As you might expect, I not only have a motor in my sled, but quite a powerful one. High performance carbs, tuned exhaust, 7 inch handlebar riser and a racing clutch. It is my baby... Old, but trusty.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Motor???
Z,
As you might expect, I not only have a motor in my sled, but quite a powerful one. High performance carbs, tuned exhaust, 7 inch handlebar riser and a racing clutch. It is my baby... Old, but trusty.
As you might expect, I not only have a motor in my sled, but quite a powerful one. High performance carbs, tuned exhaust, 7 inch handlebar riser and a racing clutch. It is my baby... Old, but trusty.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Old sled given new life!
Saturday I worked on my sled all day, installing a new seat cover and 7" handlebar risers. Sunday I went sledding in the mountains of Maine with J and some friends. Other then my seat falling off before we even left the parking lot (in my rush, I forgot to bolt it down :-) we had a fabulous day. The conditions were near perfect and now that I can stand while riding, I can not only keep up with J, but even challenge him a bit. Not bad for an old man. Yesterday was also a satisfying day because the last time J was with these particular friends, he had a nasty fight with one of them. I had encouraged J to reach out to my friend and yesterdays ride was a result of that effort.
B sent me an email over the weekend telling me he had dropped his phone in the toilet. It is a brand new phone and I think he had an expectation that we were going to replace it for him immediately. Yeah, I don't think so. He skyped me last night, but I did not talk with him for very long because he was pissed that we said he would have to use his old phone for a while. Tough love...
B sent me an email over the weekend telling me he had dropped his phone in the toilet. It is a brand new phone and I think he had an expectation that we were going to replace it for him immediately. Yeah, I don't think so. He skyped me last night, but I did not talk with him for very long because he was pissed that we said he would have to use his old phone for a while. Tough love...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dear Son...
February 14, 2011
Dear B,
I trust that your week of SBA is going well. Hopefully you are experiencing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life. I expect you are also enjoying the time spent with your fellow humanitarians and it is proving to be a bonding experience.
I would say that I was proud of you, but I suspect you are growing weary of, and perhaps indifferent to my approbation. Rather, I shall share my hopes for your future life. Most importantly, I pray that you will follow a path, that while influenced by those around you, is the result of the dreams that emanate from your own heart. As you navigate among the many choices before you, do not shy away from that which might feel daunting or uncomfortable. It is through pain and challenge that we realize meaningful spiritual growth. Our inner strength is forged by overcoming seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Our willingness to fail illuminates our ability to succeed. Oddly enough, it is often fear of success, that prevents one from realizing their full potential. Do not let meaningless shackles constrain you from reaching for the stars. You will stumble, you will fall... But if you stay true to yourself, you will realize success, however you define it.
In our interconnected world of digital, neural networks, access to information, both useful and otherwise, can be overwhelming. The urge to stay connected is compelling and can overshadow the real world and all the sensorial opportunities it has to offer. Can you recall any text messages or ESPN updates that were truly memorable? Yet, I am sure you recall a night when you stared up at the moon, watching, as the earth cast a shadow over the planetoid. Or perhaps a brisk summer morning, up in the woods of Maine, watching the mist rise from the lake, while a family of ducks wandered down the beach. It is these fleeting glimpses of nature's beauty that color our lives, and remind us that we are all part of something much more grand. The materialistic world of shiny cars, big houses and large screen tv's, matters little in comparison.
These days, your mother and I watch you from afar, but we are often delighted by the choices you make. When we came to visit you last fall, you shared with us a glimpse into your new life away from home. As we walked around the lecture hall, and I listened to you describe your learning experience, it struck me that we brought a boy to college in August, but went to visit a man in October. I am proud of you B. You're a good man and I am honored to be your father.
Enjoy your time away B. Just remember to stop for a moment, raise your head, and greet the wind as it passes by.
Love,
Dad
Dear B,
I trust that your week of SBA is going well. Hopefully you are experiencing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life. I expect you are also enjoying the time spent with your fellow humanitarians and it is proving to be a bonding experience.
I would say that I was proud of you, but I suspect you are growing weary of, and perhaps indifferent to my approbation. Rather, I shall share my hopes for your future life. Most importantly, I pray that you will follow a path, that while influenced by those around you, is the result of the dreams that emanate from your own heart. As you navigate among the many choices before you, do not shy away from that which might feel daunting or uncomfortable. It is through pain and challenge that we realize meaningful spiritual growth. Our inner strength is forged by overcoming seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Our willingness to fail illuminates our ability to succeed. Oddly enough, it is often fear of success, that prevents one from realizing their full potential. Do not let meaningless shackles constrain you from reaching for the stars. You will stumble, you will fall... But if you stay true to yourself, you will realize success, however you define it.
