Mt Baldy Shines!
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Posted:Sep 28, 2015 8:52 pm
Last Updated:Apr 22, 2016 7:11 pm
19827 Views
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Today I was at my 's soccer game and had a beautiful view of Mt Baldy straight ahead...
For the first time in the last 9 months I did not feel depressed looking at it.
As most of you know I have suffered with terrible back pain the last year brought on by complete stenosis of my L3-L5 vertebrates. This problem started a few months after my 60th birthday which I celebrated by climbing Mt Baldy last year... Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies and these last few months it looked like I may have done the last of it. I could barely walk, and found myself becoming more and more if a recluse.
Looking at the mountains only brought back memories that triggered a deep sense of loss....
Today, although I still have a long way to full recovery, I no longer feel the extreme pain that could only be relieved by sitting or lying down.
Today I felt Joy looking at the mountains.... Maybe next year I will shoot for Mt San Gregonio! (sp?)
 
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Lines... Lines... LINES!!!
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Posted:Aug 24, 2015 11:56 pm
Last Updated:Dec 4, 2015 9:09 am
21987 Views
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Has anyone else noticed? Or is it just me and my Norco induced sensitivity.
Lines have stretched everywhere You go!
Doctors, Pharmacy, grocery stores, traffic stops!!!
The geek squad for god's sake!
Even cyber lines have gotten longer... "Could you hold please?"...
For customer service dial 9....
Our office hours are 8:00-5:00 Eastern Standard Time....
Then there are the lines under my eyes...but I digress!
Lines don't just happen..They are planned..they are made to look shorter than they really are (Disneyland, Magic Mountain..etc) all scientifically tested to ensure maximum PROFIT!
Back in my younger days I used to work for Six Flags Corporation... I was the Director of Operations Analysis...one of my jobs was to measure how long lines could reach before the "Guests" satisfaction index took a major hit... So the point is I KNOW OF WHAT I SPEAK!
Which brings me back to my point.. Lines are getting longer by design to maximize profit...
The other day I was on a Cyber line... That is what I call it when you make a phone call and are placed on a phone maze hell to make a decision as to what department you want to talk to... When you finally find the right department you are told there is no one there to take your call to leave a message.... BUT IT GETS BETTER FOLKS... You with me here??? When the beep comes for you to leave the message you get "SORRY, this mail box is full and can not take any mire messages... Please call again later...
SLAM... Expletives come out of your mouth and you just have this need to choke the living crap out if someone... But you can't.. As screwed up as the people on the other end are your choices have been limited and you are stuck!
The choice has been made that since you have no other options, service is irrelevant. They can treat you like crap and, make you wait so they don't have to add a second receptionist.. And in doing so they maximize their bottom line at your experience..your time and aggravation is not their concern...
Then there is the lines first thing in the morning when you just have to have a strong cup of Java and the person at the head of the line pulls out the FU FU COFFEE request for the whole office! SERIOUSLY? You want a skinny machiado late with a triple shot of decaf? SERIOUSLY
HELLOOO STARBUCKS... Can we get a line for serious coffee drinkers and one for Fu Fu drinkers ... Please?
Yes... Lines have gotten out of hand!
Did I miss anything?
  
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Eyes, Backs,Doctors and Spirits....
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Posted:Aug 5, 2015 12:47 am
Last Updated:Aug 26, 2015 11:02 pm
22294 Views
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It all started the day after my dad passed... (Thursday) I noticed I could not see my nose... I paid no attention to it as I had other more important things on my plate but... The body breaks down when the body breakes down.. It does not check with your itinerary, your spirit, or your checkbook.... It just does its own thing... And in this case, two days latter, I found myself emotionally drained writing my father's eulogy and realizing that I was completely blind on my right eye! It hit me like a ton of bricks...What is wrong?....I can't deal with this now!... God I am scared.... What is it!...Emergency room... Sorry, nothing we can do... No, you can't have your co pay back!... Go see your eye specialist Monday...
It was a rough week end... I couldn't mourn for my father as I was terrified of my future...passed the time working on the Eulogy with one eye...
Monday... You have a Detached Retina!
Friday... Funeral
Monday... First eye surgery
Thursday... Sorry...the surgery was a failure
Monday... Second Surgery
It took a total of 4 eye surgeries from June 26 through January 29....
