Hell Defined

This is good.  In fact, if this dude really wrote this during an exam, it's great!

You Say You Want a Resolution II

Last December, when Mike's At The Beach was relatively new, I had a post on resolutions.  You know, those things that we all make but rarely keep.  I thought it might be fun (or maybe painful and embarrassing) to go back to review them, take stock, and either update or make some new ones.  Here's last year's post:

Dec 31, 2012--You Say You Want A Resolution... 

So we arrive at the dawn of a new year.  It always seems to be a time of new beginnings.  Or at least wishes for new beginnings.  We look back wistfully, or proudly, or disappointingly and sometimes think of what could have been.  We also look forward.  I like to think most look forward optimistically.  That the new year will bring new challenges, new opportunities, new successes.  At least that's what I try to do.
I'm not huge on resolutions, but they can be fun.  They can also sometimes make us think.  Make us think about what we can be...what we should be...what is good for us and bad for us.  Unfortunately, many resolutions (I RESOLVE to do this!) don't last long.  They get forgotten in our hectic lives.

So I'm gonna try...try to state them...try to work on them...try to keep them.  Maybe I won't be totally successful, but I'm going to write these down, keep them in mind, and this time next year look back.  I hope it will be proudly...not wistfully or disappointingly.  Here they are:

Honesty--This might be pretty difficult.  We all take the easy way out on this one.  We don't say what we think.  Of course, it's very important to take feelings into account when giving your opinion.  Sometimes you need to be sensitive to hurt feelings.  But most times it's tempting to give the easy answer.  To tell someone what they want to hear.   To wimp out.  This year I RESOLVE to be honest.  You want my opinion, you're going to get my HONEST opinion.  If you don't want it, don't ask for it.  If you don't want to read it, leave here now.  I would say I was pretty successful at this resolution.  Just ask my family.  :)  And I think it's a good one.  I like to think that this trait is now something I'll continue so it comes off the list as a specific resolution.  
Unsubscribe--This one will be easy.  I get way too much nonsense email.  I RESOLVE to unsubscribe to things I don't need/want and keep at it throughout the year.  Ditto here.  I did a good job of unsubscribing.  I still get too much spam but am pretty good at a continuously unsubscribing to the crap I don't care about.  Again, I now do this pretty routinely.  Don't need to think about or resolve to do it.  As my wife would say, "good job, baby!"
Exercise--Need to do more of this.  I'm a pretty active person.  I get in the gym regularly...but not regularly enough.  I get out on a bike ride regularly...but not regularly enough.  You get the picture.  So this year I RESOLVE to exercise on a regular basis.  Wish I could say an interval or time schedule, but the reality of my life/job makes that not doable.  But this time next year I'll know if I fulfilled this resolution.  This one was hit and miss.  If you were reading my blog at the beginning of 2013 you'll know I broke my arm pretty badly on Jan 1.  That put a pretty big crimp on my exercise.  And when I was back in fighting shape in the late Spring, we decided to move.  That also took a lot of time.  So around the injuries and excuses, I think i did an okay job.  One thing I did that I really like is  to start going to the gym at 5:00 am to get the day started.  I'll continue that.  And this is definitely ONE I'LL KEEP.
Moisturize--This is another easy one (hey...I need some that are no brainers!).  My doctor tells me to do it more.  My wife tells me to do it more.  I can look at my skin and realize I need to do it more.  So this year I RESOLVE to apply moisturizer to my skin more regularly.  Little did I know that I would take so much crap about this one.  I mean seriously, grow up people.  :)  I'm going to keep doing it but I'm not going to resolve to do it.  I'm done with mentioning moisturizing!
Getaway Place--we (mostly me) have wanted to get a second home for a while.  I think it would be great to have another place in a resort area for a getaway.  And do it regularly.  And do it more and more.  Right now I'm focused on a condo in Mammoth.  The area it all.  Four seasons, lots to do (hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, golfing, festivals, and much more), pretty reasonable, close to drive to, etc, etc.  But I need to do some more research.  But I RESOLVE to narrow the choices, go visit the target area, and pull the trigger.  Hopefully we'll have next Thanksgiving at our place in Mammoth.  Stay tuned.  This one was a total bust.  But not from the perspective of not buying a getaway place.  We did the research.  We visited Mammoth and other potential areas.  We did a lot of soul searching.  And then we stumbled on a great home to buy right here in So Cal.  And we realized that if we want to getaway we'll rent, not buy.  Makes way more sense for us.  Plus we have a great Marriott Timeshare that is always available.  It was great to write this down and take action.  It really focused the effort. But it doesn't need to be repeated.  
Electronic Sanity--I really like technology.  I have many of the gadgets that connect me to the world.  I'm all about the web.  It's revolutionized our lives and mostly for the better.  But lately I've become sort of disenchanted with how pervasive they can become if we let them.  I've experienced people who are truly over the top.  People who can't let it go.  They check their devices (whatever they are) constantly, as if there is some all important message or information that needs immediate attention.  It got me thinking...what did we do before these things?  Did we pay more attention to each other?  Were we more aware of our surroundings?  Did we give each other more respect?  So this year I RESOLVE to put the devices down and leave them down more often.  I mean...it's just not that important.  Jury is still out on this one.  I think I've done better.  I do consciously put the devices down.  But I still have a pretty strong connectivity.  So I need to keep pressing.  ONE I'LL KEEP.
Weight--Okay...you knew this was coming.   Who doesn't go on a diet on Jan 2nd?  Jan 2nd because there are just too many good things to eat while watching football on the 1st!  I'm a big guy and carry it reasonably well, but could stand to lose some weight.  Especially at my age, I gotta eat better.  Of course, that's difficult because I like food so much!  But I'm gonna try.  This is one that will definitely be judged this time next year and I'll look back either proudly or disappointingly.  I'll let you know.  I'm about where I was.  The broken arm really kicked my ass.  And I travelled a lot.  And I was distracted by the move.  And I like to eat...whine, whine, whine.  Truth is, I still need to focus on this.  ONE I'LL KEEP.
Try New Restaurants--Here's another easy one.  I blogged a while back about going out to eat.  We go out pretty routinely.  But sometimes we get in a rut.  Go to the same places over and over.  Nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with being loyal.  But it's also cool to try new places.  Literally, every time we do we enjoy ourselves.  So we're going to try and explore new restaurants.  But now that I think about it, maybe not so easy.  If I'm going to lose weight, I better choose wisely in exploring new restaurants.  :)  By any measure we did a great job at this.  The move helped.  Lots of new restaurants explored.  Some real favorites found.  We'll keep doing this but I don't need to focus on it.  
So that's it.  I usually think of a few things in my mind and then go about my business.  But writing them down is helpful...and a bit scary.  I mean...they are out there for all to see.  At least everyone who is reading.  Check back next year, same time.  I'll let you know how I did. 

