On Change...

Change is the only constant in nature. Seasons of the year, the universe is expanding, tectonic plates are shifting, people grow and mature, etc. I cannot think of a single thing that remains unchanged. If this true, why do we behave as if things will always remain the same. Why are we so frightened by change? Change can be scarey, but nothing good happens without it.


The most important, most difficult, changes that we make are those within ourselves. To move house, change jobs, buy a new car are easy changes. However, to create personal growth is very tough. It calls for concentrated effort to alter our habit patterns -- those of outward behavior and those of thought. To change ourselves to become more curious, bold, decisive, etc. are difficult because they call for internal alterations to our attitudes (habits of thought). These changes call for us to move outside of our cozy envelopes called our comfort zone. Somewhat scarey.


I especially enjoy seeing people grow. When I taught secondary school, freshmen would try to act mature, but you could see the fear, apprehension and insecurity in the eyes. When the same people were seniors. They exuded a certain level of confidence; more self-assured. It's a gas.

It is amazing that with all of the changes we undergo in our lives, that we are essentially the same person that we were before. I think what happens is that time, age, experience and individual actions tend to act as buffing pads that round off our edges.

I will be adding to this post, so keep an eye out.

YOUR HOST

Remember, this is a self-description; nothing objective. So I will unzip my fly, just a little.

I was born 1945, bred and educated in Chicago. I have been married to the love of my life since 1971. Together we used to own, run and work in a small award-winning cafe in Ireland, as such we have achieved a tiny bit of fame. We currently own, run and work in a VERY small award-winning bakery specializing in artisan breads and sweets.

In the cafe, I worked more than 60 hours a week. You could say I was the business;  if I went down for an extended period, we'd have to take extraordinary measures or the business would fail. With the bakery, my helper could carry the load alone for a while.

I am still struggling to adjust to a foreign land. (Ireland's fine but it ain't home; Chicago's home, but it ain't mine no more. Apologies to Neil Diamond). Even after 18 years, I'm still trying to figure out Ireland.

I began this post thinking that I am just a typical guy -- average height, below average looks, overweight, typical male-pattern baldness. Then I realized I'm creating my own blog. In the last 4 years I've had 4 surgeries, got my ear re-pierced (first done at age 50), learned how to text and send photos, opened two social network pages (even with a lot of help, I'm still a techno dummy) and invented two new cookies and a chocolate granola bar, opened a new business, developed the brookie (a brownie covered cookie) and the mookie (milky way bar baked into a chocolate chip cookie) and a couple of new breads. Ain't dead yet I guess.

I think I have a pretty good sense of humor, although warped.  I think sardonic might describe it. A mix of sarcasm and irony. I like it that way. Love a good laugh, especially if it's at my expense. Be warned, there will be no "lol's" on my blog. On Twitter and Facebook, I have to include lol, because people have been misunderstanding me. They sometimes think my jokes are meant seriously.

Although my wife might see it differently, I think I'm a good listener. I tell the truth, at least as I see it. If I say to you I believe something to be true, you can be sure I do. I won't offer an opinion on something important unless asked, and I am very reluctant to give advice. I do my best to be the best. At the risk of being labeled a braggart, I'm a credible chef, an excellent cook and a fine baker. Former careers include secondary school teacher, supervisor at senior citizen dining sites, business and personal development consultant, school administrator, chef.. I have a B.S in Psychology, M.A. Geography, 30 graduate hours in clinical psychology, A.A.S. Culinary Arts.

More personally, I'm not a very good son or brother. I might be a better than average husband, but just barely.

I may be one of the few men who look a woman in the eye, when we first meet. For me, the eyes tell all. If I see interest or life in her eyes. then I might speak. I find women more interesting than men, don't know why. Do know it has nothing to do with sexual attraction.

My favorite songs are Slow Hand--Pointer Sisters, Like to Get to Know You--Spanky and Our Gang, Lady in Red--Chris Deburgh (this one make me cry), Better Place to Be--Harry Chapin (also makes me cry), I Want To Learn a Love Song--Harry Chapin (yes, I cry with this one too). I think my number one favorite song in Scotch and Soda--Kingston Trio. Don't cry with this one, but it just says it all.

In 2016, Ruth died. Even typing it is hard.  Before, I could not imagine this must emotional pain. For 45 years we were lovers, partners, best friends. I know she's in a better place unhurt and no pain. See you later my friend.

So now I'm trying to fashion a new life. I'm retired, but looking into part-time work to help me re-fashion. Been through 2 jobs already. Looked into one volunteer group...naaah!

Another Political Party...FAIRNESS

The Republic of Ireland needs a new political party. The liberal left is adequately represented by more than one party. The center-left, the same.  This leaves a group disenfranchised -- the conservative right and center-right voters. There is no party that represents these. I am proposing this new party for them. It is for younger people to take up this cause and register and promote this party. The following is a brief outline of a manifesto for the FAIRNESS PARTY. This document contains only broad principles; no specifics. Specification is to be added later by legislation.


BASIC PRINCIPLES


1. We believe that people are free and equal.
2. Government exists solely to insure freedom and justice for its citizens.


Derived Principles


1. People are responsible for their own behavior.
2. We distinguish between rights and privileges.
3. Each right or privilege carries with it corresponding responsibilities.
4. People under 18 years of age cannot give informed consent.
5. Private property and the right to own it are to be protected.
6. The nuclear family is one that is headed by two unrelated adults in a committed relationship.
7. Children are the responsibility of their parents.
8. No individual or group will be identified for special treatment.
9. We recognize the status of political refugee; not that of economic refugee.
10. Certain professions or vocations involve the public trust. Betraying that trust is a serious crime.
11. Certain crimes are deemed so heinous as to require mandatory minimum sentences without parole.
12. Business, particularly small business, provides the economic life of the State.
13. Work provides a positive element to a person's life.
14. The State's Constitution should be an organic and flexible document that can adjust to changing times.
15. Prisons exist to protect the public and to punish the criminal; not to rehabilitate the criminal.
16. Schooling at levels 1 and 2 is a right; at level 3 it is a privilege.