Back in the Saddle Again...

After months of absence and inactivity I think it is appropriate that I return.  Much has transpired since my last posts here at the end of the summer.  First and foremost, happy new year.  With the new year comes resolutions and other commitments. 

My biggest resolution is exercising more and losing weight.  Eating healthy and sticking to a diet regimen.  It is common knowledge that by February, most of these resolutions fall by the wayside and people revert to their old habits.  I, however, have been pretty successful in maintaining my goals over the years. 

Now, temptation seems to be more difficult to thwart.  I guess the reason that I have been able to keep more of my resolutions is that I generally do not make them too difficult so that they are achievable.

Most of my dietary resolutions are attainable because they are medicinally necessary for my well being.  For example, I cannot start eating cheeseburgers or any dairy products for that matter.  People often ask me how I am able to get my calcium.  I tell them that I get it the same way that cows do.  By eating grass. 

My diet also restricts me from eating red meat, so me gorging myself on a porterhouse is not an option anyways.  I consider it a blessing in disguise not being able to eat rich, fatty foods.  Those types of foods can really be a knockout punch to your diet. 

I conclude by saying, "keep your goals achievable, and restrictions limited".  In that way you will be able to stay on the path throughout the year.

One for the road...
I'm back in the saddle again
Ridin' into town alone
By the light of the moon...



Jimmy

"Can't you read the signs!"

I began touching paths, "reunited and it felt so good," but the person told me that she was embarking upon a new stage of her life, the first year of college and she did not want to commit. But she said some day but not now.

I was dejected, but yet optimistic taking her words literally. That was the end of the summer, and I too was entering a new year, a new dormitory, and embarking upon the next phase of my education.

As time went by during the course of the semester, studies aside, my feelings intensified. As is often the case with me and especially with this relationship, it was one-sided in that the feelings were "my imagination running away with me."

Although it was one-sided, for the most part, there were frequent gestures and signs pointing in my favor. "Signs say, long haired, freaky people need not apply."
Now, years later it is absolute after a 180° turn in my life. It is so clear and the signs are so obvious. I chalk it up to  my inexperience and also naïve wishful thinking.

One for the road, "these are salad days."

Jimmy

"Run for the hills"

This song was recently a header for a talk show I listen to on the radio. It is a sports show and this song as played by this sports show today has nothing to do with politics, but could easily apply to today's politics.

Whenever Mitt Romney speaks or makes any presentation, I cannot see him as president of this country. I am not impressed with the fact that he is a multimillionaire, with wealth I can only dream of.

I am sure he made money the "old-fashioned way." But in its truest sense, he did not earn it from scratch, but like many multimillionaires, or billionaires, he inherited it. It is nice to hit the proverbial "home run" in life. But when you start at third base, it ruins the accomplishment.

I think that to be a corporate lion is commendable, but does not translate into being a good president. But most if not all of the past presidents have been wealthy. And some of them have been phenomenal presidents. I think the best example is John F. Kennedy. The Kennedys are incredibly wealthy. That notwithstanding, John F. Kennedy had a heart for poor people and made it his mission to assist the less fortunate.

Now, as most people know, John F. Kennedy was no saint. He was far from being loyal to his wife. His extramarital affairs/1 nighters with women on a worldwide scale have been well documented. But these kind of shenanigans do not take away from the fact that he took care of many of the underprivileged in society.

I have always been proud of being an American, I never want to be ashamed of our president on the worldwide stage. I look to past presidents, some who are not the most glamorous, or shine with great public speaking, but very few, if any, that are shameful. Let us please not start with this election. And that is all I am gonna say about that.

One for the road, "He had the snake, the size of a sewer pipe living in his rib cage, and I felt like a pickled priest who was being flambéd."

Jimmy

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

There are many ways to waste the mind. One is to fall victim to propaganda and commercialization. This includes excessive exposure to television and radio, while abstaining from reading. 
This also includes free thinking and imagination. Similar to being a communist regime where people are controlled by one the common theme, to serve their country and/or leader.

Sometimes people feel locked into a common movement for political party, even in a socialist regime. It can be argued that this is happening in this country which is supposedly purely capitalistic.

Even worse, one can waste their mind by simply not using it. Not thinking, being controlled 100% by forces outside their control. People who are not trying to tune people out by ignoring them, people who are just tuned out themselves.

One for the road, "Comatose yet walking still."

