Snow!

Well, it's like this... 2 inches of snow in Tennessee + a little warmer + a lot colder = a recipe for disaster... that was the ticket on Thursday afternoon here... Nice and cold! 15-30 degrees this week, and roads have been fun...
so, being the funloving guy I am, I dragged out the bigger go-cart and hit the street, having more fun than a tornado in a Tennessee trailer park...
the growling rumble of the engine... the fog of exhaust in the air... and I was off and running...
this thing'll do about 35-40, and has seat belts and a roll cage...
Took it down the street and spun out in the cul-de-sac, did some donuts and back up the street... knobbies grabbing ice, snow and whatever else they could find...
and I'm suddenly 15 again, flying like my hair is on fire, until I realize how freaking cold my nose and face are getting (my chin and lip are, of course, warm... because I am still the Gotee-man!)...
so I lasted all of about 45 minutes before I headed back for warmer regions (namely, my domicile)... and I realize once again that I am actually not 15, but rather 41... and still lovin' it!

Doesn't take much to bring out the boy in this man...
and I never want to lose that!

The reason for the cobwebs....

Well, I have been leading a crazy life, and have just had too much to do to keep up with it all... so my blog has cobwebs on it fer sher...

Too many hours overtime the past few weeks... too many issues here at home...
and I just haven't had the energy or time to do much else besides the very very essential (and even some of that falls off the plate sometimes as well! NOT good...)

So anyway, just dropping a line to say I haven't forgotten... and I will be back at some point. Glad to find the ones of you I have on Facebook. That's been a cool and easy and more personal way to keep up...

Very thankful for my friends, ITRW & Virtual...

Blessings!
J

Toot Tone...

Georgia Wife...

THE GEORGIA WIFE:

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties.

The first man had married a woman from Ohio and had told her that she was going to do the dishes and house cleaning. It took a couple of days, but on the third day he came home to see a clean house and dishes washed and put away.

The second man had married a woman from Illinois. He had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes, and the cooking. The first day he didn't see any results but the next day he saw it was better. By the third day, he saw his house was clean the dishes were done, and there was a huge dinner on the table.

The third man had married a beautiful girl from Georgia. He told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed, and hot meals on the table for every meal.

He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day some of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye---enough to fix himself a sandwich and load the dishwasher.

Man Brain / Woman Brain

Enjoy!

J/

"I KNOW MY RIGHTS!!!"

Sad Day...

I learned day before yesterday that a longtime friend from High School days that I had been looking for over the past few years died in August... and it has me thinking...
I have been thinking about the many people who have impacted my life over the 40 years I have lived so far. So many have helped to shape the man I am today, and for that, I am grateful. I am richer for having known each one. For some time now, I have been looking for many of them, to tell them just how much they meant and mean to me, and what a difference they made in my life, just through the way they treated me, the things they said and did, and the example they lived. As time passes, more and more of them will have passed on.

I pray that I do not miss another opportunity.

Missy, I would love to be able to tell you how very special and precious you will always be to my heart. During the most awkward and difficult and lonely time in my life, you were a true friend. I looked for you to tell you, but by the time I found your sister, it was too late. I am so sorry for the suffering that marked the end of your life, and for your passing at such a young age. I carry you and your memory in my heart and am richer for having known you. Rest well, dear sister, and I look forward to seeing you again after this life.

J.

What I've Learned...

They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

What People Will Remember...

"People will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but people will always remember how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year...

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all my friends...

Wishing you joy beyond measure,
Love unconditional,
Blessings beyond your wildest dreams
Comfort beyond comprehension...

I've been taking some time off to enjoy my family, since I have been off work and our boys have been home from school. I will begin blogging more in January...
Wish you all the best...

J/

Can We Span the Great Divide?

So many issues divide....

Lifestyle Prejudices
Religious/Spiritual Views & Beliefs
Political Views & Beliefs
Racial Prejudices (by all races... this is not a single race issue)
Gender Bias
Sexual Orientation
Class/Income Prejudices
Arrogance
Bigotry
Intolerance
Misunderstanding
Judging Others
Superiority
Hate

Our culture has evolved in many ways, making incredible advances in medicine, technology, discovery, and so much more.... but have we paid a price? Can we span the great divide(s) in our nation? I hope so.

