Well the weekend trips are done and the kids are home. I really like to drive, but the back to backs kinda got to me. Maybe it's getting old, or maybe it was the foolishness of the previous two evenings. Hope it was the later. Just a few observations on my trips.
The drive from Milwaukee to Minneapolis is a much nicer drive than the one from Milwaukee to St. Louis. Very much more scenic. Illinois IS flat and wide open, Wisconsin is tree lined and rolling. Just a nicer view to drive in. Both places are real nice to see when you get there though. Like both places, couldn't pick one over the other (well, maybe in winter I could).
Seems like there are more of those wind turbines popping up, and closer to the roads as well. They are huge. Wonder how many birds get clipped by those things. And speaking of birds getting clipped....
There sure are a lot of animal carcasses strewn on the highways. Lots of dead deer and raccoons, along with various other animals and birds. I know a number of years ago they stopped picking up dead animals, but I thought they at least dragged them off to the side. Guess not anymore. They sure do make a mess.
Finally, we have a lot of junk sitting around out there. Old farm machinery sitting around. Pretty sure nobody is going to hook a horse up to that old plow to till the field when the giant tractor is doing it just fine. And all those old cars are never going to run again. Maybe people are waiting for the Pickers to come around and make them rich. Bet that isn't going to happen. And there seem to be a lot of buildings out there that I am pretty sure are housing nothing more than various critters. I know I wouldn't go anywhere near them. Just seems like we could use a little general cleanup along the highways and byways.
Well we are going to start settling in to having us all home now for a couple of months. Going to try and squeeze in as much as possible---have already been informed it will be the last summer we are all together.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Time To Collect The Kids
Well its time to go get the kids and bring them home from college. Saturday I'll head to Minneapolis to get Aleah from University of Minnesota, then on Sunday it's back to St. Louis to get Stew from SLU. Good thing I practiced driving with the trip to U Mass. last week.
I am looking forword to having the kids home. It is going to be different though. I am certain they are not the same people they were when they sent to college last fall, and am pretty sure they will think the Misses and I have changed as well. Between classes and working and whatnot, I hope we get to spend some quality time together as a family. Although I don't see any big vacations, maybe we can even get away for a couple of days. Maybe a ballgame or the State Fair or something. I'm sure I'll bring up the zoo or the museum, and I'm pretty sure they will both come up with some excuse. They're gonna have to work, or run, or study, or hang out with friends. I get it.
The thing is I don't have any idea of how much more time we have as a family living together. It would not surprise me in the least bit if one or the other--or both for that matter--don't come home for summer vacation next year. Truth be told, I'm kind of surprised they will both be here this year. They are certain to have oppurtunities in their collge towns, and I hope they take advantage of them. That being said, I hope to take advantage of the time we have together. So we'll have some meals together, hit a few events, I'll tell some bad jokes and listen to them groan. I'll put them in the chair of trurth and ask them questions they don't want to answer (may have to bring in Mr Hervey for that), and before you know it they will be heading back to school. I'll be happy for them, but sad for me. The time with the kids has gone way too fast. And it marches on.
I am looking forword to having the kids home. It is going to be different though. I am certain they are not the same people they were when they sent to college last fall, and am pretty sure they will think the Misses and I have changed as well. Between classes and working and whatnot, I hope we get to spend some quality time together as a family. Although I don't see any big vacations, maybe we can even get away for a couple of days. Maybe a ballgame or the State Fair or something. I'm sure I'll bring up the zoo or the museum, and I'm pretty sure they will both come up with some excuse. They're gonna have to work, or run, or study, or hang out with friends. I get it.