Finally, here's a quote about the new year that I really like.  Pretty simple and straightforward...and one that after all is said and done I can aspire to...
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better person.” –Benjamin Franklin

So now I need to add to the list.  I mean, what fun would it be to just reference the old ones.  So like last year, I have been thinking of a few things that I really should do or try.  So in addition to the continuing ones above, here's the 2014 list:

Learn to play the guitar--This one sorta scares me.  I'm mean, I'm an old dog.  And you know the saying about old dog's and new tricks.  But I've wanted to learn to play the guitar for a long time and just haven't pulled the trigger.  So I'm going to get a guitar and take some lessons.  I might suck.  Hell, I'll most likely suck.  But I'm going to do it.

Take some pottery lessons--Okay, I'll admit, maybe I've gone off the deep end here.  But I remember my wife taking some wheel throwing classes in college and I went with her a few times.  And it was really fun.  So if I can find some classes at the local adult school that fit my schedule, I'm going to give it a try.

Get involved with a service organization--You know what they say.  You're either part of the solution, or you're part of the problem.  Don't know what it will be yet, but I'm going to look for some way to get involved and give back.  It might involve the community.  It might be veteran related.  Don't know.  But I'll figure it out.

Go to more cultural live events--We always like going to plays, concerts, live events.  But we don't do it enough.  So in 2014 I resolve that we are going to increase our involvement with the arts.  Maybe get a subscription to the Globe.  Maybe do the same for the Summer Pops.  Maybe look at other venues more closely.  It's all enriching.

Get serious about the next phase of my life--I'm coming up on a crossroads.  If you've been reading you know I can see retirement on the horizon.  When?  Don't know but within a few years.  Maybe sooner.  But then what?  I'm not a spring chicken, but I've got plenty of energy.  I want to contribute, have fun, use some of my experience to make a difference, have fun, travel, have fun...you get the idea.   As long as my health is good I'm going to be engaged.  The question is doing what?  More to come on that...check back next year.

