Woke up this morning with my tooth hurting. It started out with just a bit of pain but within an hour it was bang-my-head-against-the-wall unbearable. I took an 800mg ibuprofen and waited.... and waited.... and waited. Since the pain wouldn't let up I had to make an emergency dental appointment which I am happy they were able to get me in quickly.
I wish I could say that they patched it up and that was that, but sadly I know that tooth will have to come out soon. Worse yet, it's my mid molar meaning I would need to have it replaced with an implant. I've known this for about 3 months now (since the last time my tooth pain flared up) but with it happening again today it looks like I will have to take care of this sooner than later.
Total cost out of pocket will be around $3800 and I will have to wait about 3 to 6 months after my tooth is taken out and a partial bone put up into the gum before the implant can be put in. Meaning that's 3 to 6 months of going without a vital tooth that I would need for eating. Thankfully it is a mid molar and not seen clearly when I smile.
Hopefully I can put this off for a few more months but I know for sure that I will have to have it done. It's just a matter of when now.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
How I Met My Wife.... Both Times
With our 16th wedding anniversary approaching this month I have been reminded of how we first met (both times)... I'll explain.
The first time was Halloween of 1994. I was a few months into my senior year of high school and working at the local grocery store. After work I was introduced to her through my friend as we walked around the neighborhood. Soon after I got her phone number and we talked on and off for the next month or so. Soon after we lost touch for whatever reason.
Fast forward to the end of the school year. I was a week away from graduation and already planning my future college life. I had plans to go back to Houston and meet up with my former girlfriend who I've been writing letters to back and forth for several months now. Yes, these were actually hand written letters sent via mail... not this new age email, text messing stuff. One day I found myself in the weight room during gym class (a class I never miss) and I felt like leaving for whatever odd reason. So I got dressed and walked right out of the gym door and there in front of me sitting on the hallway bench was my future wife. I made eye contact as she motioned for me to sit next to her. We talked for a few moments to catch up and I told her I tried to call once but it was disconnected. She quickly gave me her new phone # as it had been changed. Not even a day later I got a call from her asking if I'd go with her to meet a few friends after school and that was that. Within a few days we started dating and by the summer I had made up my mind to stay in Missouri to go to college.
All it took was that one chance encounter to change my life forever. Who knows where I would be at right now if I never walked out of that gym class when I did. Most likely I would have moved back to Houston and gone a completely different direction. Even if we would to have somehow met again years down the road we wouldn't have had our same kids we have now and who knows probably wouldn't be living in LA either. That just boggles my mind and is enough to make me believe that destiny does exist.
Looking back I am so happy how things have turned out for us and there is not one other directions that I wish my life would have taken. My kids and my wife mean the world to me and everything I have ever gone through in life has brought me to where I am today. That is why there is absolutely nothing I would change if given the chance.
Some people can't understand how we have been able to stay together for 16 straight years (17 1/2 if you count dating). Most people can't even fathom how we did it at such a young age (me 19 and my wife 17 years old when we got married). Even I don't understand it at times. All I can say is we were blessed to have found each other the way we did and blessed with two great kids that crack us up to this day. Even if that was all we had, I still would consider myself a very fortunately person.
The first time was Halloween of 1994. I was a few months into my senior year of high school and working at the local grocery store. After work I was introduced to her through my friend as we walked around the neighborhood. Soon after I got her phone number and we talked on and off for the next month or so. Soon after we lost touch for whatever reason.
Fast forward to the end of the school year. I was a week away from graduation and already planning my future college life. I had plans to go back to Houston and meet up with my former girlfriend who I've been writing letters to back and forth for several months now. Yes, these were actually hand written letters sent via mail... not this new age email, text messing stuff. One day I found myself in the weight room during gym class (a class I never miss) and I felt like leaving for whatever odd reason. So I got dressed and walked right out of the gym door and there in front of me sitting on the hallway bench was my future wife. I made eye contact as she motioned for me to sit next to her. We talked for a few moments to catch up and I told her I tried to call once but it was disconnected. She quickly gave me her new phone # as it had been changed. Not even a day later I got a call from her asking if I'd go with her to meet a few friends after school and that was that. Within a few days we started dating and by the summer I had made up my mind to stay in Missouri to go to college.
