Somewhere More Familiar.......
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Anywho, the real reason for this entry is the 4th of July right around the corner. I'd like to wait until Saturday to write this, but I have a feeling I will be too busy with family stuff, eating, blowing stuff up etc to write.
I looked at some interesting articles the last few days and found some pretty neat quotes. Check out this qoute from John Adams to his wife. (remember, the the resolution of independence was voted on and approved on July 2).
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more"
Pretty good foresight from one of the founders of our country huh? Even back then, in the infant days of freedome for our country, the great men who took those necessary steps to free us from tyranny knew what the results would be. It's often said that history isn't made for many years, that you have to get a certain time from an event or happening to appreciate it's historical significance, yet one day, 24 hours after they voted on the resolution of independence, it was seen as something that would live for generations. Fast forward 233 years, and we still are (rightfully) celebrating our independence.
The Declaration has been said to be signed later than July 4th, but was adopted by the Contintenal Congress on July 4th, hence the significance of that date. This document obviously holds significant meaning, if for nothing else than this statement.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
What an absolutely moving statement. Think about the magnitude of what that says. This was in a day before the internet, before Starbucks, before planes. This was in a time where there was no structure, no roads, no overt form of domestic government, yet many men had the courage, foresight, and desire to step away from a form of government that did not allow them those things. They faced certain death for treason if captured, and still risked it for the CHANCE at happiness. Not a guarantee, but rather the chance to live out their days as they saw fit. Maybe it just strikes me now because it doesnt seem we have many people now a days that are willing to take such a stand, on any issue. Without that statement, without those words, many of us, myself included wouldnt have the opportunity to do as we please, to make our lives what we want each and everyday.
I think we need a stark reminder every now and again of where we came from, and the (ongoing) cost to maintain that freedom. There are lives lost and sacrificed daily both domestic and abroad to keep that freedom. Whether we agree with the war or not, doesn't mean we shouldnt support the men and women who for the last 230+ years have, through written word, gun, boat and plane fought to deliver us to a land of choice. This process, the breaking away, the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, these were just ideals at that point in time. We have 230 years of tradition, they simply had an idea they fought for. I can't imagine the courage it took to take these ideals and transform them into a way of life, which directly opposed every form of government prior.
Maybe the most overlooked (and interesting) statement comes towards the end of the Declaration.
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
Think that line has been preached at all? We mutually pledge to each other our lives.......no wiggle room there. These were individual men and women who banded together for a common ideal; freedom. When have we ever had that type of resolve, that steadfastness to pledge our lives, our sacred honor. I don't know anyone that talks like that (unfrotunately), but this was back in a time when words meant something. Truly a different breed of people, and ones we should be grateful were able to forge into the birth of our country.
As many of you know, I come from a military family with a grandfather who served in WWII (Army) and a dad who was active and reserve Air Force for many years, up through the late 90's. I've heard stories from both, and we've all witnessed moments of freedom, terror, unknown and resolve. Maybe it's time we as a country pledge our lives, our sacred honor to OUR ideals, and realize that we all are created equal with certain unalienable rights, specifically the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Our freedom has been fought for and celebrated for years. We've endured wars overseas, both for our freedom and the liberation of other people. We've witnessed unspeakable acts both overseas and on our own soil. Our freedom has been tested, it has been fought for, and it has been rekindled. Unfortunately, liberty isn't something that is won and held forever without a test. As Thomas Jefferson said "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" We've seen this in our day, as have our parents, grandparents and every generation dating back to the 1760's. It's really remarkable when you think back to thsoe days and what it meant. But I fear that too often we don't take the time to appreciate our history, our culture, our roots as a country. We are a relatively young country, but have a vast history already, don't lose sight of that.
