U.S.M.C.

from Marines in Iraq, pass it on

This came from a Marine unit over in Iraq . Their wish is to send it to as many people in the country as possible. (Be sure to read their note at the end of the e-mail). Hopefully we can help them achieve their goal. I HOPE I DO NOT HEAR OF ANYONE BREAKING THIS ONE OR SEE DELETED This is a ribbon for soldiers fighting in Iraq . Pass it on to everyone and pray. SLEEP LAST NIGHT? Bed a little lumpy... Toss and turn any.... Wish the heat was higher... Maybe the a/c ! Wasn't on... Had to go to the john... Need a drink of water... ? ? Scroll down Yes.. It is like that! Count your blessings, pray for them, Talk to your Creator And The next time when... The other car cuts you off and you must hit the brakes, Or you have to park a little further from Walmart than you want to be, Or you're served slightly warm food at the restaurant, Or you're sitting and cursing the traffic in front of you, Or the shower runs out of hot water, Think of them... Protecting your freedom! The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do Something to pay tribute To our fallen comrades So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could Think of doing that is By taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share This with our fellow countrymen. I was wondering if there was any way to Get this into your Papers to let the world know that 'WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN' And are proud to serve our country. ' Semper Fi 1stSgt Dave Jobe.' The attached photo was forwarded from one of the last U.S. Marine companies in Iraq They would like to have it passed to as many people as possible, to let the folks back home know That they remember why they're there and that they remember those who've been lost.

Goals, and the steps along the way

Everyone in my life - parents, teachers, friends and employers have told me to set goals for myself, but not one of them ever told me how to do that. It's one thing to say to yourself "I'm going to be rich" or "I'll be the boss someday", but it's quite a different thing to actually get there. Setting goals should be like asking for directions. You wouldn't want to hear "yeah, that's 54 miles away, on the corner". More steps along the way need to be included. How are you going to get rich? What are you doing right now to become the boss? It could be getting a degree, or just taking a few classes, it could be taking some initiative at your current job and doing things that are not required, or simply doing exactly what is asked of you better than anyone else does it. I think of it like climbing a ladder. True - a bit of an overused analogy, but accurate. Whether you're at the bottom looking up, or on a rung somewhere along the way, It's definitely a step by step journey. Sure, you can attempt to skip a rung here or there, but those rungs are there for a reason. Someone who made that journey before you figured it all out. Skip a step, and you could slip back even farther. At the very least, trying a new shortcut could mean you're missing out on something you need. Take your time, follow the steps required, and don't skip ahead. In most cases, the journey - every part of it - is as important as the destination. Everything that has happened in your life has brought you to where you are, and everything you do from now on will get you where you need to be. Don't avoid rungs on the ladder, use them. Enjoy them. Even linger on them for a while before moving on. So set goals for yourself, but create a road map that gets you there. Call them intermediate goals, short-term achievements, or rungs of the ladder, follow the steps and you'll find that whatever your personal or professional goals are, you can get there. One step at a time.

09.11.2001

There are many types of people effected on 9/11/01. Those that perished, those that were in the buildings but made it out, those that witnessed the attacks first hand, those that knew and loved people lost, and those that watched the catastrophes on TV. Let's remember everything that happened, everyone lost, and how we felt that day. Think about them, pray for them, remember them in your own way.

I was working as a delivery driver for a remodeling company that morning. I arrived at one of the job sites just after the first collision and watched the news there for 15 minutes or so, but had to get to the next job. Arrived there just after the second one. Watched the events unfold there for a couple hours. Not a lot of work got done the rest of the day. I still remember the actual locations and the customers at those jobs more than any others. We shared that historic, terrible, and life-changing day. It is our generation's "where were you when JFK was shot?" or "where you were when Pearl Harbor was attacked?".

I still cry every time the footage of that day is replayed. I wasn't there, I knew no one who was there or was lost, I knew no one on any of the planes or on the ground at any location involved. But that day changed me. Changed the nation, and even the world. Devastating. That's the most fitting word I can think of. A feeling of helplessness, of loss, confusion, anger. Simply devastating.

Please put your political views, your opinion on the reaction to the attacks, and any partisan preferences aside just for today, and comment on this with your thoughts, prayers, or what you were doing on that fateful day, eight short years ago.

