This time of year is for giving and sharing with the ones we love. Sometimes, since we can't be with the ones we love, we find ourselves sharing what we have to give with some people we don't know. In the spirit of giving and the holidays, I find that the more I give of myself, the better I feel. The other day, I had an interesting interaction that with a stranger that I will never forget.
On Wednesday, I went down to Vino Rosso where I met with some friends. After I finished the wine tasting with a new friend whom I just met that night, I had a chance encounter with a really interesting gentleman. I could see him down the way from me being very friendly with everyone around him (and somewhat intoxicated). After a while we made eye contact and he waved and said "Hi". I recanted and smiled (the holidays make me friendly as well). He asked me if I remember him and was excited to see me. I had never met or spoken to this gentleman before but he sure seemed to think so.
I left our encounter where it was, at a friendly greeting and a drunken murmur about where he thinks he knows me from. After another fifteen minutes, there was a scene at the end of the bar involving this man and the bartender. He apparently was refusing to pay for a drink or two that he hadn't touched and was becoming vocally and visibly upset about the situation. The bartender and the owner came to the agreement that this man needed to leave and was willing to adjust his bill in order to facilitate his departure.
I too was ready to leave but noticed that this man was so intoxicated that nobody wanted him on the road. Even if he had the sense to call a cab, I wasn't sure he would have been able to make it home safely that night. Something inside of me told me that this man needed a ride.
With that in mind I informed the bartender that if I could pay my tab quickly, I would give this guy a ride home (effectively getting a drunk and disorderly man out of a classy wine bar). The bartender and owner were excited at the prospect and moved quickly to help out.
I said goodbye to the owner, Jeannie, and wished her a merry Christmas. "Who is that?" she asked me.
"I don't know."
"Then why are you giving him a ride?" she asked.
"I don't want him on the road, do you?"
"No, I guess not," she responded. "You are a nice man. Have a Merry Christmas!"
I ushered this gentleman to my truck after an interesting walk downtown Idaho Falls where I learned his name was Dave. On the way home, he described to me his amazing pinball machine and pool table that nobody ever used. Although he was intoxicated and apparently lonely, Dave seemed like a nice guy and provided me with laughs all the way (twelve blocks) to his house.
Every time I accelerated, changed lanes, or slowed down, Dave was visibly shaken. I asked him, "What is wrong?"
"I am afraid of cars," Dave stammered to my amusement.
"Don't worry, Dave," I chuckled, "I think they might be afraid of you too."
When we arrived at his house, I bid my adieu to my new friend. "Come in and play pinball with me," he requested with a lonely plea.
"No thanks, Dave. I am going over to my mom's house to help her wrap presents."
Dave crossed his arms and clearly admitted, "I am not getting out of your truck until you promise to come inside and play pinball with me." To avoid physically pulling a stranger out of my truck in someone else's driveway at Christmas time, I agreed to one game.
Dave walked up to the door which was locked. Instead of reaching in his pocket and pulling out a key, he reached his arm through a broken window to unlock it. At this point, I wasn't sure who's house we were about to enter, but Dave didn't have the key. Since the two resident dachsunds seemed to know him, I was at least half-sure that he wasn't a stranger here.
After a brief tour with a drunken guide, we went downstairs where there actually was a pinball machine and a very expensive pool table (I wasn't sure they actually existed on the way over). Two acoustic guitars lined the fireplace and a flute was placed carefully on a music stand with classical music print accompanying it. After a forced game of pinball while my intoxicated host got situated, I asked him, "Are you a musician, Dave?"
After some incoherent drunk ramblings I made out that his girlfriend was a classical musician, a chemist at the INL, and apparently unappreciative of his drinking habits. According to Dave, that flute was worth more than the entire house. Dave continued to explain that he played guitar and had several guitars. When I tried to explain the reason for my interest, he looked at me astonished and suddenly invaded my personal bubble.
He stepped real close and in a hushed voice stated, "You don't know who I am do you?"
