Week 18

Did you know that Timmy never actually fell down a well? He fell down every gopher hole and quantum singularity he could find, but never a well. Which then begs the question, where were his parents? You have a kid with a complete lack of ability to learn from his mistakes, no common sense, and insensible desire to go mucking about in dangerous environments. I'm thinking after the first 2 times they would keep a better eye on him and not rely on his faithful K-9 companion to keep saving his bacon. But hey, I'm not a parent, and I haven't been able to stop my puppy from pestering the skunk that moved in so maybe I should be less judgy. One of these days, Mr. Stinkybutt is going to spray her instead of the area she used to occupy and she will be an outside dog so fast her head will spin. That being said, we look at Timmy and his wayward ways and think about the times. A simpler time, yet "less evolved" and "less civilized" by our modern standards. Is it really so much better now? Lets fast forward to today and see what Timmy's life would entail. "What's that Lassie? Timmy is cooking meth in the garage and the neighbor called the POPO? Quick girl, grab that broom and help me get rid of the evidence before the 5-O rolls up in here!" Ah to be a more evolved society, kinda brings a tear to your eye don't it? The really sad part is there are so many much worse things that could be filled in. The world has gotten so small people from anywhere can find anyone, learn about their lives and even with the right knowledge and desire, find where they live and any other desired information. The online world is a dangerous place, and yet there is a complete lack of common sense it's users operate under. They think because they are behind a keyboard that they are "safe" and that their "on line friends" are good people who they have known for years. Their sense of stranger danger is completely gone. It makes horrified that someone I know wanted to go to Egypt and stay with an online friend, and when the "friend" found out she wasn't traveling alone, suddenly he didn't want her to come. She thought it was because it was a small place. I thought it was because it's harder to stuff 2 people in a sack and ship them who knows where than it is to stuff in 1. Its sad that our journey of evolution comes with a degree of blind trust that overrides our ability to stay safe. And that the need to stay safe is more important than ever. There was a time that it was said "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." now it's "what happens in Vegas stays on Youtube." and once it's out there, there is no way to bring it back. I guess the point, valued readers, is to remember that evolution of society is a wonderful thing, but it's not all paved with gold and good intentions. Be Smart, Be Aware, and Be Safe.... and if you see an old abandoned well, don't play in it cause I'm pretty sure Lassie is not going to show up for the rescue.

Week 17

So this post is late, I've been having a hard time getting my head around it. Family. Everybody has one in some form or other. I've been having a family situation where my parents have been letting themselves be taken advantage of by some not nice people. They know how to manipulate my dad and that keeps them around. I've been trying for years to cut the ties and every time I think I'm making progress, I slide back to the beginning. But I keep at it, much as I would like to smash my face in the keyboard until my ears bleed, because they are my family. As much stress and strife that causes, I am thankful that my family isn't as hard off as others. For those of you at the IHC class on Thursday you heard the story of my co worker and her situation. A story that doesn't need to be repeated. That type of reckless violence for the sake of violence and intimidation doesn't need to be rehashed, but it does need to be recognized and a stand taken against it. That being said, it also gives me cause to stop and be thankful that as much as the situation I am dealing with is unhealthy and in need of being stopped, it at least is non violent. My parents are not in danger of being put in the hospital from the actions of others. So I stand with my co worker in her struggle to end the violence, I stand with my parents to end the manipulation, and I stand with people who are wanting to make the change to a better world. But I won't glorify the sins of those who are perpetuating these unnecessary acts. I stand against them.

Week 16

This weekend has been spent on one of my personal requirements. Learning to scuba dive. It's been around 8 years single I have done this and it a challenge to say the least. New skills, early starts of 4 hour sessions in the pool followed by hours of classroom and exams. I passed my written final and course units, and I haven't drown yet so I'm assuming that is a positive. I'm exhausted and have another 6:30 start on the south side tomorrow. More next week.

Week 15

Remedy for a rough day, week, month whatever is simpler than we sometimes thing. Today was a rough day, but it was made instantly better when I got home and ended up with a puppy missile to the chest. There was wiggles and woofs, scratches and silliness. What really got me is when she laid down at my feet, rolled over, gave me the most gleeful look and bit me on the foot. I'm like "you dork". There she is, on her back, paws in the air, ears flopped back and a big goofy grin. Now how can that not make your day better. So I took and extra ten minutes and played with her. Cuddles and scratches and a measure of rough housing. I feel like a new person. Soon as I'm finished here, we're going for a walk in the back 40. I'll bring the ball launcher and she can chase that tennis ball to her hearts content. If it goes down a gopher hole, no worries, she will dig until she retrieves her treasure and love every minute of it.... Is it wrong to be jealous of your dog?