Oh, Christmas blog, Oh, Christmas blog...

    Oh, Christmas Blog, Oh, Christmas Blog,  My thoughts are never ending... I'll write until my mind is gone...(some may say I have reached that point already), but I won't stop until I'm done...Oh, Christmas Blog, Oh, Christmas Blog, my thoughts are overflowing!!!  With many apologies to the author of that song...( never was one of my favorites, anyhow), we have reached the seasonal message portion of our continuing blog (Musings from the Desert).

     Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays (take your pick)!  I wish each and every one of my faithful readers and the unfaithful ones, too...(that doesn't sound right...but to me it does!) a joyous and prosperous and safe and wonderful Holiday Season.  As Christmas is now in the rear view mirror, I want to take a minute to share my Holiday musings...I wanted to get them in before the crowds jam into the stores for the after-Christmas riots (I mean sales).  Keeping that Christmas spirit alive by beating on each other for the last half-price blender or CD or whatever useless, unnecessary item catches your fancy.  After a day of family, food and good feelings, it's time to return to the usual idiotic behavior that takes a breather around these holidays.  Am I a cynic? Hell, yes! Am I wrong? Hell, no!  I have done my research...I have gone to the malls after Christmas...(not to shop but to observe the chaos).  It starts in the parking lots where tempers flare and horns blare and eyes glare and I stare (in disbelief) at the vehicular warfare over a parking space!  It's the day after Christmas and fistfights are about to start in a parking lot that has 10,000 spaces too many for the amount of shoppers!  It's Arizona...it's beautiful outside...walk a little, you damn fools!  Peace on Earth and Good Will toward Men...I guess that doesn't pertain to after-Christmas sales and parking lots.

     My Christmas Day was spent working 14 hours of the 24 hour day...(no sympathy please,no "poor me" is intended).  It was my Christmas gift to my co-workers who have families here and so I work to give them some family time.  Do they appreciate it? That's a story for another time. (HA!) Do I care if they appreciate it? No. It makes me feel good and it doesn't cost me anything but some time...(very frugal, don't you think?).  I spent a lot of the work time greeting residence and their families and spreading my unique version of Christmas cheer.  I also spent some time reflecting on the past year and thanking God for the enormous amounts of blessings He has given me.  My health, including the aches and pains of experience (read that as old age), my ability to work and do my job so that I can afford to live here, my eyesight, to take in the beauty of this world and His awesome panorama of sunrises and sunsets, my sense of humor and unique perspective (ask my nieces about this one), my sobriety (without His overwhelming Grace none of this would be possible), my family, Sloca Nation and my sister and her great family, my cousins and aunts and uncles on both sides...(without their love and support my life would be pretty empty), my friends who give me constant joy and support and endless laughs and memories...the list goes on and on, but I hope you see my point.  Christmas isn't about what you get...it's about what you have already.  It's not about presents under the tree (although they are nice), it's about appreciating the presents you already have.  It's about the ultimate gift that God gave us...His Son Jesus.

     It is the time for New Year's resolutions and yes, I would love to lose weight and eat healthier, go to the gym more and get more exercise but those are selfish goals and they should be a part of my everyday life.  I have a resolution that I want to keep this year and work on for the rest of my time here on Earth.  I want to be a better friend.  I want to give more of my time to people who are in need.  I want to strive to appreciate things I have and not complain about my situation.  I want to be a role model.  I want to be more of the man my father was and more of the man my Father in heaven wants me to be.  I want His blessings to continue for me, but I want them to come to you even more. Don't worry...I'll still be the crazy (unique perspective) blogging idiot that I am.  I will still strive to entertain and enlighten while I can and use God's gift of gab (I think I got in this line more than once) in my musings.  Enjoy the rest of the Holiday Season.  Remember those who aren't as blessed and fortunate as we are...Remember our soldiers who can't be home with their families...Remember the "Reason for the Season".  God Bless Us All!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

