"Where Have All of the Weasel Slappers Gone?"

The "Road Warriors"  Are you a Weasel or a Weasel Slapper?
Hurt  Feelings?  Does it look like they care what YOU think?

Well, being from West Texas I could have said "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" I feel compelled to use "Weasel Slappers" because it makes for a more colorful post and yes, I have a soft spot (In the head actually) for the 1980's wrestling team "The Road Warriors" (They were also known as the "Legion of Doom").  . This post addresses the "lack of backbone" that seems to be enveloping our country.  I should clarify and say I know we have no lack of strong, brave citizens like the ones serving in our military.  I am referring to the seemingly growing problem of "bullying" via social networking or within our public school system and how our "skin" is so thin everything hurts our feelings. The legal system also supports this by allowing so many frivilous lawsuits involing defamation or emotional distress.  Some teachers even promote this thinking!  Remember some people are just mean and not everyone is going to win a trophy when in competition.

This problem astounds me but I do see some possible causes.  My generation thought of bullying in more simplistic terms.  A person much bigger and more powerful than yourself pushed you out of your seat on the bus, made you give up your seat by the cute girl in the lunchroom or tried to steal your lunch money.  You weren't afraid to defend yourself but let's just say the you had to gauge the odds against you.  There was also the popular rhyme "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

I must say these factors have melted away.  It seems a cruel post can prompt a young teen to suicide, make a mother hire a "hit man" or prompt a company to fire a frustrated employee from writing his frustration on his social networking  site.  A young student that makes an attempt to protect himself sometimes faces expulsion from school or a lawsuit.  Somehow voicing your opinion or standing up for yourself has become taboo.  I place the blame squarely on the dissolution of the family and our education system.  Unfortunately most children are either from broken homes, raised by single parents or have parents that are two self-absorbed to pay attention to what is going on with their children.  Yes, I was guilty of the latter myself but luckily I had a great family to cover all of the bases and have wonderfully grounded daughters.  They were taught self reliance, had a work ethic and were compassionate.  Oh, and they love animals (very important).

 Parents are the first line of education for our youth.  Of course parents tend to teach to bad along with the good.  In my case my daughters were smart enough to realize their dad was doing "crazy" things.  What they did learn was that you were expected to work, respect others and be kind to people in distress.  I credit much of this to the involvement of my parents.  They were from a generation where these were common traits.  Unfortunately the pool of adults with these traits are drying up. 
Example of how our government contributes to this.  The Senate recently proposed a bill that would prevent children under the age of 16 to work on the family farm.  There was a huge list of things they could or could not operate.  It was absolutely absurd.  Being from an agricultural family, the rule was you eat, you work.  When I turned six, my mother returned to teaching school.   This meant that I was expected to wash clothes, work in the garden and yards and in most cases cook for myself.   What did that teach me?  Self reliance.  One of the most important things you can teach a child is the importance of taking care of yourself.  If you know you can take care of yourself then you gain self esteem that insulates you to the criticism of others.  If someone in school makes fun of the way I dressed, I would say I picked it out because I liked it.  In some cases I may have paid for it myself and its was none of their business.  I understand the desire for some conformity but it is a mistake to become sheep and blindly follow the herd.  The old motto of treat people the way you would like to be treated should be at the top of the curriculum.  It is sad but public schools end up suffering for the mistakes of bad parenting and may have to take on some of those roles in their programs to give us any future as a nation.  Unless we start thinking as a citizen with a responsibility to our nation and not as individuals that are entitled to programs designed for the truly needy, then we have a problem.  One of the most frightening things is when government employees make it a point to tell you all of the FREE things you can apply for regardless of your financial situation.  Nothing angers me more than see a well dressed woman at the checkout in a store talking on a cell phone paying for food I can't afford to buy with Food Stamps. 

We have a huge economic gap that growing in this country.  I do not see it as exploiting the poor as much as not making it "fashionable" to be productive.  The politicians tell you all they are going to do for you but who will be left to pay for it?  It's easier to stay home and collect a check.  It seems making money in this country is becoming a crime.  Letting our youth succumb to bullying in the formative years helps create a legion of citizens that rely on others to take care of them. 