And... Just when I started to see daylight, no pun intended, my back gave out on me.
Severe Stenosis of the L4/L5... Translation my back hurts, my hips hurt, and my legs go numb...
First Surgery was in April.. Felt great for two weeks and then.., it started back up!
Epidurals
Drugs
Pain remains...
Today I found out some new terminology...Bulging Disks..,
New surgery being scheduled...
Sooo...My spirit has taken a hit...have had it with Dr appointments, labs, MRI's, XRays, etc.
And that is why I have not blogged....
I have missed you all of you fellow bloggers but felt so locked up within my own pity pot that I felt I had nothing left to contribute...
I have taken the time to write this down in hope that it will lift my writers mental block...
Tonight I am feeling hopeful... The doctor told me he was proud of how quickly I made my choice...I am not afraid of the surgery, I know that if the pain I feel now is going to be my new normal, then I have to know I did everything in my power to make it better...
So here is to Eyes, Backs, Doctors and Spirits...
LETS MEND THEM ALL!🌅
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WTF FriendFinder-x?
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Posted:Jul 27, 2014 9:52 pm
Last Updated:Jul 25, 2020 11:01 pm
34886 Views
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So I just struggled for one hour writing a post with one good eye, hit SPELL CHECK and the friken program deleted my post.
Is there a way we could all rebel and find a site that actially gives a crap about bloggers enough to actualy invest a little bit of $$$ on systems?
Just saying
Tune in tomorrow...
Will give it another shot when I am not so pissed off
XxxOO
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THE LAST KISS
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Posted:Jul 4, 2014 1:48 am
Last Updated:Jul 8, 2014 7:34 am
37649 Views
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EULOGY FOR DAD
OLD MAN TAKE A LOOK AT MY LIFE I AM A LOT LIKE YOU WERE
Neil Young
I am one of those lucky people who can honestly say that my parents are my heroes and I believe I speak for all of my siblings when I say that
Our father had a strong faith in god. Although he was Baptized as a , his free spirit found the confines of a brick and mortar building too restrictive. Instead, my father felt god's presence while working on his garden or walking through the mountains. He once shared with my sister that it was during these times that he felt engulfed and surrounded by a presence he could not explain that filled him with peace. (Una presencia que no puedo explicar que me llena de Paz y tranquilidad) However, my father also knew that my mother found that same peace within the Catholic Church and because he loved her and wanted to walk her journey with her, in his later years he began to attend church with her on a regular basis and once again began receiving the sacraments
Dad also found god in people and in his relationships with them. All of us got together the day after his death to write his biography and tell the stories of his life we all remembered and which we all shared on Tuesday night...These stories all have the same common thread: A luminous generosity of spirit, a mischievous sense of humor, laughter that filled the room, kindness, intelligence, humility, wisdom , and compassion. He leaves behind such fullness of heart that we will have him for ever.
I strongly believe that my father's unerring moral compass was guided by his faith and his ongoing relationship with his higher power. I find this very comforting as I too have been able to establish the same relationship through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonimus
Our dad taught us so many things!
He taught us to never give up.
Taught us that when you fail, it does not mean you are a failure.
That failure can set you free to try again, and again, and again... As many times as it takes to get it right.
He taught us to be flexible.
To sacrifice our own personal goals for the good of our family. To accept and embrace challenges.
Dad taught us to always EXPECT excellence and success going in. You don't just do something, you do it right or you don't do it at all.
He taught us not to sit on the laurels of our accomplishments but instead, to focus on what is left to do or needs to be improved upon.
My father taught us to have courage and believe in ourselves, even when the odds are against you and especially when the fear of failure can lead to inaction . He taught us to weigh all options but once a decision has been reached, to ensure it is seen through to the end. He exemplified this trait when moving his family of 7 to a strange land at age 39 to start over with nothing more than two suitcases filled with clothes . That decision has benefitted our family to this day.
Dad taught us a love for learning. That life is an ongoing learning experience.
That self education is a powerful tool.
That you do not need a formal degree to succeed, but should embrace the opportunity to get one.
Dad loved anything technical and mechanical. He had an intuitive feel for how things worked and was always trying to improve them. He once owned a washing machine company and in his later years was ahead of the technological advances of the day when he tried to develop a tire inflation system for Semitrailers - something that has become standard equipment on all new trailers thirty years later. He wanted all of his boys to be engineers... Two out of three is not bad!
