Life Experiences

Li’l JAKE

2011-12-13T12:27:00.001-08:00

Since I don’t have much of a social life due to my economic status, I have plenty of time to devote to this blog and ponder. The following is one of those times that I reflect upon, as one of my greatest and most gratifying experiences.

I wanted to get into medical sales in hopes of representing products that made a difference in helping someone, no matter what the product may have been. I was lucky enough to accomplish that. To me, it was never the money to be achieved, as much as the difference a product might make in the healthcare of an individual. The money just came with the belief I had in a product. It always helped that it was cost effective.

Li’l Jake is one of the greatest success stories in my years of medical sales. He was born in a major hospital of Wichita, KS with cystic fibrosis. He spent his first two years of life in the hospital, never getting to see the outside world, and the majority of the time on a ventilator.

I became aware of Jake through a respiratory therapist that worked at the hospital home healthcare agency and was involved in his transition from the hospital to his home. She contacted me because I represented a unique ventilator that Jake could tolerate better than any other.

The medical manufacturer I worked for had finally gotten the FDA approval for this unique ventilator to be used in the home care environment. Once that had come through Jake had the opportunity to finally be able to go home after spending such a long time in a hospital setting.

The respiratory therapist contacted me when Jake had gone home and informed me that it was the first time he had ever smiled. She asked if I would be able to meet at the home to set up the device and train the parents on the ventilator’s settings and maintenance. It was gratifying to see how happy the parents were and to see Jake smiling for myself.

This is just one of a few experiences that made my job and personal gratification worthwhile in this life.

God bless and God speed with a special prayer for Li’l Jake

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

GOOD DEED OF THE DAY

2011-12-13T12:25:00.001-08:00

This morning, my co-worker and I were entering the restaurant where we are employed to start another day of work, a young man entered ahead of us. Unknown at the time, this young man would be an interesting start to my day.

My routine when I first enter for work is to get myself a big ice tea while my co-worker times me in but this day as I turned she motioned me over to inform me that there was a homeless man that was in need of directions to the Salvation Army shelter where I had received assistance. Everyone at work is familiar with my past association with the shelter and felt that I may be able to help him.

I became aware that the young man who proceeded us into the restaurant was the homeless person in need of help. He informed me of his situation and that he was trying to get back to Indiana and really just needed directions to get to I-70 and a glass of water. After I got him a glass of water I decided to give him one of my free dinner coupons that I receive once-a-month so he could get something to eat while he warmed up from the cold.

After a warm meal he asked his server to get me so he could say thank you before leaving on his way. He thanked me for my generosity and I told him that I had been in his position and it was the generosity of others that got me back to KC and it was the least I could do to pay-it-forward.

I wished him a safe journey back to Indiana and would give him some cash but at the time I only had a couple of dollars in my wallet to last me until payday. He told me that the meal was more than generous and that he greatly appreciated my help. We shook hands and he left.

I hope that he met more of that generosity I had experienced on his way home.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

THANKSGIVING GENEROSITY

2011-12-13T12:23:00.001-08:00

It was one year today, November 27, 2010, that I found myself at a south bound rest stop just North of Dunnagin on I-5. There was a lot of motorists heading home to most likely the Sacramento area. It would be at this rest stop that I would realize the true meaning of generosity.

I had decided to make one last ditch effort to get the remainder of the cash I needed for gas money to make the trip back to Kansas City and my confirmed employment. I had the majority of the cash needed but also felt that any extra I could receive this day and on the journey return would go to my confirmed apartment with my former landlords.

So, with Ellie in the car and my homemade cardboard sign (“NEED GAS FOR KCMO: HAVE EMPLOYMENT THERE”), I stood in 40 degree cloud covered weather next to my car. I immediately started getting donations for my needy cause. Some good Samaritans giving me change others dollars. Anything I could get was, to me, greatly generous and appreciated. It would all add up. I guess you could say I was optimistic and kept the faith that I would, somehow, make whatever was needed to secure my way home and place to live.

But the greatest generosity came when a young couple parked next to my car. The man came over to me after they both made their nature calls and asked if things were going well to my endeavor. I told him how impressed I was with the generosity of those that had helped me so far. He handed me what I thought was a $20 bill rolled up with what I thought might be some ones and maybe a ten. He also handed me some munchies he and his wife had brought along for the trip back home. After they left, I stuck my hand back into my pocket to add the wad of money to what I had already made to find out that they had given me $120. About 15 minutes later another man came by and gave me $100. I had spent only 45 minutes at this rest stop and made over $250.

If anyone can be blessed, it’s definitely been me. I had surpassed my goal for gas but also had secured most of the rent I would need for my apartment in KC. After that short 45-minutes of generosity, I jumped into my car with Ellie and headed back to my friends place to prepare for my trip back to KC the next day knowing that I would be able to relax financially.

I will always remember and be grateful to the generous people that aided my success in getting home. I truly have a genuine reason for being “THANKFUL”.

God bless and God speed

THE TAJ MAHAL OF STUDIO APARTMENTS

2011-12-13T12:22:00.001-08:00

I secured a new studio apartment with my former landlords back in the same apartment building that I had resided before leaving for San Diego. I really had hopes of my old apartment located on the 3^rd floor with its’ fantastic KC downtown skyscape and treetop view but the current tenant had renewed his lease for another year.

They had shown me a more spacious first floor studio that has a large covered porch area. The inside has 11 foot ceilings with a large kitchen area and the heating units work efficiently compared to the one I left. Ellie, I know, greatly appreciates the spacious quarters where she can stretch her legs and keep a better eye on my movements.

After getting the wall hangings up, furniture in place and things organized, I sit in my recliner and look around at how much nicer it is here than, especially, the apartment I just came from. The earth tone coloring and high ceilings accent the spacious feeling. I find it even nicer than my old upstairs apartment, though I enjoyed the higher up view, it gives me a cleaner environment outlook. My only concern is the first floor easy access for someone wanting to break in. It’s Ellie’s presence that gives me some security feeling, even when I’m away at work.

All-in-all, it gives me a fulfilled comfort level of home. Not too big, not too small. A place I plan to call my home for some time. It’s my “TAJ MAHAL OF STUDIOS”.

I just realized, I “am” home for the first time in a long time.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

THE APARTMENT

2011-12-13T12:21:00.001-08:00

As I have mentioned in one of my previous postings, when I was coming back to KC from California, I had secured an apartment with my former landlords. Sight unseen and in desperate need I had no choice staying in this current apartment. I’ve adapted well to this place and all the little idiocyncrosies that came with it. Oven light off means it’s on, the handle on the bathroom stool has to be physically moved up after a flush, taking a bath versus a shower that I don’t have and so on. Just little things.

Recently I’ve had to deal with rodents and brown recluse spiders. I haven’t really had experience in dealing with brown recluse, mice or rat problems anytime before or over this past year living here, so the last three weeks have been a new and interesting experience.

It all began when the new landlord started renovating the apartment above mine. The first experience was a brown recluse spider that appeared on my kitchen floor after I had opened the cabinet door under the sink. I accidentally and luckily stepped on it, with my shoes on, and I normally wouldn’t have given it a thought but this spider looked different from past spiders I had eliminated. After close inspection with my glasses on and confirmation from my landlord and the guy working on the upstairs apartment I began to be a little more concerned, not only for myself but Ellie as well. About two weeks after that incident, I saw another recluse on my bathroom rug and, of course, eliminated it. Then came the big scare about three days ago. I had gotten up at 4:30 am, like every work day, to walk Ellie. Once that’s done, I get ready to take my second nature call and then my bath. While sitting on the stool with the bath water filling, I glance down to the floor where my bare feet are and see a brown recluse next to my right foot. I lifted my feet off the floor and it started hopping around, then scurried off under the tub. Needless to say, it literally scared the “you know what” out of me.

