An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and lways delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house." The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
SO, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Packers vs. Bears
One foggy night, a Green Bay Packers fan was heading south from Green Bay and a Chicago Bears fan was driving north from Chicago. While crossing a narrow bridge, they hit each other head on, mangling both cars. The packers fan managed to climb out of his car and survey the damage.He looked at his twisted car and says, "Man, I'm lucky to be alive!" Likewise, the Bears fan gets out of his car uninjured, he too feeling fortunate to have survived.
The Bears fan walks over to the Packers fan and says, "Hey, man, I think this is a sign that we should put away our petty differences and live as friends instead of being rivals." The Packers fan thinks for a moment and says, "You know, you're absolutely right! We should be friends. In fact, I'm going to see if something else survived the wreck."
The Packers fan then pops open his trunk and removes a full, undamaged bottle of Jack Daniel's. He says to the Bears fan, "I think this is another sign-we should toast to our newfound friendship." The Bears fan agrees and grabs the bottle. After sucking down half the bottle, the Bears fan hands it back to the Packers fan and says, "Your turn."
The Packers fan calmly twists the cap back on the bottle, Throws the bottle over the bridge into the river and says, "Nah, I think I'll just wait for the cops to show up."
The Bears fan walks over to the Packers fan and says, "Hey, man, I think this is a sign that we should put away our petty differences and live as friends instead of being rivals." The Packers fan thinks for a moment and says, "You know, you're absolutely right! We should be friends. In fact, I'm going to see if something else survived the wreck."
The Packers fan then pops open his trunk and removes a full, undamaged bottle of Jack Daniel's. He says to the Bears fan, "I think this is another sign-we should toast to our newfound friendship." The Bears fan agrees and grabs the bottle. After sucking down half the bottle, the Bears fan hands it back to the Packers fan and says, "Your turn."
The Packers fan calmly twists the cap back on the bottle, Throws the bottle over the bridge into the river and says, "Nah, I think I'll just wait for the cops to show up."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
New Puppy Photos!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Chocolate chip cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter
½ cup Crisco (I like butter flavored Crisco.)
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2¼ cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1½ cups oatmeal (do not use instant)
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts preferred)
1 11oz bag of chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 F
In a large mixing bowl or your standing mixer, cream together butter, Crisco, sugar, and brown sugar. While mixing, add eggs and vanilla to the mixture. Add flour, baking soda, and salt in increments and mix until blended through. Mix in oatmeal, nuts, and chocolate chips by hand or with rubber spatula.
Lightly grease your cookie sheet if necessary, non stick sheets are preferred. Roll dough into palm sized balls and flatten ball into a patty on cookie sheet. Do not over flatten ball. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes or until bottom of cookie is golden brown.
Let cookies cool on a raised rack. Yield = approximately 5 dozen cookies. This cookie is sure to please.
This recipe is from my Mother, Jane.
1 stick of butter
½ cup Crisco (I like butter flavored Crisco.)
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2¼ cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1½ cups oatmeal (do not use instant)
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts preferred)
1 11oz bag of chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 F
In a large mixing bowl or your standing mixer, cream together butter, Crisco, sugar, and brown sugar. While mixing, add eggs and vanilla to the mixture. Add flour, baking soda, and salt in increments and mix until blended through. Mix in oatmeal, nuts, and chocolate chips by hand or with rubber spatula.
Lightly grease your cookie sheet if necessary, non stick sheets are preferred. Roll dough into palm sized balls and flatten ball into a patty on cookie sheet. Do not over flatten ball. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes or until bottom of cookie is golden brown.
Let cookies cool on a raised rack. Yield = approximately 5 dozen cookies. This cookie is sure to please.
This recipe is from my Mother, Jane.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Crazyness
Work lately has been really crazy. As some of you may know I work in customer service for Medicare Part D plans. I'm always amazed by the variety of people that I talk to on a daily basis as compared to any other job I've had. There is truly a random diversity of people that call in because everyone 65 and over qualifies for medicare. In a lot of cases the calls that I get are from their family members, pharmacists, and health providers, which adds in another mix of diversity. Not everyone that calls me is even old, a lot of people who have medicare are young and disabled.
Well as all of those who are impacted by Part D know, we just ended the annual enrollment period on Dec 31st. As a result, many people are now calling us for their member materials and also many many others for pharmacy information because we had to go and change some of the information on their cards for 2007. All of this is what keeps me employed, so I'm really not complaining about my job at all. In fact, I love my job no matter what the problem for so many reasons. First off, my job is relatively easy compared to my last job. In fact, the really nice thing is that my job is almost completely paperless. Generally the people that I help are quite polite and appreciate the work that I do. I did not expect that people would be so nice on the phone when I took this job. Though, I have a feeling that when my generation has to deal with medicare, they probably won't be as patient as their Grandparents are.
The last couple weeks have been an exception to the usual happy Retirees that I usually work with. There have been many frustrated persons, one calling right after the other, who have let me know where we can stick it. In fact, a good chunk of the people calling are very angry over service issues that are ordinarily routine fixes. Why is everyone frustrated this time of year?? It all stems from the fact that these folks who are generally older would much rather be doing something else than trying to fill a prescription. They are also frustrated by the limited coverage in some cases by Part D plans and the very bad service of some carriers. They have also had to wait on hold every place they called just to get an answer to a simple question. For those who are really unfortunate they have had to try to work out an enrollment issue with Medicare. When ever dealing with a Medicare drug plan, contacting Medicare themselves is the last ditch effort. No one wants to call Medicare or Social Security.
The Medicare/SSA phobia is well founded. All of the things that really go wrong for part D participants seem to stem from Medicare and Social Security. In fact, generally, the things that work best with the Part D program are those things that are handled by the private insurance companies that underwrite the policies. Case in point, (not to brag) but I know for certain that we provide our members with much better customer service than Medicare and SSA does. I remember having to call SSA as a banker to people's direct deposit switched with them. The turn around time was always like 2-3 months. I have learned in my new job that SSA's turn around time is like always 2-3 months. If it happens sooner, it is purely by the grace of God.
