Hey, what the heck is going on here? No posts since February? I'm pointing the finger at myself as well. No wedding pictures Heather & Brent? No pictures from Las Vegas Scott & Lisa? No pictures from St.Louis Rick & Judy? No pictures from Malone Denice & Scott? Come on. This is a forum that was never available to us when we were kids. Its an outstanding way to stay in communication despite us being spread all over the country. I for one will make one post per month from now on and I sincerely hope that the rest of you will start participating again.
Love, Scott.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Golden Boy
No not Oscar De La Hoya, but Michael Phelps.
Have any of you seen the picture of him taking a hit off a bong? Pretty funny stuff. I actually feel for the guy, he has been in a bubble since 2004 and probably before that with his training habits. He was probably cutting loose and enjoying himself a little, okay a LOT, too much. Definitely not a smart move and his credibilityas a role model has got to be damaged to some degree, but I kind of feel for the guy.
Imagine having to have your every move potential fodder for the blogosphere?
I did notice one thing conspicuously absent from the photo though, smoke. Not being wise to the ways of big hits off big bongs, I would assume that there would be smoke present and I didn't see any.
I have attached the photo just in case you didn't see it before.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year everyone. Hope your holidays were pleasant and enjoyable wherever you were during the season. Now that 2009 is here there are several things that I'm going to change in my life and I'd like to run them past you in this forum and welcome your comments or if you wish you may disclose anything that you are going to change in yours. My so called "New Years Resolutions".
1) Weight - I have let my weight get completely out of control. My first weigh-in of the new year resulted in a weight of 329.8. Out"freakin"rageous. I have resolved to getting my eating habits in order first during the first six-months of 2009 and then install a full exercise regimen in the second half of 2009. I will also be golfing with my better half on a weekly basis as soon as the weather cooperates. Nothing like turning a 6,000 yard course into 7,500 yards. The extra mile will surely help.
2) Finances - The combined income between my spouse and me is substantial enough where we should not have to live check-to-check, yet we do and it will stop in 2009. I will be getting a part-time job with an insurance agency in West Bend to help grow their business and increase my income enough where I can erase the bad decisions that resulted in more debt. This debt will be paid off and eliminated from our books during 2009.
3) Attitude - As some of you have indicated (not directly to me) I sometimes have an attitude, in particulary I sometimes act like my father. While I love the man, I have strived not to become him in some aspects of my life and attitude is part of it. I want all of you to not be afraid to talk to me about anything regardless of what it is. In return, I promise I will listen to what you have to say and be objectionable. No judgement, no second-guessing, and no ATTITUDE.
4) Stress - My stress level has been at an all time high during 2008 which has resulted in my being concerned for my health. With the recent loss of a friend at age 45, I have re-evaluated myself and my life and have decided to tackle each and every issue presented me head-on. Instead of placing an issue on the back burner and hoping it goes away (thus creating more stress later), I will deal with everything cooly, calmly, and collectively as it happens.
These are the things I need to change and will change in 2009. What about you? Your feelings about my changes?
Love, Scott
1) Weight - I have let my weight get completely out of control. My first weigh-in of the new year resulted in a weight of 329.8. Out"freakin"rageous. I have resolved to getting my eating habits in order first during the first six-months of 2009 and then install a full exercise regimen in the second half of 2009. I will also be golfing with my better half on a weekly basis as soon as the weather cooperates. Nothing like turning a 6,000 yard course into 7,500 yards. The extra mile will surely help.
2) Finances - The combined income between my spouse and me is substantial enough where we should not have to live check-to-check, yet we do and it will stop in 2009. I will be getting a part-time job with an insurance agency in West Bend to help grow their business and increase my income enough where I can erase the bad decisions that resulted in more debt. This debt will be paid off and eliminated from our books during 2009.
3) Attitude - As some of you have indicated (not directly to me) I sometimes have an attitude, in particulary I sometimes act like my father. While I love the man, I have strived not to become him in some aspects of my life and attitude is part of it. I want all of you to not be afraid to talk to me about anything regardless of what it is. In return, I promise I will listen to what you have to say and be objectionable. No judgement, no second-guessing, and no ATTITUDE.