I've always said the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. There's plenty of food, gathering of friends and family, sunshine (hopefully), and fireworks. It's the perfect summer holiday that draws us all in. But my favorite thing is seeing everyone in red white and blue, celebrating our heritage. We celebrate a country, an ideal, a thought that lives within us all. We harken back to a day where we weren't man and woman, black and white, but where ALL men are created equal. It may have taken us a few years, but we've gotten there. Those ideals continue to live on and will continue as long as there are those who remember, who are willing to learn, to listen, and to pass on. As my generation takes the stage as the parent generation, it's our obligation to share what freedom is, what it means to us, to our countrymen, what it took, how we got here. It takes alot to realize that these names we read about, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams are more than just names, they were living, breathing people. They weren't some fictional derivations of a crafty mind, but men who walked the very grounds that we do. They believed in an idea, a simple idea, but one that took a war to achieve. They fought for it and in the face of unknown resistance, and threat of death, stepped away from their homeland and risked it all for their kinsmen, for their kids, and future generations. Don't forget that these were real men who did this, no different than you or me.
As we get to the 4th, take a few minutes and think about what freedom is to you, what it allows you to do. Think about what it meant for those men and women to declare their independence. Try to understand the origins of our country. This is our land, let's take some time to learn, to study, to research and remember where we came from. I'm always moved at these types of holidays and rememberances, I hope some of you are too.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe Independence Day, and God Bless America.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Her service was very nice, very hard to get through and experience, but very nice. I think she would have enjoyed it and sure must have liked seeing us all together. The flowers were beautiful and plenty, my brother did a great power point show with alot of pictures of her and family, I burned a few CD's with her favorite songs and my cousin and I both wrote and gave speeches (memories, life lessons, etc). I also did this at Pa's (my grandpa) funeral 8 years ago and they were two of the hardest things I've done. I wanted to honor them andn remember them but keeping my composure is a tough thing to do. I think i did alright, but i hope i never have to do that again (by losing someone).
It still is a very sad time for me and my family, but I know where she is, and i know she is back with Pa, and that makes me happy.
I've thought about posting what i wrote, but i might just make it a private entry. I hope she knows how much i miss her, and know we all are thinking of her. She was a wonderful lady.
And now, im back at work........meh.
I'll share more details later on her service, not so much for anyone else, but just so i have the memories locked up somewhere.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Ive always lived within about 25-30 min from her, and it just doesnt feel real. We were all down at the hospital with her, and i already miss her terribly.
I dont know what else to say right now, but at some point, it will just come pouring out. I'll miss you Mamo.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Then you talk features, what you want, dont want etc. They upsell, you say no. They try to get you in for a test drive, you dont want one. Even if/when you settle on color/model/features, you test drive, they INSIST on blaring the music to say "see how that sounds?" Yes, i have ears, i know how music sounds.
The test drive is an awkward 5 minutes of them pressing every button to prove that there windows are power (whoopie), the sun roof opens, and that the air is colder than a snowmans nipple.
You get back to the lot, thankful that you can now get out of the car and get away from the human ashtray and you go to talk numbers. You know you start low because they start high. This proceeds to make everyone look like a complete douche. Trade-ins couldnt be much worse. Every scratch becomes a crater and bird poop becomes an irrepairable blemish.
And when you finally get close to numbers, they decide to screw you on financing, at which point you get up to walk out, they chase you down, and you start all over........Fun Times
Monday, November 24, 2008
My grandma is still in the hospital, though she has become responsive. She is on a ventilator (which is like a death sentence for elderly people). But she has opened her eyes and recognizes us. If you ask her yes or no questions she will shake her head to answer. So i go down there everyday and talk to her. Tell her about my work day, about Angie, about football, the economy and all current events. She is getting better and it sounds like they are gonna take her off the ventilator next week, and hopefully she can stay off it. She will definitely have to go to a nursing home, but as long as she gets better, it will be ok. She is MILES ahead of where she was 10 days ago. Good sign. She's such a strong person.
Angie found out about her company car. They get one every 3 years
(from original date) or every 60,000 miles. So since she is starting, she takes over someone elses car until its time is up, and at that time she gets to pick a new car (most likely a Camry). Bad news is, she's getting an f-n minivan now. Its an 07, so odds are she only has to have it for a few months, but what the hell?
Home life is good. Ang and i are doing well. Just doing the usual house stuff. Fixing it up, decorating for the holidays (Thanksgiving/fall). Wont do Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving. Then i get to play on the roof and put lights up and get the tree down from the attic. We usually throw on some Christmas music, make cookies, and put the tree up. Good Times.
