I can't wait..........to release my inner Barbarian.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060630005344&newsLang=en

So......the night of the previous post I did just as I said I would. I closed a door on a source of irritation that didn't need to exist. Dropped all comms; IMs, in-game chat, links...the works. In fairness a few links exist because if I cut them I cut off others who are still friends and still important to me and I'm not willing to do that. The results? Peace and quiet.

I have a therapist at the VA and I tell her everything......not much use in having one if you are going to lie to her or hold back and its certainly not going to help me if I don't deal with everything that causes me stress and /or triggers the flashes of unreasoning anger. I've been keeping her up on my personal life (and I don't have to worry about hearing things I've told her from other people either) and her take on it was"Good...I'm glad you've taken steps to remove the un-needed stressor from your life."

On a very positive note, Anthony and Lynne have a new baby. His name is Gideon Thomas and he came into the world a little over 7 pounds. Beautiful kid........Mommy and Daddy are doing well. I plan to spend time with them again this weekend.

On a downward note, one of my Uncles had a heart attack last night. He was taken to the hospital and spent the night in ICU and is having tests today but his view on the whole thing was "I'm out of here tomorrow...I've got too much goddam work to do". He's the hell raiser and black sheep of the family. He's also as stubborn as the day is long....just like everyone else with with the Nortz name. He'll either live another 20 years or be dead next week.

Finally....I believe in Honest Politicians....also the Easter Bunney, the Tooth Faerie and Santa Claus.

Permanently....

And I'm a breath away.

Toxic People...yep...don't need 'em...no matter who they are or who they think they are.

I said it -would- stop......

And if that means closing a door forever...that can be done.

And you -know- that when I say forever....it is.

Today was the -Last- time I take a breath and walk away from it.

Next time...I walk away from you.

There are a lot of stones being thrown about lately...brings to mind two things


People in glass houses should not throw stones

And

Let him that is without sin cast the first stone

Its time for the stones to be dropped....for things to be allowed to move on or I'll be casting a few stones of my own......damn the torpedoes!

The weathered old man gingerly propped open the sandwich board sign proclaiming that the store was open for business again. He shook his head as he went inside, slightly saddened that he wasn't able to retire as he had planned. He took his cane from where he'd left it near the door and leaned heavily on it as he moved slowly behind the counter. Already people were coming into the Shoppe.

Well, I had closed this thing down hoping to never need or want to rant again but....heh....things never quite go as you would like them to.

A few months ago I blasted someone else (Vince to be precise) for the assertion that his Blog was a private 'document' and that what he said there didn't affect others who read it. There are those who rooted me on and loved the fact that I did what they couldn't muster the courage to do. That's what this page is about.....calling people on their little conceits, playing Devil's Advocate and from time to time just plain venting about some things that really annoy me.

I use this as a signature on a Board someplace;

"Alas, I have never met a man who could see his own faults and arraign himself at the bar of his own conscience" Confucius

It is always preferrable to find fault in others....to assign Blame rather that to accept the fact that we've done something wrong. In any situation a given person is Responsible only for their actions and the direct physical or mental results of those actions. Anything after that is on you...you choose to take action....you choose to talk, you choose to be nice or to not be nice....you......those are your choices and they are your Responsibilty. That's not Blame....that's you being an Adult and taking Responsibilty for your actions. Period. Anything less than accepting that is a cop out.

A withered old man moves about the shop, dusting off shelves and packing the last few items left. He pauses now and then, looking with misty eyes at some item from long ago. Memories flood back and a wistful smile steals over his ancient lips. After a moment he shakes his head and keeps moving until all that remains is a few tightly packed boxes and an empty store.

He's sitting on the stoop when his son arrives and starts carrying that last of the boxes to the truck. When the shop is empty he walks around once more....seeing blemishes and dings that bring back more old memories. His eyes are misty again and his lips tremble as he walks out of the door and locks it behind him. He takes one last long look at the store face before turning and climbing into the truck with his son.

"Lets go Boy", he says as tears run freely down his face.

Well...the name on the Marque tends to indicate that a Rant or two should be seen here.......Honestly, that hasn't happened in a while and so.......its time to close up shop. Perhaps a new Blog from the Madman will spring up somewhere......I hope so but this old man is tired and this old shop, while full of memories, well....its not the place for what I want to say or do anymore. Time to move on.

I hope you've been entertained, amazed, frightened and challenged while visiting here. Often I've written to start a thought process for myself and others. I gone back later and maybe disagreed with myself. I've smiled at other's disagreeing with me because sometimes that was the whole point.I hope things you've seen here have made you think. I hope you never stop.

Fare Thee Well
The Management