I have an example.  I once dated a young woman with immense artistical talent.  We were friends at first and as I got to know her I noticed how she would talk to her alcoholic mother on the phone and afterwards have a huge mental breakdown.  She would literally roll up into a fetal position on the floor.  I later found out her mother would demean her on the phone because she knew all the "buttons" to push.  After realizing this, I would try to snap her out of it.  I would remind her of her capabilities and accomplishments and tell her what a bright future she had.   Eventually she realized her mother was "full of it" and developed a backbone.  She became a "Weasel Slapper"!    We may not be able to stop a giant asteroid from crushing us but we can certainly tell someone who is trying to push their own pain and insecurities on us to "hit the road jack"! 

Slap on sight!!

Let's face it, the world can just be mean sometimes.  You need to prepare for it.  When you can't stand up for yourself and you require someone else for support you become controlled by them.  Who's a welfare or entitlement recipient going to vote for in an election?  Why its the politician that is promising more free stuff!  If children grow up around an entitlement program they will see no problem accepting the same and see no harm in exploiting the system.  Being a veteran, I sometimes think mandatory military service might help!  Lawsuit over "hurting my feelings" is becoming a huge cash cow.  How wrong is that?  We are becoming a country of "Weasels" one government paycheck at a time.  Even Social Security (which is NOT an entitlement) is pirated for true entitlements. 

So, if you want emotionally stable children, teach them some self esteem and not to take too seriously the criticism of others.  There is "constructive criticism" and just plain "meanness".  If your young realize you are going to make mistakes and run into people trying to seem "popular" at other people's expense.  Its all part of growing up. Just remember that its a "sick puppy" that feeds of the misery of others.  We need to be social but we also need to feel that we can be happy on our own and being self reliant is important in our psychological makeup.  When you depend on others for support whether its financial or emotional you leave yourself vulnerable.  Globalization opens up a whole new world.  I can promise you the Chinese and Indians (Asian not Native American!) could care less about getting their feelings hurt.  And its these people with their drive and determination that could one day walk all over us.  A lawsuit doesn't scare them in the least!!  So teach the children well and prepare them to be a Weasel Slapper!!

"Creature of Habit"

Me after three Blue Moon beers!

Have you ever considered that you were predictable? Although I've been called a "creature" more than once, I have to admit that I am a "creature of habit". This means that I usually do the same things everyday, although my routine is slowly evolving......at last! I realized this years ago when a bartender from the local Outback Steakhouse named Lisa called me on my cell phone to see if I was okay. I remember answering the phone and after realizing who it was I wondered why she was calling and how she got my number in the first place! I then realized that I had been eating at the bar at the Outback Steakhouse for over a year every Tuesday night. At least she cared!
Unfortunately I thought to myself how many bartenders would miss me when I'm gone......it would be like not having music or a pool table at the bar. It seems I am considered a form of entertainment. Of course it is much QUIETER when I'm not there! If you've read my post "Craziest Bar Specials of the '80's" you would see that I had a busy schedule keeping up with all of the pagan party spots through the week. Since we lack any substantial "flora and fauna" the local bars do their best to take up the slack in the entertainment arena.
Let's see if I remember my old weekly schedule and see how it compares to the present:
Past
Monday - $1 Draft Night at The Hub City Brewery, cheap nuclear waste (crafted beer) twice as strong as domestic beer, free food (always a good idea) and live music (The legendary John Sprott, guitarist extraordinaire) The floor had a drain so all of the spilt beer could run off from the drunken patrons sloshing it out of their pint glasses!
Tuesday - Two for One Burger Night at Cricket's Draft House. Cheap munchies AND over 70 choices of draft beer.....priceless! They had live music too...let's see....oh it was the "legendary John Sprott, guitarist extraordinaire". Yes, he got around. Hey, a guy's got to earn a living!
Wednesday - Working Women's Wednesday, The Fox and Hound Bar and Grill. (Yes a bar does seem to be a common thread here!) Half price drinks, free food (Main reason..) and a field of gainfully employed middle aged professional women. Slightly more upscale clientele so at least use a napkin and chew with your mouth closed!
Thursday - "Whiskey River", Cricket's Draft House. One of the most dangerous nights. Better to arrive on foot for safety but you could still drink too much and walk into traffic! $1.50 Jack Daniel's and coke....need I say more? Easy to get "washed" down the river. This was a "gateway" night. After drinking too much whiskey you thought you needed to go to ANOTHER bar. Always a bad idea.
Friday - "Schooner Night" at the infamous Lone Star Oyster Bar. Basically a place for the common man to unwind with mass quantities of beer for little money. Usually you met your "posse" and decided if you were going to see local music that evening. Or say you were and then go home, sit down to shut your eyes for a short nap and wake up at 3am...ooops!  As long as you wake up with your pants on.....
Saturday - After regaining consciousness, get some sunshine, wash clothes, inline skate if weather permits.  Look in wallet to see if you have enough money to see some live music that evening. 
Sunday - "Open Jam Night" .  Hosted by.....who else!  The "Legendary John Sprott, guitarist extraordinaire"!   This was originally held at Stubb's Barbecue and later moved to the Texas Cafe.  Fun evening with local musicians trying to break into the local music scene.  I gradually began to hang out at the Cricket's Draft House mid-afternoon.  I would inline skate at the University nearby and then meet friends who were members of the "Mug Club".  This meant you had an enormous mug to put extremely powerful imported beer into for a slightly reduced price. 

