West of the Mind

It is almost here.  Four more days and I will be turning in my laptop, my Boeing IDs, and my security clearance will be terminated for the first time in 40 years.  It is a huge step I am about to take.  It is scary, but exciting.  I am just not one to take chances.  I have lived in Colorado since 2005 (this time) simply because I feared moving, changing jobs, and a complete change of lifestyle. When I was 18, all I wanted to be was a policeman.  I had since I could remember.  Oh sure, when I was like 6 my mom asked my brother Ronnie what he wanted to be when he grew up, and he replied "A garbage man!", to which I jumped in and declared "I want to be a garbage can!".  But shortly after that I rethought those plans, and made the decision that I wanted to be a cop.  There was a time in high school when I considered rock star.  I had the voice, no problem.  But I learned rather quickly with the garage band I was working with that even if I knew every note and word

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about cash games in people's homes, and the rake that is taken.  Seems every time I send out an invitation to 50 people, at least 10 reply back "Is there a rake?"  It's an easy question to answer, since nearly every time the answer is "Yes". So what are rakes, and why are they taken? Well, to begin with the invitation nearly always says "Food and Drink provided".  That doesn't mean there's bread and water there, it means there's a meal and any drink you may want.  If you arrive and there are 11 types of soda, but you like Tab, the host will run to the store and buy you some Tab.  If you drink Hennessy, I can assure you there's either already a bottle waiting for you, or there will be before you can get your cup of ice and mixer prepared. Hennessy is $72 a bottle.  And that's just one drink for one person.  Wait, you drink Johnny Walker Black?  That's $43 a bottle

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about cash games in people's homes, and the rake that is taken.  Seems every time I send out an invitation to 50 people, at least 10 reply back "Is there a rake?"  It's an easy question to answer, since nearly every time the answer is "Yes". So what are rakes, and why are they taken? Well, to begin with the invitation nearly always says "Food and Drink provided".  That doesn't mean there's bread and water there, it means there's a meal and any drink you may want.  If you arrive and there are 11 types of soda, but you like Tab, the host will run to the store and buy you some Tab.  If you drink Hennessy, I can assure you there's either already a bottle waiting for you, or there will be before you can get your cup of ice and mixer prepared. Hennessy is $72 a bottle.  And that's just one drink for one person.  Wait, you drink Johnny Walker Black?  That's $43 a bottle.  So for two

If you are local to Colorado Springs, and we’re friends….in real life….this is for you: I’ve thought long and hard about this, and I’ve made a decision that I want to post here. Please read this and decide for yourselves. Everyone knows the problems I have with Steve Scott.  And many of you have made the decision to not get involved and remain friends with both of us.  I’ve accepted that, for a long time. But I've decided to throw scum under the bus and support the good people.   So this post will serve notice of my feelings. 1. If you have continued to play poker at his house, you need to know that he isn’t as good as you think.    When he deals, he cheats.    Period.    Have you ever noticed his wife sits to his left in seat 2?    Pay attention to when he reaches over with his right hand and tickles her.    That’s when he’s cutting the cards with his left hand.    I guarantee you he’s already peeked at the deck, marked it with his thumb…and dealt the burn car

     As the autism diagnosis rate increases dramatically, education and awareness about the neurological disorder is necessary. Autism is “behavioral syndrome associated with differences in brain functioning and sensory responses, and characterized by impaired social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal communication skills, repetitive or odd motor behaviors, and highly restricted interests and routines” (Hockenbury, 2011). One in 88 kids are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum so knowing what to look for and how you can help is essential in helping these children feel safe and accepted in society.      An active awareness of the symptoms of autism is key to early intervention and getting the assistance a child needs. Autism typically affects three key areas of a child’s development: social interactions and relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication, unusual behavior towards themselves and limited interest in activities or play. When a young child is diagnosed with

In 29 days, I will be officially unemployed. It is simply amazing that I am not in full on panic mode knowing this. If this had happened a few years ago, I am certain that I would be losing my mind about now. Today though, I simply am not worried. I know, for a fact, that something will come along. It simply has to. And if it doesn't, then I will create something. That, in a nutshell, is how I live my life. If you've followed me for more than just a few days, you know the story. But you probably don't know the whole story. Seeing as Christa isn't feeling well and is asleep, and I'm sitting here on some very good Percoset , I'll try and put down in words what's on my mind. In the past 12 months, my entire life has turned upside down. I'm not really complaining though, because most of it is my own fault. 1. My marriage of 27 years broke up. I'll accept most of the blame. I wasn't a very good husband. We had problems between the two of