Fireproof your Divorce

A couple of months ago I posted a "Fireproof Your Marriage" snippet on a class we were taking at church. It should have been more aptly named fireproof your divorce. I say this as everyone in the class with exception of my wife and I and one other couple had previous marriage. Hell, the instructor had been married three times.

At one point they asked did God want you to only marry one person, to which my wife responded with resounding and somewhat sarcastic "Yeah". Then it seemed as if the next couple of weeks was spent on how divorcing is ok and seeing why the bible hates gays. Actually that was only one week and there were off color jokes, told by participants and the instructor...not falling in line with my philosophies.

It aggravated me on how they can take such a literal view of the bible in one aspect, defending it with raised voices and looks of disdain, but then warp another part of the bible to better fit their situation. I guess hypocrisy is as true and the bible is true. I know I am guilty of being a hypocrite, but man did that bother me.

We decided after that to skip the last couple of weeks to endeavor upon other adventures.

Texting to the End of the World

So, I know I am not the first person to comment on how texting and the "innovation" of cell phones has marked the beginning of the decline of the American Kid. But, as everything must be beaten until dead before people can understand...allow me to do my part. Besides, my story has less to do with those under the age of 21 and more with adults who are addicted to their phones.

So I can understand the convenience of the text message. It helps to avoid the long conversations and can aid much in the "pick up a gallon of milk before you come home" to-do list, but when it's a substitution for a face to face conversation, then I must draw the line. What is he talking about, you ask?

The other night I went out with a couple of friends to a bar to celebrate a new job/internship. We all sat at the bar, me on the far left and the other two on my right. We were each enjoying a beer and exchanging conversations and catching up on our lives. As I have gotten use to, phones were on the bar and periodically they would receive, reply, and repeat a text message. No big deal, pretty much status quo now a days.

We moved to the pool table for a game. These two, man and woman, with a little history between them, were continually texting. I noticed they were not talking to each other. I figured one was mad or scorned or something that prevented conversation. I causally asked my friend who he was texting...and it was her. There they were less than three feet away from each other, in a bar (a social spot), texting each other. I couldn't be live modern conversation had been degraded to text short hand.

With no ability to read emotion or inflection, entire conversations are had, misinterpreted and friendship/relationships broken from a refusal to dial ten numbers. I was amazed at the "conversation" or lack of, that was happening in front of my eyes. It made the last 45 minutes of the night weird to say the least.

Dog Blogging

I, like many an other bloggers, have a few blogs I peruse a couple times a week. These are mainly local blogs, for example the Highland Restoration Association, Congo Missionaries, My buddy Pat's Blog, and good friends of mine The Delaney Family, to name a few. I also like to check out what is going on with the Shreveport Dog Park. I looked at the blog, only to, yet again, lay my eyes on no new information. I know I am partly to blame. I have the ability, the drive, and the willingness to take this over and to help. I want a dog park for my dog just as much as anyone else. But, I am at a loss.

A couple of months ago, I attended the Green Expo in the new Convention downtown. There was a lady there who had taken over the efforts to get this park up and running. The original mover and shaker bettered herself, and we are happy for her, by accepting a job in New Orleans. I think, however, it probably had something to do with a preexisting dog park and a community who supported it. But, as I have only every communicated with her via email, alas, I shall not know. However, I spoke with the new head of the "coalition." I expressed my desire to help anyway I could. We even specifically talked about the Dog Blog, but I have yet to hear anything. But, I will leave traces of information out there for her to get in touch with me. I won't openly give my information for the Internet world, but hopefully I connect with the right blog readers and I can get a name or a contact. Shreveport needs a Dog Park. This is not something that can wait for a 10 year master plan. For all the Regional and National recognition we have been receiving, it's time we kick it in to high gear and start acting like an Austin, a Boston, or Seattle.

I am going to end this with a picture of my dog, Pico, hopefully he can help those who respond to visual stimuli to get the lead out. Thanks to those who do help and care.

New Blog

I just stared another blog. This one focuses on Hiking and Camping. I hope I have time to update and put forth some effort in maintaining it. If you want to check it out, it's the Louisiana Hiker. The link will also be in the side favorites.

Fireproof Your Marriage

Tonight the wife and I will start a six week study at our church on building a stronger marriage. I initiated this, so I am excited to do it. Six weeks is a long time to devote, but our marriage is worth it. The study is called Fireproof Your Marriage. It's based off the movie Fireproof with Kurt Cameron. We shall see it is worth while or not.

Yeah Bohemians

Found this online news article saying the Highland neighborhood in Shreveport is one of the 15 Up and Coming Neighborhoods. I found the article when I was checking out the HRA blog. This rocks for property value among other things. I knew I liked Highland.

Check out the article here: Business Week Article

Disappointment has a face...actually a Mascot

The cubby bear stands beneath the shadow of goat. No this is not the newest Chinese zodiac, nor a prophetic voodoo ritual. It 100 years come and gone. 100 years with no world series bid. 100 years of disappointment.

This was suppose to be the year. The defense was here. The pitchers were wicked good and deep. The bats were swinging hard. But that just wasn't enough for those flaky west coast dodgers. They swept the Chicago Cubs in a three game series. Damn it!

I've believe this to be the biggest disappointment of 2008. Am I exaggerating? I think not.

Love in Haiku

the glint from my ring

brings a smile to my wife's face

time stands still for me

Hanging in the Hotel Lobby

The car door shuts, the luggage is removed from the trunk, and rhythmically the windshield wipers rock back and forth tossing ice and snow from the bonds of the car. At this point I realize I am in a strange city, alone. I rejoice as I love a good adventure, but my smile gives way to a concentrated grimace as I navigate the icy freeway wondering what is this "black ice" I hear so much about. My 3o mile traverse to my hotel goes off with out any problems. But now it's only too quiet. I have just spent the past week with two other work peers. The jokes, the senseless poking fun at each other, and even the constant, loud talking of one particular one fades into dead silence.

I am comfortable being alone, even for long periods of time I can handle solitude. That doesn't mean I won't strike up a converstation with a stranger for poops and giggles, but I'm ok in the corner by myself. This is were I was, the corner, as the only place I am guaranteed to have an Internet signal in my room is in my bathroom, as fate would have it, near the toilet. So, to save myself the discomfort, well really the seceret embarrassment of sitting on the john, checking my email, I decided to go to the lobby. That's were I was reminded of how blessed I am.

I sat through overheard conversations from a crying mother who's account had been overdrawn by the hotel, a hotel employee who did not have enough gas or any money to get home, and a baby sitter who did not show up. Life is hard, shit happens, and I am reminded of how good I have it and how blessed I am. Public places are good for a pick me up.

Sangano!

If people would only listen more and shut their pie hole, especially when they don't know all, or most, of the details things would go more smoothly. You won't have 30 minute conversations with threats of lawyers and what not. Don't be afraid to listen to everything first. Who are you to think you know it all the first time you talk to me. Jackass!

What does the future hold...

Maybe another, yes another, attempt at keeping up my blog. Hopefully with renewed fever towards documenting the social oddities, I can produce more than a bi-yearly written thought.