(Collection of "Norm-isms) Not unlike myself....which is not paying myself a compliment!

Present
Monday - Work - JJJ's Chophouse (Formerly Hub City Brewery, how weird is that!)  Dollar drafts are now $2...could be worse.   Early to bed after taking something for a headache!
Tuesday - Work, compare bartenders working the east side of town.  (Gravitating to entertainment closer to home.) 
Wednesday - Work, study at The Library with friends.  Home before 9PM.
Thursday - BMW Night at the Library Bar.  This is more a sightseeing adventure.  It involves dollar beer and the crowd it attracts.  Not many women with waists.  Always interesting.  Not every patron is at the top of the evolutionary ladder.  Usually out of there by 7PM.
Friday - "Emily Night" at the Library.  Emily is our old friend Emily who for some reason still works a night a week although she has an excellent job in the health care industry. 
Saturday - Work outside, maybe with beer break mid-afternoon but usually productive.  Lately work on motorcycles and do chores for roommate. 
Sunday - Relax do work around house....STILL inline skating if weather permits, then meet friends at the old Draft House.

Yes, it is pathetic I have not deviated that much from my old habits, but I've realized I feed of social activity.  Its the curse of ADHD.  After trying marriage again and realizing my new bride was as much fun as a root canal and as cuddly as a porcupine I'm afraid I went back to my roots and old schedule which of course only made things worse.  But the saga is not over.  I must admit my separation has caused me to establish a form of normalcy and my new hobby involving vintage motorcycles has kept my overactive brain occupied on something else other than bad habits.
My life is stabilizing and I'm planning for the future.  But the important thing is to live life to its fullest.  Like they say, you can spend everyday living or dying, its your choice!  As far as companionship, I will let fate take control.  Things always seem to happen when you least expect it.  I think I'll shop "local" this time.  I do not regret my "Chinese Adventure" but I've learned a lesson.  You still have to stick your neck out every now and then.  Better than doing nothing at all! 
I've got a pet and a great family and that's something to cherish, oh and two cool old motorcycles!   

 

"We've Created a Monster"

I couldn't resist, this is what happens when you pay your taxes (assuming you are PAYING taxes).  Like Alice Cooper (or Uncle Sam aka. the IRS) says, "Feed My Frankenstein"!  I'm not worthy!!!

Well it's election time and once again we're reminded of how broken our political system is.  I think the classic example is viewing the mass media, both liberal AND conservative, and coming to realize how much they count on the ignorance of the viewing public.  We've built this political "monster" and I'm afraid it will be hard if not impossible to control or reform.  I'm barraged by the incumbent administration that tells me how they saved the country although I don't see them doing anything different than other administrations.  The opposing candidates tell me how horrible the current administration is.  I do know this.  Talk is cheap.  A good speech is nothing without a good plan to go with it.  The world is a different place and it will take new and innovative ideas to get our country back on track.  Government has never had the resources or the mentality to generate the capital or the administrative skills to solve our problems.  The very nature of our electoral process is so dominated by special interests and lobbyists that no one has the will to challenge the status quo.  When a company has to hire a separate staff to interpret government regulations you have a problem.  One syndicated writer recently said he found it would take 65 days to get the proper permits and equipment needed to open a street lemonade stand!

