Coffee in the hole

Time for a big announcement. But first, some preface. 

For years now, I've been a huge proponent of Scars & Stripes Coffee. I joined the company just months after it went live. The mission being a huge part of the why. A Veteran owned and run company, to help Veterans reintegrate into their communities. Also, to build a business. If you go to the website at the time of this writing, you'll find the SSC still says, "We empower Veterans to build their own business using our e-commerce platform and through direct-to-consumer sales via events." As all of us in the company have recently learned, the company is no longer Veteran owned. And as an email sent out by the CEO informed us this week, the company will soon no longer be Veteran owned. 

The company to this point has been built on a military structure, and ranking system that's familiar to all Veterans. An easy platform for any Vet to build from. As our now sole CEO stated in his most recent email, we've been, "building a company that looks much like the military." That was the goal. Veterans have been struggling and hurting. So, we put them in a structured environment that's familiar to them and help them build out and back into their communities. Veterans holding each other accountable and teaching each other along the way. It's been successful for many of us. Then he continues on to state, "why would the company look just like the military." As a statement, not a question. You can imagine, seeing that statement was a direct attack on the vision we've had from the start. And it hurt. The company's vision and direction is changing, and no longer going to be focused on helping Veterans. A very unfortunate turn. 

This brings me back to the, "build their own business" part. For years now, many have known that a personal goal of mine has been to start my own coffee business. To no longer be the middleman or an affiliate, but to build something where I can support my family and be my own boss, with a product I believe in beyond my other ventures. 

With that said, Burton's Scars & Stripes is now going to transition towards that dream. Over the next few weeks my FB page will transition over to my own brand. My own company. I have two coffee roasters that will be taking care of my coffee as orders come in. So, it will still be roasted to ship. Freshness guaranteed still. And as I've been asked so many times, when will I get flavored coffee. Well, that is happening now too. Several flavors are ready to go, including seasonal favorites. For the time being it will be coffee only. In the future the plan is to bring in mugs, tumblers, stickers, apparel and such. Small steps forward, and building. Will SSC continue to be on the menu? I honestly don't know. Probably not. But for now, it is. 

So please continue to support and empower me by getting your coffee at: www.ss.coffee/rominger 

And keep an eye out for more announcements and the transition on my FB page: 

www.facebook.com/scarsandstripesROMINGER 

We're going to poke the bear, and help it wake up! You'll see very soon. 

Caught Up

Going through and seeing how many blogs had missing pictures was annoying to say the least. Being the type of person that prefers to have a plan B, the grey matter was put to work. So, I made a copy of the entire blog. Every single post. Just in case. 

I used Opera's blog for a long time. I loved it! All these years later I still miss it. Granted at that point, blogging in this format was really at its apex. Before video took over everything. One of my regrets was not copying everything before they took it down. That won't happen again. 

After all this is on a Google owned site. And we all know we can't trust them not to just trash it at a moment's notice. Or worse, try to revamp it. Look what happened to Google Music. A wonderful service that was absolutely trashed when it was forced into YouTube Music. Years later, and still not at the same level. Or the more recent sale of Domains to another service. At least it wasn't to GoDaddy, but I have my doubts as to how well that service will work for my needs as well.

I've been a pro-google guy for a long time. However, I'm finding that in question more and more these days. It may be time for a change. A new season of life is coming. 

Puppy Love

 Puppy Love

    Well, a few months ago our beloved Mary passed away. At the gentle age of 12, she lived a good dog's life. Man, I miss her. 

    Then a few weeks ago a friend contacted me with a dilemma, her girlfriend from nursing school had the place she'd been renting for years sold out from under her and the new owner was forcing her to leave! Insane right?! Well, fortunately she found a place for her and her kids to move into with one caveat. She could only have one dog. They had two. To make matters worse, they've had both since they were pups! What's a family to do? 

    Well, being a dogless house we were already fixing to adopt a new fur baby. So the timing was perfect! Thank the Lord! And I offered to take in their oldest. A 12-year-old, sweet dog named Rosie! You couldn't have asked for a more perfect connection! Everyone's in love with her! She loves to travel. And being an older dog, she's not a runner and doesn't need really long walks! Which is great since we live in a desert and it's heating up!  

    I didn't want to leave her original family in total heartbreak. My eyeballs almost started sweating when we had the turnover. It was rough, no pun intended. Okay, a little intended. So, my wife and I agreed that they could see Rosie at any time. And we send them pictures regularly. Our family has gotten a little bigger. And we're glad we can spoil this old pup for whatever time we have with her!

Blogging Return

 Blogging Return

    I've been debating a return to blogging. For a while it seemed like every time I'd start to write, something would pull me away! Look! Squirrel! 