Okay, that's enough.  I've learned not to be overly ambitious in setting goals.  Much better to achieve a few than have many with spotty results.  Check back next year to see the results.

Motivation Monday

Engineers vs Marketing

I'm a Marketing guy.  Well, technically Business Development, but colloquially known as Marketing.  We are the ultimate Rodney Dangerfields...no respect.  The technical folks basically disparage our work.  They like to think we don't do much but go to conferences, play some golf, sip some wine, and schmooze with anyone who happens by.  Of course, they also like the contracts that result from a lot of hard work.  But no whining.

Saw this Dilbert cartoon and it struck a nerve.  I can't even count how many times I've tried to get the technical folks engaged with the customer and it's always like pulling teeth.  They are always "too busy".  And don't even think about attending a conference.  They'd rather sit in their cubicles churning out work...I guess.  Or maybe, they don't really want to or know how to talk to someone.  Just kidding...of course.

Performance

We're going to a new performance criteria at work.  On many levels it makes sense.  Some will like it and benefit, some won't.  Meets Expectations or a grade of 3 is standard.  We're told that the vast majority will be a 3.  

But like many things that are new, it is also a ripe target for ridicule (quietly).  Saw this Dilbert and it resonates pretty true.

Flow Chart

I've seen this in several iterations over the years.  Some not quite so, ahem, graphic.  But one thing is pretty consistent.  I always think, "yep, that's pretty true".  And it always cracks me up!

Truths

Saw this list out on the net.  It was titled "Truths about my life".  Pretty interesting and thought provoking.  Now, they aren't all truths about my life, but I certainly resonate with a few of them...especially 5, 10, 12, 22, 23, and 32.

Friday Funnies

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Musings

I started this Blog on Oct 7, 2012.  Since then I've had 523 posts.  Yikes!!  Some good posts, some bad.  I've had some regular features like Motivation Monday and Friday Funnies that have been fun.  At least I've had fun with them.  I also had a regular feature for a while called Wednesdays With Jimmy in which I linked various Jimmy Buffett music videos.  I really liked doing that but ran out of videos.  :(.  I've also had my share of rants.  Sometimes I just can't help myself.  Such as it is.

I'm really glad I started the Blog.  Not because it gives me a chance to spout off about things, but because it makes me think about things.  As the story of the day makes the news, it's usually the case that I have an opinion (surprise, surprise!).  But having an opinion and articulating it are two different things.  This Blog has forced me to think through some of my opinions, my impressions.  Sometimes thinking through things in a direct and thoughtful manner, has caused me to change, or at least moderate what, in my younger years, would have been pretty cut and dried.  I've heard that with age comes wisdom.  Don't know about that but I do like to think I'm more discerning and thoughtful regarding what I say.

Since we're coming to the end of the year, it's seems appropriate to spend some time once again thinking through some issues and offering my opinions.  Not because they are right, but because they are mine.  I don't even know if anyone cares, but like I said previously, writing things down really makes me think through the issue.  So here are some of the random things on my mind these days:

• Cynics--these folks have always perplexed me.  Whether its over big things or little, I've always thought that developing cynicism is just a huge waste of time.  But it seems like there are more and more cynical people these days.  And they can become cynical over the smallest, most trivial matters.  Why?  For me life is too short to become cynical.  And when I can, I try and head off those kind of thoughts.
• C&W--music that is.  I've always been a lover of music.  Have even had a few posts about it.  And I've loved all kinds of music.  Of course, some genres more than others, rock and roll being dominant.  But, never was Country & Western music very much in the mix.  But now it is.  Weird.  I just really like the lyrics, the ballads, the stories, the performers, etc, etc, etc.  Maybe it's something that has come with age.  I don't know.  I have a friend that reported the same phenomenon happening to him.  He's my contemporary.  A rock and roll guy.  And yet, C&W.  I don't get it.  But I like it.
• Politics--I probably shouldn't even go here.  And I'll limit myself because I could write all night.  Obviously, we've all become more polarized.  Never has the country been more divided.  There are a lot of explanations and reasons, but it's just true.  So we have political leaders who are polarized.  They play to their base.  They only want votes to stay in office.  To keep the power.  Not to do their job for the people.  I'm not talking about Democrats or Republicans, Liberals or Conservatives.  I'm talking about all of them.  I am fully convinced that once they are in power, 90% will say and do anything to remain in power.  It's a sad state of affairs.  Why someone would want to get into politics is beyond me but I guess it's got to be the power.  And it seems like it's gone beyond one person, one vote.  Because there are powerful forces trying to get our votes.  I do have my prejudices and if you've been reading you know they run to moderate conservative.  I suppose I'm a product of my environment and my age.  We are coming to the end of 2013 and we've been talking about the next Presidential election in 2016 for at least a year.  Pathetic.  And everyone on the Democratic side thinks Hillary has it locked up.  So be it.  The Republicans are a bit more open and it will be interesting to see which way they go.  If they go farther right, they will lose.  Simple as that.  And then we'll have 8 more years of "progressive" policy.  So our only hope in that situation is a divided government.  
• Troops--you knew from the git-go that I'm a retired Naval Aviator.  And I'm very proud of that.  Since 9/11 there has been strong support for the troops.  And it's great because they are putting their lives on the line for us.  We should be appreciative.  But I'm sensing out in society some of that good will is waning.  People are weary of war.  We are in the longest war in our history and no one seems to be paying attention.  Everyone just wants it to be over.   So I guess the retrenchment in support is natural, but I sure hope a baseline level of support remains.  Because they deserve it.
• Duck Dynasty--what a stupid thing to dominate the airways.  Phil Roberson said some stupid and crass things.  A&E made a financial decision.  Simple as that.  
• The gay issue (not that there's anything wrong with it)--Personally, I'm just tired of it.  Just let people live.  There are so many life and death issues in the world today and we let this dominate us.  It's crazy.  The gay community doesn't do themselves any favors by flaunting what can be a pretty flamboyant lifestyle but the people who are closed-minded about this issue need to come into the 21st century.  Just let people live.
• Merry Christmas--This time of year I say it every chance I have to everyone I can.  If someone doesn't like it, too bad.
• The media--How far is too far?  I'm a huge 1st Amendment guy.  But in the last several years my faith has been challenged.  I fundamentally don't think many journalists are unbiased or ethical.  They all lean one way or another.  They all would sell their souls for a big story.  They all seem to think it's okay to set people up.  For my money the 4th estate has descended to low depths.  I don't know how they can be brought back.  I guess one way would be for some of them to just tell the truth.  
• Social media--It's a lot of fun, but it can be addicting and destructive.  If you're an adult, keep it in moderation.  If you're an adult with kids, restrict their access and monitor what they are doing.  Be the parent.
• Obamacare--it's a disaster that I won't have to use.  Thankfully.  
• Global Warming--I'm a skeptic.  I think humans have had an impact on the environment.  No doubt about it.  How bad it is, what the timing is, etc is open to conjecture and speculation.  I'd like to see honest debate on the subject.  But the global warming advocates are the definition of zealots.  They aren't interested in discussion.  Why?  Could it be that the leaders of the movement stand to gain from the hysteria and they've recruited a lot of useful idiots?  Don't know...but I wonder.
• The United States through the eyes of the world--I travel internationally quite a bit.  Asia, the Middle East, Europe.  All over the place.  One thing I've noticed in the last few years is a real lack of respect for America.  I see it in the newspapers, in the television shows, in talking to people.  I've had people in the Middle East ask me why we trust the Iranians and why we are making friends with them.  The current Administration seems to want a deal at any cost.  I've had friends in Japan ask me why we let the Chinese bully us.  And you'd have to be blind to not see it in the foreign policy decisions of both foes and friends alike.  Putin routinely spits in our eye and the bullies of the world like North Korea, Iran, China, Russia, Venezuela, and a host of others trample on rights and do what they want.  And we do nothing.  Simply put, we don't garner much respect in the world.  We have abdicated our role as a leader.  And after 12 years of war I guess it's understandable that we'd want to just come home and hunker down.  Obama once said that elections have consequences.  Well, we're finding out just how bad these consequences are.  But here's the deal.  When there is a vacuum of leadership, someone will fill it.  And the result might be not to our liking.  In fact they are likely not to be of our liking.  So sometime in the future something ugly will happen that we won't be able to ignore.  And...I fear we won't be ready.