Jin Stossel's Feature: "Everything's Illegal"

 So what obstacles must a small business overcome to create a start up company.   Take this simple test.  Download a copy of the new Affordable Health Care Act.  Then try to read the first ten pages.

Here's the link:  http://www.healthcare.gov/law/full/

It's a good try, but not ready for prime time.  What did I see in the "trenches"?  I saw my personal insurance plan just TRIPLE my deductibles and co-pays.  Even if the lawmakers made no effort to actually read the health care bill I guarantee you the big insurance companies did.  I already see signs in  physician's offices saying they will not take Medicare.  More people enrolled into an already unsustainable system doesn't seem logical to me.  How does it control costs and who's ultimately going to pay for it.  Look at a medical bill and review the details of some common procedures.  In many cases only a fraction of the items billed for are actually utilized, but you, or your insurance, will be charged anyway!  Efficient?  I think not. A doctor doesn't hesitate to perform a barrage of tests just to insulate themselves from a possible lawsuit.  When was the last time you actually went to ONE doctor when you were sick?  There seems to be a specialist for every part of the body.  Every visit is another co-pay if you have insurance and quick money for a fifteen minute examination by the doctor.  What is the cost in terms of lost productivity?  How are exchanges and reward systems going to fundamentally change any of these problems.  Medicine is still a business and a business seeks to make a profit from you, the government and the insurance companies.  But if you think the government would manage it better?  I've yet to see evidence they could.

Just like the Monster in the Mel Brook's comedy classic "Young Frankenstein", we learned too late that our creation, or in this case, our elected officials have the wrong "brain".  You listen how our politicians are going to improve our quality of life, create jobs and save the planet.  Unfortunately most of this is lip service to their masters.  Liberal or conservative, have no illusion, they aren't necessarily working for you.  In order to enter the political arena, you will bow down to someone.  Powerful unions, corporations and financial entities cherish their political power and influence and will protect it when threatened.  If a new politician wants to survive, he has to gain favor with these groups to stay in the game.  I'm afraid the days of one man one vote are over.  A name doesn't appear on a ballot without financial and political backing.   In Ancient Greece, elections were conducted by citizens putting a shard of broken pottery inscribed with the name of their candidate in a large container and counting the shards to select the winner.  No more.  Now we go to an electronic device, which could be subject to fraud or computer hacking or paper ballots in smaller locations that can be falsified or manipulated due to lack of adequate supervision or corruption.  Compared to some countries it is still a better system, but it has been severely diluted over time.  Another problem is that there is actually only a small fraction of the populace that even participates in the voting process.  I think it is admirable for voter's rights groups to make people get out and vote, but it pains me to see community groups targeting more participants of entitlement programs than the general public.  I'm afraid citizens receiving entitlement funds are motivated more out of greed and selfishness than out of a need to vote for a candidate that can actually give them a chance at being self reliant and productive citizens.   It is astounding to me how proponents of wealth distribution seem to ignore its ramifications.  If you work hard, are successful and generate wealth you will have a large portion of it taken away and given to someone who doesn't have the desire to be productive.  I think paying one's fair share is appropriate, but you still need to reward hard work.  Just giving out money without addressing the actual problems that cause poverty, illiteracy and social issues is ineffective.  There is a growing number of entitlement recipients that are young, healthy and able to be productive, yet the only thing they need to do is stay in a lower income bracket, expand their family and go to the mailbox for a paycheck.  And why not?  From my observation, even if you are temporarily on public assistance, any attempt to use temporary assistance as a stepping stone to slowly generate more income results in cutting your meager subsidies.  How can you improve your condition if it will jeopardize a subsidy you need to survive.  Sounds like a flawed system to me.  Regulations and government programs try to address everything except using common sense.  Just handing out money does not solve the underlying problem.

