Good bye 2013

I have to admit, you really won't be missed.  Not to say the year was totally bad but it seemed to have more than its fair share of suckage.  I didn't have any cabbage New Years Day so I blame myself for the crappy year.  Won't make that mistake again.

So, on to 2014.

This is where a lot of people pen their new year's resolutions.  Not me.  I gave up doing that a long time ago.  That doesn't mean I don't have goals.  My goal for 2014 is to complete a goal I started a couple years ago.  My Fit by 50 (Fx50) goal comes to an end in 2014.  September 21, 2014 to be exact.  This is largely a weight-loss goal based in a desire to simply be healthier.  I've never said how much weight I wanted to lose before but now seems like a good time as any for a couple reasons.

1. I need to change my focus from being embarrassed by what I weighed to being proud of how far I've come and looking toward the end goal.
2. I'm at a point where I need a cheering section and people to help me stayed focused.  I'm at the point I've always failed before and that's a huge mental stumbling block to get past.

My goal was to lose 150 pounds.  I've lost 80 of them so I'm a little more than half way there. 

Instead of resolutions for the new year I'm planning my strategy for reaching my goal.

• I need to refocus on how much I'm eating.  Kinda lost that over the last 3 months which I'm sure is part of why I'm stalled out on the weight-loss front.
• I need to start adding some exercise into my life, even if its just going for walks on a regular basis.  I'm still contemplating trying the Couch to 5K program again.  I think adding the exercise will help me get past this wall I'm up against now.

So there you have it.  Hello 2014.  I'm glad you're here.

A Cornucopia of Consciousness........aka a brain dump of drivel

Lots of little things running around in my head right now.

I'm having a hard time breaking past the 80lbs point with the weight loss.  Wondering how much of that is mind games though.  I'm in the 20 pound range that always seems to be the point I quit/give up/stop losing.  Or am I at the point where just eating less isn't enough.  Maybe my body is telling me it's time to start adding in some exercise.  I'm toying with the idea of trying the C25K program again.  My knees gave out on me at the fourth week last time I tried but I also weighted at least 40 pounds more then.  All I know for sure is the weight I'm at now always seems to be my Waterloo.  I'm determined to change that this time.

It has really bothered me to see the hateful comments directed toward Nelson Mandela this last week.  I understand he was a polarizing figure.  Everyone has their opinion about him...hero or villain...and there's nothing wrong with that.  I guess I just think someone's death isn't the time to be hateful.  Regardless of what you thought about the man politically he still left behind family and friends who loved him and are hurting right now.  Just doesn't seem like the appropriate time to bash someone.

Seeing a lot of anti-Salvation Army going on right now because of their stance on gays.  If you don't like their beliefs, don't donate to them.  It's that simple.  But really, is a FB smear campaign necessary?  They're a religious organization who is upfront about their religious beliefs.  Is their position on gays really all that surprising?  At least they're out there trying to help people...all people, even those who's sexual orientation they don't believe in.  I don't see any other church standing out in the cold for hours on end trying to help the way they do.

On the up side, seeing a lot less of the whole "Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas" nonsense this year.

This Saturday is the Army/Navy game.  So I expect everyone to put on blue and gold and cheer Navy on to another victory.  And thus is the only sporting event you will ever hear me express any interest in.

Speaking of sports though, I'm really tired of hearing about the Redskins and whatever the soap opera drama is they have going on.  With the money they are all making they have nothing to create drama about.  Seriously, get over yourselves.

Which leads to a closing thought.  Step outside of yourself this month and do something for someone else.  A random act of kindness may be the only present someone gets this month.

Let's talk

I ran across an article a friend posted on FB.  To be honest, I'm still not sure how I feel about it but I can definitely say it is thought-provoking.  Some of of what is said makes me uncomfortable but I'm not sure that's a bad thing.  One statement though really struck a cord with me.

"...people sick of being belittled as not Christian enough for the right or too Jesus-y for the left." 

Yeah, I can definitely relate to that feeling.

So I'm curious to hear others thought on this pastor and her vision of church and Christianity.  I don't care what you believe....or don't believe.  What do you think about this?

