Wicked Wednesday - 20110309

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 Whoopi Goldberg. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

Note:  My responses are a week behind the meme as set up, but it is to allow me to get the responses done (in my opinion) adequately.

1. An actress can only play a woman. I'm an actor, I can play anything.
If you could experience any life form that was not a human of your sex, what would you pick and why?

LOL - it took me a few times reading the question through to get it.  I would love to experience a lifetime as an Elf.  It's not that i think they have a perfect life, but the mythology of the Elves as i know it (which is predominately of the Tolkien variety) really appeals to me.  To have lifetimes to focus on and study different things, and not just one lifetime to study say music, but several such lifetimes.  And not just one subject, but many different ones.  I do not know what Heaven will be like other than i will get to worship God in person, but there are times when i imagine we will get to explore different aspects of His creation and how it pertains to His glory.

2. For some reason, all artists have self-esteem issues.
Do you have any self esteem issues? Do tell. (Since we all do.)

Indeed i do.  I tend to feel that i am i unable to be all that i could want to be, and yet... i know i think to highly of myself.  This may seem like an odd dichotomy but let me expound upon this.  I tend to be very critical of myself.  I perform self evaluations almost daily.  What have i done that i could improve upon.  This is a never ending deal because there is always something that i could have done better, a harsh remark not spoken, a reassuring compliment not spoken, more time spent doing something other than playing on my HTC EVO.  Then there is my relationship with my Savior.  Although God in His kindness has shown me glimpses of my own sin and depravity, the image is but a shadow of just how deeply i had/have offended the Holiness of God.  Just a pinch of leaven will pervade a batch of dough, so does a pinch of sin in my life.  It is only by the grace of God through the work of Jesus Christ am i am able to stand before the Throne.

3. I am the American Dream. I am the epitome of what the American Dream basically said. It said, you could come from anywhere and be anything you want in this country. That's exactly what I've done.
Do you believe in the American Dream or has it passed through time?

I do for the most part.  While i know it is not perfect, i do feel that many of the freedoms that make it so are slowly being stripped away.  America is great, not because we have given everything to some, but because we have allowed hard work to be rewarded.  I do not have all the answers, nor are all my opinions correct, but i do know that you cannot legislate morality and you can not tax a country to prosperity.

4. I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation.
It's been asked before, probably weekly, but what's irritating you today?

This quote brought a slight chuckle out.  8) Nothing particular at the moment.  Things like "failing to plan on your part, shouldn't constitute an emergency on my part",  just because you have to do something you didn't expect or take an extra step in a process because things were not laid out exactly how you wanted does not give you the right to whine and complain - put on your big girl panties and actually do the extra step or two to achieve success.  I tell my children all the time that life is not fair and that they need to learn how to figure out how to overcome the obstacles that appear to be blocking their way.  The sooner one learns to adapt and accept that the world does not revolve around them, the further along the path of success they will be.

5. I don't look like Halle Berry. But chances are, she's going to end up looking like me.
What do you think you'll end up looking like? (A picture would help.)

I can only hope that i will age as gracefully and handsomely as my maternal grandfather, or my father-in-law.  However i think it is going to be more like Statler and Waldorf - those two hecklers from the Muppet Show.

6. I grew up in a time when it would never have occurred to anyone to tell me there was anything I couldn't do.
Has anyone told you that you could not do something?

Way back when i first joined the Army National Guard, i remember being pretty gung-ho.  On my first Annual Training cycle we trained with a team from the 82nd Airborne division.  I wanted to go full time that summer, but the full timers were less than encouraging.  Essentially they mocked and told me that i couldn't do it.  I never did go full time, though i am OK with that.  I like where i am at in life.