     No, it's not! It's Arizona...the last couple of days have seen some rain and wind and colder temperatures (for here that is), but it's still paradise-like conditions as we welcome Christmas Day and wind down the end of 2016.  What a year it has been.  A nation divided over an election?  There is still bitterness out there over the election of Donald Trump.  As someone who thinks about things outside the box... (not the ordinary things most people will think about) I must say I am proud that so many people became more involved in the political process...(seriously, scarily flawed that it is and has been for a very long time), but I scratch my beautifully shaved head (Christmas "do" thanks to Harry's Shave Club--shameless plug) that the fight was over a choice of candidates that are seriously and scarily flawed.  A nation that has seen the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and numerous others, lead us into becoming the greatest nation on earth, has been reduced to choosing between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton?  What the hell, America!  The political system is broken, badly, and voting along party lines is an excuse for not having the ability to decide for oneself or worse, not caring enough to research the candidates and issues and making an informed decision.  The choice has been made for the next four years.  Let's do what Americans have done in the past and what we do best in times of turmoil...join together and work together to make the best of a not so great situation.  Screw the Republican Party and screw the Democratic Party.  They are only out for themselves and keeping the corrupt, overpaid jobs that they have held forever.  Let's stop the "poor me" victim mentality and attack the root of the problem...political parties and the mainstream media driving a wedge between us to keep change from actually happening.  Let's work together to increase voter awareness and voter turn-out and investigate voter fraud and hold the political machines responsible for the mess they created.  Term limits for government, end the lifetime salaries and benefits and redirect the money to DOMESTIC programs.  Cut international aid to countries who hate us and redirect the money to DOMESTIC programs.  Tighten regulations on free money and toss the scammers onto the street and redirect that money to Social Security (where people actually worked for it).

     I have now stepped down from my soapbox to bring the real message I want to send.  Merry Christmas (yes, I said it!), Happy Hanukkah (however you spell it) and Season's Greetings to all in the blog universe.  My love and prayers go out for all to have a safe, wonderful holiday season.  May those who are travelling have safe and delay-free trips to loved ones.  Please remember those who are working these days...(myself included) but especially our men and women in the Armed Forces who can't be with their families this Christmas.  Please remember the reason for the season and put Christ and God back into our everyday lives.  As a recovering alcoholic, this season holds great and awful memories for me. Remember the expression "There but for the Grace of God, go I" and be glad for the gifts you receive everyday...Waking up, getting out of bed, your health, your job, and your ability to afford to celebrate the Christmas Season.  Remember those who don't have the simple pleasures we take for granted...hot water, a roof over our heads, money in our pockets. Let's make 2017 a year for healing...let's right the ship and make it the best year ever.  My prayers are for you to have continued success and a happy and healthy and blessings filled New Year.  God Bless Us All!

Working on the night moves...

     Yes, ladies and gentleman, as Bob Seeger put it, I am working on the night moves... again.  As my faithful readers are aware...(and I hope I have some faithful readers), I began my job at the golf course community working the overnight shift (10pm-6am) and then switched to evenings (2pm-10pm).  I am now back on the overnight shift, temporarily, to cover vacation and a surgery...(from the same employee).  He always takes off the week after Christmas and recently found out that he has to have heart bypass surgery, so I volunteered (yes, volunteered) to cover his shift while he is away.  I won't know how long it will be until after the 15th (he meets with his surgeon) but I started working the "graveyard" shift 2 days ago.  It will be better this time because I know how it is and am better prepared for the rigors (boredom) of night shift.  Sleep deprivation will not be an issue this time.  And I am already enjoying the fruits of being awake at dawn...(early morning walks and bike rides and plenty of golf practice).  Unless something awful happens to my colleague, he plans to return and I will shift back to evening shift.  Change is good and variety is the spice of life.  I have several books, movies and crossword puzzles waiting to be read, watched and solved, respectively, so my time will not be spent staring at the road praying someone comes in.

     The amazing aspect of this move...(besides having me actually volunteer for it...pretty amazing in itself!) was the reaction I got from the HR director, the Security Director and my immediate boss.  Each one looked at me in disbelief and asked if I was sure I wanted to do it.  I explained that this would be the best move for everyone involved because there are two rookies on the shift and they needed someone experienced to cover when the supervisor was off.  It also freed up the assistant director to work during the day and cover the daytime shifts when 3 people are needed more than overnight.  I think that they couldn't believe that someone would actually volunteer to change their schedule for the "good of the company" which sheds a light on the other people working in my department (and not a bright shiny one).  Which is why I have the opportunity to work overtime. No one else would step up and work some extra hours? Where is the work ethic and team concept? We all work in the same department but it's shift vs. shift, complete with self-important drama and petty issues that make me laugh.  The over abundance of ISOS (Inflated Sense Of Self) makes me laugh also and I feed the controversies at every opportunity...(for my personal amusement. I LOVE my job!)  Which is why I got the reaction I did when I volunteered to change shifts.  Kind of sad, actually.  And then there were the questions...Are you insane? (of course, Duh!) How much are they paying you extra? (Nothing,,,I told them to remember my generosity at raise time). Why? (because it needed to be done and I volunteered).  You're crazy! (See above).  

