The importance of having an Advance Directive

Hello readers. I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to post anything on my blog yesterday. I am scheduled to go the the hospital tomorrow morning at 5a.m. where my heart doctor will check my heart for any blockages and if he finds one, he will insert a wire through my leg with something called a 'stent' which will open up like a small balloon, and clear any blockage. I feel totally comfortable about going in and having this done. I have a peace about it. I have had back surgery before, but this will not be that intense.

What I want to share with you is the importance of completing what is called an advanced directive. It is a legal document that lets doctors and other hospital staff know what your wishes are in the event that something goes wrong, and you cannot speak for yourself afterward. I have one. Whether you are in the best of health, or not, please, I urge you to complete one and carry it with you at all times if possible. Also, it's a good idea to send a copy to your local doctor and local hospital so they will have it. In it, you designate a person, or alternate person to speak on your behalf if you can't. It's important to sit down and talk with this person ahead of time, and let them know if you want them to take every steps to preserve your life, or if there appears to be no hope, that it's okay to let you go. This is so important. Most people do not have this document, and they leave the burden up to the parents or next of kin, to figure out what the person would want done if something should happen. It costs nothing to complete, and it completely legal. You can usually get a free copy from your local hospital, just ask for one. Anyway, that's my advice for the day. I hope to write again on Thursday, if I am feeling okay. Until then, take care of yourselves.

Mike

Keeping in touch with your family

I hope your enjoying your Sunday. Yesterday, my sister and her husband phoned me and asked since they were driving by, if they could stop by and visit me. My sister worries about my health as any sister would. I told them yes, I would love to see them. We spent the afternoon talking and catching up on the rest of my family. I have two older brothers, and two younger brothers. I also have another older sister. I was the middle kid. Which wasn't so bad actually. Anyway, we had a nice time and they wanted to go to Lake Piru which was nearby. They live in Paso Robles, California so it's hard for me to go and visit them. I can only sit in a car for about an hour before I get tired and start hurting. So we headed in that direction and I suggested that maybe we should go and visit Lake Casitas in Ojai. So we wound up going there and drove around. Later, we went to dinner and talked some more. They have a six year old Daughter and I loved spending time with my niece.

It was so nice of them to call me out of the blue, and surprise me. They often take trips on the weekends including camping out. As they left my brother-in-law, threatened to take me on their next boating trip. I told him okay, you got a deal. Unfortunately for me, he is always serious and means what he says, so I imagine in a month or two I will be on their next boating adventure. Oh, he does own a boat by the way.

It is so important to keep in contact with your family. I am ashamed to admit that I don't do it as much as I should, but yesterday reinforced that idea in me. We are only on this earth for a short period of time, and we should make the most of every minute we have. So, call your brother or sister, mom or dad just to say hi. Stay in touch, it's important to all of us.

Will they charge us for air next?

Today, I'm going to gripe. I can't help it. I'm all for paying for services but when they are priced to high, then I have to complain. If you live in Ventura County, you may have already read in today's newspaper that our City Council wants to incorporate a 911 new tax. It will be charged for both landlines (house phones) and cell phones. So if you happen to own both, you will be charged per line. You can elect to pay either a monthly fee of $1.49 or a one time useage fee (that's every time you call 911) at $50.00! Yes, fifty dollars! Can you imagine, if your having a heart attack and you must get help, and then you get hit with a $50.00 fee the following month?The only exemption is for those on low incomes with "lifeline" where the state allows them to have a phone at a lower cost each month. They claim that this will help the to recover current 911 costs, and to add additional police officers to the city.

My question is this. Doesn't the City Council have something better to do with their time than to stick it to the people and make them even poorer than they already are? I mean really. This is so silly. There has to be another way to raise money to pay for the services. Do they really think that people can afford either fees? $1.49 may not seem much to some people, but others who are elderly and on Social Security have to pay for rent, every cent matters.

Just think of it, these are the people who you voted into office and are supposed to be serving you. I suggest calling them or writing them and letting them know how you feel about this proposed fee. At a time when our state has a huge deficit and we are on the edge of a nationwide recession, this is a very bad move on the part of our elected city leaders. Shame on them!

The importance of having good friends

It's so important to have good friends, and I have several of them. Last night I met with Scott and Matt, two very close friends of mine, whom I admire. They are great men of God and true of heart. I listen closely to their advice and they do the same while I'm speaking during our conversations. They are their for me whenever I'm feeling low, and offer support and love. Then there are times when things are going great in my life, and they are there to help me rejoice.

