Christmas far away...

Photo as Mike (right) took command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region in Baghdad. Outgoing General McCoy (left) and head-honcho General Casey.





These pics are from their Christmas party in Baghdad.

How to Stop Being Selfish

Everyone is selfish from time to time. It's part of human nature, but if you do it too much people could easily get fed up with you.


1, Listen. There is a big different from hearing something and letting something go in one ear and out the other and actually listening to what people have to say.

2. Don't interrupt people. Let them finish their sentence, your points can always wait. If it's urgent (like if you have to leave) say "excuse me".

3. Remember birthdays.

4. Keep in touch with your friends and relatives.

5. Be honest and loyal.

6. Consider the advice people in your life give you. Take it if it makes sense.

7. If you have to ask someone for a favor, offer to do something for them in return.

8. Compliment other people. Don't just go on about how great you are.

9. Make sure to be considerate and include everyone you know and/or like when inviting people to parties and events. No one likes to be left out.

10. Be on time. If at all possible, call if you know you are going to be late.

The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus....

was better this year than I've ever heard them...and I've been attending their concerts for the last 26 years.

Next year, ya need to see them.

As we approach Christmas....

I become mournful of things that have disintegrated since last year. Those things include:

1. My old "Blue" - a Ford of great age.

2. The resolve of all my good intentions regarding my health.

3. My inability to do my own yardwork.

5. My administrative assistant proves not to be the lady she was at the interview.

6. The loss of Pearl, a beautiful and sweet kitty.

7. The loss of local (East Point) socializing - "The Good of the Many Outweighs the Good of the One." Strangely enough, though, the more the Tavern and other "local" places fade - the more fun I have. The last couple of years have been self-induced torture.

I'm melancholy only about 1, 3 and 6. These losses will also fade with time.

I've got presents to wrap!!!