     I have been working a long time and it's a shame that the work ethic and commitment to your job that I learned from my Dad seems to be falling by he wayside.  Pride in your effort (showing up on time, looking presentable, going the extra mile) is replaced by doing just enough to get your paycheck, showing up just before shift change, and refusing to do anything outside the job description.  A sad commentary on the state of the work force these days.  Screw them!   I'm a company man and go the extra mile and I will enjoy my time on the graveyard shift.  Have a great and wonderful weekend!

Guess who just got back today?...

     Guess who just got back today? That wild-idea boy that had been away. Haven't changed that much to say, but man, I think that cat is crazy.  The boy is back to blog, the boy is back to blog. The boy is back!

     Many apologies to Thin Lizzy for the lyrical manipulations, but I needed to return to the blog-waves because it has been a long time since we spoke...(I type, you read...you know what I mean!). 

Some personal notes before I begin my rant...I have re-upped at my apartment for another year.  I was thinking of moving closer to work, but the more I investigated the more convinced I became that staying here was the better choice.  For the money I pay here, there was nothing really comparable out there...(all apartments were either smaller or no fireplace, no balcony, or not enough amenities). 

So I paid a small increase but negotiated a new(er) stove and refrigerator for the place and here I am for another year.  It really is a great neighborhood, the apartment staff is great and I can walk or bike to most stores, post office, coffee places...(gotta have that coffee) and I have a park across the street and riding and walking trails all around.  A sound decision on my part...(look at me making a good decision!).  I am still single...(another good decision, look who's on a roll!).  Dating every now and then but the dating world is a crazy place and I include myself in there.  You would not believe what is out there in the online dating world.  I have decided to "Let Go and Let God". He has kept me alive for this long and whatever He decides is okay with me.  I will keep an open mind and open heart. And lastly, I continue my ban on television in my apartment.  I refuse to watch the garbage that is being displayed as programming and the crap that they call "news".  Which brings me to other things...

     And now on to other things.  I am not a political person and do not wish to use this blog as a soapbox to preach, but I do use this blog to get things off my chest and the events of the last few months have left a heavy weight on my chest.  These are my opinions and I need to voice them. The election continues to tear apart the country and I am amazed that people don't realize that they are all being manipulated by the political party machines and mainstream media.  The idea is to keep us divided so that nothing will upset the status quo and needed changes will never occur because the two sides will never agree on anything.  You want to mad at someone? Don't be mad at the voters who exercised their rights, be mad at the ones who DIDN'T vote but complain the loudest.  Be mad at the political parties for giving us the lame list of candidates to choose from.  Be mad at the mainstream media for airing nothing but hate and "news" that angers and spreads ill will between people.  How can we be the United States of America when the "political system" is set up to keep us apart?  The political party system is corrupt and evil that nothing we need to do to make this country better will ever get done.  The Democrats will fight against anything the Republicans propose so that in four years they can say the Trump didn't accomplish anything so the Democratic candidate is the best option.  The Republicans will fight against anything the Democrats propose because it wasn't their idea.  Is it just me or is this not what is going on?  In the meantime, elected officials receive benefits and salaries for life while veterans are given nothing for their service.  Elected officials vote themselves raises but Social Security is running out of money...(how come Welfare never has money problems?

     I voted for Trump because I couldn't vote for four more years of the same thing in a different package.  Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  Am I against a woman President? No. I believe a woman is qualified to do the job, but not that woman.  Am I Republican who votes blindly along party lines because that's what I'm told to do? No. I am an America First man who believes that our country should come first in all issues.  Am I a rich man who wants to keep everything the same so that rich people control everything? Hell, no.  I am a poor working (over working) man who believes this country should be run like a business and who better to run it than a businessman.  Is he the Savior? No.  Is is Hitler reincarnate? Please, people, give me a fucking break!  Is he a flawed, brash, pompous at times, sticks his foot in his mouth kind of guy? Yes. Am I?  Yes. Will America fall to ruin under his Presidency?  We're already headed there thank you very much. I am willing to give him a chance, just like I've given every other President in my lifetime...(even the ones I didn't vote for!)  He won the election.  He is my President...(and he's yours too) and I will support him because he represents the greatest country in the world and America deserves my support.  