    Oh, but I've been writing. That's the thing. Only about something different than what I'd put up here over the years. You see I've been writing sermons. Times have changed and so have I in a lot of ways. Growth is good though. Now, where can they be read? Well, nowhere and everywhere. You see I started a Podcast specifically for my ministry. If you're interested, feel free to check it out. It's called "Healing Scars with Pastor Burton" and is available to stream on a ton of platforms. Spotify, IHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, RSS.com, Amazon Music, Audible, and so many more. 

    The first episode was put out just before the new year. Here in a couple of weeks, it's actually going to be a solid 6 months running, with at least 1 new episode posted every Friday. Watching the analytics has been fun because I'm seeing more and more countries pop up as well. As of this writing, it's been listened to on every continent except Antartica. It would be sweet to see, however that may be a bit ambitious. Time will tell though. I've actually thought about taking those sermons, and creating a blog just to post them in. Not everyone listens to podcasts after all. It's interesting that that's the platform that's being used as I rarely listen to podcasts myself! Perhaps, I should turn on a camera when I'm recording and start posting to YouTube as well? Or Rumble even? 

    I logged in here and was surprised to see so many people keep checking in from time to time too. Blogging isn't dead! YAY! 

    Have you ever looked back on your own blog to see how you've changed over the years? I used to cuss a lot, drink, and smoke (tobacco), and that's all turned around. Well, let's be honest, I still cuss but not nearly as much, and rarely drink. When I do it's at home. Thanks for letting me ramble today. 

~B

Music to My Ears.

Years ago I learned how to play music. Not as much by choice but because the school I went to required two years. The first year everyone picked up the recorder. Typical. The next year however, everyone had to pick an instrument. Keep in mind I commuted to school from the next town over. So by the time I arrived to try picking out my instrument, many had already been filled up. Percussion? Filled. Trumpet? Filled. Sax? Filled. I ended up with a flute. Yes, my first instrument was the piece of metal that was given new life as a dirty joke. At the time I thought it was a joke too.Fast forward a few years, and I not only learned to appreciate it, but loved it. I played right into my Junior High days. Then change was about to happen.

Teenage angst was setting in. The bad director I had was a... well 30 years later and I still can't find a word to describe my disdain. Not only did I get the flute jokes from other band members, and the student body, but was belittled by this toxic life form for the same thing. I no longer wanted to play. I kept my flute at home and made a change. I finally went to the percussion section. Xylophone, tympani, bells, cymbals, etc. You put me behind them, and I wasn't going to just play them. I was going to beat them! My anger and frustration went into whatever I was going to be playing for a given song. And he hated it.

Enter my dad. He played guitar since he was a kid, and picked up piano/ keyboards along the way by ear. He'd played with many a band, and had tried to teach me some guitar, but I didn't want it at the time. So he did the next best thing, and bought me a drum kit. At this point I didn't like playing in front of people much because of said band director. I'd mess around sometimes with friends. My pleasure was much more in the confines of home though. I'd crank the stereo, or put on my headphones, and would kick that kit for all I was worth in high school.

Then of course life happened. I went to a military school, enlisted in the Marine Corps, had a child, and on and on. When I finally came home to the US. My beloved flute was long gone, lost amongst my parents moving. My drums were destroyed by a bad roommate of my future stepdad's when my folks split. The only music in my life was the radio, cd's, and old cassettes. I accepted it for years. I tried getting into the whole guitar hero thing with my kids. And while the drums were good "FOR A GAME". They weren't the real thing. I had a hole begging to be filled.

The day finally came to fill that hole. I'd been looking around some local music stores. One day, my dad was in town and asked me if I could get any instrument there, which one would I choose? Thinking is was a hypothetical question I answered honestly and showed him the bass guitar I'd had my eye on. I don't know what it was, but I was just drawn to her. He bought her on the spot along with an amp. My jaw dropped!

The day I brought Ol' Blue home.

My journey back into music was rekindled. My ex thought I was wasting my time. So I'd spend what time I could back in the bedroom (sexy I know) getting to know my new found love. Not long after I had started to get to know her, tragedy struck. My dad died unexpectedly. I couldn't even look at Ol' Blue without wanting to cry. So she was put away for a couple years. Once in a while I'd try, but couldn't. Finally, enough time went by and I not only could bring her out of her confinement, but I started getting to know her all over again. Just a little at a time. It was like I was able to spend time with my dad.

Fast forward a little bit, and the church was looking for a bassist. I didn't say anything at first. And then a friend, who knew I played a little, told the music director. I explained I was just learning and didn't think I'd be up to par. Really it was because after all those years, I was still that kid that didn't want to play for people anymore. But after some discussion I went out, and a couple weeks later found myself stepping into a band again. It was different this time. I wasn't playing for people, I was serving the Lord! While it wasn't exactly my style of music, that didn't matter anymore. The game had changed!

