My buddy Ron who is an avid card/memorabilia collector and avid Sox fan posed this question at his Blog Section-36. He is having a difficult time picking one this year, as well, all his favorite players aren't with the team anymore. He is trying to decide who will be HIS player of 2009. So, I figured I would write something about favorite players. So here I go. I will say when it comes to sports, I am a pretty big HOMETOWN boy. This would include the Bruins, Patriots, Celtics and most notably the Red Sox. I want to make it clear I was a fan way before Red Sox Nation ever was coined and actually, I hate the whole Red Sox Nation phenomenon... but that is for another blog.
I have always been ennamored by the likes of Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Jim Rice and others. While growing up I was a big Jim Ed Rice fan. I just liked how when he was up at the plate he never took any cheap swings, he was always trying to crush the ball out to the Mass Turnpike. I remember the 86 World Series as it was yesterday, sitting on the floral love seat my parents use to own in front of the TV in our new house which my parents still live in. I use to always pull for the outfield regime of Jim Rice, Tony Armas and Dwight Evans.
However, I fell in LOVE with Nomah. I just liked how he played hard every single day. He would run out every grounder, played with reckless abandon in the field and was quiet. Just wanted to play baseball. My wife bought me a Nomah Authentic home jeresy one year for Christmas and I traced the number 5 as my eyes welled up. Yup, huge Nomah fan. I own his rookie card and even an autographed bat. I was so bummed when they traded him. I can't wait until the day he comes back to Fenway. However, now that Baldelli has his number, who knows if he will ever come back here.
For a spell, I chose Nixon as a guy to watch becasue again, he played hard, all the time but he started getting injured and you knew his time was wanning as a Red Sox, so I jumped on the Jason Varitek fan bus. I am not sure what it is about Jason but there is something.
I will and NEVER have liked Alex Rodriguez!! Ever since his days began back in Seattle, there was something about him, I just think he is fake as a player and as a person. Don't get me wrong, I will never argue that he is NOT a sensational ball player but he has those, I am NOT going to give it my all today moments and nothing IS ever his fault. I was not one pulling for A-rod coming to Boston back in 2004. And when he went to the Yankees I quoted, "The Yankees will NEVER win the World Series as long as he is on the team." He is a selfish, me first kind of guy.
But let me be clear, I do as any loyal Sox fan does, "Chant Yankees Suck!" but I say that about Jeter too... however, when I say Jeter Sucks, as much as it pains me, it is with a sign of respect. He never makes the last out when it matters, NEVER! He always plays the game as if its game 7 of the World Series and he conducts himself in such a professional manner.
Okay, so I digress. I think right now, I would probably say Jacoby Ellsbury is my favorite player on the Sox right now. He is so fast, can play all three oufield positions and I am beginning to think he could be something of a shoeless Joe figure in the field where baseballs go to die.
So there you have it. Jacoby is my man for 2009.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Captain meets The Owner of the Ship
So, it has been said that the captain, #33, V-Tek, Jason venerable Varitek is meeting with John Henry, the principal owner of my beloved Red Sox for better or worse. John Henry has supposedly flown down to Atlanta to speak with Jason upon Jason's request to meet with him.
First of all, let me just say after Jason's paltry just above the mendoza line batting average of .220 and in that year, declined in virtually every offensive category imaginable, he has the audacity to decline arbitration which would have guaranteed him somewhere in the $10-12 Million range for one year.
Jason has always been a defensive catcher first which is fine with me. You can't expect to have a Muderer's row 1927 Yankees lineup out there every year. And for all you baseball fans out there defense and pitching always trumps offense. However, Jason does have his flaws in that realm as well. He caught only 16 base runners stealing over 131 games and more than 1,000 innings logged. But in baseball, production is what gets the money and well, he didn't show any production. There are numerous stats that all catchers with age naturally decline becasue of the extensive wear they put their bodies through being in one of the most physically and even mentally demanding positions. That may be.
When people talk about Jason, they don't say, "Wow! He has incredible power!" or "He has a phenomenol arm!" or even "He's blessed with unbelievable speed." You always hear them talk about intangibles, how he handles a pitching staff, that he's always prepared and does his duediligence with the hitters his pitchers will face and how he is respected in the clubhouse and when he speaks, people listen.