I am encouraged in many ways by the outcome of our recent election, and yet, in the shadow of that election, I see deep polarization and division in response to it, as well as in the days that led up to it. On one hand, I saw friends cross their tradition (some religious, some racial, some political)... and in other cases, I observed very blatant and racist responses. I believe that to progress as a nation, we first progress as individuals... replacing ignorance with experience, and replacing prejudices and intolerance with compassion and acceptance.

Your thoughts?

/J

Fall in Tennessee

For Freaky Friday, I thought I'd post some fall pics from Tennessee....

Enjoy!

J/

Back from the Big Apple, and Tired to the Core...

We had a fabulous time with our dear friend Michael... He's not changed a bit - in spite of his worldwide success as a famous tenor (opera). His voice is incredible, and he's still the same amazing person we both remember... yet, even more so...

The trip up was difficult, as K had a seizure on the plane (sometimes happens with recirculated air, the altitude changes, etc.), but once we got there and got her settled in to rest for a bit, and back on oxygen (thanks to a portable concentrator), she felt alot better. We both enjoyed very much catching up with Michael, as it had been almost 20 years since we had seen him last... so much time passes so quickly.

Being back in the city was very refreshing for me. The energy and the flavor of the people are always a wonderful change. We were talking to a server in Pete's Tavern, who nailed it - she said, "People here are kind, but not polite... they are direct, and narcissistic, like 'I got mine, go get yours'... but they are kind". And, I might add, misunderstood by those who aren't used to the directness (thankfully, we are very used to it)... and then on the way back to the apartment on the upper west side, we see a lady with her arms loaded, pushing a baby in a stroller, who, without knowing it, drops a glove on the sidewalk... and before we get to where she is, another lady, a jogger, pauses her jog to pickup the glove, runs back to the lady with the baby, and hands it back to her... "Thanks" she replies... "No problem" says the jogger, and goes back to running...
Efficient and kind... and on about her business... I love this city...

Around the city, people hold doors for us, offer to help... it's refreshing, and very helpful. The doormen at the apartment building see us coming and open the doors, then head to get the ramp, so that we can bridge the two steps up to the elevator landing - all without being asked. Restaurant service is incredible, and attentive to every detail. Owners, chefs, servers and everyone are accomdating and helpful, assisting us with working around getting in and out of the places, dietary concerns, and so much more.

We got to meet friends of friends who are now seeing one of our doctors, as the husband was recently diagnosed with the same condition K has... it was so good to meet them face to face there at the office, after having shared so much via e-mail... precious people. Enjoyed meeting them very much.

So then we fly back to Atlanta on Friday... and I can tell a difference the minute we hit the Atlanta airport... For those of you who have never been there, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is huge, and all hustle and bustle, especially on a Friday afternoon. Our flight had been delayed a total of an hour and a half, so instead of 2:41pm, we arrived at like 4:15pm, and then head to baggage claim. Since we are dealing with a wheelchair, we have to use elevators instead of escalators, so we get to the elevator, and are behind two airport employees, one of whom turns to us, and with a snotty tone, informs us that they "have to take the elevator to the bottom floor, so you (we) have to wait for it to come back up before you (we) can use it"...
so much for service, hunh?

The last time we were there on the last trip, an employee of the airport tied up the family bathroom for 20 minutes, so that she could talk to "Kenisha" on her cell phone and give her the latest lowdown... No joke, I could overhear the whole conversation, so I knocked on the door 2 times in that 20 minutes, calm, yet frustrated, but very patient... family bathrooms are nice when travelling with a spouse in a wheelchair, or with kids...
so, then when she comes out, she gives me all that attitude and more, when she knows she's supposed to be working and not talking on the phone... and no flush and clean water tells me she was just tying up the bathroom, and not utilizing it to it's potential...
so yeah, I can tell a difference... it's like heading south means trading service for self-centered arrogance and attitude when it comes to those in service roles, sometimes... thankfully, though, some people remain kind and considerate... we are blessed wherever we go to be able to cross paths with wonderful people.

Friday night, we got to catch up with two great friends from college, Wade & Linda, and their kids. We had a blast, and really enjoyed seeing them as well. About 45 minutes after we connected with them, K's parents arrived with our boys (they had been staying with them for much of this week - THANKS!), so we had a great reunion and a wonderful time. I am so thankful for my inlaws... they are so wonderful, and I love them very much. We have a great family. K's brother and sister in law wanted the boys to spend the night with them on Saturday night, so we connected and made that happen, and then on Sunday, when we started home, they made it so easy for us, by meeting us near the interstate, so that we could pick them up with no detour at all. Like I said, we have a great family, and they have been so very supportive and kind and giving toward us during the most difficult days yet....
We are very thankful for our friends and family...