7. I want Carl Sagan to explain the sky to me.
Is there anybody dead that you'd like to talk to?

I would love to talk to Peter, James, or John - the disciples of Jesus.  I would also love to talk to the woman who poured the Alabaster jar of perfume to anoint Jesus and washed his feet with her tears.  Lazerus would be an interest evening, especially in the company of Mary and Martha.  These are the ones that immediately jumped to my mind.  As Jesus has risen from the dead... that is the reason He is not on the list.  8)

8. If every American donated five hours a week, it would equal the labor of 20 million full-time volunteers.
Have you ever done volunteer work?

I have, but not as much as i should.  I have assisted with coaching soccer teams, i have helped with some church projects.  My life right now is mostly spent working with my children and getting them where they need to be, etc. Although, i am slowly getting back into some things here and there as i include my oldest... well, to be honest... he is including me.  8)

9. It's being willing to walk away that gives you strength and power - if you're willing to accept the consequences of doing what you want to do.
Have you ever walked away from a job and regretted it?

Several actually.  The first one that comes to mind was the summer i spent working with a pool re-plastering company.  Being the low man on the totem pole i spent my days on the back of the truck busting bags into the mixing machine that weighed between 80 and 120 pounds.  That was hot, dusty work, but i actually enjoyed it.  One day, i just stopped going.  Another was as a shipping and receiving clerk for a machinery testing company.  That was a cake job, decent pay, not very hard work.  Again, one day i just stopped going. Unfortunately there were others as well.  That is what steered me towards the National Guard eventually because potential employers began noticing a trend in my job history.

10. Normal is in the eye of the beholder.
Are you normal? Explain.

Of course i am normal, it's all you other wackos out there that are not.  8)  I once heard a good quote.  Everyone in the world is insane.  Why else would we walk through life that we do.  It's the people who have been institutionalized that have had their eyes open and see the world for how it really is.  Personally, i don't subscribed to that point of view, but it made me chuckle.  We each mold ourselves on our perception of 'normal'.  We see the world through our individual lenses (even as members of a group, we still have unique points of view) and respond as we have learned, or trained ourselves, to.  "Normal" is only a median of a particular group of people.

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Wicked Wednesday - 20110223

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 Salma Hayek. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. Every woman who thinks she is the only victim of violence has to know that there are many more.
Do you know someone that has been a victim of domestic violence?

My mother actually.  For some reason she became smitten with a bear of a man.  They dated for a little while, and even married.  It lasted four weeks.  I know i stood up to him once and had my head put through a wall.  While my beloved has the ability to push my buttons like no other, and i have pounded my fist against a wall, or slammed a door, it is NEVER appropriate to hit on a woman unless you are defending yourself AND you are in danger of serious injury/death.

2. I became obsessed with all these women who die never feeling they did anything extraordinary with their lives.

What woman do you feel has made a significant contribution to society over the last decade?

I feel there are several.  Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and many others that escape me right now.  Some better than others, some more than others.  Famous people bore me, so i've not paid attention.  The true would be said if asked about which men have made contributions.

3. I have a farm and I love it there. There's really nothing to do, but even watching the chickens, its fun.

Have you ever considered life on a farm (perhaps with a pig named Arnold)?

I've never lived on a farm, but i have lived around farms a lot.  Farms are awesome and a vital part of world, but i am pretty sure it is not for me.  I am smart enough to know that you don't just throw some seeds in the ground and wait a few months.  Animals require attention too.  I guess the life of a farmer is so different from what i've grown up with, and what i do now... i have a hard time imagining it.

4. I proved to myself that if I believe in something and set my mind to it I could actually accomplish it.

Do you think that’s true of everybody in all situations?

No, not in all situations.  For example, if i wanted to become the Emperor of Japan i am pretty confident that no matter how hard i believe in it, not matter how hard i try, it will always be out of my reach.  However, you have to believe in yourself to achieve great things.  You have to believe in yourself to achieve even very good things. Belief in yourself helps push you beyond the barriers and obstacles which invariably arise.  If you cannot push beyond them, then you will never achieve much.