     So all you protesting (and I acknowledge your right to do so), entitled, non-working, whining a-holes who didn't vote... time to put down your signs and put on your big boy and big girl pants, get out of your parent's house, get a job and make a contribution to the society that supports your deadbeat asses.  America is great.  We need to join together to keep it that way.  Let's fight the right fights...let's trim the fat of useless government.  Let's establish term limits for Congress and repeal lifetime salaries and benefits...Let's revamp where our money goes and cut off aid to countries who hate us...and re-inject it into domestic programs to aid OUR people.  Let's create jobs for those willing to work and tighten requirements for those abusing the free money programs.  I can go on and on but I hope you get my drift.  GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT...

     Me mind on fire, me soul on fire, feelin' hot, hot, hot!  Sweaty people, all around me, feelin' hot, hot, hot!  I'm hot, you're hot, he's hot, she's hot! People in the desert, hot, hot, hot...People in the Valley, hot, hot, hot...I'm hot, you're hot, he's hot, she's hot! Real hot, real hot, real hot, real hot! How you feelin'? HOT, HOT, HOT!!
   
     Apologies to Buster Poindexter for customizing the lyrics to his song, but it pretty much sums up the weather here in the Valley of the Sun.  I returned from vacation to Virginia and Pennsylvania (more about that in a separate blog).  Dry heat, shmy heat...it's hot!  We have been solidly in the 100's and 110+ for the week I have been back.  This week we have cooled back into the 90's but with monsoon humidity and storms in the forecast.  This is by no means a whine on my part.  I love the summers here.  It can't get too hot for me...(although Mother Nature is trying her best!).  The storms and lightning shows are spectacular...(as long as you're not driving in them).  They hit fast and hard with micro-bursts and multiple lightning strikes and torrential downpours and flash floods, but if you are able to sit and watch it truly is an amazing display of nature's fury.  Lots of alarm calls from strong winds and driving rain and trees being relocated (not many), but since most of the members are away, not too much danger.  And while we "chill" with the lower temperatures, it comes with increased humidity (ok, that was a whine) and we return to 100+ next weekend.

     I am more than willing to endure this crazy heat and monsoon season for the three or four months that it is around in order to enjoy the eight plus months where the Valley is truly a paradise of sunshine and beauty.  The opportunity to play golf year round, to enjoy the outdoors riding my bicycle or hiking the trails, to not use the heat in my apartment while leaving the windows open with an occasional fire going in the fireplace...it really doesn't get any better than this.  T-shirts and shorts during the day and sweatshirts and jeans at night.  A bright sun and blue skies during the day and a blanket of stars overhead at night. I once again invite (although the invitation is always there) anyone to come down to the desert and escape the rainy, snowy, and dreary winters that I endured growing up back East.  If you miss the snow we can visit it here...(a 2 hour drive up to Flagstaff where winter still exists).  We won't have to waste time shoveling out the car or scraping the windshield.  You can bring a bathing suit in February to swim.  The golf courses are lush and green and filled with our friends (the snowbirds) but there are so many courses there is always opportunity to play.

     In the meantime I will sweat the good sweat at work and play until paradise returns to the Valley...My work schedules are overflowing because the Convention Center season is about to get underway and overtime is available at Desert Highlands... (Lots of work. What else is new?).  But do not worry about me.  I still have plenty of time for me to pursue my hobbies.  Good to talk to you again.  Enjoy summer where you are,  Talk to you soon...  THE HEAT IS ON!

     

Happy Birthday, America!!

     Happy birthday to the greatest country in the world...(my own opinion and that's the only one that counts).  240 years young and going strong.  Going to introduce or re-introduce some thoughts and expressions that are being lost because political correctness (a concept foreign to me and straight up bull*&%t) is rearing its ugly head and banning things we hold dear.