(As always, please keep discussion respectful)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/bolz-webers-liberal-foulmouthed-articulation-of-christianity-speaks-to-fed-up-believers/2013/11/03/7139dc24-3cd3-11e3-a94f-b58017bfee6c_story.html

The Gauntlet

Here it is, flat out.

I have a number of friends who support the government shutdown.  Consider it a good thing or at the very least "not as bad as we thought".  Keep in mind, to the best of my knowledge none of these people are directly impacted by the shutdown...ie, they're still getting a paycheck.

They do spend a lot of time pontificating in blogs and Facebook about the righteousness of their cause and passing along FB memes that support their view....even if the memes aren't completely accurate.  And, they all apparently decided I was to be their sacrificial lamb in this latest political game.  A role I didn't ask for, volunteer for or even believe in. 

You know what?  I'm tired of being their ball to kick around.  So I'm making a challenge, throwing down the gauntlet so to speak.

For all of you who wanted this shutdown, who consider those of us furloughed to be acceptable losses in your war, who still believe their side is looking out for the greater good; it's time to put your money where your mouth is.  Sitting behind a computer and typing out your opinions is easy.  What are you willing to actually sacrifice for your cause?

What are you willing to give up, sell, do without?  One of you told me you would gladly give up everything you own to win this political war.  Were those just words to make you feel 'patriotic'?  I'm waiting to see some action......you can start shipping your belongings to me so I have things I can sell to live on because, quite frankly, I don't feel I should suffer for your cause if you're not.  A few of you have told me your principles are more important than my paycheck.  To that I say if your principles are so valuable then you sacrifice to keep them.  Making me pay for your principles is a pretty hollow act.

I didn't and still don't believe in this war.  I don't believe your pet politicians care about you or me in the long run.  And I don't believe I should have to pay so you can get your way.

So I ask again, when are you going to just stop talking a good game?  What sacrifice are you willing to make?

An Open Letter to the American Public

Since I wrote a letter telling Congress (http://sxydork.blogspot.com/2013/09/an-open-letter-to-congress.html) what I thought of their job performance it seems only fitting I let everyone else know what I think about the current budget fight and very vocal viewpoints.

*WARNING* This will not be nice.  Some people may will be offended *WARNING*

Dear Fellow American,

It's nice to see so many involved and interested in what is going on currently with our government.  Wish it were like this all year.  

A number of you are very vocal about shutting the government down.  You've expressed how it would be a good thing, how it wouldn't have that big an impact on people, and how everyone should be for a shutdown because it would be good for the country.

Here's my response to this.

What arrogance!  I apparently missed the memo naming you God, able to determine for a large segment of the population that it's ok to take away their livelihood in the name of the greater good of the country.  Last time I checked I didn't elect any of you to represent me.  So who the hell do you think you are to decide what I can and can not afford to deal with financially?  Who the hell are you to decide it's no big hardship to take away my paycheck, especially those of you who aren't losing yours.

Tell you what, since you don't feel paychecks are important I'll make you a deal.  For each day of pay I lose from a shutdown you send me a day of your pay.  Seems only fair.

An Open Letter to Congress

Dear Sirs and Madams:

First, let me introduce myself. I am an American citizen and a voter, also known as a constituent. There are a lot of others just like me in this country though it would seem some of you have never actually met any of us.

So the purpose of my letter is to tell you a little about us, ‘we the people’ of this great county. Maybe if you actually got to know us you would have a better grasp of our expectations, because truly, your job is all about our expectations. This is non-partisan so please don’t see it as focused on one party or the other. I hold you both at equal fault.

Here’s the thing, we, the people, elected you into office for one purpose and one purpose only. That would be to represent us, our desires, our expectations. You work for us. We pay your salary. In general we don’t care about your power plays, your fundraising, your campaigning or your grandstanding. Heck, most of us don’t believe 99% of what you even say.

The sad, cold, hard truth though is you have failed us miserably. You have failed to act in our best interest. You have failed to work together to improve this country. You have quite simply failed at the job we are paying you to do. Shall we take a look at your failures?

1. You have had a year to put together a new budget yet you once again wait until the 11^th hour and then use the budget as a weapon in an attempt to get what you want. Have you even given a single thought to how your procrastination and partisan politics will affect people? Have you thought about the people who will suddenly be without paychecks but will still have mortgages, car payments, electric bills and groceries to pay for? Do you seriously think these people are more interested in your moral high ground than they are their own financial hardship caused by you? So the question begs to be asked, why haven’t you done your Constitutional job yet and finalized a budget? It would appear you have failed to do this job.
   
