Sunday morning.

 I enjoy Sonic Burritos. When I woke this morning this was one of my first thoughts. 

I checked my "just outta bed" appearance in the mirror and found it to be "Drive Through" acceptable. I dressed quickly, fed the cat, then the horse, topped off his water tank and I was on my way.

A brief stop at Dollar General for a bit of cat food, the regular Chewy.com delivery arrives tomorrow, and on to Sonic.

# 16, "Ultimate Meat and Cheese Breakfast Burrito" was my selection. Oh, add coffee.  My total was $7.46 (US dollars) 😉

I followed my orders progress on the carside monitor. It was in the kitchen. Suddenly it was "On its way!" 😋

Let's call my car hop Christian. (is it politically correct to use "car hop"these days?) A pleasant young fellow. I chose "Christian" because that is what was posted on the screen. Quick study! I know. It happens now and then.

I had planned to pay cash this morning. Christian arrived promptly and presented my accurately prepare meal. Our interaction was short and friendly as I handed him $12.00. "Keep the change."

I work part-time in the service industry. I see first-hand the labor and effort that these individuals invest in their jobs. They genuinely want the customers to be happy and to enjoy what they provide. I have seen how sad it can make them when they are treated rudely or a given a gratuity that is below what their quality of service deserves. Yes, sad! It can hurt their feelings. They take great pride in what they do! I doubt if the vast majority of consumers could last one shift in their shoes.

I hope that the next time you have the opportunity to experience what a service worker has to offer that you think of this post.

Best advice on this is from Jim Rohn: "When two numbers come to mind for a tip, go with the bigger number!" He goes on to explain that if the lower one is given, it will bother you, later in the day. It messes with mind and conscience. (I am assuming that you have at least one of these.)

Back to Christian: As he headed inside, I could hear him singing!! Yes, he was singing!!

"And it's a great day to be alive

I know the sun's still shining

When I close my eyes

There's some hard times in the neighborhood

But why can't every day be just this good..?"

A Decade

 Ten years is a significant period of time. What do you have planned for your next ten? An equally important query can be, what have we learned from the last ten? Do I want to take these lessons and invest them in my future?

I have often said that: "The older I get the dumber I get!" Perhaps I should clarify that pronouncement. As times passes, the vast number of things that I do not know, becomes more and more clearly apparent leaving the intelligence that, I thought, I possessed in the dusty shadows.  

This last decade has been one of awakening for me.

"Little" things matter, and little things don't matter. 

The small irritations of life and relationships, the little things, can be like water and the rock. They can wear us down, completely changing our attitude, disposition and behavior. These are not the things to base a life on; the nit-picky, whiny, woe-is-me, waah, waah, waah, impatient nonsense. I think it's best to just let them go. Save all of that energy for something much better, the other "Little" things. 

Kind words, hugs, patience, humility, empathy, sincerity, encouragement, appreciation, attention, generosity, a gentle touch, a small act or gift, or just listening, no talking, just really listening, when someone needs a nonjudgemental ear. In a word Love.

So, where could we begin to practice these critically important "Little" things?

At home! With the ones we cherish. It is sad that we, often times, are the most harsh and unforgiving with the very ones that we are closest to. Yes, I'd begin there. 

But for some of us that time has passed. Loss is an incredibly powerful and impartial teacher. Loss can be an illuminator, showing us where we have done well and where we have not. I could have done so much better.

But what if we were alerted to these "Little" things, while there was still time? This my attempt at that. To share, to alert about what I have learned from my loss. It was ten years ago this morning that my window of opportunity closed. After 35 years of having this amazing woman by my side, she was gone.

I have to pause here to say, this is not meant to be a sad post. It is simply a nudge to express your gratitude and love more freely, more often. To just become better at living and caring for others.

Deb and I had such wonder-filled times together and a beautiful family. I am forever grateful to her! I will love her as long as I am alive.

My wish today is that this reminder will stir you to focus on the "Little" things in your life. Start at home and work your way out. Can you imagine what a difference can be made if more of us tried doing this? 

Are you up for the challenge? I hope that you are. It is a worthy and rewarding effort. 

Let's go do it!

