Sunday, July 20, 2014
Minimum Wage and Welfare
I've been reading a lot about discussions to raise the federal minimum wage. Generally speaking, Democrats support and Republicans are against it. (Gee, surprise, surprise.) I'd like to propose an alternative: Let's raise minimum wage, but stop raising welfare. Let's increase the incentive to work, and reduce the disincentive.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
One of the Best Purchases I've Ever Made
Eight years ago this month I purchased a 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster. I bought it primarily because I've always loved motorcycles, but used rising gas prices as my justification. (They were hovering around $2.50 at the time.) A small piece of me realized that I was buying to a lifestyle, but I really didn't understand the extent that it would impact my life. Eight years later, I look back and realize this was one of the best purchases I've ever made.
Every day I ride is a day that's a little more free and happy than a day where I drive. I can't count the number of days where I seriously considered riding on past the job and finding out where the open road would take me.
Though bikes start out relatively stock and similar, there are millions of possible modifications that make each person's bike unique. I can virtually guarantee that nobody has a bike exactly the same as mine. A bike is truly an extension of its owner. Some worship horsepower. Some covet comfort. Some scream "look at me." Every one is unique though. Take my ride for example...
The day I bought it...
Today...
The most important part though, is that my kids love to ride with me. My older daughter asks me to take her riding virtually every day that we both have the opportunity. My younger daughter purchased her own motorcycle earlier this year, and we ride together frequently. And my toddler grandson is already showing a love for motorcycles. This is a bond that nobody can take away from me... from us. Over the years, I've put thousands of miles on my bike with my girls on the back or on the bike next to me, and I look forward to doing this with my grandson as well. This is probably the biggest reason that my bike is one of the best purchases I've ever made.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Getting Old Really Sucks!
I may be exercising and eating relatively healthy, and I might be far healthier than most men my age (and a lot of men far younger than me), but that doesn't mean that I'm immune to the ravages of time. A couple of weeks ago, I woke up with back spasms. It hurt bad enough that I stepped out of bed and nearly fell to the floor because of the pain. I missed two weeks at the gym because I didn't want to aggravate the injury.
Yesterday, I went to a whitewater kayak clinic. I haven't been in a boat for quite a while, but I didn't do anything strenuous. My aging body once again objected, however, and I pulled a muscle in my side. This was during flat water warm-up exercises! When I pulled the muscle, I heard and felt the pop. I was able to complete the class, but I paid for it. Immediately after I got out of the boat, the muscles started seizing and inflaming. It got to the point where if I twisted wrong, took a deep breath, laughed, coughed or sneezed, the pain nearly dropped me to my knees.
I think this means that I need to adjust my exercise routine to add some core strengthening and flexibility. I hope to return to the gym Monday, but that depends on how quickly my side heals. All of this leads me to one conclusion... getting old really sucks!
Yesterday, I went to a whitewater kayak clinic. I haven't been in a boat for quite a while, but I didn't do anything strenuous. My aging body once again objected, however, and I pulled a muscle in my side. This was during flat water warm-up exercises! When I pulled the muscle, I heard and felt the pop. I was able to complete the class, but I paid for it. Immediately after I got out of the boat, the muscles started seizing and inflaming. It got to the point where if I twisted wrong, took a deep breath, laughed, coughed or sneezed, the pain nearly dropped me to my knees.
I think this means that I need to adjust my exercise routine to add some core strengthening and flexibility. I hope to return to the gym Monday, but that depends on how quickly my side heals. All of this leads me to one conclusion... getting old really sucks!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Words of Wisdom
Most of you probably know that I volunteer for the Humane Society. Each month, I go to the humane society, pick out a dog, and take it to a retirement home to visit the residents. Last week, I was asked to do an interview. The guy doing the interview is doing his thesis for his Masters Degree.
I was asked how I started volunteering, how long I've been doing it, and how I select the dog that I take. He asked me about some of my more memorable visits and some of my favorite residents. I asked him about his thesis project. At the end of the interview, he asked me what I consider the most important question he could ask: "What is the one thing you would say to anyone who's thinking about volunteering?" I replied with these words of wisdom (paraphrased, of course)...
"We as a society spend far too much time keeping up with the Joneses. We spend all of this time working, so that we can buy a bigger house... so that we can afford that shiny new car. We seem to have forgotten that life isn't about things; it's about relationships. I'm fortunate to have realized at a relatively young age that I have enough, while I'm in a position to give back. It doesn't really matter how you choose to volunteer your time. What matters is that you do something. Life's to short to waste it on things, when you could invest it in people."
