Madd World

Donald’s Better Self

Seeing this cartoon made me think about how often we make choices in our lives.  Some really simple ones. Some that are more complicated. Who really determines whether these choices are good or bad?  I believe that only time can be the judge of that.

What if, at face value, we chose to do something "bad"?  What if the result, of what we thought was a "bad" decision, makes life more meaningful in the long run?  This being the case, sometimes, what looks to be a bad decision, is not so bad after all.

In making these day-to-day choices, we try to weigh all of the consequences.  Sometimes we have to make an instant decision and at other times, we can sit and reflect on our choices.  Whichever the case may be, we try to do what is morally and ethically right for everyone involved. 

As the two angels sit on our shoulders, when we try to make decisions, do we listen to the good angel or the bad angel?  I wish that all our choices were that simple.  The world we live in is, at times, very confusing and complex.  The reality of life tends to skew perceptions and attitudes.

After all is said and done, I think that what we all need to do is to try to listen to our guardian angels.  They are our conscience. 

Until next time.  Take care.

Last weekend we went to a birthday party for the teenage daughter of one of our friends.  We met these friends in Guam 15 or so years ago.  Since we are all now in the NJ/NY area, we try to get together as much as we can.  Our children are all good friends.  It was just really surprising to realize that the birthday girl was already 14.  We’ve all known her since she was a baby.

As adults, we tend to be jaded in our birthday celebrations—I think that it is because we would like to forget that we are another year "wiser".  From the adult perspective, nothing really marks the passage of time quite like these "children’s" birthday parties.  Their age is directly correlated to ours–they get older, we get older.  I think that every year that a child celebrates their birthdays,  we are hit with a sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that we are a part of the formation of this young person’s life.  It is fascinating to see the growth—physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually of these young people from year to year.

It was like only yesterday when we were celebrating the Baptism of these kids, now our conversations are about the colleges that they are thinking of applying to.  Before we know it, we will soon be going to the weddings of these children.  Not too soon, I hope—they still have a lot to accomplish.  :  ) 

While the kids were playing, the adults were catching up on all the latest events.  One of the questions that was raised was, "When you were young, what did you want to be when you grow up?".  There was a wide range of answers varying from a priest to a chemist.  For me, that was an easy one to answer—I wanted to be a lawyer.  This dream never came to fruition because I to took a detour on the road of life that never could quite lead me back onto my original path.  :  )

Another question that arose was "What would you like to be now?".  This one required introspection.  My answer—I am where I would like to be.   I have a wonderful life.  I have no worries—I can do what I like, when I like (all within reason, of course).

My life is quite perfect as it is now.  I’m happily married for over 16 years and I have two very beautiful daughters.  What more can I ask for?  I have a husband and children whom I love very much and who love me, as well.  I am living the happily ever after that many people dream of.  :  )

Until next time.  Take care.

"When two people are under the influence of the most violent, most
insane, most delusive, and most transient of passions, they are
required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal, and
exhausting condition until death do them part." [G.B. Shaw]  :  )

A few Sundays ago, the Knights of Columbus were circulating a petition to ban same-sex marriages.   I, naturally, waited in line to sign it.  The thought of legalizing same-sex marriages is quite distressing. I have grown up in the tradition that a marriage is a union between a man and a woman. I guess on this subject, I stand firm and remain a traditionalist.

One of the purposes of marriage is to legitimize the procreation of children. This being the case, same-sex marriages goes against the very law of nature. There may be a lot of medical advancements in reproduction but, biologically, it is still impossible for two people of the same sex to be the natural parents of one child.   

I know that sexual preference is what drives this campaign for same sex marriages. Is it really necessary to legalize this type of a union? It is my understanding that they are after the same benefits as that of a traditional couple.

Instead of altering marriage laws, can the laws regarding spousal benefits be changed?   Can we just give them their benefits without destroying the social structure, as we know it?  Or, can another name be applied to this joining other than the term "marriage"?   As defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, marriage is a legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife.   

Personally, I think that the majority of this country may share this same opinion. I think that the people in our great nation are just sitting at home, shaking their heads at the commotion that these people are making. You know what they say about empty cans—they make the most noise. I think that this is a case of the noisy few and the silent majority. When push comes to shove, I am optimistic that the average joe would like to keep the status quo regarding marriage.

Until next time.  Take care.

People here in the States love their dogs.  It is quite normal to see people kissing their dogs.  They treat these dogs like they are actually kids.  In my mind, a dog, no matter who tries to say otherwise, is still just an animal.  I don’t care how cuuuute and adorable it may be, it is still an animal.

I think that the perception of some people need an adjustment.  Help me try to understand this because this is one concept that I just cannot grasp.  How can a human being place more importance on the life of an animal versus that of a fellow human?  Were we not created to be a higher species than that of animals? 

An example of this happened a few years ago when Gabby and her cousin were at a store.  I don’t know if you are familiar with this but, at some stores, people place cardboard signs asking for quarter (25 cents) donations.  These signs have pre-cut slots where you can just put a quarter in it.