Jimmy

The closer

It never bothers me when people are arrogant, especially when they can back it up. This is most impressive because their arrogance sets the bar very high, and that notwithstanding , they succeed.

These people often make reference to themselves in the third person. For example, I applaud Rickey Henderson, the baseball player who used to play for the Oakland Athletics, and the New York Yankees. He often told the first baseman that he would be stealing second base, "Ricky is going to steal second base, and there is nothing you can do to stop Ricky."

Another example is when a surgeon has "the God complex." When a skilled surgeon thinks of himself as the savior, saving a person who is dying and facing fatal conditions. Now this level of arrogance is certainly an increase from the former level. 

The surgeon has to have this sort of confidence to be able to succeed under immense pressure.  Most would want that surgeon to be operating on them irrespective of his confidence level.

Similarly, for that matter, most would want the aforementioned baseball player. Some athletes exhibit confidence without overtly showing it.

For example, Lebron James does not brag about his skills. It is obvious that he is a superhuman basketball player, undoubtedly he knows it, and all he has to do is do it, which he does. Kobe Bryant is another example of someone who just does it without talking about it.  He is known as one of the most foremost closers in the entire NBA .

But actually, we are not on the basketball court, and we cannot hear what they are saying to each other. Many former professional basketball players said that Larry Bird talked the most smack, and the public never knew.

Confidence can be an asset, but one must hone it.

One for the road, "The killer awoke before dawn, he had his boots on."

Jimmy

The Seeker

As I often do, when I have a spare moment, I will let my consciousness stream freely and use Google to lead me in the direction I want to go. I am always fascinated by how this program can cover almost every train of thought, inquiry, and subject. I try to push it to the limit and see how it responds. More often than not, it takes me in the direction I want to go.

I am also intrigued as to what others are seeking to find.

My nephew is learning how to play chess. He came to me to ask me how to play.  Of course I tried to help, but I had not played for nearly 20 years. What I did not tell him, was that I was not a very good player, and forgot the basics of the game. I quickly consulted Google and looked it up to refresh my memory.

I quickly revert to backgammon, more my speed. Much less intellect required. Challenging, but on a lower level. 

One for the road, "A rose is a rose, but a cigar is a good smoke."

Jimmy

Weary, feeling small...

I went on Google to try to find the famous Simon and Garfunkel concert in Central Park in New York City. I have always appreciated their music together.

To go to their concert today would be very costly, and they are well past their prime. Out of those two, I would more likely want to hear Art Garfunkel, but his voice can never attain the levels he once did.

I want to keep my pristine image of the band in its heyday. I always enjoyed the range of Garfunkel singing songs, particularly "Bridge over Troubled Water."

I guess I would enjoy the other songs that are timeless. It is just not worth it for me. The major obstacle is the price of the ticket, especially in light of the loss of quality with their aging.

One for the road, "And a rock feels no pain, and an island never cries."

Jimmy

Midnight express

I was perusing through a few movies that I have seen in the past. I was looking for a movie that would really bring out feelings and lasting impressions. I decided to revisit, "Midnight Express."

I would highly suggest that if you have not seen this movie, to see it.
I will not give away any of the details, but I believe the movie came out in 1978. All I can say it is a bad idea to try to smuggle hashish out of Istanbul, Turkey.

It was Oliver Stone's directorial debut. It was a small budget film, that was nominated for many Academy Awards, most notably best picture. I also know that the Turks welcomed him with open arms, but after filming commenced prior to the finish, he was kicked out of Turkey, and finished the movie in Malta.


Now, I do not believe in disrespecting or denigrating the laws of another country. But I do believe that the punishment should be commensurate with the crime. In this case, it was not. William Hayes, rest his soul, found out the hard way, but nonetheless…

One for the road,
"You be cool for twenty hours and I'll pay you twenty grand..."

Jimmy

Trapped

There are times when people are trapped, cornered into the position where there is little place to move. It gets to a point where there is no movement, not even lateral movement.

Often people feel they are trapped at their position or particular job. There is no room for them to continue to reach higher levels. But what I am talking about is the more basic inability to move. At least the aforementioned can actually go to work and get out into a working environment.

What I am referring to are those who cannot, literally move or integrate with the community. They are confined to their space where they live. After all while, they no longer feel like doing anything.

What is especially disappointing is when that circumstance happens randomly. One becomes a victim of their environment, sickness, or mental health. In those situations, they are unable to physically and/or mentally move on.