The Artist hanging out on stage.

A a rapid rate I found myself starting on just mid-week service, to playing mid-week and all Sunday services as well. It was exciting. And then it got more exciting. Mid-week service went away during the summer do to so many things happening in the church and there not being prep-time. But when they came back, we found ourselves doing an acoustic night, since our keys man was leading the Youth service now. So I found myself an acoustic/electric bass to go with the sound. She's gotten a lot of praise. And then another change had taken its toll as well.

My violin bass Happy Camper.

 I'd sustained a back injury at work and needed something a little lighter than Ol' Blue. Enter Happy Camper. And just like any other instrument, they each have their own personality and sound. I've found myself switching out between the three, depending on what day it is, what we're playing, or just plain how I'm feeling.

That hole has been filled. I have music in it's rawest form back in my life. And when I'm down, it really helps. It transcends just listening. I hear it, feel it, clear my head, spend time with loved ones past, and most importantly learn. Whether it's a technique, and adjustment to a song, or a riff that's in my head, I'm a student of music. I enjoy playing again. Not only am I part of a band of people I respect, I'm part of the greatest band on earth. God's band. You'll find them in your local church, with varying styles of play and worship.

Now you're probably asking what the point is. And there is one. This has just been a part of my journey. NEVER LET ANYONE STEAL YOUR MUSIC. You may not find it again. Your music may be literal, or something else entirely. But it's a part of you. You can take breaks if need be. But don't lose it. Ever.

Serving with the Lords blessings upon me.

Life and Career Changes Part One

What's this? My last blog entries were New Years and 1/2 of 2015!?!?!?!?! Are you kidding me? No it's true. Holy cow does time fly when you're getting life back on track. And boy has it been a ride!

So this will be the update entry? Boooorrriiinng!It's an easy re-cap. Went back to school, and made a career change. Blah, Blah, Blah.

Yes! I left the world of the criminal justice system in the review mirror, and started working in health care. What an oxymoron of a name. Are their great people that care? Absolutely! But then they're leashed by greedy corporations, spineless administrators, and ignorant doctors (No real world smarts for many. Just what they've been spoon fed in their agenda pushing schools.) I'll say it here! Many, not all, doctor's are some of the dumbest smart people you'll ever meet! Get a nurse practitioner, you'll be better off. Nurses save lives, not doctors!

However, I have found the world of Hospice to be a true calling. Funny how even in a new career field I found myself dealing with death on the daily again. Now for some it's a scary place where people are dying. Not always the case! Many people do come improve and come off of hospice care. For some, it's just a way to get better funding from the insurance powers that be, to provide better care for people. That is the bottom line right? Get the best possible care? Sadly though, most don't come off of it. But the relationships you develop with both the patients and their families are amazing.

In just providing care in this area, I found something I'd been missing for years. The work that I was doing MADE A DIFFERENCE! The people I've formed relationships with and have cared for have given me a gift beyond anything you'd get elsewhere. A fresh breath of life. They've shared advise, past experiences, regrets, triumph's, failures, and even first love! While some have feared the end of life as we know it, and what's beyond that veil. Other's have embraced it, and let everyone around them know that they love them and will see them again when they go home.

I've seen things in my life that have given me chills. Nothing has gotten to me more than those who have said, "I'm going to die in 3 days." And then it happens! It's crazy! And for me it's re-affirmation of life after death. It's also drawn me closer to my ministry work.

Resolution for Life

Happy New Year! So it's day 1 and many of you have a resolution of some sort. Some are saying, "not me."

For most it's some vain, petty thing that won't last long. Examples include: lose weight, stop smoking, work less. Let's admit it. Most won't stick to a resolution past saying it.

Here's the "but". I have a recommendation for everyone's resolution. It's incredibly simple. And it's something everyone should be doing anyway.

"Be a better me"

Yup, that's it. We all have things we have trouble with, and struggle to overcome. In the USMC we say, "know yourself and seek self-improvement." It's a must.

Now, I'm not saying to become a fitness freak, or to put out that cigarette. I'm not saying to stop cursing, or to go to church. What this resolution calls for is baby steps. It's a day at a time. And you will have moments that will cause you to stumble and fall. That's ok. Just get back up. Smile. And start again. Do your best. And then tomorrow, you'll do even better. The best part of this is the fact that it's not just a new years resolution. It's that this can and should be a resolution for life.

Can you imagine how much better the world would be if everyone committed to this? Are you up to the challenge?

Random Pet Peeve

Time for a random tick. You have to love people with a delusion of grandeur. The security guard who truly believe he's a cop, the ugly person who thinks they're a model, and something that's been on my mind for a while is the karaoke singer who thinks they are the front man for the next big band. You know the types I'm talking about.