     1. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, UNDER GOD, with liberty and justice for all.  Gone from the schools (along with prayer) and gone with it a sense of patriotism and pride in our country.  The United States was always considered a "melting pot" of all peoples, but the pot has lost its heat.  Melting pot means all go in and melt together to form as one cohesive unit and one strong country, free to follow (not impose) their religious beliefs and live under the laws of this nation.  We are all Americans, first and foremost, and our country and its people should come first in all things.  We send money to countries that hate us while people here starve, while our veterans...(who fought to preserve our freedom) are neglected and forgotten.  Hard working, tax-paying citizens are crushed by financial hardships while we reward the lazy, non-working people free money, housing and healthcare.

    2. In God We Trust...it's still on the money (at least today it is) but it is being fazed out of everything else.  Don't we trust God anymore? Is it so wrong to believe in God these days?... Is it that offensive?  If there is freedom of religion then why is God being impeached?  I know for a fact that I am alive today by the Grace of God and that belief keeps me going on the path that I am on now...(I think it's a good path anyway).  God knows how I survived all those years before He finally showed me the light (and I finally looked for it) and started on the sobriety journey.  God never gives you more than you can handle (boy, He had a lot more faith in me than I did, because He gave me a lot to handle), but I trusted in Him to give me the strength and here I am today.

     3.  GOD Bless America, land that I love...Stand beside her, and guide her through the night with the Light from Above...From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam... God bless America, my home, sweet home...God Bless America, my home, sweet home.  Pretty much says it all.  Thankful to Major League Baseball for still singing it at the ball games in the 7th inning. With chaos and terrorism sweeping across the world, we need to remain patriotic and show pride that we are lucky (blessed) to live in this country.  We take so much for granted..."there but for the Grace of God, go I."  We need to stand together, as AMERICANS, and keep our land strong and free and out of the hands of those that will take away our liberties and freedoms.

     4.  God bless you.  When did a response to a sneeze become offensive?  Why do people react in shock these days to a simple act of respect or kindness?  Holding a door for someone...giving up your seat for someone else...letting someone in line ahead of you...saying "thank you" and "you're welcome"...watching where you are going (damn cellphones!)...What the heck is wrong with you people.  I thank GOD I live in a country where I can act like a human being (even if others don't deserve it).  As they say in H&R Block commercial..."WAKE UP AMERICA!"

    Happy Birthday, America!  Please remember all the lives lost to bring this country into being and all the lives lost to keep it going today.  Thanks to all our veterans who have served and all those who serve today...We can't thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made and make every single day to preserve our way of life in the greatest country on Earth.  GOD BLESS AMERICA and God Bless you all!

Catch up if you can...

     Once again I find that too much time has passed between blogs.  Despite all my good intentions, I can't seem to sit still long enough to put my cornucopia of thoughts into blogs...it's not that I don't have time (I work a lot, but there is still time to do other things).  Distraction is a menace which I have little control over...(ooo, something shiny!). Where was I? Oh, yeah, talking about distraction.  But here I am again at the keyboard to try to catch from the last time I spoke to you.

     Much is going on in my world, but the major event was the weekend I got to spend with my niece Veronica (aka Vee or Ronnie) and my adopted "niece" Casey...(Vee's best friend).  As you all know, I work Phoenix Comicon nearly every year and last year I invited Vee to bring a friend out and stay at my place and go to the convention...(if it was okay with the parents and didn't conflict with school). And they flew out and arrived on June 1.  Thursday we went to the Convention Center, got our tickets and walked around for hours marveling at the booths and I showed them the layout of where things were and so forth. Friday was dress up day...Vee was dressed as one of the characters from a cartoon she watches called Gravity Falls (Mabel) and I went as Doctor Evil from the Austin Powers movies...(making full use of my beautiful shaved head).  They wanted to go to some panel discussions and meet up groups so I turned them loose and I walked around and had a blast!  I got many requests for pictures and posed with a bunch of people and had a great time.  The girls still had things to do so I left and had some lunch and returned when they called, picked them up, and we had dinner together and compared pictures and stories.  I asked them if they were okay to be on their own on Saturday...(they had a full day of events planned) because it was supposed to be REALLY hot and I wanted to play golf.  I dropped them off and hit the links...it was 115 degrees when I teed off at 2:30 pm and 117 degrees when I started the back nine...(a new heat record! smashing the old record by 4 degrees).  There was a breeze blowing, but in the true spirit of "dry" heat, it felt like opening the oven door after preheating to 400.  I was able to "survive" the round, get home and shower, pick up the girls (who had another great day) take them to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and whisk them to the airport to catch a 1:15 AM! flight back home on Sunday morning.  It was a very fast visit but we all had a terrific time.