On its most basic level, one feels like they are in a straitjacket with nowhere to go. I never pass judgment on those who are in that position. Often I see it in the eyes of the homeless, or prisoners, or sick people at the hospital. Passing greetings or a smile gets them through the moment. Sometimes it lasts longer.

My heart bleeds for these people. But in reality, that position, could happen to anyone in a heartbeat.

Once the road, "Love lost, such a cost, brings me things that might get lost going home to you."

Jimmy

Forever and one day.

Sometimes life goes by so fast. People say one should enjoy each day. You only live once.

I have some Hindu friends who would respond, "you only live once, that you know of." They claim that you will be back in some form. Some people say that they have lived many lives. People like Shirley MacLaine, who claims she has lived many lives.

I would like to think I was Alexander the great, in a past life. Perhaps I am here in this life to experience a different life, one where I am not invincible.

Sometimes each day goes by so slow. It seems like one day is like one week or even a month. I try to accomplish as much as I can and take solace in any small achievement. Only some days, seem like they are forever and one day.

One for the road, "the drummer relaxes, and waits between shows for the…"

Jimmy

Memories of track and field

I remember observing track and field in high school. I now have a better appreciation for this activity.
One of my closest friends participated and actively pursued this sport in high school. Although he found his true calling in martial arts, later on in his life, he practiced and executed his technique in many of the activities e.g., the shot put, the  javelin, and the discus throws. Although quite frankly he lacked the pure size of the other athletes from other schools, he dutifully executed his footwork and technique. As I stated, and unbeknownst to all of us, these techniques were extremely useful in his martial arts, later on in his life.

I could never match the power of various moves and strength he has. I learned quickly that I had to take two blows in order to deliver one. I was always hoping and relying on that one strike. I made many friends, who taught me many lessons on many different systems and techniques. Over the years, I suffered a broken nose, a broken wrist, and broke many of my toes. That notwithstanding, I enjoyed it very much, absolutely no regrets.

I now watch the Olympics and marvel over the athletics. These athletic competitions represent to me sport in the purest sense dating back hundreds to thousands of years. I can only watch and appreciate the performances.

One for the road, "she searched in wild wonder at the joy she had found, the head nurse spoke up and said, leave this one alone, she could tell right away, that I was…"

Jimmy

"Trading these chains, for wings."

"Trading these chains for wings."

I have much respect for those who can compete riding their bicycles. In particular, those who compete in the Olympics, and/or triathletes, whether in the Olympics or other competitions.

These people are not only competing with each other, but the terrain. This becomes especially rigorous when the weather becomes inclement. This includes windstorms, rainstorms, and other terrible conditions.

One also must work within their respective groups and/or countries. The training and dedication must take years of commitment.

The transitions of the triathletes is incredible and takes much practice and organization. Since most do not race in teams, it is truly individual. After accelerating, they must feel like they are flying.

The point of this whole blog is that this sort of training is just another form of obsessive compulsive behavior. 

One for the road, "I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle..."

Jimmy

"What a drag it is getting old?"

I cannot say that I come from a family where the life expectancy is great. Both sides of my parents had poor life expectancies. Some of the reasons actually most of the reasons can be attributed to genetics, poor lifestyle, and most of all quite frankly, being poor financially. This last reason affects diet, dietary choices, and living conditions.  And of course genetics is a wildcard.

I have reached the conclusion that it is not about how many years that is lived, but how many healthy years one lives. I see how there are people who live most of their lives healthy then they suffer a stroke or heart attack or another disease manifests and their lives change. Even if one survives a heart attack, the resuscitation does its damage.

This consideration has forced me to reconsider my own living will and other documents with regards to my death. I am considering how much difficulty my family will have taking care of me. I do not desire to be such a burden.  Most people, I believe, would reach the same conclusion.

Everyone should prepare for this worst-case scenario. Facing issues on mortality is difficult, but must be confronted before it is too late.

I know I have my own "bucket list," the list of things that one desires to do before death. My list is more humble than most. Some folks want to visit some faraway locations. Each person has their own list of things that want to do before they die.

I just desire to be at peace and have a bit of comfort, pain-free. I have a great deal of respect for those that I classify as "intellectual atheists." Those people who have explored and are very interested in what happens after one passes. This group has basically come to the conclusion that once someone passes, that is it. The proverbial plug is pulled out of the socket and you are done. I guess we will all see.