Now we all have friends and family with good singing voices. I'm the first to admit mine sounds like a dog that's still awake while getting castrated. Yup, it's that bad. Luckily I have other talents to make up for it. However a while back, alright way back,  I met a guy at work who said in his off time he's a singer for a local band. To protect the embarrassment of the group, I won't list it's name and we'll refer to this guy as Red. But I digress. So Red's a singer right. And of course we challenge him to sing something for us. He tries, and fails with some poor excuse. And we all write him off. 

A couple years later, Red pop's up again. Our workplace is making some big fuss about him because he's going to a karaoke championship. I'm thinking, "great, he can sing if he's reading." My kids can do that while playing Rock Band, big deal. And it turns out, he did pretty good. Proving, yes it's easier when you can just read the words instead of having talent. At this point Red and I are both leaving for other business ventures, and he disappears. Out of sight, out of mind.

So fast forward to a couple months ago. My wife and I take a nice long weekend to Buffalo Thunder to get away for a little while. We're walking around and who do I find? You guessed it, here's Red and his band playing at one of the clubs at this resort. So Erica and I do what comes natural, we sit down, place an order and listen to them for a while. Overall the band isn't bad. The drummer is wailing on his kit, the bassist is walking around and killing it, the guitarist isn't great but they're getting the job done, there's a female singer that knows what she's doing and has a good voice, then there's Red. 

Red's trying to move with the dancing skills of a toddler, trying way to hard to act like a rock star, and I'm thinking to myself, "What The French Toast" For all he's worth, he can't get two feet from his mic stand. You may be asking what's the significance of that? Well he's holding a mic, it's not on the stand. The stand has an iPad holder with, that's right sports fan, an iPad! He's reading every stinking word! And very obviously at that! He's treating it like a karaoke machine! Song's that are very well rehearsed by the band, and one song being the same one he bombed all those years ago when we challenged him. He can't do anything without this stinking tablet!

Here's the pet peeve. As I've mentioned in the past, I grew up around musicians. My dad being one. Myself, being one. And many friends being musicians. If you're in a band, let alone singing, you take some pride in the fact YOU KNOW THE MATERIAL! A set list, with one or two notes is no big thing. But know the material. If you're standing in front of a tablet, you are not a musician. Red you're a hack! I don't care if you're sing the national anthem, learn it, take the heat and grow from your mistakes, or get the stage! There is one time it's okay to read the music if you're performing in front of a crowd aside from being in school, it's called being in an orchestra. Red, it's time for you exit, stage right. 

Today it started raining

Today it started raining, 

it would have been my dad's birthday. 

It's as if angels are crying, 

as I keep my own tears at bay.

Today it started raining, 

after such a bright start. 

It was his beginning, 

and it holds true even though we are apart.

Today it started raining, 

and I can't help but feel it's just for me. 

While my emotions are draining, 

I know together we will one day be.

Happy Birthday, 

I miss you Dad. 

Today it started raining.

Social or Not

Recently I had someone call me out on a social networking site. It was a great call on his part. There's still a little mystery in it for me, but not a lot. They had me in their circles, but I didn't have them in mine. And were kind enough to give me fair warning to engage with them or get booted. After a very brief exchange on our part, it was a refreshing breath to see we saw eye to eye. Social media is just that, "SOCIAL". See, it says it right there in the name. And bottom line, if you're not social, eventually I'm going to boot you from my list. It doesn't matter much how you engage, just that you do such.

Now this doesn't mean I'm going to interact with every single person, every single day. And will a few get past unnoticed for a while? It's a pretty safe bet. Furthermore, it doesn't mean I'm going to read every single post. Let's face it, there's just too many. Some people have over 30 posts a day. And after you have more than a handful of people added to your circles, reading everything become a pipe dream. This is especially true if you don't engage with people. The occasional comment, or shared pic. Maybe a mention as a way of saying, "Thanks to so-so for sharing this." Something. And I'm not just talking about liking a post. Thanks FB for that BS trend.

Does everyone slack once in a while? Of course, life happens. Will we agree on everything? Well great minds think alike... ok, that's BS. Simply put no, but that's life. So here's fair warning to everyone, if you don't engage on some level, eventually you'll be gone from my list. If all you do is try sharing dirty pics, you'll be gone even faster. But if you have something intelligent, or of interest to share from time to time you're perfectly safe.

With that said, I'd just like to take a moment to thank +Tobi Mann for the courtesy the other day.

To my loyal blog readers, don't worry I have some fun headed back your way. I still owe someone a post on sock puppets, and of course there's always some weird crap running through my mind.