I will never forget hearing Curt Shcilling after being one out away of throwing a no-hitter against Oakland on the road... he said he shook off Varitek and threw what he thought would get him that last out and he kicked himself for not trusting Varitek. Or How Beckett became a 20 game winner listening to Tek instead of trying to throw it by everyone every pitch. And lets be honest, do you really think that the power nibbler otherwise known as Dice-K would have been as successful without Varitek? You nly need to look back to the 2001 and 2006 seasons when Varitek was hurt in each of those two years and the pitching staff was woeful. He makes a difference.
In his 10 years with being with the Red Sox, he was traded in 1997 to us with Derek Lowe for a guy you may remember: Heathcliff Slocumb... best trade Dan Duquette ever made aside from the Pedro deal. They made the playoffs 7 out of 10 times and two World Series!! and 2 of 3 years they didn't make it he was injured and well, chalk the third year up to Woeful management and The Kerrigan Experiment. I'm just saying.
Since the season ended, I have said the following. Give Jason an incentive ladened contract worth like 6 million guaranteed a year for two years. Add incentives like a million if he makes the All-Star Team, a million for every 20 game pitcher, a million for advancing through each round of the playoffs, a million if he bats .280 where he could make easily $10 Million or more per year. And hope that their two Minor league catchers can be ready in two to three years.
I see this meeting having two outcomes as it is ONLY John Henry and Jason Vartek, no Theo, No Larry Luccino and thankfully NO Scott Boras. One, John Henry saying, "Hey, we would love to have you back at this number and he accepts" or two, to tell Jason they really valued his service but we are moving on. I hope Jason can swallow his pride and be the captain we have come to love and put the TEAM first.
I mean we have got some pretty good pitchers for our rotation next year: Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, Wakefiled, Smoltz, Masterson, Buckholtz. Lots of promise and it would be great to have an intelligent, hard working, blue collar, in your face, I got your back Gold Glove caliber veteran catcher behind the dish.
Jason called the meeting... I think he wants back. I have my fingers crossed.
First of all, let me just say after Jason's paltry just above the mendoza line batting average of .220 and in that year, declined in virtually every offensive category imaginable, he has the audacity to decline arbitration which would have guaranteed him somewhere in the $10-12 Million range for one year.
Jason has always been a defensive catcher first which is fine with me. You can't expect to have a Muderer's row 1927 Yankees lineup out there every year. And for all you baseball fans out there defense and pitching always trumps offense. However, Jason does have his flaws in that realm as well. He caught only 16 base runners stealing over 131 games and more than 1,000 innings logged. But in baseball, production is what gets the money and well, he didn't show any production. There are numerous stats that all catchers with age naturally decline becasue of the extensive wear they put their bodies through being in one of the most physically and even mentally demanding positions. That may be.
When people talk about Jason, they don't say, "Wow! He has incredible power!" or "He has a phenomenol arm!" or even "He's blessed with unbelievable speed." You always hear them talk about intangibles, how he handles a pitching staff, that he's always prepared and does his duediligence with the hitters his pitchers will face and how he is respected in the clubhouse and when he speaks, people listen.
I will never forget hearing Curt Shcilling after being one out away of throwing a no-hitter against Oakland on the road... he said he shook off Varitek and threw what he thought would get him that last out and he kicked himself for not trusting Varitek. Or How Beckett became a 20 game winner listening to Tek instead of trying to throw it by everyone every pitch. And lets be honest, do you really think that the power nibbler otherwise known as Dice-K would have been as successful without Varitek? You nly need to look back to the 2001 and 2006 seasons when Varitek was hurt in each of those two years and the pitching staff was woeful. He makes a difference.
In his 10 years with being with the Red Sox, he was traded in 1997 to us with Derek Lowe for a guy you may remember: Heathcliff Slocumb... best trade Dan Duquette ever made aside from the Pedro deal. They made the playoffs 7 out of 10 times and two World Series!! and 2 of 3 years they didn't make it he was injured and well, chalk the third year up to Woeful management and The Kerrigan Experiment. I'm just saying.