So with all the problems that surround our members this time of year, it's no wonder they're a little cranky/crazy. I would be too. The most satisfying thing is being able to help these people. And they deserve it too, it's amazing what these people have accomplished in their life. They deserve the absolute best. And sadly, as so many of our members have very humbly related to me, many of them have received the absolute worst with respect to their senior benefits. I know that our country can do these people one better. I plan to do my part for them one person at a time.
Happy Weekend,
LastManOut
Well as all of those who are impacted by Part D know, we just ended the annual enrollment period on Dec 31st. As a result, many people are now calling us for their member materials and also many many others for pharmacy information because we had to go and change some of the information on their cards for 2007. All of this is what keeps me employed, so I'm really not complaining about my job at all. In fact, I love my job no matter what the problem for so many reasons. First off, my job is relatively easy compared to my last job. In fact, the really nice thing is that my job is almost completely paperless. Generally the people that I help are quite polite and appreciate the work that I do. I did not expect that people would be so nice on the phone when I took this job. Though, I have a feeling that when my generation has to deal with medicare, they probably won't be as patient as their Grandparents are.
The last couple weeks have been an exception to the usual happy Retirees that I usually work with. There have been many frustrated persons, one calling right after the other, who have let me know where we can stick it. In fact, a good chunk of the people calling are very angry over service issues that are ordinarily routine fixes. Why is everyone frustrated this time of year?? It all stems from the fact that these folks who are generally older would much rather be doing something else than trying to fill a prescription. They are also frustrated by the limited coverage in some cases by Part D plans and the very bad service of some carriers. They have also had to wait on hold every place they called just to get an answer to a simple question. For those who are really unfortunate they have had to try to work out an enrollment issue with Medicare. When ever dealing with a Medicare drug plan, contacting Medicare themselves is the last ditch effort. No one wants to call Medicare or Social Security.
The Medicare/SSA phobia is well founded. All of the things that really go wrong for part D participants seem to stem from Medicare and Social Security. In fact, generally, the things that work best with the Part D program are those things that are handled by the private insurance companies that underwrite the policies. Case in point, (not to brag) but I know for certain that we provide our members with much better customer service than Medicare and SSA does. I remember having to call SSA as a banker to people's direct deposit switched with them. The turn around time was always like 2-3 months. I have learned in my new job that SSA's turn around time is like always 2-3 months. If it happens sooner, it is purely by the grace of God.
So with all the problems that surround our members this time of year, it's no wonder they're a little cranky/crazy. I would be too. The most satisfying thing is being able to help these people. And they deserve it too, it's amazing what these people have accomplished in their life. They deserve the absolute best. And sadly, as so many of our members have very humbly related to me, many of them have received the absolute worst with respect to their senior benefits. I know that our country can do these people one better. I plan to do my part for them one person at a time.
Happy Weekend,
LastManOut
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year
I meant to get this out to everyone yesterday, but anyway, Happy New Year to you! I'm very excited for this year. So many wonderful things are planned to happen. Jerad and I will celebrate our 2 year anniversary on Jan 8th. We are celebrating in Chicago this weekend with Holly and Susan. Everyone is excited to go and do some shopping down town. I'm also greatly excited for my birthday in February because I'll be 25 and get a discount on my car insurance. Hehe... The Potting Shed & Design is looking at expanding its business even more, I'm sure those new business endeavors for Jerad and I will also be most exciting.
More seriously though, I am very hopeful this year. I have a very good feeling about its prospects. I have had significant time the past few days to really give a lot of thought to all the blessings I had in 2006 and how wonderful and rich my life is. It still seems like a dream when I consider Jerad's mom going into the hospital, nearly loosing her, and then her very miraculous recover. Also, it seems like so long ago that we were looking at houses, finding ours, and then moving in. I feel like we've always meant to live where we do now. It wasn't so long ago that Jerad bought the huge cargo van for the business. And, It's still a new experience with so many things at my new Job that I got this year. Of all the wonderful changes I have to say the biggest is a profound realization of the role that Jerad plays in my life. He has truly been there for just about everything; I'm so blessed to be with a man like him.
New Year's Resolutions.
I've always disliked making resolutions for the new year because I've always known what I could work on. It seems like the laundry list of items always grows each year, and many items from that basket of laundry keep ending up in the wash. I very much struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and exercise regimen. This is just one of those areas I'm not very good at. Jerad and I joined the Y last New Year's, and this year we are going to commit to visiting them more often. I'm committing myself this year to figuring out what I'm going to do with my career. I am in a great work place right now, but I know that I can do more. Lastly, I plan to tidy up a lot of loose ends. I have way to many outstanding craft projects and I would really like to learn certain pieces of music.
New Year's is in my opinion one of the best times to evaluate how things are going in your life. I suppose this is the root of the "New Year's Resolution." I hope that all reading this truly have a wonderful and fruitful new year. Best of Luck in accomplishing your New Year's Resolutions too.
More seriously though, I am very hopeful this year. I have a very good feeling about its prospects. I have had significant time the past few days to really give a lot of thought to all the blessings I had in 2006 and how wonderful and rich my life is. It still seems like a dream when I consider Jerad's mom going into the hospital, nearly loosing her, and then her very miraculous recover. Also, it seems like so long ago that we were looking at houses, finding ours, and then moving in. I feel like we've always meant to live where we do now. It wasn't so long ago that Jerad bought the huge cargo van for the business. And, It's still a new experience with so many things at my new Job that I got this year. Of all the wonderful changes I have to say the biggest is a profound realization of the role that Jerad plays in my life. He has truly been there for just about everything; I'm so blessed to be with a man like him.
New Year's Resolutions.