The problem with the mice began about two weeks ago when, as I was sitting in my recliner watching t.v., I noticed out of the corner of my eye a movement over by Ellie’s dog food bowl. A mouse was perched on the edge of her bowl eating a piece of dog food then scurried into the bathroom when I got up. I informed my landlord about the mouse and he went and got four mouse traps. The snapping type, which I had never had to use, so it was a learning experience to me in getting it set up properly. In this case, a piece of Ellie’s dog food with peanut butter. I placed the trap in a narrow space between the kitchen counter and the wall and got the first mouse that night. A couple of nights in a row I was awakened to the sound of crunching dog food and thought Ellie was just grazing at night but the sound seemed to come from the bedroom but it wasn’t Ellie eating on the bed. The next morning I opened the door under the sink to throw away something in the trash when I noticed a lot of dog food from her food bag scattered around the cabinet. It had eaten through her dog bag and also gotten into my red potatoes I keep under there as well. So far, after two days of no mouse trap trips, I haven’t had any problems with mice.

The last major event was early this morning getting up at my usual time to walk Ellie. I headed to the bathroom, of course, to take care of business when I saw this big rat just sitting there in the doorway. It didn’t move when I moved towards it but sure looked alive to me. At my age when nature calls nature calls. I quickly put Ellie’s lease on and took her for her walk to take care of her business and embarrassingly, mine, behind a big tree. Now I had to deal with the rat when I got back, if it was still there. It was still there in the same position and same place so I poked at it with a clothes hangar. It didn’t move but seemed lethargic not dead like it had been poisoned. I grabbed one of my work shoes and, well, you know what I had to do.

I had an appointment to meet with my former landlords to check out a studio apartment at the former location I lived before leaving to go to San Diego today and liked what I saw. I’ll be moving there in one month when my lease is up here.

So, the current count: Mice: 10 Rat: 1 Recluse: 2 with one at large along with any unkown at this time and Roaches: Oh boy! Can only guess

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

PAY IT FORWARD

2011-10-10T07:35:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite movies, “Pay It Forward”, impressed me with the strong message it sends. I’m sure it’s movement is alive in reality, I know I have experienced and also helped out several times for the “Pay It Forward” philosophy’s ongoing success.

The purpose, of course, is to significantly help someone in crisis. Not to seek any kind of reward and just request that they pay it forward to three other people. The pay-it-forwards I’ve been involved with haven’t been the most significant, but what I would call significantly meager attempts in perspective. I still have time to fulfill this goal and, more so, in the near future with some plans I’ve been working on for a new venture that has been in the making for over 6-years.

This new venture would impact many people’s lives and bring greater recognition to the causes this venture would represent. It would be my way to significantly pay-it-forward for many rather than just the requested three. It would bring a greater awareness to the pay-it-forward movement. The previous postings I’ve made on my homeless and financial experiences have been the driving force in this venture.

My hope is whoever reads this remembers or sees the movie and maybe takes someone’s kind helpful gesture and “PAYS IT FORWARD”, no matter the significance.

God Bless and God Speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

I AM A SURVIVOR

2011-09-27T07:26:00.001-07:00

September 26, 2011

I’M A SURVIVOR

My good friend out in California and I were hoisting a few beers (maybe more) one night when the conversation turned to my challenging times. He said I was a survivor, as he has had to be in his hard times, especially where I had been in my career of making a very good living and had a fairly easy positive lifestyle.

I’ve reflected on this and began to consider how things might have turned out otherwise. It made me think of the time I was in St. Louis on business reading the St. Louis Post newspaper in my room before beginning my business day when I noticed an article relating to the best person to hire for a job. The writer indicated that the best person to hire would be an ex-cross country runner because of how the race is primarily a battle between the individual racer and himself. They have a great deal of intestinal fortitude and a “ not-give-up “ attitude.

It was one of the first times I began to realize who I was and why. It opened up a whole new perspective of myself because I had been a cross country runner and one of the best in the metro area. It fit in with my prior posting “Who Am I?”.

I’ve gotten to experience the good life of raising two great kids and financial stability. Since I’ve been thrust into the financial challenges of life, I can adapt to any of those challenges that cross my path. It’s hard, but due to my analytical and positive mind, I somehow am able to come up with a positive solution to the problem at hand.

I sometimes will hear Super Tramp’s song “The Long Way Home” and think of how it may be tough going, but I’m just taking that long way home in life now. Then I’ll hear Chicago’s “Feeling Stronger Every Day” which is inspirational to the way I perceive my existence currently as a survivor. “I AM A SURVIVOR”

“God Bless and God Speed”

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: LOG CABINS

2011-08-23T08:10:00.001-07:00

My brother was always coming up with some wild idea here and there. My mother told the story of the time when he had watched a war movie on the television and later she looked out the back window and saw him digging a trench in the backyard. She went out and asked him what he was doing and found out that it was a trench like in the movie. Or like the time he was down the street in a vacant lot digging away and found a grave stone from civil war days (that made the local paper).

The best was when he got the idea to build a log cabin in the woods close by (probably from the movie “Treasure Island”). I think I was around 9-years old that summer and thought it would be fun. Besides, it was a little break from the backyard baseball and kickball games the neighborhood boys played during the summers away from school.

So a few of the older brothers and Mikie and myself started chopping trees down at a location in the middle of the woods. It took most of the summer to complete but it was a fine resemblance of a crude log cabin. It was about 6-7 feet high and tree length (about 20 feet long) in a square formation with no roof. We had many play battles and fun after the construction.

We built two more over the next two summer breaks. The second went just like the first except that because they were developing a new residential area close by we didn’t get to enjoy it very long. One day we heard an explosion from the general area of our log cabin and went to check out what was happening. We thought it might be part of the new development but found out that they had blown up our log cabin with dynamite. What a disappointment it was since a lot of hard work had gone into it. Well the next summer, out of spite, we built the third cabin but this one we made with bigger trees and more reinforced.

Again we heard the blasting sound of dynamite. In fact, it was several blasting sounds closely spaced together. When we went to investigate we found that they had blown our cabin up again but this time was a much harder feat to accomplish. Although disappointed again we enjoyed the fact that they had to use more dynamite to destroy our cabin this time.

Needless to say, that was the last of log cabins to be built since the older brothers were beginning high school. All in all, building those log cabins gave us a great sense of accomplishment. All because of my brothers creative imagination.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

FINANCIAL CHALLENGE: UPDATE

2011-08-23T08:07:00.003-07:00

Since getting my old job back in Kansas City last December I’ve still had to struggle to make ends meet. I sat down and figured out a tight budget plan that helped me through paycheck to paycheck which included the basics of food, gas, utilities, rent, phone and car insurance.

