Finding a new way

Today as I write this I'm thinking I've  finally found my true place in life. I'm always going to have to work, I'm always going  to have to pay bills, and I'm always going to have to deal with things I can't change. I've also realized that the things I can change are on me. I can do more around the house, more in the world. Sometimes all it takes is a smile from a stranger to brighten someone's day. I love to say hello to everyone that I pass , I love using the cashier and baggers name while I'm at the store. These little things can make a big difference in someone's day. I know it's a little weird, but weird is ok. I've found my church home and listening to my wife sing brings joy to my heart. I have a job that I love to go to, and even though I make a little less then I did in the past, I'm home so much I think I drive my wife crazy. Now if I can find a buddy to play Magic the Gathering with my days off will be complete😉.

Today's thoughts

  Today is just a normal Tuesday for most people, and that is really cool. Today for me is a day of little joys. I got to spend the day with the coolest little people I know, our kiddos. They really make getting up every day worth it.

  Our little man is very speech delayed, it isn't that he can't speak, more of the fact that he has found other ways of communicating. He likes to take our hands and drag us to what he wants. This has worked for him and us for quit awhile now. But this now has become  an issue, he really needs to use his words. He says daddy, all done, and other things, but never really any sentences. Today is his therapy he made real strides. He spoke with his mouth open, he usually speaks through his teeth, or with his mouth closed. This gives me great hope that he will soon be on par with other little ones his age.

  Our little girl is growing into the sweetest young lady. She was very helpful when we were at class today,  she then played with her little brother all morning when we got home. She has really started to want to pick up the house, instead of destroying it. She wants to help in every aspect of my day off, and I love it. She helps put groceries away, doing the dishes, and entertaining her brother. She also seems to like Star Wars, and what dad wouldn't be proud of that. She also fell asleep on my lap today, and you don't get snuggle time like that all the time.

  Tonight my lovely wife will be home after working a long stressful, but fun day. I have got supper cooking waiting for her arrival. Her and I will snuggle on the couch and watch some tv. Then retire to bed and get ready for another great day. You see I love going to work everyday, love the people I work for, and with. They rock. I am inspired by their passion, and that is way cool.

  It is nice to spend the day with the ones you love, I know they won't stay little forever, but I can hope they stay close to their mom and me as long as possible. The good Lord has blessed me with an amazing family. I am very thankful for every day, because tomorrow may never come. Thanks be to God, and my family!

First impressions

It is far too easy for people to judge us by our looks, hell we all do it, but that doesn't make it right. I realized today while shopping for flowers that some people look at me as some kind of monster. Sure I may be sleeved, sure I have a scraggly lookin beard, and I never wear the latest clothes, but I still am a honest working man. The saving grace today was that Isaiah was with me. I really don't care what people think of me, but I don't want them to judge my family by my looks.

People may not realize that I work a full time job, am a full time parent. I also looking I to becoming a preacher and inspirational speaker. I also say please and thank, I have the patients of Job, I can easily forgive, and never let one day affect the next. I try to see the bright side of ever situation.

If everyone just took the 2 seconds it takes to talk to one another, we wouldn't have as many problems as we do in this messed up world. I have lived a really crazy life, I have been to the dark side, I have lived in paranoia,and I have seen the real evil this world can bring. I survived it, but I want to let others know they can survive it also. You have to let people into your life,  so we can't judge them before we even say hi!

For the longest time I thought my purpose in life was to be the bad example, but that wasn't true, I was a story of caution. Now I try to be a good example, to be kind,understanding, obedient, and a teacher. I may move a little slower, I may not always be there, but if I can, I do.

Just remember before you judge that person, they may be in need of 2seconds so you could understand their position in life.

