I think most of us view work as a necessary evil... a means to the end. Sure, it would be great if we all had jobs that we actually enjoyed and it may be true that there are certain aspects of our jobs that we enjoy, but as a whole I believe we all could find things to do with our time that would be much more appealing. Unfortunately, those things usually don't pay the bills.
I've pretty much come to accept that I will continue doing what I do, if for no other reason than it pays good and allows me to pursue other things that fill the "fun" void. However, in the past couple of months, I've been faced with a new conundrum.
In all my 35 years on the job I've always felt good about or at least understood the business case for everything I've been asked to do... until now. Recently, I've been pulled into a project, the outcome of which goes against every fiber of my business instinct. It doesn't make sense, defies logic, and we've been there - done that - and it failed about 10 years ago. What makes us think it will be any different this time? When I've oh-so-delicately surfaced my concerns, the only reason I've been given is that we have different executives who think differently, and (let this sink in) it's the "industry trend". Well, that's like saying, "everybody else is jumping off the bridge, so I will too."
I can't say what this "thing" is because it is not yet public knowledge. That should tell you something. If it was perceived to be a good thing, wouldn't the company want to get out the good news ASAP? But Noooooo - this thing has the potential to be controversial to the shareholders.
Apparently, the decision to do this "thing" has already been made without regard to the financial bottom line. As an employee am I not obligated to do what's in the best interest of our customers and shareholders? According to our Code of Ethics (which I have to read every year), yes I am obligated.
So here's the conundrum. Do I stick to my principles, abide by the Code of Ethics, chastise my superiors for even considering such a "thing" and refuse to be a party to it... followed immediately by my hasty trip to the unemployment line (feeling good about having taken the high road to get there)? Or do I keep my mouth shut, try to keep a low profile, and hope for the best because the economy sucks and my budget can't withstand the absence of a paycheck?
Dear Lord, can I please just retire?????????
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Experiences with my Dad during his final hours
Most of those who will read this already know that my Dad, Eldredge Dorris, died last Saturday morning, June 26, 2010. What follows are some thoughts and experiences I had with Dad during his final hours. I sent this out via email to many friends and relatives and to many contacts on my Dad's email contacts list but thought I would post it here in my blog as well.
I don't write these words to gain sympathy for myself, but rather to share with you what was a profound experience for me and to hopefully leave you with a joyful memory from the final chapter of Dad's life on this earth. If you find inspiration, encouragement, and comfort in these words, then all the better.
Some would say this is therapeutic for me and a natural part of the grieving process. Perhaps so, but I prefer to think of it as another piece of Dad's legacy and a continuation of the celebration that was his life.
My Dad was not a perfect man (none of us are), but a great man nonetheless, at least in my eyes. To know my Dad is to know that he was a very devout Christian, a retired Southern Baptist Minister who, over the course of his life, has touched the lives of so many people... more that I will ever know, but especially my own life. To know my Dad is also to know that he was 84 years old and married to Mom (Minnie) for 64 years, a feat seldom equaled in today's world.
If one was to ask Dad, "what defines you?" I believe he would have answered, "I am a child of God, nothing more, nothing less." Of course, to the family he was also husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, etc.. To co-workers he was minister, song director, house painter, security guard, factory worker, etc.. But all of these descriptions/job titles are secondary. To most people who knew him, their first description of Dad would be that he was a man of God.
Dad was under hospice care at home before entering the Alive Hospice facility on Friday, June 18. On a side note, the Alive Hospice staff is amazing. I cannot say enough good things about their service, or rather their ministry, but will save that for another time. Although Dad didn't mention it, I'm convinced that he knew he wouldn't be going back to his house on the farm this time. I also knew that Dad was very concerned about Mom's well-being after he was gone, and I felt that he had not yet come to peace with that in his semi-lucid state of mind and was languishing with that as his final piece of unfinished business. My brother and I had assured Dad on many, many occasions that we would take care of Mom, but he still expressed concern to anyone who would listen.