The thing is I don't have any idea of how much more time we have as a family living together. It would not surprise me in the least bit if one or the other--or both for that matter--don't come home for summer vacation next year. Truth be told, I'm kind of surprised they will both be here this year. They are certain to have oppurtunities in their collge towns, and I hope they take advantage of them. That being said, I hope to take advantage of the time we have together. So we'll have some meals together, hit a few events, I'll tell some bad jokes and listen to them groan. I'll put them in the chair of trurth and ask them questions they don't want to answer (may have to bring in Mr Hervey for that), and before you know it they will be heading back to school. I'll be happy for them, but sad for me. The time with the kids has gone way too fast. And it marches on.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Choices
I've been thinking about how the choices we make affect our lives. Everything we do involves making a choice. You choose what to eat, where to go, whom to hang out with. You choose where to live, what to wear, when to do things. Some choices are good, others are bad. Sometimes choices are made for you. Sometimes you wonder if you made the right choice.
Think about where you live. When you"re young, generally the choice is made for you, you live with parents or guardians. As you get older though, you start to have choices. Stay where you grew up and are comfortable, or move on to a new location, possibly where you know nobody and start anew? It's a big choice--it's easy to stay where you know people and places. Nothing wrong with that at all. Nothing wrong with moving on either. Kind of how the country was expanded.
My Dad used to say you pick your friends, you're stuck with your relatives. Pick your friends well. I would hope you would choose as friends people you can depend on. People you can laugh with, discuss things with. People you can disagree with, even argue with and fight with and still remain friends. Sometimes it is difficult to keep friendships alive. Sadly, sometimes friendships end--people and feelings change through different experiences. Some people grow, others grow in different directions.
You choose your career. Some people have greater opportunities, and therefore more choices. Make your choice wisely. You may think the high paying high profile career may make you happy. Make sure you know what it is that makes you happy. Some choose a more simpler life, where they know what they will be doing everyday. Maybe more time for family or friends. I know people who have high paying high profile jobs, and while they may have more "stuff" than I do, I would argue I'm just as happy (or more so) than they are. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe not.
Probably your most important choice is who you choose to go through life with, your spouse or significant other. You'd be best off to choose someone you like as a person, someone you can trust, someone who makes you a better person. Infatuation fades. Something you thought was cute at 20 gets old by 25. Hopefully you are going to spend a lot of time with this person. Choose someone to share your life experiences with you. I think it's a lot more fun that way.
Life is full of choices, obviously some much more important than others. If you are able to make more good choices than bad I'm pretty sure things will work out. They always seem to, one way or another.
Think about where you live. When you"re young, generally the choice is made for you, you live with parents or guardians. As you get older though, you start to have choices. Stay where you grew up and are comfortable, or move on to a new location, possibly where you know nobody and start anew? It's a big choice--it's easy to stay where you know people and places. Nothing wrong with that at all. Nothing wrong with moving on either. Kind of how the country was expanded.
My Dad used to say you pick your friends, you're stuck with your relatives. Pick your friends well. I would hope you would choose as friends people you can depend on. People you can laugh with, discuss things with. People you can disagree with, even argue with and fight with and still remain friends. Sometimes it is difficult to keep friendships alive. Sadly, sometimes friendships end--people and feelings change through different experiences. Some people grow, others grow in different directions.
You choose your career. Some people have greater opportunities, and therefore more choices. Make your choice wisely. You may think the high paying high profile career may make you happy. Make sure you know what it is that makes you happy. Some choose a more simpler life, where they know what they will be doing everyday. Maybe more time for family or friends. I know people who have high paying high profile jobs, and while they may have more "stuff" than I do, I would argue I'm just as happy (or more so) than they are. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe not.
Probably your most important choice is who you choose to go through life with, your spouse or significant other. You'd be best off to choose someone you like as a person, someone you can trust, someone who makes you a better person. Infatuation fades. Something you thought was cute at 20 gets old by 25. Hopefully you are going to spend a lot of time with this person. Choose someone to share your life experiences with you. I think it's a lot more fun that way.