The interviewer kind of paused for a second and said "That's a great statement." It was apparent that I caught him a bit off guard. I've never thought of myself as a sage. What I said in the interview is simply a philosophy that I try to live by. His reaction kind of made me realize though, that my philosophy is something that's sorely lacking in our society. Maybe, just maybe, if I say it here, where anyone and everyone can see my words, it could make a small difference to a few people. And maybe if it made a difference to a few people, it could have a domino effect. I don't expect that to be the case, but I can always hope.
Like I said, life isn't about things. It's about relationships.
I was asked how I started volunteering, how long I've been doing it, and how I select the dog that I take. He asked me about some of my more memorable visits and some of my favorite residents. I asked him about his thesis project. At the end of the interview, he asked me what I consider the most important question he could ask: "What is the one thing you would say to anyone who's thinking about volunteering?" I replied with these words of wisdom (paraphrased, of course)...
"We as a society spend far too much time keeping up with the Joneses. We spend all of this time working, so that we can buy a bigger house... so that we can afford that shiny new car. We seem to have forgotten that life isn't about things; it's about relationships. I'm fortunate to have realized at a relatively young age that I have enough, while I'm in a position to give back. It doesn't really matter how you choose to volunteer your time. What matters is that you do something. Life's to short to waste it on things, when you could invest it in people."
The interviewer kind of paused for a second and said "That's a great statement." It was apparent that I caught him a bit off guard. I've never thought of myself as a sage. What I said in the interview is simply a philosophy that I try to live by. His reaction kind of made me realize though, that my philosophy is something that's sorely lacking in our society. Maybe, just maybe, if I say it here, where anyone and everyone can see my words, it could make a small difference to a few people. And maybe if it made a difference to a few people, it could have a domino effect. I don't expect that to be the case, but I can always hope.
Like I said, life isn't about things. It's about relationships.
Monday, June 16, 2014
A Year in Review
It's been about a year since my older daughter and grandson moved back home with me. It's been a bit of an adjustment. My wife and I had just gotten used to having some evenings to ourselves. We had a guest bedroom and a storage room. Not anymore. We had to adjust to becoming built-in babysitters while my daughter was at school and working. We had to get used to the baby waking up in the middle of the night.
Since then, my daughter has completed school and has landed her first job, and the baby is growing by leaps and bounds. He's walking and talking, and he has a wonderful relationship with his grandparents... a relationship that wouldn't be nearly as strong if they hadn't moved back in. Furthermore, due to the fact that my wife and I were able to provide for my daughter and grandson, they didn't have to go on welfare.
Recently, I had a revelation. Over the last hundred years or so, the family has changed a lot, most of these changes, in my opinion, are for the worse. The extended family is nowhere near as strong as it used to be. This, I think, is primarily because the extended family isn't as available as it used to be. Yes, we've had to give up some things with my daughter and grandson moving back in. But overall, I think it's a good thing. I may have lost a guest room. We might have lost a storage room. We certainly have had to spend a lot of money keeping additional food on the table and clothing on their backs. But I'd absolutely make the same choice again. Life isn't about things. It's not about a big house, or a fat bank account. It's about relationships. And what's resulted from the return home is that my relationship with my daughter and grandson are far stronger than what would have been if they'd have tried to tough it out on their own. I hope that, in addition to strengthening the bond with my daughter, and forging the relationship with my grandson, that I've instilled these values into both of them.
Since then, my daughter has completed school and has landed her first job, and the baby is growing by leaps and bounds. He's walking and talking, and he has a wonderful relationship with his grandparents... a relationship that wouldn't be nearly as strong if they hadn't moved back in. Furthermore, due to the fact that my wife and I were able to provide for my daughter and grandson, they didn't have to go on welfare.
Recently, I had a revelation. Over the last hundred years or so, the family has changed a lot, most of these changes, in my opinion, are for the worse. The extended family is nowhere near as strong as it used to be. This, I think, is primarily because the extended family isn't as available as it used to be. Yes, we've had to give up some things with my daughter and grandson moving back in. But overall, I think it's a good thing. I may have lost a guest room. We might have lost a storage room. We certainly have had to spend a lot of money keeping additional food on the table and clothing on their backs. But I'd absolutely make the same choice again. Life isn't about things. It's not about a big house, or a fat bank account. It's about relationships. And what's resulted from the return home is that my relationship with my daughter and grandson are far stronger than what would have been if they'd have tried to tough it out on their own. I hope that, in addition to strengthening the bond with my daughter, and forging the relationship with my grandson, that I've instilled these values into both of them.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Fitness Report
It's been a bit over a year and a half since I decided to get in shape. As a former Marine, I decided to use the Marine Corps' Physical Fitness Test (PFT) as a guideline for my progress. It's kind of funny... I've always considered myself a relatively healthy, active guy, but when I started exercising, I couldn't run three miles within the allotted time. I kept at it though, and within three months I was able to pass a Marine Corps PFT. Within six months, I scored a first class PFT. Within a year, I was in better shape than I was at 25, and in the best shape of my life if you account for aging. I've hit a couple of plateaus during this time. One plateau lasted over three months, but I was eventually able to plow through it. I'm still riding the second one, which has lasted almost six months. It's theoretically possible that I've peaked physically. It's okay if I have peaked, but I hope that I haven't. Regardless, here are a few things I've learned along the way.
