More Questions and Answers

Describe some of the jobs you've had. Which did you enjoy the most? The least?

The first job I had, I was 19. I pumped gas at a full service station. In fact, that was the last place I saw Sandy, my first girlfriend. It really wasn't a bad first job. I got fired for not answering a question correctly that the district manager asked. I don't remember the specifics, but I flubbed it.

My favorite job was probably working construction. A temp job, and it only lasted from March through October or November, but it was fun. There's something cool about being handed a sledgehammer and told to knock down a wall. Or given a jackhammer, and bust up some pavement. I loved it.

I can't really say much about least favorite jobs. There were plenty of those, but if I hated them that bad, I usually didn't return after the first day, or sometimes even after lunch, if I made it that long. Most were warehouse jobs, where the environment was less than welcoming. One was a third shift job at a warehouse across from Nissan. The work was easy, but all the doors (about 200 of them) had to stay open all night. It was 8 degrees this night. Needless to say, I didn't return for a second.

Working at the BP, when it was still owned by Jim Emory was sometimes a fun job. At least I met a lot of cool, interesting people there, some of whom I still see today. I also met a lot of police officers there, and consider some friends to this day.

I consider my massage career a failure. I should have researched the field more before I decided to pursue it. I'm fairly certain I'd not have gone through with it.

What are your feelings on war, politics, religion?

Government is little more than those with the ability to inflict the most harm using that ability to keep masses docile. When one government possesses more harming ability than another, many times that government will insist the weaker bend to its will. If the weaker refuses, acts of war generally follow, which might include embargo, sanction, or an all-out invasion. The real reason for war is seldom made public, especially so for the aggressor.

Politics is truly the ultimate in hypocrisy. The implication is that the holders and/or candidates are the most suited for these positions, yet most are lawyers. Congress is made up entirely of millionaires. What do these people know about not being able to go to the doctor when you're sick? The most qualified candidates for public office are those who wouldn't dream of running. These are college professors, scientists, farmers, and counselors. Unfortunately, only those who are willing to shed the blood of others become elected officials. On a more local level, those with the prettiest, most colorful signs usually win.

On religion, I somewhat agree with Marx in that it can be an opium for the masses. Why worry about how bad things are right now, when the after-life will bring such perfect bliss? Yet Buddhists hand Hindus do not believe such. Ironically, not many wars have been fought in the name of Buddhism or Hinduism, as opposed to others, who seem to be in a state of perpetual war.

Yes, it's been a while since I've posted. A lot has happened since my last post.

For one, I bought a house in Smyrna. It's not a huge mansion, but it's comfy. And quiet. I can play my stereo as loud as I want, though I rarely do. I've never been a homeowner before. I like it.

For two, I've got a new girlfriend. I call her Julie, mostly because that's her name. At least I think we're still together. We're still learning about each other. We are very different. Sometimes it feels so easy, natural, and like I'd not rather be doing anything else. Others, it's a struggle I'm not sure I'm up for.

Julie's got a couple of poodles, named Dork and Boyfriend. Dork is Boyfriend's father. Of the two, Dork seems more drawn to me and I to him. Boyfriend is a mama's boy.

I can't believe I haven't posted since July. I swear I'll try to do better.