We are Still Here

         As I  sit here today, I am glad to just be here. As you know, I live in Mississippi. Northeast Mississippi. I am eight hours from the coast where Katrina slammed into this state. It didn't matter, my distance from the coast. Last night, my wife and I huddled together as the winds screamed outside. We could hear trees breaking all around us...yes, we were a little scared.

               My wife's Uncle, and her nephew live in Biloxi, right on the coast. Telephone lines are "iffy" at this point. I can't believe that I am able to dial out to the 'net. I was awake untill after four am., when it finally settled down outside. This Hurricane was packing winds over 65 mph when it got to us! Tennessee is catching the brunt of it today, and the rest of the country in it's wake, from here to Maine, will surely feel it's fury in the next couple of days.

              A huricane that traversed the entire U. S., from Gulf Coast to East Coast? That is one mean storm! No wonder they give them female names(untill a few years ago!). Now, obviously, we still have power in my area. But, as of this writing, more than a million people are without power...I am extremely lucky. I hate tornadoes, and now I hate hurricanes! I never thought I would be involved in this one!

            My wife, as some of you know, works at a Salvation Army store. They have been swamped today. Even with my lack of sleep, I got up before she went to work this morning, I couldn't bear to see her go without saying goodbye. One never knows what will happen. So many people have lost their lives in this storm....those lives can never be replaced.

              I would rather lose property than a human life...any life is precious. That's right, I said it. I wish no one had died because of this, but they did, and I can't change that. I truly wish I could. It is kind of hard to say that "me and mine are just fine", knowing that so many lives were lost. But, I am thankful that me and mine are good to go. I hope that some of you help out as much as you can....I know that you will.

 

                   Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

I never Knew---

   I bought this computer in February of 2003. I have now been on-line for all of that time. I could never have known where it would lead to! I have met some really great people, and some not so great people. But, make no mistake, ALL of them have been interesting.

                There are my "Smoke Away" Buddies, just too many of them to name here, really. There is a lady in Michigan who "Holla's" at me every now and then. Then, there is the young man in New York who has the absolute MOST vast collection of video games it has been my privilege to ever lay eyes on!! There is a young man close to New York who requested one of my plaster snakes....he got it just a few days later.

               There is a lady who is sharing the birth of her child, her FIRST, with a small circle of friends. I am so glad to be in that group! I know a lady who, once in a while, might drink a little, and she starts to writing. She always sends her writings to me for preservation. I am glad to do it for her. I have met a man who called himself Mr. Death....He is a real hoot!! The list of people that I know now just goes on and on......

                 I bought this computer, and had never owned one. I spent four years reading everything I could find about computers, I even subscribed to a leading computer magazine! I wanted to be informed before making my decision on a computer. No, I didn't get what I wanted, that would have cost over $4,000!!! But, I did get what I needed. A window onto the world.

              I knew that the internet could literally open the entire world right here in my home. I knew that there were some risks, but I also knew that there were measures to protect myself. So, here I am, nearly three years hence. I plan to stay here, too, as long as I can. Sure, I have made mistakes, I am sure that I shall make more. But, I don't care. If you never make a mistake, then you are not doing anything.

            I am certain that I will meet even more people. I have told you here of only a few. I know a girl in New Jersey who I think of as a little sister. I even call her "my little one". I have met so many people that it is overwhelming at times. I have even met people who tell me how much they love my writing, and are always going on about how I should write a book! Imagine that, a red-neck with a book!! That idea is just so weird that it might work out!!!!!!!!!!!

           OK, so what am I saying after all of this blustering? I really thought that I wouldn't meet anyone on the 'net. I thought yeah, sure, like anyone would want to talk to me! I was wrong....so many people have touched my life here. Did I mention the young fellows over in England who make cheat codes for games that I play?? Guys who are nearly half a world away, and they have the same interests as me?? Too fuckin' much, man!!

            Like I said, ALL of these different persons have been interesting in some way or another. You know, a long time ago, I stated here that EVERYONE HAS A STORY. I still think that. I want to hear them. I would LOVE to hear them. No two people came into being quite the same. I am thankful for that! Could you imagine how BORING it would be if everyone was the same??? There would never be any HUMOR, STEREOTYPES, PEOPLE TO MAKE FUN OF, nothing. The world would be as one. I just don't think I could take that.

 

               Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

Today In Our World

    Well, who has the honor of being first on my shit-list today??? I say that goes to Mr. Bush. That's right, the Prez. Mr. Bush, a word of advice; talk to this lady that has staked herself out on your doorstep! Hell, you are on "vacation", take a minute to address this greiving mother. Just hold a press conference if you are afraid of it going sour in a face-to-face interview.

