Ground Zero...

After all these years I finally went to Ground Zero while in NYC for the wedding this weekend. I expected all sorts of emotions. We approached from the south which is where I would come from when leaving my Dad's office and walking to my Grandmother's office. I looked up and for the first time in 30 odd years they were not there. My heart broke all over again and I felt my eyes fill with tears.

I was very silent as we crossed the street, we were packed in with dozens of other people and entered the Path covering (Subway entrance, now closed) and walked to the fence and peered in.

I was done when I saw the emptiness from afar but my son wanted to see the site. I looked into the hole and put my arm around my son next to me. They walked around and looked at the plans for the site and some information on various boards. I walked over towards the North Tower site and then was ready to go. While I am glad I finally went, I do not think I will ever go back again.

Sixty years ago a nation rallied behind it's President following a similar attack that killed less Americans. For four years we threw everything we had into destroying the powers that attacked us and their allies. We still talk of their service and dedication and sacrifice.

Seven years ago a nation rallied behind it's President for a year. Then turned on him, calling him a joke, pulling funding for our troops, complaining that we have to take our shoes off at the airport. What happened to us?

Fight...

So at one point this weekend I was talking to my cousin and his new Bride. It was 3am and we were all a little under the influence of cheer and spirits, but I imparted some wisdom to the new couple.

In order to have a long and happy marriage do three things:

FIGHT: never stew on anything, let it out and get it out. Holding it in causes resentment and building anger, which will then explode when you least expect it.

NEVER SAY ANYTHING YOU CANNOT TAKE BACK: fights and arguments are heated things but you must always have some idea of who you are talking to.

ALWAYS SAY I LOVE YOU AND GIVE A KISS GOODNIGHT: this is different from an apology, it is fine to apologize for the fight but if you have a position that you are not backing off of then keep it. You should say you are sorry it became a fight and that you love her (or him) and we can continue with calmer heads tomorrow.

It is that simple. Being in 'love' with someone it is easy to do the nice things, flowers and gifts, dinner and a movie, opening the door, knowing their favorite movie or color or song. But to get into a good fight and be able to to do the latter is LOVE. We have had many fights over 15 years of marriage, you cannot get through life without strongly disagreeing on something. I have never ever called her more than a jerk or ass (not asshole) and have always kissed her goodnight and apologized for the argument (never the topic itself). I have gotten the cold shoulder at times but before we drift off to sleep I do get acknowledgement that I was heard and understood...

And that is a big reason we are still HAPPILY together after all these years....

Till Next Time

The Return...

I guess like working out I took a small hiatus from blogging. But like both, now I am back...

- I have been sick for about 6 weeks now. Took all sorts of meds, on next round now, cannot shake this chest 'cold'

- Went to NYC for wedding, that's it's own entry

- looking for new car. Current one needs 2000 worth of work and that does not include engine work, of which has 115000 miles on it. Crossing fingers I find one soon, looking at the Dodge Charger....

- Reading alot with nothing on TV. Trying to get back to the classics. Reading Sherlock Holmes complete works, Edgar Allen Poe's complete works and some classic SciFi/Fantasy series, like John Carter of Mars (written in 1912), Tarzan, well you get the drift. Mixed in is baseball books on people like Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Robinson, Cobb, etc....I'll let you know how it goes...

- Commutes are saved by podcasts. I must get a list up of the ones I am listening too. Baseball, baseball history, world history, commentary, SciFi, books, movies and even a podionovel. All very good or I would be listening to them...

I think that is enough for now. Come back again real soon please, I promise to post more regular like....

Till Next Time

Wild Ride...

For a second year in a row we have a Super Bowl winner in our house. While we live in Indy and support the home team we have allegences to other teams before we moved here. While my team might make a trip in the near future (Cleveland Browns) the wife's team won it all last night. She has been a Giants fan since I met her 20 years ago. She has the jersey and talks the talk every season. Last night was a big win for football and for her.

We sat here all night on the edge of our seats. What a great game! It was absolutely nail bitting! It was something the NFL has not had in a long time, a Game at the Super Bowl!

Congrats Giants fans! I know of two in Indy who are wearing their jerseys today!