I've always disliked making resolutions for the new year because I've always known what I could work on. It seems like the laundry list of items always grows each year, and many items from that basket of laundry keep ending up in the wash. I very much struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and exercise regimen. This is just one of those areas I'm not very good at. Jerad and I joined the Y last New Year's, and this year we are going to commit to visiting them more often. I'm committing myself this year to figuring out what I'm going to do with my career. I am in a great work place right now, but I know that I can do more. Lastly, I plan to tidy up a lot of loose ends. I have way to many outstanding craft projects and I would really like to learn certain pieces of music.
New Year's is in my opinion one of the best times to evaluate how things are going in your life. I suppose this is the root of the "New Year's Resolution." I hope that all reading this truly have a wonderful and fruitful new year. Best of Luck in accomplishing your New Year's Resolutions too.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Busy X-Mas Schedule
It didn't really hit me that it was Christmas until at noon today when I was on my way to work I got stuck in the holiday mall/shopping traffic. It took 10 minutes just to get to the off ramp, another 5 to get off the ramp, and then 5 minutes or so to get past the mall. The only other time you see this many cars in Ashwaubenon is for a Packer Game. Weird, they actually won last night. I really don't follow football, It's just that my Grandma woke me up a little early this morning and Grandpa filled me in on the details.
While Jerad and I are technically ready for Christmas, I haven't really felt the Christmas Spirit 100% yet. Partly, it really doesn't look like Christmas outside. Secondly, I usually spend the holiday season working my butt off. Also, I'm usually able to take vacation this time of year to keep up, and this year, I'm stuck at work. Being at work is not overly bad. Secret Santa was especially fun this year; I got spoiled. I think the other part of it is that I haven't been bombarded with the religiosity of Christmas this year so far. I'm sure its coming. I feel like Advent is a little rushed this year, well actually because of the calander it is. I haven't had time to reflect this year on the "meaning of Christmas."
Christmas has meant many different things through the years to me. I'm calling this one, "Normal Christmas." As far as the forecast can tell, this is going to be the most normal Christmas I have had probably since I was 4. Despite a back-to-back line up of events, each of them is a repeat of a previously established tradition. Really, there is nothing new. No new events. Well, our Christmas Celebration a couple weeks ago is new to some, but I've been throwing a Christmas Party since I was in college. So, as I rush to get things done this year for Christmas, it seems a little draining. I'm more tired than anything else.
I do love Christmas though. Last year I had a major Christmas break through because it had been so special. For Jerad and I it really will be hard to top the magic of our first Christmas together. Though it should be equally special to have share our love in our new home as well.
I'm sure Christmas will be wonderful this year, even if I don't completely feel it yet. I hope everyone has a safe and blessed holiday! Give it your best; you just might end up loving Christmas too.
Merry Christmas
LastManOut
While Jerad and I are technically ready for Christmas, I haven't really felt the Christmas Spirit 100% yet. Partly, it really doesn't look like Christmas outside. Secondly, I usually spend the holiday season working my butt off. Also, I'm usually able to take vacation this time of year to keep up, and this year, I'm stuck at work. Being at work is not overly bad. Secret Santa was especially fun this year; I got spoiled. I think the other part of it is that I haven't been bombarded with the religiosity of Christmas this year so far. I'm sure its coming. I feel like Advent is a little rushed this year, well actually because of the calander it is. I haven't had time to reflect this year on the "meaning of Christmas."
Christmas has meant many different things through the years to me. I'm calling this one, "Normal Christmas." As far as the forecast can tell, this is going to be the most normal Christmas I have had probably since I was 4. Despite a back-to-back line up of events, each of them is a repeat of a previously established tradition. Really, there is nothing new. No new events. Well, our Christmas Celebration a couple weeks ago is new to some, but I've been throwing a Christmas Party since I was in college. So, as I rush to get things done this year for Christmas, it seems a little draining. I'm more tired than anything else.
I do love Christmas though. Last year I had a major Christmas break through because it had been so special. For Jerad and I it really will be hard to top the magic of our first Christmas together. Though it should be equally special to have share our love in our new home as well.
I'm sure Christmas will be wonderful this year, even if I don't completely feel it yet. I hope everyone has a safe and blessed holiday! Give it your best; you just might end up loving Christmas too.
Merry Christmas
LastManOut
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
When it just doesn’t work and it isn’t going to.
I have written two notable blog entries one titled Relationship Road Blocks and the other Why We Should do Things Different. The first describes how effective communication, self evaluation, and patience can solve many “road blocks” in relationships. The second merely consists of the following phrase: "Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting change, is the very definition of insanity." I am also adding the following phrase, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
Change is the hardest thing for anyone to do, no matter who you are. You will always cling to the way things are and the past because these are the things you know and you are comfortable with. However, what you currently know and the things that you are comfortable with are so very often HARMFUL to you and others. Therefore, decisive action is needed. If something is harmful to you it is not hard for others around you to notice this. In fact, the people that care about you the most will rightly tell you about it to your face. It would be wise to pay attention as well as accept any assistance they might offer you to solve your problem.
How do you know when you’re in a situation like a relationship, job, friendship, business venture, etc. that is not working and is not going to? Anytime that the same problem keeps repeating multiple times and the proposed resolutions have not been followed, there is direct evidence that change is not going to happen. Furthermore, the current set of events will continue to happen and will continue to be more and more harmful. For example, if your significant other promises to do something, and even after multiple changes does not do it, you have but two realistic options. 1) Accept that change is not possible in the foreseeable future or 2) that you need to extradite your self from the situation and take appropriate recourse. Deciding what you will accept should be something that is a minor and relatively unimportant concession. For example, you may have to live with the fact that someone always arrives late or always leaves the kitchen a mess. These are issues involving character not trust, and as such, are not generally related to a promise that the person has made. However, if a promise has been consistently over and over again, and it is broken, the issue becomes a trust issue.
