Thoughts?

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You never know...you know? I was raised by closed minded people. I still recall the words. Sometimes, it's passed on from generation to generation, and that's the excuse. But someone has to eventually break the cycle!

               "I was raised in the city, shitty... drinkin' liquor out my Momma's titty." -Tupac Amaru Shakur

It never surprises me how many things I see other people do with their children that I consider wrong. I think that it's too easy to see or find fault in other people's lives, and so difficult to find fault in ourselves. I catch myself making mistakes all of the time.

Just a few months ago, I was working crazy hours at work. I'd come home tired and in a bad mood. Sure, I smiled and kissed my kids when I got home, but I found myself wanting to sleep or just relax. My little ones would come over and try to get my attention or ask me to take them outside to the swings and sandbox. I caught myself saying,     "Later, mija."        "Not right now,  mijo."         "Papa, is tired."      "Maybe tomorrow."

But was that their fault? Am I supposed to assume that their young minds understand anything except the fact that they needed me, and I am making excuses for not wanting to spend time with them? That wasn't very fair to them. I forced myself to go and do what they asked, and you know what I found? I found that in doing that, I'd forget about my bad mood, problems at work, and even how tired I was. It was good for both of us. Life is funny that way. It seems that the way we live is backwards sometimes.

I found that when we forget ourselves, and spend our time helping others...even in small ways, we actually gain more than if we choose selfishness. It's one of those inalterable laws of nature. My kids have been the biggest blessing in my life. The one perfect thing that keeps me focused and centered. If you don't have any yet, I highly recommend it. I'm not saying that it's easy, but I am saying that it's one of the greatest things one can aspire to be in this life: a good parent.

-Miguel

I know that sometimes I offend people with some of the things I say or things that I post. No matter. You have the option of giving me the bird and never coming back. However, if you do, just realize that you might miss something that may have benefitted you in some way. I know that I mostly speak of nonsense, but occasionally, I do actually have something worthwhile to say. And while it may seem that I have a knack for storytelling or have a way with words...I have a secret. It's not so easy for me to write about serious things. When I do, I do it because I'm  hoping that someone will benefit from it or avoid making a mistake that I have made. It's a hard thing for me to do. Mostly because it brings back memories of things I'd just as soon forget. Moving on...

I hate this look. I've seen it most of my life and still do on occasion. I saw it today at a gas station. I was standing in line waiting to pay for my gas and some scooby snacks, and there were three Mexicans in front of me. They were filthy and sweaty, obviously from a hard days work out in the sun. They were speaking Spanish and talking about their plans for the evening. I noticed the lady behind the counter with the above look on her face. It was so obvious that she was repulsed at having these men inside the store. When they noticed the look on her face, they went silent. She gave them that look the entire time. She even hesitated charging me for my things, because that looked followed them all the way out of the store and to their car. It took every bit of self control to remain silent. But I couldn't help myself, and I payed her slowly, as I gave her the same look. Her facial expression changed dramatically and she got bright red in the face. I walked backwards as I exited the store, holding that exaggerated disgusted look all the way out.

I guess we all react differently to the same situations. Perhaps my "righteous anger" I experienced in my head was an overreaction. Maybe it's a cultural  difference. Maybe. But I often wondered about this.

When I read the Bible, I read about Jesus spending time with the poor, sick, and afflicted. The downtrodden, despised and the rejected. And later today, people will get dressed up in their nice clothes and pretend to worship God and say that they are followers of Jesus. I guess if you throw a few bucks in a collection plate or pay tithes, it somehow gets you in the exclusive Jesus club. We hear of Brother Stevenson or Sister Beverly who is sick with the flu. We rush right over with our delicious meal that we prepared for their families, so that Sister Beverly can stay in bed and her family can still enjoy a tasty dinner. Yeah, we feel good. We get warm fuzzies.

But pass by a foul smelling homeless man, and we sometimes cross the street. After all, we can't be bothered...sister Beverly's family is counting on us! And we justify ourselves by saying that we are doing good. Yeah. That may be. Good.

"Be ye therefore pretty good, as your Father which is in heaven is pretty good." Isn't that how the scripture goes?

I saw this video yesterday and have been trying forever to get it to work...of course, computer geekness is not my  cup of tea, and I failed miserably. Fortunately, I have a bad ass pirate friend who knows everything there is about computers and stuff. So if you laugh at this, be sure to thank Lisa for making it possible.

Be back later with the lesson learned. Enjoy!

Sometimes I think I'm crazy. Not like eat my boogers, and having an imaginary friend named Julio (who wears a purple thong made out of cat hair) crazy....no, just like my mind thinks of weird shit throughout the day. You know how? Like the old television show, Kung Fu with David Carradine. Remember how he'd be talking to someone and all of a sudden he'd travel back to his days in the monastery and go through one of his experiences with Master Po or another monk? Just like that. I have a flashback of my old heathenistic past and somehow apply it to the situation at hand. Weird.