Everything is relative

Just catching up on early morning tweets a short while ago, I couldn't help but notice the diversity of age, attitude, and stages of life among those I follow, as well as a bit of whining - for lack of a more suitable word - about their particular situation. A tweet from an eighth grader going to the school bus, a mom whose daughter was starting kindergarten, "where did the time go?", and a woman celebrating her 105th birthday.

I'm somewhere in the middle - I have a son in the eighth grade,but also another son who is married, in the Marines, with a six month old son himself. It's quite interesting, at least to me, to see so many people, with such varied backgrounds and at different points in their lives. The teens want to be older and get more respect, the 20-somethings are for the most part happy where they are in life, the mid-lifers want to be 20-somethings, and the seniors are happy to wake up and get through the day. (not all, just generalizing - not something I do often)

Aside from a bad decision now and again, I'm actually quite happy where my life has gotten me. I'd never be a teenager again, my twenties were awesome but I don't think I want to relive them, thirties were basically a blur for some reason (NOT drug or alcohol related), and now I'm in my forties. A wonderful wife of almost 20 years, two fantastic sons, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, fairly good health, and with any luck, a good job soon.

While it's human nature to wonder or even wish for things to be different or better, I prefer to believe that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. Perfect? nope. but perfect for me. It's great to set goals, aspire to better yourself, and want the most out of life. We should all do just that. Just don't second guess where you are right now. The past is over, and you did it right if you're reading this - you're still here. The future is going to happen, so don't wish to be older and wiser. You will be - and you'd simply be wasting a wish.

Live for the now, and make the most of it.

Twitter: Why do you follow who you follow?

I've been using Twitter for a while now, and have roughly the same number of followers as those I follow. I was just browsing my lists, and got to thinking. Why are these people there? Most are people I previously knew from other websites and social networks. Many are those with common interest in blackberry devices. Some I have added because I agree with their views and opinions on current events, and some because I Disagree with them - just for exposure to differing views. There is a large number that were recommended by others I was already following, and yet others that were following me, and I liked what they had to say after viewing their posting history. A lot of celebrities are on my list - actors and actresses, comedians, models, and the like.

I still get random followers, and I have to wonder - Why? How does a person find me, what search terms did they use, which of the several links to my account did they use, and then - what prompted the decision to click that "Follow" button? I make an honest attempt to keep up with all of the updates, and reply as I can, or when needed. I do have quite a varied and interesting group of Tweeters, and am glad I have them.

With over 500 followers (which by no means is a huge amount), I just had to wonder. Why? Leave a comment and let me know what goes into your decision to follow certain people or not follow them. Tweet content, notoriety, large followings, looks... whatever it may be. Just curious.

**Missing Person** Kim Twaddell**

update: Kim has been found, but sadly, not alive. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this most difficult time.

**as seen on CNN.com**

At "Nancy Grace," we ask you to help us find missing people.

Kim Twaddell
Last Seen: August 20, 2009
Age: 40
Height: 5"7"
Weight: 140 lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Location: Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Notes: Kim was last seen leaving her home and getting into her 2005 silver Toyota Highlander with Pennsylvania plates FHT0361, which is also missing.

Contact: North Coventry Township
Police 610 323 8360

My Dad's battles

I never really thought about it growing up, but my parents were somewhat of an abnormality for the times. They actually stayed together. While the phrase "perfect marriage" never came to mind, the love was there, and they worked through every bump in the road that came their way. The first major bump was in 1972. I was only seven years old, so the specifics were either never disclosed to me, I didn't understand them, or simply forgot. Dad was diagnosed with cancer, and it was bad. Six months was the prognosis. But Dad being the stubborn, strong-willed man he was, beat it. It was hell. I remember him being so physically drained and nauseous, that he would be in bed for days at a time. But it ended.

Dad and I did a lot together through the years, especially since I followed in his footsteps and became a carpenter. He was even my vocational teacher during my senior year of high school. We would do remodeling jobs in the summers, work on our own house, then mine and my wife's house later.

He was a providing husband, a great dad, and a strict disciplinarian when he had to be. He had a story to fit any topic that came up. The U.S. Navy, the local fire department, his teaching days, his construction work all provided hours of stories. And I listened when I was little, when I was a teenager, and when I got married, my wife and I would listen. Even to the ones we had heard a hundred times before.