All it took was that one chance encounter to change my life forever. Who knows where I would be at right now if I never walked out of that gym class when I did. Most likely I would have moved back to Houston and gone a completely different direction. Even if we would to have somehow met again years down the road we wouldn't have had our same kids we have now and who knows probably wouldn't be living in LA either. That just boggles my mind and is enough to make me believe that destiny does exist.
Looking back I am so happy how things have turned out for us and there is not one other directions that I wish my life would have taken. My kids and my wife mean the world to me and everything I have ever gone through in life has brought me to where I am today. That is why there is absolutely nothing I would change if given the chance.
Some people can't understand how we have been able to stay together for 16 straight years (17 1/2 if you count dating). Most people can't even fathom how we did it at such a young age (me 19 and my wife 17 years old when we got married). Even I don't understand it at times. All I can say is we were blessed to have found each other the way we did and blessed with two great kids that crack us up to this day. Even if that was all we had, I still would consider myself a very fortunately person.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
"TRAJEDY" - A 9/11 Story
TRAJEDY
As I am standing on this vast sea of invisibility,
I am reminded of a time that has since passed me by;A world of chaos as seen through my eyes,
With impending darkness that bleeds me inside.
Screams are still heard as I look all around,
But surprisingly so there’s no one to be found;Buried neck up I can’t muster a sound,
Constantly wondering if I’m stuck underground.
The more I struggle the less I survive,
The horror ridden images locked in my mind;The heat is consuming as I try hard to find,
The will to stay strong while trapped in this bind.
Somehow I manage to break myself free,
Rising through the ashes I escape the debris;My heart flutters as the black won’t let me be,
And it doesn’t let up until fresh air I breathe.
Even now, eleven years late,
I still fight the memories that have tempted my fate;As I try to move on from that senseless date,
The memories still haunt me – forever awake.
11/15/12
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
5 Things You Don't Know About Me
Seeing as I am a person that doesn't really open up to people about my past (well in person anyhow), I thought I would dedicate this post to things you may not know about me. Many people who read this will know me as a photographer and dad that lives in the Los Angeles area that likes to go on trips for work and fun. But there is much more to me that I rarely tell anyone that has helped shape the person I am today.
#1- Not a black belt: There are people that know I have taken Tang Soo Do karate and for the most part I have led them to believe I am a true black belt. In reality I never made it that far. I studied for several years when I was still in Houston. I advanced through the rankings quite quickly due to my dedication to learn and quick feet/hands. About a year into it I tore my ACL in my knee but carried on anyhow. Before I could fully recover my family ended up moving 1000 miles north to Missouri. I searched for a new place to continue my learning but never found one that worked so I practiced at home and studied on my own. Officially I am not a certified blackbelt in Tong Soo Do karate but mentally I feel I got there (as I know I would have if I would have stayed in Houston).
#2- Worked as a caregiver: I once worked with mentally challenged adults in their own homes for over a year. I worked an average of 70 hours per week (mostly the overnight shift since I was in college). I would arrive around 10pm or so when the clients were sleeping and make sure they got ready in the morning for their work or schooling. I did this for 6 to 7 days a week which made our first 6 months of marriage quite crazy. Every now and then though I would find a way to sneak my wife overnight. I finally left when they suspended me for 2 weeks without pay because a client told someone I beat him. After the 2 weeks they found he was lying and said I could come back- although without any compensation for the time lost. I told them I refuse to work for a place that can send me home at anytime without pay based on an accusation so I quit on the spot.
#3- An Alter Boy and Boy Scout: When I was younger my mom did everything she could to keep me active outside of the house. Being a devout Catholic she took me to Sunday school every week and somehow I became an altar boy. I can't quite remember how long I did that for but every few Sundays I would be seated near the preast and help out during service (all while dressed in a white gown). I even helped with a few funerals and baptisms. Boy Scouts was the other thing my mom put me through. Although there were many times that I truly hated it, I see now that I am older how it has benefited me. Since my dad was a deadbeat my mom took it upon herself to accompany me on the camping trips and functions. I will always love her for that! I was a Life Scout (almost an Eagle Scout) when I was uprooted to Missouri and never was able to finish- much like the karate thing. However, I always consider myself an Eagle Scout because I did do all of the requirements I needed to do.