In our interconnected world of digital, neural networks, access to information, both useful and otherwise, can be overwhelming. The urge to stay connected is compelling and can overshadow the real world and all the sensorial opportunities it has to offer. Can you recall any text messages or ESPN updates that were truly memorable? Yet, I am sure you recall a night when you stared up at the moon, watching, as the earth cast a shadow over the planetoid. Or perhaps a brisk summer morning, up in the woods of Maine, watching the mist rise from the lake, while a family of ducks wandered down the beach. It is these fleeting glimpses of nature's beauty that color our lives, and remind us that we are all part of something much more grand. The materialistic world of shiny cars, big houses and large screen tv's, matters little in comparison.
These days, your mother and I watch you from afar, but we are often delighted by the choices you make. When we came to visit you last fall, you shared with us a glimpse into your new life away from home. As we walked around the lecture hall, and I listened to you describe your learning experience, it struck me that we brought a boy to college in August, but went to visit a man in October. I am proud of you B. You're a good man and I am honored to be your father.
Enjoy your time away B. Just remember to stop for a moment, raise your head, and greet the wind as it passes by.
Love,
Dad
Monday, February 14, 2011
Stop and look up... Appreciate the wonder that is your life.
The eastern sky displayed a palette of pinks and reds this morning as I drove J to work. Yesterday, as I ran a five mile loop from home, I noticed how white the snow is when it is cloudy. I tried to talk with God as I pumped my legs up and down the numerous hills, but I was not able to; not directly anyways. I did, however, feel the wind as it brushed past my face, carrying little snow flakes that wondered about my eyes and ears. I often feel that God talks with me using wind as his voice, and if I turn my head in just the right way, I can hear him in both ears. "When I ask you a question, how can I distinguish my responses from yours" I asked. I knew, of course, that my question was rhetorical. Unless of course, the snow banks parted before me and a voice boomed out from the heavens "Because I said so".
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Metaphysicallity?
Fish,
I don't think my wife would agree that adultery is not a crime :-) And, if you strip away the emotions, I know from a purely logical perspective that adultery will only lead to unhappiness. (Find woman, pursue woman, seduce woman, find woman, pursue woman..... etc. ) It is an insatiable cycle.
The question at hand, for me, has more to do with thought, then deed. Let's assume, for a moment, that when one is in a committed relationship, fucking another person is a crime (setting aside the specific definition of "crime" for the moment}. Does that mean, that fantasizing about fucking another person is a crime as well? Further, what if this object of one's fantasy, objects to being metaphysically fucked?
I don't think my wife would agree that adultery is not a crime :-) And, if you strip away the emotions, I know from a purely logical perspective that adultery will only lead to unhappiness. (Find woman, pursue woman, seduce woman, find woman, pursue woman..... etc. ) It is an insatiable cycle.
The question at hand, for me, has more to do with thought, then deed. Let's assume, for a moment, that when one is in a committed relationship, fucking another person is a crime (setting aside the specific definition of "crime" for the moment}. Does that mean, that fantasizing about fucking another person is a crime as well? Further, what if this object of one's fantasy, objects to being metaphysically fucked?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Just looking...
Following is a conversation with myself while I was running on the treadmill at the gym -
Ok, focus here. Clear your mind. Smooth out your gait. Quiet feet. Nice even stride.
Oh damn, that is a nice ass!
What the fuck are you doing?
Think of it as art.
Art?
Art
How about if you think of "it" as a woman?
It's not like I am going to fuck her. And look at the way she is dressed. She would be disappointed if guys didn't look at her.
What if she was not attractive?
Then I wouldn't look
So your shallow
Perhaps. Or maybe I am just admiring ONE of the many fine attributes of a woman
What if these woman could read your mind and knew what your thinking?
I am ok with that. I am not being disrespectful. I am simply admiring the results of a lot of hard work and sacrifice.
This is not who you are
(Silence)
How you feel about yourself is a result of how you conduct yourself and your ability to live a life that reflects your values
I don't choose the woman whom I associate with based on their looks.
Bullshit!
Ok, maybe a little. But aren't we talking about primeval instincts that I have limited control over? Isn't it really about propagation of the species?
So you do want to fuck her
No, well yeah, but no... I love my wife. I accept monogamy. It is just exciting to look. It generates mood chemicals like endorphins and epinephrine.
God wouldn't like it
God created it! Should I not admire his work?
Your not admiring, your leering. It is just a whisper away from touching.
(Silence)
The question you have to ask yourself is this - If there is nothing wrong with what you are doing, then why does it bother you so much?
(Silence)
Ok, focus here. Clear your mind. Smooth out your gait. Quiet feet. Nice even stride.
Oh damn, that is a nice ass!
What the fuck are you doing?
Think of it as art.
Art?
Art
How about if you think of "it" as a woman?
It's not like I am going to fuck her. And look at the way she is dressed. She would be disappointed if guys didn't look at her.
What if she was not attractive?
Then I wouldn't look
So your shallow
Perhaps. Or maybe I am just admiring ONE of the many fine attributes of a woman
What if these woman could read your mind and knew what your thinking?