Life is full of choices, obviously some much more important than others. If you are able to make more good choices than bad I'm pretty sure things will work out. They always seem to, one way or another.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Roadtrip Rumblings Part 2
First off all I had a wonderful time at the A10 track meet the past couple of days. Saw some good performances, lots of prs and some medal winners as well. Wonderful group of student athletes these Billikens are--good luck and best wishes to the seniors, looking forward to seeing the rest next season. Get yourselves healthy and work to improve (and have yourselves some fun this summer!).
A few other things on my mind.....
If bugs would fly 4 or 5 feet higher a lot less of them would hit windshields.
Wish that I had more time on this trip. One hundred and twenty miles from NYC. Never been, would love to go. Missed Niagara Falls by 20 minutes. Seen it, but would love to see it again. Missed Cooperstown, basketball hall of fame and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. All things I'd like to do. These are the types of things I plan on doing in retirement. Hope I get the opportunity.
You hear about these countries where there are a lot of people in very little land area. We have a lot of land in this country that doesn't have people living on it. A LOT! Could probably be one of our greatest natural resources....
Leaving Massachusetts the sign says thanks for visiting, come back soon. Can't imagine ever coming back really.
Okay, that's it for now. Nine hours of driving to go--piece of cake from here on in. TTFN.
A few other things on my mind.....
If bugs would fly 4 or 5 feet higher a lot less of them would hit windshields.
Wish that I had more time on this trip. One hundred and twenty miles from NYC. Never been, would love to go. Missed Niagara Falls by 20 minutes. Seen it, but would love to see it again. Missed Cooperstown, basketball hall of fame and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. All things I'd like to do. These are the types of things I plan on doing in retirement. Hope I get the opportunity.
You hear about these countries where there are a lot of people in very little land area. We have a lot of land in this country that doesn't have people living on it. A LOT! Could probably be one of our greatest natural resources....
Leaving Massachusetts the sign says thanks for visiting, come back soon. Can't imagine ever coming back really.
Okay, that's it for now. Nine hours of driving to go--piece of cake from here on in. TTFN.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Roadtrip Rumblings
As some of you know, the Misses and I took a little jaunt to watch our son and his friends compete in the Atlantic 10 conference track meet. A few things crossed my mind on this trip.......
Fifteen hours straight is a long drive. Tends to get a little monotonous. But had pretty good weather, minimal construction and no traffic---after about midnight.
Took a rental on this trip. Cost me $ 96 on the Priceline. I show up to pick up the car, they give me a 2012 Chevy Malibu with 3 miles on. Yup, 3. Well, its got 1135 on it now, and we still need to get home. Car is considered a full size vehicle. Has gotten a little over 29MPH, handles pretty well. Embarrassing when you don't know how to put gasoline in it though (no button or lever to open the gas door--you need to push it and it will open). Also not so hot to sleep in--just couldn't get comfortable. Had to sleep in the car for about three hours because no rooms available on Fri night. If I'd have known we'd have made such good time I would have gotten a reservation. Anyways, thanks MickyD for the accommodations.
People drive rather poorly. Illinois is the worst. Might want to take a look before you decide to change lanes. And what is the obsession with driving in the left lane? If your passing somebody, pass them and get back in the right lane! New York has big ol'signs everywhere saying this. I thought it was common knowledge....
Gas prices are all over the place. Saw a low of 3.59 per gallon to a high of 4.07. Don't know why there'd be such a difference. Sometimes stations very close to each other had the large spread.
Farmers work their asses off. All times of the day I saw guys out in the fields. To those of you who don't think farming is hard I dare you to try it. Bet you wouldn't like it. Less than 5 percent of our population feed the rest of us. I thank the farmers, hope you will too...
Best part of the trip has been day 1 of the A10 meet. Lots of pr's and school records for the Bills, got to meet some nice people and kids from other schools and connect with some Billikens and their families. Hope everyone is heqalthy after day 1, looking forward to day 2. And the ride home as well....
.
Fifteen hours straight is a long drive. Tends to get a little monotonous. But had pretty good weather, minimal construction and no traffic---after about midnight.