I feel as though a break-through was made when the hospice chaplain came to visit Dad early last Friday afternoon. I asked the chaplain to assure Dad that Mom was in God's hands. The chaplain asked to pray and of course Dad was very pleased with that idea... and he was surprisingly lucid at that time. To paint the picture, there was Dad, Mom, me, and the chaplain holding hands around Dad's bed as the chaplain prayed. I could sense in Dad's reaction to the chaplain's words that he was beginning to feel peace about Mom's well-being. Then came the moment. When the chaplain had finished praying, Dad with his eyes still closed called me by name and asked me to finish the prayer. I have to admit that my first thought was, "oh no, I can't do this." My second thought was, "yes, I can and must do this. It may be my last opportunity to do something for the man who has done so much for me during my life." I began to pray aloud, but only about three words had escaped my mouth when I became overwhelmed by the emotion of the moment and couldn't utter a sound. I took a moment, said a quick, silent praer for my own strength and the words began to flow. I've never prayed like that in my entire life. In hindsight I now know those were not my words coming out of my mouth. It might have been my voice, but it was clearly God's words. In the midst of my prayer, it came to mind that Dad would very shortly begin his journey through eternity in heaven and that when compared to eternity, the remainder of our lives on earth is only the blink of an eye... then we would all be together again. Not only was God providing the words that Dad needed to hear, but he was providing the strength and comfort that I needed.
This was undoubtedly the most difficult thing I've ever tried to do. At the same time it was the most uplifting, inspiring, and by far the most humbling thing I've ever done. I wonder if Dad knew that by asking me to do something for him, he was actually doing something for me... again. It wouldn't surprise me if that was the case. He was sneaky like that sometimes.
After the prayer had ended and the chaplain had gone, there was an obvious calm about Dad and he never again mentioned any concern for Mom's well-being. I think he had finally made peace with that in his mind and his business was finished.
Then the revival service began! For those who have ever attended an old-fashioned Southern Baptist revival service, you know what I mean. Mom and I sat together in Dad's room and listened while Dad proceeded to thank God and praise God for anything and everything. He would appear to be asleep for a minute or two, then he would begin to speak with eyes closed and hands uplifted for a minute or two. this went on for about 3 hours. His words were clear and made perfect sense. For Dad, I'm sure he was simply talking to his Heavenly Father. For me, it was like the best unscripted sermon Dad had ever preached. At one point I leaned over to Mom and said, "I think it would be appropriate for us to give an Invitation and collect the Offering, because we just had the sermon."
I was not present in the room when Dad took his final breath, but I understand that it occurred peacefully during sleep, and for that I am grateful. I am also grateful that the most prominent memory I will have of my Dad is that he was still helping others (me) while praising God until the very end.
At the moment Dad entered the presence of God, I have no doubt that God said,
"Well done, thy good and faithful servant! Welcome home!"
A word of encouragement to all who may read this -
Stay close to your loved ones and love them like there's no tomorrow. Learn how to forgive and be forgiven. And above all, have faith in God. Life on this earth is too short for anything less.
Thank you for your indulgence and please continue to pray for Mom.
May God Bless Each of You,
Gary Dorris (proud son of Eldredge and Minnie Dorris)
I don't write these words to gain sympathy for myself, but rather to share with you what was a profound experience for me and to hopefully leave you with a joyful memory from the final chapter of Dad's life on this earth. If you find inspiration, encouragement, and comfort in these words, then all the better.
Some would say this is therapeutic for me and a natural part of the grieving process. Perhaps so, but I prefer to think of it as another piece of Dad's legacy and a continuation of the celebration that was his life.
My Dad was not a perfect man (none of us are), but a great man nonetheless, at least in my eyes. To know my Dad is to know that he was a very devout Christian, a retired Southern Baptist Minister who, over the course of his life, has touched the lives of so many people... more that I will ever know, but especially my own life. To know my Dad is also to know that he was 84 years old and married to Mom (Minnie) for 64 years, a feat seldom equaled in today's world.