God, put us on this earth to fellowship with one another. We all want to be accepted in life especially amongst our peers. I have offered wondered why God allows certain people to enter your life sometimes for short periods of time, and other times you have known someone it seems all your life. I have one friend Dale, who I met in high school. We hung out together and had great times. He was my college roommate. If you ever really want to know someone, just become roommates! We got along fine. We eventually went our separate ways, but we kept in touch during all those years. I still speak with him every other week. It amazes me that out of all the hundreds of students that I went to high school with, he is the only one that I have kept in contact with. It's probably because of the great bond that we established as friends.

So, cherish your friends who ever they are. I know that everyone doesn't get along all the time, and sometimes things are said that keep them from speaking to each other. But this is so childish. Don't hold a grudge. I have known people that haven't spoken to each other for thirty years over something that was said that was really stupid. My point is this. Don't do it! If you really value that person as your friend, swallow your pride, and you make the first move and apologize or do whatever you have to do to remain friends. Even if you were right and they were wrong. It's the bigger person who does this. I hope that I am able to help someone who had read this and is going through this problem.

Until next time, hang in there.

Mike

The Rain

As I look out my apartment window, I was wondering what to write about today. It is raining. I like the rain. I like the way it sounds when the drops beat against the roof or hit the ground. I just went outside to check my mail, and I saw the large pools of water that the rain has left on the ground. We need the rain. Just like a homeowner, God knows when it's time to water his property. The ground needs it, as do the birds, flowers, and people.

I think about other countries like parts of Africa that do not get much rainfall. I've seen pictures of how dry the land gets and the animals that die from lack of water. So, we should consider ourselves blessed that it is raining this week. Everyone benefits from the rain. Thank you Lord, for your continually cleansing and for thinking of us when you make it rain. Take care of yourselves.

Mike

The Death of Heath Ledger & other things

I was shocked to turn on the news today only to find out that actor Heath Ledger, was found dead today in his New York apartment. I won't speculate as to what happened since I wasn't there and do not know what happened, but I just wrote last Wednesday about the death of Brad Renfro. This is so tragic that both men being fine actors, and so young, would lose their life. Heath leaves a young two year old daughter behind and his parents and family. We can only be grateful for the many movies that he made that we can enjoy watching over and over again. Rest in peace brother.

I also wanted to mention that I did watch some of the Democratic debate that CNN aired Monday evening. I enjoyed watching Hillary and Obama bickering back and forth with each other. I thought it was so ridiculous. I am a Republican so it doesn't matter to me..let them find it out the rest of the year. I believe that we have come to point in our lifetime that we could have a female president, or even one of African-American heritage. But in my opinion, both of these candidates are not right for the job at this particular time, because of their position on abortion and other matters.

I will be voting for Mike Huckabee, the Republican nominee because his position on the issues that are important to me agree with what I believe in. I am against abortion and do believe that God has a role in the leadership of our country, so logically my candidate will be a Christian. You are free to disagree, and choose your own candidate. I am only expressing my opinion. I hope you had a great day today. It is raining here in Ventura, but we need the water, so I say, bring it on! Stay healthy everyone.

Mike

Martin Luther King Day

Hello. I hope your day is going well. As you know, today the nation is honoring Martin Luther King. I remember as a small boy listening to Dr. King on t.v. I may not have understood everything he was saying at the time, but I did understand the parts of his speeches where he said that all men were created equal, and that we have to get pass the color of one's skin, to put our differences aside, and just live in peace and harmony with each other. He had a vision, and today, people are keeping his dream alive. He spoke the truth and tried to unite everyone in a dark, sinful, world. As a minister of the gospel, he applied the teaching of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. And for this, he lost his life at the hands of an assassin. Every where he went, people admired him and listened to his message.

So I salute you Dr. King and thank you for all your hard, unselfish work to make this world a better place. We need more people like him in today's society to speak out about what is wrong with this world. Remember, they killed Jesus also for speaking out about some of the same things. So enjoy the day, and if you took part in some of the celebrations in your community, then good for you. Stay healthy and do your part to promote peace with those around you.

Mike

Lifeguards

Today, I want to write about lifeguards. Those men and women who save countless lives from drowning on our beaches, especially here in Southern California. When these individuals see someone in need, they react automatically, without even giving regard to their own lives. Their bravery is quite impressive.