Took a rental on this trip. Cost me $ 96 on the Priceline. I show up to pick up the car, they give me a 2012 Chevy Malibu with 3 miles on. Yup, 3. Well, its got 1135 on it now, and we still need to get home. Car is considered a full size vehicle. Has gotten a little over 29MPH, handles pretty well. Embarrassing when you don't know how to put gasoline in it though (no button or lever to open the gas door--you need to push it and it will open). Also not so hot to sleep in--just couldn't get comfortable. Had to sleep in the car for about three hours because no rooms available on Fri night. If I'd have known we'd have made such good time I would have gotten a reservation. Anyways, thanks MickyD for the accommodations.
People drive rather poorly. Illinois is the worst. Might want to take a look before you decide to change lanes. And what is the obsession with driving in the left lane? If your passing somebody, pass them and get back in the right lane! New York has big ol'signs everywhere saying this. I thought it was common knowledge....
Gas prices are all over the place. Saw a low of 3.59 per gallon to a high of 4.07. Don't know why there'd be such a difference. Sometimes stations very close to each other had the large spread.
Farmers work their asses off. All times of the day I saw guys out in the fields. To those of you who don't think farming is hard I dare you to try it. Bet you wouldn't like it. Less than 5 percent of our population feed the rest of us. I thank the farmers, hope you will too...
Best part of the trip has been day 1 of the A10 meet. Lots of pr's and school records for the Bills, got to meet some nice people and kids from other schools and connect with some Billikens and their families. Hope everyone is heqalthy after day 1, looking forward to day 2. And the ride home as well....
.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Suicide....
Famous football player Junior Seau killed himself yesterday. He was a twenty year veteran of the NFL, and had no history, ever, of concussions or head injuries. I think he just didn't tell anyone when he was dinged up.
Worldwide, there are about 1 million suicides committed each year, while there are anywhere from 10 to 20 million attempted. There is thought these numbers are actually under reported, because people may kill themselves in single car accidents and the like. Women attempt more suicides than men, but men are more successful. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 24. Among causes are depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse. Bullying also is in the news now as a cause of suicide.
The effects of suicide on surviving friends and family can be devastating. Suicide survivors often feel conflicting emotions when suicide occurs, including grief or sadness for their loss, helpless to prevent it, longing for the person they loss, anger at the person for taking their life, to relief if the person had been mentally or physically ill. Emotions tend to be very complicated for those left behind.
I have always though of suicide as a chicken sh*t way to get out of things. I feel badly for the survivors, family that has to put up with all the questions, asking themselves all the whys and what not. I think I understand a little more now that people have issues that sometimes make them feel like there is no way out.
Off the top of my head I've known three people who have committed suicide. I was about 10 or 12 I guess when my grandparents neighbor hung himself. His wife had passed away during the previous year and I suppose he just couldn't go on. Then there was Slivon, a guy I hung out a little bit with in high school. He didn't graduate with us, and I was told he said there was no way he was going back for another year of high school. He saw no future, so on the 4th of July in 1978 he took a twelve gauge to the park and did the deed. Finally, Saltzman was a guy I worked with at the PO not long after I started. He had a rough time of it, and the more people got on his case, the more he whined about it, and it just escalated. Suppose you'd call it bullying. He wasn't good at the job, but he was an okay guy I guess (I had transfered out by this time). Anyways, he finally had enough and went up to the Dells with a gun and took his life. I wasn't real close with any of these people, but it does make you think.
I have always wondered what could be so bad that no life is better than the one you have. I am sure there are circumstances that seem bleak, but I think of the ones left behind. I hope that you haven't had to deal with this in your lives, and if you have that you don't blame yourself. Try to learn some of the signs of suicidal behavior and stay on the lookout. And if anyone out there or anyone you know if having the thought, please talk to somebody and try and get some help. There is always an alternative.