I saw a woman on CNN recently.  She is quite attractive but her name escapes me.  She is a part of a show with 3 other young people.  She said that she tries to read every reliable religious book that she can get her hands on and still she "just doesn't see it".  I don't know if those were her exact words, but you get the drift.  Basically, she acknowledges that she is an atheist and has run out of option as to convincing her that there is some greater being or power. 

As for me, I just do not know, so I will reserve judgement.

One for the road, "And once you're gone, you can't come back."

Jimmy

You can look at the menu…

"You can look at the menu, but you just can't eat."

There are situations that one must do what they prefer not to do. They partake in the activity, but they have mixed emotions on whether they should go forward. Often times, this involves sacrifice, which is the inevitable byproduct of this action. Sacrifice, at what cost?  This cost has to be outweighed by the benefit, at least theoretically, this must be true to the person making the sacrifice.

This is a concern in many situations, personally, this is a major concern with regards to for example diet. Obviously, one has to eat in in order to survive.  I am not one to judge anyone as to what, and how much they consume. I know of a few people, who I have a great deal of respect for, who have lost a great deal of weight, then have gone back and gained the weight back. Personally, there are other issues that I must deal with, i.e., dietary allergies.

The point I am making is that there is danger in any excessive behavior. I have always had a problem with limitations, and stopping obsessive behavior. It is not "dangerous," obsessive behavior towards others, at least not intentionally, but only towards myself. I think the sister feeling of limitations is discretion. I think for example, in the legal field, the best judges  know how to properly exercise discretion and recognize/identify limitations and vice versa.

I often say these type of decisions, come with experience. This is also, as I often say, "beyond my pay grade."

Jimmy

One for the road, "You can build a mansion, buy you just can't live in it."

Aspirations in the clouds....

"Aspirations in the clouds, but your hopes go down the drain."

I believe this applies to all of us in that we sometimes have high hopes and big dreams which often end in disappointment.  Some people just wallow in that disappointment for days, months, even years. 

I liken it to boxers who get punched in the face with combinations early on in a fight and cannot just brush it off.  What happens is that as the fight progresses, they are still thinking about the combination that got them.  This causes them to be unable to go back to their original plan and win the fight. 

I think the best fighters are able to brush off the punches or absorb them and stick to their fight plan.  Similarly, people (ie: me) often times get stuck in their disappointment and cannot rebound to go on with life. 

I believe this is true because human beings always put more weight on events that happened recently, even though there is not always any connection between the past and the future.  If you flipped a coin 5 times and it came up heads each time, it does not make the odds of heads any greater than 50% on the sixth flip.  Yet that is how we think, after seeing many flips of heads in a row.  We become very caught up in what just happened to us recently (especially if it is negative) and lose sight of the bigger picture.

One for the road,
"Don't let the past remind us of what we are not now."

Jimmy

"The Look"

The background of this blog, I had just arrived in Wyoming, specifically the Thunderhead Ranch. I was about to embark upon the best learning experience of my life, under the tutelage of a phenomenal teacher, attorney, and person., amongst talented staff and students. It was the first afternoon of Trial Lawyers College, led by the incomparable Gerry Spence.

All of the students, such as myself, got off of our planes, placed our luggage and bags in our room, then gathered in a room, known as the "big barn." It was a large area, capable of holding hundreds of people, for the class gathered, there were about 64 students, and many teachers/attorneys. We were subdivided into groups of 13, students and teachers together, and Mr. Spence, gave each group 1 hour, to elect a leader/Capt. This election was based upon discussion of each person in the group, and the specific subject was weakness.   Each person , was expected leave  to discuss their particular weakness, and the person with the most compelling weakness would win.

My group of 13 had many compelling stories, one of which I thought was particularly compelling. It was basically an Indian person who married a Puerto Rican woman. Marrying this woman outside the Indian religion, separated him from generations of his family. I felt that it took great courage to do this.

When my turn came up, I was the last of my group. I called my weakness, "The Look." I proceeded to explain the concept. "Do you know when you hear the voluptuous voice of the DJ on the radio. You picture a tall blond haired attractive woman or a tall redhead attractive woman, or whatever attracts you. When you see this person in person. She is but ugly. You quickly give her the look.
I
You cannot help it, you are thinking how can such a beautiful voice be connected to such a beast. You do not mean to be, classless but you are blindsided."