The hardest part of my business plan was coordinating my bi-monthly payday schedule so that I would have enough cash left over from each paycheck to cover gas, phone and incidentals. Rent was tough for the first 3-months because I couldn’t help being one or two days late since my paydays are on a Wednesday which meant $25 more. That’s $25 I dearly needed. Now, because of the way the calendar works, my rent can be paid ahead of the dead line giving me that additional $25. I was behind on utilities from the get go and almost had my electric turned off twice. I was lucky it was a hard winter and they were willing to work with me and receive whatever I could spare after I went in and explained my financial challenges.

I was denied food stamp assistance because I made $36 more on estimated salary and Missouri state allowances. As it stands now I budget $150 per month but another $50 to $100 would be much better. My main staples now are rice, bread and peanut butter. My meat purchases subsist of hamburger, chicken and hot Italian sausage. Sometimes I’ll splurge and get steak. Pretty much, whatever I can mix in with rice. The Salvation Army nearby has a food and bread pantry that I take advantage of. I can utilize their food pantry once-a-month and the bread pantry once a week which I get primarily bagels and freeze in the fridge. I usually just get what food I’m in need of at the time of my monthly visit so not to take advantage.

I had to miss my phone payment once so I didn’t have service for a week until my next paycheck which was a benefit since it put me on the coordinated budget plan that I required. After my next phone payment my rate will drop from $50 to $45. I changed car insurance carriers and saved about $30 per month then and now has dropped further by $7. My utilities went from $122 (winter) to the last payment of $28 per month. I figure utilities will range between this $28 to $40. I try to buy most of my groceries all at once so I can take advantage of gas discounts for every $50 I purchase. I usually get $.10 to $.15 off the gas price per gallon.

I had a windfall when the I.R.S. finally gave me a return of $1,200. $400 of which was deducted to finally take care of back taxes. So I was able to pay off utilities and since the hot days of summer have come purchased an air conditioner from Walmart and paid back those I owed money to.

At this time, I feel I have most everything under control. If I could just get a $.25/hr raise, it would make about a $200 to $300 difference which would help considerably for any emergency issues but that has been a disappointing issue. As much as I like what I’m doing and the people I work with, It’s time to start putting applications out.

“POWER OF THE BUDGET” and living by it.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

FINANCIAL CHALLENGE: UPDATE

2011-08-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

“POWER OF THE BUDGET” and living by it.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

IT’S A SAD DAY

2011-08-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

It’s a sad day when this country lets down its citizens in regard to employment and security. We contract and outsource our services to third world countries because it’s more cost effective. OKAY! We’ve all heard it many times. It’s called “GREED”! For the few rich and greedy.

If you were to ask me if I’m frustrated, I would be one of many in my position to say “Hell Yes”! I’m a professional and at 58 years old can’t utilize my experience in my field. But, hey, I’m one of the best dish washers (server assistant) because I take pride in my work, whatever it might be but that’s not what corporate America wants. I KNOW THAT I CAN GENUINELY OFFER A HIGHER SERVICE but that’s not what America stands for anymore.

By law, there is no “AGE DISCRIMINATION”. BULL FECES! I’ve personally heard and seen it from a couple of men in my age group that have been put thru this same ordeal. The only difference is that they have a spouse working full time compared to my lone ranger self. I saw it first hand when 3 years ago I started putting my resume out for opportunities in my field of experience and never received any response. When I put my applications in for any blue collar positions in retail and restaurant positions, the interviewer either deemed me too over qualified or asked me why I wanted to do such a menial job. My reply, “BECAUSE I NEED A JOB AND PAYCHECK”.

It took a confrontation with an employee who went out of control with the General Manager of the restaurant I currently work for to prompt a call to me at the Salvation Army where I was residing homelessly. She requested I come to see her a.s.a.p. which was within 20-minutes with my free time. After the interview, I asked her if I had the job and her reply was that she needed to talk to several other people before she made the decision. Without bringing age in as an issue (which she couldn’t) she mentioned that she had reservations due to my over qualifications which I had heard so many times before. I chalked it up as another turn down but got a call an hour later asking if I could start the next day. As she would later confide in me that she took a chance hiring me but to this day has no regrets because of my professionalism approach to the job. She’ll always be a blessed person in my book of those deemed worthy. I’ve seen firsthand the chances she gives to many who are in need, fired, then given a second chance. She’s demanding but that’s what a good manager should be to get the job done.

So, there are people out there willing to suck it up and make the sacrifices to make a buck in this economy no matter what it is. It’s all a matter of “EFFORT, ATTITUDE, TEAMWORK AND SPORTSMANSHIP” (previous post). E.A.T.S PHILOSOPHY

Hey! I’m just barely making it financially on a limited income but I’m the last one to complain. I do have to find a more increased income to cover expenses that I know will be coming up to care for Ellie and any emergencies that may come up. DAMN, I don’t have health insurance and I’m concerned there.

“IT’S A SAD DAY”

ALL I CAN SAY IS KEEP THE FAITH! Things are meant to be!

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyexperience@yahoo.com

NO REGRETS

2011-06-27T05:43:00.001-07:00

Sometimes pondering on my life, the past and present, I feel that I’m content with the happenings that have taken place. I had been watching the movie, “Meet Joe Black”, with Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins when towards the end of the movie, Anthony Hopkins is dancing with his favorite daughter and tells her that he has, no regrets, about his life and accomplishments. He wouldn’t change anything.

That’s the way I feel as well. Thinking of what I’ve done in my life and the experiences I’ve had and seen I wouldn’t change a thing. With the close bonding between my mother and myself, I felt compelled to share my feelings to my son since we’ve had the similar bonding but at a much younger age. So one night I texted him that I wanted him to know that if anything were to ever happen to me that I had no regrets about my existence on this earth and felt content with everything that I’d accomplished. That I wasn’t now afraid of death even though I hope to continue more experiences for quite a long time.

He, of course, got concerned thinking I was comtemplating suicide with everything that has happened over the past financial challenges I’ve endured and phoned me. I explained that that wasn’t the case and never could be. I just wanted him to know that he could continue on his life path knowing that his dad passed on a happy man with “NO REGRETS”.

So I continue on my path of existence eagerly hoping for continuing experiences and make the most out of this existence on this planet Earth.

“NO REGRETS”

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

THE EULOGY NEVER GIVEN: FOR MOTHER

2011-06-27T05:41:00.001-07:00

The following eulogy is what I had prepared for my mother but never got the chance to give since, at age 90, there are very few people left to offer condolences. It was more an informal affair like that of a visitation with friends coming and going. I was saddened and disappointed that her great life experience couldn’t be shared so it’s here that I fulfill to her my promise we had laughingly agreed to.

“A PRAYER ANSWERED”

Written by Reverend Jim (son)

Mother, you were born February 14, 1920, a Valentine’s baby to your mother and father. “A Prayer Answered”. The only daughter to be born and raised to a hard working father of the railroad in a small town of Kansas.

You were raised under very strict and harsh conditions by your controlling mother but received your outgoing personality from your father, a grandfather I never got to know but would loved to have met and spend young times with. Due to your outgoing personality, you always made friends easily even though your mother always painted a negative approach to life whether it was religious or economic associations.

Even though you met those adverse negative conditions you were able to overcome them through music when you took up the violin and later piano. Music gave you the avenue of escape which, I’m sure, your father was responsible. He was the positive force in your young life.

