WARNING!!! This content may not be for the faint of heart, or those easily offended.

I watched "Windtalkers" for the first time Wednesday night (Nov. 12)... a very powerful movie which I would highly recommend; it might be considered controversial because of the military themes.

One thing that's been on my mind of late is loyalty/ respect and how these things present themselves in our "real" world. In the course of events, since All Hallows Eve, I've felt very strong pulls 'pon my person in this regard. Two particular things I'd like to speak to specifically...

1. The Presidential election in these United States... to begin with I'll not reveal to ANYone who asks how I voted nor will I say whom I think should have won in any given race...

The night of Nov. 4, I did attend an 'Election Results' party where present company chatted passingly on various political subjects of local and national interest. I found the companionship pleasant, but did not like it when others in the group were doing an 'Obama Won Dance' and the presumption was made that I had supported his part of the political process (to which I will not speak as I think it a private matter ), rather I chose to participate in the "Happy Dance" because I was RELIEVED the whole ordeal was done for another season.  

2. I became aware of a situation that affected a person about whom I care. I communicated with this individual by various means and now wonder if I somehow I added to the problem... OR did I create doubt in this person's mind about my honor and loyalty. I now regret, beyond description, my participation in this situation. I honestly thought I was helping a friend during a difficult time, I only hope this proves to be true as time marches on...

SO how does all this relate? Two virtues I hold dear are loyalty and respect.

Loyalty is important, for instance as a soldier, one may not like the person giving orders but the completion of those orders can be life and death to ALL involved. Loyalty is important in one's life both privately and publicly, i.e. I may or html_removed may not like who the President is, but that has NOTHING to do with HOW I show my support to our troops. Is it not true that we all owe a debt of gratitude to our soldiers? For it is they and those who served our country in similar fashion at various points in history who helped create this great nation; to the warriors of our country regardless of where in the world you are stationed or your MOS... I thank you and pray daily for the blessings of God on you.

Respect, to me, is of great importance. We, in this shire, are familiar with chivalry and how the underlying premise is respect and consideration for those around us... Why does it SEEM to be so difficult for people to have a difference of opinion and not be disagreeable?

What else to say?

1. Unfortunately, the economy, especially in Michigan, makes acquisition of employment challenging, but I continue to do what must be done as I persue the quest...

2. the last class in the first group for the fall had final exam scores of 93% for Michigan, and 96% for Federal making the average score I had on a final exam 92%! Huzzah!

3. road trip #1 for November is just completed. I left for 3 days; to spend a day in Grand Rapids answering phones for a fundraiser and two days at a friends house in the Detroit area. The completed trip was amazing, for the good, bad and other things that happened...

Good: the visit with my friend in metro Detroit was AWESOME! also, I had an opportunity to spend time with a friend on the west side of Michigan, we've been out of touch for a while... 'tis nice to have these opportunities rare as they are. 

Bad: the visits with my two friends had to end AND not sure when I can spend time with any of these people in the foreseeable future.  :(

Other: noticed my gas mileage started to drop so I'll take the car in on Mon. (hope it's minor), aside from gas mileage the car drove perfectly well, hmm.

4. Fri. eve. the 21, I leave my home so I can go visit one of my sisters for Thanksgiving, spend time in New England and return home about 10 days hence.

5. All is in place to start the next set of classes for H & R Block as the countdown to Jan 2 continues when the new tax season begins with all the attending concerns, like how to keep one's sanity in the midst of it all. On the calendar of mundane reckoning, 'pon April 16, 2009, we shall know if and how I survived.  

Family note: the project which required my journey to Indiana over Labor Day, required additional time the last week of October. 'twas frustrating that whilst there I became ill and had reduced productivity, grr. ( The decrease in productivity is what bothered me most. I suppose it will resolve adequately in the end, but for now it's irksome.)