   
2. We have a system for passing laws as well as repealing them. Obamacare is a law, passed and upheld by the Supreme Court. This is true whether you like it or not. If you don’t like the law you’ve had three years to get the support to repeal it. So why wait again until the 11^th hour to try and circumvent the law, particularly to the detriment of the very people who elected you? Again, it’s real easy to hold your moral high ground when you personally have nothing to lose. So now the question is why haven’t you been able to get the support you need in three years to legally repeal a law you don’t like? Is it easier to make grand sounding speeches and get press time than to actually do your job? It would appear you have failed in this as well.
   
   
3. We are at war on more fronts than I think most Americans can even keep track of. Yet oddly enough I don’t think most us have any desire to be in these wars. We did not elect you to Americanize the world. We elected you to take care of our country. Yet, while we face constant economic meltdown, violence, deteriorating infrastructure, homelessness, joblessness and countless other problems you have been sending our people, our money and our supplies to help out other countries. We are supposed to be your first priority. The question is simple.  Why does the rest of the world come before us? It would appear you have failed to do this job.
   
   
4. One of your main jobs per the Constitution is to protect our borders. Based on the heated debate over this you have obviously failed to do this job.
   
   
5. Our Constitution was written to give us, the constituents, the power over the government. Your job is to uphold, protect and defend that very Constitution. Yet you have twisted, perverted and even out-right ignored it in the name of ‘national security’ or protecting us from ourselves. We are a strong and resourceful nation. We do not need our government to take care of us. It is simply not your job to tell us who we can love, sleep with, marry, what we can drink, eat, smoke or chew or what we can or can’t do to our own bodies. To be treated as a criminal just because we want to ride a plane is insulting. So I ask, why do you feel you are above the very document you swore to protect and defend?  When it comes to upholding the Constitution, it would appear you have failed at this job.

I fear you have lost sight of who you are and what your job is. You have come to believe your own press and the sycophants around you who tell you how wonderful you are so they can curry favour. You have come to believe that power is what your job is about and you pursue that power over all else. You hold elaborate parties, fundraisers and inaugurations while the people who you are supposed to work for are jobless, homeless and starving. You appear to not care about us, we the people, the voters at all. And that is your biggest failure.

Randomness on a Tuesday

No one particular subject in mind today.  Just various things wandering through my head and some of them will probably step on toes.....you have been warned.  Let's start with chefs.

I'm a Gorden Ramsey person, just saying.  When this whole Paule Deen thing erupted I was like, yeah, whatever.  I didn't have any feelings one way or the other regarding her.  Then I started seeing all these posts and memes on FB about how unfairly she's being treated and give her back her job, etc, etc. Made me curious about what all the hoopla was about so I started paying more attention.  It seemed so bizarre that she would have lost her job and all that corporate sponsorship over something she said 10, 20, 27 or 30 years ago.  Apparently how long ago it was depends on which FB meme you choose to use as your news source.  So I started doing a bit of my own research.  Forgive me for not just mindlessly posting memes on FB just because I have friends doing so......it's on FB so it must be right.....right?

My research turned up some interesting things, including the actual legal paper filed against her.  Interesting reading.  I was able to quickly debunk the stuff I'd read about this all being racially motivated.  Since it was a white woman who filed the suit against Paula racism just doesn't seem to hold water.  

As for the rest, just let me say this; before you decide to stand behind someone in support you might want to do your own research and find out what that person really stands for.

I've noticed a common thread amongst my friends on both sides of the political spectrum.  They are absolutely incapable of admitting their party/candidate/elected official just might be wrong about something.  What brought this to my attention is on the occasion when I post something a party/candidate/elected official is doing or has done that seems to make no sense or be total opposition to what they have said I never hear anything from their supporters trying to help me understand.  It's nothing but crickets chirping.  You know what, if someone you support is doing something you disagree with have the moral fortitude to stand up and say so!  Jeesh, I promise no one will come take away your party membership card.  It's this ignorant blind allegiance to a party that has gotten our government into the corrupt mess it is today.

