A year, hmm. Not much changed from now to then, little different path but we’re back to where we were 12 months ago.

Oil price spike has wide economic impact – Eye on the Economy- msnbc.com

I can honestly say, the last thing I ever wanted was to be dependant on the government for my well being. I can’t help but feel that had they reacted sooner, most of the issues would not exist. The declining of benefits is not a surprise. Everyone I have spoken to in the time of recovery has had to deal with the same thing.

As we prepare for election and people are asking for our votes, it’s pretty hypocritical for them to say they are going to change things. The physical and mental anguish of a stroke is something that I have more or less learned to deal with. Unfortunately, the problems it created have yet to be addressed.

There are more important things to deal with, like steroids in baseball and cheating in football. This government does not deserve our tax dollars. They really don’t know how to use them.

It’s ironic now to look back at the inaugural issue and see the headline. We all know the fate of Pat Tillman. Who would have guessed what would happen in over the next six and a half years?

What do you remember about 2001, aside from the WTC attacks? I’d love to see some comments of where you were or what else you remember from that year.

Here are some of memories from 2001. Please comment on yours.

George W. Bush first year in office
Arizona Diamondbacks win World Series over the NY Yankees
Gasoline was about $1.25/gallon

Update-There was a story in the link, the page hadn’t loaded yet. DUH!

Papa John’s swamped thanks to 23-cent LeBron special – SI.com – 2008 NBA Playoffs

There has to be a handbook on how not to succeed handed out to each coach that enters the system. Regardless of the success they have had elsewhere, a losing attitude takes over and becomes the coach.

The Pirates may be the losing-est franchise, but the Cardinals have mastered it. The Cardinals do not just lose games, proven in 2003 with the first round pick fiasco. If winning the game ultimately costs you, they find a way to do it.

FOX Sports on MSN – MLB -

Frustration is a huge factor, causing me to lose my temper. Dwelling on the negative is also common, and I can’t stop it. My ability to control those emotions was damaged. Again, I know this and realize it, know it has to be fixed, so why can’t I do it? What is stopping me?

One thing is for sure, I need to be proud of the progress I have made. This practically crippled me just seven months ago. I feel the effects of being active, and while I know that rest is the best medicine, life doesn’t allow for much.

There was a time in my life where I worked 80+ hours a week. That is so inconceivable at this point, it’s like it never happened. This rebuilding of health is a second chance in life. Now if life would just cooperate for awhile, just maybe my brain will repair itself.

Maybe putting these thoughts down is the answer. I’ve thought that before, then some sort of detour comes along and I’m right back to the beginning. As I type, I hear The Importance of Being Idle. “I can’t get a life if my hearts not in it.”

Oasis always soothes the pain.

A good example of this type of person is on display daily at the White House. George W. Bush is a very intelligent man, there is no question, but I think most will agree when you say he is stupid. There are thousands of examples of this throughout his term.

People can become too “intelligent” or “book smart” for their own good. Once they have reached this point, it generally takes a major life event to wake them up. Everyone suffers some sort of catastrophe in their life, whether it be small or large. When the brain no longer operates at capacity, all the intelligence in the world won’t change it.

When stricken with illness seven months ago, while in the hospital, I was told that recovery could take a long time, and some effects would never go away. Seven months is not a long time, however it feels like an eternity.

It’s painfully obvious that in the past, there was always one person there, making sure they kept me down. It’s also my own fault, for allowing this person to do so. I value this person’s opinion as much as I value the opinion of a bowl of jell-o.

Why is it, I am the one who needs to move on when this person still cries for support? Again, all that intelligence being wasted, because you think someone else should take care of you. At the same time, telling that same person, me in this case, that it’s time I take care of myself. See what I mean? Hypocrisy.

I’m not a big believer in the stories of the bible, but there are good lessons to be learned from it. Perhaps one quote that explains karma, “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” [Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31]  Depending on your version, it’s worded differently, but the meaning remains the same. Luke 6:31 Translation

I’m not writing this to spell it all out in my life, or to others. Just making a point. What goes around, comes around and comes and goes around, again. If you want someone to treat you with dignity and respect, you must do the same in return.

It’s not difficult to understand once put into perspective. The good times are coming, I know it. To those who have done me wrong, or anyone for that matter, they’ll get theirs. They can count on it.