     I couldn't help but be impressed how much the "girls" (young women) have grown up.  They are at the age where they are responsible, smart, and watchful of their surroundings but still young enough to enjoy the wonders of fantasy and costume wearing.  I can't give enough credit to their parents...(Craig and Sheryl and Jim and Terry) for raising two beautiful, funny, smart and kind young women.  I absolutely enjoyed every minute they were here and I told them that if they wanted to make Comicon an annual event they were welcome to come out and stay with me.  They indulged the old man and made it a wonderful and memorable adventure for me.  Thanks, girls!!

     More to come...unless something shiny comes by... (ADHD is a full time job!)  Take care of yourselves.

Can't believe I'm at a loss for words...

     That can't be the reason why it takes me so long between blogs... (I have never been at a loss for words).  There are some who would like that to happen, but how entertaining would that be?  The reason for this lull is that I have been busy enjoying myself on several fronts... Reconnected with Victor during March Madness.  Congrats to Vic the Geek for winning the pool and Villanova for winning the National Championship.  I miss Big East basketball. Not the watered-down version of today, but yesteryear with Syracuse, Georgetown, Villanova, Seton Hall, Providence, St. John's, UConn etc., the coaches Jim Boeheim, John Thompson, Rollie Massimino, P.J. Carlisimo, Rick Pitino, Lou Carneseca, Jim Calhoun and the players Derek Coleman, Pearl Washington, Carmelo Anthonyof Syracuse, Pat Ewing, Dkembe Motumbo, Allen Iverson of Georgetown, Ed Pinckney, Randy Foye, Ryan Arcidiacono of Villanova, Anthony Avent, Sam Dalembert, Mark Bryant of Seton Hall, Ernie DiGregorio, Marvin Barnes, Austin Croshere of Providence, Chris Mullin, Malik Sealy, Walter Berry of St. John's, Ray Allen, Kemba Walker, and Richard Hamilton of UConn.  It's hard to keep track these days of what schools are in what Conference, especially since I don't watch TV anymore...

     The Television Ban has reached eight months and counting.  I do not miss it one bit and don't think I'll be returning to those "airwaves" anytime soon.  There are too many novels and other things to read to occupy my downtime, as well as hobbies and exercise that I truly enjoy.  I have started teaching golf again, offering lessons for a nominal fee.   I call it "Golf Your Way" and the concept is that I watch your swing and offers tweaks and tips to make you better without a complete swing overhaul.  This ensures that good play happens more quickly and increases enjoyment of the game. The fees I earn giving lessons will bolster the greens fee kitty plus it makes me practice more often and improve my own game.  Win-Win is the feeling here. Gets me out of the house and doing what I love and giving back to the game that had a hand in saving my life those many years ago.  I will get into that more later in the month as my sobriety anniversary come around on the 28th of April.

     Getting out of the house has also produced some opportunities in the romantic arena... (it's been a while since this arena has been open...I need to clean out the cobwebs and dust).  I have been speaking and "dating" a couple of women the last few weeks...Nothing serious, just in the incubation stage.  That is all there is to talk about because with my luck with women (be quiet, Sheryl!) who knows how long any of this will last.  I give props to all you married folks out there with some years under your belt...I don't see HOW a woman could put up with me for more than a month or so.  My "unique perspective"(a nicer way of saying crazy), my inability to keep my mouth shut in any situation, and my sarcastic wit tend to rub some people the wrong way... (especially some women I have dated).  But as Popeye said, "I am what I am" so if there's someone for everyone, I will continue the search with open mind and open mouth!  If nothing else it provides entertainment and continuing education on how not to perpetuate a relationship. Wish me luck!

Decisions, decisions, and maybe incisions...

     Welcome back, my friends, to the blog that never ends (at least on my end).  I'm so glad you could attend...Come inside, come inside...With apologies to The Who (arguably in the Top 5 bands of all time) I welcome my readers back to another edition of  what's going on in my world?  There are two givens in the World of Jim.  1) the weather will be spectacular (give or take a day or two per month) and 2) Jim goes to work (almost every day).  We have a situation where the second given is about to take a turn for the best (not a typo).