Then one Saturday in 2004 at a pub for lunch, when Dad went to pay his bill, he gave the server two 1 dollar bills for a seven dollar lunch and said keep the change. He wasn't joking - he thought it would cover it. The slight moments of confusion continued, became more frequent and worsened. It was back. And it was all over his body. All the same treatments. all the doctor visits started again. It didn't work. Dad won battle number one, but lost the second one. We all are grateful for the 32 years we had with him after the first round, and consider them a bonus. That didn't make our loss any easier.

He never got rich, he never never became a household name (unless you count our neighborhood). What he did do was enrich my life - and those of countless family members, friends, neighbors, Navy buddies, fellow firefighters, and high school seniors. He would never worry. About anything. "If it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen."He always had a joke to tell, or a simple one-liner. Everyone who knew us both, say I'm just like him. And that's okay with me. There are so many stories he told me that I would love to share. Steeling a police car (actually, he just moved it), taking a baboon into a bar in Gibraltar, ruining a wedding cake when he worked at a bakery (damn doorway was too short), the day he took his last drink of alcohol (1958).

For every person who has lost a parent, and especially every man who has lost his father, I feel for you. Father-Son relationships are special. I know ours was, as is mine with my sons.

Twitter #Follow Friday Tweeps

This is my continuously expanding list of people I follow on Twitter, and recommend others follow as well. Click on them - Go ahead!

CrackBerry & related tech -

@crackberry

@crackberryapps

@crackberrykevin

@Videos4BB

@azeis

@Crucial_Xtreme

@ChadLeach

@duvi

@Garz76

@go_vegan

@Yester18

@pkcable

@brantapaul

@MMB916

@backlon

@reneritchie

@ryanblundell

@horizonwireless

@FabianMH

@zachthezman

@nanpalmero

@bbgeekchic

@inhabitedvoid

@CoolBBThemes

@Jsanders10

@chinesecatt

Just Great friends, funny people, good tweets -

@EmilieClarke

@heatherr_ann

@kristlynngirl

@DearFloyd

@alwayswyser

@goldensnitch

@Atwitisborn

@Swirly22

@HLindskold

@Hazysky

@phishgirl3

@melissadianep

@Kyo0tdemon

@PS_Michelle

@ninja_says

@lisa_g

@alicejam

@heykim

@kerrikrueger

@Amie75

@chelseytx

@helloo_kitty

@vickypazz

@OhBriBri

**Being under one heading does not mean they don't qualify for another**

This is merely a start to my list. If you're not listed here right now, you will be. More names and categories to come in the near Future.

Politics (and other things that don't matter)

While I still maintain my stand on not getting into my personal political views and opinions, I would like to take the time to explain my opinion on political opinions. A person's political views are as important as anything else in their life. It's what makes or breaks a democratic country. The honest and respectful airing of one's views is an integral part of living as a member of any society. So why the title of this blog? Because to me, those views and opinions don't have any bearing on my decision to interact or be friends with anyone. In fact, I've found in my 44 years that the more diversity in my circle of friends, the more healthy discussions we can have. If we only include like-minded people in our lives, it would get extremely boring, and we'd never learn anything new. This isn't exclusive to politics - Religion, Child raising, Creation/evolution, Roe V Wade, Italian or Asian food for dinner - any and all differences make for great interactions. I wouldn't have anywhere near the number of friends, the amount of contacts in my Email list, or even the followers I have on Twitter, if I excluded those whose views on various topics opposed my own. I welcome the input they offer. So rather than arguing about these things, discuss them. Voice those opinions respectfully, get your message out there, but also listen to the voices of your friends, neighbors, and even those we consider opponents. Agree or not, it's this diversity that creates great countries, towns, and even friendships.

My Relationship with Blackberry and CrackBerry.com

That’s right, relationship. Blackberry has become such an integral part of my daily routine that it has definitely become a relationship.

I got my first cellular phone years ago, I couldn't tell you exactly when, Motorola MicroTac I think was the model. I then jumped from one “dumb” phone to another for several more years. Then I won a PDA at a work Christmas party – a Palm Zire 21. Black and white, basic PDA. Worked great for task management and schedules, but had to carry that and my cell phone. When browsing the Cingular website as I was eligible for an upgrade, I saw the Palm Treo 650. PDA and phone together – “Smartphone”. Just what I needed. I used that phone for almost 3 years, and again was due for an upgrade. Back to the web, looking at options. I saw the Blackberry Pearl 8100 was just $50.00 as a refurbished unit. As I was tired of the Treo freezing and rebooting, I jumped on it. I had never even held a Blackberry, let alone used one, but thought anything had to be better than a 3 year old Palm. My 8100 arrived on September 26, 2007.

