Resolution time is hear again. Here are my top 5 for the year.
1. I resolve to make my "AB" back into "ABS" again.
2. I will NOT stop going to the gym after Tourist Season (Jan 1-Feb 28). I plan to make it through March this year.
3. If my wife ever asks, "Do you think this outfit makes my butt look big?", I will not respond, "No, your butt makes your butt look big."
4. This year, I resolve to end my pessimistic attitude on life. Nah, that will never happen.
5. I promise to always wear the pants in my house. (That is when she lets me!)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays, Too!
Just about everyone over forty remembers the days of Merry Xmas being plastered all over the store fronts and all over the windows of homes. It was a sight to see, that is until we started to put Christ back into Christmas. It became politically incorrect to use Xmas for Christmas. Now, it seems as though Merry Christmas is under assault and the politically correct greeting is Happy Holidays.
Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays in the view of many Christians is just another way that the secular movements in our society are trying to remove any talk of religion or God from the public forum. However, I am here to point out that my fellow Christians, who are so "up in arms", may indeed be wrong. "X" arose out of the Greek and is used in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Christ. Holiday is a word derived from the Old English word Holy Day. So in essence, both of these sayings which stir up so much emotion with many Christians actually represent in their own way what Christians are trying to preserve.
As if an all knowing and all powerful God could be pushed out of Christmas just by removing the word Christ or the greeting Merry Christmas. If that were the case He would not seem very omnipotent or all knowing to me. Now, I know some of you will say that my rantings above are just my Presbyterian beliefs that come from Calvinism. If I am honest with myself, you are probably correct. But, this year I just want to scream "MERRY XMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS, TOO!"
Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays in the view of many Christians is just another way that the secular movements in our society are trying to remove any talk of religion or God from the public forum. However, I am here to point out that my fellow Christians, who are so "up in arms", may indeed be wrong. "X" arose out of the Greek and is used in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Christ. Holiday is a word derived from the Old English word Holy Day. So in essence, both of these sayings which stir up so much emotion with many Christians actually represent in their own way what Christians are trying to preserve.
As if an all knowing and all powerful God could be pushed out of Christmas just by removing the word Christ or the greeting Merry Christmas. If that were the case He would not seem very omnipotent or all knowing to me. Now, I know some of you will say that my rantings above are just my Presbyterian beliefs that come from Calvinism. If I am honest with myself, you are probably correct. But, this year I just want to scream "MERRY XMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS, TOO!"
Monday, December 15, 2008
Keith Lee gets his degree!
Now, all of you know I am a big Memphis State University (University of Memphis) basketball fan. Also, growing up in West Memphis, one gets a feel for shooting the rock as well. In high school, our basketball team was 60-0 thanks to a group of guys. The team featured Keith Lee, Michael Cage, Aaron Price, and Tim Harrell. There were more players on the team of course, but these were the power players, the franchise players, if you will. Michael Cage and Tim Harrell went on to find there place in the world. Cage played NBA ball for years and led the league in rebounding during his early years. Harrell became a minister after playing NAIA ball in college and earning All American success as well. As for Price and Lee, luck was not so good. Cousins, who took West Memphis to history, landed at Memphis State University. There basketball success is well documented but what happened after is known to a few. Price was later killed and Lee disappeared off the map after a 3 year stint in the NBA.
Over the years, all the true blue fans have wondered about Keith Lee. Where is he? What is he doing? There were sightings from time to time. Rumor has it that he did not like to talk to the media or fans about the "glory days". Perhaps it was the failure to make a long run in the NBA. Perhaps it was the failure to win the NCAA championship when Villanova took it to Memphis. Who knows?
Maybe, after Saturday's graduation, Keith Lee can take the next step in his journey. Keith Lee does not realize that he still has many fans and people who want him to be successful. Keith Lee says he wants to be a coach. Who knows where he will end up? Today, he is a college graduate with a new lease on life. As with basketball, so goes life. Go ahead, Keith, take the ball and dunk it just one more time. You still have it in you!
Over the years, all the true blue fans have wondered about Keith Lee. Where is he? What is he doing? There were sightings from time to time. Rumor has it that he did not like to talk to the media or fans about the "glory days". Perhaps it was the failure to make a long run in the NBA. Perhaps it was the failure to win the NCAA championship when Villanova took it to Memphis. Who knows?