On a related note, I'm still trying to understand why our President is giving a crap ton of money to a country to institute something his party says is discriminatory for us to do.

The Supreme Court had a busy week last week and actually got most of it right. Yeah, I know, I have friends who are waiting for someone to marry their cat now because it's all a slippery slope.  Uh huh, whatever.  Now I do understand their concern that polygamists will be next in wanting their marriages recognized.  Well, ok, so I don't really understand their concern.  Heck, even my most ultra-conservative religious right friends shouldn't have a problem with this.  Polygamy was a valid form a marriage in the Bible after all.

Snowden...hero or traitor?  Honestly, I'm not sure I'd call him either.  What baffles me the most about this whole thing though has been the general response.  Everyone's focus seems to be debating whether what he did was right or wrong.  Ummm....is no one else the least bit interested or alarmed about WHAT he disclosed???  Wide-scale spying by our government on everyone, including us.  Wow, talk about not seeing the forest for the trees.

Those are the big things that have been rattling around in my head lately.

I want to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Independence Day.  Fly our flag proudly, celebrate and be thankful for the freedoms we have.  Remember those who have and are serving our country.  Spend a few minutes thinking about the good things in your life.

 

A Numbers Head Game

I seriously need to get some new work pants.  Most of the ones I'm wearing I've been wearing for the last 8-10 years and quite frankly they've become pretty ratty around the hem.  That's a result of 2 things.

1. Petite length pants are made for women 5'4.  I'm 5'2.
2. I HATE hemming pants.

There is another factor in the need for new pants.  All the pants I have were bought 60+ pounds ago.  So yeah, they are just a bit baggy on me.  Oh heck, I'm constantly yanking them up while walking.  In fact, going up stairs can be a tricky business if I happen to step on the hem......could lead to embarrassing moments of exposure. 

So on the way home last night I stopped to see if I could find some inexpensive pants.  (I refuse to pay a lot for pants that will hopefully be too big for me within a few more months)  I go in and find some on sale for under $20 so start looking for the size I need, grab a couple styles and go try them on.  They fit with no problems at all, plenty of room.  As I'm looking in the mirror though something suddenly hits me......I'm trying on the same size pants as what I'm trying to replace!!!  Of course they "fit".....and I can pull them on and off without even unfastening them.  I was having to yank them up while I was just standing there.  Had this crazy idea then.....maybe I should try one a size smaller.  So I head back to the pants, find one smaller and back to the dressing room I go.  Here's when the numbers head game really struck me.  I was nervous trying them on and didn't really have any expectation that they'd fit.  I've become so used to being a "size" that the idea of being a smaller size doesn't seem possible.  My head can't wrap around that idea.

Guess what.  The smaller size fit with plenty of room!  So I bought a couple pair and am wearing one of them today.  I'm starting to wonder something though.  As I walk around I'm having to constantly yank these pants up.  Makes me kinda wonder if I could have gone down TWO pants sizes.  The brain is trying to wrap itself around this idea.  Do I dare explore this possibility...............

Celebrating the first half

I turn 50 in 15 months.  Its a very abstract concept for me since, in my mind, I still see myself somewhere in my 30's.  Of course, the arthritis has others ideas.  It likes me to feel 90 on some days.  Anyway, so why am I writing about a birthday that's still a ways off?  Because; I want to take a trip for my 50th and it's a trip that's going to take some planning and I'm reaching out to you, my friends and family, to help.

For my 50th I want Don and I to take 3-4 weeks off work, get an RV and take a trip heading west.  There's several reasons I want to do this.  Growing up I had the wonderful opportunity to see so much of the world but I have seen very little of my own country.  I want to change that.  We want to check out the states on our list of potential places to move so when we're ready to buy land we know where we want to look.  And, last but not least, maybe get the chance to see some friends.

Here's where you all come in.  I'm looking for suggestions of places to visit, things that must be seen, even restaurants that aren't to be missed....or, places to avoid like the plague.  Below is a list of states we're looking to plot our course through though it's not etched in stone.  The ones in blue are states that are on our retirement list.  What our final route looks like will really depend on where things and people are we want to see.  So, share your wisdom with me!  Where would you go if this were your trip??