Anyway, there were two signs. One was for a starving child and the other was for the prevention of animal cruelty.  Gabby and her cousin both asked for a quarter each.  They both chose to give their quarters to animal cruelty.  If my children are going to grow up to be this apathetic to their fellow humans, something is very wrong.

This is the mindset of a lot of the people here.  I find it to be very disturbing.  Call me cruel for turning my back on animals but, my heart will break at the sight of a sick, starving child before it gives a damn about a dog.  I could care less if cats and dogs are dying of starvation.  I care a lot more about the condition of our fellow humans who are dying of disease and starvation in America and, more importantly, in the very many developing nations.

There is a bigger world out there with more serious problems than animal cruelty.  This should be one of the least of our worries.  I really think that people need to get out of the bubble that they are living in and open their eyes to see if they can do their part–no matter how small–to help alleviate human suffering in our world.

Until next time.  Take care.

Before I start, I need to emphasize something.  I am not making "parinig" to anyone in particular, this is just a general observation.  Although, if you start to feel guilty, I have accomplished what I am setting out to do.  :  )

We all have friends, right?  Some we see a lot, some we hardly see at all.  Some who just love to keep in touch and some who are just too busy.  Some really close friends and then some who are just acquaintances.

Of all the varying levels of friends that we have, the "friends" that tend to irk me are the ones who know you only when they need something.  Then, magically, they become your best friend.  Sound familiar to anyone?  Do you know anyone like this?

If you really think about it—actually, you don’t even have to think about it, these people are not "true" friends.  They have become friends of "convenience".  What they say or do should not really bother you since they do not really value your friendship.  Your value to them, is only, what you can do for them.

Do I sound too harsh?  Sometimes the old adage is true— that you have to be cruel to be kind.  Life is too short to have to worry about people who do not sincerely care about you.  Focus on those real friendships that come from the heart. 

Why worry about the opinions of the insignificant people in your life?  It is important to think positive, happy thoughts.  It is also important to maintain positive, happy friendships. 

Who needs users?  Not me! That’s for sure.

Okay, have I made you feel guilty?  This posting is not directed at any of the friends on my list.  If you still feel that way, you can always remedy the situation by trying to improve those friendships that you have been neglecting—while you still can.

Until next time.  Take care.

It never ceases to amaze me how utterly miserable some people are!  While I was at the store today, I met up with such a lady.  Let me first say that when I get mad, I really get mad to the point where I can feel my blood boiling and a blood vessel is about to explode.  A total stranger made me feel that way today.  Urrrghhh!

As Ally and I were heading to the car, we were on the second floor and we needed to take the elevator to the ground floor.  Believe me, if there were stairs, we would have gone that way.  We were waiting for the elevator (there was only one) with an elderly lady.  When doors opened, the down light outside of the elevator went off.  We got in the elevator which was occupied by one other lady.

The elderly lady followed us in saying that she will just get on and ride back up.  As the door closed, the other lady pressed the 3.  Seeing that the 1 was not lit, I reached over and pressed it.  Just as I did that, the elevator started to go down. 

This lady then looks at me like she would like to kill me and in a really mean tone of  voice says "Thanks a lot.  I was going up".  I was stunned.  I then told her that the light on the outside was pointing down.  The older lady supported my claim.  I was seeing red. 

I could not believe the gall of this lady!  Did she think she owns the elevator?!  When the doors opened I just walked out and left it at that.  It took a while for me to calm down but, I got over it.

The sad part about all of this, is that this lady’s attitude is quite typical of the people that live here in Jersey.  A lot of people here are unwilling and unable to tolerate a delay of any kind.  I’m not saying that all the people here are like that, because that is not true.  A lot of people here just do not know and understand the meaning of patience .

These people need to see life from a different perspective. I wish that they could see all the human suffering in the third world countries.  I think that if they see this in reality, they would, hopefully, learn to be more tolerant and appreciate how fortunate they really are.

So, what if you have to wait an additional minute or two in the elevator that only services three floors?  Where is the big deal in that?  Is that reason enough to justify rudeness?  If it does, then, her life must really be miserable.  Patience is really a virtue.

Until next time.  Take care.

When Gabby first started school a few weeks ago, I was quite surprised with one of the letters that she brought home from the school. It was regarding the food restrictions that they have implemented in the school.  The school "will no longer be able to allow food for celebrations to be brought to school, or served to children that are not nutritionally beneficial".  In other words, foods that have minimal nutritional value are banned.

This letter has changed the traditional class birthday parties as we know it.  Gone are the celebrations with cupcakes and ice cream.  The carrots and celery have taken over the classroom! Run! :  )  Too bad Ally will never have the opportunity to experience an "old-school" classroom birthday celebration.

I realize that the law was made for the benefit of the children.  It is a good law which restricts snacks with too much sugar.  The sentimental part of me is just sad to see the passing of another "era". 