#4- Virgin until I met my wife: I had many girlfriends growing up. There was actually a three year period of time where I didn't go more than a week without dating someone, but during that time I never slept with any of them. It wasn't a religious choice by any means but simply just never wanted to be THAT GUY. I treated a girl with respect and just wanted to have fun but I never felt like any of them were the one that I could settle down with. I even left a girls house who was literally all over me half naked. No I never had gay tendancies... I just truly wanted to be with someone that I cared about and that didn't happen until I met my now wife. We've been together for almost 18 years now (16 married) and I wouldn't change a thing.
#5- Stay at home dad: After my daughter was born we were swamped trying to make ends meet. I was going to college full time, plus interning for free at the local NBC newstation, plus working two jobs while trying to be a dad for the first time. So when my son was born a few years later I decided something different that would ultimately change our lives for the better- I started my own internet based business. Within 3 months I was able to quit my computer software job at the college and work from home. As my wife went back to work I found myself being the person that raised our kids during the day. From changing diapers to feedings and teaching them how to walk. I pretty much have been home ever since- beit a few temp jobs here and there when times were slow. I love being a stay at home dad although it often did make my wife jealous :) This was truly one of my proudest times in life.
#1- Not a black belt: There are people that know I have taken Tang Soo Do karate and for the most part I have led them to believe I am a true black belt. In reality I never made it that far. I studied for several years when I was still in Houston. I advanced through the rankings quite quickly due to my dedication to learn and quick feet/hands. About a year into it I tore my ACL in my knee but carried on anyhow. Before I could fully recover my family ended up moving 1000 miles north to Missouri. I searched for a new place to continue my learning but never found one that worked so I practiced at home and studied on my own. Officially I am not a certified blackbelt in Tong Soo Do karate but mentally I feel I got there (as I know I would have if I would have stayed in Houston).
#2- Worked as a caregiver: I once worked with mentally challenged adults in their own homes for over a year. I worked an average of 70 hours per week (mostly the overnight shift since I was in college). I would arrive around 10pm or so when the clients were sleeping and make sure they got ready in the morning for their work or schooling. I did this for 6 to 7 days a week which made our first 6 months of marriage quite crazy. Every now and then though I would find a way to sneak my wife overnight. I finally left when they suspended me for 2 weeks without pay because a client told someone I beat him. After the 2 weeks they found he was lying and said I could come back- although without any compensation for the time lost. I told them I refuse to work for a place that can send me home at anytime without pay based on an accusation so I quit on the spot.
#3- An Alter Boy and Boy Scout: When I was younger my mom did everything she could to keep me active outside of the house. Being a devout Catholic she took me to Sunday school every week and somehow I became an altar boy. I can't quite remember how long I did that for but every few Sundays I would be seated near the preast and help out during service (all while dressed in a white gown). I even helped with a few funerals and baptisms. Boy Scouts was the other thing my mom put me through. Although there were many times that I truly hated it, I see now that I am older how it has benefited me. Since my dad was a deadbeat my mom took it upon herself to accompany me on the camping trips and functions. I will always love her for that! I was a Life Scout (almost an Eagle Scout) when I was uprooted to Missouri and never was able to finish- much like the karate thing. However, I always consider myself an Eagle Scout because I did do all of the requirements I needed to do.
#4- Virgin until I met my wife: I had many girlfriends growing up. There was actually a three year period of time where I didn't go more than a week without dating someone, but during that time I never slept with any of them. It wasn't a religious choice by any means but simply just never wanted to be THAT GUY. I treated a girl with respect and just wanted to have fun but I never felt like any of them were the one that I could settle down with. I even left a girls house who was literally all over me half naked. No I never had gay tendancies... I just truly wanted to be with someone that I cared about and that didn't happen until I met my now wife. We've been together for almost 18 years now (16 married) and I wouldn't change a thing.