           This lady, along with others, just wants some answers. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people, is what our country is based on. You have elected to become NONE of these things. Oh, wait, you were NEVER ELECTED in the first place. That must make you a "DICKtator".  Carry on......

              Now, on to Mr. Pat Robertson. The "Moral Voice for America". A so-called "christian" calling for the MURDER of a country's leader?? Shit, I knew I would end up liking this asshole sooner or later!!

                We need more like him! Religous leaders who aren't afraid to go the extra mile. Guys who can get tough and pull out religion as a murder weapon!! Hoorah!! I bet that is the last time they let "good ol' Pat" go on the air un-scripted!!! Hell, throw out Bush, and put Pat in to bat!! I bet he would clean up some of this crap!!!

              Well, that is my two cents worth for today. Oh, by the way, you folks in Florida take cover, seems Mother Nature isn't finished messin' with you yet!!  Be cool, everyone!! Till next time....

 

                   Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

I DID IT!!!!

   You might be able to tell that I am no longer baby-sitting for my grandkids---I have become a regular "chatty cathy" as of late! You might say that I am back in full force.

               Now, as to the title of today's topic. I have a meter that tells me how long it has been since I smoked. That meter now says...I have been quit for 1 Year, 8 Months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days, 10 hours, 56 minutes and 58 seconds (625 days). I have saved $1,641.81 by not smoking 21,890 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Months, 2 Weeks and 10 minutes of my life.

             Twenty Months. Awesome! I kept putting it off for years. My only excuse? The cigarettes were stronger than me. How did I know that if I never tried to quit? That's right, this is my FIRST TIME at quitting, and I hope it is my ONLY TIME of doing it. What finally worked? Sheer will power. I have beaten drugs and alcohol abuse in my lifetime, why not tobacco? I knew it could be done, and I would somehow do it.

                Well, before I start patting myself on the back too hard, I have a LOT of people to thank for helping me. The first, and closest would have to be my wife.....the constant threat of her doing REAL bodily harm to me was pure inspiration!! Thank you, dear! Next would be my oldest daughter, who has dogged me since she was eight years old to stop....you finally got through, girl.

                  And now to some special people, my "online family". Jean, I just don't have the words for all we have shared. Alece, same for you. Kilguard, I hope you are well. Marc, take a coffee break, and a bow. Michelle, Jen, you two are great, and I hope that all is well for both of you,also. You both hold a special place in my heart, just like little sisters. BOB, aka Mr. Death, what can I say, man? I knew you were "trouble" when I first met you!! (HAHAHA) I hope fortune smiles down upon you.

              Sally (Mustang Sally), I love ya' gal. Stay just like you are. Take care of those boys of yours. I haven't forgotten you.Tina, my "blondegirl" in Tennessee! I hope you are well. I would also like to send a shout-out to "Softmtnrain" in Kentucky. A beautiful lady tasked with taking care of the sick and injured. There are special places for "Angels of Mercy" like you. DKB's Nurse---please continue to keep me posted on your impending "arrival". I never tire of hearing from M'Lady Fair.

                 Mollie, my dear friend. I used to love your phone calls, just to talk about "stuff". I hope Florida is all you thought it would be, and more. Mairia, firey, flame hot Mairia! Go to your local market, and buy some "Earl Grey" english tea. Brew a nice hot cup in the late evening, and try to calm down. Things always even out in the end, they really do! You are a beautiful person, I have seen it, so I know it is there. Don't let people tell you there is something wrong with you, you are just special. No matter how much you hate me, I still admire you for who you are.

             There are so many others, I just can't get all of the names straight. For good, or bad, everyone who touched my life when I was quitting smoking played some part in that action, and I thank you all. I think the hardest part to get through was the death of my mother last June. I really wanted a smoke right then. But I had seen so many quitters fall by the wayside from just this sort of thing. Too much stress, and they turn to temporary comfort. I was determined NOT to do that. And I succeeded in not smoking. In the end, I won out over the cigarettes, and that is all that matters.

                  If you read this, and are contemplating quitting, please, don't keep putting it off! Do it now. Go buy some "Smoke Away". It worked for me. And no, I do not get paid for saying that.

 

         Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

You're Kidding, Right??

OK, as of today, I am officially pissed off! I have been watching this Israeli "Pull Out" from the Gaza Strip. You know, the "settlers"(squatters), who were never really authorized to "settle" there. The people have actually brought in folks who DO NOT LIVE THERE to help them resist the Isreali Army!! Folks who have NO BUSINESS there, getting help from other folks who have NO BUSINESS there!

