Posts filed under 'Thoughts'
I’m going to make a very bold statement that will probably get me in trouble, but here goes:
“Valentine’s Day is a holiday created solely for men.”
There, I said it. Now, why would I say such a thing you ask? Here’s my logic, messed up as it may be.
Men in general are forgetful and lazy. 364 days out of the year we come home to our wives and girlfriends to give them a kiss as we walk in the door and ask them how their day went, stand there just long enough to make it look like we’re interested, and then ask what’s for dinner. We are self absorbed morons that generally show affection just long enough to get the women in our lives warmed up so we can get some sex. Yes, it’s true, you know it. For us it’s all about sex.
So, Valentine’s Day was created to give men an advantage at least one day out of the year. We’re flooded with reminders that we need to do something nice for our women, buy them something sparkly, something sweet, something special. We would normally have to think long and hard and often give up doing this on our own, but there are people out there trying to give us the upper hand. On top of that, most women are happy just to know that you thought about them and brought them home a stuffed teddy bear and a box of chocolates. If you’re lucky enough you can walk right in the door, hand her these things, give her a quick smooch and head straight to the bedroom.
See, it’s a win-win for everyone!
OK, now that I said that, I’m totally kidding. If you didn’t figure that out, well, I feel sorry for you when you come home tonight with a teddy bear and box of chocolates. Let me know how the couch feels.
It’s actually quite sad that Valentine’s Day has to exist at all. It shoves it in your face that today should be more special in the love arena than any other day. What’s up with that? Every day you spend with your better half should be special. Every day should be filled with love. Every day you should look at them in a romantic way that makes the other one think about how much you love them.
I do my best to make that my practice each and every day. But alas, I fail just like everyone else. I’m taking the extra time today, Valentine’s Day, to let my wife know how much I love her. I tell her this every day, many times a day, but see; I’m going the extra mile today. I didn’t do it yesterday. I’m pretty sure I won’t do it tomorrow either.
She’s been by my side for so long now that it truly is hard to think of times without her there. We’ve had our rough moments, but they’ve been overshadowed by the millions of great moments we’ve had. I still look at her in amazement every day, wondering why she puts up with me, what she sees in me. I see so many things in her, that I’ll do anything to keep her next to me. She’s the most devoted mother I know, the most thoughtful friend you could ever want, and the most loving and caring wife any man could ever wish for.
So, in true fashion for me, I have to share a photo. This is how I always picture her, smiling, happy, and I know for sure this is true, in love.
You mean the world to me. Today is just another day, no more special than any other day other than I’m still with you and still am falling in love with you. Today, Valentine’s Day, is more special than yesterday was, but I know it won’t be near as special as tomorrow will be.
Happy Valentine’s Day Bobbie Jo.
Forever yours (hopefully no matter how stupid of a man I may be),
Phil
February 14th, 2008
Today marks the end of an era. An era of youth, vitality, and carefree playfulness.
Well, not exactly. For me it seems like some of those things were lost many years ago. They’re things I’ll be able to sit back in my rocker with a grandchild on each knee and tell them stories about the days of yesteryear.
Many things are different today than they were yesterday. I’ve gained a few pounds, slowed just a bit, most of my hair has packed up and relocated to more unnecessary places, and I find myself falling asleep in the chair quite often in the evenings while watching TV.
All of these things are signs of age. But time hasn’t just served me up bad things. It’s given me things to be thankful for and to have fond memories of. Today marks my 30th birthday. Yes, 30 years ago today I popped out into this world. With nothing but time in front of me I moved out to start my journey.
Now that time has passed and I have measurable amount of time behind me, it makes me stop and think about what I want from the time still ahead. I’ve enjoyed so many things over the last few years that give me insight into what I may want from the future.
As many of you know I’ve gained a great passion over the last couple of years for photography. I completely see myself making more of a career out of that in the years to come. I have such a passion for learning photography and pushing myself to do more. I can’t wait to see what time has in store for me behind the lens.
I’ve been graced with 2 wonderful children that never cease to amaze me with their ambition and wit. Both have served to make me older in some ways and to remind me of and return me to youth. I hold out such high hopes for both of them. I know if they stay true to themselves they will go far in this world.