"Discipline weighs ounces, Regret weighs tons."  ~ Jim Rohn 

Goodbye is not forever, no, it is not the end.

It simply means " I'll miss you" until we meet again. 

 ~ Unknown

Sticks and Stones

When I was a kid there was this old saying:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

I'm sure who ever came up with that little gem meant well. And as far as “bone breaking” it has merit. But, (seems like there is always a but) when observed under a brighter illumination we find some contradiction.

As a child, I struggled with this notion. My personal experience was not supporting this colloquialism. When I was the recipient of unkind or “hurtful” words, it did hurt. It was painful, emotionally and physically. My stomach would ache, my pulse would gallop making my breathing ragged. A deep hollow would overtake my insides. All quite uncomfortable and extremely unpleasant sensations. I got the idea of the “well meaning” author…but I wasn’t buying it.

The vast majority of humans want to be liked, even loved. So my reasoning was that this consensus would have similar feelings when they were assaulted with vicious verbiage.

Scientific and medical studies now prove how detrimental stress, anger and hostility can be to us physically and psychologically. Hate-filled expressions can inhabit our memories for a lifetime. Our words may not break bones, however they can break hearts and destroy spirits.

Words are powerful! They can also move our emotions to action in a benevolent purpose, cause laughter to erupt spontaneously, or tears to flow. If words can be that compelling, that persuasive and influential, shouldn’t we craft them in the most beneficial, constructive and helpful way?

What feelings and emotions saturate your soul when you are sincerely complimented or appreciated? Doesn’t your heart feel warm and joy-filled? What about satisfaction, delight and confidence?

Yes, words are exceptionally powerful!!

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words?

Words are so powerful, so versatile that they are capable of hurting or healing, destroying or building up. Please articulate positivity and hope with those you meet. It is good for all of us.

You are the author. Craft your words carefully, with hope, and love.

Moments 3

 A squirrel rustles through dead leaves in search of a snack. A variety of birds sing, chirp and tweet, sharing their individual joy. Woodpeckers hammer their heads against huge trees. The lowing of nearby cattle adds depth. The distant warning of a locomotives horn is barely heard. An aircraft adds it presence as it fades into the horizon. The neighbors dogs just joined in as a gentleman, out for a stroll, put them on high alert.

Moments. So many sounds and happenings in each moment. But we have to be aware. We miss so much.

This moment, recorded here, is just what I have captured while having a cup of coffee on my porch this morning.

So easy to miss. Such a delightful experience for me.

It is a fast paced world today. Semi-organized chaos. What if we made it a choice to pause for brief respites? To take a deep breath. To calm our minds, to listen, to smell, to feel and absorb what is happening in that exact moment.

 So many treasures are free for our rich enjoyment. Our senses are a truly amazing gifts.

 These treasures envelope each of us at almost any time. But genuinely enjoyed, only if we take a moment. 

Moments: 2

Recently, I was taken back to a feeling that I had not experienced in decades. It was brief. But there it was. 

 "So, what are you young fellows out doing today? Enjoying this beautiful weather?" ( I almost missed this by not engaging...)

 I was waiting for a carry out pizza. I assumed their appearance signified they were doing the same. 

 "Yes!" was their answer. Then, with a big smile, one of them added: "It's spring break!!"

 "Wow!" I replied. "Even better!!" 

 And there it was, that feeling!! Sleeping in, no commitments, no requirements, no responsibilities, no homework, no arithmetic, no "have toos!!" Complete and total freedom. Dashing from the elementary school door out into the warm, sunny, spring air and 3 months of glorious freedom!!! 

 Can you relive this feeling?? Do you remember? Are you grasping the experience and exhilaration? How long has it been for you? 

 What if I had not chosen to greet these young men? Think of missing out on this exquisitely peaceful, joyfilled, and excitedly relaxing moment. 

  I hope you will think of this "Ramble" the next time a similar opportunity reveals itself to you. Will you seize the moment? It's simple to do. 

  I wish for you the exuberance of a 3rd grader, bounding into the  freedom and joy of summer vacation!! 

Yahoooo!!!🌞

Welcome back...

 If you are new to this blog, thank you for taking a l👀k.

Hopefully you will find "Ramblings" that are helpful, humorous and thought encouraging. We welcome your insights in the comments.