I am ok with that. I am not being disrespectful. I am simply admiring the results of a lot of hard work and sacrifice.
This is not who you are
(Silence)
How you feel about yourself is a result of how you conduct yourself and your ability to live a life that reflects your values
I don't choose the woman whom I associate with based on their looks.
Bullshit!
Ok, maybe a little. But aren't we talking about primeval instincts that I have limited control over? Isn't it really about propagation of the species?
So you do want to fuck her
No, well yeah, but no... I love my wife. I accept monogamy. It is just exciting to look. It generates mood chemicals like endorphins and epinephrine.
God wouldn't like it
God created it! Should I not admire his work?
Your not admiring, your leering. It is just a whisper away from touching.
(Silence)
The question you have to ask yourself is this - If there is nothing wrong with what you are doing, then why does it bother you so much?
(Silence)
Monday, February 7, 2011
A weeks reprieve
J contacted the shelter on Friday and supposedly he is starting his community service this week. I decided to give him another week before I boot him out. Sunday morning we went out for coffee and had a good conversation.
I am making a little progress realizing my goals. I have forsaken television on Tuesday nights and last week I spent some time working on my finances. I also went down to Boston on Thursday and started working with the cadet group to plan a winter field exercise. I miss the kids and I look forward to our next outing.
I am making a little progress realizing my goals. I have forsaken television on Tuesday nights and last week I spent some time working on my finances. I also went down to Boston on Thursday and started working with the cadet group to plan a winter field exercise. I miss the kids and I look forward to our next outing.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Always a father
Conversation from two weeks ago - "J, we need to talk about your community service" I said as I drove J to work."What about it" he replied in a defensive tone. "You have not done any community service in a year" I continued. "I am not going to stand by and watch you end up in jail because you can't get your community service done. You have two weeks to find something on your own or I will start driving you to the shelter after work two days a week. If you don't start your community service then you will have to move out. I stood by once before and let you make this incredibly bad decision and I am not going to do it again." "Whatever Dad" he replied staring out the side window.
Conversation from last week - "Just a reminder J, next week you need to start your community service. If you don't line something up on your own, I will take you to the shelter two days a week after work". "Whatever Dad" he replied staring out the side window. "I am not going to accept any excuses either" I continued. "I I don't want to hear you can't do it because you have something else more important. I am dead serious about this and I hope you are taking me seriously" I said. He just stared out the window and said nothing more.
Conversation from this morning - "So I will pick you up at 3:30 today?" I asked J as I drove him to work. "For what" he replied. "For community service" I said. "I am not going. I have a meeting with H R Block at 4:00" he retorted. "J, I told you that I was not going to except any excuses. Either you go or you will have to move out of the house". "Then I will move out" he said with a sullen look on his face. I could feel the anger swelling up inside me and it took every ounce of energy to keep it together. "J, if you do this, you will seriously damage our relationship" I said. "Your telling me this as I DRIVE YOU TO WORK?" I added my voice raising in volume. My fingers began to turn white as I clenched the steering wheel. "So our relationship means so little to you that you would put this ahead of us? I asked. He just sat there, saying nothing. "J, I hope I get a call from you today telling me you changed your mind" I said as he got out of the truck.
Fuck me...
Conversation from last week - "Just a reminder J, next week you need to start your community service. If you don't line something up on your own, I will take you to the shelter two days a week after work". "Whatever Dad" he replied staring out the side window. "I am not going to accept any excuses either" I continued. "I I don't want to hear you can't do it because you have something else more important. I am dead serious about this and I hope you are taking me seriously" I said. He just stared out the window and said nothing more.
Conversation from this morning - "So I will pick you up at 3:30 today?" I asked J as I drove him to work. "For what" he replied. "For community service" I said. "I am not going. I have a meeting with H R Block at 4:00" he retorted. "J, I told you that I was not going to except any excuses. Either you go or you will have to move out of the house". "Then I will move out" he said with a sullen look on his face. I could feel the anger swelling up inside me and it took every ounce of energy to keep it together. "J, if you do this, you will seriously damage our relationship" I said. "Your telling me this as I DRIVE YOU TO WORK?" I added my voice raising in volume. My fingers began to turn white as I clenched the steering wheel. "So our relationship means so little to you that you would put this ahead of us? I asked. He just sat there, saying nothing. "J, I hope I get a call from you today telling me you changed your mind" I said as he got out of the truck.
Fuck me...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Look Nova, I posted a picture!
It is a beautiful day in the town square today. We received another foot of snow in the past few days and the banks are piled high everywhere. Apparently we have broken all kinds or records including total annual snow and most snow in a day. I don't mind the the white stuff; I actually like it. I had a ball last night plowing up the banks with my old jeep. Heavy snow makes me appreciate my big ol' truck as well. When everyone else stayed home yesterday, I put in a full day. This weekend I plan to work on my sled and next weekend J and I will be out on the trails.
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