Now what? Brand new Blackberry user, no idea what it could do or how to do it. Back to the web once again. Googled “Blackberry Help”, and Crackberry.com was the most abundant site that came up. I joined the site on October 6, 2007 and simply started reading everything I could. Before I knew it, I was adding and removing apps, updating the OS, and eventually helping anyone I could with issues they were experiencing. Another great benefit of the site was the number of people that I became friends with. Awesome site, fantastic people, and a wealth of knowledge. What more could you ask for?

I spent so much time on the site, that in August of 2008, I was “promoted” to Forums Moderator. Now I could help the site that helped me become so comfortable with all things Blackberry. Pay it forward was the expression that came to mind.

Almost 2 years into the Blackberry era of my life, and 2 upgrades later, Still love it. I’m using the Bold 9000 now, and besides the model, nothing has changed. I surf CrackBerry.com when possible (not as much as I would like), receive an average of 75-100 site-related emails a day, and between those and personal emails, Twitter, all my instant messaging clients (via BeeJive), Blackberry messenger, and a rare phone call tossed in, I’m on my Bold almost non-stop all day. A spare battery is a must-have.

Friends and family members who don’t own a blackberry don’t understand it, but I do make an honest attempt to keep it to a minimum in certain situations, or with certain people. Like my Mom. I don’t ever want my Blackberry to interfere with my personal life; just want it to blend seamlessly with it. I can also honestly say that another direct result of owning a Blackberry is a greatly increased list of friends. The Blackberry community is a vast and varied world, and I count so many of those in it as my friends.

Will I ever switch Smartphone brands? Nope. Nothing against any other device, or any other device owner, Blackberry just works great for me, and I guess I’m a RIM customer for life – and CrackBerry.com fan as well.

Moving Bodies

"Friends help you move, real Friends help you move bodies"

A bumper sticker I saw years ago, but it got me thinking. Not the moving bodies part, but the "Real" friends part. In your darkest moments, when things seem to be at their worst, how many real friends are there for you? If you say three or more, you're blessed. one or two, very lucky. Real friends are among the rarest of life's benefits. Someone who is always there. When you lose a job, experience a breakup, have a loved one pass away... who is there for you? Not to make it all better, not to make the pain go away, or even to loan you money - although that would help in many circumstances. Just to be there. To listen, to hold a hand, to have a few beers with. to simply be there. There are three things in my life that I value more than anything else. Family, friends and my personal experiences. Family is automatic. You have it at birth or by marriage, and hopefully, they are always there when you need them. Personal experiences are yours for the taking. You decide what you do, when you do it, where you do it. A conscious decision for the most part, although some are thrust upon you. Friends are much more random. At least at the beginning. A new neighbor moves in, a classmate sitting next to you in sixth grade, or just a chance meeting at the grocery store. What ever the case, you meet. You may have a lot in common, you may not. You talk. You discover things about each other, and a friendship is born. You don't decide that this person is now my BFF, it simply evolves over time. You start confiding in them, telling them things you rarely discuss with anyone. You offer a hug when it's needed. You call them first with any exciting news in your life. With any luck, years later, that's still the way it is. A best friend. People say that quite often, but don't quite realize what an honor that can be. Best. Don't bestow that title lightly. You're saying that that person treats you better than anyone else in your life. Make sure you absolutely mean it. So when you reach for the phone to get help moving that body (figuratively, of course), consider yourself lucky to have that person in your life. I know I do.

Attitude

"Don't give me any of your attitude!"

When did Attitude get such a bad rap? "manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, esp. of the mind."

By definition it is not positive or negative, but on a daily basis, it's used in a very negative way.

As humans, not only should we be willing to accept others' attitudes, but actively seek them out. If we never experience or know the attitudes of others, how can we expect anyone to care about ours? Too often, people want to be heard. That's not a bad thing, but it cannot be the main focus of one's life. "Here's what I think." " My feelings are..." Which is absolutely great - let your views be known - but for every "I" there needs to be a "you".

"What are your thoughts?" "How do you feel about it?" Much more useful than your own feelings. You already know your own attitude, so get as many views on a given topic as you can. Take time every day to listen to someone else. Get an opinion, get a glimpse of another perspective. It's human nature to want to be heard - but it takes a conscious effort to listen.