     A little background, first...If you have kept up with my ramblings (I mean informative blogs) you will remember that I took two vacation days this week on Thursday and Friday so that I could work the LPGA Tournament that is is held here...(meaning four 12+ hour days walking about 8-12 miles per day).  Fun, eh?  Well, I just came off my first 2 day weekend (without work) in about 6 months and boy, was that GREAT!  Two rounds of golf, hanging with my buddy Steve, working around the house, relaxing and catching up on some sleep...This concept of two days off in a row is awesome! So, now I'm thinking if that recharged my batteries, 4 days off would be spectacular.  So, I am deciding whether to call the company I only work a couple of events for and tell them I'm not available this week, keep the vacation days and just enjoy the beautiful weather and an Arizona "stay-cation".  The weather is going to sunny and possibly hitting 90 Thursday through Sunday...(I still say an Arizona weatherman is the easiest job in the world).  That means pool time, corned beef and cabbage...(Thursday is St. Patrick's Day after all) and I think my decision has been made in the last few sentences, don't you?  I will consider this my adult version of spring break and enjoy the hell out of myself.

     Another decision pending is what to do about my hernia...(I have an umbilical hernia).  It doesn't bother me at this writing, but it's not going to heal itself, either.  Finding a doctor is another problem.  I have health insurance through work, but it's not the greatest and the choice of docs is narrow...(plus I'm not looking forward to surgery).  I need to put my big boy pants on and get it handled before prime golf season comes back...(meaning when it is more affordable than now).  That decision is now made (I  LOVE talking to you guys!) and I will use this week to find a doctor and schedule an appointment...(after all, surgery means more paid time off from work...interesting concept).  I have friends who will drive me to and from the surgery and will look in on me during recovery...(one friend offered to let me stay with her while I recovered) but the big question is...(can we say this all together?) how long before I can start playing golf again?   If it's 4-6 weeks, then sooner is better.  It will drive me nuts but I guess I'll have to endure it...(sounds a lot easier than getting sober anyway).

     So, thanks for helping me make these decisions.  I knew it would help to talk it out with you.  Updates to follow...Have a great week and love to all of you...

March Madness isn't always the first...

     March Madness isn't always the first thing you think it is...Of course it relates to the NCAA College basketball tournament, but here in the Valley of the Sun, it has some different meanings

     March signals the start of Spring Training baseball games (good thing), an increase in revenue dollars across the state (good thing), increased celebrity sightings (good thing) and a plethora of snowbirds (very, very bad thing).  I now understand how people who live at the Jersey shore year round feel when summer rolls around and they are "invaded" by the summer rental people or Bennies.  Not only are these out-of-towners everywhere. they clog the highways, venues, shopping areas, and restaurants.  And they all seem to be enlisted in the new wave of absolute a-hole drivers!
This signals the start of a rant:  When did directional signals become optional?    If you are stupid and do not use them, how are we...(those who possess a brain) supposed to know where you want to go? I. for one, don't understand stupid, so I need an indication of your intent so that I don't kill myself avoiding you.  Another thing...the HOV and left lane are for P-A-S-S-I-N-G, not cruising or talking on your phone or texting...(sorry for spelling. That word is passing!)  Remember in driving school? "Keep right except to pass" or did you win your license in a drawing?!  And learn what YIELD means!  It doesn't mean speed up and cut off the person who has the right of way.  Learn to anticipate when your exit is coming.  I see every day at least one instance of a four lane exit at the last minute on a highway with traffic.  And if you're the a-hole doing it, you don't have the right to get mad at the person(s) you just cut off, because in your mind, its the only exit that will take you to where you go every stinking day!  Leave earlier! Learn an alternate route! HANG UP THE F$#%#G PHONE! I know I sound like an old man. but I want to live, and sure don't want to die on my way to work!

     March signifies the snowbird season in full bloom and you would figure that people who drive in inclement weather when they are not here would be better drivers.  Oh No!  They clog the highways and the golf courses (another reason to be upset) and they cost me 5 times the amount for greens fees to play the same courses I play in the summer for 20 bucks!  It's the "season" for tourist golf...(translate that to lets gouge the tourists and the locals, too).  There ought to be a discount for those of us who brave the summer heat and put money in their pockets year round rather than paying "resort" prices like the tourists. Of course, I still play...but it would be nice not to have to work so much overtime just to play a few rounds of golf.  Will Work for Greens Fees (my motto) means more work less greens fees in March.