The Grinch

So far this season I've been to see Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" twice on stage (2 sets of Grandkids at different times) and watched it recited in a second grade classroom by wide-eyed and very serious second graders.  And I have to say, the story is just so good.  It's classic.  And it's funny, scary, moving, and both pedestrian and enlightening at the same time.  If you haven't read it or seen it in a while (maybe a long while) it's worth your time.   It's not such a bad thing, in fact it's a very good thing, to renew the spirit of Christmas in your heart once in a while.

Friday Funnies

Good Luck Mr Gorsky!

Saw this story while surfing around the net.  It supposedly a true story.  I really have no idea if it's really true...but it's a pretty cool story.

GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SMILE..... ESPECIALLY SINCE IT'S A TRUE STORY.

ON JULY 20, 1969, AS COMMANDER OF THE APOLLO 11 LUNAR MODULE, NEIL ARMSTRONG 

WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO SET FOOT ON THE MOON. 

HIS FIRST WORDS AFTER STEPPING ON THE MOON, "THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP 

FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND," WERE TELEVISED TO EARTH AND HEARD BY MILLIONS.

BUT JUST BEFORE HE REENTERED THE LANDER, HE MADE THE ENIGMATIC REMARK 

"GOOD LUCK, MR. GORSKY."

MANY PEOPLE AT NASA THOUGH IT WAS A CASUAL REMARK CONCERNING SOME 

RIVAL SOVIET COSMONAUT. HOWEVER, UPON CHECKING, THERE WAS NO GORSKY IN 

EITHER THE RUSSIAN OR AMERICAN SPACE PROGRAMS.

OVER THE YEARS MANY PEOPLE QUESTIONED ARMSTRONG AS TO WHAT THE "GOOD 

LUCK, MR. GORSKY" STATEMENT MEANT, BUT ARMSTRONG ALWAYS JUST SMILED.

ON JULY 5, 1995, IN TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA, WHILE ANSWERING QUESTIONS 

FOLLOWING A SPEECH, A REPORTER BROUGHT UP THE 26-YEAR-OLD QUESTION TO ARMSTRONG.

THIS TIME HE FINALLY RESPONDED. MR. GORSKY HAD DIED, SO NEIL 

ARMSTRONG FELT HE COULD ANSWER THE QUESTION.

IN 1938 WHEN HE WAS A KID IN A SMALL MIDWEST TOWN, HE WAS PLAYING 

BASEBALL WITH A FRIEND IN THE BACKYARD. HIS FRIEND HIT THE BALL,

WHICH LANDED IN HIS NEIGHBOR'S YARD BY THE BEDROOM WINDOWS.

HIS NEIGHBORS WERE MR. AND MRS.GORSKY. AS HE LEANED DOWN TO PICK 

UP THE BALL, YOUNG ARMSTRONG HEARD MRS. GORSKY SHOUTING AT MR. GORSKY. 

"SEX! YOU WANT SEX?! YOU'LL GET SEX WHEN THE KID NEXT DOOR WALKS ON THE MOON!"

TRUE STORY. 

Motivation Monday

I used to think this was my best all time Motivation Monday

But I was wrong.  This is...these traits will get you through anything!

I Could See This Happening

Engagement

Lots of companies are concerned about the engagement level of their employees.  They implement all kinds of perceived solutions.  Some are just good practices.  Some are idiotic policies groping for answers.  But at the end of the day it's about leadership.  Some managers are leaders, most aren't.  The thing that drives employees to become disengaged faster than anything else (IMHO) is the failure of management to understand the workforce.  It's not the big things (although some big things can help if they are seen as sincere), it's the small everyday things.

Vodka Never Lies

I think it's a rule of nature...

Pranks

Pranks are a lot of fun.  Maybe not if you're the butt of one I guess.  But if the object of a prank is an institution, well then that seems fair game to me.  This one is pretty epic!

Friday Funnies

Party On!

There are a lot of explanations.  Sure there are...

Bad Elf!

WARNING!!!  Not for little ones who...ahem..still believe.  But this pretty is funny.  And pretty clever.

Generational Guide

We hear all the time about the different generations and what they think, feel, do, etc.  It can be a bit confusing.  And it can lead to stereotyping.  I'm not saying this is true and perfect, but it does give a snapshot that most of us can understand...

Smart Girl

Kids are told all the time that what they put on the net is PERMANENT!  Not sure they all get that.  This girl does.  Good for her.

