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!!!