     March also signifies the end of winter...Ha! It's been in the 80's here since the middle of February.  I can't remember the last time it rained.  But we are expecting a cold snap Monday (67 for the high) and then back to the 80's by Thursday.  I have a feeling that it will be a brutal summer and I can't wait!  March also signals 7 months without watching television at home...On August 3, 2015, I stopped Direct TV, took down the dish and haven't signed up to replace it.  In the meantime, I have read 14 novels in the Janet Evanovich/Stephanie Plum (bounty hunter,set in Trenton, NJ) series and 16 novels in a series of stories by John Sandford with Lucas Davenport (cop, murder mystery) as the main character.  Throw in a few historical novels and non-fiction work and I have not missed the "boob tube" at all.  I highly recommend the change...I couldn't justify spending the money when I only watched a few shows and sports.  I listen to the games on radio now and don't miss being a slave to the DVR recordings.  You can get a lot done if you're not parked in front of the TV.

The blog is back in town...

     Guess who just got back today, that wild-eyed blog that had been away... Haven't changed that much to say, But man, I think I that blog is crazy... The blog is back in town, the blog is back in town..

     With many apologies to Thin Lizzy, I have returned to the air waves...(internet waves? blog waves?), you know what I mean.  It has been 3 months since I last rambled and enough is enough...How are you all doing?  I have been busy working (as per usual) and have some adventures and stories to tell and let's face it, I can't keep my mouth or fingers in this case, shut.  I hope everyone had a joyous Holiday season...mine was very quiet...I worked on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years Eve and New Years Day so I hope somebody out was partying and having a good time!  Overtime has been plentiful, so I've been able to bank some cash for a rainy day...(good thing I live in the desert where it hardly rains).  I also double dipped, using two vacation days (paid) and working the Waste Management Phoenix Open.  I got to walk with Bubba Watson again and this year it was a little dicey... Seems Mr. Watson said in a interview that he didn't like the course and so the sensitive a-holes in Scottsdale took it personal and gave him a rough time, especially on Saturday when we had to "relocate" some patrons that were especially overzealous in their criticism... I applaud his candor and he even said in a follow-up interview that he chose his words poorly.  He winters in Scottsdale every year for the last 8 years, his favorite church is here and he loves the tournament itself but he feels the course doesn't set up well for his game.  One patron was relocated outside the gate on Bubba's first shot on Saturday for yelling in his back swing...(hope he got the ticket for free).  This is the fourth year I been in Bubba's group and I hope to continue for years to come.

     Humorous anecdote...(it was for me anyway).  I finished with Bubba on Saturday and was walking across the course to help with another set of golfers when I was approached by an extremely inebriated young woman...she said she would "show me her boobs" if I allowed her to urinate right where we were.  I said okay and she lifted her shirt.  I then said, "You know we're standing right next to the portable toilets, don't you?" I then held a door open for her and she went in and I went on to the next assignment.  Job well done, Sir!  God bless the drunks...as a member of that particular fraternity, though retired the past 20 years, I still have a soft spot in my heart for them, although I do like to "play" with them sometimes.

     So now I have the opportunity to do the same job with the LPGA at the Founders Cup Tournament in March at JW Marriot Resort in Desert Ridge.  Looking forward to walking with the female pros and hoping to pick up a few swing tips while on the job...Then I have a couple gigs coming up at the Convention Center as well...I teach the Guard Card class...(8 hours of instruction mandated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety to work as a security guard).  Most people have to sit in the class once every 2 years...I teach the class 10-15 times per year.  Needless to say, I could pretty much teach the class with my eyes closed...(and some of my students try to do it also, but I discourage them with projectiles and my "outside" voice).  Why do people (myself included) use the expression "needless to say"?  If it's needless to say, then why do you have to preface it with that expression? Sorry, something shiny went by and I lost my train of thought...(lucky it didn't derail completely).

     Okay, that should whet the old appetite to start...a tasty morsel to prepare the pallet for the next course...(now I 'm hungry). But wait, there's more.  As many of you know I have been a Boston Celtic fan for a long time going back many, many years.  Desert Highlands is proud to welcome Kevin McHale and family...(yes, THAT Kevin McHale) as new homeowners joining Marvin Lewis (head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals) and Doug Collins (former NBA player and coach of the 76ers) who already own homes in the development.  Name Dropper!  That's all for now...the blog is back in town...Spread the word around!