Halloween is just around the corner.  What will happen to the Halloween parties at school?  Can you imagine it without any sweets?!  Oh boy!  The kids will get all dressed up in their costumes and receive—carrots.?.?  : (

Although it may sadden me a little, I know that something has to been done about childhood obesity.  I’m happy that the government has taken this stand.  I am all for the banning of soda in the schools—drinking one can of that stuff is the equivalent of drinking a cup of sugar.  Yuck!

If this is what it will take to bring down the number of obese children, I am all for it.  I just hope that what the schools are trying to teach, the parents are also supporting.  If the parents and the schools can work together on this, then the children will reap the benefits.

Until next time.  Take care.

What is it about this genre of writing that people belittle?  If you know me or have been reading my blog, you know that I love my trashy romance novels.  They have the basic formula of boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love and they live happily ever after.   It’s the "how" that keeps me entertained.

Who says that romance novels are unrealistic?  Probably those cynics who have never been in love.  Most of us know what falling in love feels like, right?  It is such a great feeling.  Remember what it was like when you and your special someone were just beginning to discover each other and were just starting to fall in love? 

Remember that exhilarating feeling when you see him and look into his eyes?  There is no other feeling quite like that in the world.  Just the thought of him would sent your heart beating faster and your pulses racing.  New love has no comparison.  The emotional high that you get is addicting.

I have become addicted to these easy to read books that require little, or no, concentration.  The thrill of reading about people falling in love makes the time pass a lot quicker. My books are not called "trashy" for no reason.  One of the additional perks of this type of writing is that the authors pay particular attention to detail, thereby, ensuring a captive audience. :  )   (There are minors reading this.)

Isn’t love grand?  Until next time.  Take care.

Does chivalry exist in our, so-called, modern age?   I would unequivocally, say YES—in my trashy romance novels, that is.  In reality?  Seriously, I think that I would also say, yes.  There are some true gentlemen out there—just not very many.

Gone are the Victorian era days (which is a very popular setting for my novels) when a gentleman would drape his $500 coat over a puddle for a lady to cross over.  This is just not done in our day and age.  If, by chance, a "gentleman" did do that, he would probably send his dry cleaning bill to you.  :  )

I think that Filipino men, in general,  are chivalrous.  Mind you, there are some exceptions.  Generally, though, I think that this is true. 

Culture and tradition have a strong influence in their development. Young men are taught to be courteous and respectful towards women.  This is something that remains ingrained in them for life.  (Get that smirk off of your face!)

It is a common sight, in the Philippines, to see a man holding the car door open for a woman.  One of the true marks, I think, of a gentleman is when a couple is walking  down a street and the man places the lady on the inside while he walks closest to the road.  This does not require thought, it is just done automatically.  Can you honestly say that you see this very often?

I can honestly say that I personally know a few of these "gentlemen".  The first, and foremost, that pops into my head is my dear brother.  He was trained really well —especially since he has two older sisters.   Amy is a lucky lady.  If you don’t believe me, ask her. 

Although, the feminist movement is alive and well, I think that women can still appreciate being treated like a lady.  I am all for equal rights but I acknowledge that there are some aspects where men are better than women.  One would be where physical strength is required.  Men were just made to be more muscular than women—I think that macho men look a whole lot better than macho women!

If you are thinking that being chivalrous is not a sign of a macho man, I beg to differ.  I do not think that being gallant detracts, in any way, from the essence of a manly man.   I find the opposite to be true.  The chivalrous man becomes more macho because he is comfortable enough in his own skin to be able to be courteous to women. 

Until next time. Take care.

Vic’s 40th birthday is coming up next month.  He reminded me about it yesterday and used it as a justification for a mid-life crisis.  Hmmmm, what is he trying to say?

Off-hand, the meaning of a male mid-life crisis consists of two things.  These would be, the desire to be young again, and the desire for a "young" female to help make them feel young again.   Interesting, isn’t it? 

Usually, these "older" men go out and buy their expensive toys believing that it will make them look and feel young.  Vic, if you do decided to go out and buy yourself the benz, can I "borrow" the keys, please?  :  )

As for those young girls and the "older" men, you know it’s usually about the money.  These older guys that think they are hot stuff when they walk around with their young, sexy arm candy are just fooling themselves.  More often than not, they are being used.

Tell me something, what do a 20-year-old female and a 40-year-old male talk about?  What experiences do they have in common?  Oh yeah, I forgot, they don’t talk very much.  They are too busy doing other, more fascinating and entertaining things— like shopping!  :  )  Conversation is not a requirement.  Ha! Ha!

Please forgive me.  It just annoys me to see these young girls throwing themselves at older men because of the material things that they can get.  It also saddens me to see the number of broken marriages that are a result of these associations.

So, Vic,  you may look at the menu but, you just cannot eat.  If you get caught "eating", I’m going to tell your Mom.  :  )  I hope that she’ll spank you for being a  naughty boy.   I would not want you to turn into a dirty old man—then again, maybe you already are one.   :  )

Until next time.  Take care.