Thank you, again, for sharing your time with us.

Moments: 1

 We do not remember days, we remember moments." ~ Cesare Pavese

What if this next one is spectacular? Are we in it? Are we thoughtfully aware? Are we soaking up this experience? Storing it away for future use and contemplation.

Are our minds and attention elsewhere? Are we electronically distracted? 🤔

Right now. This very instant is where we live, moment by moment, tick by tock. Each one, a possible memory of a lifetime.

I used to say: "We can learn something every day..."if" we are paying attention." Maybe a day is too big a span. Perhaps our moments are better to focus on. We have such a limited attentive ability. What are we missing, what treasures escape, when we are not present?

It won’t be an easy task. It will require patience and focus.

But just imagine how rich, how deliciously abundant our lives may become with our memories alive... overflowing with the treasured moments we have store housed.

Running With Scissors, The Random Ramblings Of A Curious Mind

 I have recently published a book.

 "Running With Scissors:
 The Random Ramblings of a Curious Mind." 

 It is available on Amazon in hardcover or paperback. For an overview with options to purchase, click on the link below.

 If you have read my book and enjoyed it, please share it and leave a review on Amazon.

 As always, thank you for your encouragement and support. I sincerely appreciate you.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMYPJSVH

Now known as...

Success; We talk about it often. Each individual has an idea what it should look like. It means something a little different to each of us.
I woke this morning and a unique thought was drifting in my foggy noggin.
But, let's go back, back a couple of days in my experience.
In this short period I have both seen, in others, and experienced what I now believe to be one of the best ways to hear your success.
You are being introduced to someone. Your name somehow has become an unimportant factor in this introduction.
ie;
The introduction begins: "I want you to meet" or "This is...." now here's where it gets really good, your name is never mentioned!!
"This is (enter your child's name and then "mom" or "dad").
This is Sallys' mom!
BOOM! There it is!!
You are now known as your child's parent. They now have Top Billing! Their name has become a key to who you are, an identifying factor.
You have just heard your success.
What more can a parent wish for, what greater claim to success than raising a happy and fulfilled child.
Listen for it.
Relish your new title.
I think you will enjoy the sound.

My Kid's in town...

 My Kids in town. It's a working vacation for her. We have gone to a concert staring Lorrie Morgan. Morgan Spears opened for her. Awesome talent and beautiful vocals and music. Catch them on the road if you can!!

Tonight we are at a housewarming party for a cherished friend. 25 years old and she has bought her first home, on her own!! We are beyond proud of her dedication and hard work and discipline to accomplish this. We celebrate her this evening! You are a Rock Star Hailey. 

It has been said that the true proof of success in life is when your children turn out to be good people. Tonight, I am a successful parent. Her mother probably made more contributions to this than I, but I have the horn tonight, so toot toot!!

A young child, tonight, had lost something that she valued in the yard as they played. My daughters' heart was touched, going back to when she was a child and how deeply such events crushed her young spirit. How could she reach and relate with this broken heart?

She quickly decided to give something of value to this child. To her purse she ventured and came back with a compact that belonged to her deceased mother. 

"A child should have her own mirror to see her reflection and learn to be grateful for who she is and how much potential she has," were the thoughts she expressed. 

This child doesn't fully understand the gift she has been given. Perhaps someday she will remember and comprehend the meaning and love in this act.

I am a proud and grateful man tonight. 

My life has not been completely in vain. To pass on this feeling of love and care to a child is a great legacy, in my opinion. 

What are the meaningful moments in your life? Are you aware of them? Are you watching for them? They just may appear at the most unlikely times. Don't miss the blessings.

Out and about. Observation #2

 Number: 2? 

Perhaps this will become a short series...🤔 perhaps not. 🥴

I'm out to dine this evening at a family owned Mexican restaurant. Great place. Delicious food, excellent service and such fun Margaritas. 

As I had mentioned in series # 1. I have long been a people watcher. This is an extention of that proclamation. I'm still creeping around snooping..😉

I have also previously mentioned that I am not a preachy kinda guy. My sordid past makes me feel much too unqualified. However, I am a Believer. I also respect your right to choose whatever you choose to or not to believe.