"You are Dave; a fairly nice guy who invited me in for pinball," I proclaimed. He inched closer to me (now I was scared). Was this guy a murderer? Was he an infamous criminal? What was so important that he had to get so close to me and whisper in a muffled voice?
"Billy Ray Cyrus is my cousin!" he declared.
To this, I inched close to him and muttered, "I hate country music."
Dave exploded in laughter and gave me a high-five. "Right on!"
Dave insisted on a game of eight-ball to which I complied (since I didn't want a fight in my truck, why would I want one in his basement). Dave had a really nice pool table. It seemed a shame that it was never used. Besides, I had no where pressing to go. The presents would still be there a half-hour later.
After several minutes of horrible shots, Dave stepped up to take a shot. He bent over, aimed carefully, and collapsed to the floor.
"Dave," I asked, "are you alive?" There was no response. My mind raced. Should I leave while I was still safe? Should I call an ambulance? I finally walked over to him and poked him with my cue stick.
After a few seconds of rapid prodding, Dave finally looked up at me. "I think I'm done!" he proclaimed.
I burst out with laughter, "Yes, yes you are!" I bid adieu to my new acquaintance, again, and started to make my way for the door.
Dave escorted me outside and thanked me for the ride and hanging out with him. "Are you going to come back?"
"I am around this area, friend. I am sure you will see me around."
"Are you going to come back though," he whimpered. "Nobody ever comes back unless they want something from me."
"Sure, if we ever run into each other again, I am sure I can come back and help you get some use out of that beautiful billiard table." I was ready to leave but almost worried about his emotional state as he began to cry.
"Please come back," Dave pleaded. A grown man was now crying about me coming back to hang out with him? What an interesting night this was developing into.
"Sure, one day I will come back and we can play pool." Although I was concerned I was more amused at how tonight played out. Dave seemed pleased about the prospect of my return and my heart was filled with joy for helping the entire community for giving him a ride home.
It is easy to judge and ignore others. There is nothing in life that requires we help our fellow man at Christmas or any time of year. This year I have come to realize how much charity and giving of myself can not only help others but makes me feel great.
I was initially troubled this week about giving of myself, letting others in, and how much unrequited love hurts. Dave reminded me of an important lesson. The best way to be loved is to share the love you have inside. Whether it is for a drunken stranger that needs a ride, a friend, or your family members, the love we give will always be absorbed where it is needed. There are no mistakes in life.
Don't let others walk on you but don't be afraid to help out when you can. Give of yourself, even until it hurts. Once you give that much, there can be no pain, only more love (Mother Teresa).
Happy Holidays everyone!
The Health of a Nation
Monday, October 26, 2009
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12:17 AM
America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. That's what they are calling the bill to reform America's health insurance coverage. As a salesman, I can totally see why they chose that name. The very name of this bill uses subliminal autosuggestion to convince millions of its own urgent necessity. Although our healthcare system is far from perfect, there are many issues that require immediate attention to secure our liberty. Until the US Government can learn to budget and spend appropriately, we are destined to slavery.
As a student of business, I know that there is no possible way a company can sustain continuous losses. Negative profits result in angry creditors and ultimately a debt restructure (commonly known as bankruptcy). Fortunately for our government, there is no requirement for a balance in the budget, no limit to the ceiling they can raise the debt levels to and no limit to the astronomical values that serve to enslave us to China. Where will this policy of surplus spending and irresponsible behaviors lead us?
Without a need for bankruptcy, our government is allowed to sell bonds to the highest bidder in order to purchase cash from the Federal Reserve, printed at interest, for the government to spend as they see fit. It's not like other countries could hire some muscle to collect on the debt with our insane military spending on globally disbursed bases, installed on the premise of peace. What is China going to do? Demand their money back? Is our arrogance so extreme that we believe that the world will be fooled forever?
Although the US government may not have a chapter 7 option, debt is a problem in America for many families. Debt resulting in bankruptcy plagued over one million American's in 2008. Although there are instances of irresponsible spending, many of these are the result of medical bills that their current HMO refuses to pay for to make profits by finding a reason to deny their customer's claims. Such behavior violates the purpose for the very existence of these organizations in the first place.