Since the season ended, I have said the following. Give Jason an incentive ladened contract worth like 6 million guaranteed a year for two years. Add incentives like a million if he makes the All-Star Team, a million for every 20 game pitcher, a million for advancing through each round of the playoffs, a million if he bats .280 where he could make easily $10 Million or more per year. And hope that their two Minor league catchers can be ready in two to three years.
I see this meeting having two outcomes as it is ONLY John Henry and Jason Vartek, no Theo, No Larry Luccino and thankfully NO Scott Boras. One, John Henry saying, "Hey, we would love to have you back at this number and he accepts" or two, to tell Jason they really valued his service but we are moving on. I hope Jason can swallow his pride and be the captain we have come to love and put the TEAM first.
I mean we have got some pretty good pitchers for our rotation next year: Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, Wakefiled, Smoltz, Masterson, Buckholtz. Lots of promise and it would be great to have an intelligent, hard working, blue collar, in your face, I got your back Gold Glove caliber veteran catcher behind the dish.
Jason called the meeting... I think he wants back. I have my fingers crossed.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The First Blog of 2009
Okay, so like I have really been slacking. However, I have a hard time blogging just to blog. I like to have something worth writing and then well, when I do, it takes a while to write it. Then sometimes I have to censor postings by not posting them at all because I could get myself in trouble. Me, in trouble? Nah. Yadda, yadda, yadda.
So, Happy New Years to one and all... how did you spend yours? I started out all gung-ho. I bought all kinds of munchies. I made Pizza with my 3 year old and really, if nothing ever works out for him, he'll always have a place making pizza! It was impressive, he did a FANTABULOUS job with the pepperoni. I even made my famous rolls with brown sugar. Yummm... and then I started to partake in the beverages and well, all of a sudden I felt awfully ill and was in bed by 7:30. The boys and my wife told me they had a great time watching the ball drop... so not all was lost.
So, Happy New Years to one and all... how did you spend yours? I started out all gung-ho. I bought all kinds of munchies. I made Pizza with my 3 year old and really, if nothing ever works out for him, he'll always have a place making pizza! It was impressive, he did a FANTABULOUS job with the pepperoni. I even made my famous rolls with brown sugar. Yummm... and then I started to partake in the beverages and well, all of a sudden I felt awfully ill and was in bed by 7:30. The boys and my wife told me they had a great time watching the ball drop... so not all was lost.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. One of the few days of the year that is considered a holiday where just about everyone closes their doors for atleast a few hours and many get a long four day weekend intended to spend time with family. One of the few holidays that is NOT BEEN COMMERCIALIZED. Heck, one could say that it might even be overlooked compared to some other holidays.
I am no history buff but I believe what I remembered back from the 4th grade is it had something to do with the pilgrims (plymouth colonists as they were also known) sharing thanks with some of their Indian friends for surviving their long journey to the New World back in 1621. And they had a feast. I also think it became a American Holiday during President's Lincoln's tenure. Although, Franklin Roosevelt tried hard to bring it to the economic forefront and tie it to the all mighty dollar by moving it up a week to allow for more CHRISTMAS shopping... and we do HAVE BLACK FRIDAY, most, however, still hold to the old tradition of just spending time with family and to give thanks. This is where my post is heading.
As a child, I must confess, Christmas was my ALL time favorite holiday. I mean GIFTS baby. We made cookies! And we had a tradition in my house, we had chinese for Christmas Eve dinner, sang christmas carols, watched A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol and got to open ONE gift before we went to bed. We always left cookies and milk out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Christmas morning was always about opening gifts, a excellent breakfast and then to the stockings. It is one tradition in my family, 34 years that is still STRONG and has well, to my recollection never wavered. I still end up at my parents Christmas Eve and wake up where I was brough up Christmas morning with my boys!! Okay, sorry, cause I really hate it when people rush Christmas and we hadn't had Thanksgiving and here I am doing it. Oh well, I digress.
As I have gotten older it hasn't changed... December 25th is still my favorite holiday but Thanksgiving is a close second... maybe even 1A. I mean this is the only holiday where people don't worry about bringing anything but themselves. You are expected to just enjoy yourself, enjoy the company, eat as much as you want and not feel guilty if you fall asleep. And if your like my family, football is on. You don't have to watch it but it's there...
