And so a man dies

This week has been a long one for my family, more specifically my Wife's family.  Her Grandfather passed away Sunday evening at about 9:30 pm.  He was 84 years old.  This has had me thinking all week about a mans life and death and how they go.  This man was sometimes mean or rude, but mostly he was a man.  He worked his whole life, even after he retired he was constantly working on someones car/truck.  He was an avid hunter, a fisherman, a Father, and a husband.  He had 3 children (two boys and one girl) 12 grandchildren and I'm not sure how many great grand children.  As I watched his last few minutes on this earth I noticed something I've seen before.  A peace that isn't always present, now I know for a fact that he hadn't attended church in many years, but I also know that he upheld certain values and principals that seem to be lost in many households on this planet today.  He died peacfully, as he was ready to see his wife again and (as he himself said before he lost the ability to remember) this time I'm sure he'll show her the appreciation she deserved.  I for one hope only that I am remembered well, that folks will speak kindly of me, and that those who knew me will remember that I stood for something, even when it wasn't popular, and did so as a Man!  It's the best way  to die!

Friends

You know I used to believe I didn't want to have folks around who were considered my "friends".  It always seemed to me that those "friends" always costed more that they were worth.  These days, however, I cherish the few that I'm willing to call friend more than I would have ever believed I could, and whats even more strange (to me) is that some of them are from the freakin internet!  The truth is though that I don't call just anyone my friend, a friend, to me, is someone who stands as  close as a brother. 

                                      Now I can be a real ass when I get in certain moods, and I not always the brightest bulb in the pack, but I do have some really amazing friends and I'm extemely thankful.   From those in the Military and serving "over there", to Martial artists, to Dog trainers to Survivalists I have a few great friends who are my support for when times are Great! and when times aren't so great.  Of course you have to try to be a friend to have them and I have a bad habit of getting into my own little world and forgetting to call or e-mail or text and I'm sure it gets annoying.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm thankful for those who look over my many blunders and mistakes and downright screw ups and are still willing to be my Friend.

First one please critique kindly!

Hello there, I'm new to this so please excuse me while I get used to this whole thing.  I guess you can figure out my name, but what you may not know is that I am a 42 year old man, I live in the greatest State of them all, and yes in case your wondering I'm pretty much a redneck.  Not like most rednecks though I am not a bigot and if you are don't bother commenting. I teach for a non-profit organization called KICKSTART KIDS which has me teaching martial arts, in a public school, to high risk kids.  I love what I do, and hope I die doing it!  Just not tommorow, or the next day......  I have been a outdoor person my entire life, hunting, fishing, hiking etc.  So it just came naturally that I would get involved in the survival/preparedness world.  I am a huge fan of Ron Hood over at survival.com,  also I like Norseman who does vids for the Pathfinders and he's also over at Ron's forum.  I have a wonderful wife of 20 years, two daughters, one in the service and one still in High School. 
                               
                                      I am also extremely opinionated so be forewarned!  I believe in practical things, if it don't work I don't mess with it.  So don't talk theory with me cause unless you have used it, done it, or tried it I don't want to hear it.  I do understand, however, that I do not know everything.  I love to learn and hear new to me truths.  I will be honest, to a fault, and blunt.  Oh well guess I'm talking too much again more later!