I have a point here and it's getting close. My ADD has taken a side trip..

I am seated in a corner booth. As I face straight ahead I can see the occupants of the next 3 booths...boothes, Boothe, boothezs..

The one closest to me is a family of 3. 

As I glance up from my food I notice that this family of 3 all have their heads bowed, silent. Such a seldom seen public display of reverence was my 1st thought. 

I went back to eating for just a second....I look up again....

Then the 2nd thought, more of an awakening... they had just been on their phones.

There is no judgment here. How often this could have been me. However, once you lose the opportunity to gaze across the table at someone, or someones you love, then it becomes painfully aware at how precious and priceless those moments are. Whether missing an occasion to be thankful as a family or a moment to say, "you are the most important thing in my life. I do it all for you." Make sure they know. Remind them daily. Doubts creep in many times a day. Never let them wonder. Does he still love me? Am I still his number one?

Please be aware and tell them while the time is available. You will never regret it.

Oh yes, and don't just say it. Words are cheap and plentiful. Websters is chock full of them. "Action" is the key word.  Show them in dozens of small ways. Acts of kindness and service mean more than all the yammering you can come up with.

But please don't forget to say it. While doing those little acts would be the perfect time.

From Out and About its The Rambler. Out!

Out and About

 I am a people watcher. Have been for years. 

A few years ago I became a widower, almost 9 now. My desire to get out diminished substantially. I've been working on that. I have  taken a part time position as a restaurant host and am genuinely enjoying the social interaction and the lovely people that I work with.

I recently had reason to travel towards the nearby city and figured while out that I would go a couple of places that I had been thinking of...ones I used to frequent...frequently. 

1. A dining establishment. 

2. A shoe store. 

3. Barnes and Noble (no sponsorship) 

4. A sporting goods store.

Coffee and browsing were my primary destination at B&N. It had been a favorite destination for my wife and I. While it was enjoyable, it was not the same. May never have those exact feelings again. But never is a long, long time. 

Was it those feeling that made me notice, as I left, how unaware and  uninvolved couples were of their partners?

 Such missed opportunities to practice, display and exercise their love. How late in life I have made this a study. I wish that I had known, in time.

I share my thoughts to hopefully help others be more awake and aware to their chances. To be cognizant of how blessed they are to still have time. We can get more of almost everything...except time. Time is life. Life is opportunities.

I hope that you will choose to invest your time, invest your life, in the things, better yet the people, that matter to you the most. It is a discipline that you will never regret.

"Discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons." ~ Jim Rohn

I recently read that:

Love is not just a feeling. 

Love is a practice. 

Get good at it!

It's been a minute.

 As the above title, and the Kids say, it Has been a minute.

I've been waiting for inspiration, mood, or lightning strike to get me moving. Alas, here I sit.

So, with no inspiration.....lets go.

A topic I always find useful, and uplifting is Gratitude. We tend to find things we look for, or focus our attention on, and what we intentionally think about. I've found it very difficult to be sad, mad, or bad when I'm being grateful.

Gratitude is like a light, a beacon, that shows us the gifts over which we have been allowed stewardship. The more diligently we care for these and express our appreciation, I think, the more we will discover.

Look for the proverbial pony. Perhaps, he is hiding in the tall grass that you have yet to mow. Ugh, the grass.... but what about the light of gratitude? What if we were to be thankful for the grass, the good health we enjoy that allows us to mow it and the new pony to help keep it looking beautiful? Shine your light on that!

I love quotes.

"With gratitude, optimism is sustainable."                                                                                                                                               - Michael J. Fox   Wow!

Sustainable optimism! Such an excellent endeavor.

Look for the good, the great is near there, somewhere. I heard that excellent is just over the sunny rise. It's going to be a beautiful journey. 

Come on, won't you go with me?

In a funk...

2020 is history. Things are looking better, but I find myself in a funk. Perhaps a late response to last year and its duration. Whatever the reason, my activities have suffered.  Things I relied upon to be happy, to feel good have been unsatisfactory. 

I did not feel like getting out today, but yesterday I committed to mailing a book to a fine, young person.  This commitment, this promise, spurred me to act. You see my goal of giving 50 books this year is something that I have been using as a catalyst for feeling good and spreading joy.