I also owe many of the years past to my wonderful wife. I’ve now spent more time in my life with her in it than I have without. I can imagine the day that both of us sit on the front porch in the quiet of the evening, talking about the 50 years that have passed. She means the world to me and I cherish every day I have to look forward to the next with her.
I’m also surrounded by so many friends and family that support me in whatever I do day after day. Some days I’m sure they would rather do without me, but they always come back to help me though life. I look forward to knowing a lot of you much better and getting even closer to the ones I already know so well.
So, here’s to stepping on the gas and speeding just a little. I’ve always dreaded the day my 30th birthday came, but now that it’s here, I think it’s time to make the most of the long time I have left to come.
May the past guide you, the present ground you, and the future inspire you. Here’s to many more to be with all of you. Thank each and every one of you for all that you have given me. I’m just glad I’m here today to be able to share it with you.
Signed,
The not old yet, but getting there,
Phil
February 12th, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I know everyone is ready to go out and stuff themselves with turkey and desserts, but for me, it’s still really early in the morning and I’m not quite ready for turkey yet.
We all live our lives day to day and don’t often step back and look at where we are and the people around us. Thanksgiving usually gets people to stop, even just for a moment, and think about the great things in their lives. I try as often as possible to appreciate what I have, but I don’t necessarily write it down or say it as much as I should.
I’ve been given so many great things in my life. I’m thankful for the freedom I have to do what I please, the wonderful place that I live in, to be surrounded by all of my wonderful family, and to be able to live day after day in happiness.
Most of all I’m thankful for family, both immediate family and my wonderful extended family.
To my wife of 10 years, it’s like we’ve never been apart and I’m thankful for every morning I wake up with you, every day we spend together, and every night we curl up together again. You make my life worth living and you give me so much.
To my son, you never cease to surprise me. You are way too smart for your own good and I love how passionate you are about the things you love, never forget that.
To my daughter, boy are you going to be a fun one at 13. You have your mother’s spirit, and that is one of the reasons I love her so much too, so I’m glad she passed that on to you, even if some days I could just ring your little neck. You will make some man very happy some day, just as your mother did for me.
And to all of the rest of the family and friends, each of you add to my life in your own way, and for that I’m thankful.
So, here’s to a happy day filled with joy, laughter, friendship and love. Oh, and turkey. (Mike, is it done yet?)
Make sure you stop and think about what you’re thankful for today. You’ll feel better doing it.
November 22nd, 2007
I’ve been called many names in my life, but recently 2 have stuck out more that others. I guess they affected me more because they targeted 2 of my biggest passions, cooking and photography. A while back I was referred to as a culinary coward because of my unwillingness to try some new dish. Now, not liking certain types of food isn’t a big deal, but I’m constantly cooking up new and odd dishes and making others try them, so I guess there was some grounds for the insult. Since then I’ve tried to squash that new name by trying new foods that this person was referring to. I think I’ve done well, but the name still floats out there.
But very recently, in my excitement about being invited to participate in an event that deals with my largest passion of late, photography, I was met with laughter and ridicule. At that time I was called a “Nerd”. Recently I’ve become very fond of a new TV show, Big Bang Theory, and if you haven’t watched it, go do so, very funny stuff. The show centers around 4 guys that are obviously very smart, but have no social skills. Now, I don’t think I would have been a candidate to be one of the actors, but I do think I know quite a bit about certain subjects and I do value my time outside large social gatherings. Not to say I’m anti-social, but if I had the choice to either stay at home and play with my photos or go out to a party with some friends, I’d probably stay home.
Well, amongst other events over the last 2 weeks I seemed to have proven myself to be a “nerd”. I think I’m accepting this fact that I’m knowledgeable in some areas in which I have passions as that has allowed me to be the expert for others to look to when it comes to these areas. So, from now on, I’ll be your photography and culinary “nerd”. I’m OK with that. At least I’m passionate about it and others seem to enjoy that fact.
Signed,
Nerd
November 5th, 2007
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