-Be willing to change your routine. I learned this early on. When I started, I was running in minimalist shoes. I'd read a lot about minimalist running, and heard that it was the way to go. It didn't work for me though. When I decided to start running with standard running shoes, my run time improved significantly and I stopped injuring myself. I recently made another major change to my routine with the hope that I can break through my current plateau. I haven't been using this updated regimen for long, but it seems to be working so far.
-Listen to your body. This kind of relates to my previous statement. When I was doing the minimalist running, I hurt my feet frequently. I listened to my body, and when my feet hurt, I stopped running and rode the exercise bike until my feet healed. On days when I was unusually tired, I gave myself permission to take it easy. On days where I felt particularly energized, I pushed myself a little harder. When I was sore from the previous workout, I backed off a bit.
-Variety is the spice of life. Every now and then, I don't feel like lifting weights. Sometimes I suck it up and lift anyway. Other times, I swim. What's important is that you do something.
-Goals are good. When you attain one goal, set another. I have one goal that I set early in this journey, and I still haven't hit it. That's okay. There are several other goals that I've hit along the way. The point is that you always need to be striving for something.
-Give yourself permission to relax. Maybe you're sick. Maybe you're on vacation. If so, that's okay. Don't sweat missing a workout or two. That said though, I don't recommend skipping workouts if you're just starting. Don't skip workouts until you're at a point in your lifestyle change that skipping out seems like a disappointment, rather than a treat. Also, don't skip more than a week. And if you do skip, give yourself a little slack that first day or two back at the gym.
-Be prepared for the occasional backslide. This kind of ties in to my plateaus. When I hit each plateau, I actually backslid a bit. This has partially been due to the change of seasons. When spring hits, life tends to get a bit busy for me; as a result, I tend to miss a few workouts during this time of year. Not only do I not make progress during this time, but I actually find that my run time is a bit slower, I can't do quite a many pull-ups, and my bench press suffers a bit. This is part of the game. Again, keep at it.
Overall, I'm glad I've started hitting the gym again. I feel a lot better. I hope that it will add quality as well as quantity to my life. Please understand though, I'm not here to preach, and I'm not here to brag. My reason for writing this today is to share my progress with anyone who may care. And if I'm really lucky, my words will help someone else who's decided improve their physical fitness.
-Be willing to change your routine. I learned this early on. When I started, I was running in minimalist shoes. I'd read a lot about minimalist running, and heard that it was the way to go. It didn't work for me though. When I decided to start running with standard running shoes, my run time improved significantly and I stopped injuring myself. I recently made another major change to my routine with the hope that I can break through my current plateau. I haven't been using this updated regimen for long, but it seems to be working so far.
-Listen to your body. This kind of relates to my previous statement. When I was doing the minimalist running, I hurt my feet frequently. I listened to my body, and when my feet hurt, I stopped running and rode the exercise bike until my feet healed. On days when I was unusually tired, I gave myself permission to take it easy. On days where I felt particularly energized, I pushed myself a little harder. When I was sore from the previous workout, I backed off a bit.
-Variety is the spice of life. Every now and then, I don't feel like lifting weights. Sometimes I suck it up and lift anyway. Other times, I swim. What's important is that you do something.
-Goals are good. When you attain one goal, set another. I have one goal that I set early in this journey, and I still haven't hit it. That's okay. There are several other goals that I've hit along the way. The point is that you always need to be striving for something.
-Give yourself permission to relax. Maybe you're sick. Maybe you're on vacation. If so, that's okay. Don't sweat missing a workout or two. That said though, I don't recommend skipping workouts if you're just starting. Don't skip workouts until you're at a point in your lifestyle change that skipping out seems like a disappointment, rather than a treat. Also, don't skip more than a week. And if you do skip, give yourself a little slack that first day or two back at the gym.
-Be prepared for the occasional backslide. This kind of ties in to my plateaus. When I hit each plateau, I actually backslid a bit. This has partially been due to the change of seasons. When spring hits, life tends to get a bit busy for me; as a result, I tend to miss a few workouts during this time of year. Not only do I not make progress during this time, but I actually find that my run time is a bit slower, I can't do quite a many pull-ups, and my bench press suffers a bit. This is part of the game. Again, keep at it.