Keeping me sane

  I have come to realize that I may be just a tad bit crazy. I love to watch ridiculous tv, still listen to the same music I did when I was a kid, enjoy coloring , and playing in great out doors. I enjoy giving and reieving a good ribbing now and again, but will defend my families honor until someone falls. By no means am I a violent man, but pushed to the brink I would be. I have learned to keep my temper in check, but I know where to find it if needed.
  As I was watching Duck Dynasty last night I realized that Family is what I want. I want my kids to always remember there roots, hell I remember mine. I also still love going to my mama's house for dinner, love talking with my dad, and sisters. I just wish we all lived around each other.
  I still cry when I read stories of heart ache or truimph. I love it when I see something good happen, and get really mad when people are being stupid. I have almost come to blows with people over their use of the word retard. I know my brain is a little frayed. I also know I should take something for it. I won't, I love the mood swings, and I am ussually on the up swing. 
  I work really crazy hours, sometimes there isn't even a 8 hr swing between shifts, but I get up every day and do it. I love everyone there, every minute that i am working. Reds rocks and they took a chance on this old tattoed guy. They have taught me how to really develope flavors in food, and develope relationships with people half my age. I don't know if I will ever leave there.
  I the one real thing that keeps me sane is my wife. Rachel is the one person that no matter what is happening around me an pull me back to earth. She is my guiding light in a weird and dark earth. She is teaching me every day how to coup with things I can't control. With out her and the good Lord, I would be a complete wreck. She is the person that has banished the evil in me. I  owe her my life, and would give it for her and the kids.

Today's thougfs

Yesterday I was asked how I am always so positive, it got me thinking, and the answer is really easy. Before I really found faith I was a miserable man, but faith led me to Rachel. My wife explained to me that even though I was nice, I was still a little harsh. I have taken that ball and ran with it. I can see both sides of most stories, I can and do see the good in a weird or bad situation. I go with the flow and try to make everyone around me understand that there are people out there with it way worse then we have it. I have become generous, genuine and fun. I awake every day with a smile on my face, usually with a five year old in my bed, Rachel in the shower and a two year old in his bed. God has led me out of the darkness and into a place filled with challenges and joy. Being married, in love, and a daddy continues to be my greatest accomplishments.  God gave me the strength to leave a job that I had held for 11 years and start a new adventure, and to be honest it was scary at first, but after the first few weeks I was hooked. I love the job, love the people and love the work. If not but for the grace of God, I may not be here today. To him or her I give praise.

Turning "Old"

  Today I turn forty. I am starting to slow done a bit, I don't move as well as I used too. But the one thing that keeps me young is surrounding myself with young people. At Red's ,were I work, there are only 2 people older then me, but I am the eldest in the cooking department. I try to bring a little old timers to this bunch of rambunctious kiddos. They can run circles around this hobbled old man, but I know they all love me for the calm I bring.
   The next thing I am learning at Red's is to challenge myself, and to never quit learning.  I haven't had any formal training on cooking some of the things I have tried, but I still try to make them. Chef Shane has instilled in me a passion for food that I haven't had in awhile.
   The next bunch of youngster are my kiddos, Olivia is 5, and Isaiah is 2. You always stay young when you have to play cars, barbies or watch Elmo and Sponge bob. Chasing kids is a great way to feel young. My beautiful wife, Rachel, also keeps me young, her smile every day reminds me why we got married. Without her I would be a man with out a purpose, and probably a drunk. 

  So today, I will put on my knee brace, and head out to do the things that have to be done on your days off, but in doing so I will be the youngest 40 year old I know.
  

Stuffed Peppers, with a seafood twist

I love stuffed peppers, so tonight I decided I was going to make some. I usually go with the standard ground beef and rice style, but today I made them with seafood.I got myself two orange peppers, some crab meat(imitation of course), some shrimp, boil in the bag rice, cauliflower and some fresh asparagus(Thanks Grandpa Jerry).  Now this on its own would be great, but I threw in a banana at the very end to give it a very sweet flavor.

First, shave a little off the bottom of the peppers so they will stand up straight.

Next, take the top off the peppers and clean out the seeds and membranes.

Dice the cauliflower(about 3 crowns worth or a quarter of a head0, dice the asparagus, and the pepper left overs.

Add 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper, 1/4 tsp of salt and black pepper

Place all the diced vegetables in a saute pan and cook in olive oil until they are soft.

Boil the rice according to the package and set aside.

Add shrimp, and imitation crab to the veggies with 2 cups of water. Cook until shrimps are fully cooked.

Add rice and mix in the banana.

Fill the peppers all the way up, don't pack.

Bake the stuffed peppers at 400 for 35 mins, then top with mozzarella cheese and bake for another 10 mins.

The peppers will be very soft, and the cheese a golden brown