If one was to ask Dad, "what defines you?" I believe he would have answered, "I am a child of God, nothing more, nothing less." Of course, to the family he was also husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, etc.. To co-workers he was minister, song director, house painter, security guard, factory worker, etc.. But all of these descriptions/job titles are secondary. To most people who knew him, their first description of Dad would be that he was a man of God.
Dad was under hospice care at home before entering the Alive Hospice facility on Friday, June 18. On a side note, the Alive Hospice staff is amazing. I cannot say enough good things about their service, or rather their ministry, but will save that for another time. Although Dad didn't mention it, I'm convinced that he knew he wouldn't be going back to his house on the farm this time. I also knew that Dad was very concerned about Mom's well-being after he was gone, and I felt that he had not yet come to peace with that in his semi-lucid state of mind and was languishing with that as his final piece of unfinished business. My brother and I had assured Dad on many, many occasions that we would take care of Mom, but he still expressed concern to anyone who would listen.
I feel as though a break-through was made when the hospice chaplain came to visit Dad early last Friday afternoon. I asked the chaplain to assure Dad that Mom was in God's hands. The chaplain asked to pray and of course Dad was very pleased with that idea... and he was surprisingly lucid at that time. To paint the picture, there was Dad, Mom, me, and the chaplain holding hands around Dad's bed as the chaplain prayed. I could sense in Dad's reaction to the chaplain's words that he was beginning to feel peace about Mom's well-being. Then came the moment. When the chaplain had finished praying, Dad with his eyes still closed called me by name and asked me to finish the prayer. I have to admit that my first thought was, "oh no, I can't do this." My second thought was, "yes, I can and must do this. It may be my last opportunity to do something for the man who has done so much for me during my life." I began to pray aloud, but only about three words had escaped my mouth when I became overwhelmed by the emotion of the moment and couldn't utter a sound. I took a moment, said a quick, silent praer for my own strength and the words began to flow. I've never prayed like that in my entire life. In hindsight I now know those were not my words coming out of my mouth. It might have been my voice, but it was clearly God's words. In the midst of my prayer, it came to mind that Dad would very shortly begin his journey through eternity in heaven and that when compared to eternity, the remainder of our lives on earth is only the blink of an eye... then we would all be together again. Not only was God providing the words that Dad needed to hear, but he was providing the strength and comfort that I needed.
This was undoubtedly the most difficult thing I've ever tried to do. At the same time it was the most uplifting, inspiring, and by far the most humbling thing I've ever done. I wonder if Dad knew that by asking me to do something for him, he was actually doing something for me... again. It wouldn't surprise me if that was the case. He was sneaky like that sometimes.
After the prayer had ended and the chaplain had gone, there was an obvious calm about Dad and he never again mentioned any concern for Mom's well-being. I think he had finally made peace with that in his mind and his business was finished.
Then the revival service began! For those who have ever attended an old-fashioned Southern Baptist revival service, you know what I mean. Mom and I sat together in Dad's room and listened while Dad proceeded to thank God and praise God for anything and everything. He would appear to be asleep for a minute or two, then he would begin to speak with eyes closed and hands uplifted for a minute or two. this went on for about 3 hours. His words were clear and made perfect sense. For Dad, I'm sure he was simply talking to his Heavenly Father. For me, it was like the best unscripted sermon Dad had ever preached. At one point I leaned over to Mom and said, "I think it would be appropriate for us to give an Invitation and collect the Offering, because we just had the sermon."
I was not present in the room when Dad took his final breath, but I understand that it occurred peacefully during sleep, and for that I am grateful. I am also grateful that the most prominent memory I will have of my Dad is that he was still helping others (me) while praising God until the very end.
At the moment Dad entered the presence of God, I have no doubt that God said,
"Well done, thy good and faithful servant! Welcome home!"
A word of encouragement to all who may read this -
Stay close to your loved ones and love them like there's no tomorrow. Learn how to forgive and be forgiven. And above all, have faith in God. Life on this earth is too short for anything less.