Sorry if I am rambling - alot of thoughts in my head, and a long past 2 weeks or so...
Wanted to post while my thoughts were all fresh...
Life has been so busy, I haven't been able to blog much lately, but will be back on track soon...

Bless you, our friends...

J/

A Letter from a friend and veteran....

With his permission, I am sharing this letter that I received from my friend today, who is a Veteran and a terrific all-around guy... I believe his words are very important for us to hear today...

Dear Friends -
Last night was truly a historic night for America and the world because no matter which side of the isle you stake your claim, WE as Americans elected OUR first African American president. I have been all over the south and stopped at many old cemeteries to see the decaying tombstones of civil war soldiers, Union and Confederate. These boys fought for a cause that few of them could truly understand but fought they did when the call came for them to serve their country. Many would say that some were on the wrong side of the war but we can not argue with service, especially when it extracts the highest cost. In many of those isolated cemeteries you will find tombstones with no name, rank or identification. It is beneath these unidentifiable graves where the greatness of America is best exhibited in the commitment of young men to a cause greater than themselves. The true cost of the Civil War will never be known but historians can document well over 500,000 deaths as a result of combat but the real cost in lives changed forever is closer to 750,000 people. The cost of this one war is greater than the cost of all of our other wars combined. Racial differences have always been a difficult topic for Americans to confront and move beyond.

In many parts of Europe lie the tombstones of young men who paid the supreme cost of freedom and found their final resting place on shores that were not their own. They died fighting for a cause the results of which they would never appreciate. It is on nights like this that I remember my father and all the men and women who served in World War II when the freedom of our nation was really at stake. I still have pictures of my father giving his food rations to French children that his unit had just liberated from the hands of the Germans. WE should all celebrate the victory of OUR country today as WE elected OUR first African American president, but most of all we should all bow our heads in honor of those who have fought and died so that all Americans could have the privilege of casting a vote in a free country.

Last night we witnessed a Tsunami of Americans under the age of 30 casting votes for an African American president. This great tidal surge began with the ultimate sacrifice paid by those young boys over a century ago who died for slaves who received only 3/5th representation in our nation’s past. It was on the backs of these slaves and through their sheer strength that the economy of the south was carried for many years. African Americans suffered greatly during the civil war and it was through the courage of a white President Lincoln that the nation was saved from destruction and he paid the ultimate cost for his courage, but the wave of change continued. It was when Barack Obama was but a six year old boy, that John McCain continued this wave of change by paying a heavy cost for freedom as a POW for a time that bridged the gap from Obama’s childhood to adolescence. John McCain’s sacrifice for freedom was given for all of us including the young man who would one day defeat him in a race for the presidency of the country that McCain had sworn to defend with his very own life.

The election of OUR first African American President is historic for all Americans because it is the culmination of the sacrifices of so many for the benefit of so few who have actually been able to ride the wave of change to the shore. Greatness always requires unrecognized sacrifice. As we all celebrate the power of the American Republic and our democratic process, let us not forget the millions of people of all races who shouldered the unstoppable wave of change we now celebrate. Many of these people never got to see this wave reach the shore and appreciate a dream fulfilled. Martin Luther King Jr. on the eve of his assassination said “I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we as a people, will get to the Promised Land”. Throughout history great movements of God have been borne on the shoulders of millions of unnamed individuals who saw a vision and were willing to put a cause above their own desires, safety and even their own lives. Yes WE as Americans elected OUR first African American President and he arrives on the crest of the wave buoyed by great people both known and unknown throughout our country’s history.

Just remember that the pleasure and pain centers of the brain are very close together so no matter whether you are celebrating or mourning today, just remember we are all closer together than we might realize. The truest American ideals are much bigger than any political party and require a great sacrifice by so many. So enjoy the sweet taste of victory or be consoled in your disappointment but remember that the commitments we hold dear bind us closer than the differences that separate us. I will always treasure friendships and family far more than political affiliation. When I took my oath in the US Army I made a commitment to protect and defend our great country with my very life. I was and still would gladly die for your right and the right of all Americans to cast their vote, even for people and ideas that I do not support (this has nothing to do with Barack Obama's skin tone)! The essence of a great country is when the men and women can disagree and yet serve a cause greater than ourselves.