You graduated from high school and had the opportunity to go the University of Kansas but your mother put a halt to that because she felt it would be a bad influence. Then you had the opportunity to attend secretarial business college in Kansas City and your father stepped in and put his foot down to your mother. You were off to Kansas City and independent freedom from your controlling mother. You loved your father dearly and the visits he would make on the train to come and see you (without your mother, of course). “A Prayer Answered”

One of the greatest disappointments in your life came when your father passed away from a heart attack at the early age of 52. You had, by this time, established yourself with the gas company of Kansas City and lived off the Plaza in an apartment. The gas company is where you were to meet your future husband of many years to come. “A Prayer Answered”

You told me many times that the best decision you ever made was joining the Unity School of Christianity Church where you learned to live a positive life. Living for the day, not the past or future. This positive influence spilled over to both of your sons. I know it influenced my life and still does to this day. “A Prayer Answered”

The second greatest disappointment in your life was the passing of your husband of 47 years. I personally know that you grieved and missed our dad for over 10-years and had always wished you both could have made it to that 50 plus positive relationship you shared in your marital times. You carried on involved in your Women’s Business Association, played volleyball into your early 70’s and your famous Charleston dance performance among many other activities with your many years at the middle school where you were a counselors’ secretary. Let alone the kids and co-workers you had influenced in that position.

Your life was one of the most accomplished and blessed. You and dad raised two fine successful sons, one with a doctorate degree in education and the other an accomplished professional in medical sales. Even though, in these past later years of your life, you maintained a positive outlook I know you had your down times and frustrating challenges with the aging issues of mobility and health but you endured to the end.

Mom, for me it was a pleasure and an honor to be a care giver to you in the last 6-years of your life. We both faced our challenges but I got to know and share with a very fine person and Mother, better than most have had a chance to do. As you would always say, “It was meant to be”. I know you and dad are together again and I look forward to being with you when my time comes.

My mother, born February 14, 1920 and passed peacefully February 22, 2010 at 2:42 pm at 90 years with me at her side, holding her hand through to the end. “A Prayer Answered”

Prayer: “Weep for Me Not” Amen

Internment: Ashes to be spread over fathers’ grave

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

WHAT IF? Reflection on death

2011-06-27T05:39:00.001-07:00

If it’s true that only 10% of brain function is known, although that may have changed with technological advances, then what of the other 90%.

What if, upon death, that the major function of the brain is to open a worm hole to another destination (heaven, planet, dimension) for the spiritual essence of who we are to ascend to another purpose and place. It’s postulated that wormholes could be microscopically small and unseen and present all around us but not accessible on a conventional nature as we know it.

What if, string theory is correct and there are multiple universes where we exist as ourselves but are mirror images and outcomes of the pathways that are presented to us are representative of the different outcomes that may become. The path we choose here defining us and the paths that we could have taken defining the other outcomes.

We hear of the near death experiences and the tunnel of light. I personally know a person who was pronounced dead and experienced it. He firmly believes what he experienced and it has changed his attitude on death and dying. For people like him that have gone through this experience, it seems they have a better sense of knowing that there is more after death. They’re just not privy to where they might be going afterward but that faith and hope are more relieving and acceptable when that day does come.

To the majority of us the “Day of Reckoning” will remain a mystery until that time comes but I believe there’s more to just a life of existence and then nothingness.

WHAT IF? Keep the faith

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: Tree Climbers

2011-06-27T05:35:00.001-07:00

One of the best times in my childhood was during my tree climbing days. The experience has always been with me throughout my entire life. Anytime I notice the swaying of the tree tops with the wind I’m reminded of those days.

By the time I was old enough to experience these tree climbing ventures the elm trees had grown big and tall around the neighborhood. My next door neighbor friend, Mikie, and I began climbing after seeing one of his older brothers do it one day. How we got away with it is beyond me especially from any of our parents. I don’t recall my parents ever saying anything but had they I’m sure we would have found a way without their knowledge. We never had any mishaps except for a few scratches here and there.

One of the most memorable experiences was high up in a maple tree in the front yard at Mikies. He and I climbed to nearly the top on a breezy summer day and took positions in the strong fork of the tree. It was the most exhilarating sensation to be sitting in the fork of the strong limb and literally swaying back and forth with the strong breeze. I had never experienced relaxation like that and can’t think of anything like it in my life to this day so I remember that day and feeling when I need to relax.

Mikies older brother, who got us started in tree climbing, once made a bold statement that he was going to cross from one tree to another by going from one limb to the next tree’s limb. Mikie and I didn’t believe he would chance it but he did. In the evening at dinner I was sitting at the kitchen table and noticed out the window a figure crawling along the limb of one of the elm trees, in Mikies back yard, to another limb successfully. I didn’t mention anything because I didn’t want my parents to maybe end those days of climbing so I watched silently while he accomplished what he said he would. Lucky him because he did it right over power lines.

How any of us survived our early years still amazes me at times.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperiences withjim.blogspot.com

MOM MESSAGE: Ellie

2011-04-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

February 21, 2011

At times, something will trigger a memory in relation to my mom. It’s not a fixation on my mom, as much as, remembering some experiences shared together. Even though she’s passed on I will sometimes post an update. More for my benefit and hopes that wherever she is that she might get this message.
Mom, Ellie’s doing fine. I know that she had been your main concern in your ending days as she had been when she came to you. The look on your face, when I think you knew the end was near, that I was able to work something out with my landlords regarding Ellie staying with me. The look of relief that Ellie would be cared for and the gratification on my behalf that you entrusted me with her care since I too loved and adored her as much as you did. I’m going to bring you up-to-date on our adventure in life since your parting if you haven’t been keeping tabs on us already.
Ellie has had experiences that most pets haven’t known. After your passing, Ellie had adjusted well to my apartment and enjoyed the walks and spots in the neighborhood. Then, as you and I had discussed many times, my looking forward to going back to California and hence packed my things into a U-haul truck with Ellie and went to San Diego.
We found a nice apartment in San Diego that was within easy drive distance to most any popular site, especially leash-free parks. One popular beach for dogs was at Coronado Beach where you and dad stayed at the Del Coronado Hotel. I took Ellie there and it was the first time she had been introduced to a sandy beach and ocean. I was curious as to how she would react, as you well know, because of her skiddishness to new and different things. She got so excited when she got into the sandy beach, it was all I could do to hold her on her leash. When I removed the leash she started running around checking out the other dogs and would always stay close by. Go figure, remember those times if you had given her that freedom she would never come when you called her. The best of the trip was watching her reaction to the ocean waves which, of course, was one of caution but then became comfortable and enjoyed the wetness on her paws and legs. She did find out that it was pretty salty to try and drink the water.
Remember the time Ellie killed the fly with her paw in your sun-room? Well, she became the Queen of fly catchers in San Diego. With the weather the way it is there, I always left the balcony door open so flies would venture in and Ellie would see one flying around, then and again, and try to catch it. One day, I was working on the computer as she laid on the bed next to me, when she suddenly jumped up and leaped off the end of the bed and caught a fly in mid-air. No kidding! We both know that Ellie’s harmless but I sure can’t use the phrase, “She’s so harmless she wouldn’t harm a fly”.
After the IRS froze my money at the bank and then took it all, I knew things were financially critical. It meant being on the street if I couldn’t find other accomadations so I called Richard in Northern California again for help and again he came through for me and this time Ellie. So, Ellie and I were off to Dunnagin. Of course, you could see Ellie knew something was up when things started disappearing in the apartment and packed into my car or thrown away. The day we headed out, she took her spot on the passenger car seat probably wondering what is he doing now and only after 6-months.
Dunnagin was probably the best experience Ellie will ever have because Richard rents his house from a corporation that runs an almond orchard and his house is smack dab in the middle of it. We must have had at least 500-acres of almond orchard and Ellie was never on a leash for the two weeks we were there. She could run and explore but she never ventured too far away even if I was inside the house while she stayed outside during the day. The first few days it was hard to get her to come in at night (you remember those many times we had at your place). About the fourth day she started wanting in when it started getting dark without coaxing. Richard and I think she might have gotten spooked by cayotes which are plentiful and dangerous so I felt more comfortable that she began to come in on her own.
One thing Ellie had to adjust to was Richard’s adopted stray cat, MOJO. MOJO was definitely not giving up her domain and let Ellie know it one night when she smacked Ellie on the snout with her paw. Kind of like the time at your place when Calli, the tailless cat, smacked her. Ellie never bothered Calli again, as well as, MOJO. MOJO and Ellie gave each other space both inside and out.
When I couldn’t find a job there, I knew I couldn’t infringe on Richard’s hospitality as I had before so I contacted my old boss and asked if there might be any openings if I came back to KC and got the go ahead. So after 2-weeks Ellie and I were on the road again for a 2 ½ day drive back. This road trip was a little different because I found Ellie wanting to lay on my lap more while I was driving so I knew she was wondering what was going on. I really felt bad that I was uprooting her again especially to leave that almond orchard and the freedom of no leash.
All-in-all, Ellie has proven herself a real trooper and has adjusted well to her new home and surroundings. She stays in the apartment all day listening to music I leave on for her when I go to work. She meets me at the door when I get home and expects her walk right away, which she gets before I do anything. She’s beginning to recognize the days I’m off when I pack my laundary bag so she knows that she’s going to get some car time and extra walks.
I’ll continue to update you as we both go along in hopes that this may somehow find its way. Just know that I’m doing my best to give her the best care and love that she deserves.
God bless and God speed
www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: The 81st Street Gang

