Officially Old 02/05/2010
 
It's February, 2010, and I am now officially "old" according to the U. S. Government because I am now not elligible to be covered by any insurance carrier because I am now must be covered by Medicare. I have no choice other than picking up the cost for my own health care out of my own pocket.

I heard Rush Limbaugh speaking of this a few months back and saying that he's glad he is in a position to pay for his own health care. I'm not fortunate enough to be able to do that and must carry some kind of insurance.

The President has worked hard for the past year on building a national health care system basically modeled after how Medicare works: A single-payer system. Unfortunately, all that means is that there is only one insurance company and that is the Government--like Medicare is. And they make all the deicisions.

I'm not sure I'm ready for my taxes to go through the roof in order to pay for everyone else in the country to have health insurance. I'm also not emotionally ready to have everyone else in the country being forced to pay for my health care. Oh, yeah. I'm a retired military officer and receive my health care automatically by the government. But, wait. I spent 30 years associated with the military and paying into the system all that time. Some might say I deserve it. I like to think I earned it.

But, the point I'm trying to make is that I am now looking in the mirror and seeing the same basic face I always have. And yet, I'm now seeing an old man, not a young man. That's a heavy-enough situation to have to deal with.

Yet, I'm not ready to be "old." I'm still very young at heart. I remember when my dad was in his fifties, he seemed to be so old. Yet, my mom didn't. I now know it all had to do with one's attitude rather than age. I'm looking at retiring from classroom teaching in a couple more years. But, I am not ready to sit in a rocking chair anywhere. I plan to be active for many  years to come.

And this is why I have started Creative Illusions Films. I want to spend my last several years making movies that people can feel good about watching--and maybe even enjoy them. I am currently hoping that I'll be able to find people who want to fund my movies because they share the same vision of movie making that I do. I know we will make money doing it, but it will take courage and sacrifice at first.

My movies do not please everyone. But no movie ever does. My first film, Coming Home, was very successful in the film festival circuit and moved many people by its story, but I would not say they enjoyed it. My second movie never made it well in the film festval circuit because people were not moved by it. But those who have seen it tell me they enjoyed it.

Anyway, I look forward to my future--even at a time in life when so many people don't see much of a future ahead of them. Yes, I know there a lot more years in my past than in my future. But, today I met a woman who is 92 years old. Her mind is sharp and she's not hampered by any serious physical ailments. She is my inspiriation. Now I'm not sure I want to live another 30 years, but I'm ready if I do. And in that I think I have developed the best attitude for living this life.
 
 

I'm sitting in the hospital right now writing this. I have pneumonia and a touh of broncitis. No fun at all. Yep, that's right. I got to see the fireworks of our nation's 233rd birthday from the window of a hospital room. Yea!

In a conversation with my lovely bride, I came to realize just how important life really is. And if life is truly important, then all who are living should do everything within their power to stay healthy and strong. And such a simple thing that really is. Eat right and get some exercise. That's really it. Eat in moderation avoiding high cholesteral and salty items. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. And at least get out and walk often for at least 20 minutes every day. Visit a doctor regularly and a dentist at east twice a year. That's it.

If you get sick, it will be because some virus or some concer has hit you. And you can't do much about stopping those things. But the simple things listed above can keep blood pressure down, blood-sugar down, heart and muscles stay strong, and your attitude stays positive.

Oh, I know someone reading this may think I'm just a polyana. And maybe I am. But what's wrong with that. I'm sixty-four. I love life and I want to stay around a long enough to see my daughter graduate from law school. To see my son build a huge business enterprise. And to see my grandson graduate from college. Are those too much to ask?

Life really is too precious to take for granted. And the people who love us should never be discounted by not taking care of yourself. And, of course, I'm preaching to myself. But, isn't that what a blog is all about? At least these are some things worth thinking (or maybe medtating) about.

 
First Post! 01/31/2009
 

It's the last day of the month and 2009 has begun in earnest!

So, how is everything in the world? If you listen to the news, it seems that the world is about to callapse into nothingness; but, our new president has taken over in order to save us all from total ruin. I'm not really sure any president, no matter how popular, can pull the country out of the recession we are currently suffering from.

It seems that President Bush believed that spending 350 billion dollars would do it. Yet things got worse. The other 350 billion dollars in the original law is being spent as I write. And still, the economy continues to tank further. My 401(k) and my 403(b) accounts seem to indicate that as I reach 64 in February there is no retiring in the near future.

I'm know I'm not alone in feeling the pinch. But, I have a hope that things will turn out well, and there are two reasons for that hope. First, the students I am currently teaching are all optimistic about the future and are diligently working to make their lives (and others) better as they strive to live their own versions of the American dream.

My second reason is my grandson. He is six and growing so fast. He's smart, bright, and very happy about himself and his own life. He is surrounded by people who love and care for him--and constantly show him they really care. He is my reason for wanting to stay as long as I can and work as hard as I can to save for his future. I want him to have every opportunity I did not have.

Oh, there is one more reason for my optimism, and that is my wife and children. My daughter has just completed her bachelor's degree and my son is getting married to a wonderful young lady in May. And my wife still loves and adores me just as I am.

Why shouldn't I be optimistic and forward looking in my life? So, I face the years ahead of me like a child--I can hardly wait to see how things turn out. Perhaps the people in the news media need to get a grip and take a look at what life really is like and stop looking only at the few people who are having a difficult time. As for me, I'd appreciate seeing a bit of good news once in a while.