#5- Stay at home dad: After my daughter was born we were swamped trying to make ends meet. I was going to college full time, plus interning for free at the local NBC newstation, plus working two jobs while trying to be a dad for the first time. So when my son was born a few years later I decided something different that would ultimately change our lives for the better- I started my own internet based business. Within 3 months I was able to quit my computer software job at the college and work from home. As my wife went back to work I found myself being the person that raised our kids during the day. From changing diapers to feedings and teaching them how to walk. I pretty much have been home ever since- beit a few temp jobs here and there when times were slow. I love being a stay at home dad although it often did make my wife jealous :) This was truly one of my proudest times in life.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
A Smart Phone Plan Costs WHAT?????
So it's been almost 2 years now that I have downgraded my smart phone to a simpler one and surprisingly I haven't really missed it. My bill for the family has barely been around $95 per month and neither one of my kids are addicted to texting since I took it off their phone.
However, for Christmas I thought perhaps upgrading our phones back to the data plan (Even for 1 year) would be a nice gift for everyone. So I logged into my Sprint page, checked the rates and almost hit the floor when I saw the price now. $235 a month BEFORE TAXES just to have phones capable of having internet on them. WHAT????? That's more than double.... just for data! Keep in mind this doesn't even include the new phones.
To break it down the base plan would be $170 for two phones. To add two more phones (regardless if they are a smart phone or not) would be $30 more each. How in the world in this day and age does this cost THAT much money. And how in the world are people living off of food stamps and welfare walking around with this kind of phone? Perhaps that is why they are on welfare to begin with.
After doing the math I realized this would cost me an addition $1620 for the year to do. For $1620 I could fly round trip to Europe....TWICE!!!! For $1620 I could buy a used third vehicle outright just for the fun of it. For $1620 I could... well you get the point! Bottom line in why on earth would I spend that kind of money just to be connected 24/7? No thank you. This is one person that will stick to his morals and keep his small, dingy, no data cell phone that's only good to make calls and be very happy that he did.
However, for Christmas I thought perhaps upgrading our phones back to the data plan (Even for 1 year) would be a nice gift for everyone. So I logged into my Sprint page, checked the rates and almost hit the floor when I saw the price now. $235 a month BEFORE TAXES just to have phones capable of having internet on them. WHAT????? That's more than double.... just for data! Keep in mind this doesn't even include the new phones.
To break it down the base plan would be $170 for two phones. To add two more phones (regardless if they are a smart phone or not) would be $30 more each. How in the world in this day and age does this cost THAT much money. And how in the world are people living off of food stamps and welfare walking around with this kind of phone? Perhaps that is why they are on welfare to begin with.
After doing the math I realized this would cost me an addition $1620 for the year to do. For $1620 I could fly round trip to Europe....TWICE!!!! For $1620 I could buy a used third vehicle outright just for the fun of it. For $1620 I could... well you get the point! Bottom line in why on earth would I spend that kind of money just to be connected 24/7? No thank you. This is one person that will stick to his morals and keep his small, dingy, no data cell phone that's only good to make calls and be very happy that he did.
Our New Addition
For the past few years our daughter has been begging us for a puppy. And everytime she is met with the phrase "Not going to happen!" She'd then walk away with that sad look on her face that would litereally make me melt inside. Of course I would love to give her what she wanted but unfortunately I know a puppy would not work for our family for varied reasons. I have to admit I did look into it from time to time and seriously thought about it as a future birthday gift for her, but it just wouldn't work.
About two months ago my wife and I were eating at Red Lobster and suddenly the subject of a cat arose. We have had our time with numerous cats over the years and none of them ever worked out for one reason or another. Our cat Mittens was our first together. She was an orange and fiesty one from the start and we had her for a little over a year before our daughter was born. At that point we knew we could not keep her around. When our kids were older we tried our hand at others. We decided to go to the shelter this time and it proved to be a huge mistake as each one we had proved to me more problematic then the last. One even passed away within 3 days of us getting it because the shelter spayed it when it was still too young. That was a sad day as I was already getting attached to it. And about 5 years ago we found a co-worker that had a fresh litter and decided 2 was the answer for us this time around. That lasted all but about 3 months however as our kids literally tortured them crazy. Knowing they were not ready to handle a pet we had to give them up and swore off getting another pet.