2011-02-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

January 11, 2011

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: The 81^st Street Gang

Aside from all my financial woes, I get enjoyment remembering past experiences, especially childhood memories since I feel that I had one of the “best of times”. My philosophy is to live for the day but sometimes the past is enjoyable to remember when times are challenging and the future for what you might want to achieve. The following post generally describes many of the experiences of the so-called 81^stStreet Gang. This was a neighborhood made up of primarily boys with maybe 4-6 girls. The boys were split into older brothers and us young ones where the older brothers were always putting ideas into our heads.

I’m not sure how or why the 81^st Street Gang was created but I have a sneaky suspicion that one or more of the older brothers probably had seen the movie “West Side Story” and felt the need to have an identity because of all the boys on the block and a force to be reckoned with if a challenge ever came up (which was only one or two that I remember). It was not made up of destructive kids but more mischievous ones. I’ll share some of the more remembered experiences but may have more down the posting road.

This experience should probably be told around the 4^th of July and probably be reposted around that time again. Before the 4^th, of course, you could find all of the boys migrating to the nearest fireworks tent within walking distance which would be 2 to 3 miles. We would buy strings of Black Jack firecrackers (most powerful in those times), bottle rockets and buzz bombs primarily for our armaments of celebration. We did our fair share of blowing things up or dodging bottle rockets.

There was a girls camp, called Camp Little Flower, located just south of our neighborhood and so the summer when I was around 10-years old one of the older brothers came up with the idea to raid the camp late at night with fireworks (firecrackers and bottle rockets). The older brothers came up with a plan of how we would scare these camped out girls in their wooden barracks in the wee hours of the morning. Since our parents would let us have overnight campouts in our backyards we planned to sleep outside the night of our excursion adventure to be able to accomplish this mischievous deed. The plan was to secure cigarettes from one of the smoking parents for making time bombs of the firecrackers by removing the filters, lighting one end and screwing onto the fuse of a 50-100 black jack string. Then we slowly and silently placed the firecrackers under each of the barracks and then retreated behind a hedgerow with our bottle rockets ready to await the big event. It takes about 8-minutes for a cigarette to burn down so for a small boy it seemed like a lifetime. When the black jacks began exploding all the girls ran out screaming and yelling while we hand launched our bottle rockets over their heads. It was one of the most exciting times I remember until the old lady who ran the place came out with her double barrel shotgun and shot it in the air. We all scattered fast and regrouped later at the homestead to laugh and giggle about what we had done. Our parents never mentioned any word of what we had done but many years later in my care giving residency, bonding and stories sharing I told my mother about what we had done and we both got a big laugh from it.

Another time, Ricky Joe, Mikie (next door neighbor friend) and myself had built a triple decker tree house in a big elm tree located on the side street overlooking the grade school and main street thorough fare. It was quite the achievement and place for many future sleepovers. We had nailed boards for steps up into the tree house but were interested in more access privacy when some of the older brothers mentioned some really good rope located down the road at a construction site for a new addition going up. We checked it out that evening and saw the rope they had mentioned on a flat-bed trailer. It was in a mat-like configuration and about an inch in diameter. PERFECT! It was heavy and the three of us 9-year olds drug it around a back way to get it back to the tree house. We had to go through a pasture that had a barbwire fence so we hoisted the heavy rope over the first fence and drug it through the high grass, over another fence and to its final tree house location. We started cutting it up to begin the making of a rope ladder then because of the thickness of the rope decided to finish it the next day.

Early the next day the three of us started working on the rope ladder again. We decided to break for lunch so Mikie and I went back home had our lunch and began walking back up the street to finish the ladder when, at the top of the street, we saw some men throwing our rope ladder in the back of a pick-up and didn’t look too happy. Mikie and I turned around and headed back home and wondered what had happen and why were those men taking our rope. I soon got a call from Ricky Joe saying that Mikie and I needed to come up fast because Sgt. Moore, a juvenile-truant officer, wanted to speak to us and that we were in trouble. We met at a corner house at the end of the street where the cross-walk lady of the grade school and mother of one of another childhood friend lived. She was one of those busy-bodies and always got involved with the shenaningans of the neighborhood kids (we kept her pretty busy in our growing up years).

So there we were at Mrs. K’s house. Ricky Joe, Mikie, myself, Mrs. K and good old Sgt. Moore. The three of us sitting there facing Sgt. Moore, the well-known feared truant officer of Raytown shaking in our drawers wondering if we were going to jail. Rumor had it that Sgt. Moore did what he did because he had shot himself in the foot at some time in his career and was placed in his downgraded position or because he now had a limp due to his injury. First, Sgt. Moore informed us how much trouble we were in, taking a rope dynamite-mat used in blasting purposes to keep rock and debry from flying all over the area. He was also interested in how three 9-year olds could even begin to drag or carry such a heavy rope mat. We found out that they only caught us because they followed the mashed down grass through the pasture to the tree. We innocently believed that it was just regular rope and of no value. Well, it’s worth was $125 and Sgt. Moore said it would have to be paid for and asked how we would do that or have a police record if not. So many mowed lawns by Mikie and I later and I’m not sure what Ricky Joe did but I’m sure he paid a bigger price from his mother since it was on their property we eventually paid it off with no police record and promise to Sgt. Moore not to get in any trouble like that again. Of course, the threat by him of keeping an eye on us through the on-coming years helped considerably plus the grounding of 1-month by our parents. The tree house saga will continue in another posting because the tree house would get us in almost big trouble again (Mrs. K would come to our rescue since her son was involved).