Thank you for your indulgence and please continue to pray for Mom.
May God Bless Each of You,
Gary Dorris (proud son of Eldredge and Minnie Dorris)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Facing an empty nest... again
They say it's normal these days for young adult children (is that an oxymoron?) to yo-yo. That is to leave home, then come back, then leave again (lather, rinse, repeat... you get the idea). I guess it's comforting to know that our family is normal in this regard.
With the big news this week that Brent and Cyndi are buying their first house and could be moving out in about 4 give-or-take weeks, we find ourselves once again facing the empty nest syndrome (is it a real syndrome or did I just make that up?).
To Brent and Cyndi, let me say how very proud we are of you and what you've been able to accomplish. This is a really big step and to make this happen all on your own when just a year ago neither of you had a job, is pretty amazing. Some day in the future you'll think back to this time and take great pride and satisfaction in knowing that through your own will-power, determination, and discipline you achieved this great milestone which many people work for all their lives and never achieve. There will be plenty of time to dwell on the specifics of home ownership (you know, like fixing things, maintaining a yard, etc.), but for now you should spend some time thinking on a higher level. Like what does this mean to you as a couple, or how does this impact your relationship. If you let it, home ownership can bring a whole new set of issues into the relationship. But the good news is you've already shown that you are grounded with a good value set and that you can work through adversity together, so just keep doing what you're doing and everything should work out fine. Also, continue to love, trust, and respect each other and you'll be the happy king and queen of your castle forever.
Just as Brent and Cyndi will be thinking about what this means to them, Sheri and I will be thinking about what it means to us... empty nester's once again. All I can say is...
With the big news this week that Brent and Cyndi are buying their first house and could be moving out in about 4 give-or-take weeks, we find ourselves once again facing the empty nest syndrome (is it a real syndrome or did I just make that up?).
To Brent and Cyndi, let me say how very proud we are of you and what you've been able to accomplish. This is a really big step and to make this happen all on your own when just a year ago neither of you had a job, is pretty amazing. Some day in the future you'll think back to this time and take great pride and satisfaction in knowing that through your own will-power, determination, and discipline you achieved this great milestone which many people work for all their lives and never achieve. There will be plenty of time to dwell on the specifics of home ownership (you know, like fixing things, maintaining a yard, etc.), but for now you should spend some time thinking on a higher level. Like what does this mean to you as a couple, or how does this impact your relationship. If you let it, home ownership can bring a whole new set of issues into the relationship. But the good news is you've already shown that you are grounded with a good value set and that you can work through adversity together, so just keep doing what you're doing and everything should work out fine. Also, continue to love, trust, and respect each other and you'll be the happy king and queen of your castle forever.
Just as Brent and Cyndi will be thinking about what this means to them, Sheri and I will be thinking about what it means to us... empty nester's once again. All I can say is...
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I couldn't resist)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Throwing-things-mad, but feeling better now
Ok, so I didn't really throw anything, but I can't think of any other way to describe how displeased I was.
Here's the picture. This year is my 35 year service anniversary with... you know, that place I work for. I'm not sure I want to say the company name 'cause you never know when big brother might be watching. I knew a service award had been sent to my office so I went to work at the office today instead of working from home. I even knew what the service award was... not like it was a big surprise or anything. I just needed to go to the office to pick it up, and I need to go in periodically just to keep my building access card activated. So I get to the office and find the box and indeed it is exactly what I thought it was. Are you ready for this? It's a paper weight with my name engraved on it and the number 35. Granted, it's a fancy paper weight, but a paper weight nonetheless. Then I had a meeting scheduled and had to focus my attention elsewhere which is probably a good thing. As the day went by I would look over at the paper weight occassionally and just think to myself, "really, a paper weight... for 35 years??" On the brighter side, it's a perfect match for the one I got 5 years ago except that one has the number 30... otherwise, they're identical... a matching set. Well, I stewed about this all day long and when I was packing up to go home, I picked up the beautiful paper weight to put it back in its box. In the process I happened to look at the bottom and what do I see but a sticker proclaiming that my beautiful paper weight that I had been awarded for 35 long, faithful, dedicated, hard years was MADE IN CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I'm fit to be tied. Are you freakin kiddin me???? Not only is it just a paper weight, but it's a cheap paper weight from the lowest cost provider!! I couldn't get out of that building fast enough and my poor truck took a little abuse on the way out of the parking lot.