4) Stress - My stress level has been at an all time high during 2008 which has resulted in my being concerned for my health. With the recent loss of a friend at age 45, I have re-evaluated myself and my life and have decided to tackle each and every issue presented me head-on. Instead of placing an issue on the back burner and hoping it goes away (thus creating more stress later), I will deal with everything cooly, calmly, and collectively as it happens.
These are the things I need to change and will change in 2009. What about you? Your feelings about my changes?
Love, Scott
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
It Happened!!
Yes we can! Yes we Did!
The campaign for the Presidency was long, it was difficult and at times divisive for the country and honestly I am glad it is over. I believe the country spoke loudly and clearly that change; real, meaningful change was what was wanted. It is my hope that this is more of a reflection on the man we elected rather than a distaste for the man that has been in office for the past 8 years.
Barack Obama showed tireless dedication throughout the campaign, deminstrating real leadership and a message that was positive over the negativity that has reigned supremely in the last several Presidential elections. I believe that message was one that the American people longed for, grabbed onto and raised up.
I believe John McCain to be a true leader and a man of great personal integrity who at times seemed to be put off by some of the things he had to do in order to win an election. What he has given this country in his lifetime of service cannot be measured. I hope he continues to be a voice of reason as a U.S. Senator in the future.
We are moving onto a new type of Democracy, one that we will be faced with tough decisions as a country, as a people and as a society. In 77 days it will be time for Barack Obama to begin delivering on the promise he has shown thus far and I believe he is up to the task.
The campaign for the Presidency was long, it was difficult and at times divisive for the country and honestly I am glad it is over. I believe the country spoke loudly and clearly that change; real, meaningful change was what was wanted. It is my hope that this is more of a reflection on the man we elected rather than a distaste for the man that has been in office for the past 8 years.
Barack Obama showed tireless dedication throughout the campaign, deminstrating real leadership and a message that was positive over the negativity that has reigned supremely in the last several Presidential elections. I believe that message was one that the American people longed for, grabbed onto and raised up.
I believe John McCain to be a true leader and a man of great personal integrity who at times seemed to be put off by some of the things he had to do in order to win an election. What he has given this country in his lifetime of service cannot be measured. I hope he continues to be a voice of reason as a U.S. Senator in the future.
We are moving onto a new type of Democracy, one that we will be faced with tough decisions as a country, as a people and as a society. In 77 days it will be time for Barack Obama to begin delivering on the promise he has shown thus far and I believe he is up to the task.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day
Today is Election Day 2008, a day I have been awaiting for four long years (seven really). Four years that have seen the economy continue south, four years that have seen America's place in the global marketplace shrink, four years that have seen the once high esteem with which our country was held, crumble. This slide began September 11, 2001 and has continued like a snowball rolling down hill, growing and growing at an ever increasing speed. Today we have a chance, perhaps out last, best chance to reverse this trend. It will take a lot of tough choices beginning with today's election and continuing into our personal lives. I only hope we are all strong enough to make those choices for the greater good.
Let's talk about voting shall we?
Voting is the most basic of our civil liberties, one that cannot and should not be taken lightly or ignored. It is the responsibility of each citizen to cast a vote for their candidate of choice and to not participate in the electoral process negates that citizens right to complain about how government is being run and the policies of our country.
Note I said "responsibility" when it comes to voting, not choice, not you can if you want or if it is convenient to. It is a responsibility that each individual must take seriously.
It is also the responsibility of the citizenry to make their vote an informed one, not to just vote for the popular candidate or the one that looks or sounds like themselves. To do otherwise cheapens the individual vote and the entire process. To cast a vote for or against Barack Obama based solely upon his ancestry is a vote I would rather not see cast, not even one. To vote for or against John McCain because of his choice in running mate being female is also a vote I would rather not see cast.
