The (Sweet) Meaning of Life

I must have been about three years old.  Those were the days when, to raise a family, only one parent had to work.  My father worked in the aerospace industry and my mother stayed home with me and my two sisters.

We had a three-bedroom home with a black and white TV (we received about seven channels).  We had a lawn in the back yard and the same in the front.  In those days we could play outside, unattended, while Mom did household chores.  If we went to the neighbor’s house we were then under the care of that mom.  Those were halcyon days.  Sitting with a PB&J leaning limply in my little hand, watching Continue reading

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Opening Day

April 4, 2012 was Opening Day of baseball season and in the evening I found myself at a T-ball game at the local Little League Field.  The significance of going to a game to watch some five-year-old’s play the first baseball game of their lives was not lost on me.

When I was young, we didn’t have t-ball.  You waited until you were nine-years-old and tried out to play real baseball.  My first year of tryouts did not go well.  My father was going through a period at work during which he had to work on Saturdays.  I think we only had one Continue reading

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A Thousand Cuts

In my ongoing efforts to get out of my rut and out the door to do something, I accepted an invitation from my friend Gene Pietragallo (The Encore of Tony Duran) to join him and his girlfriend Joanna at the Palm Springs International Film Festival premiere of A Thousand Cuts.

I have been “Facebook friends” with producer Kim Waltrip for about a year and have yet to be able to see one of her films.  This was the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy an evening and I was Continue reading

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Forcing Myself Out of My Rut

I heard it said once that a “rut is just a grave without ends…”  That, to a point and perfectly, describes my life in recent months.  In the past I’ve espoused a philosophy of never again taking a job simply because I need the money.  Then I turn right around and do just that.  Other than the time I tried my hand at selling cars, this could be the worst job I’ve ever had.

As a youth, I remember thinking that I never wanted to have a “nine to five” job.  I recall saying it out loud several times while I was Continue reading

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Tired of Getting it Wrong

I’m just growing tired of getting it wrong.  Even as I write this, and contemplate how I’ll describe my thoughts to you, I’m getting pissed.

I am frustrated and saddened by my inability to control my thoughts and feelings.  I am discouraged with my failure to let the thoughts and opinions of others roll off my back.

I struggle daily with the words of Continue reading

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Attempting to be Like the Younger Crowd

I’m trying my best to not to sound like a crotchety old man, but at what point in history did an acceptable answer to the question, “How’s everyone doing?” become “WOOOOOOOOOO!”?

I had the pleasure of attending a family wedding this past weekend in a most beautiful ballroom aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA.  At the reception, the DJ begins, as do they all, with, “How’s everyone doin’ tonight?!!?”

And the majority answers, Continue reading

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Proud to be an American

Everyday, in many ways, I am reminded of the kindness of others.  While there are so many jerks in the world, and worse, the goodness of people is confirmed to me on a daily basis.

Recently, a friend who had emigrated to the United States of America, received his American citizenship.

He is the antithesis of those in this country who Continue reading

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A Most Memorable Fathers Day

On a Saturday evening back in 2008, my oldest son, Mario, was asking what I wanted to do for Father’s Day, the next day.

“You’re working,” I said.

“Yeah, Dad, I tried to comp off for you but, apparently, I was the sixth guy to ask.  I was thinking of doing something after I get off work.”

“Well,” I said.  “What I’d like to do most is come to work with you…” His eyes met mine.  “I promise I won’t say anything, “ I quickly blurted.  “You’re the police officer, not me.  I will sit in the seat and be quiet and I won’t say anything and I’ll do Continue reading

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No Exaggeration!

It isn’t usually good for anyone to use absolutes in conversation.  It is ineffective in arguments and, basically, does no good in any conversation.  Accusations like, “You always…” or “I never…” are rarely true and are not constructive in any disagreement or complaint about another or another situation.

Also using exaggerations—gross or otherwise—cannot help to Continue reading

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Following My First Instinct

With the way our economy has been, I seem to notice more and more homeless people, holding their cardboard signs, begging at intersections or off ramps.  I’m not sure if there are actually more of them of late or that—due to my own financial situation—I am noticing them more.  Recently I have found myself wondering if and when I might find myself in that same situation. Continue reading

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