A lot of the times, these memories aren't pleasant. In fact, they usually get me in a mood, and it takes great effort on my part to block it out again. I think that it's because I have crammed so many experiences in this 41 year old body, and it's hard to forget that much stuff. Of course my good friend Jiminy Cricket has a big part to play in that. But I'm getting off the subject at hand...you mean you have a point Miguel? Why yes, dear subscriber, I do in fact have a point.

My point is that we as humans see other people the way we want to see them. It doesn't really matter too much what the reality is. If that wasn't bad enough, we all build these walls around us, and are really selective of who we let into our crazy little worlds. We all have these people who we are in one place, and someone else in another. This is why dating sucks ass! We are always on our best behavior and it takes at least a few months for us to let down our guards slowly and show ourselves for what we really are. By that time, both the man and the woman are totally different people and they come to realize that they aren't that compatible. So we try it again...using the same tactic and with the same results.

I think one of the big bonuses I acquired from that past life, one of the few perks, is that I know how to see past the pretense. I see people for what they are. I see things, subtle things, that the average person wouldn't even notice. To me, they are like a fire engine horn or ambulance cry...yes, that noticeable. Of course, I've been wrong before, but it doesn't happen very often. I guess it's a double edged sword of sorts, because I don't trust anyone. Sure, I smile and play the game...but I always have my guard up...looking for the hidden agenda that you may have. Of course, if you pay the price, I may eventually let you in and trust you. But that's rarely the case. I found that people for the most part aren't worthy of trust.

 What do you think, am I smoking crack again? Can anyone relate?

As far back as I can remember, I've always been able to beat the odds. I'm a survivor. This is not to say that I never had any tribulations and setbacks...I've had more than my share. What I'm saying though, is that I've always managed (eventually) to come out on top. The funny thing is that it was never a positive attitude or any of the required tools that people claim help them beat the odds. In fact, the more I think about it, I realize that the only two things I always had were determination and hate. Granted, later in life I realized that God was always involved...but therein lies the dilemma. I've pondered this for many hours. Does God utilize perceived negative tools such as hate and revenge in his repertoire? Or is it just letting things happen and helping and guiding here-there? And how much does he really get involved?

I think about my kids and their first steps on their way to learning how to walk...you can't hang on to them forever. Even though you know that they will fall and possibly hurt themselves, you have to let go. If you don't, they will never learn. But there is inconsistencies in this analogy as well if you think about it long enough.

Just something I was thinking about this afternoon....What do you think?

BTW, here are the winners to the previous caption post:

#1- "The new Nicole Ritchie Barbie doll" by Captive_Man

#2- "Needless to say, Sleeping Beauty's first errand when she woke up was to visit the salon..." by Abigailigator

#3- "Don't be a wise ass, it's Google not Oogle and no, you can't touch them." by Weighly_World

#4- "If more than a mouthful is a waste then this is ......" by  Captive_Man

#5- "Yes, they come in many delicious flavours, but I can only dispense once every 10 minutes or so." by chantyshira

Those were the ones I laughed at the most. I would have put a few winners on each one like the last time, but I didn't get positive feedback on that the last time I tried that. Thanks to all those who participated!

*******Don't forge to visit Dan's (the Theologian'sCafe) site to enter his video contest! ===>

You can take the cholo out of Los Angeles, but you can't take Los Angeles out of the cholo. I believe that there is a lot of truth in that statement. I live my life on auto pilot most of the time, but when I stop and think, I realize that most of the things I do, I do out of experience. Forged from years of living the street life. For example. Where I live, nobody carries their wallet in their front pocket like I do. When a police car is behind me, I go straight for as long as it takes until he is gone. I never make a right or left turn even if I miss my street or destination. At a social function, I catch myself sizing people up and looking around for weapons. I watch all hand movements and shifting eyes. Again, all this on auto pilot. There are a hundred more examples of things I do, or don't do...all because of where I grew up.

The funny thing is that I don't plan on passing these things on to my children. There's no need to corrupt their mind with those things. I want them to trust people on occasion. They shouldn't have to live like me and try and see everyone's angle and weakness. I'm not saying I don't want them to be street smart, but I want them to have a positive outlook on life. But the truth is, that life isn't always good, fair, or fun. There is  real danger and real evil. Injustice, immorality, and lies. In fact, I will go so far as to say that most humans are not worthy of trust. But they'll have to learn that on their own. There's so much that I can teach them...but it will deprive them of valuable lessons that they need to learn on their own. And then there's the useless knowledge that I acquired over the years. The lock picking, car stealing, scams, and game. How to make weapons out of everyday objects and how a paperclip can be used to make a prison shank out of a bedframe. That will go with me to the grave. All useless information where I live.

Do you think I'm right in my thinking?