The last subject I want to address is about control.  We are blessed with many freedoms in this country but to call America the "Land of the Free" might be a stretch.  I don't consider myself a conspiracy theorist but we seem to forget that entitlement programs and excessive government regulation makes you reliant on the government on one hand and seriously handicapped on the other hand.  You don't want to change government when they supply you with basic needs and you don't consider the consequences of some special interests that push regulations that stifle productivity and innovation.  A politician will tell you time and again how they will improve things but they have a debt to be re payed and usually seek to gain political capital, not for the country as a whole.  It is increasing aware to me that we are having our "strings" pulled by others and I see no avenue for any significant change.  The "Occupy Wall Street" movement shows the discontent, but any new movement will always be challenged by the left and the right.  One wants to divert the movement to serve their interests and the other to quell the "rebellion" altogether.  Until we start seeing ourselves as Americans again we will have a problem.  We still see signs that we can come together as a nation in hard times, but when we allow a lawsuit or develop rules that prevent us from pledging loyalty to our nation because it might hurt some one's feelings our system is flawed.  You will never please everyone but as a citizen you have an obligation to the country you live in.  Without establishing a sense of unity we help produce a breeding ground for terrorism and discontent.  Our diversity is a strength but also presents problems we should address.  Just because you live in the U.S. does not mean you are entitled to anything.  Your job is to contribute what you can.  Paying taxes, raising productive children, military service, volunteerism and charity work are some good examples.  Our problems are complex due to our diversity and size.  The original checks and balances put in place by our forefathers have been largely circumvented by our politicians.  There is a way around anything now.  Sometimes it takes two opposite views to come up with a good decision.  We need to work together.  A good leader inspires and unifies and doesn't just blame others.  Complaining never solved a problem.  There are absolutes.  The world is evolving and it is still a very dangerous and competitive place.  Nations and groups do not play by the same rules.  We need to be strong and work together.  I think like many problems the answer may be simpler than we imagine.  It shouldn't take a million dollar government study to decide what color to paint the benches in the city park.  I'm afraid that the future politician that has the answers is too poor, too smart to run for office or will face an angry mob when they present solutions that make sense.  We need to get our house in order before we "preach" to others.
Until then, the "monster" will be still be on the loose making our life as cluttered, expensive and controlled as possible.  

"The Odd Couple"

That's the "Doc", my friend Dr. Brian on the left.  My host through this transition period.

It's funny how life sometimes comes full circle.  I find myself residing with one of my first roommates from college while doing my time in separation from the Texas Tiger Mom (TTM).  My host and I were fraternity brothers through the turbulent early 1980's.  We've been fortunate to remain in contact with each other all of these years.  Like many of my friends he is also dealing with the aftermath of divorce.  Dr. Brian and I were roommates living in the infamous "Phi Psi House".  Read my post on "I Lived In the Animal House" in my blog history for more details!  I'm fortunate to have many old friends that do their best to ground me. We've been friends for a long time but the strangest thing is how people that are completely different ideas and opinions end up being close friends.  

This odd couple is actually common.  My father's best friend throughout his lifetime was a person that was completely different than himself.  My father's friend was adventurous, mechanically inclined and meticulous.  My father, on the other hand,  was not.  Although he enjoyed travel, the outdoors and driving, he had difficulty doing any thing mechanical and NEVER did outdoor "chores".  That was MY job.  As far as being meticulous....my father was very unorganized.  I knew he seemed to take care of all of our family affairs but I never knew how.  His office was basically a collection of old financial newspapers such as Barron's and the Wall Street Journal  and an odd collection of stock market charts and graphs he produced through research and his trusty "roller ruler".  My father's friend kept him under his wing for many years.  He helped him maintain his travel trailer and vehicles during vacations together, in many cases even parking the Airstream trailer himself since my father was often challenged when having to park such a long vehicle.  They stuck with each other until the end.  The one thing they did well together was laugh (Oh, and fight for the dinner check at a restaurant.).  They could have a good time doing practically anything.  One thing they did have in common was "unique laugh".  Somewhere between the sound a wild hyena or a chimpanzee would make.

If you wanted to know what the front row at a "Jerry Clower" comedy show looks like, well....here you go!