Leaving the post office my spirt was lifted as I headed for a favorite dining place.

Great food and beverages are seldom my reason for visiting. Today was no different as delightful conversation being the special of the day. These unique and caring servers have become like family.

Unaware that even more was in store, I bid these special friends good evening and was out the door.

Next to the curb was a Mini-Van.

An elderly couple looking questioningly at the front door.

She, in the passenger seat, appeared to be asking me something.

As I approached them, I could hear her ask "Are they open?"

She had a stick-on name tag that read: "Patient."

He also wore one: "Visitor."

Their story developed in my mind.

"YES, they are open and have great food!"

Without thought I asked:

"Would you like me to help you inside?"

In a relived voice He immediately said, "Yes, that would be great!"

Banter between she and I consisted of, "now, she had to buy" and "I, was trying to get on steady as their doorman."

Her gait was unsteady and teetered side to side. As we entered, the darkness revealed that she had trouble seeing.

Both servers magically 'appeared', and we had a convenient table just inside the front door.

So, why do I share this day of being in a funk?

I have discovered a Funk Remedy. 

Get up and get out, if you can.

If not spread something good with someone who might enjoy and need your attention that day.

Surround yourself with people you love, either in person, on the phone or by message.

And help someone if you can. Best if it's a person that you may never see again.

Why do I recommend this??

Because my Funk is gone.

Helping, sharing, doing for others is possibly one of the most selfish things we can do, because the undeniable returns are automatic...the fulfilling feelings are immediate and actually unexplainable. 

Guess Mom and Dad were right.

Giving is better than receiving. 

Wonder where they got that?

As a side note: I now work 3 nights a week as the host, here. 

One Thousand Days

What can you learn in One Thousand Days?
You can learn that the old saying: 'You never miss the water until the well runs dry,' is true.
And from those dusty depths, I share.

Some pains never disappear. They may change but never, completely, leave you at peace.
Memories may be of great comfort and may also crush your heart.
The slightest thing can trigger these:

A strand of hair, a song, a restaurant, the color of a persons eyes.
The faint aroma of a familiar perfume, the silhouette of long dark hair.
These come from nowhere and blindside with laser precision.
The sudden feeling to call and say, "I'll be late."
Your dog walks beside the bed, the floor squeaks, and in the dark, you turn the covers down but she's not there.

You watch a couple in a café. You are more aware of this special time, than they are. They don't appreciate this time as they should.  You wish you could enlighten them. Put down the phone!! Look at her the way you did when you first met. Tell her what she means to you. Love is a good word. Use it often and feel it when you do. These moments are precious and too few, one day to be forever gone. As you secretly watch, you are now longing to set across from 'Her,' once again, to look deep into her dark eyes and feel the connection you had shared for over 30 years.

You leave the café and the cold winter wind bites, as your mind replays the words she would have said hating the cold and urging spring to hurry.
You realize that she was your harshest critic and your fiercest ally.

No, this pain never completely leaves you in peace. Over time you learn to use these memories to reveal how extraordinarily you have been blessed. To share this kind of love comes once in a lifetime. You are one of the fortunate few who have lived such a life, such a love.

It is my hope that these words encourage you to let those you love know it!
Say it to them, write it to them, call them. As I have said before, a few well chosen words will remove all doubt. If you had ten minutes to live, who would you call?.....what would you say?....why are you waiting.
Do it now. Do it often. No regrets.
You will be happy you did. They will be too.
And if your well should one day run dry you will have the warm memory of knowing, without doubt, that they knew you loved them.