As a youngster we always went to my Nana's and Papa's because that is where everyone gathered. I mean if it was Thanksgiving then you were there, that simple. It was like that until my grandmother passed away. I miss that... don't get me wrong, I still see family and we still have a good time, it's just not the same. This year, it will be just my wife and my boys... well, we might be at my parents but it depends on a few things.
Bottom line. Thanksgiving is a day to just spend time with your family... so everyone enjoy your day off, your family and be glad for all those you are able to share it with.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!
I am no history buff but I believe what I remembered back from the 4th grade is it had something to do with the pilgrims (plymouth colonists as they were also known) sharing thanks with some of their Indian friends for surviving their long journey to the New World back in 1621. And they had a feast. I also think it became a American Holiday during President's Lincoln's tenure. Although, Franklin Roosevelt tried hard to bring it to the economic forefront and tie it to the all mighty dollar by moving it up a week to allow for more CHRISTMAS shopping... and we do HAVE BLACK FRIDAY, most, however, still hold to the old tradition of just spending time with family and to give thanks. This is where my post is heading.
As a child, I must confess, Christmas was my ALL time favorite holiday. I mean GIFTS baby. We made cookies! And we had a tradition in my house, we had chinese for Christmas Eve dinner, sang christmas carols, watched A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol and got to open ONE gift before we went to bed. We always left cookies and milk out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Christmas morning was always about opening gifts, a excellent breakfast and then to the stockings. It is one tradition in my family, 34 years that is still STRONG and has well, to my recollection never wavered. I still end up at my parents Christmas Eve and wake up where I was brough up Christmas morning with my boys!! Okay, sorry, cause I really hate it when people rush Christmas and we hadn't had Thanksgiving and here I am doing it. Oh well, I digress.
As I have gotten older it hasn't changed... December 25th is still my favorite holiday but Thanksgiving is a close second... maybe even 1A. I mean this is the only holiday where people don't worry about bringing anything but themselves. You are expected to just enjoy yourself, enjoy the company, eat as much as you want and not feel guilty if you fall asleep. And if your like my family, football is on. You don't have to watch it but it's there...
As a youngster we always went to my Nana's and Papa's because that is where everyone gathered. I mean if it was Thanksgiving then you were there, that simple. It was like that until my grandmother passed away. I miss that... don't get me wrong, I still see family and we still have a good time, it's just not the same. This year, it will be just my wife and my boys... well, we might be at my parents but it depends on a few things.
Bottom line. Thanksgiving is a day to just spend time with your family... so everyone enjoy your day off, your family and be glad for all those you are able to share it with.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
R.I.P
So Saturday was a rainy, sad, day.
I attended a comittal service for my sister-in-law Kaite who passed in January at the very young age of 30. You know, I just don't get these things. When I was younger, I was dead set against going to any funeral. I missed my Grandfathers. I was 11. I was like, how can anyone tell me this is how it is, people die. They would say, "He is in good hands with God. It will be okay." Yeah, well, God is doing a real sucky job of making me feel better right now. For years, I was like how can God take away the people that I love.
As I got older, in my late teens and early 20's I started to accept that people do die and it's going to happen to everyone someday. Although, doesn't mean I am any more okay with it then I was when I was 11. I remember being asked by my grandmother to attend my uncle Bud's funeral. So, I did. I swallowed my selfish opinions and feelings for her. And boy, did I HATE every minute of it!! People would say, you should go to these things out of respect for the ones who are mourning. Truth be told, I have a harder time than anyone will ever know with seeing someone after they pass. I always prefer to remember them laughing and smiling. And unfortunately, seeing them after they pass hangs with me and I cannot ever get that image out of my head and for me, it's like a nightmare that just won't go away.
My Grandmother on my Mom's side was the first ever wake I ever went too, I was 26... and the first time where I actually could not control my feelings. I would sit there and just start crying. I would try so hard to hold back but I physically couldn't it. I was a pallbearer for her funeral and when I put my hand on the casket, I felt as if she was holding my hand. I really cannot explain it... I miss her terribly. And you know, I always want to talk about her when I am with family but I don't.