 There was actually a case where they were attending a comedy show with a Southern comedian named Jerry Clower.  The show was being recorded live and my father and his friend were in the audience.  Years later, my father bought the album and sure enough, you could hear them laughing in the audience!
As for myself and Dr. Brian, we met in the college band, I later joined his social fraternity and after all these years we still have kept in touch.  We were actually roommates through one summer in the "Animal House" (See my post "I Lived in the Animal House")  We were very different, but shared SOME bad habits.  He was more controlled and obsessive where I was very spontaneous and "out of control".   Now I am fully aware I am a "side show" for many.  There are many that live vicariously through me.  There are many things I have been involved in that would make others just shake their heads.  Being 51 and buying my first motorcycle is a good example.  Many friends have told me they would have their suits pressed and ready for my "Wake".  Crazy or not, you need to grab all of life you can, besides, my knees aren't what they used to be!

Nothing says "middle age" like buying a motorcycle!

Dr. Brian has just survived a nasty divorce after more than 20 years of marriage.  I regret the failure of my second marriage, but then I see older people getting divorced after decades together and essentially having to start all over after division of the spoils.  After working so hard for your "Golden Years" (assuming there is such a thing) you end up losing half of it and giving the divorce lawyer most of what's left!  So much for the sanctity of marriage. There's no reason to force yourself to be in an unhappy situation.   Mine unfortunately was pretty bad from the beginning.  Maybe that was a good thing.  Better to find out early.  Much of the conflict was my own doing.  It's better to move on than harbor negative feelings.

Dr. Brian at home in his element.  Meat in a "Rat Terrier Sandwich"!

I didn't know how my exile would be.  Dr. Brian and I have been through many adventures since our college days,  but as is often true, good friends just seem to pick up where they left off.  I must say I enjoy staying in his comfortable home (except for the "pooches" that harass my poor "boney" cat "Inkie").  We have developed a system.  He actually cooks most evenings.  What a concept!  Of course he never knows when I will return to the "barn".  I have taken the position of houseboy to offset my intrusion into his "inner sanctum".  I wash the dishes, clean the kitchen and pick up around the house.  It works.

I will say I will be relieved when I can get some sense of normalcy in my life and get back to a place of my own.  I do enjoy being in the city.  Not having to make the drive back out to the family farm has been convenient.  My only concerns are the condition of my country home after the "Texas Tiger Mom" vacates.  She is determined to let the place deteriorate since she knows she's leaving.  A small item while co-habitating is sharing a bedroom wall in Dr. Brian's home.  He is either very social, or wants you to go away.  Understandable for a psychologist who has to sit and listen to "crazy" people all day.  He has a female "significant other" stay on the weekends.  Since he has access to a substantial cache of Cialis, the nights are a little noisy!

There's a lesson to be learned.  Cherish your friends.  Along with your family, they are the ones who stick with you through the good times and the bad.  Never get mad when a good friend tells you you're being stupid.  It's only the friends who REALLY care that try to open your eyes.  If I could count the times...... I consider myself lucky!!  Dr. Brian will always be a rebel and activist and I will still be the "fun boy".  Still, I haven't decided if mom calling me a "Serial Fornicator" is going to make me a better person or give me something to live up to!!

Related articles

• What is there to be Thankful for After Divorce? (divorcedazed.wordpress.com)
• How to have a 'nice' divorce (telegraph.co.uk)
• Divorce? It could be in your genes: How DNA could play a big part in how much people argue (dailymail.co.uk)
• A marriage needs fireworks (roxyquintanilla.wordpress.com)

"A Divorce is an Ugly Thing.....and I Think It's Time We Had One!"

Nothing better than a "Rat Terrier Surprise" (I'm referring to dog pooh of course) in your bedroom every morning because they are jealous of your cat!

Well a wise man once said, "All bad things must come to an end, eventually."  Of course I wouldn't know who that wise man might be. I have been in conflict with the "Texas Tiger Mom" for quite some time and things have finally come to a "head".  We have decided to go our separate ways and I am presently residing at the home of my old college roommate.  This is another example of how our lives sometime come full circle.  My friend was one of my first  roommates.  We played in the college band together, were in the same fraternity and have kept in touch through the years.  He recently divorced after more than 20 years of marriage.
He lives in a HUGE home accompanied by two small.....wait, I'm being kind.  I mean two FAT little Rat Terriers.   "Nosie" and "Tinker" are the very definition of the word "crumb snatcher".