There’s one more tale to tell before I bring this posting to a close. This took place when I was either 7 or 8 years old during the early fall season. One fall evening, as it was getting dark, some of the older brothers again came up with an idea of a scavenger hunt which sounded like lots of fun to us younger kids. They told us we had to go to the other block and knock on people’s doors and ask for toilet paper, eggs and fresh tomatoes but primarily toilet paper for the scavenger hunt. They would get the eggs and tomatoes. Ricky Joe, Mikie and I began our scavenger hunt door knocking and at the first house a man answered and said he would give us a couple of roles but looked at us and asked, “you’re not going to tepee any houses are you”? We didn’t know what that meant until we got down several houses and the older guys had, as we found out the meaning, tepee’d a house big time of someone they didn’t like. Well we saw that and continued down the street decorating a hedge row on the side-walk when the man who gave us the toilet paper opened his front door and looked our way. We ran and we ran fast back towards homestead land but the long way so as not to reveal where we came from.

About 45-minutes later the older guys showed up and had more toilet paper, eggs and tomatoes (tomatoes from a nearby neighbor with a big garden). We followed the older guys to the other block of our horse-shoe development where we were told that it was okay to throw our eggs and tomatoes at this one house along with them. It turned out that it was the house of someone else they didn’t like. We went home after that and retired for the evening when about an hour after we got back there was a knock at the door by a Raytown Policeman who resembled “Lurch” from the “Adams Family”. He only asked for my brother to come along to the Police station with him so I got to stay home. Oh, I forgot to mention we had a sitter because my mom and dad were at some function. Boy! Did the you-know-what hit the fan when they returned home. Asking me what happened I told them that “Lurch” had come and taken my brother to the Police station. They called and told the police desk that a policeman named “Lurch” had taken their son there and what was going on. The policeman who answered wondered who the heck was “Lurch” when I finally told my parents that that was a nickname and I didn’t know what his real name was. That was just the beginning of my getting into trouble, especially when they found out I was involved. I heard that it was quite a scene at the police station with Ricky Joe’s parents, Mikies’ parents and mine. Mikie and I got stay home but Ricky Joe ended up there and I understand he was yelling that he didn’t have anything to do with it and blamed all the other older brothers brought in. Come to find out the last house that was egged, tomatoed and tepeed was where my brother had been seen peeking in the window by the kid they didn’t like and so the round-up of many of the older 81^st Street Gang and Ricky Joe. Another 30-day grounding for my brother and I.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: Tree Climbers

2011-02-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2011

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: Tree Climbers

How any of us survived our early years still amazes me at times.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperiences withjim.blogspot.com

EMPLOYMENT: Financial Challenges

2011-02-07T05:35:00.001-08:00

January 11, 2011

EMPLOYMENT: Financial Challenges

Now that I’m back to work, it’s been a financial challenge to make ends meet as I’m sure it is for many people in these times of economic strain. I figured it would take at least a month or two before I could get back on my feet financially but am now readjusting that to maybe three months.

I’ve made two pay periods since I’ve been back to work and both were gone as soon as I cashed them and paid bills that I could. I still owe on my utilities which I’m concerned about with the cold weather that has hit the city. I just found out that my car insurance has been cancelled because I’ve been unable to pay since November to present. In fact, what I thought was $114 owed turned into $245 which was a devastation. Then they informed me that my monthly premiums would be $20 more each month thereafter so I’m checking on a better deal to better fit my budget.

I’m down to no food again so I went to apply for food benefits today to be informed that I didn’t qualify because my earnings projections were $36 over the amount for qualification. The representative I spoke to was sorry but that by law couldn’t help me. I had $100 stashed away for utilities that went to some basic food needs with the rest towards much needed gas to get me to the next pay period. Utilities will have to wait until then. Since rent is due on the 1^st of the month and my company has implemented payday to be on Wednesday rather than Monday puts me a few days past the due dates and I have to pay an additional $25 late fee which would go for gas.

All in all, if I had been given the $.25 an hour raise as told when I started back to work but declined by corporate since I was a rehire, I will not have the additional $200 to $300 a month extra a month to help me with food and other emergency situations that come up. So I will continue to feel like a circus clown juggling my financial affairs to prioritize what really needs to be paid and what gets put on hold.

POWER OF THE BUDGET: I will continue to do this as I have for years but with more stringent priorities and sacrifice.

I guess what really gets me down is that the only social life I have is at work and Ellie. I haven’t been in a relationship for 7 ½ years or had a date in that time. I, of course, miss the companionship of a partner dearly and guess I could just be with anyone but I’m not that kind of guy. So, for now, it’s to work and home as usual until I might be in a position to someday meet that right person (I’m pretty selective). Although I’m in this financial struggle and at times get depressed, I will continue to keep a positive outlook that one-day I’ll be able to have some type of financial freedom.

For all of those in similar depravity and financial challenge, keep hanging in and know that you’re not alone in these hard times.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: RICKY JOE

2010-12-28T06:46:00.001-08:00

My first two years of life were spent at my parent’s first house located on the western edge of the largest park in KC, Swope Park, which consisted of the Zoo and two golf courses and place where I would run many cross country races in high school. I don’t remember anything of the place except that, as my mother put it, when we were moving into our new house of my home for the rest of my childhood she later told me that they were going to go back for some last things and I through a fit because I didn’t want to go ever go back there. Something traumatic must have happened to me for a reaction like I had. The only memory I have is of when I must have been taking a nap to wake to a shadowy figure coming towards me. It has always spooked me and is still as vivid as ever. Anyway, my new home is where I eventually met Ricky Joe and we became childhood best friends.

Most everyone has a close childhood friend that they grew up with and had some great experiences while going through this phase in life. Ricky Joe was definitely one of those childhood friends. This post will share some of those experiences and I think most will agree that this might be unique and then again maybe not. For me, it’s one that if I had it to do over, I wouldn’t in a million life-times.

The new house we moved into was located in the southeast area of a developing suburb town of KC. Our neighborhood was a horse shoe shaped development with pastures on the north and south boundaries with woods surrounding that. The development had the main road of the town going by just east and our house was located on the northwest section of the horse shoe. Just up my road about a block was the main road and across the street to the left was the grade school, where I would go, and on the right corner Ricky Joe’s house. On the southwest side of the horseshoe was a baseball diamond and then more woods. My parents definitely picked the right location for a kid to grow up. Never a dull moment as you will read.

I met Ricky Joe when I started kindergarten which was located up the street across the main road in the basement of a small church. His house was next door right between it and the grade school. I think it was after western day in kindergarten that Ricky Joe and I started really hanging out as kids since his house would become the hub of many adventures due to its location in the realm of things.

Ricky Joe was the true definition of accident prone. I don’t mean he was accident prone all the time but just some of the time. When he had an accident, he really had an accident. The first introduction to his unlucky ways was in first grade. Ricky Joe showed up one school day with goop of some medical kind smeared all over one side of his cut and scratched up face. He told me that he had jumped on their horse to go for a ride when he fell off and his foot got caught in the stirrup and was dragged down the street. This was just the first of more accidents like this to come and we were just 6-years old.