Vote your conscience. Vote on the issues. Vote for your candidate of choice, but please do not cheapen the process. This Election is too important for our present and our future to do that.
I'm Rick Underwood and I approved this message.
Let's talk about voting shall we?
Voting is the most basic of our civil liberties, one that cannot and should not be taken lightly or ignored. It is the responsibility of each citizen to cast a vote for their candidate of choice and to not participate in the electoral process negates that citizens right to complain about how government is being run and the policies of our country.
Note I said "responsibility" when it comes to voting, not choice, not you can if you want or if it is convenient to. It is a responsibility that each individual must take seriously.
It is also the responsibility of the citizenry to make their vote an informed one, not to just vote for the popular candidate or the one that looks or sounds like themselves. To do otherwise cheapens the individual vote and the entire process. To cast a vote for or against Barack Obama based solely upon his ancestry is a vote I would rather not see cast, not even one. To vote for or against John McCain because of his choice in running mate being female is also a vote I would rather not see cast.
Vote your conscience. Vote on the issues. Vote for your candidate of choice, but please do not cheapen the process. This Election is too important for our present and our future to do that.
I'm Rick Underwood and I approved this message.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Perception vs Reality
In this hot political climate I have been bombareded with emails from supporters of both sides as Iam sure many of you have. I got one yesterday in response to a reply I had sent out regarding Barack Obama, whom I openly support in his candidacy for President. I am going to cut and paste a portion that I took very personally as well as my response to that particular part. The entire email chain is much longer and I made every effort to keep it on the issues with the exception of the parts I am cutting and pasting. I am very interested in your honest appraisal of the exchange.
Here is what was sent to me that I took personally:
"I vote the way I vote because of my fundamental economic & spiritual beliefs, as foreign as they may seem to you. I'm a religious man, an economically mindful man, and these are the principals I hold to... or would it be better to say that I'm just one of those ignorant mid-westerners clinging to my religion and my guns? Obama, and all he stands for, is everything I happen to be against. I'm against giving people hand outs, I'd rather give them an arm to help them up, I'm against having my vote negated by just one case of voter fraud, I'm for showing an I.D. at the polls to prove who I am and protect my right, I'm against taxation without representation, such as some state gas taxes that automatically increase annually, I'm for governments trimming the fat instead of adding pork, I'm against removing nativity scenes & changing sports team names because a few people complain, I'm for reciting the national anthem with "Under God" in the passages. These are the principals I hold true... what are your principals? "
Here is my response:
"I cast my vote for the person I believe will do the best job in making the best decisions for the good of the entire country, not what is necessarily best for me. I think of all the things you write this one is the most hurtful, to even infer that somehow your economic principals and spirituality are somehow superior to my own is incredible. You forget, I know as much about you as you know about me and there is little doubt in my mind that my morals can at the very least stand equal to yours and I would never remotely believe I am more or less superior than you. That is total invalidation and completely false. You want to eliminate the "fat", the "pork" get line item veto power, something that your party is dead set against, sadly too many Dems are too. You say hand out? Exactly what hand outs are you talking about? The programs being proposed are exactly what you say you are for, a helping hand to help people be able to make a better life, not to GIVE them a better life. Look it up. I am against people being able to have a gun designed strictly for the taking of human life. You want a gun for home protection, get a shotgun, you want to hunt get a rifle. How dare you presume your morality to be superior to mine. Under God, In God We Trust, the National Anthem are all words that we absolutely should keep IN our culture and Barack Obama is NOT against their use, if you think he is, please show me some offer of proof of this. You want to talk about principals? Mine are rooted in a lifetime of helping others and serving my country, have you ever served? Have you ever trusted the man next to you to protect you as you would protect him? Have you? My principals are very simple, those that can give back SHOULD. By the way, Under God is NOT in the Nation Anthem it is in the Pledge of Allegiance. Again your facts are faulty."