Trust, as we all know, is very important. If you cannot be trusted, you will be penalized for your actions or lack of action. If you cannot be trusted your spouse will leave you, your boss will fire you, your friends will not call you, and your customers will not come back. Everything we do is built on trust. If you continue to trust someone when all the facts of the matter clearly point to something else, and you do nothing, you will end up hurting yourself and others.
Healing from these injuries relating to mistrust, which could realistically be physical, emotional, and monetary, will take an unforeseen amount of time and resources out of your life, if not cost you your life. You owe it to yourself and everyone who loves you to remove yourself from a situation which is clearly harmful. You can’t do it for the kids, or your current customer’s, or even the money either. If it is harming you, it must stop. You are only lying to yourself if you think otherwise. In the end it will hurt these other people just as much. Time in situations of mistrust, malfeasance, and general wrong doing is of the greatest importance.
Eventually, if you do not take action to change your own life, others will take it for you. There is nothing that is worth loosing your freedom over. If you do not have your freedom, you do not have the ability to make a positive change in your life and the lives of others. People without freedom are slaves to their masters. Believe in yourself and the talents you’ve been given. Make a change today; take a leap of faith. It might be the only thing that can save you. If it just isn’t working, it’s not going to.
Change is the hardest thing for anyone to do, no matter who you are. You will always cling to the way things are and the past because these are the things you know and you are comfortable with. However, what you currently know and the things that you are comfortable with are so very often HARMFUL to you and others. Therefore, decisive action is needed. If something is harmful to you it is not hard for others around you to notice this. In fact, the people that care about you the most will rightly tell you about it to your face. It would be wise to pay attention as well as accept any assistance they might offer you to solve your problem.
How do you know when you’re in a situation like a relationship, job, friendship, business venture, etc. that is not working and is not going to? Anytime that the same problem keeps repeating multiple times and the proposed resolutions have not been followed, there is direct evidence that change is not going to happen. Furthermore, the current set of events will continue to happen and will continue to be more and more harmful. For example, if your significant other promises to do something, and even after multiple changes does not do it, you have but two realistic options. 1) Accept that change is not possible in the foreseeable future or 2) that you need to extradite your self from the situation and take appropriate recourse. Deciding what you will accept should be something that is a minor and relatively unimportant concession. For example, you may have to live with the fact that someone always arrives late or always leaves the kitchen a mess. These are issues involving character not trust, and as such, are not generally related to a promise that the person has made. However, if a promise has been consistently over and over again, and it is broken, the issue becomes a trust issue.
Trust, as we all know, is very important. If you cannot be trusted, you will be penalized for your actions or lack of action. If you cannot be trusted your spouse will leave you, your boss will fire you, your friends will not call you, and your customers will not come back. Everything we do is built on trust. If you continue to trust someone when all the facts of the matter clearly point to something else, and you do nothing, you will end up hurting yourself and others.
Healing from these injuries relating to mistrust, which could realistically be physical, emotional, and monetary, will take an unforeseen amount of time and resources out of your life, if not cost you your life. You owe it to yourself and everyone who loves you to remove yourself from a situation which is clearly harmful. You can’t do it for the kids, or your current customer’s, or even the money either. If it is harming you, it must stop. You are only lying to yourself if you think otherwise. In the end it will hurt these other people just as much. Time in situations of mistrust, malfeasance, and general wrong doing is of the greatest importance.
Eventually, if you do not take action to change your own life, others will take it for you. There is nothing that is worth loosing your freedom over. If you do not have your freedom, you do not have the ability to make a positive change in your life and the lives of others. People without freedom are slaves to their masters. Believe in yourself and the talents you’ve been given. Make a change today; take a leap of faith. It might be the only thing that can save you. If it just isn’t working, it’s not going to.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Wisconsin vs. California
I had an old lady the other day tell me that the difference between living in California and Wisconsin is that she has never had to shovel sunshine!
Friday, December 01, 2006
World Aids Day
Today Dec. 1st is marked as world Aids day. Most people are aware of the major issues that the Hiv/Aids presents. In rememberance of all the victims of this disease and their family and friends please join me in raising a prayer to these brave people.
Behind every statistic there is face. The estimated 39 million people affected world wide are so many people's mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and loved ones. Each of these people need our help to lift up their voice, to continue researching a cure, to listen to their needs, and to place Hiv/Aids at the forefront of international discussion. World Aids Day is a time for these needs.
Contribution to fighting Hiv/Aids is often very simple. While monetary donations make vital services such as medical assitance, hospice care, and on-going research possible, solidarity is equally important. You can show your support with a red rippon, volunteering, or sharing your story so that others may better understand.
In support and prayerful rememberance,
LastManOut
Behind every statistic there is face. The estimated 39 million people affected world wide are so many people's mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and loved ones. Each of these people need our help to lift up their voice, to continue researching a cure, to listen to their needs, and to place Hiv/Aids at the forefront of international discussion. World Aids Day is a time for these needs.
Contribution to fighting Hiv/Aids is often very simple. While monetary donations make vital services such as medical assitance, hospice care, and on-going research possible, solidarity is equally important. You can show your support with a red rippon, volunteering, or sharing your story so that others may better understand.
In support and prayerful rememberance,
LastManOut
Skinny Dipping in Georgia
An older man had owned a large farm in Georgia for many years. The property had a large pond in the back that was properly shaped for swimming. He had fixed it up nice with some picnic tables and umbrellas for shade, and he had planted a sizable peach orchard around the pond, which was bearing prize-winning fruit.
One evening the old farmer took a look at the calendar and calculated that the peaches must be about ready for picking. So he grabbed a five gallon bucket to bring back some fruit, and started walking down to the pond. As he neared the pond he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee, and as he came closer he saw that it was a bunch of young women skinny dipping in his pond.
When the women became aware of his presence they all dived under the water and swam to the deeper end of the pond. Finally, one of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!" The old gentleman answered, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked, or make you get out of the pond naked." Holding up the bucket, he said, "I'm here to feed the alligator!"
Moral: Some older men can still think fast.