Well, perhaps it isn't world renown or world famous...but it's been a while and it was requested by my homegirl. Besides, after that protected post, I could use a laugh! So here they are:

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Normally, I'd put mine on there first...but I wanna see what you guys come up with. Winners will be announced on my next post (Sunday night).

Can you think of good captions for these?

As a member of CynaraJanes' Scurvy Dogs and Salty Wenches Crew Blogring, I have to take part in our Mistress of the High Seas' Challenge. This challenge is to post about "What Does Freedom Mean To You?" Here is my entry ===>

I know first hand about losing all of your freedom. It was due to mistakes in a past life, and I blame no one but myself. Inside, I found the true meaning of the word "repression." Being told when to remain silent, when to shower, when to eat, sleep and when to do anything...that is no life at all. Even what you read, or if you read at all was decided for you. It was in this place that I first contemplated taking my own life. I thought about it often. Everyday. Every minute. Depression consumed me to the point of wanting to end it all. There was nobody around for me to talk to. There was only darkness. I felt so alone and in need of talking to someone...anyone, that I welcomed the company of rats. I made them my pets.What little food I had, I shared with my only friends. That was then.

These days, I wear what I want. I eat when I want to eat, and what I want. I sleep when I want to. I can go anywhere I choose and shower with hot water. I can read what I want, go to school, pursue any career I want, and say and do what I like. I guess you never truly appreciate freedom until you've lost it.

I know a lot of people are against the war in Iraq and elsewhere. That doesn't matter. I choose to think that regardless of what hidden agenda we may have, if any, ultimately, we are helping others find freedom. We may not have the best President, country, or whatever...but I dare you to find some other place that's better. If you find such a place, then by all means, go there. After all, you are free to choose. Don't let the door hit you on your way out.

So as embarrassing as the following story is, I have to share it. Why? Because it has to be talked about, and you know I'm not the one to leave things unsaid! So, a few days ago, I was visiting a friend's site and I saw the above pictured header. I left a brief comment and then I said, " In other news, that top banner makes me tingle in my nether regions...just thought I'd let you know."

She responded with, "ryc: It is my sad albeit hilarious duty to inform you, that my banner picture is actually a MAN. Yep, his name is Gackt and he is a Japanese rockstar. LOL".... After reading that, I immediately heard the first few riffs of the "Crying Game" song! ===>

So after I stopped puking and after I burned my clothes, took a shower and brushed my teeth with Clorox, I began to think. Fuck! How could I have been so deceived??? I then went to go brush my teeth again, this time with Ajax and a Brillo pad. I thought some more. It wasn't my fault damn it! Next, I went to brush my teeth with a cordless disk sander and rinsed with a bottle of Windex. I called Father Morning over and demanded an immediate exorcism and I gargled with Holy Water. I called the Mormons over also just in case they are right, but they refused to Baptize me  in my bathtub...so I just repeated the above steps again and chewed on a cardboard Pine Scented Car air freshener. I feel clean now, but only after running naked through a car wash most of the afternoon. Whew!

Is it me, or are men starting to look more and more effeminate everyday? What the hell happened to manly looking men? Where the hell did they all go?

If you put any of these men above in a dress...they still wouldn't look delicate in any way, let alone mistake them for women. I blame society. What do you mean, Miguel? I'll tell you...

We have gotten so damn tolerant and downright pathetic with all of the political correctness shit! We don't want anyone accusing us of being close minded or homophobic or whatever term they're using this year. We've adopted terms like "Metrosexual" or say things like, "Oh, he's just in touch with his feminine side." Feminine side? WTF? I  sure as hell hope that nobody ever even insinuates that I have a feminine side! If they do, they'll be tasting my perceived feminine fist...believe that!

So, I'm still looking for some more pictures to finish this post, so for now, let me just ask ===>

Am I alone in my thinking? What are your thoughts?

***************SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE*******************************

Okay, I said earlier that I was looking and making more pictures to finish my post...I have enough now.

I think that these are some of the main culprits in making delicate and effeminate men... things that take all the manliness out of kids. ====> 

Damn! Video games are cool, no doubt...but kids seem to go outside and see the world less and less. They are so sheltered and protected from everything that when they are confronted with any issues, they are unable to cope with it. We have failed to prepare them for life.

I could go on and on. The list is actually quite long. But my point is that before kids got dirty, climbed trees, got hurt, got spanked, got in fights, and there was clearly BOY toys and GIRL toys. We watched good television. And damnit, medicine tasted like medicine!

These days we use Time Out, give a trophy to everyone in little league, (by the way the writing on that trophy pic I made says,"My child's team sucked ass but he's getting a trophy anyway because we don't want to hurt his feelings.") everything is grape, cherry or fruit flavored....even band aids have to be pretty! And let's not talk about television these days! 

Soon, there will be no more manliness left in the world, and it will all be your fault!

Excuse me while I go brush my teeth again.

THOUGHTS?

***** One of my subscribers asked  me a question...YES, that is 50 Cent...and NO, it's not a real picture!