And think about their job. Your office is outdoors in the sunshine, at the beach. You get to work upclose with people. But unless you think it's all fun, they are professionals. Their eyes ever scanning the beach looking for possible hazards that could take a person's life, like a riptide.

So, today I salute all of you who are lifeguards. Thank you for being there for us. You probably seldom get a "thank you" from the general public, but yet, you continue to do what you do best. Way to go!!

Mike

The Good in people still exists

Yesterday, Thursday, Jan 17, I was busy and didn't get a chance to write my blog, so I thought since I am still up (it's 8 mins after midnight here in California), I would write today's blog.

Yesterday, I saw a clip on the news that showed a young college girl who worked serving tables at a Mimi's cafe somewhere( didn't catch the exact location), but she waited on a woman and her family at a table. Then she told a co-worker about the trouble she would have coming up with the money to buy books for school. Well, she was shocked to find that the table she was serving left her a note with a $400.00 tip in cash that basically said use this to help buy your books and good look.Guess the woman must have overheard her conversation, and wanted to help her out. I mean, wow! It's this kind of story that makes my belief in the goodness of people even stronger. I also heard about a driver who pulled up to a drive-thru Starbucks who paid for the person behind them, and the next driver did the same. Turns out, this went on for about 2 hours. Now, that was incredible. These people didn't even know each other, but figured since the person ahead of me was kind enough to pay for me, I'm gonna do the same.

I imagine this goes on all the time, it's just that we don't hear about it until the news media runs a story about it. I leave you with this thought. Think about something that you could do today to help your fellow man or woman. It doesn't have to cost anything. Maybe you could visit the elderly at a rest home, or those sick in the hospital. Or maybe you could volunteer your time to record a book for the blind. If you look around, I'm sure you can find something nice to do for someone nearby. And imagine how great you will feel afterward knowing that you made someone's day. Try it. Stay healthy and enjoy your day.

Mike

RIP Brad Renfro

Today I opened my newspaper and found a small article a few pages in on the death of a favorite actor of mine, Brad Renfro,who was only 25. He was found dead yesterday Tuesday, Jan 15, at 9 a.m. at his home in Los Angeles. He starred in many films including "Bully," "Apt Pupil," "Sleepers," "The Jacket," and "The Client." Brad had problems with drug and alcohol, which lead to bad choices, often getting arrested. He was a troubled young man, but was getting help. This is so sad because while I have never personally had any problems with drugs or alcohol, I know some friends and relatives who have. I've seen the devastation it can cause in people's lives.

Please, if you are struggling with these types of problems, I encourage you to get professional help. Don't put it off. Call a pastor,a friend, or contact Alcoholics Anonymous in your local area. You owe it to yourself. Life is very precious.

I pray for Brad's family that they will be comforted in their time of loss. Rest in peace, Brad. And thank you for all your talented acting in these great films. You had many fans and will be greatly missed.

Mike

A day without the sun

Happy Tuesday! I woke up this morning and wondered what I should write about. A thought occurred to me. This might be something like the Twilight Zone, but my intent is not to scare you, but to get you to think.

We wake everything for granted, like the air we breathe, or that the stores will be open for shopping. But what if we all woke up one day and the sun rose as usual, and night fell. But the next morning, when everyone was waking up and getting ready for work or the day, and the sun did not rise? What effect what this have on you personally? What you be frightened? Confused? Could you continue to get up and shower and go to work? or would you be inclined to stay home and try to find out what is happening? I mean, whenever this is an earthquake ( and we have plenty here in California), we tend to stay put, find out what's going on, and then decide what are next move is. But if there is no explanation as to what happened to the sun, could people continue to do what they normally do? That is my question. When you do something for so long everyday it becomes routine. Wouldn't this break your routine? Just something to think about. Have a great day. Yes, the sun did rise today as expected.

Mike

Using Cell Phones in Public

Well, I started this blog with the intention of writing everyday. But I can see now, that sometimes I may be busy or may not have a subject to write about. So, that is why I haven't written in the last two days. Sorry. But, i will try and keep my promise to myself and write daily.

Today, I want to write about people who use cell phones in public. I have one, and I try to keep my conversations short. There are people who use them in public and realize that they might be bothering others in a coffee shop, or in line at the DMV, so they keep their voice down and try and finish quickly. I appreciate those people. Besides, I don't know about you, but I don't want to hear another person's conversation.