This message was an email forward.
One evening the old farmer took a look at the calendar and calculated that the peaches must be about ready for picking. So he grabbed a five gallon bucket to bring back some fruit, and started walking down to the pond. As he neared the pond he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee, and as he came closer he saw that it was a bunch of young women skinny dipping in his pond.
When the women became aware of his presence they all dived under the water and swam to the deeper end of the pond. Finally, one of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!" The old gentleman answered, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked, or make you get out of the pond naked." Holding up the bucket, he said, "I'm here to feed the alligator!"
Moral: Some older men can still think fast.
This message was an email forward.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Daddy Longlegs
A father watched his five-year-old daughter playing in the garden. He smiled as he reflected on how sweet and innocent his little girl was. Suddenly she just stopped and stared at the ground. He went over to her and noticed she was looking at two spiders mating. Daddy, what are those two spiders doing?" she asked. "They’re mating," her father replied. "That’s a Daddy Longlegs." Her father answered. "So, the other one is Mommy Longlegs?" the little girl asked. "No," her father replied. "Both of them are Daddy Longlegs." The little girl thought for a moment, then took her foot and stomped them flat. "Well, daddy, that might be accepted in California and Massachusetts but we’re not having any of that shit in Wisconsin!!
This message was in an email forward.
This message was in an email forward.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Post your own art for free!
This website looks really cool and I'm throwing it out here for everyone. It is for students and anyone, I believe, to post a free unlimited amount of original artwork.
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/stuart/
Enjoy!
LastManOut
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/stuart/
Enjoy!
LastManOut
Success
"The key to success is for you to make a habit throughout your life of doing things you fear."
-Vincent Van Gogh
-Vincent Van Gogh
Friday, November 24, 2006
christmas in the shade
my Tree
is above me
tiny little branches
this is what photosynthesis made
tiny little ornaments
artificial light bulbs hanging all over
stars remind us and guide us
love is everywhere
my tree
is still alive
like the spirit
soil must be moist
likes shade
can’t kill it till Christmas
don’t think I can ever toss it
to the curb…what savages
who toss their trees of life
lent sucks then we have no trees
i’d rather be stuck below
my tree…than…
please don’t die
YOU mean so much to me
By, Josh Steger
is above me
tiny little branches
this is what photosynthesis made
tiny little ornaments
artificial light bulbs hanging all over
stars remind us and guide us
love is everywhere
my tree
is still alive
like the spirit
soil must be moist
likes shade
can’t kill it till Christmas
don’t think I can ever toss it
to the curb…what savages
who toss their trees of life
lent sucks then we have no trees
i’d rather be stuck below
my tree…than…
please don’t die
YOU mean so much to me
By, Josh Steger
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Just wear it….
I at one time owned a bumper sticker that had a black background and a simple white image on it of an unrolled condom that stated, “Just wear it.” I have always been very impressed with that message because it stated very simply and plainly with out confusion exactly what this item is for. It has come to my surprise that there are those people who do not know that using a condom is controversial from a moral standpoint, or banned by the Catholic Church. In all of their sexual morays, the Catholic Church has forbid its followers to use …condoms. Why? It is believed that sexual promiscuity outside of marriage as well as sex for non-reproductive purposes is gravely sinful. That leaves sex for married people who are either trying or open to getting pregnant. That’s it. No sex for anyone else ever.
The Church’s current position on Condom’s excludes them from use by anyone. This black and white, all encompassing, policy could not possibly take into the many situations in which condom use is completely appropriate from a medical and social standpoint. When should you wear a condom? You should wear one whenever you have any doubt about a partner’s STD status, when you are in no place or situation in which you could care for a child, when you simply don’t want to get pregnant, and any other time that you are not trying to get pregnant. It’s really quite simple. The condom lets you enjoy sex and gives you piece of mind. The condom is not fail safe and relies on its user knowing how to wear it properly. When used effectively it can help prevent pregnancy and STD’s. Plus, the use of a condom keeps your partner from being filled with semen, which some people find unpleasant. Wear a condom. As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.”
So sex for enjoyment purposes is very controversial for Roman Catholics. That is why the Pope has a problem with what gay people do in bed. We enjoy sex. I also resent the statements by the Catholic Church and its clergy that homosexuals are preoccupied with sex. I am not preoccupied with sex nor are most gay people. I am not a nymphomaniac (Nymphomania is technically defined as excessive sexual desire by a female, from nymphae, the inner lips of the vulva, but to be fair, guys are way more guilty than girls in this area.) The difference between the Pope and I is that I have actually have sex and also have a healthy attitude towards it. When you consider the health effects of simply having sex, one wonders why exactly it is not encouraged more. It is widely known that sex is a natural anti-depressant, adds years to your life, and just plain makes you feel better. It’s crazy to think that people should only use it for reproductive purposes. And if you’re going to play the game, very practically, you need the right equipment. The condom should be the first thing you consider.
This article was sparked by an article I recently read and is feature in a link below. The article addresses the topic that the Vatican has recently commissioned a study on condom use. What the study will find we will probably never know because the Church is refusing to release its contents. Why should we be concerned? Well one of the world’s major religious institutions is going to use a private document to possibly make decisions about how to tell people to have sex and they aren’t even going to open it up for discussion. It’s appalling. So, no matter what the Church spouts off on with regard to a piece of rubber, please just remember for your own good, just wear it.
Yours truly,
LastManOut
More information at:
http://news.yahoo.com/
The Church’s current position on Condom’s excludes them from use by anyone. This black and white, all encompassing, policy could not possibly take into the many situations in which condom use is completely appropriate from a medical and social standpoint. When should you wear a condom? You should wear one whenever you have any doubt about a partner’s STD status, when you are in no place or situation in which you could care for a child, when you simply don’t want to get pregnant, and any other time that you are not trying to get pregnant. It’s really quite simple. The condom lets you enjoy sex and gives you piece of mind. The condom is not fail safe and relies on its user knowing how to wear it properly. When used effectively it can help prevent pregnancy and STD’s. Plus, the use of a condom keeps your partner from being filled with semen, which some people find unpleasant. Wear a condom. As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.”