Similarly, I stated, "I once walked around a corner, I saw an attractive woman who I exchanged  glances with, and it was obvious there was a mutual attraction. Then the next second, I had to take out my cane, in order to take my next step. I then got the look from the person. Looking back upon it, I gather she could not help it. I am sure she was thinking, why does such a young, athletic looking young man need a cane? I guess my weakness is that look."

A couple things I will add to this. In this contest, I had received more votes than any other person. I however, convinced everyone to vote for the Indian gentleman.

The Trial Lawyers College experience I would rank as one of my best accomplishments and performances right up there with achieving my Black Belt. To note , as to performances, I of course, am keeping it clean for the purposes of this blog.

One. For the road, "the real thing don't do the trick, you better make up something quick."

Jimmy

"Slip out of trouble, step over here, and set me free."

Me and my closest friend used to sing this song, and substitute first-generation, with second-generation, as the song states. One of the many meanings of this song, is that there is no "easy way to be free."

I think I have given many clues to the name of the song. I never spent any time in prison, thankfully, but even as a youngster, there were many people looking out for me, and dare I say, I would like to think, there are many people who look out for my best interests today.

I never lived a life, says that I would need "protection." I never live the life of Henry Hill, God rest his soul, of legendary status as depicted by the movie," Goodfellas." One of my favorite gangster movies, and certainly in my opinion the best modern gangster movie, and best, Martin Scorsese film.

I never had exposure to Mafia people, nor would I have the guts to rat on them, and then break witness protection, and integrate into society by, among other things, calling New York City DJs, regularly calling Howard Stern.

I think I will continue to try to stay out of trouble, and continue to watch gangster movies. I have seen many, I think most of them, but I would be happy to take suggestions from anyone.

Once the road, "I woke up, then a Soho, driveway, and the policeman knew my name." Very easy.

Jimmy

"Black cars, look better in the shade."

I actually went out yesterday in the hot weather. Though it was not sweltering, it was hot enough for me. I am never inclined to go outside, and enjoy the sunshine, etc. I know there are people who often tell me that there are health reasons to go underneath the sun, for a short time, e.g. vitamin D.

You can take vitamin D supplements, which I take. I see how scary people look after years of sunbathing, like enjoying the beach, or going to taming salons.

I appreciate those with nice tans, and have recently appreciated, and enjoyed looking at attractive females with small tattoos. I appreciate those with large tattoos, male or female but I would never get one.

Though I probably have the pain threshold for getting a tattoo, I revert to the original karate kid , expression, as stated by Daniel's instructor, "the best way to avoid the punch, is not be there."

So I avoid the pain by avoiding the sun, and a tattoo. That is just my opinion, I could be wrong, but as Don Henley says, "I could be wrong, but I am not."

One for the road, "From the coast of gold, across the seven seas…" I will give you a hint, it is a heavy metal song, from the 80s, that my regular selection. But I appreciate the guitarist.

Jimmy

"Simple twist of fate."

"Simple twist of fate."
I sometimes think what if I had a serious girlfriend, long-term girlfriend, or was married, with children, the dream of most, and the place where I expected to be.
In a way, I am fortunate that I do not have children, as it would be difficult for me to provide for the family,

Now with this simple twist of fate, I must look for alternatives endeavors, for all parts of my life. Woe, is me, but whatever. My good friend stopped by out of the blue, a man I have not seen for about five years, maybe closer to seven or eight years, he cannot believe what is happening to my life. He owns a butcher shop, which he inherited from his father. He has three children, and is happily married. I am so happy for him.

He continued to express how bad he felt. I told him I am the poster boy, "for shxx happens." I firmly believe that many things in life, are a matter of timing, or luck, or lack thereof, and I am lack thereof.

One for the road, "I heard a constant busy signal, when I called you on the phone. I had a strong uneasy feeling, you were not sitting there alone."

Jimmy

"Move over Rover, and let Jimi take over."

"Move over Rover, and let Jimi take over."
That to me, is Jimi Hendrix' signature line.

I remember during my college years, hearing that song played at parties, etc and it always had a profound effect on me.  I just picture him with his afro wailing on his guitar and delivering that line.

Many people do not know that Jimi was left handed, but played a right handed guitar.   He just changed the strings.  I feel a kinship with him because we kind of do the same thing.  ie: make do with what we have!

One for the road:
"With a purple umbrella and a fifty cent hat"

I always thought that they were saying "With a purple umbrella and a fifth in hand."

Jimmy