I'm suddenly reminded of some lyrics to a Tennessee Ernie Ford song... "you load 16 tons and what do ya get, another day older and deeper in debt. St. Peter don'tcha call me 'cause I can't go. I owe my soul to the company store."
Now for the feeling better part... jump forward an hour or so. I had already decided that I was going to the gym to take out my frustrations on the machines which is exactly what I did. It was a really good workout and I stepped on the scales before leaving and found that I had lost 4 pounds. Finally, something to feel good about!
Here's the picture. This year is my 35 year service anniversary with... you know, that place I work for. I'm not sure I want to say the company name 'cause you never know when big brother might be watching. I knew a service award had been sent to my office so I went to work at the office today instead of working from home. I even knew what the service award was... not like it was a big surprise or anything. I just needed to go to the office to pick it up, and I need to go in periodically just to keep my building access card activated. So I get to the office and find the box and indeed it is exactly what I thought it was. Are you ready for this? It's a paper weight with my name engraved on it and the number 35. Granted, it's a fancy paper weight, but a paper weight nonetheless. Then I had a meeting scheduled and had to focus my attention elsewhere which is probably a good thing. As the day went by I would look over at the paper weight occassionally and just think to myself, "really, a paper weight... for 35 years??" On the brighter side, it's a perfect match for the one I got 5 years ago except that one has the number 30... otherwise, they're identical... a matching set. Well, I stewed about this all day long and when I was packing up to go home, I picked up the beautiful paper weight to put it back in its box. In the process I happened to look at the bottom and what do I see but a sticker proclaiming that my beautiful paper weight that I had been awarded for 35 long, faithful, dedicated, hard years was MADE IN CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I'm fit to be tied. Are you freakin kiddin me???? Not only is it just a paper weight, but it's a cheap paper weight from the lowest cost provider!! I couldn't get out of that building fast enough and my poor truck took a little abuse on the way out of the parking lot.
I'm suddenly reminded of some lyrics to a Tennessee Ernie Ford song... "you load 16 tons and what do ya get, another day older and deeper in debt. St. Peter don'tcha call me 'cause I can't go. I owe my soul to the company store."
Now for the feeling better part... jump forward an hour or so. I had already decided that I was going to the gym to take out my frustrations on the machines which is exactly what I did. It was a really good workout and I stepped on the scales before leaving and found that I had lost 4 pounds. Finally, something to feel good about!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Happy in the head and hurting all over
First the hurting part. I joined a gym last weekend (pause for laughter to subside) and went tonight for the second time, this time working with a trainer. I'm sure I told him my age and that I'd never been to a gym and that I needed to start really slow. Apparently, none of that mattered because he pushed me to the limit. And afterwards, he had the nerve to try to sell me some private sessions with a trainer. Let's see, you just ran me through the proverbial wringer, made me feel like crap, and now you want me to pay you to do it again and again. I would laugh but I still feel like throwing up. Daniel, if you're reading this, you'll appreciate this part... the trainer was impressed with my calf muscles. He had me do 50 reps of a certain exercise for the calf muscles and it didn't phase me so a few minutes later he had me do 75 reps and it still didn't phase me. At least there's one part of my body that did me proud and doesn't hurt.
Now for the happy part. I went downstairs for another cup of coffee this morning and went through the dining room to get to the kitchen... by-passing the den where Cohen was playing. When Cohen saw me he toddled (I think that's a word) all the way across the kitchen with arms out-stretched and the biggest grin on his face and just sort of fell into me when I bent down to scoop him up. Memories from 25+ years ago came flooding back, reminding me of coming home from work to be greeted by my own toddling children. Yessir... that's my grandson!
