Yesterday---August 8, 2009---I married the most beautiful woman in the world--Shannon Angel Bailey. She is my Special Angel & I am honored to have her as my wife. We met Aug. 30, 2007 & have communicated with each other ever since. Our love for each other has grown each day. Never has a woman made me happier than Shannon. We had a wonderful wedding attended by many family & friends who traveled great distances. I am so happy to be with her. She is my best friend & I look forward to many years together with her.
I also became Stepfather to her 2 wonderful kids: Kenneth & Katherine. They are growing into adulthood & enjoying life. I am not their dad & I will never try to replace Kevin. I know they miss him alot & he looks down from Heaven so proud of them. I can only be supportive of them & be a role model & continue to treat them with love & respect--and continue to treat their mother like the Angel she is.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Motorcycle Tragedy
I just read a story on www.knoxnews.com about a motorcyclist killed in Knoxville- in an area where I actually travel alot. A big truck used for trimming trees turned in front of a motorcyclist & caused him to run into the back of the truck. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike & killed. He was wearing a helmet-but the story did not indicate what (if any) other protective gear he was wearing. The driver was charged with vehicular homicide. As many of you know--my fiancee & I both drive a motorcycle & can attest to the fact that some people just don't care that we are out there & are very vulnerable. We both love to ride & will hopefully do so for many years to come & we are very careful to look out for drivers who fail to see us or who see us & don't seem to care. So it saddens us to hear stories like this.
I for one--will not get on that motorcycle with anything less than a full--face helmet (covering my entire head & face)--a protective jacket & leather gloves. Just today while riding on the back of the cycle--with Shannon driving---I was hit in my right hand by a pebble. While it didn't hurt at all--it reminded me of why I put gloves on---not to mention that if I get knocked off my bike--I don't want to shred the skin on my hands. One of my co-workers mentioned to me on Friday as I left work--that it seemed kind of hot--for wearing my jacket. But I told him--I don't get on the bike without it. I enjoy riding---but I take the necessary precautions--because the older I get--the more I realize that I am not invincible or indestructible. I do enjoy riding & hope to one day get my own motorcycle so that Shannon & I can get even more enjoyment of out seeing the countryside.
I for one--will not get on that motorcycle with anything less than a full--face helmet (covering my entire head & face)--a protective jacket & leather gloves. Just today while riding on the back of the cycle--with Shannon driving---I was hit in my right hand by a pebble. While it didn't hurt at all--it reminded me of why I put gloves on---not to mention that if I get knocked off my bike--I don't want to shred the skin on my hands. One of my co-workers mentioned to me on Friday as I left work--that it seemed kind of hot--for wearing my jacket. But I told him--I don't get on the bike without it. I enjoy riding---but I take the necessary precautions--because the older I get--the more I realize that I am not invincible or indestructible. I do enjoy riding & hope to one day get my own motorcycle so that Shannon & I can get even more enjoyment of out seeing the countryside.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Boneheaded Ignorance
Perhaps most everyone has heard that 3 Pittsburgh Police Officers were gunned down in the line of duty--while responding to a domestic incident. One person commented on one of the Knoxville local news websites that (paraphrased)---until police officers understand that they are called to protect & serve rather than to punish & "enslave" people---more of them will be killed.
That comment enrages me so much that I marked it on the website as offensive. He has a right to his opinion & I don't deny him the right to express his opinion---but he has the responsibility like we all do to make it an informed opinion. Yes--there are some law enforcement officers who have committed acts of brutality & abused their authority---but the vast majority of them are hard- working dedicated professionals who are willing to put their lives on the line every single day. I wonder if this individual (not what I really want to call him of course)--had a loved one who was a police officer--if he would be so willing to express such an ignorant opinion.
I for one--have a brother who wears the uniform proudly & has done so for over 20 years. I pray God I don't get a call similar to the loved ones of these 3 families & countless others before them. I have the greatest degree of respect for police officers at all levels--because while I don't treasure the sight of their flashing lights in back of me--I do appreciate the work they do in protecting me. All of the encounters I have had with police officers--state troopers--etc... have been positive ones. I have been pulled over before while driving a car--& even once--while going for a walk. I have had to call them for various incidents--& in all of those encounters--these men & women have displayed a high level of professionalism. I appreciate the work they do.