So sex for enjoyment purposes is very controversial for Roman Catholics. That is why the Pope has a problem with what gay people do in bed. We enjoy sex. I also resent the statements by the Catholic Church and its clergy that homosexuals are preoccupied with sex. I am not preoccupied with sex nor are most gay people. I am not a nymphomaniac (Nymphomania is technically defined as excessive sexual desire by a female, from nymphae, the inner lips of the vulva, but to be fair, guys are way more guilty than girls in this area.) The difference between the Pope and I is that I have actually have sex and also have a healthy attitude towards it. When you consider the health effects of simply having sex, one wonders why exactly it is not encouraged more. It is widely known that sex is a natural anti-depressant, adds years to your life, and just plain makes you feel better. It’s crazy to think that people should only use it for reproductive purposes. And if you’re going to play the game, very practically, you need the right equipment. The condom should be the first thing you consider.
This article was sparked by an article I recently read and is feature in a link below. The article addresses the topic that the Vatican has recently commissioned a study on condom use. What the study will find we will probably never know because the Church is refusing to release its contents. Why should we be concerned? Well one of the world’s major religious institutions is going to use a private document to possibly make decisions about how to tell people to have sex and they aren’t even going to open it up for discussion. It’s appalling. So, no matter what the Church spouts off on with regard to a piece of rubber, please just remember for your own good, just wear it.
Yours truly,
LastManOut
More information at:
http://news.yahoo.com/
Monday, November 20, 2006
Running out with their tails between their legs!
The political radar lately has picked up on a number of stories regarding what is now known as “the lame duck congress.” For those not educated in civics, when a political body or person such as president lags in their workload essentially accomplishing nothing, this is called “lame duck.” Let me tell you how lame this congress is. The currently Republican controlled Congress has decided to ditch their massive spending bills that they had planned of passing, assuming they had won, which would have spent trillions of money on every pork barrel pet project you could probably dream of. Now that they lost, they are leaving all of the budget issues for Democrats to pass hoping it will slow down their momentum to affect real change.
The number one reason these Republican “Big Spenders” have decided to stave things off is because they did not want their last legacy to be a spending spree. The problem with this is, all they have done for the last 6 six years that G.W. Bush has been President is send in spending bill, after spending bill, each larger than the next. Truly, if there is anything we have learned from recent history, pork barrel spending has no party preference.
So now we have it, in the face of defeat our strong militaristic GOP leaders have decided that they are not even going to spend other people’s money for the last month of office or so. Republicans apathetical attitude towards the public’s outcry for smart spending, scaling down the Iraq war, and really focusing in on health care has been the truth all along. Now, we have direct evidence of this because their behavior surely supports it.
The truth is they are going to leave a legacy of failure, abuse, and in some cases malfeasance. Who will ever forget Tom Delay & Jack Abramoff and all the other members caught up in the campaign finance scandal or the Mark Foley scandal where he had sexually explicit conversations with a minor? Scandal, Failure, and mismanagement are their legacy.
I think it is inconceivable that we could have elected these people to lead our country in the first place.
LastManOut
View more information at:
http://news.yahoo.com/
The number one reason these Republican “Big Spenders” have decided to stave things off is because they did not want their last legacy to be a spending spree. The problem with this is, all they have done for the last 6 six years that G.W. Bush has been President is send in spending bill, after spending bill, each larger than the next. Truly, if there is anything we have learned from recent history, pork barrel spending has no party preference.
So now we have it, in the face of defeat our strong militaristic GOP leaders have decided that they are not even going to spend other people’s money for the last month of office or so. Republicans apathetical attitude towards the public’s outcry for smart spending, scaling down the Iraq war, and really focusing in on health care has been the truth all along. Now, we have direct evidence of this because their behavior surely supports it.
The truth is they are going to leave a legacy of failure, abuse, and in some cases malfeasance. Who will ever forget Tom Delay & Jack Abramoff and all the other members caught up in the campaign finance scandal or the Mark Foley scandal where he had sexually explicit conversations with a minor? Scandal, Failure, and mismanagement are their legacy.
I think it is inconceivable that we could have elected these people to lead our country in the first place.
LastManOut
View more information at:
http://news.yahoo.com/
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Loose ends…
Lately, there has been a lot to talk about, but not an abundance to write about. I have all sorts of news and things that have happened, so here’s the latest.
Today was a mile stone in many ways because I finally finished a scarf that I started knitting four years ago. I know I picked up the yarn sometime while I was dating my ex back in 2002. It’s like I have more closure rather than accomplishment. I’ve finally got a few more loose ends tied up and now there is one more thing that is complete. Not only am I finished with this scarf, but it will always have a lot of personal meaning for me because I almost never make anything for myself. I worked on this scarf through so many different times in my life in the recent past. It really is a lot of memories packed into one thing. This scarf has traveled many, many places already just trying to get made, and it has many more to go yet! Oh, and I forgot to mention, it turned out absolutely fabulous, if I do say so myself.
I’ve not gotten a lot done around the house lately because I haven’t really felt like it. Jerad left me a list of things to do while he is gone the next couple days transforming the world into a Christmas wonderland. With Christmas on the horizon and Thanksgiving knocking on the door there are quite a few things that need to take place in a short amount of time, and of coarse, then it’s all over. It think there is a lot of weight to the fact that Christmas really is about the children. It’s pretty inconceivable that we would pick a day to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and invent a bunch of fictional characters if we didn’t intend to use it to brain wash our kids. I mean it’s one really good reason for them to behave themselves all year long; well at least my mother stretched it out that far, hehe. Anyway, I have quite a few projects going for the holidays. I have hand-made gifts to finish, cookies to bake, the annual holiday party to plan, and much, much more!!! I hope everyone has as crazy of a Christmas as I do, because if you don’t you’re just not having fun!