My heater thinks its an air conditioner

Hey kids, come on in. The heater went out, so I home you dressed warm. Yup, nothing says cold like no heat in the winter time. Oh I know there are those of you who would say, "It's not that bad" or "I'd rather be cold than hot." Or you'd utter some other moronic dribble that would make me want to punch you in the throat. Let me tell you this, if you're one of those that would spew such idiocy, you are a LIAR and truly don't know what you're saying. So if you haven't guessed by now, I'm venting right now.

This piece of garbage we call a heater, makes me feel like the dad from A Christmas Story at night. It comes on for an undetermined amount of time, usually 1-5 minutes, and then the blower just stops. You hear the hum, but there's just nothing. Or what's worse, is when the stupid thing will come on, but all it does is blow air. Let me clarify this for those who are thinking, "well duh, that's what it's supposed to do." It's not hot or even warm air. It's the already frigid air in the house blowing through like an arctic dune. A couple of nights ago, I was so cold my face literally hurt.

Why hasn't this been fixed by now? Not for lack of trying, and getting shafted. We've had a company come out several times. In some cases day after day. They say it's this, or that, or we think it's this now but we're not sure. Someone who claimed to be the supervisor even came over a couple times. Then they said they'd have to talk to the OEM and get one of their people because they couldn't figure it out. And then the final insult... I kid you not, they said we'd just have to turn it off and throw the breaker switch every time it stops working right. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Then they still had the balls to try charging us for coming out and not fixing it!

So right now I'm sitting hear, waiting for the HVAC guys to come fix my stupid heater. A different company this time. They worked magic with our A/C last summer, which had never previously worked that well. So hopefully they can bring that same magic to keep my family warm. Otherwise I'm afraid I'm going to have to burn the whole house down just to stay warm for a night. At least I have my fireplace, and a good stack of wood. It's the only thing that's helped keep the house in the mid-50s to lower 60's the past couple days.

Extra Time

Well the holidays are upon us. The home stretch of the year, that puts a hurt on everyone's wallets. And as the saying holds, only in America do we have a holiday to reflect on what you're grateful for, only to have an event the next day that promotes trampling others for the stuff you don't have. So last week I got to enjoy a rare treat in the holiday spirit. I got to go have a Thanksgiving lunch with my youngest.

I did it last year too, and even though it's nothing flashy, it still holds an amazing feeling around it. Here in our area, the elementary schools have an annual Thanksgiving lunch. And the parents get to go sit down with their kiddos. So I got to have a little time with my boy, that I normally wouldn't have. And that in itself is something to grateful for.

We all meet up at our kiddos classrooms, then get in line with them. And the food is actually pretty decent. Some of it is a bit salty for my taste, but still pretty decent. Turkey (a bit of white and dark meat), stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a wheat dinner roll, pumpkin spiced cake, cranberry sauce, and a choice of milk (white, chocolate, or strawberry).

So in a month where so many say I'm thankful for this, and that, with some BS daily little thing to say they're grateful for the month. I'm grateful for my family, and the extra time I get to spend with them as it comes. And not just today, but everyday of the year.

And on a final note... SCREW BLACK FRIDAY!

Thoughts about nothing and everything.

Hey all! Here's a totally random thought that passed through my head earlier. Just one of those things that's something, and nothing all at the same time. Something the parents can relate to for sure. So here goes my 5 seconds on Seinfeld blabbing.

Why is it such a complex thing to go to the bathroom? You're just going in and dropping off. That's it. If you have kids it takes a while because you can't even finish dropping your trousers without out someone knocking, yelling through the door for you, of just plain walking in. So it's like a 5-10 minute race to get out, but enjoy some peace at the same time. But it doesn't end there. You get all the kids off too school, and have the house to yourself for a few minutes. You go in, you take your time and realize you just had a 5 minute race against yourself because you were still braced for someone to come ruin those few minutes of solitude.

Oh well. Take what peace you have and enjoy it anyways.

Thanks for Smoking?

Hello kiddies, this is your pilot speaking. We've achieved our cruising altitude, so feel free to remove your seat belts, use your trays, and roam about the cabin freely. Oh, and thank you for not smoking. Oh hell, who am I kidding? Smoke em if you got em. And without further ado, today's special is changes in smoking.

So last night my wife asked me how long did I smoke cigarettes for. The answer she got was surprising none the less. What she thought was just one or two years, was actually much longer than that. It's a habit that followed me all the way back to middle school. And that's probably why it was the most shocking. The fact that I was so young when I started sneaking my first few heaters. 

Today it's much harder to get a smoke. Unless you're bumming off someone, or sneaking them away from a family member, you have to get a store clerk to get them for you. Thus, most underage smokers have to find a work around if their folks won't buy for them. But people forget, that this wasn't the case many moons ago. Years ago it was easy to get your hands on some death sticks. You could walk into a store or gas station and just say, "My old man wants a pack of Luckies." And off you went to enjoy a carcinogenic apparatus. To make matters worse, you didn't even have to go that far. There was many a building with a cigarette vending machine by the door. 