But sure enough we found ourselves eating shrimp and discussing the possibility once again. By the end of the conversation we actually was so convising on our reasoning that we immediately hit craigslist when we got back home and starting looking for that new addition. Surprisingly there were only a few options local to us where there were kittens less than 2 months old (which was ideal for us). One didn't have any photos listed and lived about 45 minutes away so we put that on the backburner- not literally because that would be cruel. Another one had a photo but it was a far away shot of the kitten on the floor board of someone's car. We thought to ourselves if that was the best photo he could get then that kitten would be trouble. Finally we found the most perfect kitten we could have ever imagined. Her face was right up to the camera and it looked so cute. We instantly fell in love just off the photo alone. I immediately emailed the person and waited for the reply that she was still available.
The next morning I get the reply that we were hoping for and that evening picked her up before anyone else could. Since that first day she has been a real treat to have around, but it wasn't without it's trials. After a few days she started feeling sick and those feelings of "here we go again" starting to come about. But this time I was prepared with the internet as I researched my ass off determined to get her better and within a few days of nursing her she was back to her normal self. It was at that moment that I realized that this one was going to stick. Not just because she is one of the most loving cats we have ever had (who shows no favorites and is always open and lively) but because I was the reason she is still with us and that meant something special to me. I felt an instant connection that to this day still has not left. The best part is both of our kids are 100% ready to help take care of her. They have no problem feeding or cleaning up after her and our daughter can't even leave the room without giving her a snuggle hug.
It's amazing how much one little addition to your family- no matter how small- can make a huge impact on your life and the way you view the world.
About two months ago my wife and I were eating at Red Lobster and suddenly the subject of a cat arose. We have had our time with numerous cats over the years and none of them ever worked out for one reason or another. Our cat Mittens was our first together. She was an orange and fiesty one from the start and we had her for a little over a year before our daughter was born. At that point we knew we could not keep her around. When our kids were older we tried our hand at others. We decided to go to the shelter this time and it proved to be a huge mistake as each one we had proved to me more problematic then the last. One even passed away within 3 days of us getting it because the shelter spayed it when it was still too young. That was a sad day as I was already getting attached to it. And about 5 years ago we found a co-worker that had a fresh litter and decided 2 was the answer for us this time around. That lasted all but about 3 months however as our kids literally tortured them crazy. Knowing they were not ready to handle a pet we had to give them up and swore off getting another pet.
But sure enough we found ourselves eating shrimp and discussing the possibility once again. By the end of the conversation we actually was so convising on our reasoning that we immediately hit craigslist when we got back home and starting looking for that new addition. Surprisingly there were only a few options local to us where there were kittens less than 2 months old (which was ideal for us). One didn't have any photos listed and lived about 45 minutes away so we put that on the backburner- not literally because that would be cruel. Another one had a photo but it was a far away shot of the kitten on the floor board of someone's car. We thought to ourselves if that was the best photo he could get then that kitten would be trouble. Finally we found the most perfect kitten we could have ever imagined. Her face was right up to the camera and it looked so cute. We instantly fell in love just off the photo alone. I immediately emailed the person and waited for the reply that she was still available.
The next morning I get the reply that we were hoping for and that evening picked her up before anyone else could. Since that first day she has been a real treat to have around, but it wasn't without it's trials. After a few days she started feeling sick and those feelings of "here we go again" starting to come about. But this time I was prepared with the internet as I researched my ass off determined to get her better and within a few days of nursing her she was back to her normal self. It was at that moment that I realized that this one was going to stick. Not just because she is one of the most loving cats we have ever had (who shows no favorites and is always open and lively) but because I was the reason she is still with us and that meant something special to me. I felt an instant connection that to this day still has not left. The best part is both of our kids are 100% ready to help take care of her. They have no problem feeding or cleaning up after her and our daughter can't even leave the room without giving her a snuggle hug.
It's amazing how much one little addition to your family- no matter how small- can make a huge impact on your life and the way you view the world.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Nephew Reminds Me of.... Me
The other day I was finally able to speak to my nephew for the first time. He's 16 now (going on 17) and trying to put together a list of colleges he is interested in going to. The weird part is it was like speaking to myself.
