself.  It's not because i think of myself as better than anyone else, it's because i am the only one/thing i can really control.  And even that i struggle against my own sin nature (see Romans 7).  I have observed that people will often shoot for the lowest common denominator in almost any endeavor - including myself, therefore i attempt to set the bar as high as possible in order that i may achieve the best possible standards.  I am not always good at estimating just how high that bar needs to be however.

2. A man is never more truthful than when he acknowledges himself a liar.

Do you think everyone lies?

Yes i do.  Not all the time, but take into consideration that if any detail is omitted, or changed in the slightest bit,in order to manipulate the perception of the listener, even in the slightest way, it is a lie.  Now, not everyone does it maliciously, but i do believe everyone lies.

3. A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.

What was the last thing that you had to learn the hard way?

Wow... to be honest i am not 100% certain.  Unfortunately most of my life's lessons are learned this way. Um, i believe the most recent one, and this was not the first time for me either unfortunately, that before one changes an IP address it is best to connect to the device by another interface first.  So, maybe i haven't learned my lesson... so maybe that shouldn't be my answer then.

4. A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read.

What types of things do you read?

Hmm... i read News articles (and no, not just about the Carolina Panthers), theological books (i.e. The Cross Centered Life, Reformed Theology, etc.), Science Fiction Books (i.e. Path of the Warrior, Guant's Ghosts, etc.), and various .pdf files regarding whatever router issue i might be working on - usually Cisco.

5. A person with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds.

Have you ever thought about something that did not exist and later it was invented?

I am pretty sure i cannot take credit, or even insinuate, that i ever had such an original idea/thought/concept, etc.  I can see his point though.  LOL  Recently i have been reading a lot of articles about how innovative the original TRON movie was.  How it showed so many things that the non-personal computer world had yet to realize, let alone understand.  I think similar things were said about the original Star Trek back in the 60's.  "It was ahead of its time" i believe the saying goes.

6. Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.

How well do you think that you observe people?

I am not a very good student of people.  I often miss the subtle clues, but i will take people at their word, and if they do not follow up - or what they have said is proved false,  i am hesitant to take them at the word again in the future.

7. Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.

Have you ever used humor to diffuse a difficult situation?

I have, but i am not nearly as proficient as my oldest son, LONG-SHANKS.  He has a gift for being able to diffuse tense situations.  Often, a witty comment, or distracting remark can really help ease tensions.  But even so, it needs to be used with care... because often times, it can go the other way too.

8. Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

How important is your age to you? Do you ever lie about it or refuse to reveal it?

I am not really mindful of my age.  I cannot do anything about it.  I cannot stop time.  It is what it is.  Every once in a while my beloved makes a comment, "only six more years until you are ___".  I usually have to think about it for a little bit.  In some regards it does matter though.  I do know that there are things that i used to be able to do as a lad... that i really shouldn't even begin to consider now. 

9. All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure.

How important do you think confidence is? Are you confident?

Confidence is vital.  Too often a lack of confidence will kill a project before it even gets through the planning phase.  One thing is for sure... nothing can succeed unless it is attempted.  Now, having said all that... confidence is a major weakness of mine... i tend to lack it... a lot.

10. Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.

Do you do everything you should to be healthy?

No, not really (he says as he pops another M&M and takes a sip of Dr Pepper).  I do try and avoid some things that are not good for me.  I try and limit the amount of pasta i eat.  I do try and avoid eating sweets all the time... and i try and limit myself to no more than one Dr Pepper a day.  Not perfect, but hey... that's me.

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20100721

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Ellen Degeneres. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "I was coming home from kindergarten--well they told me it was kindergarten. I found out later I had been working in a factory for ten years. It's good for a kid to know how to make gloves." How old were you when you started working and what was your first job?

I was 14 or 15.  I started delivery newspapers with my dog, a Welsh Corgi.  Man i loved that job.  Early in the morning, no one around to bother you.  It didn't last though because i absolutely hated having to go around and collect the money.  I don't remember caring about the paychecks... not sure if that is really the case though.  I also remember recruiting my friends to help me out when we pulled all-nighters.

2. "My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's ninety-seven now, and we don't know where the hell she is." Tell us about your grandparents.