Work sucks, well it doesnt suck, but im disappointed. I do have a job and im thankful for that, but the raise i was supposed to get for passing my insurance license (license #3) isnt gonna happen now. Im so damn agitated at that. There is more to the story, but the basics are, it wasnt in my contract, and times ar ebad now, so i dont get it. But another guy started after me (different department) and had it in his contract, so he will get a raise when he passes his Series 24 (which i already have). So it will end up to where im the 3rd newest person, and the people newer than me will get raises making me the lowest paid, even though i have more experience, licenses, and skills. Bah Humbug!
Outside of that, not much else is going on. Been watching some TV. The Big Bang Theory (Mon @ 8 PM on CBS) cracks me up, How I Met Your Mother (830, Mon on CBS) is great. 24 starts in January. Scrubs starts January 6th (Tuesday) on ABC!!!!!!!! I cant wait.
FSU is doing alright, need a big win against UF this weekend. The Bucs are 8-3 and looking good, and my fantasy football team (The Banana Hammocks) are in 2nd place and making a push for first.
Monday, November 17, 2008
And now i feel guilty for complaining that I'm tired from all this.
The Noles lost in an embarrassing display. Way to go guys, the ACC was yours and you blew it, again.
The Bucs won, despite our best efforts to not score a TD all game.
The ole wifey is gone for a few days, how on Earth am i supposed to eat dinner when no one makes it for me
Holidays are here, it will be interesting with the state of the economy the way it is
Time to start taking the next licensing test for work. Hooray?
Thinking about getting a new car (SUV). Any suggestions? Ones to stay away from?
Wish there was a way to subscribe to particular blogs
No boss until Wednesday, which means im just wasting away
Finally watched the Office from this past week, was pretty good. A good laugh is needed right now.
Saw Get Smart (the movie). Pretty darn good, better than expected and funny. Steve Carell has the magic touch right now.
And thats it for now. Check back here later
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I'm expecting a call sometime today with the bad news..........all i can hope for is what's best for her.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Short blog today, hoping to get back later and write more on a less serious subject.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Obviously they all had good games, i won by 21 and achieved the greatest comeback ever. How many people can say they were legitimately down over 100 points and came back and won? Plus, that locks me into the 2 seed for the playoffs.
You have any amazing comeback stories?
Monday, November 10, 2008
I'm wondering, like many others, if my job and my wife's job are safe. We both are doing fairly well for ourselves, but it seems nothing is guaranteed in this job market.
My grandma is back in the hospital, and while I'm glad I can go see her (we live in same city), its tough to take. She is still very lucid, and capable of doing all the daily living tasks, but seeing her laid up and so weak, well, i lost it for the first time in years going to see her.
On a brighter note, the wife and I are doing well. Maybe its just me, maybe its our situation, but I gotta believe that the first year of marriage isn't as hard as it was years ago for my parents or anyone's parents.
I will admit, I do like the evolution of OS. Like alot of other people, I found it years ago looking for Madden info. But four years later, I'm still here due to the sense of community, the interaction, and items like this Arena concept. Will I ever meet any of the people here? Doubtful, but it's a weird sense of belonging to know people's names (well, user names) and feel like you know a bit about them. Today's day and age has seen community go from your next door neighbor and the guy that runs the convenience store to blogs, forums, text messaging and more.
I don't know what my future blogs will hold, I'm sure some sports rants, some life information, and probably many boring and mundane ramblings that seem to creep out.
But for now, seeing as how its 9:30 on Monday and I've yet to do a lick of work, it's probably best to wrap it up and get on to the things that pay the bills.
5,530 Forum Posts
10 Blog Entries
487 News/Blog Comments
5 Reader Score Votes
75 Friends
15 Chalkboard Messages
0 Screenshots
6 Videos
4,299 Arena Visits
callmetaternuts's Blog Categories
callmetaternuts's Xbox 360 Gamercard
callmetaternuts's Screenshots (0)
callmetaternuts does not have any albums to display.
More
callmetaternuts's Friends
Recent Visitors
The last 10 visitor(s) to this Arena were:
callmetaternuts's Arena has had 4,299 visits
- aimiami
- gregnice2k
- J-Unit40
- marcoyk
- Mike-A-Milloin23
- osubucksfan47
- rspencer86
- Shamedog18
- thudias
- ufgators253
callmetaternuts's Arena has had 4,299 visits
Working...