Worldwide, there are about 1 million suicides committed each year, while there are anywhere from 10 to 20 million attempted. There is thought these numbers are actually under reported, because people may kill themselves in single car accidents and the like. Women attempt more suicides than men, but men are more successful. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 24. Among causes are depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse. Bullying also is in the news now as a cause of suicide.
The effects of suicide on surviving friends and family can be devastating. Suicide survivors often feel conflicting emotions when suicide occurs, including grief or sadness for their loss, helpless to prevent it, longing for the person they loss, anger at the person for taking their life, to relief if the person had been mentally or physically ill. Emotions tend to be very complicated for those left behind.
I have always though of suicide as a chicken sh*t way to get out of things. I feel badly for the survivors, family that has to put up with all the questions, asking themselves all the whys and what not. I think I understand a little more now that people have issues that sometimes make them feel like there is no way out.
Off the top of my head I've known three people who have committed suicide. I was about 10 or 12 I guess when my grandparents neighbor hung himself. His wife had passed away during the previous year and I suppose he just couldn't go on. Then there was Slivon, a guy I hung out a little bit with in high school. He didn't graduate with us, and I was told he said there was no way he was going back for another year of high school. He saw no future, so on the 4th of July in 1978 he took a twelve gauge to the park and did the deed. Finally, Saltzman was a guy I worked with at the PO not long after I started. He had a rough time of it, and the more people got on his case, the more he whined about it, and it just escalated. Suppose you'd call it bullying. He wasn't good at the job, but he was an okay guy I guess (I had transfered out by this time). Anyways, he finally had enough and went up to the Dells with a gun and took his life. I wasn't real close with any of these people, but it does make you think.
I have always wondered what could be so bad that no life is better than the one you have. I am sure there are circumstances that seem bleak, but I think of the ones left behind. I hope that you haven't had to deal with this in your lives, and if you have that you don't blame yourself. Try to learn some of the signs of suicidal behavior and stay on the lookout. And if anyone out there or anyone you know if having the thought, please talk to somebody and try and get some help. There is always an alternative.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Youth Sports
Spring time is Little League season around here, and that always gets me to thinking about youth sports. It all started off innocently enough, a little soccer and t-ball at the Y. Soon enough it morphed into something more. Something much more.
When I was a kid we spent most of the time outside playing with other kids in the neighborhood, whether a little older or a little younger, it didn't seem to matter much. I don't think I played "organized" sports until I was in 7th grade. If it seems that kids are playing on more organized teams these days, it is because they are! It's almost like an arms race---somebody might get better than you. I don't care to get into if it's right or wrong, it just happens.
As I said, my experience with youth sports as a parent started at the Y. Everyone gets to play, learn a few of the rules, feel good all around. The kids get a little older, they start keeping score! The parents start getting "involved" (myself included!), and I think maybe the kids start having less fun. More practice (drugery?), more games, more sports. I think some kids start to burn out on it. On the other hand.....
Some seem to really like it! Soccer turns into a year 'round sport. You need to squeeze softball and baseball in. Basketball in the winter, but still have indoor soccer and tournaments to contend with. A little volleyball and swimming can't take too much time. Of course, there is indoor practice for baseball --somebody else may be hitting! After a while, if your good enough--or just feel like putting in the time, you no longer play on the rec teams, you move on to the select teams. No longer do you just play in your hometown--you travel! More uniforms! Paid coaches! Paid officials! Parents treat you and expect you to act like pros--even though you're still kids (guilty here!). Some kids start to concentrate on one sport (they're specializing), while others will play many (cross training you know). Are your kids (mine) better athletes? Maybe, maybe not. But they do have better opportunities because of......
Money! It costs! You learn real fast how to sell stuff for fundraising. T-shitrts, coupons, wrapping paper, all kinds of stuff. And you don't cover it all. Sometimes you gotta' dig. Traveling? Gas, lodging and food add up. Better teams, better coaches, more coach pay! Equipment---shoes!