Okay, this was not intended to be a blog about every funeral I went too... but it kind of just happened. I just don't get it. At the commital service, they asked that we get a rock they were passing around and to write something on it that reminded us of her... um, that just seemed selfish to me. How does writing on a rock that you thought she was fun or a good friend or sister do anything for her. Maybe it does something for us but not her. My rock said, "Your Burdens are no more. R.I.P"
Yeah, I have been told a million times that I am selfish for thinking what I do and I need to show respect and it's part of life.
You know what... if you think that of me then you don't know me very well. I treasure my family and friends more than I could ever possibly explain to someone.
Katie, I love you and I miss you!!
I attended a comittal service for my sister-in-law Kaite who passed in January at the very young age of 30. You know, I just don't get these things. When I was younger, I was dead set against going to any funeral. I missed my Grandfathers. I was 11. I was like, how can anyone tell me this is how it is, people die. They would say, "He is in good hands with God. It will be okay." Yeah, well, God is doing a real sucky job of making me feel better right now. For years, I was like how can God take away the people that I love.
As I got older, in my late teens and early 20's I started to accept that people do die and it's going to happen to everyone someday. Although, doesn't mean I am any more okay with it then I was when I was 11. I remember being asked by my grandmother to attend my uncle Bud's funeral. So, I did. I swallowed my selfish opinions and feelings for her. And boy, did I HATE every minute of it!! People would say, you should go to these things out of respect for the ones who are mourning. Truth be told, I have a harder time than anyone will ever know with seeing someone after they pass. I always prefer to remember them laughing and smiling. And unfortunately, seeing them after they pass hangs with me and I cannot ever get that image out of my head and for me, it's like a nightmare that just won't go away.
My Grandmother on my Mom's side was the first ever wake I ever went too, I was 26... and the first time where I actually could not control my feelings. I would sit there and just start crying. I would try so hard to hold back but I physically couldn't it. I was a pallbearer for her funeral and when I put my hand on the casket, I felt as if she was holding my hand. I really cannot explain it... I miss her terribly. And you know, I always want to talk about her when I am with family but I don't.
Okay, this was not intended to be a blog about every funeral I went too... but it kind of just happened. I just don't get it. At the commital service, they asked that we get a rock they were passing around and to write something on it that reminded us of her... um, that just seemed selfish to me. How does writing on a rock that you thought she was fun or a good friend or sister do anything for her. Maybe it does something for us but not her. My rock said, "Your Burdens are no more. R.I.P"
Yeah, I have been told a million times that I am selfish for thinking what I do and I need to show respect and it's part of life.
You know what... if you think that of me then you don't know me very well. I treasure my family and friends more than I could ever possibly explain to someone.
Katie, I love you and I miss you!!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Why do we let life get in the way?
I was talking to my mother the other night and she said as she often does, "No one at work is going to care when you leave." I say that often as well. My mom recently said to me. "Why do we let life get in the way?" Another question I ponder quite frequently, more at times than others. This is my topic for today.
What is so important in our everyday life that we seem to do so much less of the things that really make us happy, whole even? I, like most individuals spend 8-9 hours a day of my most productive waking hours working. Why? Well, I suppose it has become a necessity to live the American Dream. I mean no one else is going to put food on my table, a roof over my head. Okay, so that is not entirely true. I mean I could go on wellfare, get food stamps and get subsidized housing. Heck, I could even get unemployment if I really, really wanted too. Trust me, there are people who do it because they can. And there are others who would do anything to get off it. This is no way a shot at anyone... this is just me, thinking... okay, writing out loud. The reality is I have a fantastic family and as for my first 20 years, my family did do all of this for me and I will be forever grateful. However, now, at 34 I am too DAMN proud to accept these things. I suppose I get that from my family too.
Okay, so work is definitely one of those things that occupies the better part of our time. If you have kids, well, then we know where a lot of the rest of your time goes: diapers, feedings, making dinner, lunches, breakfast, helping them get their clothes, reminding them not to forget their homework, taking them to their friends houses, to practice, to games. Your days are endlessly chaulked full.
