Never a dull moment

I'm sure you've noticed some rather big changes. Where I used to be a link dumper, this is now becoming my personal therapy session. So is Twitter. I live there, nights anyways, so if you actually want to see my foul mouth and ill-tempered ass in action, go there.

I'm finding life to be full of surprises. From death comes new life. What was written off as beyond any hope of redemption becomes viable again. From fear comes strength. Out of animosity comes love. Odd recalibrations of diametric opposition. A lot of change, mostly for the better. Still trying to get a handle on how life can whipsaw this much, but I guess you just have to take some things on faith. And be thankful for them. While I have had some challenging times recently, it has give me the chance to be very thankful for what I do have. You can choose to be a selfish fuck, completely inwardly focused, or you can make a decision and do something for others, and therefore have them do unto you. I'm not always the quickest to catch on, but I DO eventually get it.

Look for opportunities to help. Start with those closest to you, and then branch out. I'm not suggesting random altruism. I mean bolster your own defences. Those you help closet to you may be your staunchest allies when the chips are down for you. Make your own army!

I have to sign off, but I leaveyou with this one thought - Fear is the little Mindkiller. If you let it rule you, your battle is already lost.

Live Hard and Get your Gun on!

Eddie Izzard explains WWII

Band of the Hand

Listen to me Mr. Pussyman
This might be your last night in a bed so soft
We're not pimps on the make, politicians on the take,
You can't pay us off.

We're gonna blow up your home of Voodoo
And watch it burn without any regret
We got the power we're the new government,
You just don't know it yet.

Bob Dylan's song is a poignant reminder to me that it's not about layin' down and accepting the inevitable, but fighting for what's right. I've helped one friend get out of her funk, and now she's on her feet and runnin'. Workin' on helpin' another get a job. On my part, it's been working on getting out of the mire, internal and external, that has allowed me to think some truly dark thoughts lately. Sometimes just surviving the moment, no matter how painful, is all we can and what we need to do. Out of your darkest hour can come your most shining triumph. We will ALL have pain and misery and suffering and Hell that we will go through. But if we remember that we're not alone, tomorrow is another day and that we CAN and WILL survive it, there is NOTHING that can't be done! Should the Man be holding you down, remember to draw a sharp blade and slit his belly. My Scottish ancestors actually developed a blade simply for the act of knifing someone who forced them into submission. Nemo Me Impune Lacessit - No one assails me with impunity...

And remember this, first and foremost - If there are people in your life who are baggage, ditch 'em. A friend, by definition, is someone who is there in your WORST moments. Who doesn't judge you by your fuck-ups, but is there to help pick you up. And kick your ass. And do what needs to be done to get you back on your feet. Anything less is not, by my definition, a friend.

Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever

Carpe Jugula, and Get your Gun on!

"Tell my wife and children I love them" with his last breath"

One of the opening lines to Kid Rock's Amen. A friend of mine was declared KIA seven minutes before I was due to call his wife that his patrol had gone missing 48 hours prior, and was going to be officially declared MIA. His wife knew what's what, and that he'd taken a dangerous job, but talking to his daughter was something I wasn't prepared for. There really is no manual for telling a little girl that her daddy was brave, and protecting folks like her mommy and her, but that he'd fallen in the line of duty and wouldn't be coming back...

Life is too short. Don't make the mistake of thinking that a friend or love one will be around tomorrow. Say what you need to right now. Or regret it later.

And to my brothers and sisters in the 2/1194th, Never Falter, Never Fail and Never Die!

And Get your Gun on!

No Alibies

I beg your pardon, hello darlin'
This is me you're talkin' to...

Have a friend of almost 20 years who is about to someone I don't talk to ever again. My friends share certain common personality traits with me. Their usually nucking futs. They have no few personality quirks. They may have some disgusting habits. They're almost universally dirtbags. And when they give their word, you can take it to the bank, figuratively and literally.

Until now.

Now, I have a friend who has consistently lied to me. I turned a blind eye, early on, thinking it was just circumstance. No. The evidence was there, I just choose not to see it. Now, after all is said and done, he'd going to have cost me almost $15k. I'd like to say it's not the money, because it is. I went out on a limb to help him. Told him I needed it repaid, quickly. Now I'm getting jacked around. And he's now a debtor, instead of someone who I would have once have gone to the wall for.

Life will throw shit like this at you. It's not always pleasant, and you don't always get what you want. I'm sorry to have lost him, and I hope, for his sake, he eventually gets his shit together. Before someone puts a bullet or two between his eyes...

Beware in Time and Get your Gun on!

And in with the New....

From what was the train wreck that was 2008, (at least on my end), 2009 is inspiring a renewed sense of optimism, and dare I say hope! Still broke as hell, but that will turn around shortly. Met someone, albeit online, who is shaping up to be a delightful partner in crime and playmate. May or may not go anywhere, but it's nice. I actually feel like things are on an upswing.

And, of course, this all has the possibility of crashing down. But with date roll, I believe, comes a new, clean slate. We can choose our own destinies. It may not turn out exactly the way we want it to, but that's life, and that's OK. I choose to believe I wasn't put on this planet to be alone, or to suffer. With each moment, we make choices. Choose life....

I sincerely hope for the best for all! Get out there and Get YOUR Gun on!

Movie Etiquette