Be Careful

Anytime I leave the house I can always be assured I will hear "I love you" and "Be careful".  I realize it's not just something to say. It's heartfelt and Cynthia's way of saying please come to me safely.  She realizes and knows I do not have control over the people that choose to drive dangerously and are only thinking of themselves.  She wants me to be alert and drive carefully. 
    I am blessed that I have someone who wants me come home safely every night.  Someone who enjoys spending our nights together.  Our plan is to grow old together.  It's just her way of telling me she loves me and worries about my safety.  I don't ever want to take that for granted. 
   This is not something new I heard my mom tell my dad the same every morning as he was heading off to work.  She worried too about dad because she loved him.  It's not just in the mornings, it is anytime I leave to go anywhere.  There are no guarantees of our safety and the  truth is that we often assume or just flat take for granted arriving to our destination safely.
    Today is a simple thought.  Be thankful for the one who worries and thank God for safe travels. 
Whatever else you do please be careful.
Kenneypope1984@gmail.com
Kenney "Bigskinny" Pope

Confession

I am a little self centered. I think that's why I chased radio for so many years. The little recognition and spotlight fed my insecurities.  I wasn't popular in school so I thought that chasing that dream would make up for shortcomings. Somewhere along the way I determined my opinion was all that mattered.  I closed everything and everyone else out and for that I apologize.  I realize that everyone has opinions and think a certain way and that's ok.
    I don't have to always be right and that is fine.  Life as we know it consists of many people and many opinions.  The one person that I never want to shut out is my best friend. She has no problem accepting me for who I am. She knows my shortcomings and still loves me. I will say that amazes me.  She sees all my insecurities and does her best to show me every day I have everything I ever wanted and more.  She sees the glass half full and I'm the opposite.  I am always looking for the other shoe to drop. There is no doubt God sent her my way to provide a balance in my life which she does if I don't tune her out. I will admit I have to work on that.  I know that I could never find anything close to what she is to me.  I am learning its ok to disagree, its not a lack of love its just not  everyone grew up the same way and we all learned how to deal with life differently. Just because our parents didn't raise us the same doesn't make your way wrong.  It pays to listen and learn.  Sit on your tongue and listen to someone else's point of view. You might just find out their way is better.  Look I know my shortcomings will not be fixed overnight. It's a constant battle daily.  I won't make excuses I will just set forth daily to be the best version of me that I can.  That is my new year's resolution.  This is a truth, your best friend and mate should be able to talk freely to you about anything. That's what makes for a great relationship and a lifetime of happiness.  The fact is you can disagree and I can just say I respect and listen to your opinion. If you know me you will realize that in itself is a huge step in the right direction. Then there is the issue of patience. That is a blog for another day.
Kenneypope1984@gmail
Kenney"Big Skinny" Pope
PS I'm listening.

What If

There it was right in front of us, the biggest lottery jackpot in the history of the lottery. In an instant someone's life could change forever. Would you be ready for that change? So we all play the game of what if? We make plans as to what we could or would do if we won the money? Is it that we are unhappy with life as is. Would this sudden influx of wealth make you happier?
    Let's paint a picture of sudden wealth, friends, family and people you don't even know are  coming out of the woodworks with hard luck stories telling you why they need the money.  People you don't know are stalking you and breaking into your house or car to try and get to your money. Then comes the impossible task of investing your sudden wealth. What you once considered a good life before has suddenly turned upside down.  We all had good intentions of all the good we could do with that massive amount of  money. The truth is what we could or would do is now an unknown. We will never know.  I surely would have paid for an elaborate ,beautiful wedding with the winnings. Then what, give to charities and do some good, maybe set up family for life if they manage it well.  Then they are suddenly forced into the topsy turvy life of sudden wealth. 
   It would be great to come into some money but truthfully I'm good. I have a great job, I get to wake up share my life with my best friend every day.  I have what need and some wants as well. We aren't hurting financially so while it would be great to play the what if game its not really necessary. I'm sure if you thought about it you feel the same. I honestly believe the Good Lord gives you what you can handle and be responsible with.  I look at the wealthy in our society and not in all cases but a lot its those individuals being responsible enough with their wealth to provide us employment and an opportunity to provide for our families.  I will take what I have been given and do my best with it. I will leave the what ifs to someone else.  #bethankfulforwhatyouhave.

   

There is a World Going On Around Us

It's seems like it's an epidemic, it's part of our every day life.  Maybe you've noticed it too. Somehow we've become attached to our cell phones. You notice every where you go. In a crowded restaurant, a doctor's office, in the grocery store line, it's every where. Where once was conversation and interaction, people with their heads down staring at phone screens has taken its place.   We have found for some reason we need to be entertained constantly. There is apparently no need for meaningful conversation.  Nowadays most of our conversation comes from a text message.  Frankly it's sometimes hard to remember the days before we had it all in the palm of our hand.  Technology is great,  so much information at our fingertips.  Want to see a movie? Boom just like that showtimes.  Have a question? Google can most likely answer it. Hey I have won many a bet that way. It's instant gratification. Let's not get started on social media.  There is so much political propaganda being hurled at us daily. Where it once was a fun way to keep up with classmates, friends and family, it has become a minefield of news stories and political opinions.   You can spend 5 minutes on social media and be irate and depressed.  While I do think it's a great platform to get some important issues and alerts out there, I believe more and more it's becoming a way to spread hatred and intolerance.  Meanwhile we are missing out on a world going on around us.
   It's prevalent in my life as well. We as a family have tried to set boundaries. We have instituted a 20.00 rule for dinner time. That is sacred family time. You pick up your phone and look at it during the meal it costs you 20 bucks. Dinner time is family bonding time period. Look I get it we all love to be entertained.  But if you are out with someone try conversation. You just might learn something about one another. Try putting your phone down for at least an hour a day and giving 100 percent of yourself to someone.  Enjoy an activity but most of all enjoy the world going on around you. Time is precious once spent you can't get it back. Those kiddos and grandkids will be grown before you know it.  Ps at least read this before you set it down 
Have a blessed and adventurous 2016
Kenney Big Skinny Pope.