What about weekends? Can't you squeeze in a phone call here to someone that was on your mind? Maybe at the store pick up that small something that reminds you of someone and send it there way. Yeah, but then you got to make the post office before it closes... oh and your still at work. I know they have extended hours now but now its a rush to do everything. You know what, that rush that you put yourself through just to make that extra trip or make that quick call can hang onto someone who appreciates it more than you will ever know. My grandmother was all about that... never, ever forgot my birthday, always had that something special for me just because I was on her mind. I am pretty sure this is where my Mom gets it. Again, I would be wrong not to say that I am very lucky as a person for the family I have because others I keep dear to my heart do the same but I know as me, I long to be like and well, I come up short, pretty frequently. I have great intentions. Ask my wife. I come up with ideas that I am going to do this, I am going to do that and well, I never get around to it.
Something always seem to get in my way. I have friends that I have not seen in months, family that I use to see every year in well over five years and that is because of a wedding or a funeral... the only true times we tend to carve out a piece of our time for someone else. Why? Why is this? Why can I not take that 10 minutes a day and write a letter? Make a phone call? Wrap a present and bring it to the post office just because? I can and I am going to try so much harder, starting today.
I am going to apologize right now for something that has been on my mind for a while... I am sorry to my god daughter Sara for missing out on so many things and not calling you on your birthday and settling for an e-mail. Yeah, I have my own family and things going on but you know what? I accepted being your God Father a long time ago when I was younger and I often feel I have come up short. I am sorry for this and I want you to know how much I love you!! My brother has been great in this respect and I am very glad I was able to make your graduation from high school.
Okay, bottom line, we let life get in the way because we chose to!! Yes, we all make choices and no one is ever perfect or right for that matter but doesn't mean I can't make sure I make those small things matter becasue I can and I am going to try damn hard to do so from this point on. I have a lot of time to make up for.
What is so important in our everyday life that we seem to do so much less of the things that really make us happy, whole even? I, like most individuals spend 8-9 hours a day of my most productive waking hours working. Why? Well, I suppose it has become a necessity to live the American Dream. I mean no one else is going to put food on my table, a roof over my head. Okay, so that is not entirely true. I mean I could go on wellfare, get food stamps and get subsidized housing. Heck, I could even get unemployment if I really, really wanted too. Trust me, there are people who do it because they can. And there are others who would do anything to get off it. This is no way a shot at anyone... this is just me, thinking... okay, writing out loud. The reality is I have a fantastic family and as for my first 20 years, my family did do all of this for me and I will be forever grateful. However, now, at 34 I am too DAMN proud to accept these things. I suppose I get that from my family too.
Okay, so work is definitely one of those things that occupies the better part of our time. If you have kids, well, then we know where a lot of the rest of your time goes: diapers, feedings, making dinner, lunches, breakfast, helping them get their clothes, reminding them not to forget their homework, taking them to their friends houses, to practice, to games. Your days are endlessly chaulked full.
What about weekends? Can't you squeeze in a phone call here to someone that was on your mind? Maybe at the store pick up that small something that reminds you of someone and send it there way. Yeah, but then you got to make the post office before it closes... oh and your still at work. I know they have extended hours now but now its a rush to do everything. You know what, that rush that you put yourself through just to make that extra trip or make that quick call can hang onto someone who appreciates it more than you will ever know. My grandmother was all about that... never, ever forgot my birthday, always had that something special for me just because I was on her mind. I am pretty sure this is where my Mom gets it. Again, I would be wrong not to say that I am very lucky as a person for the family I have because others I keep dear to my heart do the same but I know as me, I long to be like and well, I come up short, pretty frequently. I have great intentions. Ask my wife. I come up with ideas that I am going to do this, I am going to do that and well, I never get around to it.
Something always seem to get in my way. I have friends that I have not seen in months, family that I use to see every year in well over five years and that is because of a wedding or a funeral... the only true times we tend to carve out a piece of our time for someone else. Why? Why is this? Why can I not take that 10 minutes a day and write a letter? Make a phone call? Wrap a present and bring it to the post office just because? I can and I am going to try so much harder, starting today.
I am going to apologize right now for something that has been on my mind for a while... I am sorry to my god daughter Sara for missing out on so many things and not calling you on your birthday and settling for an e-mail. Yeah, I have my own family and things going on but you know what? I accepted being your God Father a long time ago when I was younger and I often feel I have come up short. I am sorry for this and I want you to know how much I love you!! My brother has been great in this respect and I am very glad I was able to make your graduation from high school.
