Resolution, Revelation...Revolution

So...I'm finally back to work now.  I can't tell if I feel good or if I feel bad.  Actually? I believe I just feel.  That's it.  I  just "feel".

Nothing special one way or the other.  I guess I'm glad to be back just to be sure they haven't given my job over to somebody else.  Yeah... I just needed to be sure it was still there (and to just "feel").  Ear's better though.  One more appointment and I will be all shored up. 

And now... on to the subject of today's entry:  You know how each year we resolve ourselves to do something?  You know, we resolve ourselves to lose weight or save more money or make our beds everyday- even.  There is always something.

The new year looms and we make up a half-assed resolution to make ourselves feel better.  Don't get me wrong.  It's not that I don't believe in resolutions, it's just that I believe deep down that we don't actually believe we'll achieve them when we make them.

In some strange, warped way, a resolution it not really a goal in our minds (eventhough technically in it's truest form it is).  We have made them (proclaimed may be more appropriate) then broken them so often that the actual "tradition" of the resolution is to make it, then break it.  No one ever really carries through with a resolution.  I've come to believe it's psychological.

We are conditioned.  It's the word "resolution"  itself that's the culprit.  We subconsciously associate "resolution" with quitting or not following through.  We are conditioned (bless our little hearts).

 Now, if we were to call them goals and set target dates, that would be a different animal altogether.  A goal implies accountability.  You may let someone down if  you don't achieve your goal.  Whereas if you break your New Year's Resolution- no one would really give a shit nor would they hold you accountable. 

You would be scot free.  Invariably getting by unscathed.  And quite fortunate to not have the judgmental - you failed gaze of friends and family.  They would all understand.  After all, it was merely a resolution.  You get no condemnation for breaking a resolution- you're expected to. 

So why do we make them?  Tradition.  That would be the proverbial long and short of it.  We make New Year's Resolutions because it's just what ya do at the beginning of a new year.   We make resolutions because everybody else does.  And we break them because everybody else does.  Both are equally expected.

True goals are left for planning in the latter part of the year (or worse yet when we're pressed for time and/or need to make others think we've changed).  Which brings me to the "Revelation" portion of today's entry:  I have discovered that if we make our resolutions quietly, within the confines of our own heart that we would fare much better at seeing them through to fruition.

Our secret (unattainable) resolutions would be safely tucked away in our psyches.  We would be free to make, break and start anew as freely as we pleased.  Liberating huh?  This is the  revelation of the resolution - keep it to yourself.  It's easier that way.

Which brings me to the revolution of this entry:  In order to really be successful when it comes to resolutions - one must take the bull, that is your life, by horns (with a firm grip) and not let go.  You have to scream at the top of your lungs, say you're mad as hell and that you're not gonna take it anymore- then start your own private revolution to create change in your life.

The drama of your own private revolution will stir something deep within.  And maybe, just maybe your resolution will be transformed into a goal with a real focus.  Thus rendering it attainable.  The year is still young.  You have time.  Get ta steppin'!

Be Well

Random Thoughts 2012

Life really is what you make of it.
If you treat people shitty, the shittiness will most definitely come back on you.
Your cat really does love you.  It just shows it differently than dogs.
The "Man vs. Food" Guy eats way too much.  When did eating extremely oversized portions become something to be proud of?
Believe in something. Because, in this life, you'll need something to look up to and directly at.
Giving up is an option as well.  And although you'll be doing it your way- it won't get you to your goal.
People who think too much of themselves are probably overthinking the subject.
The mute button should work on humans.
Strive to be kind to others.
Laughter really is the best medicine.
Everything will be alright in the end.  If it's not alright, it's not the end.

Be Well

The elephants...

You know?  The elephants really are showing their true colors - yet again.  It's sad to see, pretty tiring and highly effective.  I thought it was patently clear that the America we live in TODAY is not just black and white.  There are many shades of gray in between. 

The simpler times of the 40's, 50's and 60's have all but gone the way of the buffalo.  We live and breathe in the Matrix these days.  The elephants are making like ostriches, sticking their heads in the sand- when convenient.

It seems the elephants are always using people of color as scapegoats when they want to get elected to office- praying on the fears of the elderly and "fringely" (for lack of a better term) and leaning on age old stereotypes. 

And what's more amazing is the fact that: 

1.  They thinks it's okay to be two-faced  and crooked
2.  They think the people in the room are the only ones listening

             ***************NEWS FLASH***********
There is always someone listening that the elephants either dismiss or think is not paying attention. 

           ***********END OF NEWS FLASH*********


Watching the elephants back peddle and side step is comical.  The sad part is there's a segment of our society that actually believes all that double-speak (That's PC for bullshit).

                      **********NEWS FLASH #2**********
What's done in the dark will always come to light and in most cases, when least expected (Thankfully we have the light). 

          **********END OF NEWS FLASH #2*********


Look at what happened to Herman Cain.  Look at what happened to Jerry Rice and former President Clinton.  Look what happened to the guy who played Kramer on the Jerry Seinfeld Show.  Micheal something or another (Yeah...that guy). 

Okay, so the Kramer guy WAS a bit more out there and his antics and racist slurs were recorded by more than just one person but, let's face it... in this technological day and age you can't just say whatever your crooked little evil heart desires and get away with it.   It doesn't work like that anymore.  Because there are more good hearted people interested in things being fair and equitable.