Maybe, after Saturday's graduation, Keith Lee can take the next step in his journey. Keith Lee does not realize that he still has many fans and people who want him to be successful. Keith Lee says he wants to be a coach. Who knows where he will end up? Today, he is a college graduate with a new lease on life. As with basketball, so goes life. Go ahead, Keith, take the ball and dunk it just one more time. You still have it in you!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Grey's/Garry's Anatomy
I must confess that I enjoy the tv show Grey's Anatomy. I like the comraderie of the doctors in the hospital. Hospitals can be a city unto themselves. And yes, they are full of good looking doctors and nurses running around at all hours of the day and night. They can be fun places to work.
Sorry to let you down but this blog is not about McDreamy or McSteamy. It's not about a hot doctor named Izzy. It is more about McForty Four-almost McForty Five to be exact. Boy has life has changed or should I say the old anatomy has changed. No line bifocals for the eyes, anticholesterol meds for the heart, gray hair, thinning hair, and all kinds 0f hair growing out of various parts of the body. Not to mention the pain with running, lifting, and just getting out of bed. The old belt loop keeps getting let out one notch at a time.
With all these changes I wonder where did the old me go? The guy that use to get up at 5:00 am to do boot camp two days a week. The guy who use to lift weights three days a week at 5:00 in the morning and head to work. The guy who could stay up til the wee hours of the morning and head to work the next day revived and ready to go.
Just where did he go?
George Burns said, "You'll know you're old when everything hurts and what doesn't hurt doesn't work." Someone once said, "I think age is a high price to pay for maturity." I can tell you Garry's Anatomy is proof of this.
Sorry to let you down but this blog is not about McDreamy or McSteamy. It's not about a hot doctor named Izzy. It is more about McForty Four-almost McForty Five to be exact. Boy has life has changed or should I say the old anatomy has changed. No line bifocals for the eyes, anticholesterol meds for the heart, gray hair, thinning hair, and all kinds 0f hair growing out of various parts of the body. Not to mention the pain with running, lifting, and just getting out of bed. The old belt loop keeps getting let out one notch at a time.
With all these changes I wonder where did the old me go? The guy that use to get up at 5:00 am to do boot camp two days a week. The guy who use to lift weights three days a week at 5:00 in the morning and head to work. The guy who could stay up til the wee hours of the morning and head to work the next day revived and ready to go.
Just where did he go?
George Burns said, "You'll know you're old when everything hurts and what doesn't hurt doesn't work." Someone once said, "I think age is a high price to pay for maturity." I can tell you Garry's Anatomy is proof of this.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Working Out-To Get Big You Have To Lift Heavy Weights
I enjoy working out and exercise. I just wish I could make more time for it in recent months. I have trained with various individuals and even trainers over the years. They always say, "To Get Big You Have To Lift Heavy Weights." I have always had a physique on the skinny side. Even when gaining weight it was around the waist and not really that much muscle anywhere else. After many years of working out and exercise, I have come up with my own saying...TO GET BIG YOU HAVE TO LIFT HEAVY WEIGHTS, TO LIFT HEAVY WEIGHTS YOU HAVE TO BE BIG.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Joe the Plumber-Used To Be A Doctor!
I know everyone has gotten tired of Ole Joe The Plumber. I am ready for his 10 minutes of fame to end as well. I can not let it end without making a few comments. I heard President Elect Barack Obama make the comment, "How many of you know any plumbers making $250,000 per year?"
What Mr. Obama does not realize is that many small businesses pay taxes on inventory, supplies, and principal paid on loans. So there are many individuals in small business that make $250,000 on their tax returns but take home middle class salaries. One can not pay bills with plumbing pipe, toilets, sinks, and water heaters but one can certainly be taxed on them.
Many of you know my twin is a pediatrician. What you may or may not know is he is not much of a handyman. A few years back, he was repairing a sink and did not turn the water off coming into the house. The pipe broke off and his house began to fill with water. His wife was asleep so she did not hear the good doctor's cries for help.