5. I really do love Diana Ross; I grew up listening to her records. I grew up in a little town in Mexico, so while we got the music, we never got the experience of watching her.

Who is you favorite Motown era artist?

I think it would be Stevie Wonder.  To be honest, mostly because he is the only one that readily comes to my mind.  I have enjoyed some of the music from Motown, but it generally is not my cup of tea.However, this song is a real favorite of mine.

6. I think it's nice for women to try to be sexy for their man.

How much time to you spend getting “sexy” for a partner?

To my shame, not as much as i used to.  I need to work on that because i think she deserves the effort.  I do struggle with knowing how though. Women are different than men.  I can't just go slip into a thong and "do it" for her.  LOL - you ladies are complicated.  No two alike.

7. I'm good at working, but I'm very good at playing.

How do balance work and play in your life?

Wow... that is pretty hard, and i am not so sure it is balanced right now.  I have an addictive personality so "play" tends to be at one extreme or the other.  Mostly, i play at writing which is what i get to do most regularly without losing track of my other duties.

8. I've stolen a couple of hearts and they are in my private collection!

Do you think that you’ve ever broke someone’s heart?

No, not really.  Had mine broken a few times.  My beloved's heart is the only one i ever swooned, and i pray that i have never broken hers.

9. My driving abilities from Mexico have helped me get through Hollywood.

Do you think that you drive well?

LOL - i believe i once read that 80% of drivers believe themselves to be above average, which of course is not possible.  8)  In general, yes i do.  I pay careful attention to what others are doing and drive defensively.  It has helped me more than once to avoid another "above average" driver.

10. Some men have a silly theory about beautiful women - that somewhere along the line they'll turn into a monster.

Do you feel that someone’s looks has a lot to do with their behavior?

I do, but mostly because of the circles that people 'naturally' fall into as they get older.  A lot of it will be influenced by things at home and how the parents raise them, but... in general i think it has some influence, yes.

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Wicked Wednesday - 20110216

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 Ronald Reagan. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

My answers to this meme run a week late, so the celebrity quotes are not as timely, but... anyway.

1. A tree's a tree. How many more do you need to look at?
Are you concerned about mankind's intrusion into forests and jungles?

I am.  Trees are a vital part of the planet's lungs.  There is plenty of land available without having to butcher down the forests to make more room, or for over manufacturing.  The only thing stopping such a change... borders of countries.

2. All great change in America begins at the dinner table.
What is the biggest change that you've seen in your lifetime with the U.S?

I would have to say cell phones.  I still remember the day of the pay-phone and needing to keep some change in the pocket in case of emergency.  During my time the bulking portable phones that look like huge, heavy show boxes, to systems that you hold in the palm of your hand that can search the internet, stream a movie, listen to whatever music you care to even think about, download navigation tools that can help you drive almost anywhere you care to go, and even make a video phone call if you want to.  Oh, i forgot they can take pictures and upload them to share with the world within seconds.  Simply amazing.

3. All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant can be stored under a desk.
Do you feel nuclear power is still the fuel of our future?

I think it is a viable short term bridge until more potent reusable technology is viable.  A lot of progress has been made in solar/wind/even wave technology.  Progress also would need to be made on consumer consumption, which is being made, but unless we can obtain contentment on the consumption, we will always keep pace with improvements in production.

4. But there are advantages to being elected President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret.
How did you do academically in high school?

Um... i plead the 5th.  I only passed 3 semesters of English.  Towards the end i would actually roll dice on multiple choice questions to answer them.  The rattling of the dice was quite loud in the middle of the quiet class.  I'd prefer to not go into more detail... there is a remote possibility that my children actually read this blog.

5. Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty.
How closely have you followed the uprising in Egypt? Thoughts?

To be honest, other than a passing curiosity, not very.  It is not that the concerns of those who are protesting their government is not important, it is just that i have enough going on in my own life that i do not have enough 'CPU cycles' to keep track of all of the things going on in the world.

6. Democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.
Do you feel a political system is worth dying for?

While i am proud to be an American, i have a deep concern for taking a stance of being willing to die for a political system where those who make the rules all too often exempt themselves from those same rules.  Right now, and i am only speaking about my opinion/observations of things here in the U.S., the political system is more of an "us" versus "them" mentality than a system "of the people, by the people, for the people".  I honestly feel that there needs to be a minimum of two more major political parties.  I see the Tea Party as a viable alternative and compliment to the overall general Republican Party.  I think the Democratic Party needs something as well.  There is no one politician that i A) completely trust and B) agree with on all of the issues.  Just like the the government has taken action to break up industry monopolies, i feel that the current system needs just a little more diversification as well.

7. Don't be afraid to see what you see.
What do you see that scares you?

For me... it would have to be the interactions between parents, doctors, and/or teachers regarding the overarching diagnosis of PDD or Pervasive Development Disorder.  Parents are usually the first to know that something is not quite right with their child.  They are with them day in, and day out.  Usually they monitor every step, every 'check mark' if you will, of every development milestone.  Too often when the parent goes to their doctor they are told to be patient, just wait, you'll see.  The thing with Autism is that the sooner you begin therapy and treatment, the better overall success the parent will have in preparing their child for success and complete integration into society.  Then, after the parent has been worn down from fighting the battles with their doctors, the child enters the school system where the parent then has to fight a new battle on a new front.

Things have improved immensely, and there are doctors and teachers out there who truly care and want to work with you, but often their hands are tied or they are over worked on trying to help every child that they can.  My beloved and i have been blessed by God bringing people into our lives who are such doctors and teachers.  But not every family is so fortunate.

Now, before i leave the impression that the deficiency is solely with "them" (the doctors and teachers) i have a concern for many of the parents of PDD/ASD children.  Very often i hear of parents that are being given resources, given direction for their children (how to get an official diagnosis, good therapy concepts, etc.) sit back and do not take advantage.  They expect the school system to do it all.  To them is say, the school system is already underfunded for NT children and wide set of needs for them, and to expect them to have all the answers and be able to do all the work is redonkulous.  Those of us who are privileged to be the parent of a "special needs" child need to step up and lay aside some of our personal preferences and desires in order to do what is best for the child.  You are a member of a TEAM of people in your child's life, and it only works best when it works as one.

8. Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known.
Tell us about an advance that you we will see in out lifetimes that is not in existence.

I think we will have better robotic prosthetics.  Already advancements of brainwave control over robotic limbs has been tested.  It is amazing the advancements made in that technology just in the last decade.

9. Facts are stubborn things.
What is something that most think of as a fact that does not ring true to you?

I read this on someone else's blog last week and i am inclined to agree.  Global warming is what immediately comes to mind.  Weather data has only been collected for about 150 years and to make such wide sweeping statements is suspect to me.  Evolution also comes to mind.  I am not so entrenched that i say it did not happen as the theory states, but i am saying that it is not mathematically possible to have happened without outside intervention.

10. Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
What do you think of politicians that use religion as justification of their beliefs?

It is impossible for a person to not allow their faith influence their beliefs.  Whether it is the faith of an Agnostic, an Atheist, a Mormon, a Hindi, a Buddhist, a Muslim or a Christian.  Our thoughts and actions are guided by what we believe, just some of them are more vocal about their beliefs than others.

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20110202

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!

As usual, my responses are one week late...

Today we picked Steven Tyler. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. And the things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.
When was the last time that you wanted to do something, but it was all done before you got there?

The one that comes immediately to mind is my Maternal Grandfather's funeral service.  I had to travel 90 minutes one way to get there, so i left two hours before hand to leave flex time for traffic.  I arrived after everyone had left the graveside.  8(

2. As good as I am, I'm nothing without my band.
Do you feel there is anyone you could not do without?

My beloved.  We have our moments of "intense times of fellowship", but there are times when she is running late, and i have not heard from her for whatever reason, i actually get a little nervous.