This is dedicated to my love,

Deborah A. Johnson

Died June 28th 2015

One Thousand Days Ago

Do something for yourself

I seldom (never) leave the house without having to go back inside after something. There is something magical about the walk from the front door to the front seat that stimulates memory neurons. However this morning the magic was slow to occur and I was 3 miles down the road when I remembered I forgot.... my cell phone. Luckily I had taken my morning heart medication so the palpitations did not result in cardiac arrest. With hands trembling from immediate with drawl symptoms I continued on my journey to the local café for breakfast. Then images began rushing through my head of fellow diners staring at me doing nothing. With no electronic device to peer into, what would I do until my food arrived? Courage summoned I proceeded to the restaurant.
"Coffee and water please."
With the rest of my order placed I began to glance around at the other patrons. None seemed to be aware of my nakedness. I was about to relax when a clatter from two tables away startled me. It was a cutting crisp bacon too close to the end of your plate so the other end jumped up and clattered back onto the table while you made more noise trying to catch everything that was now in motion kind of clatter.
As I glanced that direction I saw an older gentleman, also, dining alone. Upon his head a WWII veterans cap. My imagination went to a time before I existed. A young soldier saying good bye to his family, perhaps a sweetheart. What unknown dangers and fears had this man endured? Because of sacrifices of this nature we live in a nation that is, for the most part, free.
I wanted to thank him.
I hurried with the remainder of my meal and made my way to the waitresses station next to the kitchen. I explained what I wished to do. She smiled and replied: "We can make this happen." My plan with her now in place, I paid for my meal and his.
I gave her a note I had hand written:
Sir:
Please allow me the honor of buying your breakfast.
Your service has allowed me to live in a Nation that is free.
With my sincere gratitude.
The waitress was not to let him know who this was from, simply give him the note.

I hesitated, for a moment, in my truck parked across the street. In my rear-view mirror, I saw our Veteran emerge and you know I believe his shuffled gate was just a bit quicker, his head a bit higher...and I think mine is too.

Do something for yourself.
This, I believe, is the very best way.

The Sky’s the Limit

When I used to think of discipline, it brought up feelings of dread, of punishment. I think most will agree those are also their first thoughts. If we look a little deeper into the definitions in Webster’s we find:

Discipline:  self-command, self-control, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-restraint, willpower. 

Notice how many times ‘self’ is used? So discipline then is something that we can have control over, and self control, self discipline is a very good thing. Discipline, I have come to believe, is the master key to what we wish to gain, become, and accomplish with our lives. So what can we do, be, have? Are there limits to our potential?

It was a mostly clear day, just a few scattered clouds in the mid-west sky. Chris had never been to this community before. His job had brought him here, and he had to work on Saturday. As he peered out of his office window he noticed a railroad yard. Chris had always loved trains. Perhaps tomorrow before work, (yes he had to work on Sunday too) he could drive down and check out the rail yards. And that is where I met Chris. It turned out this young man was the embodiment of discipline. Now here is a guy hundreds of miles from home, in a place he would never have been, had his work not taken him there, and he was working weekends. So how do I figure him to be one of the most disciplined people I may ever meet?

You see when Chris caught sight of our rail yard that Saturday afternoon he was mere feet from his co-workers, but four hundred feet above the city, traveling at 700 miles an hour in his F/A- 18 Hornet. Just moments before, he had been pulling a little over 7 G’s as he performed as a part of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron-

The Blue Angels!

We spent almost an hour together, talking railroad and (whenever I could get him to stop talking about trains) flying.

What type of self-discipline do you suppose it takes to become one of this nation’s most élite pilots? Were there days when he wanted to quit, times that he was afraid, that it all seemed just too hard?

My guess is yes. But Major Collins persevered, he did not quit and his self-mastery has taken him to places he would never have gone to meet people he would never have met.

In 2009 the Blue Angels performed before more than 8 million spectators.  The discipline Chris has employed, over the years, now pays him dividends beyond what he could have imagined and wonder-filled memories to last a lifetime.

But most important of all is who he has become, because of all he was willing to do.
What dreams and goals do you have set for your incredible life story?
WHY do you want to accomplish these things? Once we determine WHY we will find the way.
Will the struggle and effort be worth it?
 I only spent an hour with Chris, but I’m certain he would smile and say;
 ‘Yes sir. The sky’s the limit.’  

Be safe Major Collins, and thank you for your service.

www.blueangels.navy.mil

Major Chris Collins

U.S. Marine Corps
Slot

Major Christopher Collins is a native of Darien, Conn., and graduated from Darien High School in 1993. He attended Norwich University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1997.

