RussellD

I read this poem a long time ago. But, from time to time it comes to mind. I didn't remember it word for word, line by line, but it speaks to me. It speaks to all of us, as humans. The poem, obviously directed at a young man, can be taken to heart by each of us. IF we can stay grounded, regardless of what goes on around us we will prove our worth, we'll prove that we are men/women. There are no biblical references, no Confucious sayings, nothing religious or out of this world. Just common sense thinking from a British author who I studied my senior year in high school. And, even though this guy may not be the keeper of our universe, or a mystical figure- there is something about this poem that just seems right....read and see if you agree. If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or...

So today I'm not writing an April Fool's blog, but today is April Fool's. I'm just going to rant and vent, and simply express some emotions I've felt lately. I hope it doesn't step on anyone's toes, and if you're easily offended, you may just want to click the close tab button now. Don't say I didn't warn you! The more I live, the more I realize that people in general are not very smart. Sure there are intelligent people all over, but the general mass population is lacking a lot of common sense. For instance-I walk into a local convenience store tonight to get gas. There are at least 4 people in line in front of me. The whole time I'm in line, the clerk at the cash register is complaining and whining about her job, about the customers, about how the EMS guy in front of me "better be on call-cuz I'm goin home to get me a drink". My question is...do you realize your job deals with the public, and the public's opinion...

Over the weekend, the US Federal Government proved once again that it has ceased to listen to the people of this nation. If you did not see this coming, you've been blind for quite a while. This "health care reform" is nothing more than big brother sticking his hand in, yet another pot, that it doesn't belong in. It is against the law, unconstitutional for the Federal Government to mandate that everyone has insurance. Make no mistake, this bill doesn't just allow you health care, it FORCES you to have health care. This bill also forces insurance companies to spend 85% of premiums paid, towards medical bills. It's unconstitutional for the government to tell businesses how to do business. What happened to the free market, where has capitalism gone? As a consumer of health care, I'd love to see premiums go down, I'd love to see the health insurance problem go away, but this does not help this go away. Your premiums will no raise, because of the 8...

America needs to wake up! If we don't, there won't be much to be patriotic about for much longer. I've never been very politically involved, until our recent social crisis. You see, WE, Americans have elected a Communist to be our President. I feel so disappointed in this country and its people for getting so far away from our roots. We've come so far from what our forefathers envisioned for this great nation. For so long, America has been the shinning light, that beacon of hope for people who would otherwise not have gotten a chance to succeed. Our country was established on the premise of freedom, but if we continue to let a man who isn't even a citizen, have his way, many of our freedoms will be no more. Take for instance our right to bear arms. The president wants to take that away. He doesn't think any private citizen should have the right to own a gun. Well, according to the Bill of Rights (provided to the STATES from the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT), I ...

Christmas is upon us, whether you like it or not. For the past few years it's been full of mixed emotions for me. On one hand, you have time away from work to spend with family and friends. On the other hand, there is so much travel and hustle and bustle . This year will be no different. Maybe even more hustle and bustle . Ideally, we would have Christmas at home, and everyone would be able to come. Well, realistically, that's not happening. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, it's by far my favorite Holiday . I love what it represents and without Christ I would be here. But, Christmas to most is nothing more than a day to get things. Most people go through Christmas thinking about what we'll get, and I'm guilty of that as well. This year, I want to make a conscious effort to think about my family and my friends and how I can give to them. I may not have a lot of money, I may not be able to pick out the "best" gift. But, I can't w...

Being a football junkie, I live for the weekend during the fall even more so than I do any other time of the year. I think we can all agree that the weekends are the best, but during football season, nothing compares. Well, the school I'm coaching at now, has started out well. Surprisingly to some, we've started 2-0. We won our first game 34-0, and our second 32-22. The score seems closer than the actual game was. We had a commanding 26 point lead at halftime. Anyway, today's post is not just about high school football, it's about much more. It's about what football means to me, not as a coach, but as a person. Growing up, my dad played football with me all the time. He taught me how to catch, how to run, how to throw. He taught me routes and plays. He was also responsible for taking me to the local high school games on Friday nights. Unlike most of the little people, who were running around together, I sat patiently beside my dad. Eager to see the next ...

I am new to this, but my future wife started one a while back, and I think it's pretty cool. I'm not sure who will read it, but I'm going to write one anyway. There are 11 days until I get married, which is crazy to even think about. I'm so excited about starting my life with Kacey and being a great husband to her. But, I'm terrified at the same time. I guess, because for so long, it's just been me. I've never had to protect and comfort and worry too much about anyone else. Sure, I've done those things but, not to the extent of marriage. Now, Kacey will rely on me for support, love, leadership, and a host of other things. While I feel like I'm up to the task, there is something about taking that plunge that is nerve racking. I've never been a nervous person. I've never been the type of person to worry about things. I've always been a go with the flow type of person. But, recently I have been unable to sleep well. Which I...