West Virginia
Ohio - will probably just be doing Jackson and Cincy stops
Indiana
Illinois
Wisconsin
Minnesota
South Dakota
Montana - eastern part
Wyoming
Idaho - eastern part
Colorado
Kansas
Missouri
Tennessee
North Carolina - probably just stopping for family visits.
Virginia

Three strikes, you're..........President?

I'm curious what people's thoughts are on three highly politically-charged news stories, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum.  As always, feel free to share your opinions and comment on others'.  Respectful and thoughtful debate is always welcome; insults are never tolerated.

1. The IRS admitting to singling out and harassing conservative groups.
2. The Department of Justice obtaining phone records of AP reporters.
3. The Benghazi testimony.

I'm still researching and working out my thoughts on these three stories but will post what I think in the near future.

Is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?

I've been planning this post for quite awhile.   Now seems like a good time.  So, let's talk gun control.

Warning: Be prepared for extreme pro-gun and maybe a bit of conspiracy theory.

Anyone who knows me knows I am very pro-gun, very pro-Second Amendment.  I believe the Constitution not only allows but expects us to arm ourselves.  I don't understand the logic of the gun control crowd (GCC).  And I find a lot of flaws in their logic and reasoning.

The first thing that always gets tossed out there is no one needs an assault weapon.  This idea makes me twitch on several levels.  First off, "assault weapon" is a meaningless term used by a liberal media and the GCC to fan the flames and make something sound worse than it is.  If I pick up a rock and hit you with it that rock has become an assault weapon.  I used it as a weapon to assault you.  Anything can be an "assault weapon".  Second, since when did need become a determining factor as to whether law abiding citizens should be able to own legal items?  There's lots of things we don't need but own because we want them.  Don't talk to me about what I need and don't need.....not your decision to make for me.

Another thing I hear is hunters don't need assault weapons.  Let's make this real simple.  The 2nd Amendment and my right to own and bear arms has absolutely nothing to do with hunters.  The 2nd Amendment has one express purpose; to ensure the citizenry of this country is able to defend itself against it's own government.  Considering the types of weapons our government has at its disposal you're going to try and tell me I don't need an "assault weapon" to defend myself?

Now on to the conspiracy theory portion of this post.
1. I do believe the ultimate goal of our current administration is to disarm the citizenry.  Anyone who doesn't believe that needs to take a refresher course in world history.  A defenseless citizenry would sure make it easier for a government to impose its will, don't ya think?

2. I have a very bad feeling this country is headed towards another civil war.  In the event of such a tragedy, I'd rather be on the right end of a gun, thankyouverymuch.  I'd rather not have to rely on local police to defend myself.

3. I find the sudden burst of mass shootings that have occurred in the last few months to be a bit.......odd.  There is a part of me that wonders if there isn't some extreme, whacked-out gun control group staging these to force their agenda.

Do I think there's a problem with violence in our country?  Of course I do.  Do I think gun control is the solution to it?  Of course not.  Jeesh people, gun control laws only control law-abiding citizens.  Criminals don't care about laws and don't care if they obtain their guns illegally.  How hard of a concept is that to understand?  If you want to solve the problem of violence then deal with the problem.....the people committing the acts of violence.

Keep your mitts off my guns and Constitutional rights though.

The next step

I totally suck at counting calories, points, carbs or any other thing.  I simply don't want to be bothered with having to keep track of it.  Maybe I'm just lazy but it is what it is.  So for 2012 I decided to try something different.....eat less.  I worked hard at learning to stop eating really before I hit that "full" feeling.  It worked pretty well, I lost 42 pounds last year just by doing this and it wasn't all that difficult.  Not to say I still don't over eat at times but it's not the norm now.

This year I'm going to continue down this path since it is working for me.  But I'd like to up the amount I lose this year and I still need to work on getting in better physical shape.  So Don and I have joined a gym.  We met with a personal trainer yesterday and got workout programs put together.  I have a few sore muscles today but really nothing that bad so I'm happy there.  For the next three months I'll be going three days a week to work out.  I'm contemplating going a couple additional days just for a cardio workout, we'll see.

The only new goal I'm working towards this year is regular and consistent gym workouts.  I'll continue to work on the portion control thing.  I'm kinda excited to see how this year goes.