The issue with the healthcare bill is that there are no clear details being provided to Americans on either a fiscal or policy basis. I have heard cost estimates of over $1.3 trillion over the next ten years for a public option in the new plan. I have not heard what that will provide for Americans. Many critics estimate that it will still leave millions without a viable form of healthcare coverage.
At a time when the US has multiple war fronts, astronomical debt, and is pushing into legislation bills that are not even read, how can we expect healthcare reform legislation that will positively impact the country? I am concerned that none of the baby boomer politicians are considering the long-term effects of their irresponsible behaviors. I am concerned that there is not enough consideration for the future of America when politicians put so much pressure to create reform that they don't even understand.
I know I have asked plenty of questions that I cannot answer. Perhaps the answers are out there. What are your thoughts?
"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein
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healthcare
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Skydiving!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
at
9:15 AM
Check one more first adventure off the list of lifetime to-dos!!!
I jumped out of a plane from 2 miles above the earth (18,500 feet above sea level). I was able to free-fall for 60 seconds and then parachute down (with the help of my friend Fish). There is a small lead chute which slowed us to 115 mph (just shy of terminal velocity) as you can see in the photo.
It is true that skydiving is the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever had: more than on a dirt bike, cliff-jumping, racing, or anything... ever. I am now hooked and will be completely certified within a year. That will require one more tandem jump and 7 individual jumps. Once I get that done, I will be able to jump by myself, with my own gear, and then who knows.
I went to Skydive Utah in Erda, UT. Everyone there was great and made
my experience fun. If you see the video, I am definitely nervous before the jump and was really unable to
express all of the thoughts running through my head. Either that, or I just forgot to breathe; it's common.
The view was amazing from that height. I could see the entire Salt Lake Valley and the Tooele area valley. It is one thing from a Boeing 747, but a complete 360 degree view without any obstructions is by far the best way to see it. As I approached the ground, the most striking thing was the feeling of flying more than falling (except for the wind rushing by).
I had an awesome time and would recommend skydiving to all of my adrenaline junkie friends as the ultimate first time rush. If you have a bad heart or problems breathing, you might want to reconsider it... so hurry before you all get too old.
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summer,
utah
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Commuter Car
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
at
7:19 AM
Here are a few before pics of the commuter car I bought (with the help of some friends) from an auto auction. It is a 1995 Honda Accord with about 174,000 miles.
It was a great buy and only needs a hood and a few minor details to be fully functional. This will
be a great car to travel between Rigby and Pocatello for school methinks. The fuel economy is astounding compared to the Tahoe and when it is all said and done, I will have a car for under $1,000.
When we got to the auction to pick up the cars (3 for the day), although the Honda had a run and drive certification from the auction house, the radiator was leaking and had to be replaced before I could drive it home. Lucky for me, Jeremy Cutts was
there; he was the one who set up the purchase and allowed me to travel with him to pick up the vehicles. After procuring a new radiator in Bountiful, we threw it in the car on the side of the road, filled it up with anti-freeze and were off in a short amount of time.
It should be a fun project to bang out before school starts next week. With a little TLC it will look better and save me money in the long run. But hey, I found $1.28 in the ashtray, so it is already paying for itself :o)
This is a photo of me driving the Pontiac (another car we brought back) taken by Jeremy's wife from the Honda while on the interstate.
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Honda
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A Beautiful Saint Bernard: Boozer
Sunday, August 16, 2009
at
9:07 AM
Yesterday was a difficutl one for both my roommate and I. I am sure it was more difficult for Josh... I would like to dedicate this blog to him and the memory of Boozer, one of my best friends ever.
Boozer is a 4 year old Saint Bernard. The day Josh picked him up, he was at work and unable to
drop Boozer off anywhere. Since he had to take Boozer with him to work, he carried his small fluffy body around all day in his lunchbox. Yes, a St. Bernard in a lunchbox. Boozer was the smallest puppy of the litter, but Josh really liked his markings. He was such a beautiful little bundle of life teaming with enthusiasm and joy.