                This just helps to further my idea that the Isrealis are behind most of the problems in that area. Did you know that the U. S. provides two BILLION dollars in aid(monetary) EVERY YEAR to these people?? We just give it to them. It isn't a loan, it falls under "foreign aid". Now, they say they will need an EXTRA TWO BILLION this year, to help with the "resettlement" plan!

              I say no more. For Isreal,  and for any other country that currently recieves "aid" from the U.S. People seem to think that if Isreal falls to the Muslims(palestineians), that God is coming to put an end to mankind. It will be the end of the world.....I don't think so. Where is their "God" when suicide bombers are killing their people by the bus-load? Is it His design? Maybe these people were "sinners", so they had to die?? Is it just me, or does ANY of this shit sound stupid to you, also??

                  We have children HERE, IN AMERICA, that go hungry. Some even sleep on the streets. I live in Mississippi, I KNOW what poverty looks like. I have seen it, and have lived it. Hell, I am living it right now!! Quit giving OUR money away, and saying there isn't any money for our schools, or for free clinics, or for drug treatment centers, pregnant women's centers, abused women and children's shelters, places for the homeless....the list goes on and on!!

              Now we have members of the United Nations pressuring the larger countries to just "forgive" the TRILLIONS of dollars owed by poor nations. This will "magically" lift these nations out of poverty.....BULLSHIT!! We also have "Rock Stars" doing this "Live 8" bullshit, to try to raise MONEY for world poverty......yeah, right.

                   I go by the old adage, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. But, if you teach that man to catch fish, you feed him for a lifetime."  Quit throwing money at these stupid people. The only ones who get the "aid" are the crooked assholes in the gov't of these countries. What should we do, just forgive their debts, then loan them MORE MONEY, so that we can come back in ten years, just to "forgive" them again??  Teach these people to fish!!!(metaphorically, anyway).

 

Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

Flashback!!

  Well, I was having a few beers, and it suddenly hit me; I was back as a teenager, having a good time, and getting smashed. I could see very clearly. All of my biker friends, even the ones who never made it this far into the future, were there. I remember them all, good and bad. It seems like everyone and their cousin wants  to be a biker nowadays. Hell, even I have softened up on the folks who don't ride Harleys. The way I see it, at least they are riding!!

               I was a biker when it wasn't cool to be one. We were the most hated people on the face of the earth, save for the Russians! Sometimes, I drink too much, and then I get to thinking---a very bad combination for someone like me. I get to longing for the "old times". I know that I can never go back. But I do have my memories, and maybe that's all that I need for now.

                    I am sure that I will see some of the old bikers in another time, and another place. Let's just hope it isn't too hot there!! Like Jimi Hendrix used to say, "Castles Made of Sand"....

 

Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

Freaks???

              So, there I was with my wife, my youngest girl, and one of her little friends, out for the day, and at a nice restaurant. Now, clearly, I certainly did not fit in with the usual Sunday crowd. This was just this past Sunday. This place gets mostly the "after church" crowd. These people always stare at me the most. Conservatives, what can I say??

                  So, the stage is set. The players are all here, let the play begin! We were already seated, and I need to make one thing perfectly clear; if you don't laugh while eating out with me, then I have been drugged, or gagged! I hate crowds of people, so I use humor to mask my nervousness. And I can be a funny SOB at times like that! The people who work at this dining establishment know us, we go every Sunday. They KNOW they can expect me to cut up some, I think they even encourage it, sometimes.

               So, we were doing just fine, when in comes a man and his wife, with three boys ranging from about six years old, to maybe eleven. They take a table right next to our reserved table,(that's how well the employees know us!). The mom looks completely strung out...a four Valuim a day habit showing on her face. The husband, completely in command, everyone listens to him...pure obedience. He is balding on top, so he wears a baseball cap to hide it....it does NOT go with his Sunday suit!

              It isn't too long before his attention is directed to our table. Seems there was entirely too much laughter coming from us! I am sure that he doesn't like me, it shows very plainly. One would think that I would stop goofing around because of his icy stare.....one would be very wrong. His wife puts her head down, not wanting to get involved. I stare back at him. He knows he won't actually say anything to me. The worst part of it? I know he won't say anything, too.

               He finally turns back to his wife, and whispers....freaks. I wonder, just who the freaks were this day? My family and a friend just having some fun, or his drug-addicted, totally obedient wife, and his three silent children? Oh, and by the way, when his youngest son said, "I love you, dad", he just rolled his eyes, and walked away from him.  Freaks, indeed!!

 

             Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

All Is Quiet On The Southern Front....