3. Back then it was nothing like today. So you'd go to the bowling alley. We bowled and you could be in the back and you could make out, you know? And you know how hot it was to make out.
When you were young and innocent, what place did you make out?

When i was "young and innocent" i only ever had two opportunities.  Once was in a closet, once in a set of bushes.  Not the most comfortable locations... not something i am proud of.  I was not one of the in-crowd, so opportunities did not occur all that often.

4. Drugs will get you out of your own way, but we lived it, and that's dangerous. It can actually turn around on itself and steal your soul, and that's what happened.
Were you ever tempted by something that could “steal your soul”?

Porn has been the most destructive 'drug' in my life.  Alcohol or the other things more commonly thought of drugs have never been a real temptation in my life, but pornography has been an almost constant temptation since i was a young man.

5. Every life has a measure of sorrow, and sometimes this is what awakens us.
How do you deal with sorrow?

Um... i don't.  I guess.  It's pretty rare that something moves me to genuine sorrow.  It's not that i don't have anything to be sorrowful for... i just don't understand the why's usually.

6. Fake it until you make it.
Did you ever have dreams of making it in showbiz in some capacity?
No, not really.

7. Humility is really important because it keeps you fresh and new.
What keeps you fresh and new?

I have a wife who loves me, and i enjoy writing.

8. I don't mind being a grandfather.
If you are a grandparent, do you at first “mind it”? If you aren't, how do you think that you would feel about it?

I am not sure... but i sure hope it is at least six to eight years out! Minimum.

9. I grew up in New Hampshire. My closest neighbor was a mile away. The deer and the raccoons were my friends. So I would spend time walking through the woods, looking for the most beautiful tropical thing that can survive the winter in the woods in New Hampshire.
Do you enjoy winter where you live?

For the most part yes. I live in a region where we get four genuine seasons, and the winters themselves are not overly severe.  The only thing i don't like are the people who drive like un-informed novices.  Driving 101, when the weather gets anything other than daylight, you adjust your speed accordingly.  Wet/snowy/icy road surfaces do not lend themselves towards traction between the actual road surface and tire surface.  Oh, and four wheel drive does not give you carte-blanche in teh handling department either.

10. I have to get inspired by something that touches my soul, or rocks my soul.
What rocks your soul?

Jesus Christ and being surrounded by those singing praise to Him, and seated at His feet to learn more of Him.  If i had any doubt about this i was reminded of it last night as i read about and listened to a conference coming up that i am looking forward going to.  I have heard it told that if you feel passionately about something... you should pursue it.  I can't think of anything better than to pursue God with all of my heart, mind, and strength.

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20110119

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!

Well, for me... i am doing these a week late because i never have enough time to copy the meme, answer the questions, AND get it posted all in the same day... so... this is actually last weeks offering.

Today we picked Kurt Cobain. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "A friend is nothing but a known enemy."

Have you ever had a “friend” that you discovered was really an enemy?

I have a two for one type of deal.  When i joined the Army National Guard in 1986 i had a girl who i asked to wait for me until i got back.  I don't remember if she ever actually did promise or not.  When i returned from Basic training just before Christmas she acted like nothing had changed.  My brother left for Basic training almost a month to the day i got back.  While he was away i began overhearing phone conversations between her and him.  Since she only ever spoke to me a handful of times while i was away i quickly got suspicious.  When i asked about the calls she brushed it off, a friend blahblahblah.  When she went to go to his B.T. graduation i knew something was up.  When she got back, she announced that she had gotten engaged to my brother.  Wow.  Of all the childhood fights i got into with my brother, i was glad that he won this one in the end.  When they finally got divorced she took him for two houses and part of the 3rd, all of the bank accounts, and two of three cars.  In the end, my brother was left with a broken down truck and enough money to get out from under his bankruptcy.  My brother and i are talking again (it took a really long time), but i am not sure i will ever completely trust him again.