I'm talking about people who talk loud, and just don't care who is listening, or more importantly, if they are bothering anybody! Hey, that's why phone booths were invented! If you must make a phone call in a crowded room, please take it outside if possible. I realize that they will be times when this is not possible, like on a bus, so there are exceptions. If it is an emergency, then that is okay as people will understand. But people, come on. Use common sense. Try not to bother others. Respect others as they would respect you.

I also want to say hi to the men and women aboard the USS Ronald Reagan that is in the channel at Santa Barbara this weekend. I hope you enjoy your visit. Thank you for serving in the armed forces ( as well as all the other branches and soldiers in Iraq ) and for helping to insure our freedom.

If your new to reading my blog, please do not get the idea that I am only going to use this to complain. I plan to write about the good things that people do too. I hope you had a nice weekend. Stay safe.
Mike

Living with Chronic Pain

Today I thought I would write about living with pain daily. I have two herniated discs in my neck from degenerative disc disease. I take morphine and soma ( muscle relaxer) for the pain. I usually get up in the morning and shower then read my bible first, then the newspaper. I sit in my recliner (which helps a lot) and watch some television.

My son Daniel helps with with groceries, cooking, washing dishes and cleaning my apartment. Some days my pain is tolerable and other days it just seems like the medication is not working. I am sure there are other sick people out there that know what I am talking about.

I have a great group of friends that I can talk to including a fellow by the name of Scott Cuzzo. He is a web designer, illustrator, photographer, and filmmaker. Check out his sites if you get a chance to see his work, or if your looking to hire someone to design a website for you. http://www.blogger.com/profile/11318299109435793080. Also, http://www.scottcuzzo.com and http://www.wrenchdesign.com. If you can use any of his services, just contact him. He is a great guy! The dolphin picture on this site was taken by Scott and he gave me permission to use it.

So, I usually just have to deal with my pain. I've had it for ten years now. You don't get used to it, but you learn to deal with it. I invite any of you reading this blog that suffer from chronic pain to leave a comment and let me know what helps you. I'm thinking about going to a chiropractor, but I am not sure if they can help.

Outsourcing by American companies

Today I want to discuss the trend by American companies that outsource their work to countries like India. They do it because it is cheaper to hire people over there to work for them. I wonder how many people realize that this has been going on for quite some time. The bad part about it is that American workers are losing their jobs here when this happens. I for one do not think that this is right. We need to keep our jobs here. Have you ever called Dell, Time Warner Cable, or AT&T( I am sure there are many other companies, but these are the ones that I have used recently) only to find out that you have reached someone in India. With all due respect to those individuals, I sometimes get frustrated because I cannot understand what they are saying. Where is this country headed?
Today, I do not have anything special planned. Going to do some writing, and read my bible. It is an important part of my day as I am a Christian. I hope somebody is reading my blog, but if they are not just yet, it's okay. I really enjoy writing my thoughts. It just feels so right. Hope you had a nice day. Hang in there.

Mike

rude people

Hi there. You ever notice how rude people can be these days? Seems like the only time recently that people in public were nice to one another was after September 11. That only lasted for a short time because people realized how short life can be.It's like when there is a fire in your neighborhood, and your neighbors all come out to see what's going on. You may not know them personally, but at that time, because of the situation, everyone is concerned for the person's house that is going up in flames. But now, you get cut off in traffic, cashiers don't smile at you anymore. People acknowledge you and ask how your doing, but they really don't mean it. Where is the love people have for one another? Will it take another tragedy on a mass scale before people will be nice to one another? To me, it's a shame. It doesn't take a lot of energy or time to say hi to someone and smile. Try it next time you pass a stranger.
Hope you had a great day!

Mike

Just Created Today

Well, today is the first day of my new blog. I have never created one, but I have been toying with the idea for months. If you choose to read it, you will find my thoughts on a subject. As a want-to-be writer, my mind wanders quite a bit. So you will find I might write about anything from politics to cooking. You may or may not agree with my observations, but I will give you something to think about. A little about me I live in Ventura, California. I am disabled but not in a wheelchair. I am of Mexican-American heritage. I grew up in Santa Barbara,
CA, where I went to school. I love to write, play piano, read, watch tv, listen to music, read my bible, and enjoy meeting new friends. So let's see how this plays out as I may not have any readers at all, but what the heck..a writer has to put his thought on paper somewhere, it might as well be on a blog. Happy 2008!

Mike