I didn't really know my biological grand mothers very well.  My Maternal Grandmother passed away when i was 2ish.  My Paternal Grandmother was divorced from my Paternal Grandfather who was a Sailor in World War II. After the Navy he worked with Chemicals.  After he retired from Dupont, he became a Chef.  Pretty cool in my opinion.  My Maternal Grandfather enlisted in Army Air Corp during WW II.  He was an excellent musician (so i am told).  He outlived two wives that he has been married to for over 25 years each.  My Maternal GF was a "complicated" man, but God used him to witness to me in various ways.

3. "Procrastination isn't the problem, it's the solution. So procrastinate now, don't put it off." Do you procrastinate or are you on top of the situations?

I try and force myself to take care of whatever matters i can as soon as possible.  Why?  Because if i don't i then put it off, and put it off, and put it off... you get the idea.  I was once employed to send out a company's summer sales flier.  They had them printed, all i needed to do was put the addresses on them, sort them, and get the to the post office.  I waited until the morning they absolutely had to be in the mail by.  That about "killed" me.

4. "Sometimes you can't see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others." What would others say about you?

LOL, Um... doesn't this defeat the purpose of the question?  I am pretty sure whatever i think is tainted by personal bias.  To be honest i am not inclined to care too much what other think about me.  Which is odd... because i really take it personally when someone disagrees with me... So, anyone who has read this blog and/or knows me in real life... please feel free to answer this question.

5. "The only thing that scares me more than space aliens is the idea that there aren't any space aliens. We can't be the best that creation has to offer. I pray we're not all there is. If so, we're in big trouble" Do you believe in life on other planets?

No, not really.  While i am open to be wrong about this one, i am not convinced of intelligent life on other planets.  My Beloved does not agree with me on this one.  Life as defined by science though... amoebas, molds, maybe.  

6. "I'm a godmother, that's a great thing to be, a godmother. She calls me god for short, that's cute, I taught her that." Do you have a godchild?

Not that i am aware of... but i know my Beloved is on a lot of emergency contact lists.  To be honest, i am not real familiar with the whole Godparent deal.

7. "I don't understand the sizes anymore. There's a size zero, which I didn't even know that they had. It must stand for: 'Ohhh my God, you're thin.'" When was the last time that you were called too thin?

It had to be Jr. High.  I did not weigh over 100 pounds until i was 13 or 14.  It didn't help that i joined Cross Country in High School either.

8. "I have the worst memory ever so no matter who comes up to me - they're just, like, 'I can't believe you don't remember me!" I'm like, 'Oh Dad I'm sorry!'" Who was the last person that you should have recognized but didn't?

Thursday night.  I was out with a couple of friends and ran into a couple from the 'old' church i used to go to here in town.  I know them, they are nice people, but my brain could just not lock on to what their names where. 

9. "I gotta work out. I keep saying it all the time. I keep saying I gotta start working out. It's been about two months since I've worked out. And I just don't have the time. Which uh..is odd. Because I have the time to go out to dinner. And uh..and watch tv. And get a bone density test. And uh.. try to figure out what my phone number spells in words." Do you work out? Have you ever joined a gym and quit almost immediately?

I am not currently working out, even though i really want and need to.  I have joined both a Tae Kwon Do gym, and a health center, but i didn't quit either immediately.  I enjoy it too much.  A local gym near me has a cardio room that runs movies 24x7... i would love that... i just need to make the rest of my life revolve around my workout schedule.  An important lesson i learned once... you will find time for the things that are important to you (and free time never schedules itself).

10. 'We use 10 percent of our brains. Imagine how much we could accomplish if we used the other 60 percent." Do you feel that you utilize all your intelligence in every situation?

No, not always.  I once asked my Drill Sergeant is opinion of me.  He told me that i tended to slack off when i thought no one was looking.  That would include both physical and mental tasks.

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Wicked Wednesday - 20100616

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Bruce Springsteen. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “When it comes to luck, you make your own.” Do you believe you have that type of control over your luck?

 I feel that there are always things outside of my control.  I cannot affect what other people do.  I may have influence over some, but the vast majority i do not.  What i do have control over is how i act/react to the situations that life presents.  So ultimately, no, i cannot "make my own" luck, but i can control how i "create my own luck".  If a job opportunity presents itself i can show up on time, i can perform to the best of my ability.  Often others will see this, and thus how things come your way in the future is impacted.