Just like any other dog, he had some issues with learning to behave. Josh told me stories that
Boozer was a big fan of chewing up the garden hose. In an effort to distract Boozer from this terrible habit, Josh tied all of the chewed-up pieces around his neck. Carrying around this much hose became a burden and Boozer eventually learned to respect the hose.
I moved into Josh's house in the Summer of 2007. At that time, Boozer was full grown. He was the kind of dog that loved to be around people and get attention, pets, and any kind of affection he could. The only issue with that was the amount of slobber that is characteristic from a dog with such a sloppy face. Often times I would find that he had rubbed up against me to say hello and completely slimed my pants. This was quite typical at parties, barbeque's and other social events held here. Fortunately, Josh was aware of his drool not being something he could control and just warned people. If they got slimed, their fault.
I have never known a dog that was such a lover. At 170 lbs. he was able to wrestle with me and push me around, but had a big enough heart to play with children of all ages and never harm them in any way. I often remember Jasmine (Josh's daughter) laying on him in the summer and hanging on him by his tail. Boozer didn't have a hostile bone in his body and loved to play with Jasmine as well as other kids. Some of his favorite things to do were: play keep-away (with anything he could fit in his mouth), tug-o-war with his rope, bite at the air compressor air or vacuum, and wrestling with a large and strong opponent or the smallest of children. Anyone who met Boozer was immediately attracted to him and felt the love which he emanated.
About 9 weeks ago, Boozer began to limp on his back leg. After a scheduled surgery for an ACL injury, the veterinarian informed Josh that Boozer had Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) throughout most of his body. Boozer was burried on August 15, 2009. This was a devastating day for those of us close to Boozer.
Boozer has to be the absolute toughest dog I have ever met. He held in there for 9 weeks while his body was wasting away. Although it was difficult for him to eat or keep food down, he rarely ever whimpered or showed that he was in pain. Boozer led a great life where he was cared for, loved, played with, but most of all he ate very well. He will be missed by many including his two brothers Bullet and Bear. We love you, Boozer.
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Boozer,
Josh,
Osteosarcoma
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A Peaceful Morning
Monday, August 10, 2009
at
11:05 AM
What a great day!
I woke up and realized that summer is still here. The temperature
should be warm for the rest of this week and I am excited to soak up the summer for a couple more weeks until school starts. On
that note, I decided to take a drive to Twin Bridges, with coffee in hand, to spend some time in nature. No phone, no distractions and no worries.
I took a camera to capture some images which I would like to share. :o)
I was inspired to write while I was out there. Lately, I think I am discovering a creative side to me that I never knew was there. I recently read through my journal and discussed some interesting things that happened in the past with my mother that have helped me to understand myself more. Anyways, here is a poem I wrote this morning (as cheesy as it might be).
Life turns to memories and thoughts of the pastThere for an instant; not meant to lastOften I ponder and think of what wasNot living here, in the moments I love.The smell of the air, the sounds of the wildbegin to remind me of my life as a childToo often I find the future brings stressWhat has and what will won't let me restEach corner I turn, every breath that I takeLiving the moment for each moment's sakeThe past and the future bring trouble and painToo much time there leaves nothing to gainEach minute can bring these feelings toothe secret is to not let them control youLife isn't easy, not in the leastBut being here now helps me find peace.
It is amazing how wonderful life can be when you stop to realize all of the things you are blessed with and all of the people in your life that truly care for you. I know of nothing in my life which has value has ever happened when things are going easy and life has no trouble. Instead, the best things in my life have always come from times of distress, pain, and difficulty. I am trying to take every moment for what it is and be grateful for the positive things in my life, but also realize how to enjoy the pain. That's right, enjoy the pain. For it is pain that helps us to grow. Whether building muscles, healing from an injury, or even the pain of studying something that is difficult to understand. It is the pain that helps us to remove the weakness from our bodies and minds.
So, when you think that life is hard and you don't want to live life on it's terms: stop, take a breath, and enjoy the pain. It is the only way we grow.
NOSCE TE IPSUM
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