When, the plumber finished all of the repairs he presented the good doctor with a bill. My brother could not believe the price and began to question the plumber about his fees. That is when the plumber responded, "I used to be a doctor before I became a plumber!"
What Mr. Obama does not realize is that many small businesses pay taxes on inventory, supplies, and principal paid on loans. So there are many individuals in small business that make $250,000 on their tax returns but take home middle class salaries. One can not pay bills with plumbing pipe, toilets, sinks, and water heaters but one can certainly be taxed on them.
Many of you know my twin is a pediatrician. What you may or may not know is he is not much of a handyman. A few years back, he was repairing a sink and did not turn the water off coming into the house. The pipe broke off and his house began to fill with water. His wife was asleep so she did not hear the good doctor's cries for help.
When, the plumber finished all of the repairs he presented the good doctor with a bill. My brother could not believe the price and began to question the plumber about his fees. That is when the plumber responded, "I used to be a doctor before I became a plumber!"
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Politicians-Like You and Me-Could It Really Be?
Every 4 years it is about more government, less government, more taxes, less taxes, life of the unborn, supreme court litmus tests, and dirty campaign ads. Tomorrow we will all wake up Americans. We live in the greatest country in the world. We will wake up with a new president tomorrow who may be republican or democrat. Most of us will go back to work, schools, and churches and work in communion and fellowship with those of like and different views. We will work together with Democrats, Republicans, Christians, Athiests, Muslims, Black, White, Asian, rich, poor, old, young, and all other sorts of people. Although we may not all agree, we will work toward common goals and making this country and our world a better place.
The unfortunate thing about our politicians is that the loosing party will start running for president tomorrow. Rather than getting together to solve the problems that affect the nation, they will hit the television talk shows and radio shows and do everything they can to take down the other party. That is so that they can get their party elected the next election.
I, like most of you, will be going to work tomorrow and going to help as many people as I can. I may not agree with everyone who works around me ideologically, theologically, or politically but tomorrow I will be going to work with them to make this world a better place.
My hope and prayer is that the politicians will wake up tomorrow, that they will go to work with one another in harmony, and that they will get something done to make this world a better place. Then and only then, will politicians truly be...like you and me.
The unfortunate thing about our politicians is that the loosing party will start running for president tomorrow. Rather than getting together to solve the problems that affect the nation, they will hit the television talk shows and radio shows and do everything they can to take down the other party. That is so that they can get their party elected the next election.
I, like most of you, will be going to work tomorrow and going to help as many people as I can. I may not agree with everyone who works around me ideologically, theologically, or politically but tomorrow I will be going to work with them to make this world a better place.
My hope and prayer is that the politicians will wake up tomorrow, that they will go to work with one another in harmony, and that they will get something done to make this world a better place. Then and only then, will politicians truly be...like you and me.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
It's America--Let's Celebrate
No matter where you fall on the spectrum with your political beliefs, this election has been great for the United States. We had a Mormon, an African-American, a 72 year old man, and a woman vying in both parties for president. We also had a woman running for VP coming from the Republican party.
My hope is that after the election, that all the politicians will sit down at the table and come to consensus, and move this great nation forward. We have a great future ahead of us.
This year is what elections are all about. It's America. Let's celebrate the diversity. It is a year where anyone could have been elected president.
My hope is that after the election, that all the politicians will sit down at the table and come to consensus, and move this great nation forward. We have a great future ahead of us.
This year is what elections are all about. It's America. Let's celebrate the diversity. It is a year where anyone could have been elected president.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Problem with Doctors
Doctors are all trained to listen to the patient, but very few really hear what the patient is saying. I suspect this problem plagues many professions.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
EVOLUTION of God...it's black and white?
Morgan Freeman's face and voice have become associated with God in recent years. In the past, George Burns was the face and voice etched in our minds from Hollywood.
I happen to prefer the voice and face of Morgan Freeman. He is a wonderful actor who has made his mark on Hollywood and our hearts. I prefer him because he is black, and many do not presume that the face of God might be black.
If worship is truly suppose to be like a play where we, the participants are the actors, and the minister is the director. Then God is the audience.