2. "Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with with your self esteem."

What is the strongest drug (legal or otherwise) that you have taken?

Since this is something taken, and not administered... i had a Rx for Tylenol with Codeen once.  It was for after my appendix operation.  Did NOT like the weird feeling of it.  I think i took it once or twice and then just regular Tylenol.  I am not one to take serious pain meds for any longer than i absolutely have too.  I am a real light weight when it comes to alcohol as well.

3. "I had a really good childhood up until I was nine, then a classic case of divorce really affected me."

Has a divorce (yours or your parents) really impacted your life?

Well duh.  My own parents were divorced before i can really remember, but the custody battle lingered.  Until recently i had thought that other than having a difficult childhood, it didn't really impact me all that much.  But, i have been learning, somewhat painfully, that i am still dealing with shadows of these years.

4. "I really haven't had that exciting of a life. There are a lot of things I wish I would have done, instead of just sitting around and complaining about having a boring life. So I pretty much like to make it up. I'd rather tell a story about somebody else."

What's the most exciting thing that you've ever done?

For me the most exciting thing i have ever done was to get married.  Now that has been, is now, and will be on into the future, very exciting.  Never boring.

5. "I was looking for something a lot heavier, yet melodic at the same time. Something different from heavy metal, a different attitude."

Is there a heavy metal band that you are a fan of, or were a fan of at that time?

One Bo my mom was very found of, and strung along for many a year off and on again, bought me my first record album (back when they were put on vinyl disks).  It was KISS' Love Gun album.  Man, i really liked Ace Frehley's guitar solo on their Alive II set.  I pretty much stuck with them through High School but when they sort of broke up i went on my way.  Eventually i got into groups like Poison and Gun's and Roses.  Over time my interest in that style of music waned... mostly i grew concerned about the almost constant imagery of death, debauchery and the like.  And this was before i had become a Christian. I still 'crave' that style of music from time to time though.  Now a days i will pick up and listen to P.O.D. and other Christian metal bands... but my preferred style of music leans to a much more... sedate... tempo and volume nowadays.  8)

6. "I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not."

Do people generally like you?

LOL - you would have to ask them.  A handful i know for sure do... but the rest... i am not so sure about.

7. "I'm too busy acting like I'm not Naive. I've seen it all, I was here first."

Are you naïve at all?

It depends on the topic.  But the older i get, the more i realize how little i truly know. My sons will not find this surprising however.

8. "I've always had a problem with the average macho man - they've always been a threat to me."

Does a certain type of person scare you?

I hate to admit this but i get nervous around inner-city youth.  I know it is born out of ignorance however.  While i have not had the best interactions with them (a school grading period spent in  Washington DC), i have survived to tell the tale, and not all kids are like those i interacted with.

9. "If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask someone else first."

Do you mind a friend who asks for favors?

No i do not mind.  However, most of them are like me.  Too prideful to ask for help when they need it.  Although, i had a friend once who needed to get his car fixed so that he could get to/from work.  When he asked me for help it was not to help getting his car fixed, he wanted to borrow money to buy out a paintball store's inventory that was going out of business.  I did not loan him the money... and... i do not see or hear from him all that often.  Maybe it was when i told him that i would loan him money to get his car fixed, but not for what he was asking it for.

10. "The worst crime is faking it."

Do you ever “fake it” for approval?

Oh, i am sure i do.  In most social situations i really do not know why certain things are expected, and i honestly feel that they are superficial and fake, but i try my best to simulate those expectations so that i am not thought of as "insensitive" or uncaring.  There are only a handful of people in my life that know me well enough to know that i do this... so, even when i don't quite get it right... they don't comment or ostracize me.

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20100729 (Thursday edition)

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 Mick Jagger. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “A good thing never ends.” Have you ever had a good thing in your life that never ended?

