Stop and say thanks.

to a veteran you see today.

Without their sacrifice, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities we have in America. Land of the free, home of the brave.

One of the things I love most, and am most thankful for, is our economic system. Capitalism. I love how each person has the equal chance to go out and be a success.

In my 34 years on this planet, I have never met a person who worked hard and then had to "do without". The bottom line is, if you work hard, get an education, apply yourself, and do what's right, you will always be successful. It works 100% of the time and you do not have to rely on anyone but yourself. That's the way it should be, and I hope that's the way it stays for eons to come.

Sure there is a lot of controversy out there right now over the direction the current administration is taking us... towards socialism. But you know what, if you work hard, get out of debt and stay out of debt, you will have 1000% more than anyone who partakes in any government plan.

If you don't have children, then a lot of this "work hard" and "get rewarded" lifestyle may not fully sink in, but let me tell you... that is the single best lesson you can teach kids. Especially now in today's "Entitlement" society.

The only thing we are entitled to is the right to be free and have a chance to make something of ourselves within the framework of our countries founding documents.

Go forth and make yourself a success.

Somewhat related, but not really, there's a lot of talk about this 10% unemployment rate. I got back and forth on this. I'm not convinced it's really 10%. I think it's less and the media is blowing it out of proportion. Things really aren't that bad. On the other hand, I hear that the actual rate is closer to 20%. I don't know what the real rate is. No one does.

What I do know is, there is absolutely no shortage of jobs in a lot of areas that I see, and a lot of places are hiring.

How is Obama doing as a President?

I try not to be overly political, but I am having a hard time believing that the things that are going on in DC are going to really to benefit anyone.

I heard this clip the other day of a reporter asking a lady why she was at this rally and she was talking about how Obama was giving out money. Then he asked her where Obama was getting the money, and she said she didn't know. Then she asked, "From his personal stash?" or something to that effect.

I had to stop and ask, is this real? and are there really people that ignorant?

Unfortunately, the answers were Yes and Yes.

It all comes from taxes. Taxes. Taxes.

If this healthcare thing passes, I am fairly confident we will all have to pay higher taxes. Fantastic. Just what I need. More taxes on my income. How about you?

My boss had this in his cube

My boss had this in his cube
Originally uploaded by java boo boo

And asked me if I was attending. Lol

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Master Barber

Yesterday I decided to try out a new haircut joint, ie Barbershop. Previously I have been going to a stylist at a Salon. The same one I've been using since 10th grade.

Well, the haircut went fine, I guess. It grows back after all. When it was all said and done, the guy gave me one of his business cards. Written upon that card was his name and the phrase, "Master Barber". Pretty Impressive.

Well, it would have been... had it not all been printed out on one of those business card template sheets you get in 50packs at Wal-Mart. It could have said anything... astronaut, doctor, whatever.

My question is, what exactly does it take to be a master barber?

and if you are a master... can't you afford some cards printed and cut at Office Depot. You know, the ones without perforated edges.

Milton friedman on donahue...back in the day.

Watch this guy put Phil in his ace. Neal boortz was just talking about this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWsx1X8PV_A

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Shayla and Marleigh

Shayla and Marleigh
Originally uploaded by java boo boo

In the van after our afternoon at the park.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Keep the trend a-going.

One of my favorite childhood activities was going fishing at Grandma Root's house. Now, this was a modified form of fishing from what your mind had already envisioned. 

Grandma would unfold a tri level cardboard wall. She would sit on one side and I the other. I would then take a dowel rod with a piece of string stapled to it, to the end of which was a plastic sandwich bag, and lift it up over the wall.

It would hang there for a few seconds. I would feel a tug on the line and I knew I had a bite. It was always fun too lift it up and see what kind of fish I had caught.

Sometimes it would be a snickers bar, or a pack of M&Ms, or a pack of gum.

I use to love going fishing at Grandma Root's house.

___________


Grandpa Mikami had an old green military jeep from the early 1900's. Once a week we would load it up with trash and we would take it to the city dump on the outskirts of Hilo.

I always looked forward to helping Grandpa. We had a lot of fun. 

Isn't it amazing how when you are a kid, the things you consider fun?

__________

Its always comforting when I look back and see all the valuable lessons I actually learned from both sets of grandparents. How to work hard, be an encouragement, be positive, always do your best. You know, life's basic lessons.

While it's not necessarily tied to fishing, grandpa and grandma always were so much fun. I loved sharing with them what I was doing in school and my hobbies and my big dreams.

I wish Brayden could meet both sets of his great grandparents. There is no doubt they would have had a great time.

Fortunately he has grandpa and grandma close by to help reinforce the things I believe are important to help swing the odds in our favor he will be successful at whatever he wants to do!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Flu shots, worth it or a scam?

What do you guys think? Do flu shots actually work or do any good?

I have never had one, and never had the flu.

Besides, even if you get a shot, and still get the flu, what was the point?

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JswfzDKYr04

Brayden finding the debit card.

Brayden finding the debit card.
Originally uploaded by java boo boo

This face is priceless!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

(2 of 2) thing of the past.

(1 of 2) Today I exclaimed, "I got a 1-up!" while playing pac man. My daughter didn't know what that was. What is wrong with video games now. The one up is a

Brayden going down a slide for the first time.

Brayden going down a slide for the first time.
Originally uploaded by java boo boo

after his birthday party, we took the kids to the park. His first bday and his first slide. Fun!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

(2 of 2) Only working 4 hours tomorrow.

(1 of 2) Brayden is celebrating his birthday tomorrow! I am so excited for him! One year old! Its going to be a lot of fun. Sleep now. Work at 5AM. Party at 11.

When I was a kid, I always wondered why adults got up at like 5AM. Now that I have kids, I see it is so we can get stuff accomplished before they wake up!