Evidentally the person who wrote the comment on the news website hasn't had to call them for help or perhaps he has been on the wrong side of the law---or otherwise had a bad experience with them. I pray God---that no-one who has lost a loved one who wore the badge---will read the ignorant & downright offensive comment.
I pray that God gives this individual a more compassionate heart.
I pray for those brave men who died in Pittsburgh & others who have gone before them--& I pray that God may bring comfort to their grieving families.
That comment enrages me so much that I marked it on the website as offensive. He has a right to his opinion & I don't deny him the right to express his opinion---but he has the responsibility like we all do to make it an informed opinion. Yes--there are some law enforcement officers who have committed acts of brutality & abused their authority---but the vast majority of them are hard- working dedicated professionals who are willing to put their lives on the line every single day. I wonder if this individual (not what I really want to call him of course)--had a loved one who was a police officer--if he would be so willing to express such an ignorant opinion.
I for one--have a brother who wears the uniform proudly & has done so for over 20 years. I pray God I don't get a call similar to the loved ones of these 3 families & countless others before them. I have the greatest degree of respect for police officers at all levels--because while I don't treasure the sight of their flashing lights in back of me--I do appreciate the work they do in protecting me. All of the encounters I have had with police officers--state troopers--etc... have been positive ones. I have been pulled over before while driving a car--& even once--while going for a walk. I have had to call them for various incidents--& in all of those encounters--these men & women have displayed a high level of professionalism. I appreciate the work they do.
Evidentally the person who wrote the comment on the news website hasn't had to call them for help or perhaps he has been on the wrong side of the law---or otherwise had a bad experience with them. I pray God---that no-one who has lost a loved one who wore the badge---will read the ignorant & downright offensive comment.
I pray that God gives this individual a more compassionate heart.
I pray for those brave men who died in Pittsburgh & others who have gone before them--& I pray that God may bring comfort to their grieving families.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
My brother goes to Iraq.
This weekend--we surprised my brother Chris with a farewell party as he prepares to deploy to Iraq. He was shocked to see us there. 5 of us siblings were together. I teared up when Chris came in to the gathering. It was an emotional moment for all of us--including Chris himself. He is a veteran of Desert Storm & now he is going over again. We all pray for his safe return. Shannon & I had a great time at the party & stayed overnight in a motel nearby along with the other family members who were present. We decided it would be unwise to go the party & do the 3 hour trip back last night. Plus it gave us the opportunity to see Chris again this morning before heading back. So that was a nice bonus. We are exhausted--but very glad we could be there to give him the warm send-off which he deserves.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Customer Service???
Back in November--Shannon & I took possession of a 5 piece sectional from Rooms-To-Go. Very nice furniture indeed. We are making monthly payments on it & have enjoyed it very much---that is--until Friday evening.
I pulled the lever to make my recliner--recline--& the lever broke. I am now unable to recline. I called Rooms-To-Go Customer Service--& they told me they only come to Jefferson City area every other Thursday. This coming Thursday--I am not available-since Shannon & I are headed to VT for several days. So Thursday--Feb. 26th will be our 1st available day. On top of that--they will call to give me a time frame during which they will be here. I was & still am---livid!!! THEY will tell ME when they will be here??? So I have to inconvenience myself & possibly miss a day of work just so they can fix a piece of furniture that I have had for only 3 months??? Where is the customer service in that??? Not exactly the way to win customer satisfaction. If they try to insist that they come during the time when I should be at work---I will refuse it--& call Rooms To Go management. I will not allow them to cause me to miss work--when the furniture I bought from THEM doesn't work past 3 months!!!
I pulled the lever to make my recliner--recline--& the lever broke. I am now unable to recline. I called Rooms-To-Go Customer Service--& they told me they only come to Jefferson City area every other Thursday. This coming Thursday--I am not available-since Shannon & I are headed to VT for several days. So Thursday--Feb. 26th will be our 1st available day. On top of that--they will call to give me a time frame during which they will be here. I was & still am---livid!!! THEY will tell ME when they will be here??? So I have to inconvenience myself & possibly miss a day of work just so they can fix a piece of furniture that I have had for only 3 months??? Where is the customer service in that??? Not exactly the way to win customer satisfaction. If they try to insist that they come during the time when I should be at work---I will refuse it--& call Rooms To Go management. I will not allow them to cause me to miss work--when the furniture I bought from THEM doesn't work past 3 months!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SNOW day???