 Today marks another turning point in my squalid little life; the house is quiet, no one is here except for me...and two cats. My youngest girl is at school, as well as my grand-daughter. My little grandson is at a day-care center. All last week he was lonely without the "girls" to play with. All he did was stay glued to me all day. His mother and I talked, and we both decided that he needs to interact with other kids his age. I think it is a good idea, as it hopefully will teach him how to deal with other people in the long run. I can honestly say that I enjoy the peace and quiet. Caring for three children everyday was running me ragged!! But, keep this in mind; I can think of nothing that I would have traded this summer's experience with them for. Nothing.

                     Now, having said all that, let me address another "problem". I told some of you a while back that I was having some problems with my liver. After extensive testing, a lot of needles, and some very NASTY tasting things, I appear to be ok; sort of. After having given up nearly ALL my vices over the years,(drugs, smoking, hard liquor, etc.), I was told to give up my BEER!! I only drink a few in the summer. And before this summer, I have had NOTHING to drink for several years, not even beer. So, now that has to go, too. Well, it being summer, and living in a "dry" county, I sort of 'stocked up' on the precious golden brew. I guess I will just have to pour it all out......yeah, right! I will just pour it down me!!

 

     Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

Parent By Proxy---

        Today, my little grand-daughter started kindergarten. I kept her little brother here at my home, and she went off on this "big adventure".  When she got back here this afternoon, there was plenty to tell me!! Seems she made three new friends just today! She got to play outside on the new playground. And she had breakfast, AND lunch at school!!

               To see the wonder and excitement in her eyes was just the same as when my girls started school. To hear her breathlessly tell me all the things she did today, and to see, and  hear the intensity in her telling of it, I was taken back in time. This is truly something you remember forever.

          When her mother came to pick her up, she told me that this morning, when she left her little girl at school, that little girl stood up, and kissed and hugged her goodbye. She said she felt like she was on top of the world!! She told me it is something you just can't describe.

             I know, I felt the same thing 17 years ago, one August morning, when a little girl started kindergarten at five years old........................

 

Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

I Tried to Warn Her---

  About a year ago, my wife said she wanted a tattoo. No big deal for me, I have them, and I always try to let her do what she wants. After all, I married her, but she isn't my "property", I don't own her. So, we go to my favorite "inker", and on her maiden voyage, she ends up with TWO tattoos, not one.

              At this point, I tried to warn her that tattoos were addictive. Sort of like "Lay's Potato Chips"....you can't get just one!  Well, she figures that is about enough for her. Within a few months, she got another one, a big one, on her back. That one hurt a little more than the others, she stated she was definitely finished getting tattoos. Untill this past Saturday, that is.

                  She went to get a "small" rose on her leg. Yeah, whatever. Her "small" rose turned out to be about five inches tall, and VERY NOTICEABLE!! She said "that is it, no more". Yeah, right. By the time we had gotten home, she was already talking about another rose on the other leg...to "keep things in balance".  Yeah, and she only wanted ONE!!!

 

Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

I Love These Assholes---

  So, after reading that last letter yesterday, I decided to write this guy back, and tell him what I thought about HIS THOUGHTS on the Harry Potter books; here is the actual letter that I sent to him.....

     

In a message dated 7/31/2005 4:23:59 P.M. Central Daylight Time, Shirleen1962 writes:

HastenTogether@aol.com    My wife sent me this letter of your's. You DO REALIZE that you are an IDIOT, right??

       Being the "good christian" that this guy is, he promptly responded to my inquiry.......

         

Why would you wife send you an email that I sent to her?  Sounds very crazy to me. I won't argue with you, call your names, or question your sanity.  If you didn't like the message, why didn't you just delete it?   I don't know either of you, so I'm blocking your names from my mailbox.  In that way we won't have to exchange emails again. Blessings to you.   Hasten Together ==================================================================          In response to his response, I wrote one more letter to him.....              Thank you for your quick and timely response. My apologies to you, sir. I should have known that anyone who believes so strongly in a "God" that does not exist would also believe in such foolish things as "witchcraft". As for your "blessings" on me? Keep them. Your "God" has seen fit to only "bless" me with pain and suffering for most of my pathetic existence on this piece of rock. Thank You, and good day, sir.            Excuse me?? Where is all of his compassion that the church teaches? What happened to "turn the other cheek"? Maybe reaching out to your fellow man?? I'll tell you what happened. These shit-heads preach all of that crap, but only practice it when it suits their needs. This person is clearly NO CHRISTIAN.          These assholes are all alike...only do for others when it makes YOU look good! They all suck eggs. Maybe now you will understand just WHY I call them "little monkeys". They follow something blindly, but only use the teachings of what they are following when it suits them. Shame, shame. I really feel badly for idiots like this. The blind leading the blind.           Pray for something? If you only pray for things, you would go naked and hungry into the world. "God" does not provide for you, only YOU can do that, by the sweat of your brow! "But 'God' put life into you". No he didn't, two people had sex, and you were concieved! Give me a break!!!!   Holla' If You Hear Me!!!