I actually started looking forword to high school sports when the kids were in 7th grade or so, because I knew they couldn't play on club teams anymore--oops. Still get to play soccer year round. Fall ball for baseball and softball. Okay, spring too. Summer basketball. And then track and cross country reared its head.... At least the travel was less.
Looking back, I wouldn't have missed any of it for gold. I got a chance to coach my kids some. I watched them do things I never thought I'd see them do. I saw them win, I saw them lose, always with grace and honor, win or lose. I was very fortunate, in that I seldom missed any event they played in. Sometimes this took a little bit of fancy footwork on my part...and I admit I may have had to exceed the speed limit once in awhile. And the next thing you know its over and done. No more teams for them to play on, no more school to represent. I remember a neighbor once said to me that I didn't have to go to every game. To which I replied I go, because you never know when it'll be their last....every last mile traveled, every last cent spent on equipment and coaching and lodging was worth it. I loved it....which is why.....
I'm driving to UMass on Friday for a TRACK MEET! The boy may run for no more that 5 or six minutes, and I'm driving 17 hours one way. Crazy? Probably, but there aren't that many events left, so....I go...
When I was a kid we spent most of the time outside playing with other kids in the neighborhood, whether a little older or a little younger, it didn't seem to matter much. I don't think I played "organized" sports until I was in 7th grade. If it seems that kids are playing on more organized teams these days, it is because they are! It's almost like an arms race---somebody might get better than you. I don't care to get into if it's right or wrong, it just happens.
As I said, my experience with youth sports as a parent started at the Y. Everyone gets to play, learn a few of the rules, feel good all around. The kids get a little older, they start keeping score! The parents start getting "involved" (myself included!), and I think maybe the kids start having less fun. More practice (drugery?), more games, more sports. I think some kids start to burn out on it. On the other hand.....
Some seem to really like it! Soccer turns into a year 'round sport. You need to squeeze softball and baseball in. Basketball in the winter, but still have indoor soccer and tournaments to contend with. A little volleyball and swimming can't take too much time. Of course, there is indoor practice for baseball --somebody else may be hitting! After a while, if your good enough--or just feel like putting in the time, you no longer play on the rec teams, you move on to the select teams. No longer do you just play in your hometown--you travel! More uniforms! Paid coaches! Paid officials! Parents treat you and expect you to act like pros--even though you're still kids (guilty here!). Some kids start to concentrate on one sport (they're specializing), while others will play many (cross training you know). Are your kids (mine) better athletes? Maybe, maybe not. But they do have better opportunities because of......
Money! It costs! You learn real fast how to sell stuff for fundraising. T-shitrts, coupons, wrapping paper, all kinds of stuff. And you don't cover it all. Sometimes you gotta' dig. Traveling? Gas, lodging and food add up. Better teams, better coaches, more coach pay! Equipment---shoes!
I actually started looking forword to high school sports when the kids were in 7th grade or so, because I knew they couldn't play on club teams anymore--oops. Still get to play soccer year round. Fall ball for baseball and softball. Okay, spring too. Summer basketball. And then track and cross country reared its head.... At least the travel was less.
Looking back, I wouldn't have missed any of it for gold. I got a chance to coach my kids some. I watched them do things I never thought I'd see them do. I saw them win, I saw them lose, always with grace and honor, win or lose. I was very fortunate, in that I seldom missed any event they played in. Sometimes this took a little bit of fancy footwork on my part...and I admit I may have had to exceed the speed limit once in awhile. And the next thing you know its over and done. No more teams for them to play on, no more school to represent. I remember a neighbor once said to me that I didn't have to go to every game. To which I replied I go, because you never know when it'll be their last....every last mile traveled, every last cent spent on equipment and coaching and lodging was worth it. I loved it....which is why.....
I'm driving to UMass on Friday for a TRACK MEET! The boy may run for no more that 5 or six minutes, and I'm driving 17 hours one way. Crazy? Probably, but there aren't that many events left, so....I go...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)