Attitudes are neutral. They are the Switzerland of emotions. They can be neither right or wrong, but simply are. So instead of thinking "I hope I don't get any attitude today", try "I hope I get the opportunity to experience someone's attitude today". You'll get another persons views, give someone else the option to be heard, and who knows... you might just hear something that could change YOUR attitude. Give it a try.

Twitter

Twitter has been around since 2006, but I've only been using it since December, 2008. The definition is said to be "A free social networking and micro-blogging service", but are these terms mutually exclusive? Should they be? On one hand, social could be construed as friends just chatting, or simply posting "I'm getting my hair done" or "off to work". Social could be "meet me at John's Bar for drinks". Social could be posting your actual location, in hopes of in-person socializing. Social could also mean putting your political, religious, or moral views out there for public display.

The Micro-Blogging side of it is an entirely different aspect. or is it? Blogs can be extremely varied, as most internet users know. From technical how-to's, Breaking news stories, political agendas, to John Q simply telling anyone who cares to read it how his day at the office went. Sometimes I get tired of certain types of tweets - Simply posting links to web pages, repeat posts, and the usual "I hate Mondays", or "my job sux". Then I remember that Twitter is whatever the tweeter wants it to be. If telling the world (or at least your followers) that you hate Mondays is important to you, or helps you get through the day, then have at it. I know from personal experience that sometimes writing about your problems, issues and opinions can be a huge release. Venting as it is commonly known. I prefer to keep my Twitter experience more as a Social Interaction Forum. Yes I post random, rhetorical items, but for the most, I love the interaction with those I follow.

So what is Twitter? Twitter is whatever you want it to be, to use as you wish. From plugging your own site, expressing any views you have on any given subject, or merely using it as a place to chat with friends. There is no single definition of what it is. Think of it like a Psychological test - one where the examiner tells you "There's no wrong answer here". The longer Twitter exists, the more ambiguous its identity becomes.

Twitter is. That's all.

Trust

A value that came up in conversation today. Exactly what is it? Is it merely falling backwards knowing that the person behind you will catch you? I don't think so. That's simply human nature (for most). You see someone falling and your first instinct is to to stop them. Trust is more in knowing that at the worst possible moment, When you don't even see the fall coming, that someone will be behind you to have the opportunity to catch you. The ability, the willingness, and the love to be there in the first place - rather than the actual catching - that's the important part. Trust is earned. Respect everyone until they prove unworthy, distrust everyone until they prove worthy. Yes I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt, but also feel that it's a bit naive to award trust to anyone until they show in some way that is is deserved. Trust does not have to be, but is best when it's reciprocal. Life's most precious gift, wether recieving or giving, is trust. Love is a close second, but easier to give. To love someone takes a short time, can happen at any time, with almost anyone. Trust is acheived over a much longer time frame, happens more rarely than people would like, and only with those who have taken the time to truly understand another person.

State of the Union - IMO

Racism.

One of the ugliest words I know. I'm no expert in race related issues, or historical facts on the subject, but I do know I'm absolutely sick of it. I did grow up in a house that was actually quite tolerant - with the one exception. My Dad, God rest his soul, had one phrase that seriously bothered me. "She's good looking - for a black woman." Why add that?? Would anyone say the opposite? "She sure is ugly - for a white woman." This may sound cliche, or even sound like a lie, but I honestly don't see color at all. I see people. That's it. If I meet someone, and we get along, then we're good. A person's views, attitude, personality, or treatment of others may have a bearing on any future friendship, but race or ethnicity will not. Ever. It may be unrealistic to believe racism will ever go away, but I'd love to see it happen. The first African-American President. The first Latino Supreme Court Justice. Awesome, really. I would just love to see the day when things like these are not newsworthy simply because of the ethnic background of the individual. When we can just say the best person got the position - Period. When a person is a person based on personal thoughts, ideals, and beliefs, not on skin color, last name, or even what pew they sit in.

I might be asking for too much, but I surely don't think I am. "This black guy...." - "A white dude..." How about just "A guy...."? Of course, there will always be times for identification purposes - for missing persons, law enforcement - when a more detailed description is needed. But for day to day conversations, is it really necessary to include race? Nope.

Hey - even a white guy can dream.