Ok--again--forgive me--I am from northeastern NY State. But yesterday & this morning--we had some snow in the Knoxville area. Here in Jefferson City--it snowed a good bit yesterday--but by this morning when I left for work--it was all gone & the roads were clear. It was snowing in Knoxville & the roads had a dusting of snow on them--that's it. Still school districts all over the area were closed---AND--MANY OF THEM ARE CLOSED TOMORROW!!! Why---I have no idea. The snow that covered the roads in Knoxville is gone--& unless you go to the mountains--there is not hardly any snow to be seen. I am not aware that we will get any snow tonight. Yet-school districts all over the area--including my own Jefferson County are closed tomorrow!!!
Is it too cold?? Highs are supposed to get to about 30 degrees tomorrow. Is there a threat of snow?? Not that I am aware of. It is still amazing to me how little it takes to close schools around here. Yeah--I am a big believer in being safe--but give me a break. The way people drive around here in the dry weather---you take a huge risk having school anytime--no matter what the weather is like. The speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving is terrible around here--so you take a risk going out in warm--dry weather too. But I digress here. I guess I'm old fashioned--even at 41 years of age. I believe in putting on a jacket & hat & gloves, driving slower (imagine that!!) & carrying on with life. What a novel idea!!!
Is it too cold?? Highs are supposed to get to about 30 degrees tomorrow. Is there a threat of snow?? Not that I am aware of. It is still amazing to me how little it takes to close schools around here. Yeah--I am a big believer in being safe--but give me a break. The way people drive around here in the dry weather---you take a huge risk having school anytime--no matter what the weather is like. The speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving is terrible around here--so you take a risk going out in warm--dry weather too. But I digress here. I guess I'm old fashioned--even at 41 years of age. I believe in putting on a jacket & hat & gloves, driving slower (imagine that!!) & carrying on with life. What a novel idea!!!
Friday, January 16, 2009
My Very First Blog!!
This is my very first blog on this site. Previously I used myspace to blog--but I think this will be alot easier. Once in a while-something triggers a strong reaction out of me--& I feel the need to get my thoughts down in writing. This is usually after I have expressed them verbally to various people. I don't expect everyone to agree with me--but I put forth my thoughts nonetheless & accept comments humbly.
So allow me to stand on my soapbox for the 1st time here:
The weather here in East Tennessee has been very cooold today. Lows reached close to 0 degrees. What baffles me is that schools all over the area actually closed because of the cold weather. If you read my profile or know me already---you know I am originally from northeastern NY State--where this cold weather is commonplace & in fact---gets well below 0 degrees routinely in the month of January. So yes--I am certainly biased. That being said---I feel strongly that kids & adults alike can put coats & hats & gloves on & carry on with life. Never have I been in a place where cold weather closed schools. People here in TN are not accustomed to the cold weather & I understand that. My fiancee wisely pointed out that in all likelihood--alot of the kids who didn't have school today--probably spent time outside anyways. It strikes me as a lack of commitment to education--for school districts to close over something so ridiculous. Cold weather is dangerous if you don't dress for it---but put proper clothing on--& go about your day. Simple.
So allow me to stand on my soapbox for the 1st time here:
The weather here in East Tennessee has been very cooold today. Lows reached close to 0 degrees. What baffles me is that schools all over the area actually closed because of the cold weather. If you read my profile or know me already---you know I am originally from northeastern NY State--where this cold weather is commonplace & in fact---gets well below 0 degrees routinely in the month of January. So yes--I am certainly biased. That being said---I feel strongly that kids & adults alike can put coats & hats & gloves on & carry on with life. Never have I been in a place where cold weather closed schools. People here in TN are not accustomed to the cold weather & I understand that. My fiancee wisely pointed out that in all likelihood--alot of the kids who didn't have school today--probably spent time outside anyways. It strikes me as a lack of commitment to education--for school districts to close over something so ridiculous. Cold weather is dangerous if you don't dress for it---but put proper clothing on--& go about your day. Simple.
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