Due to my effort to "diffuse" the situation at my home, I have elected to stay with my friend until our divorce is final.  I must say I miss the silence and solitude of my country "estate", but actually there has been little "silence and solitude" in the presence of the "Texas Tiger Mom".  Life is comprised of personal experiences and I have certainly had a big one.  But, I don't regret it.  You have to make an effort and I did see and do some wonderful things I might have otherwise not have experienced.   As you know, I try to find the humor in things both good and bad.  In this case it is a matter of being careful what you wish for.  I was seeking a companion that was hard working, intelligent and responsible.  Well, I got it.  The only problem was I got more than I bargained for.  I'm afraid the TTM (Texas Tiger Mom) was a bit too responsible for me.  She was not very tolerant of my fun loving nature and over-amplified socializing skills!  Let's just say she failed to see the humor in things, or have a conception of humor at all.  Some have said that is a cultural thing, but I disagree.  Her father and daughter are treasures.  People are just different.  My experience is just another example of the complexities involved with meeting people on the Internet.  Especially overseas.  And YES, my friends "hammer" this fact home often.  Regardless, I've held up my responsibilities and made an effort to make the transition easier for her and her daughter.  I always seem to add to my extended family and I know her daughter is too integrated into our family so I guess she will still be at all the social events in the future.  In this case, her welfare is more important than any conflict between the TTM and myself.  Plus, she already has a Texas accent and uses the same common phrases my mother uses!  What's not to love.  My goal is to try to make the best of a bad situation.  Some people are just not compatible and you can't and shouldn't try to force it.

An Asian female's wrath is a force to be reckoned with.  My post title is from the Mel Brook's classic film "Young Frankenstein".  The police chief is telling the villagers how awful a mob/riot is and that it was time to have one!  Some things are distasteful, but necessary....it became apparent to me after my the last argument with the TTM's

Mob Scene from "Young Frankenstein"  If it was within the TTM's power, she would have one of these coming for me!  I can just hear the TTM saying "Kill the monster!"

What next?  Why on to my NEXT adventure of course!  Living with an old college roommate is strange but very interesting.  It is enlightening to see old friends up close after so many years.  I believe I've stayed at about the same level of "insanity" I've always been.  I know I've mellowed with age somewhat and hopefully that will improve my chances of a successful relationship.   I know I am not the easiest person to date....yes I will admit it!  I have a few months left in this situation and I plan to make the best of it.  It's good to have the opportunity to decompress and reconnect with old friends and family.  I must say, cherish good friends and family.  Being a poster child for ADHD, I am an acquired taste.  Having a great family and a good network of friends for support  is invaluable.  Without "ranting" I found it humorous that a key point in the verbal abuse I was subjected to at home involved a statement that if my friends knew how "nasty, sexually deviant, perverted, irresponsible, etc, etc I was, they wouldn't have anything to do with me (The nasty and irresponsible parts really hurt my feelings).  Funny I thought, they already know my "traits"!  They're my friends and family....of course they know me! There are few secrets with MY big mouth!

Plans?  Yes I have some.  I have adopted a few old motorcycles from the 1970's and am having a great time learning to survive on two wheels.  At least my years of bicycle racing and riding have been a great help.  I plan to travel, expand my writing and blog and try to find some diversions that don't involve alcohol and cigarette smoke.  I must be getting older when some of my favorite vices are losing their luster or the police have shut them down!  I guess I need to find some nice FRESH ones.  Despite my matrimonial mishap

So, Inkie the cat and I will survive our "Odyssey" of living at my friend's home for a time and make the best of it.  Inkie is overjoyed to be allowed in my bedroom again!  Stay tuned to my blog for my further exploits.

Thanks for reading!!  For those of you hoping to see photos of some of the new women I meet around the globe.  I promise to have my "monkey" and camera at the ready, so stay tuned!

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