Chris was commissioned a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Class and reported to Quantico, Va., for The Basic School in July 1997. He reported for aviation indoctrination at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., in February 1998. Chris completed primary flight training in the T-34C Mentor at NAS Whiting Field, Fla., and transferred to NAS Meridian, Miss., for intermediate flight training. While there, he flew the T-2C Buckeye. Chris was then assigned to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for advanced flight training where he flew the T-45A Goshawk. He completed his flight training in April 2000 and received his wings of gold in May.

In July 2000, Chris reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), the "Sharpshooters," at MCAS Miramar, Calif., for training in the F/A-18 Hornet. In September 2001, he joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323), the "Death Rattlers." Chris deployed aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) in October 2002, flying combat missions in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. Chris also deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), flying combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. While serving with VMFA-323, he served as the Logistics Officer, Schedules Writer, Powerline Division Officer, Administrative Officer and the Assistant Aviation Maintenance Officer. While there, the "Death Rattlers" received the 2003 Robert M. Hanson Award as the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year.

In October 2005, Chris returned to VMFAT-101 as an F/A-18 instructor pilot. During his tour, Chris was selected to attend the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and graduated in July 2007.

Chris joined the Blue Angels in September 2008, where he served as the Left Wing pilot in 2009. He has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours and 350 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include three Strike Flight Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various personal and unit awards.

 

Thanks.

Thanks. To each of you who take the time to read my stuff. It is the highest compliment you can bestow upon a writer, in my case Rambler. It does not go unappreciated here.

Thanks? For what, or better, whom are you thankful? And now we get to, what I hope, this Ramble turns out to actually be about.

In this country, even with all its problems and differences, we have so much, that we may get lost. Lost in what we are genuinely grateful for. So what really matters?

People: Our fellow brothers and sisters. Some are bad, very bad. I am not naive. But there are those who make our lives full, those who make our lives worth the effort, those who make us better! Have you taken the time to think about them, to feel, deeply feel, the gratitude and love you have for them. If you have, wonderful!

Have you told them?

Think for a moment, please, about how your life could have been different if they had not been a part. What would you have missed, that they brought to you?

 How much less, might you have become?

The heading on this blog says it is not intended to be 'preachy'. I am about to crowd that boundary. Hey it's my blog. What do you want for nothing, your money back?

I am a stumbling bumbling excuse for a Christian. I will spare details. But it makes the most sense to me. It answers my questions, the best.

You see, The Good Book says that "..Love never fails." We might, but Pure Love does not. It also says: "...now we have faith, hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love."

One day, the things we have had faith in, the things we have hoped for, will be reality. No longer will faith and hope be needed. But Love, Pure Love will last forever.

Our time here is short.

So say thanks! Thanks for making me better than I would have been on my own. Let those that you love, know. Take a few well chosen words, and tell them. Put it in a note, make a call, remove any doubt.

Love is the only lasting thing we can give.

This Ramble is dedicated to the Love of my life, my beautiful wife.

I would never have amounted to much, without you.

Thanks!

Love in the Fast Lane

“You’re gorgeous.”
Not a typical greeting at a fast food drive through lane.

She was a moderately attractive young woman in her 20’s. Had I heard her correctly? Then, there it was again: “You ARE gorgeous!” Having recently turned 60 this was quite a shock. I hadn’t heard those specific words in nearly …..Well ever.

I was flattered, confused but flattered. Time seemed to stand still, all of this occurring in seconds, but seeming like minutes.
I leaned forward, ever so slightly, to provide her a better view.
Her eye contact was a little vague but I was the one, right there in front of her. It was as if I could feel warm, moist breath on my neck, a hand pressing down upon my knee….she could use some Listerine.

“What’s his name?” the young maiden inquired.  My name? yes, uh, His name? Who’s’ name? Then my dog poked his nose into my peripheral view.  “UH, Buddy, His name is Buddy.”  I stammered.

“Well he is absolutely gorgeous!”

How easily and quickly we forget that we have grown old. Old physically and yet remain young in spirit.

‘There’s no fool like an old fool’ I often repeat.

But there are also those reminders; when we glance in a mirror, attempt to bend down for the smallest task and then of course, for me, a short trip down ‘Love in the Fast Lane.’

"Self-discipline bridges the abyss that would keep us from our dreams.    ~ m j.