Motivation Monday

Evolution

I've never been into the whole video game thing very much.  But I've used some of these devices over the years.  Pretty interesting how they've evolved and improved.  Wonder what the gamers will be using in 10 years?  Whatever it is still think they'd be better off outside experiencing real life.

Cool Pic

Wow

Wonder if this is correct.  Pretty amazing if true.  There is a ton of crap floating around in space!

This Is Just Not Right

But I have to admit...it's weirdly hot...

Olympics Are Coming

I love the Olympics.  Even with the commercialism, the focus on just our folks, the obsession with medal counts, there is a special spirit that is born during those few weeks of athletic competition.

Remember this?  "Do you believe in miracles?!?!"   Still gives me chills...

Great Advice!!

Well...He Asked

Cool Pic

Learning Early

"A Day Which Will Live In Infamy"

It's fading from memory.  Every year more survivors pass away.  And today we are the best of allies with a country with whom we fought a bitter war.  But on a bright, sunny morning on Sunday, Dec 7, 1941 Japanese warplane descended on Pearl Harbor and reigned terror.  And the rest is history.   The heroes of the day, the desperate times that followed, the real fear that we could lose the war, the terrible toll that four years of slogging from island to island across the Pacific, the making of Naval Aviation as we know it today...well, it's all fading from memory.  It doesn't take much to take a moment to remember.  And perhaps the most important thing to remember is that when the chips are down, when despair is upon us, the citizens of this country sometimes respond magnificently.

Friday Funnies #2

Couldn't resist.  This cracked me up.  Idiot...

Friday Funnies

Pretty sure this is a widespread Black Friday strategy.

Nelson Mandela

I wonder if there is anyone who has lived anywhere in the world during my lifetime who has a had a bigger positive impact on mankind than Nelson Mandela?  Simply, he was a giant.  A man for the ages.  His story is one that should be taught to every child in school.  His example is one that won't be repeated in a very long time.

Motivation Monday

Boomers

P.J. O'Rourke has a new book coming out this month about my generation...the Baby Boomers.  I look forward to reading it but the WSJ had an article  yesterday that was adapted from the book and it is hilarious.  If you're a Boomer or know a Boomer (who doesn't?) I think you'll like it.  You can read it here.

Here's a great quote that sort of sums it up, "History is full of generations that had too many problems. We are the first generation to have too many answers."

Friday Funnies

Missed FF yesterday.  Lots going on with the family.  Since we just moved into a new house and have experienced the joy of waiting for deliveries and workers, this seems appropriate!

Cool Pic

Maybe not for everyone but it's my blog so...

Useless Knowledge...Sorta

Says It All...

Justice

A Marine was deployed to Afghanistan. While he was there, he received a letter for his girlfriend. In the letter, she explained that she had slept with two guys while he had been gone and she wanted to break up with him. She also wanted the pictures of herself back.

So the marine did what any other man would do. He went around to his buddies and collected all the unwanted photos of women he could find. He then mailed about 24 pictures of women (with clothes and without) to his ex-girlfriend with the following note:

“I don’t remember which one you are. Please remove your picture and send the rest back,”

Motivation Monday

Cool Pic

Rules

A friend posted this on Facebook.  It's pretty funny.  But it'll probably get me in trouble...

Friday Funnies

In light of the disaster that is the ill-fated Obamacare web site, this seems appropriate...

Cool Pic

We don't normally see these kind of sights in SoCal.  Really beautiful!

Sounds About Right

Rivalry

We've all got our favorite rivalries.  College football probably sparks the most fierce emotions.  Saw this photo while doing some surfing.  Some say the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is the best.  I think that's arguable, but whoever owns this toilet can safely be called a die hard fan!

Life Changes In An Instant

Every region has it's difficulties with mother nature.  Fires, floods, hurricanes, avalanches, tornadoes, sink holes, etc, etc, etc.  In SoCal our particular hell are fires.  They can be devastating.  Pretty scary. Another one of those natural disasters that changes life in an instant is a tornado.  We don't see these in SoCal and every time one hits and does extensive damage it is heartbreaking.  Like everyone I've seen the photos and listened to the stories.  But this aerial photo of the swath of the tornado really tells the story.  Imagine living in the path of this monster.  One minute life is pretty normal...and then life changes in an instant!