2. "You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above.” What is something you have had difficulty rising above?

For me it has been my own poor choices in regards to my education.  Some of it has to do with my own ability to learn/absorb, but trying to be late to class, or rolling dice to make my choices on tests, and putting off college until my own personal life became too much of a "distraction".  By God's grace i have the job i have, but it was not by wise personal choices.

3. “Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.” Would you want to be rich?

There are times when i would really like to be a little more "rich".  For example, i would love to not have a mortgage.  However, i also recognize that there is a part of me that is never satisfied.  Right now, i consider myself "rich" in that the only debt i have, that i carry a balance from month to month, is my mortgage.  There are months where that the belt is getting pretty tight, but in the end... i am fairly happy with where i am at.

4. “The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” Tell us about a song that helps you "face the world."

For me it has to be Amazing Grace.  I love both the traditional hymn, but also the more recent version by Chris Tomlin.


 

This song helps me keep myself in perspective, as well as the world.

5. “In America everything's about who's number one today.” Have you ever been a fan of someone you thought would last but turned out to be a flash in the pan?

It is no secret that i am a fan of American Football, and while i have favorites among the position, the one i hold in the highest esteem is at Running Back.  When Tshimanga Biakabutuka was drafted by "my" Carolina Panthers in 1995 i was really excited. The career span of a Running Back in the NFL is very short, but this man really had a hard time staying healthy.  I do not say that in a critical tone, rather in a way that i feel it was too short.  Fortunately he has been able to make a life for himself after his NFL career.  But when he was on the field - wow! - it's just a shame that he was unable to take it all the way.

6. “Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?” Has any dream of yours come true?

I think as a result of my childhood i really do not tend to be a dreamer. For me i have to focus on the here and now.  The what might be is too far off, too many variables affecting the end outcome.  While i know it is important to have a long range target in mind, so that you can adjust the footsteps in route, my focus tends to be more immediate.

7. “Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.” What would you change if you became the president?

I almost snorted Dr Pepper out my nose!  Wow... assuming i even made it that far... i would like to enact line item veto ability for the President, a flat income tax for all social standings - if say 10% is good for people making minimum wage then it is good for those drawing down $1m or more AND the elimination of many of the tax deduction/credits - or at least a cap at a certain percentage,  a mandatory balanced budget, and a law that states that Congress and the House MUST abide by ALL laws enforced upon the general populace.  They (including the President) are in a position of power to serve the people, not to line their own pockets and be exempt from the rules.

8. "Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody's different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous." How do you feel about gay rights?

I will start with - you cannot legislate morality.  Second, gays are no different than you or me.  They are just labeled differently for the type of sin they are choosing to pursue.  So, to ask me if i feel that gays and lesbians should have the right to get married, etc. my answer is no.  But then, i feel that pornography should be illegal as well so...  No matter how many laws you enact (or not), inevitably we humans will still seek out the tree of forbidden fruit. 

9. " It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company." Have you ever been disappointed in yourself?

I am pretty sure not a week goes by that i have not done something that i am not disappointed about.  Maybe it's a boneheaded decision at work, or a harsh word spoken to my children.  A failure to take action in regards to a need that God has shown me.  In the end... i am not resting on what i have, or have not done, but in what Christ has done for me.  He provides the grace and mercy to change, so that when such "opportunities" come back around, i can make a different decision.  If not for Christ, this "samurai" would have had to commit seppuku long ago.

10. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." What's your favorite type of music? What's your favorite band?

My preference lie in Celtic Folk Music.  I love the rhythm and pace, i like the instruments, and i especially enjoy the spirited instrumentals and dance numbers.  Funny thing is... in this genre i do not really have a favorite above all others.  I like Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior, Gaelic Storm, Blackmore's Night, and the like.  If i have to pick one group over all the others... i think i want to go with Jethro Tull  but their lyrics and over all world view keep me from taking them as #1... i would go with Chris Tomlin.  Really good music and lyrics.  Now, if i could find a way to combine the gospel-centric lyrics of Christ Tomlin/Steven Curtis Chapman/Casting Crowns and Celtic/Irish folk music... that would be awesome.  In my opinion.

Thanks for checking out our Wednesday craziness. We hope you join us again. Please visit our other player's posts and make a comment. Join us next week for our next meme!