My marriage to my Beloved.  We are going on eighteen years, and they really are getting better as each day/week/month/year roll by.  God uses her in my life to help reveal sin in my life, He uses her to show me His care and love, she is my soulmate, my helpmate, my lover, my best friend, my best advocate, my confidant, she really is my bestest buddy in the whole world.

2. “I got nasty habits, I take tea at three.” Do you have an nasty habits?

'Nasty' is truly a relative term (from a human perspective).  It all depends on what you view as 'nasty'.  I do have some bad habits though.  I tend to not follow God with my whole heart, mind, and soul day in and day out.  8/  This in turn contributes to all of the other 'nastiness' in my life.

3. “I'd rather be dead than to be singing Satisfaction at 45.” He obviously changed his mind. What is something that you still do that you thought you' outgrow?

I thought i would have outgrown being as selfish and impatient as i am.  I am humming along, thinking i am doing really well and then BAM!

4. “Lose your dreams and lose your mind.” Have you lost any of your dreams as time went by?

Actually i have.  One was to be a Preacher/Teacher.  For many reasons, many still not fully known by this author, this is not one that has come about.  Overall i think this is a good thing because if it were to become a reality, i need to be more concerned with His glory being proclaimed, and not mine.  The other... i've wanted to know how to play an instrument, either the keyboard or Irish whistle or both, for as long as i can remember.  Life just conspires to defer this dream ever onward.

5. “I haven't had time to return to the scene because I never left it.” As you've grown older, what ways are you still act and think the way you did as when you were younger?

I have a really hard time thinking of myself as getting older, so i tend to not think about things long term.

6. “Patriotism is something that fades when the war starts.” How do you react to this quote?

I think most people don't really understand what it takes when it comes to 'drawing the sword'.  War is supposed to be the last resort when politicians fail.  "Supporting the Troops", in my opinion, means that helping give them the tools, the time, and the goals to complete the mission.  Thomas Jonathon Jackson (aka Stonewall) said it best, "The time for war has not yet come, but it will come, and that soon; and when it does come, my advice is to draw the sword and throw away the scabbard."

7. “The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.” Is there a person in your life who still treats you as the same person to when your were younger? Do you like it?
I cannot think of anyone like that in my life.

8. “It's all right letting yourself go, as long as you pull yourself back.” Have you let yourself go in any aspect of your life?

My physical fitness.  When i was younger i loved to work out, i especially loved to run long distances.  As i've gotten older though i've not allotted the time that it takes to keep maintain it.  Now i have gained enough weight that it hurts to run now... But, my Beloved has purchased an eliptical for me to use... very easy on the knees... but again... i've not allotted the time it takes...

9. “My mother has always been unhappy with what I do. She would rather I do something nicer, like being a brick layer.” How do you parents feel about what you do?
My mother passed away in 2000, and i am not really sure what she thought.  My father approves (i am pretty sure), but again i am not really sure.

10. “Anarchy is the only slight glimmer of hope.” How would you categorize your political point of view?

I have always leaned to the "right", even when i was earning minimum wage and under-insured, etc.  But of late i am getting more and more disillusioned with the system of government here in the U.S.. Any system of government that is above the very laws that they pass for the general populace, and continues to spend beyond its means, and i could go on, needs some revamping in my opinion.  While it is not a perfect party, i am becoming more and more affiliated with the Tea Party of America.  This country at the very least needs a successful third (and maybe even a 4th) political party to truly balance out the power.

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Wednesday Wickedness - 20100714

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 George Steinbrenner (who passed away Tuesday morning at age 80). Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "But why shouldn't I speak out? Don't you speak out in this country?" Do you speak out as often as you should?

I tend to bite my tongue more often than not.  Growing up, and even as a young man, i found that my opinion was usually wrong or unwanted so now i prefer to keep my opinions to my self.  That is unless i am talking with my beloved... or blogging.

2. "I am tough. Sometimes I'm unreasonable. I have to catch myself every once in a while." Are you ever tough and unreasonable?