This brings me to where I got a hold my first lung fillers. Right down the street from where I lived at the time, was the county courthouse. To add insult to injury, I had a friend whose mom worked there. So people were used to seeing us in, out, and all around there anyways. Well just inside the main entrance was a slew of vending machines. Food, drinks, and of course cigarettes. It was an older machine at that, so for 75 cents, you had clouded lungs in minutes. But of course, the courthouse isn't always open, and you wanted to keep your options just in case it was, but the machine was out of your brand. So for a while, gas stations where that back up. But then came the day when all of that ended. A new smoke shop went up, with a drive up window. If an adult was in the store you needed to back away and act like you were being turned away, and if someone was at the drive up, just be really quite. Simple rules. Follow them, and you could walk out with a carton of death. But of course most of us didn't have that money often. So I did was every other kid would do. I ran sacked the house looking for loose change. Couches, chairs, counters, you name it. Because for just 99 cents, I was going to be enjoying my smoke. 

As if that wasn't enough, when I did start high school, they had finally banned smoking on all parts of campus to include the shop. So what did we do? We held our protest smoke directly across the street from the front of the school every morning before class, and every day at lunch. Of course, we always felt accomplished on the occasions a teacher would come out and smoke with us. We weren't exactly smart enough to realize, they didn't care if we smoked or not. That would happen a couple years later when we'd smoke in the parking lot. Ah yes, life was good.

Then came my years when I went to military school. I always got a laugh out of the idiots that would get in trouble for smoking. They had no idea how to hide it. You couldn't mask the smell in your room, and hanging out the back window would get you caught eventually. But they never learned. I kept my burners in my soap dish. Nobody ever noticed I had two there instead of one. And being that we had community showers, with a forever open window, that also housed where we did our laundry, and the toilets, it made sense to me. People were always coming and going, the place already smelt like crap, so who would notice? So every morning, and every evening I'd take a shower, leaning just out of the water and enjoying a smoke. Nobody ever caught on, and I never got caught. 

I stopped smoking, or more like changed my smoking while still in the USMC. I had found new ways of dealing with stress like SCUBA diving. It wasn't until then that I truly noticed how bad smoking really sticks out. For a non-smoker is gross. For a former smoker, it's heinous. You can smell and taste a cigarette from a mile away. Yes, you can actually taste it. And if you had smoked enough, and were familiar with certain brands, you can actually tell what someone is smoking based on that smell and/or taste. It's that bad. 

Fortunately for me, my wife is known to occasionally smoke as well so I don't have to worry about getting bitched at for my current smoking habits. So even to this day, I'm still known and seen with a cigar. And for those of you that truly know me, or have followed my blog for any length of time, know that I love my cigars. Plus, I occasionally pull out my hookah. Normally this is during the colder times of the year when I don't want to step outside for my stogie. Rarely am I seen with a cigarette. One day, I'll probably try a good old fashioned pipe. But for me I found cigars really are the best match. 

Do I recommend smoking? No. It really is a bad habit. It's truly not for everyone.  And I'm sure it's contributed to my recent development of asthma. But unlike most smokers who stick with it because of the addiction to tobacco, I'm one of the few that can say I smoke because I truly enjoy it. And I limit myself. For instance I haven't had a smoke in well over a month, and it's not a big deal. I know at some point in the near future I'll put my trigger finger to use on a nice fat cigar. It's probably best labeled as a hobby today. 

My advice is if you're going to do it, just be responsible. Be considerate of others, especially the non-smokers. And if you aren't a smoker I'll say this..... thanks for not smoking. 

Update on Moi

Hello kids! I know, I know. You've been screaming about where the hell I went off too. Well I'm back. And I'll fill you in. Startiiiiiinnnnngg...... now.

So as you all know by now, I spent the past few years working for scraps with the Medical Examiner. Well that's history. Yes, that's right, the dark one finally said "F" you, I'm out! It's all part of my lifestyle adjustment to focus on the positive, and get a little more enjoyment out of life. And so far, it's paid off in spades.

So where am I now? Well, I'm working at the T-Mobile tech center here in Albuquerque now. No, not customer service. Screw billing and the headache it entails. But as part of that change, I switched from nights, to days. A bigger adjustment than I though it would be. And then starting last weekend, I moved to a swing shift which is much more comfortable, and allows me to have a 3 day weekend every week. Oh yeah, I know you're jealous of that last part.

So, with that said. Grab an adult beverage (root beer for you under-ager's), possibly a good cigar, sit back, and keep your eye's peeled because the blog is about to take fight again!

(Joe and +Shane Snyder I haven't forgotten about you guys. Sock puppet's and corn poo are on the agenda.)