Worship styles have changed dramatically over the last 25 years in many churches. We have seen people who used to dress up for worship go to jeans and shorts. We have gone from reverent sanctuaries, to being able to swig coffee while in worship. We have gone from sermons and homilies delivered from the pulpit to PowerPoint presentations. We have gone from hymnals to screens flashing music lyrics and even a bouncing ball on top of the words so you won't get lost. We have seen the emergence of the prosperity gospel where those who have are so because of their beliefs and those who have not need to evaluate their positions. Now, thankfully, we are seeing many churches change from a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ to more of a call to be relationship with others and our world.
With all of this change one has to wonder...when did the taste of the audience change? When did God's taste change? I am not saying the new way is better or worse compared with the old ways, I am just asking the question. With all this change, the Evolution of God would seem to be black and white.
I happen to prefer the voice and face of Morgan Freeman. He is a wonderful actor who has made his mark on Hollywood and our hearts. I prefer him because he is black, and many do not presume that the face of God might be black.
If worship is truly suppose to be like a play where we, the participants are the actors, and the minister is the director. Then God is the audience.
Worship styles have changed dramatically over the last 25 years in many churches. We have seen people who used to dress up for worship go to jeans and shorts. We have gone from reverent sanctuaries, to being able to swig coffee while in worship. We have gone from sermons and homilies delivered from the pulpit to PowerPoint presentations. We have gone from hymnals to screens flashing music lyrics and even a bouncing ball on top of the words so you won't get lost. We have seen the emergence of the prosperity gospel where those who have are so because of their beliefs and those who have not need to evaluate their positions. Now, thankfully, we are seeing many churches change from a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ to more of a call to be relationship with others and our world.
With all of this change one has to wonder...when did the taste of the audience change? When did God's taste change? I am not saying the new way is better or worse compared with the old ways, I am just asking the question. With all this change, the Evolution of God would seem to be black and white.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Fantasy Family
It's fantasy football time and this year I took the plunge for the first time. After picking the best available players in the fantasy draft, I devised a line up that any NFL coach would dream about. It was a good, solid team with high performance numbers from last year's fantasy football league. I knew I would not be number 1 in the league but number 2 or 3 was not going to be bad for a first year player. I was pretty confident in my team.
My wife found out I was playing so she inquired about the game and how it is played. Her response was, "This game sounds great, I think I want a fantasy family." Then came the list of requirements for her "Fantasy Family". Her number 1 pick went to the position of, you guessed it, dad. Number 2 and 3 went to the children and the last pick went to the fantasy dog. Her pick for fantasy dad had great stats. He led the league last year with always being in a good mood when he comes in from work. High numbers on "Honey Do Stats" of course. The fantasy children did what was asked of them and more. The fantasy children were great at helping with the dishes nightly and taking out the trash. The fantasy dog bathed itself and even went outside by itself. What more would a mom need in a fantasy family?
My fantasy football team is 0-5. I hope her fantasy family performs better than my fantasy team!
My wife found out I was playing so she inquired about the game and how it is played. Her response was, "This game sounds great, I think I want a fantasy family." Then came the list of requirements for her "Fantasy Family". Her number 1 pick went to the position of, you guessed it, dad. Number 2 and 3 went to the children and the last pick went to the fantasy dog. Her pick for fantasy dad had great stats. He led the league last year with always being in a good mood when he comes in from work. High numbers on "Honey Do Stats" of course. The fantasy children did what was asked of them and more. The fantasy children were great at helping with the dishes nightly and taking out the trash. The fantasy dog bathed itself and even went outside by itself. What more would a mom need in a fantasy family?
My fantasy football team is 0-5. I hope her fantasy family performs better than my fantasy team!
My First Blog.
Today is my first attempt at blogging. I must confess I am a little nervous. This all came about after a year of so of visiting "Ocular Fusion". Ocular Fusion is a blog which deals with life, family, religion, politics, and other things of the world. Mike the Eyeguy, a fellow optometrist and creator of "Ocular Fusion" has inspired me to go forth with my writings and ramblings.
One of my few quotes is"Never underestimate the influence you as an individual can make in someone else's life." I guess this blog in a small way is one of my many attempts to make a difference in the world, one person at a time.
One of my few quotes is"Never underestimate the influence you as an individual can make in someone else's life." I guess this blog in a small way is one of my many attempts to make a difference in the world, one person at a time.
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