My father taught me that parenting is a lifelong commitment.
In many ways I failed to live up to my father's standards. He lived a disciplined life, always in control and aware of his personal weaknesses. I never saw my father intoxicated.
Myself, on the other hand, had a period in my life where I gave in to my demons and vices and lost my way.
My father never showed disappointment in me, instead, he was there to hug me when I needed it, to listen to my pain, to look into my eyes with care, and asked for forgiveness when he felt he had failed me in any way.
Dad had integrity in all he did, both in his personal life and in his business dealings. He treated everyone with respect and demanded the same. He taught us that if keeping a job means loosing your self respect then it is time to look for a new one.
My father worked hard but also knew how to play. As I already stated, he loved nature and gardening. He also loved to travel. As he would pile us up in the family wagon, or his beloved "Chata" in Argentina, and take us off on family weekend adventures, or off to visit friends and family, or to the beach for a day.
He had three hobbies that exemplified his zest for life.
One was Chess.
He was very good at it. It satisfied his need for the intellectual.
Another was gardening. It satisfied his spiritual need to nurture and watch something grow, bloom, and give fruit.
And finally, he loved to play cards, in particular he LOVED to play a Spanish game called TRUCO with his brothers and close friends. This is a game of strategy and trickery and it satisfied his playful inner . I never saw my dad laugh harder than when he was playing this game around the kitchen table with his brothers. I am sure he and his brothers who have passed will be playing a foursome somewhere in heaven tonight as we all celebrate his life.
Dad also loved to watch and listen to a good soccer game. His favorite teams were River Plate and of course the Argentine National team. Had it not been for the Alzheimer's that took his life, this year he would have been overjoyed with both teams as River won the Argentine National championship and Argentina is having a great World Cup!
Dad was a peaceful loving man. The joy of his life was his family and the love of his life was my mom.
Dad's parting gift to all of us was to gather the last of his strength to return my mother's final kiss seconds before he died. What a beautiful way to honor his sacrament to my mother, his bride.
We love you dad. Thank you for playin life to the fullest and leaving it all on the field
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6
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Happy Mother's Day
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Posted:May 10, 2014 9:23 pm
Last Updated:May 24, 2014 4:34 pm
38780 Views
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To all my blogger friends, and any mom who wanders into this blog on their special day, have a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
It is my hope that all of you get spoiled as well you should!
Enjoy your selves, you deserve it!
As for myself, I will drive to visit my 89 year old mom.
I have also made a point to thank both the women in my life who were wonderful mothers to my three .
Have a great day ladies!
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13
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SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE
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Posted:May 6, 2014 11:29 pm
Last Updated:Jul 4, 2014 8:50 am
38649 Views
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I lost a dear friend today.
He was part counselor, part spiritual advisor but mostly he was a strong role model in my AA Journey these past 7 years
His death was a shock and completely unexpected
Bob was a priest, a relatively young priest (About my age) who helped me navigate through some rough waters by providing a strong ethical and moral compass rooted in my faith.
I will miss you Father Bob
Until we meet again
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DAMN DAN...YOU BROKE THE DAM!
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Posted:Mar 8, 2014 10:55 pm
Last Updated:Jul 25, 2020 11:05 pm
40545 Views
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7:00 AM. Saturday morning...rush through a quick shower, grab my coffee, hop in the car.
Start the car turn on the radio and no.. No news today, tired of it all, no drama today, just some quiet music to get me to work....
They call the station "The Bridge"
70's Folk Rock
First song out of the driveway is Dan Fogelburg's "The Leader of The Band"
One block later the damn broke...
The emotions took over me and I had to pull over.
Tears turned to sobs as I let it all out.
I have been thinking of my father a lot recently.
Last week marked the 50th year anniversary that my family moved to this country.
What love and dedication makes a man pick up his family (Mom, Dad, and 5 ) and move them across the world in search of a better life?
What courage!
What BALLS!