Team Not Individuals

Alright boys and girls, time for my triumphant return. Sound the horns, because not only am I back, I'm pissed. Why? Because not only do some people not need kids, but they need to keep their mouths shut about good discipline and order. Stand-by folks, the shit is hitting the fan.

So my lovely wife forwarded a news article on to me. (I'll attach a link at the bottom) Basically the community in a Utah town are raising Kane because a football coach made a decision to suspend his entire team for being jerks. According to the article all 80 players have been benched, are being tasked with community service, and are having to earn the right to play. This is because of his players cyber bullying, cutting classes, and being disrespectful to teachers.

That's right, the community is pissed that the coach is instilling discipline, and character into this team. To the coach I say, OUTSTANDING! To the parents of the players I say, "Shame on you." To the community that's crying I say, "You should be ashamed of yourselves." More and more parents are letting their kids have free reign. We have a generation of selfish, and ignorant cowards heading into the world with a sense of entitlement. No, I'm not talking about politicians.

#1 The parents obviously have failed to instill discipline into these kids, that's part of what sportsmanship is.
#2 Respect isn't just a standard on the field of battle, it's a standard in life. These kids obviously need to learn that.
#3 It's a team. Everyone works together. If one person fails to do what they're supposed to, the team fails to accomplish their mission.

It's called a TEAM, not a group of individuals, which so many people seem to have forgotten. This coach is teaching these kids what the adults have forgotten, teamwork, team ethics, character, discipline, and he's doing through action. Words are nothing without action. These kids have had enough words. They're old enough to know right from wrong. If they're not held accountable for their actions as this point in their life, then they're being setup for failure later on in life. And if they're set up for failure, whose to blame? The community will blame the parents, which is where they should be looking now instead of crucifying the coach. The community is to blame because they're not holding the bar and doing their part to ensure that kids are being taught right by being held accountable for their actions.

Here's the thing. I've seen way to many cases of parents being allowed to drop the ball. The news reminds us all the time. Kids are being conditioned to call the police, or claim they're being abused if a parent punishes them. What's worse is parents are giving up, and just letting their kids run wild because they're afraid of having to face the court for doing what they should as parents. But at the same time they don't want to see anyone else discipline their kids, and teach them what they as parents have failed to. Teachers and councilors bitch, moan, and complain that they have to teach kids so much these days. This is because nothing is being done! If parents would step up to the plate and do their damn job, life would be easier for everyone all around. Our kids would be better people, our educators would be able to educate instead of play referee, and our coaches could focus on sports!

You're upset because your kid wasn't involved and shouldn't have to pay? Shut the hell up, it's a team effort! They're not being kicked off the team, they're working to pick up the weaker players and actually build a team instead of a gang! Don't want them to be a TEAM player? Give them a gameboy instead.

This coach is going against the norm, by doing what everyone should. He's doing the right thing, for the right reasons, and looking out for the future of these kids. If you don't understand it, you need to step back and look at the big picture.


http://foxnewsinsider.com/2013/09/26/utah-high-school-football-coach-suspends-entire-team-cutting-classes-cyberbullying

Marthon of Life: Dean Karnazes Inspiration

Today will be a little different than my norm. Not that I really have a norm. Instead, today we'll be taking a quick look at a book a brother Marine recommended. Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All Night Runner by Dean Karnazes. Now before I get into it, I'll take a second to remind you, I'm not big on running. If you recall my previous blog on fun exercise, I made it pretty clear. But this book made me want to lace up and hit the pavement. To sum it up quickly, it's a great read.

Dean writes this, picking segments out of his life. Where he first found his love of the run, to where he is now. Throughout his story, you come across humor that makes you want to yell, "Run, Forest, Run." At the same time though, you get presented with something that most sport/athletic books leave out, injury. And I'm not talking the occasionally mentioned bumps, bruises, and barely mentioned breaks. I'm talking details that make you take notice, and say, "Holy COW!" At the same time, however, Dean doesn't go into painstakingly descriptive rants about it. It's simple, and straight forward with just enough detail.

From the get go, the book pulls you right in. It's not written like a biography, nor is it written like a sports journal. Which lets face it, too many sports books are. Instead, Dean writes like he's talking directly to you. And why not? He is in fact telling his story to the world. It reads like a casual conversation that you'd have with a close friend. This is seriously the fastest read I've had in years.

Even though it's about him and his exploits, he doesn't just ramble on about himself. He talks about his family, what they've been through, how they've grown, and how they've hit the high's and low's of life together, adapted and overcome. Love and loss, it's all right there. He talks about some of the people he's met, and who all he runs for as well. If anything you find love and tragedy throughout this book, but in good portions. Neither overshadows the other.