Just ask my Beloved. To be honest, i don't think i am.  In my opinion i say what i mean, and i mean what i say.  Sometimes what i will ask for is not fair, and i will share that i know this, but i still need it to happen and i appreciate the effort.

3. "I haven't always done a good job, and I haven't always been successful - but I know that I have tried." Do you believe that sometimes you learn more from a failure than a success?

Indeed i do.  If one succeeds to quickly the tendency will be to redo the same action as before and thus perhaps inhibit the desire to learn other ways of doing it.  One of the other ways can either lead to new discoveries, or a better way to make a widget.  Lessons can be learned from any result, if one is willing to take the time to evaluate the results.

4. "Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." Do you feel that you always have to win?

No sir i do not.  For me the only desired result i have when i am playing a game with friends is to enjoy their company.  The only time where i feel winning is important is in war.  When it comes to that it my objective to give the other side every opportunity to exercise their right to die for their country.  When the sword is unsheathed it should not be the objective to fight upon an equal footing, the objective to is to inflict as much violence upon the opposition so as to overwhelm it.

5. "It is unbelievable to me that the highest-paid team in baseball would start the season in such a deep funk.” Do you think money always buys greatness?

Nope!  Well, i take that back.  The Yankees play in a sport where there i no salary cap and thus you can just look at the achievements Mr. Steinbrenner's money has bought.  However, if you look at the Washington Redskins, it becomes obvious that the owner there has NOT been able to buy such goals.  Money is a tool, and required in almost any long term goal, and can be misapplied.  However, if applied correctly, it goes a long way.

6. "I take my last phone call at home at about 11pm." What time is too late to call you?

Anytime after 2100 hours (9 PM for those not accustomed to the 24 hour clock).I prefer to rise early, get most of my objectives done by noon, and pretty much be winding up my day no later than 1800 (6 PM).  By 2100 i am winding down and wanting to close the eyes - or just spend quiet time with my family and/or my Beloved.

7. "Don't talk to me about aesthetics or tradition. Talk to me about what sells and what's good right now." Do you think tradition matters?

I LOVE tradition, i love the familiar, i love to be able to just enjoy the setting and atmosphere that the familiar brings.  However, there are times when one has to be (and i can't believe i am going to say this publicly) flexible.  Sometimes new things need to be tried and experienced in order to get to where you are going.

8. "And what the American people like is to think the underdog still has a chance." Do you tend to root for the underdog?

I do.  When the New Orleans Saints made it past the first round of the playoffs last year i was pulling for them to go all the way.  When the New England Patriots first started winning Super Bowls i was like, YES!  It is great to see an underdog overcome the Goliath because in all seriousness, if the Goliath had not been prideful, had been taking care of their own business - more often than not... the underdog is going home having not achieved the goal.  But when a "David" steps out on to the field, and the Goliath takes a moment to pause and not overlook the opponent, and the underdog still wins!  Just awesome.

9. "I don't think I ever could exceed my father's successes. He was a completely satisfied man, he knew what he wanted to accomplish and he accomplished it. I did do a lot, though, to try to please him." Do you ever feel that you want to exceed your parents successes?

When i was younger i never set a goal to exceed my parents.  I wanted to find out where i could go, what i could do.  Success is really a relative term.  At one point in my career i opted to take a 20% and a 2 paygrade cut in order to be able to be home with my family in the evenings.  To me, that is success.  To be honest, i am not even sure what my parents thought "success" was, or if they ever achieved it, and i am not one to really determine if they were successful or not.

10. "I'm really 95 percent Mr. Rogers, and only 5 percent Oscar the Grouch." In terms of cartoon characters, who are you like?

That is an interesting question...  i really have no idea.  This would be a question better presented to friends and family than myself.  When i was younger Grover was my favorite Muppet.  I also felt a "kinship" (if you will) to the Elves in the Comic Elf Quest and Wolverine of the X-men.

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