.....And In Other News....

  I found this interesting tid-bit in my mail the other day---looks like the "Moral Right" is alive and well. Can you believe this shit???

_______________________________________________

 

Subject: Re: HARRY POTTER BOOKS BURNED
Date: 7/13/05 11:31 AM CST
Author: HastenTogether@aol.com

AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN.  PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU, ESPECIALLY JOE SCARBOROUGH!    To:  Joe Scarborough - We have a networking ministry on AOL, over forty-groups.  I personally watch you many hours daily on Adelephia Cable statiions.  Please let me know what faith-based organizations you feel are worthy of your support.  Praying for you, your news stations and all the families. Inlovingkindness and in Jesus name. Sue B. Sabas Hasten Together Sherman Oaks, Ca.     In a message dated 7/13/2005 5:52:43   Subject: Re: I Am Against Harry Potter Books in Jesus Name.
Date: 7/22/05 3:57 AM CST
Author: HastenTogether@aol.com

In a message dated 7/13/2005 6:40:13 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, PRAYER3CO writes:

Praise the Lord, Brother Joe:   I have been praying against the Harry Potter Books for several years now. Each Halloween I make an effort to be sure that I am in prayer and fasting against the witchcraft in America and around the world. A few years ago, Pastor John Hagee did a sermon and than a program about the dangers of Harry Potter Books in our public schools. I decided to take a stand against these witchcraft workers teaching children how to work witchcraft on other children as though it was a harmless act.   So, each Halloween I do spiritual warfare with prayer and fasting for several days to tear down this stronghold of Satanic power in our land and in our schools. I am thankful that there is a recent report informing the people of God thatthere is a group that is burning these demonic books. It is past time for them to be burned.   Jesus destroyed the works of the devil many years ago, and it is our duty as servants of the Most High God to remind the world and the devil that he is still defeated. He cannot win. (Col. 2:15), Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.  The Saint's of God are triumphant in Christ Jesus over the works of the devil. So, regardless of what is being said and done against Pastor Turnner, the devil will never win. He will always lose.   Thank you for extending an invitation to Pastor Turnner to be a quest speaker on your program at MSNBC Scarborough Country for the glory of Almighty God, in Jesus mighty name. I know that this letter of support will help encourage him to continue to fight against this evil in America and around the world.   Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen (Eph. 6:24)   Triumphant in Christ,   Queen Apostle Prophetess, Cora Lee Hairston, Founder Prayer Power Ministries P.O. Box 600816 Dallas, Texas  75360 (214-750-8787 24 Hour Prayer Line www.prayer3Co@aol.com www.groups.aol.com/prayerpowerminis Write or call for your "Free" Prayer Cloth (Acts 19:12) (with your self-addressed and stamped envelope)   ************* "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4)   ************

 

Seven Words That Will Change Your Life!
"My refuge and my fortress, my God,"

"Through it all. That's the ticket. Through the victories and the failures ...Through the brilliant days of accomplishment and the broken days....Through the heady days of laughter and success and those nameless intervals of setback and blank despair. Through it all, God is with us, leading us, teaching us. humbling us, preparing us. (Charles Swindoll - Five Meaningful Minutes A Day)

"I will say to the LORD,
"My refuge and my fortress, my God,
in whom I trust." Psa 91:12
We are standing in prayer with  you, please stand in prayer with us!
"And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive."  Mat. 21:22

_______________________________________      I have NO IDEA what this person's problem is....maybe too much brainwashing in church?? I look at it like this; Organized Religion=Organized Crime!   Holla' If You Hear Me!!!    

Here We Go Again---

 Ain't it always the same?? Someone who you trust breaks what amounts to a lifetime of trust. They lie once, and you can't bring yourself to believe anything they say from that moment on...strange how that works. Seems you need to know that the person won't lie to you, before you trust them. Since they lied, though, you just can't trust them anymore; anything they say is suspect. This quite naturally, pisses off the other person. A weird, downward spiral starts.

            This spiral leads into oblivion...deeper and deeper. The other person doesen't ever seem to understand the reason...I can't see why? Is it so hard to understand that when you start lying to someone, that they would suspect anything that you say after that?? This is only a logical assumption to me. If you lie to me now, what is to stop you in the future?? How can I believe you ever again??

             This is something that surely bears some more thought...