Now for the happy part. I went downstairs for another cup of coffee this morning and went through the dining room to get to the kitchen... by-passing the den where Cohen was playing. When Cohen saw me he toddled (I think that's a word) all the way across the kitchen with arms out-stretched and the biggest grin on his face and just sort of fell into me when I bent down to scoop him up. Memories from 25+ years ago came flooding back, reminding me of coming home from work to be greeted by my own toddling children. Yessir... that's my grandson!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Granddads and Grandkids (Reflecting on the past - Imagining the future)
I suppose it's natural at this time of year to reflect on the past and to set our sights on the future, but it's usually a relatively short time-span - the previous year and the next year. I find myself now thinking back to my childhood and thinking ahead for the next 20+ years. I also find myself thinking from the perspective of a grandfather, now that I am one.
My paternal grandfather was a difficult man to know. He was all work - no play, children should be seen not heard. You know the type. My brother and I would spend some time with him on the farm just about every summer. I suppose that was to give my parents a break from us. I didn't especially look forward to that time because Granddad would usually put us to work immediately, hoeing weeds in the garden or plowing a field - not exactly a kids idea of a vacation. He never really took an interest in us grandkids unless it was to help him do some work. We never went fishing in the pond, walking through the woods, or hunting crawdads in the creek. About the most fun we had was eating popcorn and watching wrestling on TV. Yes, wrestling was fake way back then too, but you couldn't convince my Granddad. On the flip side of things, I did look forward to Christmas at my Granddad's house. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins would show up so there was plenty of excitement and kids running around... and enough food to feed a small army. We weren't really close to my aunts, uncles, and cousins so it was a time for catching up and that means a lot of lively discussion. To sum it up, I guess there were some fond memories and some not-so-fond memories. Don't get me wrong. I totally respect my Granddad because I know he was an honest, God-fearing man who worked hard in difficult times to provide for his family. But somewhere along the way he forgot how to relax and have some fun.
My maternal grandfather, Pappa, was the exact opposite of my paternal grandfather. I have only fond memories of Pappa. He was a cool ole dude. Always had a smile and a joke or funny story to tell... and could he ever tell a story! Whenever we grandkids showed up, any thought of work stopped immediately and his attention was totally devoted to us. He lived in Florida at the time and his favorite passtime was fishing from piers. That worked out pretty good because we liked to go fishing with Pappa. He actually took time to show us how to fish and made us feel like we were important to him. The sad part of this story is that since he lived in Florida, we didn't get to spend much time with him. We were lucky if we got to see him once a year.
Having reflected back on my own grandfathers, the question comes to mind, which grandfather will I emulate? What will my relationship with my grandchildren be like? Will they one day think back to fond memories of their grandfather? I hope the answers are obvious. I want to be the cool ole dude grandfather, the one who takes an interest in them and plays with them and teaches them how to do things. I want to be their biggest fan, cheering them on in any situation. I want them to know that I think they're important, and that I'll always be honest with them even if they don't like what I have to say. Admittedly, this will not come naturally for the Dorris side of my character. Let's just hope the Pappa Jones side of my character is dominant when it comes to relations with grandkids.
My paternal grandfather was a difficult man to know. He was all work - no play, children should be seen not heard. You know the type. My brother and I would spend some time with him on the farm just about every summer. I suppose that was to give my parents a break from us. I didn't especially look forward to that time because Granddad would usually put us to work immediately, hoeing weeds in the garden or plowing a field - not exactly a kids idea of a vacation. He never really took an interest in us grandkids unless it was to help him do some work. We never went fishing in the pond, walking through the woods, or hunting crawdads in the creek. About the most fun we had was eating popcorn and watching wrestling on TV. Yes, wrestling was fake way back then too, but you couldn't convince my Granddad. On the flip side of things, I did look forward to Christmas at my Granddad's house. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins would show up so there was plenty of excitement and kids running around... and enough food to feed a small army. We weren't really close to my aunts, uncles, and cousins so it was a time for catching up and that means a lot of lively discussion. To sum it up, I guess there were some fond memories and some not-so-fond memories. Don't get me wrong. I totally respect my Granddad because I know he was an honest, God-fearing man who worked hard in difficult times to provide for his family. But somewhere along the way he forgot how to relax and have some fun.