Speaking of Jerad, He has been so dedicated to his job lately. I’m really impressed with him. He’s working like 12 hour days just to keep up with all the interior/exterior holiday decorating that he is doing. I know that he wants all the lights possible on for the day after thanksgiving, positively not later than Dec 1. So we’ve been spending a lot of time together shopping till I drop. He still keeps going like a battery operated Christmas toy from hell!!! Hehe. Hohoho.
I’ll leave you with this wise saying I read on the wall at Jimmy John’s today at lunch: Not everyday is perfect. Some days you’re the pigeon. Some days you’re the statue.
Yours Truly,
LastManOut
Today was a mile stone in many ways because I finally finished a scarf that I started knitting four years ago. I know I picked up the yarn sometime while I was dating my ex back in 2002. It’s like I have more closure rather than accomplishment. I’ve finally got a few more loose ends tied up and now there is one more thing that is complete. Not only am I finished with this scarf, but it will always have a lot of personal meaning for me because I almost never make anything for myself. I worked on this scarf through so many different times in my life in the recent past. It really is a lot of memories packed into one thing. This scarf has traveled many, many places already just trying to get made, and it has many more to go yet! Oh, and I forgot to mention, it turned out absolutely fabulous, if I do say so myself.
I’ve not gotten a lot done around the house lately because I haven’t really felt like it. Jerad left me a list of things to do while he is gone the next couple days transforming the world into a Christmas wonderland. With Christmas on the horizon and Thanksgiving knocking on the door there are quite a few things that need to take place in a short amount of time, and of coarse, then it’s all over. It think there is a lot of weight to the fact that Christmas really is about the children. It’s pretty inconceivable that we would pick a day to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and invent a bunch of fictional characters if we didn’t intend to use it to brain wash our kids. I mean it’s one really good reason for them to behave themselves all year long; well at least my mother stretched it out that far, hehe. Anyway, I have quite a few projects going for the holidays. I have hand-made gifts to finish, cookies to bake, the annual holiday party to plan, and much, much more!!! I hope everyone has as crazy of a Christmas as I do, because if you don’t you’re just not having fun!
Speaking of Jerad, He has been so dedicated to his job lately. I’m really impressed with him. He’s working like 12 hour days just to keep up with all the interior/exterior holiday decorating that he is doing. I know that he wants all the lights possible on for the day after thanksgiving, positively not later than Dec 1. So we’ve been spending a lot of time together shopping till I drop. He still keeps going like a battery operated Christmas toy from hell!!! Hehe. Hohoho.
I’ll leave you with this wise saying I read on the wall at Jimmy John’s today at lunch: Not everyday is perfect. Some days you’re the pigeon. Some days you’re the statue.
Yours Truly,
LastManOut
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Post Election Trauma (PET)
I have PET, Post Election Trauma. I suffer from PET because Mexico City’s legislature just voted to recognize gay civil unions. It is not marriage but still, it affords them more benefits than I am entitled to in Wisconsin. The trauma is that on Nov. 7th Wisconsin voted about 60/40 to ban gay marriage and civil unions in their state constitution. What part of "vote no" did people not understand this last election. Let me sum this up. Mexico, which by some evaluations has been deemed a developing country, is now offering civil union’s in its capitol city. Let’s see that happen in Madison, or even Washington for that matter. It’s a sad day when the people that we don’t want to let into our country have better ruling sense than we do. I apologize to my Mexican friends if any of this seems ungracious, I am very happy for you and I know what a struggle it must have been to reach this point. It’s just that now I have PET!!!
Traumatized,
LastManOut
The corresponding news release referred to in this blog can be reached at: http://news.yahoo.com/
Traumatized,
LastManOut
The corresponding news release referred to in this blog can be reached at: http://news.yahoo.com/
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Relationship Road Blocks
What do you do when you hit a stumble along your mutual journey? So many things when not dealt with effectively have the ability to become obstacles in the road before you. Is your journey currently in the express lane or are you on a rocky mountain climb to the top of a never ending mountain? So we ask ourselves, how do we get down from the mountain top onto the highway?
People are often at a loss for practical steps to solving common relationship issues relating to commitment, co-habiting, shared property, children, and romance to include affection, love, and sex. While there are other problem areas, these in my experience have been the most common and often most difficult. The majority of relationship problems listed above are solved by effectively evaluating the communication methods that are being employed. Dissatisfaction is almost entirely the result of miscommunication. We come down off the mountain by asking questions to get the directions. Directions have to be communicated clearly by the other party.
We become better communicators to others by first becoming better listeners ourselves. Good listening techniques include allowing the other person to say what they have to say completely without interrupting, having the ability to repeat what was said, and asking related questions to clarify information. When you have completed this it is appropriate to use an empathetic or acknowledgment statement such as, “I see where you are coming from.” Or “I understand how you feel.” Do not follow this statement with “But or However.” ***Remember*** you want to have a conversation, not an argument.
After we have listened to the other person and helped them communicate their feelings, problems, or issues we then expect the same in return. If they do not ask, volunteer how you feel about the problem but without blaming them or minimizing their issue. Transitioning to a resolution is the next step. Make sure you both have said everything that needs to be said. Emphasize your willingness to work this problem out and your willingness to help. Make sure you continue to validate each other with positive statements. Mutually outline steps for action to correct the problem and then make sure you honor what you have agreed upon. If one person completely falls through on the actions agreed upon then you either need to repeat this process until it works out or you might reconsider your reasons for being in a relationship with the other person. Effective communication takes practice and does not happen overnight or all at once; recognizing this is an important first step to improvement.