Growing up I didn't have the best relationship with my brother. He was five years older than me and was pretty much moved out of the house before I even got to the seventh grade. Most of what I remember of him is he hanging me upside down from the upstairs railing laughing as he threatened to drop me. Due to rifts with our dad he decided leaving home while still in high school was the best thing for him. We completely lost touch after that. During my college years my parents finally split up. My mom stayed around where I was as my dad moved closer to my brother (who was in North Carolina at the time). With me having major issues with my dad already that pushed us away even more. Other than a few phone calls here and there- mostly where he asked me for money- we pretty much went our seperate ways for good.
Over the past year or so he seems to have finally pieced his life together with a family of his own and a stable job. Thanks to facebook we have at least been able to see what each other's life is about. That's where I saw my nephew. At first I added him as a friend just because he was family, but two days ago I decided to reach out to him. In an instant message I simply said I would like to get to know him better and he prompty responded "I feel the same way, too". Suddenly we were sending messages back and forth before one of us got the bright idea to actually speak to each other on the phone.
Be it a bit weird at first I found the conversation quite interesting. Everything he was telling me was almost exactly how I felt when I was his age (and somewhat even today). Again it was like I was speaking to myself 20 years ago. We talked about him having a hard time being around grandpa (my dad) and I was able to reassure him that I went through the same things. He even told me how he was in a foster home from age 2 through age 9 before his dad (my brother) was able to take him in. After bouncing back and forth between his mom and dad every year he has finally been able to settle down with my brother permanently. The eerie part of it all was not what he went through but of his attitude towards it. It was exactly- to the letter- on how I would handle it myself. I suddenly felt myself pulled to him even more as we talked about everything from girls to writing to the way our minds think backwards to solve problems.
I know I have my own kids that I am very proud of, but they have never experience the hardships that I went through as a kid. With my nephew I feel like he desperately needs someone that understands what he is going through and I don't mind being that person for him. In a way it's almost like a chance to see how I would have been if I had someone that took me under their wing when I was his age.
I have been proud to be a husband and proud to be a father... but for the first time I can actually say that I am proud to be an uncle.
Growing up I didn't have the best relationship with my brother. He was five years older than me and was pretty much moved out of the house before I even got to the seventh grade. Most of what I remember of him is he hanging me upside down from the upstairs railing laughing as he threatened to drop me. Due to rifts with our dad he decided leaving home while still in high school was the best thing for him. We completely lost touch after that. During my college years my parents finally split up. My mom stayed around where I was as my dad moved closer to my brother (who was in North Carolina at the time). With me having major issues with my dad already that pushed us away even more. Other than a few phone calls here and there- mostly where he asked me for money- we pretty much went our seperate ways for good.
Over the past year or so he seems to have finally pieced his life together with a family of his own and a stable job. Thanks to facebook we have at least been able to see what each other's life is about. That's where I saw my nephew. At first I added him as a friend just because he was family, but two days ago I decided to reach out to him. In an instant message I simply said I would like to get to know him better and he prompty responded "I feel the same way, too". Suddenly we were sending messages back and forth before one of us got the bright idea to actually speak to each other on the phone.
Be it a bit weird at first I found the conversation quite interesting. Everything he was telling me was almost exactly how I felt when I was his age (and somewhat even today). Again it was like I was speaking to myself 20 years ago. We talked about him having a hard time being around grandpa (my dad) and I was able to reassure him that I went through the same things. He even told me how he was in a foster home from age 2 through age 9 before his dad (my brother) was able to take him in. After bouncing back and forth between his mom and dad every year he has finally been able to settle down with my brother permanently. The eerie part of it all was not what he went through but of his attitude towards it. It was exactly- to the letter- on how I would handle it myself. I suddenly felt myself pulled to him even more as we talked about everything from girls to writing to the way our minds think backwards to solve problems.
I know I have my own kids that I am very proud of, but they have never experience the hardships that I went through as a kid. With my nephew I feel like he desperately needs someone that understands what he is going through and I don't mind being that person for him. In a way it's almost like a chance to see how I would have been if I had someone that took me under their wing when I was his age.
