personal

PAST:  I have always enjoyed live music from my first concert of “The Jackson Five” to my last concert of “Sick Puppies and in-between…  Styx, Van Halen, Go Go’s, Eddie Money,  My Chemical Romance,  Sarah Bareilles,  Gavin Degraw, Beach Boys, Andy Grammer, Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20, Garth Brooks, Loverboy, Kiss, One Republic, Carolina Liar, Architects, Eddie Rabbit, Kool and the Gang,   Neon Trees, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Bon Jovi, Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, Rick Springfield  etc.  I saw concerts at Nassau Coliseum, Jones Beach, Indianapolis, NYC and even Washington D.C.

PRESENT: Today I reworked a script for a short I hope to produce next Sunday at a local bar, developed an outline for a new script dedicated to my deceased dog, looked at several new possible dog additions to our family, went to the gym, watched some great playoff games, and ate some great chocolate.

FUTURE:  I hope to build on my special Birthday Bash, work on developing my short and finding that special dog to add to my family.

PAST:  I have had a spiritual journey that has led me through all the various forms of Judiasm and gave me more then a glancing look at Christianity.  I was brought up as reform synagogue and if there was a way to fail out before your Bar Mitzvah I would have found that way. The Synagogue reminded me more of a Church then a Shul because they had a choir, organ and there was more English then Hebrew. My family only went to services twice a year so I experimented with listening to televangilist such as Pat Robertson, Billy Graham etc.  I also dabled in the occult like reading palms and Ouija Board.

My Bar Mitzvah was not without controversy as the President of the Men’s Club wouldn’t allow me to wear the Talis that my parents brought back for me from Israel because they said the person I was sharing the Bar Mitzvah with didn’t have it. The entire choir had Talis but wouldn’t allow my friend to wear one. What made matters worse was that the rabbi wouldn’t get involved even though there was no religious reason for this view.

My must uncomfortable religious moment came when I attended Bryant University (was College in my days). I went to services during the high holidays and the rabbi took a Pro-Abortion stand. I felt that this was wrong to bring up during holidays and also told the rabbi that I felt differently on this issue. When I said my pro-life position made me feel like I don’t belong in the faith the Rabbi said I didn’t belong.  His coldness really hurt me.

Upon leaving college I experimented with various forms of Judiasm. I went to services held by those of Jewish Scientology as well as an Orthodox Shul that had beginning Sabbath Services. Upon my move to my current location I moved to a Conservative Synagogue where I raised my children. Although I didn’t wasn’t deeply involved in the Synagogue  I had a great relationship with the Rabbi even though our political philophosies couldn’t be more different. Unfortunately that didn’t hold true for other members of the Synagogue who wouldn’t allow me to co-moderator a debate with a Democratic when they found out I was in the Tea Party. I started seriously considering leaving the Synagogue after  I was again invited to Co-Moderator the next year only to see my invitation pulled away after being called an extremist. Personal events added to that decision and we explored various Synagogues in the area. This has led me to my current Shul.  It is a Shul I wish I had found when I was younger. The rabbi is extremely warm, understanding and knowledgeable on the Torah. The congregants are some of the finest people that I have ever met and am proud to call many of them my friend.

PRESENT:  Great time at Shul today where I participated in some deep discussions with the rabbi and congregants. I started looking for a new dog as I went a local animal shelter and explored options online.  I went to dinner with sister and brother-in-law while watching one of the greatest football games ever Chiefs vs Colts.

FUTURE: I plan to do some routine household chores, work on an outline for a new script, work on a short I hope to produce new weekend, go to the gym and do work for the Shul. I’m tired already.

It appears today more then ever many people are in their world.  Whether it’s their IPhone, Android, or daydreaming about them, they aren’t focused as much on the hear and now.  I believe this avoidance of reality leads to more accidents and bumps. For example yesterday I just turned around and bumped right into a lady that was in cloud nine. Many times when I walk in the city people will trip over my briefcase or will do a dance when we’re only trying to go our own way. Right now it’s just an accidentally bump but what happens when they hit a wall?  Is this happening to you or is this just my reality?

As I get up in another day of the “Land of The Free”  I take a moment to think about those who have sacrificed so much for me to enjoy this life, “Veterans”.  I realize without their brave sacrifice me, my friends, family, and fellow citizens would not be enjoying the freedom and opportunity that we all too often take for granted.  So on behalf of those who might forget that sacrifice I say from the bottom of my heart and soul thank you. May G-D bless you, your family and grant you the appreciation that you deserve not just on Veterans Day but everyday.

I have lived by the saying “you sometimes have to lose a battle to win a war” but in the past that has led me to a path of avoiding any conflicts (except the written ones). I would be afraid to discuss certain topics because I feared others would “hate me” for my positions. I understand now that those that appear “to hate you” because of a reasonable position are truly hateful people as a whole.  I make every effort to be respectful to those that have differing opinions but expect and demand that others do the same as well.  Yes there are times you shouldn’t bring up a difficult topic but when your values are challenged it’s time to stand up strong. Yet how do you continue to fight when you feel you’re the last one in the room.

(1) Bring up your point directly and respectfully to others who disagree with you.

(2) Don’t continue an endless debate going know where. If you feel tensions are getting a bit high agree to disagree and move on to a different more peaceful topic.

(3) If the individual(s) brings up the topic when you’re uncomfortable discussing its say “I think we know each others positions on this issue” and bring up a different topic.

The point is to make sure that the battles you might be having with others don’t lead to a war that ends a friendship unless it is truly necessary.