My maternal grandfather, Pappa, was the exact opposite of my paternal grandfather. I have only fond memories of Pappa. He was a cool ole dude. Always had a smile and a joke or funny story to tell... and could he ever tell a story! Whenever we grandkids showed up, any thought of work stopped immediately and his attention was totally devoted to us. He lived in Florida at the time and his favorite passtime was fishing from piers. That worked out pretty good because we liked to go fishing with Pappa. He actually took time to show us how to fish and made us feel like we were important to him. The sad part of this story is that since he lived in Florida, we didn't get to spend much time with him. We were lucky if we got to see him once a year.
Having reflected back on my own grandfathers, the question comes to mind, which grandfather will I emulate? What will my relationship with my grandchildren be like? Will they one day think back to fond memories of their grandfather? I hope the answers are obvious. I want to be the cool ole dude grandfather, the one who takes an interest in them and plays with them and teaches them how to do things. I want to be their biggest fan, cheering them on in any situation. I want them to know that I think they're important, and that I'll always be honest with them even if they don't like what I have to say. Admittedly, this will not come naturally for the Dorris side of my character. Let's just hope the Pappa Jones side of my character is dominant when it comes to relations with grandkids.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Random Thoughts
#1
I recently received these quotes in an email and thought they were worthy of passing along.
"The trouble with socialism is, sooner or later you run out of other people's money" - Margaret Thatcher
"When you subsidize poverty and failure, you get more of both" - James Dale Davidson, National Taxpayers Union
Now if our political representatives would just take heed of these statements and stop spending money we don't have for things we don't need, then our future generations might have a chance to succeed without having to pay for our mistakes.
#2
What's up with all the rain? Must it be feast or famine, drought or flood? How about something in the middle. Ok, would it please just stop raining long enough for the leaves to dry so I can get them up and out of the yard?
#3
"A healthy self-image is a good thing... so is a little humility." That's a Dad original, feel free to quote me while I feign a little humility.
#4
We're a society of rubber-neckers. Every time someone on the public stage trips, we have to stop what we're doing and absorb all the gorey details... do we really need to know every person that Tiger Woods fooled around with?
#5
Do you think the day will come when we'll be taxed for breathing? After all, we do expel co2 and that's a greenhouse gas responsible for melting the polar ice-caps, right? Here's a thought - trees absorb co2... let's figure out how many trees it takes to absorb the amount of co2 expelled by a human... then everytime a human is born, we plant that many trees... problem solved.
I recently received these quotes in an email and thought they were worthy of passing along.
"The trouble with socialism is, sooner or later you run out of other people's money" - Margaret Thatcher
"When you subsidize poverty and failure, you get more of both" - James Dale Davidson, National Taxpayers Union
Now if our political representatives would just take heed of these statements and stop spending money we don't have for things we don't need, then our future generations might have a chance to succeed without having to pay for our mistakes.
#2
What's up with all the rain? Must it be feast or famine, drought or flood? How about something in the middle. Ok, would it please just stop raining long enough for the leaves to dry so I can get them up and out of the yard?
#3
"A healthy self-image is a good thing... so is a little humility." That's a Dad original, feel free to quote me while I feign a little humility.
#4
We're a society of rubber-neckers. Every time someone on the public stage trips, we have to stop what we're doing and absorb all the gorey details... do we really need to know every person that Tiger Woods fooled around with?
#5
Do you think the day will come when we'll be taxed for breathing? After all, we do expel co2 and that's a greenhouse gas responsible for melting the polar ice-caps, right? Here's a thought - trees absorb co2... let's figure out how many trees it takes to absorb the amount of co2 expelled by a human... then everytime a human is born, we plant that many trees... problem solved.
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