The words to the song hit me like a brick
And the feelings overwhelmed me
There was nothing to do but let the dam
come tumbling down
An only alone and wild
A cabinet maker's
His hands were meant for different work
And his heart was known to none
He left his home and went his lone
And solitary way
And he gave to me
A gift I know I never can repay
A quiet man of music
Denied a simpler fate
He tried to be a soldier once
But his music wouldn't wait
He earned his love through discipline
A thundering, velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
My brothers' lives were different
For they heard another call
One went to Chicago
And the other to St. Paul
And I'm in Colorado
When I'm not in some hotel
Living out this life I've chose
And come to know so well
I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And, papa, I don't think
I said, "I love you" near enough
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
I am the living legacy
To the leader of the band
My dad's art was not Music. His gift was anything mechanical.
Other than that, the lyrics could have been written by me
The leader of my band is tired
and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my efforts
and his ethics are in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I am just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
I love you papy
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13
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HAPPY THANKS GIVING
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Posted:Nov 27, 2013 3:21 pm
Last Updated:Dec 12, 2013 10:06 pm
43634 Views
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Just wanted to check in and wish all my friends a happy thanks giving
I have been very busy but it is paying off
Little dood just received a scholastic award and has had zero disiplinary actions in the last month.
He also just competed in his first Wrestling tournament and took second place!
I will be at my parents tomorrow cooking
I am very greatful to be able to do it and for friends like all of you!
HAPPY THANKS GIVING!
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11
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A Golden Eagle Soared Today
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Posted:Nov 9, 2013 10:48 pm
Last Updated:Dec 6, 2014 9:57 pm
44360 Views
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The Golden Eagles are winless so far this season and their record now stands at 0-8
This is a result of an AYSO league were parity is not a priority... The team consists of 8 players, four of which have never played the game before..
The team has struggled all season.
It has lost every game and failed to score a single goal ...that is until today.
During the second half, Ruben took the ball on his side of the field and streaked down the sideline, he sidestepped two very good defenders, took a shot on goal from 20 yards out, and scored!
There was jubilation in the faces of all the players as they clapped and cheered their accomplishment
The team lost the game 6-1, but our little guys left it all on the field.
A Golden Eagle soared today and his name was Ruben
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9
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Ray of Hope
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Posted:Oct 30, 2013 10:25 pm
Last Updated:Nov 10, 2013 8:21 am
44628 Views
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First off I want to say that my bolgging has slowed down considerably as I have had to spend more time with Ruben as he struggles to get his studdy habbits in sinc for the fourth grade. I have missed everyone but my compulsive nature was getting in the way of quality time with my little guy.
Now for the blog at hand
I was driving to work on Monday, a rainy morning in Southern California. The sky was filled with puffy cumulus clouds and then to my left I saw this huge beam of sunlight breaking through the clouds! I was stopped at a traffic signal and was realy touched by the magesty of the scene. It was like a night time search light but in reverse. It spoke to me of something powerful and spiritual. I took out my phone and took a picture and was amazed to discover that the beam of light did not show up in the picture!
I took it again and the same thing happenned... Perfect picture but no sun beam from the heavens..
And then, it dawned on me... This show was just for me... It was a ray of hope during a stormy day, and it was dedicated to me!
It made my day!
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11
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Being Comfortable is Sexy
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Posted:Sep 21, 2013 3:01 pm
Last Updated:Sep 24, 2013 6:38 am
45052 Views
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Being
Drama free contemplation
Spirit free to express itself
Soul emerges and is cuddled in warm embrace
Time passes unnoticed
Energy flows
Comfortable
Home
Non pretentious
Shorts, Sandals, T shirt
Fresh cut lawns, charcoal on the grill
Fresh cut flowers, simple meal, ice cold lemonade
Dishes cleaned, fresh baked dessert plated
Crisp autumn breeze, Fire ring glowing
Being together with you is Comfortable
Feeling Sexy is natural when I am with you
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5
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The Slipery Slope
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Posted:Sep 14, 2013 7:15 pm
Last Updated:Jul 25, 2020 11:10 pm
46686 Views
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I made a decision today; not life changing like my friend's Misskissin but very emotional just the same.
Most of you know I am an alcoholic. We tend to be a compulsive bunch, we do very little in moderation.
We are all in or we stay in the sidelines
I have been sober for 6 years and have had the strength to stay clear of the choice I made today for 5 years...
Today, however, I gave in to my compulsive nature.
My heart, it definitly was not my soul, over rode the brain and now I have to live with my choice.
I picked the Raiders over the Jaguars on my footbal pool
It is a suicide pool and I may have just committed the ultimate sacrifice
Hope there are no major repercusions to my sobriety
Go Raiders!
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