I have a lot of things on my mind, which is impressive given that I'm not prone to all that much introspection.
Life is pretty good here at Casa Chako. We had a wonderful birthday celebration for The Wife. The kids are happy. In fact, I just got back to the computer from reading a bedtime story for my youngest. He requested Narnia again and giggled at the Chapter 4 title, "Turkish Delight." We were just talking about what food we wanted for Thanksgiving and he was struck by the coincidence. Today I took the family (minus The Wife, who preferred a nap to the wonders of Harry Potter) to the movies and we had a great time, even though I ate too much popcorn. My run times are getting better. I did a short run out in Stockton before work the other day and averaged 7.2 miles per hour, which is pretty close to what I was running for my PT tests when I was back on active duty.
All that is to say that things are pretty good. I don't like a lot of strife in my life. Most strife around here is self inflicted anyway. The Ferrari discussions were well chronicled. Lots of strife there. The Ferrari troubles have been well documented - it's still in the shop BTW (I'll have a whole post on that soon). My back and right leg have been bothering me when I get back from my commute. 90 miles never used to bother me at all. I've taken a few bad beats at poker. Nothing to brag about, but a string of 2 and 3 outers gets old. I also have been feeling very creative lately, but have no outlet. I've picked up the guitar a few times in the last several days but put it right back down after strumming a few chords. Other than playing requests for my eldest at night, I don't play much anymore. Also, back to the Ferrari for a minute, there was that brief controversy about people who I thought were friends getting offended when they felt The Wife and I were either bragging or ungrateful for the success we've had in life. That bothered me a lot more than it should. I had these brief fantasies about totally shutting down, but I like too many of you to let a few naysayers get to me. I once heard that successful people could only have successful friends because everyone else just ends up being a drag (actually, it was that rich people could only have rich friends, but if I imply we're rich I'll get more detractors and The Wife will scream, "No we're not!").
I have never apologized for being who I am. I don't intend to start now. I'm a regular guy with regular daily triumphs and tribulations who happened to make a few good decisions about 25 years ago. I'm also the guy who's gonna hang with like-minded folks in Vegas in a few short weeks who don't judge and don't expect anything other than good conversation and good friendship.
You know what? Fuck it. Putting these thoughts here, as rambling as they are, gets things in perspective. Life's pretty damn good. So I raise this glass of Highland Park scotch in your general direction and toast to the good life. Cheers!
15 comments:
I'm certain I speak for all of us.
A man that served us and the nation well and long is deserving of a bit of success. Those who don't grasp that don't even deserve a reply.
Too bad the Ferrari isn't as respectful; but, that's the joy of a high performance vehicle. Looking forward to hearing about its lack of cooperation.
As someone who will *never* be rich (or any permutation thereof) thanks to my career choice, I can say that yes, having friends with money can sometimes be a drag. Well, I used to think that. Now I just think that means you get to buy the first rounds ;-)
Seriously, if people cannot see beyond the bank balance to 1) how lovely you both are and 2) to how hard you've worked for it, then as me dad would have said, joke 'em if they can't take a fuck.
The key is being happy with yourself and your life. I have a great life. You have one also. You can't spend your time being concerned with other people who can drag you down.
Oh -- but if you start talking about shoes I may have to re-evaluate ... he he.
I guess I can see people getting irritated with some of you and the wife's posts, but only because I know people are, on average, selfish dipshits.
I think it's hard for most people to see a couple having the success, love, and happiness that you guys clearly are and not feel a bit jealous. Or slighted that things didn't go their way a few more times in life. Or a variety of other feelings your average person has when comparing their lives to those of others who appear to be in a "better" place.
The two of you are some of most outwardly kind, loving, and genuine people that I've met in our ever expanding blogger community. While I'm sure you guys have your occasional troubles or worries, I think it's fantastic that close to 100% of what comes out of your facebook, twitter, or blogs is happy and positive.
Fuck em if they can't get over their own issues to see that.
People are naturally inclined towards jealousy no matter how much they have. I am not sure if that is a leftover from our animalistic nature where the dude with the biggest cock gets to spread his seed and keep his gene pool alive.
You worked hard and served your country to get where you are. Who cares what anyone else thinks.
P.S. I think I heard Kat say first rounds on the rich Ferrari driving bastard!
P.S.S I am only jealous of your fucking 7 minute miles. Bastardo!
One small piece of advice if I may Brudder.
The best way to get over whatever hump, downfall or funk that these previous statements from others may have thrown upon you, is to continue being who you are.
FWIW, you're the best you I have the good fortune and pleasure of knowing.
Just look at the folks responding and consider this, pretty stand up kids on the whole AND me!
Write about what you want to write about and -- the important part -- don't worry about what other people think unless you highly value their opinion. You are too strong-willed and emotionally-centered for that. That kind of thing is better left to the insecure-niks of the world who live, breathe, and act based on the perceptions of other people. The perception of other people are sometimes important but not nearly as important as some people make them out to be.
You and I are a lot alike in that when we write, AS we write, we work shit out in our minds. If I was a more creative person I would probably write more often than I do just for that reason. As I was reading your post I saw the cycle happening even before your summed it up in yoru last paragraph. Hee hee.
You know, Doc, I read your blog regularly, and the part that has always stuck with me was your service in Iraq and your dedication to your family. In fact, a friend's brother is going to Afghanistan as a doctor for the military and when I heard about it, I tracked down your old Iraq posts and shared it with a group of people so they could have some idea of what its like to be a doctor near a war zone.
That's all to say that I don't associate Chako with fancy cars and limozeeens. I see Chak as a guy who has worked hard and gave up his freedom and safety for our country. I'd rather see you have financial success than some basketball player.
But, well, when I heard the Ferrari was in the shop, I did experience some schadenfreude. Hey, I'm human!
Can it be a flame war if like you do not even know the guy exists? (http://goberude.blogspot.com/).
Waffles always helpful!
I had no idea anyone was offended.
“Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
That is all. Can't wait to see you both on Vegas!
If anyone is following these comments, Waffles kindly pointed out Dugglebogey's blog. For those that care, I responded. Use the link Waffles helpfully provided.
FWIW - I need some help in the flame war department. I may be doing it wrong.
-DrC
Class. Act.
It's funny how relative everything is - what is rich? Relative to my parents, we are rich. Relative to my former CEO, I am the unwashed masses.
Me? I'd say it's great to finally be beyond living paycheck to paycheck, having enough money in the bank to buy your friends a round in Vegas, and having a little left over so that when your favorite pair of shoes on the clearance rack at DSW drops below $25 you don't have to think twice. If you call that rich, then color me FILTHY RICH.
And for the record, it wouldn't make me sad if you talked less about your Ferrari fetish . . . not just on your blog but every day at home. :)
By the way, I love all my friends. Especially Bracelet. Not only is he cute, but that was really sweet. Double hugs for you (after I inflict Kat with hugs) when I see you. Then you can go back to talking about your junk and stuff.
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