The next was the fall season of second grade. Another childhood friend, Mikie (lived next door), and I were halfway up our street heading for Ricky Joe’s to play when his older brother, Kenny (always the kidder), was running down the street towards us yelling that Ricky Joe had been hit by a car while crossing the main road on his bike. We had heard sirens but knowing Kenny didn’t believe him until he led us back to where a car was stopped on the side of the road. Kenny led us to the car and pointed to Ricky Joes’ smashed up bike underneath it. Ricky Joe was lucky that he hadn’t been killed and only ended up with a badly broken leg that he had to be in a cast for six months. He missed most of second grade and had to make it up with Mrs. Stewart (not good), his teacher, during the summer months of tutoring to advance to third grade next year. She lived in a close by newer development within walking distance and Ricky Joe would go for tutoring but for payment had to do chores which included pulling weeds which he hated with a passion. We were only 7-years old. Would Ricky Joe make it to adulthood at this rate?

The only other major castrophe for Ricky Joe that I’m aware of came when we were 10 or 11-years old. As kids we use to get together and play hide and seek, especially without the presence of the moon. On this one particular night of hide and seek I was “It” and had gotten Ricky Joe early in the game. At the time, our streets didn’t have street lights so it was pitch black. As I was looking for other hiders a car was coming down the road with head lights on. Ricky Joe waited for the car to pass and stepped into the road when I heard this bumping sound and saw Ricky Joe laying on the street holding his head. The car that had passed was towing a fishing boat that Ricky Joe had stepped into smacking him on the head. He was lucky again to come out of it with just a bump on his head but was okay.

How Ricky Joe survived childhood I’ll never know. As we grew older into our junior and senior high years we seem to drift apart but always had our fun childhood memories to reflect on when we would sometimes be at the same place at the same time. Childhood memories should be cherished and I feel lucky to have had a childhood chum like Ricky Joe. He eventually moved into his parents house after they passed on and still lives there to this day.

Yes, he did survive to be an adult and there are more tales to tell of Ricky Joe with other neighborhood happenings that involved all the kids on the block that will be featured in a future post.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

THE APARTMENT

2010-12-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

I had secured my new apartment through my former landlords that I had been with prior to my move to San Diego. Due to the urgency of my situation I had contacted them first to see if they might have anything available for Ellie and I. I requested my old apartment because of its location on the Independence square with a 3^rd floor view of the KC downtown skyscape and it was like living in the trees that surrounded the area. It was occupied but I would have access to it when it became available.

The landlord had informed me that this new apartment was much smaller but was the only one available for Ellie. It’s a disappointment compared to the other but I have to make the best of it until later on. I have a much smaller kitchen with very little cabinet or counter space. There was one lamp table but no other furniture so Ken gave me a tv stand. I use my lawn chair as my only seat in the place except my air-mattress in the bedroom.

Anyway, I’ve made the best of it and made do with what I’ve got to work with. The first major problem I incurred was discovering a leak under the kitchen sink. I discovered it when I noticed Ellie hesitate to enter for access to her food and even more when she started lapping up water from the floor. That’s when I found a leak under the sink and realized that I had just washed the dishes before and drained the water when it really started to leak.

After getting everything as organized I as could I took the evening off for relaxation and watched the tube for entertainment. I watched Ellie adapting to her new place as she found her place that likes to lay and watch me (especially for a treat). I just feel good that Ellie and I have a place to live and be sheltered. I’m sure I can make it livable for me.

God bless and God speed

FLIGHT TO KANSAS CITY

2010-12-21T08:55:00.001-08:00

Ellie and I loaded up the rest of our things in the car and once again were off on our road trip to Kansas City (there’s only one KC and that’s in Missouri) leaving the beautiful northern California area of Dunnagin around 10am in the morning.

The planned route was to hit I80 east to hi-way 99 south route to miss any snow complications that had been dominating recently. I never did run into the 99 south connection so ended up heading to Reno where I saw that I could connect to a southern route through Nevada to Arizona and I40 (Old Route 66). That would put me on my trip back that I had come. It was a much more scenic view through the Sierra mountains so all was not lost.

I had my gas money to get me back with about half of my rent needed to secure my apartment that I had been able to get so I would have a place to live when I got there. That meant once again the dreaded standing out and soliciting for more money. I was lucky enough to get close to that with a little more help from my friends.

We headed south on I-95 from Reno where we had to get our first gas fill in Hawthorn, Nev.. That’s where, stopping at the first gas station in town, I found out that I would pay $.20 more for gas since there were two more stations on the south of town selling for less (go figure). But the real stinger was when my engine light came on after filling-up with gas. It was then that I became anxious that I may have major car problems and not get to KC. There wasn’t anything I could do so I had to once again pray to big “G” for assistance which was answered with no complications.

It was night time and pitch black on the hi-way drive until I hit the neon lights of Las Vegas (a beautiful experience). I got to see casinos I had been to in the past (Rio) as I drove through to my next route connection hi-way 93 south to my first destination lay-over, Kingman, AZ. I got gas for a much better price this time at a truck stop where Ellie and I got a nights sleep in the car (around 10:30pm). I had a sun-screen that I lined the drivers’ and half of the front window to block out most of the parking lot lights so I got a fairly good sleep considering.

I was on the road once again around 5:30am as were some truckers that were beginning their day of driving. I passed through Flagstaff, AZ about 2-hrs later and continued through on the scenic “Old Route 66” drive to my next destination of Toucomcari, NM for another night of rest at a Flying J truck stop. I arrived around 6pm and decided to get sleep with plans on waking around mid-nite to continue my journey to KC. I awoke around 1am and was on the road again 30-minutes later. I made KC around noon that day and spent my first night with my good friend, Ken, at his apartment.

Overall, the trip wasn’t too bad and my car didn’t give me any problems with the engine light still registering. Ellie was great, as she has been, throughout my entire plight and homeless flight. She seems to have that adaptability and resiliency that I’ve had to endure these past years and especially past months. She would sit or laydown on her sheepskin mat during the drive but I began noticing more and more that she preferred the security of my lap which I complied considering the upheaval of her life going from a lease-free environment back to the leash. So, here we are back in KC, Dec. 2, 2010. “MEANT TO BE”

God bless and God speed

THE DUNNIGAN DISAPPOINTMENT: Flight of the Homeless

2010-12-21T08:53:00.001-08:00

I’m into my second week of Dunnigan life and I’m preparing again to pack up my car for the trip back to KCMO and employment. Things just didn’t turn out as expected with the job market among some other things which I’ll explain but the last thing I ever wanted to do was go back to KC especially during the winter months and the cold.

In my first few days it was made clear to me that my best friends place was not a permanent solution which I knew from the beginning. As much as his place is beautiful and has a great location my intent had always been to get my own place for Ellie and I. I appreciate my independence of living as much as anyone and knew if I could get a job this would be the best solution for all concerned parties. The only problem was that it might take longer than I had hoped for a job which I could see wasn’t a feasible consideration to a very good friend.

His girlfriend was the greatest driving force in the matter since my friend would have said stay until you find a job and get your own place but she had justification considering my first stay the time I found myself homeless. But this time it was a very critical situation for my friend and the last thing I want to do is disrupt my friends independent living style and to come between he and his girlfriend. The group of towns people that I had befriended the first time seem more distant this time which I’m sure goes back to my friends’ girlfriend or feelings I’ve only come back to impose again.