Obviously I was fired up when I responded, yet today, a day later I am still. I like to think that my principals and values are on display each day as evidenced by how I conduct myself in my life on a consistent day in and day out basis. Am I perfect, no, have I made mistakes? yes. Will I make more mistakes as I live, yes. Somehow this has really irked me in a way I probably should not let it, but yet it has.
I'd like your honest feedback for better or for worse.
Thanks,
Rick
Here is what was sent to me that I took personally:
"I vote the way I vote because of my fundamental economic & spiritual beliefs, as foreign as they may seem to you. I'm a religious man, an economically mindful man, and these are the principals I hold to... or would it be better to say that I'm just one of those ignorant mid-westerners clinging to my religion and my guns? Obama, and all he stands for, is everything I happen to be against. I'm against giving people hand outs, I'd rather give them an arm to help them up, I'm against having my vote negated by just one case of voter fraud, I'm for showing an I.D. at the polls to prove who I am and protect my right, I'm against taxation without representation, such as some state gas taxes that automatically increase annually, I'm for governments trimming the fat instead of adding pork, I'm against removing nativity scenes & changing sports team names because a few people complain, I'm for reciting the national anthem with "Under God" in the passages. These are the principals I hold true... what are your principals? "
Here is my response:
"I cast my vote for the person I believe will do the best job in making the best decisions for the good of the entire country, not what is necessarily best for me. I think of all the things you write this one is the most hurtful, to even infer that somehow your economic principals and spirituality are somehow superior to my own is incredible. You forget, I know as much about you as you know about me and there is little doubt in my mind that my morals can at the very least stand equal to yours and I would never remotely believe I am more or less superior than you. That is total invalidation and completely false. You want to eliminate the "fat", the "pork" get line item veto power, something that your party is dead set against, sadly too many Dems are too. You say hand out? Exactly what hand outs are you talking about? The programs being proposed are exactly what you say you are for, a helping hand to help people be able to make a better life, not to GIVE them a better life. Look it up. I am against people being able to have a gun designed strictly for the taking of human life. You want a gun for home protection, get a shotgun, you want to hunt get a rifle. How dare you presume your morality to be superior to mine. Under God, In God We Trust, the National Anthem are all words that we absolutely should keep IN our culture and Barack Obama is NOT against their use, if you think he is, please show me some offer of proof of this. You want to talk about principals? Mine are rooted in a lifetime of helping others and serving my country, have you ever served? Have you ever trusted the man next to you to protect you as you would protect him? Have you? My principals are very simple, those that can give back SHOULD. By the way, Under God is NOT in the Nation Anthem it is in the Pledge of Allegiance. Again your facts are faulty."
Obviously I was fired up when I responded, yet today, a day later I am still. I like to think that my principals and values are on display each day as evidenced by how I conduct myself in my life on a consistent day in and day out basis. Am I perfect, no, have I made mistakes? yes. Will I make more mistakes as I live, yes. Somehow this has really irked me in a way I probably should not let it, but yet it has.
I'd like your honest feedback for better or for worse.
Thanks,
Rick
Monday, September 29, 2008
Where is everyone?
This was a terrific idea when we started this, but it seems very little is actually happeneing as we all move on with our busy lives. I know Heather/Brent and Kim have expressed dificulty in being able to create new post subjects, I don't know why. I suggested to Heather that she and Brent join again and make sure they are deesignated as contributors, and would suggest to Kim the same course of action. Now sure of any other reaon you would be able to comment, but not able to create new posts.
None the less, I hope everyone is doing well and that this blog would get back to flourishing instead of the Dead Zone it has become lately. I know we all talk with each other periodically, but this blog was a quick way to update each other on what ever mundane happenings and goins on we all have in our lives.
Love you all and hope to hear/read/smell you in the coming months.
None the less, I hope everyone is doing well and that this blog would get back to flourishing instead of the Dead Zone it has become lately. I know we all talk with each other periodically, but this blog was a quick way to update each other on what ever mundane happenings and goins on we all have in our lives.
Love you all and hope to hear/read/smell you in the coming months.
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