I am proud to call you a friend and proud to be an American!
Your Friend, Jeff Lee
US Army Veteran, owner of 3 perfect scores on the Army PT test (thanks Coach Davis ha ha), Son of a World War II Veteran and most importantly, Proud American

J/

Secrets to a happy marriage (what NOT to say to your wife)...

Refreshing

Weary from the long days
The difficult days
Dry in my Spirit
Soul on toward empty

Desert days
Walking sometimes aimlessly
Numb, unaware
Sometimes wanting to die

And then I see
before my eyes
A beautiful sight
just in time

An oasis in my desert
flowing with fresh water
Drenching and refreshing
deep within

Stagnant waters
now moving
Stirring and cleansing
washing away

Restarting the springs
of living waters
A wellspring of life
flowing through me

Newfound peace
Extravagant rest
Finding You
or did You find me?

Filling and fulfilling
Invigorating and thrilling
Bringing near dead
back to fully alive

Strength returning
Clarity and wisdom
Exquisite friendship
Abiding love

J/ (c) 2008

A Love That Remains...

For K...

Twenty third of November
Ninteen hundred ninety-one
So many dreams ahead
So naive, in love and young

We exchanged our vows
never to be undone
We committed to each other
and two became one

Honeymoon in Steamboat Springs
A beautiful place
Skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding
Watching your beautiful, smiling face

Enjoying time together
beginning a new life
Joined for a lifetime
as man and wife

Gradual adjustments
learning each other
So thankful we're together
Wonderful partner and mother

We have always shared
everything we have
Including pain and sorrow
tender love and laughter

Through miscarriages and loss
welcome and unwelcome changes
Yet today, closer than ever
My lover and best friend

As I said on that day
For better for worse
In sickness and in health
Til our days come to a close

Faithfully, I hold fast
Committed to you
Three cords bind us together
forever, it's true

I suffer when you suffer
and share in your pain
Your laughter, contagious
I am forever changed

You are the one
who had made my life
It's my pleasure to serve you
my best friend and wife

Seventeen years now together
and we've barely begun
It seems only yesterday
since the births of our sons

And as every year passes
even ones that are rough
I wouldn't trade what we have
Always more than enough

I look forward to days
that are brighter, and yet
The past six years
I will never forget

How our love became purer
and stronger each day
In the hardest of times
we're still able to say

I am glad to be with you
and you here with me
There's no other place
that I'd rather be

Than right here beside you
where I belong
Immersing each other
in a love pure and strong

Forged in the fires
of each challenge we've faced
Etched in our memories
that can never be erased

We now see much clearer
since the clouds rolled away
Words, insufficient,
Impossible to say

Just how deeply I love you
On this you can depend
I will remain here beside you
My very best friend

J/ (c) 2008

Breakthrough!

Slow down
and take a breath
I know it's hard
but try to rest

The gears all spinning
inside your head
Life hasn't dealt you
what you'd expect

Longing for
a simple touch
Sometimes it feels
like way too much

Responsibility owned
Feeling alone
Soul so heavy
it's too much to carry

Pushing through
the hardest part
Resist the urge
to harden your heart

It will not last forever
though it sometimes feels it could
You are not forgotten
it's all working for your good

Standing there
before a wall
And in your mind
it seems so tall

Too tall to climb
you know it's true
The only way
is to push straight through

So break on through
to the other side
You've come too far
to be denied

Push on through
that paper wall
It a facade
and no wall at all

Looks like a wall
Actually a door
And once you open it
You'll see much more

On the other side
you'll find
Freedom, love
and peace of mind

You're expected
so come on in
I'm waiting here
for you, my friend

J/ (C) 2008

The Transformation

Day breaks
Barely awake
Not enough sleep
Must rise and go

Busy people
Several requests
Many demands
Everyone needs something

Some are different
Coming to give
Rather than to take
Very welcome

Lightening the load
Brightening the outlook
Sharing the burden
Very welcome

Roller coaster ride
Ups go high
Lows go deep
Emotional wreck

Must get back
Peace is calling
Looking for me
Persistently

At days end
All are fed
All is done
Exhaustion realized

Lie down
Asleep instantly
Breathing deeply
Resting

Another day breaks
Challenges come
What would have overtaken
No longer overwhelming

Settled into the quiet place
No struggling
Only resting
Transformation well underway

Having tasted
Peace realized
Beyond comprehension
Nothing else will satisfy

J/ 2008 (C)

Last 2 Debates: Palin Biden SNL & Obama McCain SNL