Getting down off your mountain and back to civilization can be a long process. However, consider that it took quite a hike to get up their in the first place. Realize that your decisions that you have made through this process have been guiding it to where it is up to this point. If you find yourself walking in circles; doing the same thing over and over again, try a different direction. Break the cycle. If you always do what you’ve always done; you’ll always get what you’ve always got. While it is perhaps the hardest thing to do you need to look inside and determine what effect your actions have had on the situation. Have you been completely honest? Do you have a clear idea of what your needs are? Do you expect the other person to “make you happy?” The path to the highway will probably be covered in brush until you clear it off.
There is also a flip side to all this which is quite different than being on a mountain, or ledge, and that is being stuck in a valley. When you or your partner is seemingly in a state where there is nothing “bad” happening, and yet still not a lot of good happening, you are both stuck in the valley. And instead of climbing off the mountain you have to climb out of the valley to the highland. (Yes, the highway is located on the highland.) The “valley effect” is a common problem for people who have often grown very used to the way things are. They have developed habits that reinforce the same status-quo. Old habits die hard. Again, you have to make a decision about the communication level. Is it enough? Are you talking about important topics? Do you feel like your conversation is always about the same things? The best advice is to try to bring up some new topics of discussion and then employ effective listening and communication techniques.
There are times in which you are going to have to sell the idea in order to get where you need to go. Think of this as setting up a popcorn stand along the path to the highway. You need to attract your customer and make the sale in order to stay in business. This is a great technique/skill to employ when trying to work out logistical issues. I’ll give you “x” if you give me “y.” You have to take the initiative to negotiate your future or you’ll be left behind. Allowing a pattern in which you are not making your own decisions will create a cycle of dependence on the other person. You will either willingly or unwillingly invite in controlling behavior if you do not manage issue. It would be the same as having your popcorn stolen from your stand over and over again because you did not lock it up at night.
There is no such thing as a simple solution to your problem but there are the above techniques to try if you find yourself in these situations. The most important thing to remember when you are trying to reach resolution to a problem is to STAY CALM! You will have your best wits about you and the most opportunity to understand yourself and the other person when you consciously step aside, put yourself together, do your homework, and remain a calm adult. You simply have to believe that you can do it and the answers to your relationships woes will become clear, biding it’s fixable.
Remember to keep the road clear and the popcorn flowing!
LastManOut
People are often at a loss for practical steps to solving common relationship issues relating to commitment, co-habiting, shared property, children, and romance to include affection, love, and sex. While there are other problem areas, these in my experience have been the most common and often most difficult. The majority of relationship problems listed above are solved by effectively evaluating the communication methods that are being employed. Dissatisfaction is almost entirely the result of miscommunication. We come down off the mountain by asking questions to get the directions. Directions have to be communicated clearly by the other party.
We become better communicators to others by first becoming better listeners ourselves. Good listening techniques include allowing the other person to say what they have to say completely without interrupting, having the ability to repeat what was said, and asking related questions to clarify information. When you have completed this it is appropriate to use an empathetic or acknowledgment statement such as, “I see where you are coming from.” Or “I understand how you feel.” Do not follow this statement with “But or However.” ***Remember*** you want to have a conversation, not an argument.
After we have listened to the other person and helped them communicate their feelings, problems, or issues we then expect the same in return. If they do not ask, volunteer how you feel about the problem but without blaming them or minimizing their issue. Transitioning to a resolution is the next step. Make sure you both have said everything that needs to be said. Emphasize your willingness to work this problem out and your willingness to help. Make sure you continue to validate each other with positive statements. Mutually outline steps for action to correct the problem and then make sure you honor what you have agreed upon. If one person completely falls through on the actions agreed upon then you either need to repeat this process until it works out or you might reconsider your reasons for being in a relationship with the other person. Effective communication takes practice and does not happen overnight or all at once; recognizing this is an important first step to improvement.
Getting down off your mountain and back to civilization can be a long process. However, consider that it took quite a hike to get up their in the first place. Realize that your decisions that you have made through this process have been guiding it to where it is up to this point. If you find yourself walking in circles; doing the same thing over and over again, try a different direction. Break the cycle. If you always do what you’ve always done; you’ll always get what you’ve always got. While it is perhaps the hardest thing to do you need to look inside and determine what effect your actions have had on the situation. Have you been completely honest? Do you have a clear idea of what your needs are? Do you expect the other person to “make you happy?” The path to the highway will probably be covered in brush until you clear it off.
There is also a flip side to all this which is quite different than being on a mountain, or ledge, and that is being stuck in a valley. When you or your partner is seemingly in a state where there is nothing “bad” happening, and yet still not a lot of good happening, you are both stuck in the valley. And instead of climbing off the mountain you have to climb out of the valley to the highland. (Yes, the highway is located on the highland.) The “valley effect” is a common problem for people who have often grown very used to the way things are. They have developed habits that reinforce the same status-quo. Old habits die hard. Again, you have to make a decision about the communication level. Is it enough? Are you talking about important topics? Do you feel like your conversation is always about the same things? The best advice is to try to bring up some new topics of discussion and then employ effective listening and communication techniques.
There are times in which you are going to have to sell the idea in order to get where you need to go. Think of this as setting up a popcorn stand along the path to the highway. You need to attract your customer and make the sale in order to stay in business. This is a great technique/skill to employ when trying to work out logistical issues. I’ll give you “x” if you give me “y.” You have to take the initiative to negotiate your future or you’ll be left behind. Allowing a pattern in which you are not making your own decisions will create a cycle of dependence on the other person. You will either willingly or unwillingly invite in controlling behavior if you do not manage issue. It would be the same as having your popcorn stolen from your stand over and over again because you did not lock it up at night.
There is no such thing as a simple solution to your problem but there are the above techniques to try if you find yourself in these situations. The most important thing to remember when you are trying to reach resolution to a problem is to STAY CALM! You will have your best wits about you and the most opportunity to understand yourself and the other person when you consciously step aside, put yourself together, do your homework, and remain a calm adult. You simply have to believe that you can do it and the answers to your relationships woes will become clear, biding it’s fixable.
Remember to keep the road clear and the popcorn flowing!
LastManOut
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