Ultimately this book is about the ultra marathon we call life. Running is just how Dean gets through it. It's inspiring, a breath of fresh air, and a lost toe nail all at once. While I'd love to give more detail, I'm afraid I'd get carried away and give out too much. So I'll simply say go read this book. It will make you feel good.

P.S. Thanks for the great recommendation Adam. Semper Fi brother.

Unnoticed Perks of Working

We all have a laundry list of things we don't like about having to work. And that's what oh so many of us focus on most of the time. Unless we're looking at vacation time, health and dental benefits, we generally don't look at the other benefits. Here I'll list a few of the great benefits that we take for granted.

1) You're paid to drink coffee.
2) You're paid to go to the restroom.
3) Think about that down time you're screwing around on, yeah, you're getting paid.
3a) If you have a lot of down time, and you're in school, you very well could be getting paid to do your homework. SCORE!
4) While we all would prefer to be fishing, or enjoying a cold one, the fact is we'd all end up with a ton of time where we'd be bored to death. So we're all getting paid for that time, and given something to occupy us.
5) Being pissed that we have to work, helps us enjoy our off time even more.
6) We all make friends we wouldn't otherwise have, and you're paid to do so.
7) You're getting paid to learn new things that could lead to even more pay down the line. More pay means a better life for your family, and better toys to enjoy that down time with.
8) If you like what you do, it's not really work.
9) You have a great playground for playing pranks. If you're gassy and work in a big building, elevators can be a lot of fun.

It's not much, but it's a start.

Life: Relationships at Work

We go through many transitions in life. One that most of us see is in how friendships change as we change jobs. I'm starting one of those transitions right now.

There are a couple of ways in which this happens. One, you become a supervisor, and as such relationship dynamics with other workers have to change in order for you to be effective at what you do. Two, you leave your work place and begin work some place new. I've had experience in both areas. At the moment, the later is the one I'm transitioning with.

NM OMI, our new building we moved into October 2010

I've been at my current position at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner for a number of years. I've seen people come and go, and have forged good relations with many of my co-workers. Those who have been here for a long period of time, and in some cases longer than me, aren't just co-workers, but are my work family. We've seen highs and lows together, joked around, and worked hard together. We have special dynamics in which we don't even have to talk sometimes. Instead we know simply by a nod, gesture, look, or where we're at in our work what each other needs next. Things are so smoothed out that we get things done quickly, and properly with little need to ask questions. Plus there's a certain comfort in coming in, and on a given day, seeing whose there and knowing what kind of day you'll have.

My time here is winding down though. This is my last week here, with Sunday being my last working day. While some of the relationships I've forged I know will continue into the future, others will undoubtedly come to an end. Not because we want it too, but rather because that's life. We'll think of each other from time to time, but that's where the buck with stop. So while I'll miss my family here at the OMI, I look forward to the new one I'll find waiting at my new position with T-Mobile Tech Support.

Leaving is bitter-sweet. But eventually we all part ways.

Life: Self Respect

Time for some of my views on self respect. No, you don't have to agree with it all as these are my opinions.

Unless you're Hugh Hefner, you have no business wearing your pajamas out of the house. Not even to Walmart. On the same note, you are a disgrace if you let your kids wear theirs to school.

If you don't have a job, then it's your job to get one. Nobody is going to just show up and give you one. Get your butt up, get cleaned up, and start submitting applications. If you don't work, and contribute your part to society, your opinion doesn't matter.

If you're in a bar, the only business you have on a phone is finding a sober ride home, or calling 911 in case of an emergency. Turn that thing off.

If you're having a conversation or dinner with someone, put down your cell phone and look them in the eye.

If your kid can't handle the responsibility of a cell phone, they sure as hell can't handle the responsibility of a car.

If your kid is sagging their pants, it's a reflection of you as a parent. Fix them.

Duck faces are about as cute as a bird crapping on your car. Smile, or put the camera away.

Don't take pictures of yourself in the bathroom. Nothing about you will change in the time it takes you to go to another room, or find someone else to take your picture.

Teach your kid what "no" means today. Otherwise you're setting them up for a lifetime of disappointment.

Brush your teeth.

Be yourself, not what the media says is the in thing.

If you don't vote, don't say anything. You're opinion is null and void until you start voting.

Learn chicken poop versus chicken salad.

If you're 20 or older, and still live at home....move. The only reasons you should still be living there is to save $$$ while you go to school, care for an old/sick parent, because you're mentally incompetent, or are going through a divorce and need a couple weeks to find a new place. Get out, and grow up!

Nobody is above flipping burgers.

If you can't afford rent or a mortgage, you can't afford cable. Turn it off.

If you're on food stamps and/or welfare, you do not need a smart phone. Turn off your iphone, android, blackberry, windows phone, etc.