I have been proud to be a husband and proud to be a father... but for the first time I can actually say that I am proud to be an uncle.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
I Didn't Vote Today
I know this post will get some backlash from many people but I feel it needs to be said. I DIDN'T VOTE TODAY! There I said it again... man it feels good a little bit. I mean a part of me feels a bit guilty for not fulfilling my civic duty and I'm sure I would get a ton of likes to this blog if the title read I DID VOTE TODAY! But in truth I feel I am doing my duty by choosing not to.
I guess a little part of it is laziness... not because I didn't want to stand in line for an hour or so but because I never registered to vote in the first place. So even if I wanted to today I'm sure it would be a tough road to accomplish. But really I just don't care who wins either way. Yes I listened to all of the debates and followed along with CNN on who does what, and yes I am a bit partial to Obama for reasons I can't really tell you if asked. But mostly I didn't vote because I don't really believe in a system that divides our country so much. I have never considered myself part of a political party because I feel to do so would compromise me to a degree. How are we supposed to move forward if we are too busy fighting each other. It just doesn't make sense.
I also have a hard time in doing something where I feel pressured to do so otherwise I am considered un-American. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand the value of people voting for who they believe will be the better person to lead our country and more power to those who feel that strongly. Personally though I don't think the country is going to be THAT much different regardless of who wins. In one hand I am happy to receive extra benefits because I fall into a certain tax bracket, but on the other hand if that was taken away and someone else benefited then I would be just as happy. I'm not selfish by any means when it comes to what I get from the government. If they are willing to put some extra money in my pocket I'll take it... otherwise I'll live.
Regardless of who wins; tomorow's sun will still rise, the birds will still churp and I will still make sure that I do everything I can to make my own future (with or without the governments help). And who knows... maybe in 4 years from now I'll finally get my lazy ass to register if I feel compelled enough to pick someone I truly believe in. But until that time comes I reserve my right to stay silent.
I guess a little part of it is laziness... not because I didn't want to stand in line for an hour or so but because I never registered to vote in the first place. So even if I wanted to today I'm sure it would be a tough road to accomplish. But really I just don't care who wins either way. Yes I listened to all of the debates and followed along with CNN on who does what, and yes I am a bit partial to Obama for reasons I can't really tell you if asked. But mostly I didn't vote because I don't really believe in a system that divides our country so much. I have never considered myself part of a political party because I feel to do so would compromise me to a degree. How are we supposed to move forward if we are too busy fighting each other. It just doesn't make sense.
I also have a hard time in doing something where I feel pressured to do so otherwise I am considered un-American. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand the value of people voting for who they believe will be the better person to lead our country and more power to those who feel that strongly. Personally though I don't think the country is going to be THAT much different regardless of who wins. In one hand I am happy to receive extra benefits because I fall into a certain tax bracket, but on the other hand if that was taken away and someone else benefited then I would be just as happy. I'm not selfish by any means when it comes to what I get from the government. If they are willing to put some extra money in my pocket I'll take it... otherwise I'll live.
Regardless of who wins; tomorow's sun will still rise, the birds will still churp and I will still make sure that I do everything I can to make my own future (with or without the governments help). And who knows... maybe in 4 years from now I'll finally get my lazy ass to register if I feel compelled enough to pick someone I truly believe in. But until that time comes I reserve my right to stay silent.
Monday, November 5, 2012
My Family Tree
Last weeks blog about a famous ancestor got me wanting to do more research- this time on my whole family line. I originally started with my mom's side of the family. Searching through census reports from the US I was able to trace back to around the 1820s (which is quite strange because I was always told that they came over from Ireland many years later). Perhaps the research was a bit off or I followed the wrong line. The hard part of this is trying to find people with their maiden name when you don't know what it is to begin with.
So hitting a dead end I decided to follow my German side. Surprisingly I was able to go back to the year they immigrate to the US in 1902 (from Canada of all places). Apparently my great great grandfaster moved from Hanover Germany to Canada, got married and later moved across the border to Michigan. Just knowing the original city in Germany was enough to get me excited about all of the research. But this got me thinking more about my present family and how distant I really am from my other relatives.