Okay, bottom line, we let life get in the way because we chose to!! Yes, we all make choices and no one is ever perfect or right for that matter but doesn't mean I can't make sure I make those small things matter becasue I can and I am going to try damn hard to do so from this point on. I have a lot of time to make up for.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Simple
It has been a while since I last blogged. For that, my faithful followers I apologize. I have been a bit pre-occupied with a number of other things. However, right now, I digress to what I have been thinking about for a while now: simple. More importantly, a simple life. No, I am not referring to the television show starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
I am refering back to sometime... the early 80's, heck maybe even back to the 50's. Now, I cannot speak first hand about anything prior to the early 80's as I was not old enough to comprehend anything that may have transpired as I was but a wee young lad. Rather, I can only tell you what I wish: a simpler life.
I remember when Sundays were, well, a day of rest and relaxation. No, I am not talking about religion. I am talking about when all the stores were closed, gas stations weren't open for business. Sundays were a day for families to be together. Mom and Dad didn't work, there were no sporting events to take the kids to. The only time kids were taken somewhere by their parents was to go to Grandma's house, maybe church. Or maybe, just maybe they went on a family picnic to the park. Heck, is it so oft to think that they just stayed at home, worked on the house, played with the kids in the yard and made Sundaes in the kitchen before they all sat down to watch a family movie... didn't matter if it was Mary Poppins for the upteenth time, they were together and that is really all that mattered.
When's the last time you sat down at the table with whomever you are living with for dinner at a normal hour? No, 6:30 at night with you in the kitchen and your significant other in the livingroom watching the television doesn't count. I remember when dinner was a half hour after Dad got home from work, TV was off and Mom and Dad asked about or day at school. We all sat at the table and sat in our designated chairs. The table was set and we asked to be excused.
I don't know. I think there is a huge disconnect and although I do not have an insight... I am just trying to bring back the family togetherness... I wish the world would put some stock in that. No, greed has us working on Sunday for time and a half. There are sporting events scheduled Monday thru Sunday so kids get home as late as eight to sit down and eat... no time to digest for bed and we wonder why kids are getting more and more obese. They tell us to use credit cards because it's easier. What happened to lay-a-way? I remember vividly going to Zayre's and buying something for my mom in February and paying it off the week for Christmas but it was in cash and I owed nobody anything.
That's for another day...
I am refering back to sometime... the early 80's, heck maybe even back to the 50's. Now, I cannot speak first hand about anything prior to the early 80's as I was not old enough to comprehend anything that may have transpired as I was but a wee young lad. Rather, I can only tell you what I wish: a simpler life.
I remember when Sundays were, well, a day of rest and relaxation. No, I am not talking about religion. I am talking about when all the stores were closed, gas stations weren't open for business. Sundays were a day for families to be together. Mom and Dad didn't work, there were no sporting events to take the kids to. The only time kids were taken somewhere by their parents was to go to Grandma's house, maybe church. Or maybe, just maybe they went on a family picnic to the park. Heck, is it so oft to think that they just stayed at home, worked on the house, played with the kids in the yard and made Sundaes in the kitchen before they all sat down to watch a family movie... didn't matter if it was Mary Poppins for the upteenth time, they were together and that is really all that mattered.
When's the last time you sat down at the table with whomever you are living with for dinner at a normal hour? No, 6:30 at night with you in the kitchen and your significant other in the livingroom watching the television doesn't count. I remember when dinner was a half hour after Dad got home from work, TV was off and Mom and Dad asked about or day at school. We all sat at the table and sat in our designated chairs. The table was set and we asked to be excused.
I don't know. I think there is a huge disconnect and although I do not have an insight... I am just trying to bring back the family togetherness... I wish the world would put some stock in that. No, greed has us working on Sunday for time and a half. There are sporting events scheduled Monday thru Sunday so kids get home as late as eight to sit down and eat... no time to digest for bed and we wonder why kids are getting more and more obese. They tell us to use credit cards because it's easier. What happened to lay-a-way? I remember vividly going to Zayre's and buying something for my mom in February and paying it off the week for Christmas but it was in cash and I owed nobody anything.
That's for another day...
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