Whatever it is, I have come to realize that you have to go where the job is to be had and I’ve been given the go-ahead by my former general manager that my job is there whenever I get back. As much as I love it out here in this part of the country I guess it could be called destiny that I go back to KC. Maybe it’s one of those “MEANT TO BE” times.

All in all, Ellie has gotten to experience freedom without a lease and I’ve gotten to enjoy the laid back style of life in the country for a couple of weeks. I hope to come back some day under better circumstances and preparation.

In preparation for the trip I’ve gotten gas money for the entire trip back and will have to again try to get more for hopefully a deposit on an apartment back in KC. Right now I’ve been made an offer to temporarily stay at a co-workers daughters boyfriends place, which I’m not very excited about, and my trucker buddie says there’s an apartment available where he lives that takes pets and it’s reasonable which is ideal. So, as much as I dread the standing out and soliciting for money, I will have to endure this challenge again and depend on the generosity of those good Samaritans out there. I’ve been impressed with the giving spirit of these great people.

God bless and God speed

FLIGHT OF THE HOMELESS: Personal experience

2010-12-21T08:51:00.001-08:00

Early, early Tuesday morning loading the last of my belongings into my car to head north to the Sacramento area and hopefully find employment and a new life for Ellie and myself. Twice yesterday I had stood outside my car with Ellie sitting quietly soliciting for gas money for the trip north. The first in the morning rush hour with my cardboard made sign which read, “NEED GAS 4 TRIP TO N.CALIFORNIA”, and the second during rush hour traffic home (about 3-hrs each). I made close to $100 from the good Samaritans of San Diego. Enough for 2-gas tank fills plus and enough for 2-thirds of the trip. I would have to stop and solicit one more time to get the rest of the way comfortably. HOMELESS and UNEMPLOYED, again.

We were on the road about 5am after a fill-up of my tank. I805 north towards L.A. bound with hopes of missing the notorious rush hour I’ve heard and seen on t.v.. Well, I got my rush hour experience and don’t ever expect to experience it again. I got my second tank of gas around Bakersfield and began thinking where I might stop to solicit for my last tank of gas for the trip. I thought Fresno might be the best but as I got closer I kept thinking of how much I really didn’t look forward to doing it again so I kept driving while keeping a close eye on my gas gauge. I drove by each town debating on whether to stop there or go on. When I got close to Modesto (about 50-miles south of Sac) I was dangerously close to empty so I took the last exit and put my last $10 in the tank. I asked the clerk for directions to the nearest Walmart since this was a good place to get a good flow of people but saw a Costco on my way and decided to go there (especially since I’m still a member). I no sooner set up my location than I noticed the gas attendant looking at me while on the phone to someone. Of course I knew he was calling someone inside about me so I continued my sign showing when an elderly couple pulled up and generously gave me $30. Then 2-employees showed up and asked me nicely to leave because of policy. They both sympathized with my situation but made me aware that it was against California Law to solicit like that even though the others are out there too, but to be cautious if I did it again. Blessings and hats-off to those two elderly and understanding young men. The $30 was enough to get me to my destination with a little left. MEANT TO BE? It’s sometimes amazing.

I arrived in Dunningan around 4pm and met my friend at “Bill and Kathys” small truck stop and hangout for a number of the local people that I had met the last time I was here. It was a good and familiar reunion with a few brews of reminiscence and current life updates. I got over to my friends place at dark so I didn’t get the full impact of how isolated he was in this many acre almond orchard until the next day with daylight. I couldn’t believe the remoteness and peacefulness of this paradise between the Coastal and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Most relaxing considering my circumstances.

God bless and God speed

THE EXPERIENCE OF FRIENDSHIP

2010-11-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

In my previous posting on "MENTORS", I mentioned one of my mentors who gave me the inspiration to believe that I could do and accomplish whatever I wanted. In many of our conversations the one that stood out the most was on friends. He stated that throughout your life if you could count on one hand a true friend that you would be a lucky person.

I took that with a grain of salt in the beginning but I've come to firmly believe his wise advice as true. So far in my life I can, without reservation, count two on one hand. At one time I had a count of three but he made a decision to turn his back on me when it was a critical stage of my life. It was during these past six years of the greatest of challenges.

My definition of a really true friend is someone who truly supports you and will go above and beyond the call to help you no matter what the situation might be. All others I would consider acquaintances that are friends but more the cordial type than the committed. I want to introduce you to those two great individuals that have come through and are now currently coming through again since the IRS has put me into financial devastation and challenge.

I'll begin with Richard, who I met my sophomore year in high school. We were both involved in sports together and our personalities were alike enought that we hit it off immediately. We've always maintained contact throughout the years since high school even though he went his career path and I went mine. He did 6-years nuclear sub duty with the Navy and used me as a personal reference for his security clearance. He, of course, didn't notify me of this so when I received a call from my employer that the FBI wanted to speak with me I was and my employer was a little surprised. Everyone got a good laugh out of that and I had a great sigh of relief even though I didn't have any reason to feel guilty although it makes you wonder what the "H" have I done.

As I noted in my early posting of "Homeless Challenge" that friend who flew me out, provided a safe haven and found me a job was Richard. The eight months I imposed on his gracious support was at great expense and sacrifice to him. It was a humbling time for me not to be able to pay back this great friend and someone I call a true brother. Due to my new situation, I had to rely once again on his friendship. I've wanted to get back to that area for some time because of the great people I had met before. I made some calls for employment and should be able to get something there versus here in San Diego so I called Richard and explained my situation again and that this time I should be able to find employment but needed a place to stay temporarily until I can get financially on my feet and get a place of my own. The true friend he is, he said come up and stay at his place. It's a great relief but on the other hand I feel terrible that I again have to impose on him.

The second person I can count on my one hand is Ken. Ken is the trucker I met at the Salvation Army shelter after my second eviction by my mothers' retirement village. I referred to Ken in my "Life in a Shelter" posting. He is the type of person that will bend over backwards to help a friend in need and he's proven it on a number of occasions for me. Ken has had his number of life challenges of being homeless. He's one of the best at his profession but gets stuck in the never ending circle of life repititions. This has cost him in finding employment but once he lands a job trucking he does an excellent job. Then for whatever reason screws up and ends up struggling to exist until the next.

I had lost my drivers license (a future posting) a few years prior to my shelter experience and I had just finally landed a job as a dishwasher but needed to get my license back for transportation purposes. Ken let me use his conversion van to take my drivers test and loaned me money for my car insurance. I then had access to my mothers' car for transportation which made a big difference in getting around. He was the only person that volunteered to help me move when I was ready to come out to San Diego otherwise I would have had to do it by myself which would have been a physical challenge in itself. He called me this past week to check on my current updates for destination and I told him I had finalized it to N.Calif rather than back to KC because of gas cost differences. He knew I was going to struggle with gas costs to even N.Calif so he's sending me enough money to get there so I don't have to stand at a truck stop entrance with a cardboard poster asking for gas money. He's told me to pay him back when I get financially back on my feet. That's the kind of friend he is. As of this posting Ken begins another trucker position and my hopes are that he breaks that circle of repitition.

I can't say enough to have true friends like these two. As much as I dislike the thought of handouts it's friends like them that give you the hope in dire times. I just hope that one-day I can repay them in the same manner that they've helped me, otherwise I continue to pay-it-forward to others that I can help in my own way.

God bless and God speed