Overall, I'm glad I've started hitting the gym again. I feel a lot better. I hope that it will add quality as well as quantity to my life. Please understand though, I'm not here to preach, and I'm not here to brag. My reason for writing this today is to share my progress with anyone who may care. And if I'm really lucky, my words will help someone else who's decided improve their physical fitness.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
How Many Days Until Retirement?
I took my annual Boys' Trip vacation last week. "Boys' Trip" has become a euphemism though, because girls have been allowed for the last three to five years. That in and of itself is kind of a funny story. I've got two daughters. By the time they were 10 or so, they started asking if they could go on our trips. My friends said no, so I was out-voted. Now, my friends have daughters interested in going, they finally see my point, and girls are allowed on the Boys' Trip. But I'm digressing.
Those of you who know me, know that I believe in God. Though I've gone to church for several years now, there is no time or place I feel closer to God than when I'm on these trips. Yes, I feel close to God in general when I'm outdoors, but the Boys' Trips in particular tend to be very spiritual for me. I am never closer to nature, and there is always a bit of alone time to ponder the miracle of creation. It's calming and awe-inspiring at the same time. I always return home appreciative of what God's provided... a loving family... a close circle of great friends... a roof over my head and food in my stomach....
This year, I realized that I'm no longer fulfilled by my job. I'm a computer geek. I know computers and networks, and to some extent, I enjoy computers and networks. But I realized that it's no longer my passion. If I could retire today, I'd stop working on computers and never look back.
When I came back from my trip, and I tried to talk to several people about my realization... my wife... my friends... one of my pastors... my kids. But they were all wrapped in their own problems. Their problem du jour seemed to overshadow my issue. When I got back to work, I had to hit the ground running, and for the next couple of days, the crazy pace continued, as did my realization that, in the grand scheme of things, my job really doesn't matter. I tried to share this with a couple of other friends, but once again, when I tried to share my thoughts, it quickly became obvious that they were more interested in talking than listening, so this revelation has remained unrevealed... until now.
That's right. I am no longer fulfilled by my job. I've said it. It's out. As soon as I can, I will retire from my current career, and start the next phase of my life. What I'd like to do is become a permanent volunteer. This way I could do what I want, when I want, for whichever cause I choose. I could work in hospice for a month or two... then work for VA for a while... then work for the Humane Society for a bit. The point is that I've reached a point in my life where doing menial stuff for worthwhile organizations is more rewarding than being well compensated to do tasks that really don't advance mankind as a whole.
I want to be clear about this... I'm not a malcontent. I'm not crying in my millions (relatively speaking). I'm not having a midlife crisis or existential issue. I've merely reached the point where I can acknowledge my lack of fulfillment, and am realistic enough to know that it will be a while before I can actually do something (outside of the house) that's personally rewarding. Either way though, it's kind of liberating to know this, and be able to say it.
Those of you who know me, know that I believe in God. Though I've gone to church for several years now, there is no time or place I feel closer to God than when I'm on these trips. Yes, I feel close to God in general when I'm outdoors, but the Boys' Trips in particular tend to be very spiritual for me. I am never closer to nature, and there is always a bit of alone time to ponder the miracle of creation. It's calming and awe-inspiring at the same time. I always return home appreciative of what God's provided... a loving family... a close circle of great friends... a roof over my head and food in my stomach....
This year, I realized that I'm no longer fulfilled by my job. I'm a computer geek. I know computers and networks, and to some extent, I enjoy computers and networks. But I realized that it's no longer my passion. If I could retire today, I'd stop working on computers and never look back.
When I came back from my trip, and I tried to talk to several people about my realization... my wife... my friends... one of my pastors... my kids. But they were all wrapped in their own problems. Their problem du jour seemed to overshadow my issue. When I got back to work, I had to hit the ground running, and for the next couple of days, the crazy pace continued, as did my realization that, in the grand scheme of things, my job really doesn't matter. I tried to share this with a couple of other friends, but once again, when I tried to share my thoughts, it quickly became obvious that they were more interested in talking than listening, so this revelation has remained unrevealed... until now.
That's right. I am no longer fulfilled by my job. I've said it. It's out. As soon as I can, I will retire from my current career, and start the next phase of my life. What I'd like to do is become a permanent volunteer. This way I could do what I want, when I want, for whichever cause I choose. I could work in hospice for a month or two... then work for VA for a while... then work for the Humane Society for a bit. The point is that I've reached a point in my life where doing menial stuff for worthwhile organizations is more rewarding than being well compensated to do tasks that really don't advance mankind as a whole.
I want to be clear about this... I'm not a malcontent. I'm not crying in my millions (relatively speaking). I'm not having a midlife crisis or existential issue. I've merely reached the point where I can acknowledge my lack of fulfillment, and am realistic enough to know that it will be a while before I can actually do something (outside of the house) that's personally rewarding. Either way though, it's kind of liberating to know this, and be able to say it.
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