I never cease to be amazed by the elephants.  They should not be allowed to come to power until they have sufficiently come to grips with the following:
1.  Gay Marriage
2.  A woman's right to choose (otherwise known as abortion)
3.  Interracial Marriage
4.  Equal pay for equal work
5.  Fair housing practices
6.  Healthcare for all
7.  Fair taxes for all

This is not an exhaustive list.  It's merely a start.

If the elephants were in Kindergarten, the note sent home from their teacher would read:

Runs with scissors
Talks too much in class
Refuses to take naps at the appropriate time
Throws tantrums and says things like "You're not the boss of me"
DOES NOT PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS

Honestly?  They really should look into getting a different mascot.  But what animal could they pick?  I'm leaning towards the snake but even the lowly snake has a modicom of redemptive value. 

Be Well

The Storyteller...

If you've been paying attention, you know that I have been out sick this week.  I've been keeping myself occupied between doctor's appointments with movies.  Movies that I have in my collection that I haven't yet watched.

I love the muppets and some years ago I bought "The Storyteller" collection by Jim Henson.  The first DVD is on Greek Mythology and the second is based upon tales from Russia, Germany and England.  The technology, though cutting edge at the time of the films creation, seems a bit crude and out dated by today's standards but it was entertaining just the same.

When I started the first DVD, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very young Michael Gambon as host. If you know your actors and you're a Harry Potter fan, you know he played Albus Dumbledore after Richard Harris passed away.  It's funny how things go huh? 

His voice sounded the same and as he hosted the Storyteller I imagined him speaking to Harry.  It was neat.  Now I know I can come off as being cranky at times and a bit cynical but I do believe in the magic of things.  And I do believe in the good in people and the triumph of the human spirit- in general.

It just seems lately that I'm surrounded by people who just do not believe in the magic of things.  That's taxing on a soul such as myself.  It's hard trying to lift 102 spirits (while keeping your own above water).

Okay, so that is my explanation for going off on a Harry Potter/Dumbledore tangent.  I did it because I can.  And because I believe in the magic of things.  Now... back to "The Storyteller".

Did I mention that I think Jim Henson was a genius? The Muppet Show was a favorite of mine.  I never missed an episode.  And now when I watch it, I get the adult humor more (which makes is even more fun to watch).  If you're a Jim Henson fan I would suggest you pick up "The Storyteller" for your collection. 

It's not the Dark Crystal (which was way before it's time) but well worth adding to your collection.  The best place by the fire is reserved for the Storyteller...

Be Well

Starting off slow...

So today I was supposed to return to work all bright eyed and bushy tailed.  Unfortunately, it was not to be.  An ear infection coupled with TMJ has thrown me for a loop.  The doctor didn't seem too concerned when he handed down the diagnosis so I won't worry either.

It's a bit more painful than I expected and I can hardly chew my food (which is a real bummer).  Talking isn't much fun either as I am having to give up certain expressions altogether for the time being (which is a real bummer).  Luckily, I still have my thoughts (which go unhindered) and the ability to type.

 It's not a bad deal but,  I do have to say that I have effectively ruled out
Spa World and it's Bade Pools.  The prospect of any kind of liquid (yuck) getting into my ear canal other than the water from my own bathroom grosses me out.  Not to mention the fact of having to administer 4 drops, every 4 hours, 4 times a day.  So here I sit, hungry, wondering what in the hell I'm going to eat, head tilted to the side as I type. 

This kinda sucks. And the very last thing I feel like doing is dealing with people who just don't get it (otherwise known as dumb asses that make dumb requests and ask dumb questions).  I know this is going on at work because I have checked my email.  You know?  No matter how many times you tell a person - "Hey, I am NOT the POC for that particular thing that you're asking me about."  They still keep coming back with the same question- as if they're stuck in a groove and your name is the only one they know.

This is doubly irritating when you're not feeling well.  It just makes me want to go off in about 10 different directions.  But then you can't say that kind of thing without burning a bridge, hurting someone's feelings or making yourself look like a complete jerk.  This is why I blog.  I can tell you anything.

Thanks for listening...Be Well

It's January 2012...Do you know where your life is headed?

So, it's January 2012.  This is the Age of  Aquarius and the year of the end of the Mayan Calendar.  I think people may be losing their minds this year too.  But doesn't history repeat itself?  Haven't we been down this road before?  It seems folks are always looking, searching for something.  Some thing to explain what happened to them in their lives.  We're always looking outside ourselves for the answer- any answer other than the one we know to be true.

Why do we do that to ourselves?  Maybe that is the question we need to be asking.  Why does it always have to be something or somebody elses fault for why you're so fucked up?  Can you (for once) look at yourself in  a mirror and say "I have some responsibility in all this shit"?

I know it's hard but, things might start getting easier after that.  You may not even believe it initially but remember Grasshopper, practice makes perfect.  But then again, if you take responsibility or blame of any kind, that would technically make you less of a victim.  Then who would you be? 

God, you've been telling your story to yourself and others for so long that you actually believe that shit.  Newsflash...the people you're telling your story to have heard it so many times that they can predict the precise moment you're about to launch into telling it - yet again.  That's code for - they're damn sick and tired of hearing it.  You have a label.  A neon sign if you will.  They see you coming when you're a mile away.  You and your story.

Any plans on switching out your tape soon?  If the Mayan Calendar can end this year, maybe, just maybe, a change in your story might be in order. 

It's January 2012... Do you know where your life is headed?

Be Well