It's funny how we grow up and lose touch with those we were once around every day. I haven't been in contact with my older brother in who knows how long and actually there's no real reason for it. Not to mention I have a few nephews and nieces in which I have never seen in person much less talked to. I guess this goes back to my childhood when my dad hermitted himself from the rest of his family (for whatever reason). I'm not saying I am doing the same only that I never really knew my cousins that much growing up either.
I just keep thinking that there is a whole side of my family that I never knew and I sincerely hope that my children don't follow in the same footsteps. I guess the one main difference is that my parents got divorced a long time ago making family reunions a bit strange as I stayed around my mother while my brother took my dad in. I have a feeling that I blame my dad for this seperation. Mmmm, something I never really thought of before (I'll have to explore that more later).
The point is, life is too short and family is too important to not keep in touch with. Because in the end it's them that make up who you are and have an investment on how you will most likely be in the future.
So hitting a dead end I decided to follow my German side. Surprisingly I was able to go back to the year they immigrate to the US in 1902 (from Canada of all places). Apparently my great great grandfaster moved from Hanover Germany to Canada, got married and later moved across the border to Michigan. Just knowing the original city in Germany was enough to get me excited about all of the research. But this got me thinking more about my present family and how distant I really am from my other relatives.
It's funny how we grow up and lose touch with those we were once around every day. I haven't been in contact with my older brother in who knows how long and actually there's no real reason for it. Not to mention I have a few nephews and nieces in which I have never seen in person much less talked to. I guess this goes back to my childhood when my dad hermitted himself from the rest of his family (for whatever reason). I'm not saying I am doing the same only that I never really knew my cousins that much growing up either.
I just keep thinking that there is a whole side of my family that I never knew and I sincerely hope that my children don't follow in the same footsteps. I guess the one main difference is that my parents got divorced a long time ago making family reunions a bit strange as I stayed around my mother while my brother took my dad in. I have a feeling that I blame my dad for this seperation. Mmmm, something I never really thought of before (I'll have to explore that more later).
The point is, life is too short and family is too important to not keep in touch with. Because in the end it's them that make up who you are and have an investment on how you will most likely be in the future.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Tracing Back My Roots
I have been fascinated with my family roots for quite some time now. Ever since the first time I stepped foot in Ireland, somehow I felt right at home. Like I had some weird kinship with the place. Although the weather is not very desirable for me, everything else like the hills, castles and culture made me want to live a more simplier life.
Next year I have plans to go to Europe again. This time it will be mostly Spain, but I will begin the journey in Austria. Doing research on my family tree I found that a distant relative going by my same German last name, Josef Danhauser, was a famous painter in Vienna. He was the one who constructed the death mask for Ludwig van Beethoven himself after he passed away. I am curious to know how directly related to him I am as I also share the art field in much the same way. I wonder as I step foot in Vienna for the first time if I will get that same eerie feeling of being at home (especially when I walk down Danhauser St - named after Josef).
I tried to retrace my family tree using the internet, but the furthest I could ever trace my direct ancestors was back to around the 1900s. Somewhere in the late 1800s my family made their way over to America but since we are so far removed from that time it is almost impossible to trace.
So I wonder how many of you guys have a famous ancestor that you can trace back?
Next year I have plans to go to Europe again. This time it will be mostly Spain, but I will begin the journey in Austria. Doing research on my family tree I found that a distant relative going by my same German last name, Josef Danhauser, was a famous painter in Vienna. He was the one who constructed the death mask for Ludwig van Beethoven himself after he passed away. I am curious to know how directly related to him I am as I also share the art field in much the same way. I wonder as I step foot in Vienna for the first time if I will get that same eerie feeling of being at home (especially when I walk down Danhauser St - named after Josef).
I tried to retrace my family tree using the internet, but the furthest I could ever trace my direct ancestors was back to around the 1900s. Somewhere in the late 1800s my family made their way over to America but since we are so far removed from that time it is almost impossible to trace.
So I wonder how many of you guys have a famous ancestor that you can trace back?
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